We recently published 14 Stocks on Jim Cramer’s Radar.  Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's radar. Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) is an American semiconductor manufacturing equipment provider. Its shares are up by 194% over the past year and by 20% year-to-date. Goldman Sachs started the year on a strong note for Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX). As per The Fly, the bank raised the firm’s share price target to $180 from $160 and kept a Buy rating on th ...

【提醒：日内请重点关注（以下均为北京时间）】① 时间待定 芬兰总理奥尔波将访华（1月25-28 日）； ② 欧股盘前 阿斯麦控股发布业绩报告； ⑦ 23:30 美国能源信息署（EIA）发布政府版原油库存周报； ③ 18:00 欧洲央行执委Elderson在关于任命的听证会发表开场白演讲，欧洲央行12月中旬提名其继续担 任监管委员会副主席； ⑧ 次日02:00 欧洲央行执行理事会成员Isabel Schnabel讲话； ④ 美股盘前 苹果供应商康宁公司（GLW）、星巴克发布业绩报告； ⑤ 21:30 美国12月商品贸易帐； ⑥ 22:45 加拿大央行公布利率决议； ⑨ 次日03:00 美联储发布FOMC利率决议声明（没有"季度性"经济预期概要/SEP）； ⑩ 次日03:30 美联储主席鲍威尔举行例行新闻发布会； ⑪ 美股盘后 微软、Meta、特斯拉发布业绩报告，拉姆研究、IBM、ServiceNOW也将发布业绩报告； ⑫ 次日05:30 巴西央行公布利率决议； ⑬ 次日05:45 新西兰12月进出口与贸易帐； ...

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced renewed momentum with the S&P 500 reaching fresh highs, while major U.S. indices closed mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.8% to 49,003.41, the S&P 500 increased by 0.41% to 6,978.60, and the Nasdaq rose by 0.9% to 23,817.09 [1] Seagate Technology Holdings Plc - Seagate's stock increased by 3.76% to close at $371.76, with an intraday high of $383.88 and a low of $361. The stock's 52-week range is between $63.21 and $383.88. In after-hours trading, the stock rose by 9.66% to $407.64 [1] - Seagate reported second-quarter earnings of $3.11 per share, surpassing estimates of $2.81, with revenue of $2.83 billion, exceeding the consensus of $2.73 billion and up from $2.33 billion a year earlier. The results were driven by strong data center demand and momentum from HAMR-based Mozaic products. For the third quarter, Seagate guided for adjusted EPS of $3.20–$3.60 and revenue of $2.8–$3.0 billion, both ahead of Wall Street expectations [2] Texas Instruments Inc. - Texas Instruments saw a marginal increase of 0.02%, closing at $196.63, with an intraday high of $198.41 and a low of $194.34. The stock's 52-week range is $139.95 to $221.69. In after-hours trading, the stock surged by 8.08% to $212.51 [3] - Texas Instruments reported fourth-quarter revenue of $4.42 billion, slightly missing estimates of $4.44 billion, while earnings were $1.27 per share, below the consensus of $1.30. The results included a six-cent per share reduction not part of its original guidance, despite a 10% year-over-year revenue increase. The company generated $7.2 billion in operating cash flow and $2.9 billion in free cash flow over the past 12 months, ending the quarter with $3.23 billion in cash. For the first quarter, the company guided revenue of $4.32–$4.68 billion and earnings of $1.22–$1.48 per share, broadly in line to slightly above expectations [4] Richtech Robotics Inc. - Richtech Robotics surged by 44.62%, closing at $5.51, with an intraday high of $5.60 and a low of $4.05. The stock's 52-week range is $1.37 to $7.43 [5] - The company announced a new partnership with Microsoft to enhance its AI capabilities, which significantly contributed to the stock's gains. The partnership focuses on integrating Azure AI vision, voice, and reasoning tools into its ADAM robot, enabling more contextual and autonomous behavior. The upgraded ADAM platform can now consider various factors such as time of day and weather, while proactively addressing potential operational issues [6] Corning Incorporated - Corning's stock jumped by 15.55% to $109.74, with an intraday high of $113.99 and a low of $100.97. The stock rose by 3.88% in extended trading to $114 [7] - A $6 billion deal with Meta Platforms to supply data center infrastructure significantly boosted Corning's shares. The agreement involves supplying Meta with optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions tailored for high-density AI data centers, aimed at supporting Meta's AI applications and infrastructure needs. Corning plans to expand manufacturing capacity in North Carolina, including a major expansion at its Hickory optical cable facility, where Meta will be the anchor customer [8] Lam Research - Lam Research's stock rose by 7.00%, closing at $238.46, with an intraday high of $239.5 and a low of $228.76. The stock rose by 1.07% to $241 in after-hours trading [9] - Investors are anticipating the company's upcoming earnings report, with expectations of positive guidance and performance exceeding expectations. Analysts expect Lam Research to report EPS of $1.17, with a focus on both potential earnings beats and forward guidance [10]

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor capital equipment sector presents a safer investment opportunity compared to data storage stocks, which have seen significant price increases recently. Group 1: Data Storage Stocks - Major players in the data storage sector, including Micron, Western Digital, Seagate, and SanDisk, have reported substantial gains, with SanDisk more than doubling in value since the beginning of the year [1][2]. - Despite a severe shortage of memory products due to data center expansions, the volatility of commodity chip makers makes them risky investments [2][3]. - Potential disruptions from competitors or changes in investment strategies by hyperscalers could negatively impact these stocks [3]. Group 2: Semiconductor Capital Equipment - The semiconductor capital equipment companies, such as ASML, Applied Materials, KLA, and Lam Research, have also seen significant gains, ranging from 29% to 39% since January [5][6]. - These companies are expected to benefit from increased orders as manufacturers ramp up production to address chip shortages [5][6]. - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to invest between $52 billion and $56 billion in capital expenditures for 2023, a 27% to 37% increase from the previous year, indicating strong demand for semiconductor production [7][8]. Group 3: Future Outlook - TSMC does not anticipate a balance between supply and demand until 2028 or 2029, suggesting sustained high capital expenditures, which is favorable for capital equipment makers [8]. - The demand for AI semiconductors is driving investments in advanced manufacturing equipment, benefiting companies like ASML [9]. - Micron is also investing heavily in new production facilities, which will create consistent orders for capital equipment suppliers [11][12]. Group 4: Market Reactions and Predictions - Intel's recent poor guidance, despite solid quarterly results, highlights the challenges in meeting chip demand, which could lead to increased business for capital equipment makers [13][14]. - Upcoming earnings reports from major semiconductor capital equipment companies are highly anticipated, with expectations for strong performance, although the high stock prices may lead to volatility [15][16]. - Analysts suggest that if stocks like Lam Research experience a pullback, it could present a buying opportunity for long-term investors [18][19].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are cautioned against chasing the rally in data storage stocks, with a recommendation to focus on companies that alleviate the memory supply crunch [1] Group 1: Data Storage Companies - Micron, Western Digital, Seagate, and Sandisk have seen their shares more than triple last year due to surging AI-related demand and limited supply, granting them immense pricing power [2] - Despite the significant gains, even minor disruptions could severely impact these stocks [2] Group 2: Semiconductor Capital Equipment Makers - Companies like ASML, Applied Materials, KLA Corp, and Lam Research are suggested as a safer investment option, as they benefit from increased demand for manufacturing equipment during chip shortages [3][4] - Micron is investing billions in building new chip factories, indicating a broader trend of increased spending on semiconductor tools across the industry [3][4] Group 3: Performance and Recommendations - ASML's shares increased by 54%, Applied Materials by 58%, KLA by 93%, and Lam Research by 137% last year [5] - Investors are advised to consider buying shares of ASML, Lam Research, or KLA if their prices dip following quarterly earnings reports, while Applied Materials will report next month [5][6] - The expectation is for solid earnings from these companies, but the high valuation may warrant a pullback before buying [6]

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor equipment sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased demand for chips, particularly due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) [1][2][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The S&P 500 has only risen by 1% since the start of 2026, while Lam Research, Applied Materials, and KLA have outperformed with increases of 27.6%, 25.8%, and 24.6% respectively [1]. - Israeli companies Nova Ltd. and Camtek have seen stock increases of 38% and 34% respectively during the same period, with Nova achieving a market cap of $13.7 billion and Camtek at $6.6 billion [2]. Group 2: Market Demand and Investment - The demand for semiconductor equipment is rising due to the accelerated development of AI, leading to increased investments in wafer fabrication equipment (WFE), which is expected to reach $160 billion this year, up from a previous forecast of $135 billion [4]. - There is a significant demand for memory chips, advanced packages, and processors to support data centers, alongside a shortage of production capacity, prompting increased investment budgets [5]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Analysts from Cantor predict that the AI infrastructure investment cycle is just beginning and will accelerate between 2026 and 2028, positively impacting major companies like KLA, Lam Research, and ASML [6]. - Cantor expects these companies to report improved orders and a positive outlook for 2026, supported by a strong AI computing cycle [6]. Group 4: Recommendations and Price Targets - Cantor maintains a balanced risk/reward ratio for Nova ahead of upcoming reports, recommending it for long-term investment, while suggesting a neutral stance on Camtek due to uncertainties regarding order timing [9]. - Bank of America has raised price targets for Nova to $450 and for Camtek to $160, indicating confidence in their future performance [9].

Key Takeaways LRCX's Systems revenues are likely to rise sharply in Q2, driven by strong demand from its foundry clients.LRCX is benefiting from AI and HPC investments that boost demand for advanced etch and deposition tools.LRCX's Aether EUV and Akara etch technologies are gaining traction for next-generation chip nodes.Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) is scheduled to release its second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on Jan. 28. The chip-making tool provider looks well-positioned for another strong quarter, s ...

Core Viewpoint - The market focus is shifting from geopolitical crises to macroeconomic factors, fiscal and monetary policies, and corporate earnings disclosures as the last trading week of January 2026 approaches. Key events include the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and earnings reports from major tech companies like Tesla and Apple, alongside global storage leaders such as Samsung and SK Hynix [1] Economic and Market Overview - The S&P 500 index saw a slight increase of less than 0.1% on Friday but experienced a weekly decline of 0.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.7% for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite, primarily driven by tech stocks, also entered negative territory with an overall drop of approximately 0.1% [2] - A significant price surge occurred in the U.S. natural gas futures market, with prices skyrocketing by 75% over five trading days due to a winter storm impacting over 1.5 million people [2] - The World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted increasing divisions between the U.S. and its Western allies, alongside intense domestic political confrontations that could lead to a government shutdown [2] Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy - Investors expect the Federal Reserve to maintain the current interest rate range of 3.5%-3.75%, with a 98% probability of this outcome according to CME data. The focus will be on Chairman Powell's outlook on inflation, the job market, and future interest rate paths [6][18] - The nomination for the next Federal Reserve Chair is anticipated to be announced soon, with Rick Rieder from BlackRock emerging as a leading candidate [6][19] Corporate Earnings and Tech Sector - Approximately one-fifth of S&P 500 companies will report quarterly earnings this week, including four of the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants: Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla. This earnings season is crucial for assessing the continuation of the current bull market [5][10] - The tech sector has issued nearly $700 billion in investment-grade debt over the past quarter, reflecting a significant shift in the credit market driven by AI investments [8] - Analysts are closely monitoring the earnings reports from major storage companies like SanDisk, Western Digital, and Seagate, as well as semiconductor giants Samsung and SK Hynix, to gauge the impact on the overall market [9][15] Geopolitical and Regulatory Developments - The Senate Agriculture Committee is set to hold hearings on the CLARITY Act, a significant step in the U.S. cryptocurrency regulatory process, which has become increasingly complex amid election year dynamics [7] - The geopolitical landscape remains tense, with concerns about the U.S. dollar's status as a reserve currency and the potential for a more divided and dangerous geopolitical world [3] AI and Market Sentiment - The ongoing "AI faith" narrative is a driving force behind the current bull market, with significant investments in AI infrastructure and applications. The upcoming earnings reports from major tech companies will serve as a critical test for this narrative [10][11] - The market is particularly focused on how AI investments translate into actual productivity growth and revenue, with companies like Tesla and Meta under scrutiny for their AI-related revenue streams [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor equipment sector is experiencing significant growth, with stocks in the S&P 500 Semiconductor Equipment & Materials index rising sharply due to increased capital expenditures from chipmakers [2][9]. Group 1: Semiconductor Equipment Performance - The S&P 500 Semiconductor Equipment & Materials index has seen every stock rise by double digits, with four out of five stocks increasing more than 25% since January 1, 2026 [2]. - Key companies in this index include Applied Materials (up 26.6%), Lam Research (up 33.4%), KLA (up 25.1%), Teradyne (up 19.8%), and Qnity Electronics (up 25.8%) [2][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Unlike chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD, these equipment manufacturers do not produce AI chips but provide the systems necessary for chip production, positioning them as essential players in the AI supply chain [3]. - Major semiconductor manufacturers such as Nvidia, Intel, and Samsung are customers of Applied Materials, indicating a strong demand for their products [4]. Group 3: Industry Growth Projections - The semiconductor industry is projected to grow from a valuation of $630 billion to $680 billion in 2024, potentially reaching $1.1 trillion by 2030, primarily driven by AI and data center expansion [5]. - A report by McKinsey suggests that the industry's value could be underestimated, predicting a range of $1.5 trillion to $1.8 trillion by 2030 [6]. Group 4: Capital Expenditure Trends - Chipmakers are significantly increasing their capital expenditures, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) planning to spend between $52 billion and $56 billion on equipment in 2026, up from $41 billion in 2025 [7]. - TSMC's announcement has positively impacted the stock prices of major semiconductor equipment companies, with Applied Materials rising 8%, Lam Research 7%, KLA 6%, and Teradyne 3% following the news [9]. - Nvidia's capital expenditures are also expected to rise from $3.2 billion last year to approximately $6.2 billion this year and $7.6 billion in 2027, indicating a broader trend of increased investment in semiconductor manufacturing [9].

Core Viewpoint - The global semiconductor industry is expected to experience stronger demand, particularly driven by the AI computing infrastructure and a "super cycle" in semiconductor equipment manufacturing, benefiting companies involved in AI chips and DRAM/NAND storage expansion [1][3]. Semiconductor Equipment Sector - KeyBanc Capital Markets highlights that semiconductor equipment manufacturers will be the largest beneficiaries of the AI chip and storage capacity expansion trends [1]. - Citigroup predicts a "Phase 2 bull market" for the semiconductor equipment sector, suggesting a shift from valuation recovery to sustained profit growth, with leading companies like ASML, Lam Research, and Applied Materials being key players [3]. - The semiconductor equipment sector is expected to see significant growth due to the ongoing demand for AI computing and storage solutions, with a focus on advanced manufacturing processes [4][5]. AI Infrastructure Investment - The construction of large-scale AI data centers by tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta is accelerating the expansion of advanced AI chip production and storage capacity [4]. - The global AI infrastructure investment wave is projected to reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030, indicating that the current phase is just the beginning [5]. - The semiconductor market is expected to grow significantly, with a forecasted value of $772.2 billion in 2025 and $975.5 billion in 2026, driven by strong demand for AI GPUs and storage systems [6][9]. Market Dynamics - The demand for DRAM/NAND storage chips is surging, with prices increasing due to the heightened importance of these products in AI training and inference systems [10]. - TSMC reported a record gross margin exceeding 60% and raised its 2026 revenue growth forecast to nearly 30%, indicating strong demand for AI-related chip manufacturing [10][11]. - The semiconductor investment chain driven by AI demand is expected to lead to increased capital expenditures (capex) from major manufacturers like SK Hynix, Samsung, and Intel [12][13]. Company-Specific Insights - KeyBanc maintains an "overweight" rating on AEI Industries, citing its strong position in the data center sector and potential for revenue growth in semiconductor manufacturing equipment [14]. - Applied Materials is recognized for its diverse product offerings across various semiconductor manufacturing processes, with expectations for significant revenue growth in the coming years [15][16]. - MKS Instruments is positioned to benefit from the ongoing demand for advanced packaging and semiconductor manufacturing technologies, with a focus on maintaining a strong market share in NAND and advanced packaging sectors [18].