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Lam Research Forecasts Higher Revenue Amid Strong AI Chipmaking Demand

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Lam Research has projected second-quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations, driven by surging demand for semiconductor manufacturing tools used in artificial intelligence applications. The Fremont, California-based firm said it expects revenue of around $5.20 billion, plus or minus $300 million, for the quarter ending December 28 — ahead of analysts’ forecasts of $4.81 billion, according to LSEG data.

The company’s shares rose 2.2% in after-hours trading and have already doubled this year, fueled by global investment in AI-driven chip production. Lam, a leading supplier of wafer fabrication equipment (WFE), provides critical tools used in the complex processes of chip wiring and wafer etching.

Lam faces competition from industry heavyweights such as Applied Materials, Analog Devices, and ASML, but remains well-positioned as chip designers expand capacity to meet escalating computing demands. The firm reported $5.32 billion in revenue for the previous quarter, surpassing expectations, and adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share versus $1.22 projected. The AI semiconductor boom continues to lift equipment makers across the global chip supply chain.

Texas Instruments Shares Fall 6% as Weak Outlook Points to Extended Chip Market Slowdown

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Texas Instruments (TXN.O) shares dropped 6% on Wednesday after the chipmaker issued a disappointing forecast for the fourth quarter, warning of a prolonged slump in the analog semiconductor market. The bleak outlook has fueled fears that the chip industry’s long-awaited rebound could take longer than expected amid tariff uncertainty and sluggish industrial demand.

TI projected fourth-quarter revenue of $4.4 billion and earnings per share of $1.26, both falling short of analyst expectations. The company’s gross profit margin also slipped by 50 basis points from the previous quarter. Analysts say customers remain cautious about new capital spending, taking a “wait-and-see” approach as global trade and tariff rules remain unclear.

The company’s struggles highlight how geopolitical tensions and U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump’s administration are weighing on the semiconductor industry. Though TI has reduced some of its exposure to tariffs through trade deals, the potential for new 100% semiconductor import duties has rattled confidence, even as domestic manufacturers are offered exemptions.

Brokerage firm Jefferies said it expects the rest of the Analog group to experience similar softness, while Charter Equity Research noted that weak customer demand and excess inventory could suppress margins for several more quarters.

Shares of other analog chipmakers, including On Semiconductor (ON.O), NXP Semiconductors (NXPI.O), and Analog Devices (ADI.O), also fell between 2% and 3% following the report. At least 16 brokerages cut their price targets for TI after the announcement, with the company poised to lose around $10 billion in market value if declines persist.

Despite a $60 billion investment plan to expand U.S. manufacturing, TI’s near-term outlook remains clouded by macroeconomic uncertainty and weaker industrial spending. Its stock has fallen 4% this year, trading at a 12-month forward P/E ratio of 29.05, above Analog Devices’ 26.24 — a sign investors remain cautious on its valuation amid the slowdown.

Analog Devices Forecasts Strong Sales, But Auto Segment Tariff Boost Raises Sustainability Questions

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Analog Devices (ADI) on Thursday projected third-quarter revenue of $2.75 billion (± $100 million), beating Wall Street estimates of $2.62 billion, according to LSEG data. However, investor concern over tariff-driven demand in the automotive segment led to a 5% dip in shares after the announcement.

The chipmaker cited high-single-digit “pull-in” demand from automakers looking to stockpile semiconductors ahead of U.S. tariff changes, contributing to a 24% year-on-year jump in automotive sales, which reached $849.5 million for the May quarter. Yet, Analog Devices warned that auto revenue is expected to decline sequentially in the third quarter, triggering concerns about the durability of the rebound.

“While it’s difficult to delineate what was pull-in versus normal, our estimate for pull-in upside is in the high-single digit range,” said an ADI executive during the earnings call.

Broader Trends in Analog Chip Demand

The report follows a broader industry trend, with Texas Instruments last month also forecasting above-consensus revenue, signaling a revival in analog chip demand after quarters of inventory correction. Analysts believe restocking activity is now underway.

“Inventory had been really drawn down, so now we are seeing a restocking,” said Daiwa analyst Lou Miscioscia.

Despite the strong headline numbers, Stifel analyst Tore Svanberg noted investor concern around the temporary nature of auto demand driven by tariff policy rather than organic growth.

Consumer Segment Surges

ADI also reported a 30% jump in sales in its consumer segment, fueled by a rebound in personal electronics demand. According to Canalys data, global PC shipments rose 9.4% in Q1 2025 as manufacturers accelerated deliveries ahead of expected tariff hikes.

For Q3, Analog Devices forecast adjusted earnings per share of $1.92 (± $0.10), also ahead of consensus.