Lam Research Corporation Reports Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 29, 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Lam Research reported financial results for Q4 2024, showing revenue of $4.38 billion, representing a 5% increase from the previous quarter's $4.17 billion. The company achieved a U.S. GAAP gross margin of 47.4% and diluted EPS of $0.92, up 7% quarter-over-quarter.

Key metrics include operating income at 30.5% of revenue and net income of $1.19 billion. Regional revenue distribution showed China leading at 31%, followed by Korea at 25% and Taiwan at 17%. Systems revenue was $2.63 billion, while customer support-related revenue reached $1.75 billion.

For Q1 2025, Lam provided guidance of $4.65 billion (±$300 million) in revenue, with an expected gross margin of 47.9% and diluted EPS of $1.00 (±$0.10).

Positive

• Revenue increased 5% quarter-over-quarter to $4.38 billion
• EPS grew 7% to $0.92 from $0.86 in previous quarter
• Operating income as percentage of revenue improved by 20 basis points to 30.5%
• Strong Q1 2025 guidance with expected revenue of $4.65 billion

Negative

• Gross margin declined 60 basis points to 47.4% from 48.0%
• Cash and equivalents decreased to $5.7 billion from $6.1 billion
• Deferred revenue decreased to $2.03 billion from $2.05 billion

Insights

Financial Analyst

Lam Research's Q4 2024 performance reveals several notable trends worth examining. The 5% sequential revenue growth to $4.38 billion demonstrates robust demand, particularly in the systems segment which grew 9.7% QoQ to $2.63 billion.

However, the margin story deserves closer scrutiny. The 60-70 basis point decline in both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins suggests increasing cost pressures, potentially from supply chain dynamics or product mix shifts. This warrants monitoring, though margins remain healthy at 47.4%.

The geographic revenue distribution highlights both opportunities and risks. China's 31% share represents significant exposure to a volatile market, while the strong position in Korea (25%) and Taiwan (17%) aligns well with major semiconductor manufacturing hubs. The relatively low European exposure (3%) could present growth opportunities as chip manufacturing expands globally.

The company's solid balance sheet position with $5.7 billion in cash provides ample flexibility for strategic investments and shareholder returns, despite a slight decrease from Q3. The growing Japanese shipment backlog ($453 million vs $184 million QoQ) indicates strong demand in this key market.

Looking ahead, management's Q1 2025 guidance of $4.65 billion ±$300 million in revenue and improved operating margins (32% non-GAAP) suggests confidence in near-term growth drivers, particularly in advanced deposition and etch applications where Lam holds competitive advantages.

FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lam Research Corporation (the "Company," "Lam," "Lam Research") today announced financial results for the quarter ended December 29, 2024 (the "December 2024 quarter").

Highlights for the December 2024 quarter were as follows:

• Revenue of $4.38 billion.
• U.S. GAAP gross margin of 47.4%, U.S. GAAP operating income as a percentage of revenue of 30.5%, and U.S. GAAP diluted EPS of $0.92.
• Non-GAAP gross margin of 47.5%, non-GAAP operating income as a percentage of revenue of 30.7%, and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.91.

Key Financial Data for the Quarters Ended  December 29, 2024 and September 29, 2024 (in thousands, except per-share data, percentages, and basis points)
U.S. GAAP
		December 2024		September 2024		Change Q/Q
Revenue		$                4,376,047		$                4,167,976		+ 5 %
Gross margin as percentage of revenue		47.4 %		48.0 %		- 60 bps
Operating income as percentage of revenue		30.5 %		30.3 %		+ 20 bps
Diluted EPS		$                          0.92		$                          0.86		+ 7 %
Non-GAAP
		December 2024		September 2024		Change Q/Q
Revenue		$                4,376,047		$                4,167,976		+ 5 %
Gross margin as percentage of revenue		47.5 %		48.2 %		- 70 bps
Operating income as percentage of revenue		30.7 %		30.9 %		- 20 bps
Diluted EPS		$                          0.91		$                          0.86		+ 6 %

U.S. GAAP Financial Results

For the December 2024 quarter, revenue was $4,376 million, gross margin was $2,073 million, or 47.4% of revenue, operating expenses were $739 million, operating income was 30.5% of revenue, and net income was $1,191 million, or $0.92 per diluted share on a U.S. GAAP basis. This compares to revenue of $4,168 million, gross margin of $2,003 million, or 48.0% of revenue, operating expenses of $738 million, operating income of 30.3% of revenue, and net income of $1,116 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 29, 2024 (the "September 2024 quarter").

Non-GAAP Financial Results

For the December 2024 quarter, non-GAAP gross margin was $2,077 million, or 47.5% of revenue, non-GAAP operating expenses were $735 million, non-GAAP operating income was 30.7% of revenue, and non-GAAP net income was $1,175 million, or $0.91 per diluted share. This compares to non-GAAP gross margin of $2,009 million, or 48.2% of revenue, non-GAAP operating expenses of $722 million, non-GAAP operating income of 30.9% of revenue, and non-GAAP net income of $1,122 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, for the September 2024 quarter.

"Lam is executing at a high level at a pivotal moment for semiconductor manufacturing. Increasing demands on chip performance play into Lam's strengths, with advanced deposition and etch applications set to comprise a growing share of WFE," said Tim Archer, Lam Research's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our investments to win at key technology inflections are paying off, with more exciting opportunities ahead."

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Results

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances decreased to $5.7 billion at the end of the December 2024 quarter compared to $6.1 billion at the end of the September 2024 quarter. The decrease was primarily the result of cash deployed for capital return activities and capital expenditures during the quarter, partially offset by cash generated from operating activities.

Deferred revenue at the end of the December 2024 quarter decreased to $2,032 million compared to $2,047 million as of the end of the September 2024 quarter. Lam's deferred revenue balance does not include shipments to customers in Japan, to whom control does not transfer until customer acceptance. Shipments to customers in Japan are classified as inventory at cost until the time of acceptance. The estimated future revenue from shipments to customers in Japan was approximately $453 million as of December 29, 2024 and $184 million as of September 29, 2024.

Revenue

The geographic distribution of revenue during the December 2024 quarter is shown in the following table:

Region	Revenue
China	31 %
Korea	25 %
Taiwan	17 %
United States	9 %
Japan	8 %
Southeast Asia	7 %
Europe	3 %

The following table presents revenue disaggregated between system and customer support-related revenue:

	Three Months Ended
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024		December 24, 2023
	(In thousands)
Systems revenue	$              2,625,649		$              2,392,730		$              2,299,286
Customer support-related revenue and other	1,750,398		1,775,246		1,458,973
	$              4,376,047		$              4,167,976		$              3,758,259

Systems revenue includes sales of new leading-edge equipment in deposition, etch and clean markets.

Customer support-related revenue includes sales of customer service, spares, upgrades, and non-leading-edge equipment from our Reliant® product line.

Outlook

For the quarter ended March 30, 2025, Lam is providing the following guidance: 

	U.S. GAAP				Reconciling Items			Non-GAAP
Revenue	$4.65 Billion	+/-	$300 Million		—			$4.65 Billion	+/-	$300 Million
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue	47.9 %	+/-	1 %		$   2.8	Million		48.0 %	+/-	1 %
Operating income as a percentage of revenue	31.9 %	+/-	1 %		$   3.4	Million		32.0 %	+/-	1 %
Net income per diluted share	$1.00	+/-	$0.10		$   3.9	Million		$1.00	+/-	$0.10
Diluted share count	1.29 Billion				—			1.29 Billion

The information provided above is only an estimate of what the Company believes is realizable as of the date of this release and does not incorporate the potential impact of any business combinations, asset acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring, balance sheet valuation adjustments, financing arrangements, other investments, or other significant arrangements that may be completed or realized after the date of this release, except as described below. U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP reconciling items provided include only those items that are known and can be estimated as of the date of this release. Actual results will vary from this model and the variations may be material. Reconciling items included above are as follows:

• Gross margin as a percentage of revenue - amortization related to intangible assets acquired through business combinations, $2.8 million.
  
  
• Operating income as a percentage of revenue - amortization related to intangible assets acquired through business combinations, $3.4 million.
  
  
• Net income per diluted share - amortization related to intangible assets acquired though business combinations, $3.4 million; amortization of debt discounts, $0.8 million; and associated tax benefit for non-GAAP items ($0.3 million); totaling $3.9 million.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Results

In addition to U.S. GAAP results, this press release also contains non-GAAP financial results. The Company's non-GAAP results for both the December 2024 and September 2024 quarters exclude amortization related to intangible assets acquired through business combinations, the effects of elective deferred compensation-related assets and liabilities, amortization of note discounts, and the net income tax effect of non-GAAP items. Additionally, the non-GAAP results for the December 2024 quarter exclude the income tax benefit from a change in tax law.

Management uses non-GAAP gross margin, operating expense, operating income, operating income as a percentage of revenue, net income, and net income per diluted share to evaluate the Company's operating and financial results. The Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP results is useful to investors for analyzing business trends and comparing performance to prior periods, along with enhancing investors' ability to view the Company's results from management's perspective. Tables presenting reconciliations of non-GAAP results to U.S. GAAP results are included at the end of this press release and on the Company's website at https://investor.lamresearch.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release that are not of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to, but are not limited to: our outlook and guidance for future financial results, including revenue, gross margin, operating income and net income; our operational execution; the prospects for semiconductor manufacturing and for demand for wafer fabrication equipment ("WFE"); chip performance demands; the competitive positioning of Lam's products; growth in the significance of advanced deposition and etch applications as a proportion of wafer fabrication equipment spending; the success of our investments at key technology inflections; and the opportunities ahead of us. Some factors that may affect these forward-looking statements include: the actions of our customers and competitors may be inconsistent with our expectations; business, political and/or regulatory conditions in the consumer electronics industry, the semiconductor industry and the overall economy may deteriorate or change; trade regulations, export controls, trade disputes, and other geopolitical tensions may inhibit our ability to sell our products; supply chain cost increases and other inflationary pressures have impacted and may continue to impact our profitability; supply chain disruptions or manufacturing capacity constraints may limit our ability to manufacture and sell our products; and natural and human-caused disasters, disease outbreaks, war, terrorism, political or governmental unrest or instability, or other events beyond our control may impact our operations and revenue in affected areas; as well as the other risks and uncertainties that are described in the documents filed or furnished by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including specifically the Risk Factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2024. These uncertainties and changes could materially affect the forward-looking statements and cause actual results to vary from expectations in a material way. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information or statements made in this release.

Lam Research Corporation is a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. Lam's equipment and services allow customers to build smaller and better performing devices. In fact, today, nearly every advanced chip is built with Lam technology. We combine superior systems engineering, technology leadership, and a strong values-based culture, with an unwavering commitment to our customers. Lam Research (Nasdaq: LRCX) is a FORTUNE 500® company headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with operations around the globe. Learn more at www.lamresearch.com. (LRCX)

Consolidated Financial Tables Follow.

 

LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data and percentages) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024		December 24, 2023		December 29, 2024		December 24, 2023
Revenue	$   4,376,047		$   4,167,976		$   3,758,259		$   8,544,023		$  7,240,321
Cost of goods sold	2,303,066		2,165,293		1,985,847		4,468,359		3,805,267
Restructuring charges, net - cost of goods sold	—		—		14,957		—		22,897
Total cost of goods sold	2,303,066		2,165,293		2,000,804		4,468,359		3,828,164
Gross margin	2,072,981		2,002,683		1,757,455		4,075,664		3,412,157
Gross margin as a percent of revenue	47.4 %		48.0 %		46.8 %		47.7 %		47.1 %
Research and development	494,947		495,358		469,712		990,305		892,341
Selling, general and administrative	244,150		243,128		228,843		487,278		435,866
Restructuring charges, net - operating expenses	—		—		1,688		—		3,709
Total operating expenses	739,097		738,486		700,243		1,477,583		1,331,916
Operating income	1,333,884		1,264,197		1,057,212		2,598,081		2,080,241
Operating income as a percent of revenue	30.5 %		30.3 %		28.1 %		30.4 %		28.7 %
Other income (expense), net	14,262		30,081		29,839		44,343		32,440
Income before income taxes	1,348,146		1,294,278		1,087,051		2,642,424		2,112,681
Income tax expense	(157,128)		(177,834)		(132,785)		(334,962)		(271,017)
Net income	$   1,191,018		$   1,116,444		$      954,266		$   2,307,462		$  1,841,664
Net income per share:
Basic	$             0.93		$             0.86		$             0.72		$             1.78		$            1.39
Diluted	$             0.92		$             0.86		$             0.72		$             1.78		$            1.39
Number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic	1,287,109		1,299,236		1,316,293		1,293,173		1,321,067
Diluted	1,291,469		1,304,066		1,322,201		1,297,767		1,326,933
Cash dividend declared per common share	$             0.23		$             0.23		$             0.20		$             0.46		$            0.40

 

LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands)
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024		June 30, 2024
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(1)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$         5,665,379		$         6,067,471		$         5,847,856
Accounts receivable, net	3,304,946		2,937,217		2,519,250
Inventories	4,358,152		4,209,878		4,217,924
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	284,370		277,802		298,190
Total current assets	13,612,847		13,492,368		12,883,220
Property and equipment, net	2,313,590		2,214,269		2,154,518
Goodwill and intangible assets	1,761,021		1,758,344		1,765,073
Other assets	2,152,458		2,067,508		1,941,917
Total assets	$       19,839,916		$       19,532,489		$       18,744,728
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	$            504,136		$            504,682		$            504,814
Other current liabilities	4,846,160		4,837,986		3,833,624
Total current liabilities	5,350,296		5,342,668		4,338,438
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	4,478,148		4,479,087		4,478,520
Income taxes payable	669,747		664,717		813,304
Other long-term liabilities	533,699		574,126		575,012
Total liabilities	11,031,890		11,060,598		10,205,274
Stockholders' equity (2)	8,808,026		8,471,891		8,539,454
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$       19,839,916		$       19,532,489		$       18,744,728

(1)	Derived from audited financial statements.
(2)	Common shares issued and outstanding were 1,284,956 as of December 29, 2024, 1,291,958 as of September 29, 2024, and 1,303,769 as of June 30, 2024.

 

LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands, unaudited)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024		December 24, 2023		December 29, 2024		December 24, 2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$         1,191,018		$         1,116,444		$            954,266		$         2,307,462		$         1,841,664
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	96,200		94,295		90,941		190,495		181,420
Deferred income taxes	(82,854)		(108,722)		(88,747)		(191,576)		(112,985)
Equity-based compensation expense	81,959		80,011		69,901		161,970		137,112
Other, net	(8,592)		(457)		4,182		(9,049)		4,032
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(535,789)		386,900		423,297		(148,889)		353,760
Net cash provided by operating activities	741,942		1,568,471		1,453,840		2,310,413		2,405,003
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures and intangible assets	(188,349)		(110,588)		(115,276)		(298,937)		(192,268)
Net maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities	—		—		15,841		—		23,116
Other, net	12,974		37		(2,523)		13,011		(7,489)
Net cash used for investing activities	(175,375)		(110,551)		(101,958)		(285,926)		(176,641)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on debt, including finance lease obligations	(1,032)		(934)		(986)		(1,966)		(254,095)
Treasury stock purchases, including excise tax payments	(697,688)		(997,035)		(645,458)		(1,694,723)		(1,488,696)
Dividends paid	(297,634)		(260,985)		(264,414)		(558,619)		(494,746)
Reissuance of treasury stock related to employee stock purchase plan	60,557		—		53,081		60,557		53,081
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net issuance costs	(194)		(43)		1,704		(237)		4,522
Other, net	761		(324)		(3,821)		437		(5,972)
Net cash used for financing activities	(935,230)		(1,259,321)		(859,894)		(2,194,551)		(2,185,906)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(26,022)		22,682		6,725		(3,340)		(4,306)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(394,685)		221,281		498,713		(173,404)		38,150
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period (1)	6,072,084		5,850,803		5,126,809		5,850,803		5,587,372
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period (1)	$         5,677,399		$         6,072,084		$         5,625,522		$         5,677,399		$         5,625,522

(1)	Restricted cash is reported within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Non-GAAP Financial Summary (in thousands, except percentages and per share data)  (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024
Revenue	$        4,376,047		$        4,167,976
Gross margin	$        2,077,151		$        2,009,022
Gross margin as percentage of revenue	47.5 %		48.2 %
Operating expenses	$           734,501		$           722,148
Operating income	$        1,342,650		$        1,286,874
Operating income as a percentage of revenue	30.7 %		30.9 %
Net income	$        1,175,000		$        1,121,507
Net income per diluted share	$                 0.91		$                 0.86
Shares used in per share calculation - diluted	1,291,469		1,304,066

 

Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Net Income (in thousands, except per share data)  (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024
U.S. GAAP net income	$           1,191,018		$           1,116,444
Pre-tax non-GAAP items:
Amortization related to intangible assets acquired through certain business combinations - cost of goods sold	2,817		3,076
Elective deferred compensation ("EDC") related liability valuation increase - cost of goods sold	1,353		3,263
EDC related liability valuation increase - research and development	2,432		8,136
Amortization related to intangible assets acquired through certain business combinations - selling, general and administrative	538		692
EDC related liability valuation increase - selling, general and administrative	1,626		7,510
Amortization of note discounts - other income (expense), net	772		765
Gain on EDC related asset - other income (expense), net	(4,502)		(17,420)
Net income tax benefit on non-GAAP items	(276)		(959)
Income tax benefit from a change in tax law	(20,778)		—
Non-GAAP net income	$           1,175,000		$           1,121,507
Non-GAAP net income per diluted share	$                    0.91		$                    0.86
U.S. GAAP net income per diluted share	$                    0.92		$                    0.86
U.S. GAAP and non-GAAP number of shares used for per diluted share calculation	1,291,469		1,304,066

 

Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Gross Margin, Operating Expenses and Operating Income to Non-GAAP Gross Margin, Operating Expenses and Operating Income (in thousands, except percentages) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	December 29, 2024		September 29, 2024
U.S. GAAP gross margin	$        2,072,981		$        2,002,683
Pre-tax non-GAAP items:
Amortization related to intangible assets acquired through certain business combinations	2,817		3,076
EDC related liability valuation increase	1,353		3,263
Non-GAAP gross margin	$        2,077,151		$        2,009,022
U.S. GAAP gross margin as a percentage of revenue	47.4 %		48.0 %
Non-GAAP gross margin as a percentage of revenue	47.5 %		48.2 %
U.S. GAAP operating expenses	$           739,097		$           738,486
Pre-tax non-GAAP items:
Amortization related to intangible assets acquired through certain business combinations	(538)		(692)
EDC related liability valuation increase	(4,058)		(15,646)
Non-GAAP operating expenses	$           734,501		$           722,148
U.S. GAAP operating income	$        1,333,884		$        1,264,197
Non-GAAP operating income	$        1,342,650		$        1,286,874
U.S. GAAP operating income as percent of revenue	30.5 %		30.3 %
Non-GAAP operating income as a percent of revenue	30.7 %		30.9 %

Lam Research Corporation Contacts:
Ram Ganesh, Investor Relations, phone: 510-572-1615, e-mail: investor.relations@lamresearch.com

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SOURCE Lam Research Corporation

FAQ

What was Lam Research (LRCX) revenue for Q4 2024?

Lam Research reported revenue of $4.38 billion for Q4 2024, representing a 5% increase from the previous quarter.

How much did LRCX earnings per share grow in Q4 2024?

LRCX earnings per share grew 7% quarter-over-quarter, from $0.86 to $0.92 per diluted share.

What is Lam Research's (LRCX) revenue guidance for Q1 2025?

Lam Research provided revenue guidance of $4.65 billion (plus or minus $300 million) for Q1 2025.

What was LRCX's geographical revenue distribution in Q4 2024?

China led with 31% of revenue, followed by Korea at 25%, Taiwan at 17%, United States at 9%, Japan at 8%, Southeast Asia at 7%, and Europe at 3%.

How much was Lam Research's (LRCX) systems revenue in Q4 2024?

Lam Research's systems revenue was $2.63 billion in Q4 2024.