Group 1: Company Overview - ASML Holding and Lam Research are essential players in the semiconductor equipment industry, with ASML leading in lithography technology and Lam Research focusing on etching and deposition systems, complementing each other in the chipmaking process [1][3] - ASML is the only company capable of producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines at scale, necessary for manufacturing chips at 5nm, 3nm, and soon 2nm levels, which are critical for AI processors and data centers [3][4] - Lam Research builds tools for manufacturing next-generation semiconductors, including high-bandwidth memory and advanced packaging, which are vital for AI and cloud data centers [7][8] Group 2: Financial Performance - ASML reported a revenue growth of 46% and a 93% increase in earnings per share in Q1 2025, with an expected revenue increase of 15% for the full year [5][6] - Lam Research's Q3 fiscal 2025 revenues reached $4.72 billion, up 24.5% year over year, with non-GAAP EPS of $1.04, reflecting a 33.3% increase [10][11] - Lam Research's non-GAAP operating margin improved to 32.8% in Q3, with further expansion projected in Q4, indicating effective management of supply-chain risks [12][13] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Risks - ASML's exposure to China is a concern, with 41% of its shipments in 2024 going to that market, and U.S. export restrictions could limit future sales [6] - Lam Research's shipments for gate-all-around nodes and advanced packaging exceeded $1 billion in 2024, with expectations to triple to over $3 billion in 2025, indicating strong demand [9][11] Group 4: Investment Comparison - Year-to-date, ASML shares have risen 14.1%, while Lam Research shares have increased by 33.9% [14] - ASML trades at a forward earnings multiple of 27.34X, higher than Lam Research's 24.17X, suggesting Lam Research is more reasonably priced given its stronger near-term momentum [15] - Lam Research is currently viewed as the better investment option due to better recent stock performance, improving margins, strong product demand, and a lower valuation [17][19]

Key Takeaways Micron's AI-fueled growth is strong, but margin compression signals pressure from pricing and costs. Lam Research posted stronger Q3 margins, with the non-GAAP gross margin rising 150 bps to 49%. LRCX's stable margins and less exposure to memory pricing swings make it a stronger AI-era contender.Micron Technology (MU) and Lam Research (LRCX) are both big names in the semiconductor industry, but they operate in very different areas. Micron focuses on making memory chips like DRAM and NAND, wh ...

Applied Materials (AMAT) and Lam Research (LRCX) stand out as pivotal players in the semiconductor supply chain, both offering a comprehensive range of equipment and services. Both AMAT and LRCX develop Chemical Vapor Deposition, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Physical Vapor Deposition, Chemical Mechanical Planarization Epitaxy and etching tools and services for various stages of semiconductor fabrication.With the artificial intelligence (AI) boom to continue driving growth for the semiconductor industry, t ...