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AMAT vs QCOM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Applied Materials (AMAT) vs. Qualcomm (QCOM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tickeron AI Verdict: AMAT is the ticker of choice, favored for its stronger trend consistency, record results, and margin expansion.
- AMAT posted record revenue and a thirteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year gross-margin expansion, while QCOM faces handset softness, Apple share loss, and announced layoffs.
- AMAT carries a "Strong Buy" analyst consensus versus a "Hold" for QCOM, reflecting divergent sentiment.
- Both names have pulled back recently, but AMAT retains multi-year AI-driven catalysts, while QCOM is in an earlier, execution-dependent transition.
- For more detail, explore AMAT Major News and AMAT Today's Price Move, as well as QCOM Major News and QCOM Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Applied Materials (AMAT) and Qualcomm (QCOM) are two semiconductor bellwethers that often attract the same pool of investors, yet they occupy very different places in the chip value chain. Applied Materials supplies the manufacturing equipment that fabricates advanced chips, while Qualcomm designs processors, modems, and related technologies primarily for mobile devices. As the artificial-intelligence (AI) build-out reshapes the industry, their relative performance and market positioning have diverged sharply. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors weighing a cyclical equipment leader against a diversified chip designer navigating a strategic transition, and who want an objective read on recent momentum, catalysts, and risk.
AMAT Overview and Recent Performance
Applied Materials is the world's largest semiconductor-equipment provider, selling systems and services used to manufacture chips across foundry, logic, and memory markets. Recent market activity has been volatile: after a strong run, AMAT declined more than 20% over the past month, a move that outpaced the broader semiconductor sector's drop. This pullback occurred even as fundamentals strengthened. In its latest reported quarter, revenue rose roughly 25% year over year to a record, with earnings per share (EPS) up about 41%, and management guided for continued strong growth. The company has also raised its quarterly dividend by 15%, marked nine consecutive years of increases, and deepened its partnership with BE Semiconductor Industries by lifting its stake to about 20%. Analysts rate the stock a "Strong Buy" with an average price target well above current levels.
QCOM Overview and Recent Performance
Qualcomm is a leading developer of wireless technologies, best known for its Snapdragon processors and modem chips used in smartphones, alongside a highly profitable patent-licensing business. Recent market activity has been challenging: QCOM shares have fallen sharply and trade near the lower portion of their 52-week range. In its most recent quarter, revenue declined about 4% year over year while net income fell roughly 25%, pressured by soft handset demand, elevated memory prices, and an accelerating reduction in Apple-related revenue. Management announced global layoffs beginning in November and is raising prices to offset higher input costs. The company is investing heavily in automotive chips (which grew around 61% year over year), AI-enabled PCs, and data-center silicon, including a collaboration with Amazon, but these businesses remain smaller than the core handset franchise. Analysts rate the stock a "Hold."
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each running its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, and statistical profile. Because market conditions constantly shift, only a small subset of these bots is well suited to the current environment at any given moment. The Trending AI Robots page curates that select group, spotlighting the strategies whose recent performance, consistency, and alignment with prevailing market dynamics stand out. Whether a trader favors short-term momentum, swing positioning, or longer-horizon trend-following, the section offers a focused way to review automated approaches without sifting through the full catalog. Readers evaluating pairs like AMAT and QCOM may find it a useful complement to fundamental research when assessing how systematic strategies are currently positioned.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between these two names is one of positioning within the semiconductor cycle. AMAT is a "picks and shovels" supplier benefiting broadly from AI infrastructure spending across foundry, DRAM (dynamic random-access memory), and advanced packaging, with record results and expanding margins. QCOM is more directly exposed to end-demand in smartphones, where it faces share loss to Apple, rising memory costs, and intensifying competition. On valuation, QCOM trades at a lower price-to-earnings multiple and offers a higher dividend yield, reflecting greater uncertainty about its transition to automotive, IoT (Internet of Things), and data-center markets. AMAT commands a richer multiple, backed by stronger near-term earnings momentum and multi-year visibility. In terms of risk, AMAT is sensitive to equipment-cycle timing and China policy, while QCOM carries execution risk tied to its diversification strategy and customer concentration.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently favor AMAT. The stock exhibits more consistent trend characteristics, stronger earnings momentum, and clearer catalysts in the form of record revenue and ongoing margin expansion, even amid a recent sector-wide pullback. By contrast, QCOM faces near-term headwinds from declining handset revenue, Apple share loss, and a restructuring that introduces execution uncertainty. While QCOM's lower valuation and diversification efforts may appeal to longer-horizon investors, the AI-driven assessment leans toward AMAT on the basis of relative stability and positioning. This is a probabilistic view rooted in current data, not a guarantee of future performance.
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 in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026
AMAT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 29 of 35 cases where AMAT's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where AMAT's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 24 of 29 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +6.50% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AMAT advanced for three days, in 253 of 318 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
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 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 AMAT turned negative on October 13, 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 45 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 45 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 76%.
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.
The 10-day moving average for AMAT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
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 November 03, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 15 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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.
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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 63 (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 Valuation Rating of 75 (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 (11.827) is normal, around the industry mean (6.389). P/E Ratio (32.699) is within average values for comparable stocks, (83.490). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.967) is also within normal values, averaging (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (10.764) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
QCOM in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026
QCOM may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 30 of 37 cases where QCOM's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +4.70% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QCOM advanced for three days, in 219 of 329 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 30, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QCOM as a result. In 67 of 88 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QCOM turned negative on October 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 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 75%.
QCOM moved below its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QCOM crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
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%.
The Aroon Indicator for QCOM entered a downward trend on November 03, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 4 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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.
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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Valuation Rating of 59 (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 (6.350) is normal, around the industry mean (6.097). P/E Ratio (18.622) is within average values for comparable stocks, (18.355). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.832) is also within normal values, averaging (3.803). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.012) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.513) is also within normal values, averaging (46.468).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 61 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 67 (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 77, placing this stock better than average.
AMAT | QCOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 7 | 16 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 59 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 67 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 25 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 63 | 61 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 28 | 39 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 15 | 4 |
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 (59) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as AMAT (75) 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 (55) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (67) 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.
QCOM's Price Growth Rating (61) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as AMAT (63) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that QCOM’s stock grew similarly to AMAT’s over the last 12 months.
AMAT's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (39) 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 (%) | 2 days ago 83% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 76% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 76% | 2 days ago 75% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 80% | 9 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 66% | 3 days ago 74% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 69% |
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 1 green FA rating(s).
- AMAT’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- QCOM’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AMAT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- QCOM’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
AMAT (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -3.54% price change this week, while QCOM (@Semiconductors) price change was -10.72% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was -6.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -27.76%, and the average quarterly price growth was -31.19%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was -10.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -23.61%, and the average quarterly price growth was -26.40%.
Reported Earning Dates
AMAT is expected to report earnings on Nov 12, 2026.
QCOM is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (-6.47% 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 (-10.92% 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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AMAT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AMAT has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 91% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if AMAT jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To AMAT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMAT | 100% | +1.97% | ||
| LRCX - AMAT | 91% Closely correlated | +1.39% | ||
| KLAC - AMAT | 88% Closely correlated | +2.02% | ||
| ONTO - AMAT | 84% Closely correlated | +5.74% | ||
| ASML - AMAT | 82% Closely correlated | +1.70% | ||
| NVMI - AMAT | 81% Closely correlated | -0.42% | ||
More | ||||
QCOM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QCOM has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 80% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if QCOM jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QCOM | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QCOM | 100% | +1.45% | ||
| LRCX - QCOM | 80% Closely correlated | +1.39% | ||
| KLAC - QCOM | 78% Closely correlated | +2.02% | ||
| AMKR - QCOM | 76% Closely correlated | +1.79% | ||
| AMAT - QCOM | 74% Closely correlated | +1.97% | ||
| KLIC - QCOM | 74% Closely correlated | +1.74% | ||
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