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AMAT vs QCOM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Applied Materials (AMAT) vs. Qualcomm (QCOM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- AMAT reported record fiscal Q3 2026 revenue of $9.12 billion, up 25% year over year, with strong non-GAAP EPS growth and raised guidance tied to AI-related semiconductor demand.
- QCOM posted fiscal Q3 2026 revenue that beat expectations but faced an earnings miss and post-earnings share pressure, while accelerating its pivot toward data center and automotive revenue streams.
- Over recent weeks, AMAT has shown greater year-to-date outperformance compared with QCOM, though both stocks experienced sector-wide volatility and pullbacks from earlier highs.
- AMAT benefits from direct exposure to semiconductor equipment spending driven by advanced packaging and leading-edge foundry activity, while QCOM is diversifying beyond handsets via partnerships such as its Amazon AI infrastructure collaboration.
- Valuation multiples remain elevated for AMAT relative to QCOM, reflecting differences in growth visibility and business model stability amid shifting market sentiment.
- Both companies operate in the broader semiconductor sector, where AI infrastructure buildout continues to influence investor positioning and relative performance.
Introduction
Applied Materials (AMAT) and Qualcomm (QCOM) represent distinct segments of the semiconductor value chain, with AMAT supplying materials engineering equipment and QCOM designing wireless and computing chips. This comparison examines their recent stock behavior, business drivers, and market positioning in the current environment. Institutional investors, active traders, and those monitoring artificial intelligence supply chains may find the relative performance and sentiment shifts between these names relevant for portfolio construction and sector allocation decisions.
AMAT Overview and Recent Performance
Applied Materials provides equipment and services used in semiconductor manufacturing, including deposition, etching, and inspection tools essential for advanced chip production. In recent market activity, the stock has reflected strong underlying demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure, with the company reporting record fiscal third-quarter 2026 revenue of $9.12 billion, up 25% year over year, and non-GAAP EPS of $3.50. Management highlighted multi-year visibility from customers and raised expectations for semiconductor systems revenue in calendar 2026, citing sustained AI compute needs. Over recent weeks, shares experienced volatility consistent with broader technology sector movements, including a pullback from earlier highs amid valuation considerations, while maintaining elevated levels relative to longer-term averages.
QCOM Overview and Recent Performance
Qualcomm develops and licenses wireless technologies and semiconductors, with primary exposure to mobile handsets alongside growing automotive, Internet of Things, and data center segments. Recent market activity followed the fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings release, which featured revenue that exceeded guidance but an earnings per share miss, leading to share pressure. The company has emphasized diversification, including a collaboration with Amazon targeting AI data center infrastructure and record automotive revenue. Over recent weeks, the stock has traded with notable volatility, influenced by handset revenue dynamics and progress on non-handset growth initiatives, while remaining below peaks reached earlier in the year.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Applied Materials operates in semiconductor capital equipment, deriving growth primarily from wafer fabrication and advanced packaging spending driven by artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Qualcomm focuses on chip design and intellectual property licensing, with recent emphasis on expanding data center and automotive contributions to offset handset variability. In recent market activity, AMAT demonstrated more consistent revenue expansion and raised forward expectations, while QCOM highlighted partnership-driven diversification amid mixed quarterly results. Risk factors differ: AMAT faces cyclical equipment demand and high valuations, whereas QCOM contends with competitive pressures in wireless and execution on new revenue streams. Sector exposure overlaps in semiconductors, yet sentiment has favored equipment providers with direct AI tooling visibility over fabless designers navigating transition periods.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency in recent financial results, stability of growth catalysts, and relative positioning within AI supply chains, Tickeron’s AI models currently assign a higher probabilistic preference to AMAT. The company’s record quarterly performance and explicit multi-year demand visibility provide a clearer near-term foundation compared with QCOM’s ongoing diversification efforts amid handset revenue adjustments. This assessment reflects data-driven pattern recognition rather than certainty and remains subject to evolving market conditions.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is AMAT is a Hold and QCOM is a Hold.
AMAT sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
AMAT saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 13, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 45 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 45 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for AMAT moved out of overbought territory on October 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 29 of the 46 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 63%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on AMAT as a result. In 61 of 87 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
AMAT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AMAT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator for AMAT entered a downward trend on September 25, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for AMAT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 02, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Following a +2.45% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AMAT advanced for three days, in 251 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
AMAT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. AMAT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 71 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (15.083) is normal, around the industry mean (8.078). P/E Ratio (41.998) is within average values for comparable stocks, (161.623). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.967) is also within normal values, averaging (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.004) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (10.764) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
QCOM's RSI Oscillator recovers from overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Indicator for QCOM moved out of overbought territory on September 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 31 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 24 of the 31 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QCOM as a result. In 57 of 87 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QCOM turned negative on September 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 70%.
QCOM moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QCOM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
QCOM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 9 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
The 10-day moving average for QCOM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 09, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +11.56% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QCOM advanced for three days, in 217 of 326 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 139 of 203 cases where QCOM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. QCOM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 46 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.241) is normal, around the industry mean (7.975). P/E Ratio (21.426) is within average values for comparable stocks, (165.532). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.832) is also within normal values, averaging (3.761). QCOM has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.019) as compared to the industry average of (0.007). P/S Ratio (4.513) is also within normal values, averaging (45.794).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 69 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. QCOM’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
AMAT | QCOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 86 | 63 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 71 Overvalued | 46 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 46 | 69 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 25 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 44 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 9 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
QCOM's Valuation (46) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as AMAT (71) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that QCOM’s stock grew similarly to AMAT’s over the last 12 months.
AMAT's Profit vs Risk Rating (46) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (69) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that AMAT’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
AMAT's SMR Rating (25) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (31) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that AMAT’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
AMAT's Price Growth Rating (40) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (44) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that AMAT’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
AMAT's P/E Growth Rating (9) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (15) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that AMAT’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
| AMAT | QCOM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 79% | 24 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 4 days ago 74% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 68% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AMAT’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while QCOM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- AMAT’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- QCOM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
AMAT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while QCOM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AMAT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- QCOM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
AMAT (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -14.22% price change this week, while QCOM (@Semiconductors) price change was -2.54% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was -14.55%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.45%, and the average quarterly price growth was -14.76%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was -14.05%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.14%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.62%.
Reported Earning Dates
AMAT is expected to report earnings on Nov 12, 2026.
QCOM is expected to report earnings on Nov 11, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (-14.55% weekly)The electronic production equipment industry makes equipment used to produce semiconductors. Such equipment includes wafer fabrication, plasma etching and photo-resist processing equipment. The industry also makes chemical vapor deposition processing systems and photomasks, which are high-purity quartz plates that contain patterns to define integrated circuits layouts. Applied Materials, Inc., Lam Research Corporation, and KLA-Tencor Corporation are examples of electronic production equipment manufacturing companies.
@Semiconductors (-14.05% weekly)The semiconductor industry manufacturers all chip-related products, including research and development. These chips are used in innumerable electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, smartphones, and GPSs. Intel Corporation, NVIDIA Corp., and Broadcomm are some of the prominent players in this industry. Semiconductor companies usually tend to do well during periods of healthy economic growth, thereby inducing further research and development in the industry – which in turn augurs well for productivity and growth in the economy. In the near future, demand for semiconductor products (and possibly innovation within the segment) should only expand further, with the proliferation of 5G, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and various AI-driven electronics set to herald a new, advanced chapter in the technology-driven world as we know it. With burgeoning prospects comes great competition. In 2015, SIA estimated that U.S. semiconductor industry ranks as the second most competitive U.S. industry out of 2882 U.S. industries designated manufacturers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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