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COHU vs LRCX
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Cohu, Inc. (COHU) vs. Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Cohu (COHU) supplies semiconductor test and inspection equipment, while Lam Research (LRCX) makes wafer-fabrication equipment for etch and deposition — two different links in the chip supply chain.
- Both companies are benefiting from AI-driven demand, but they operate at vastly different scales: Cohu's market capitalization is roughly $3 billion versus Lam Research's roughly $380 billion.
- Cohu has delivered explosive relative share-price gains over the past year, yet it remains near break-even on a trailing basis; Lam Research is firmly profitable with expanding margins.
- Lam Research has pulled back sharply from its 52-week high in recent months, while Cohu's rally has been more recent and concentrated around its high-performance computing (HPC) pipeline.
- The two names carry different risk profiles: Cohu offers higher growth leverage with less scale and profitability, while Lam Research offers scale, cash returns, and greater exposure to broader chip-industry capital spending.
Introduction
Semiconductor equipment stocks have become a focal point for traders and investors seeking exposure to the artificial intelligence buildout without owning individual chip designers. COHU and LRCX both serve this theme but occupy different positions in the value chain. This stock comparison examines how Cohu, Inc. and Lam Research Corporation differ in business model, growth drivers, relative performance, and market positioning. Because the two companies respond to overlapping yet distinct demand cycles, a head-to-head view can help investors decide whether a smaller, faster-growing test-and-inspection supplier or a large-cap wafer-fabrication leader better fits their risk tolerance and time horizon.
COHU Overview and Recent Performance
Cohu, Inc. (COHU) provides semiconductor test handlers, contactors, inspection systems, and related software and services that help chipmakers maximize yield and productivity. In recent weeks, the stock has been among the stronger performers in the semiconductor equipment space, with its share price up well over 100% on a year-over-year basis and recently trading near its 52-week highs.
The rally has been driven by a sharp re-rating tied to artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. In its most recent reported quarter, Cohu posted revenue of approximately $149 million, up 38% year over year, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.26, well ahead of consensus estimates. Management raised its full-year HPC revenue outlook and now describes an annual AI-compute opportunity pipeline of roughly $850 million, spanning systems and recurring revenue. Demand for its thermal test handlers for AI processors and its inspection tools for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) has supported order growth, while recurring revenue has climbed to more than half of sales. Despite the momentum, Cohu remains near break-even on a GAAP basis, and its profitability depends on continued execution against a growing but still-emerging HPC pipeline.
LRCX Overview and Recent Performance
Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) is one of the world's largest suppliers of wafer-fabrication equipment, specializing in the etch and deposition processes used to build advanced semiconductors. Its tools are central to leading-edge logic, memory, and advanced packaging, making it a direct beneficiary of AI infrastructure spending.
Lam Research reported record revenue of $6.72 billion in its most recent fiscal quarter, up 30% year over year, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.82 and an operating margin that expanded to 38.4%. Its customer support business has scaled past $2 billion in quarterly revenue, providing a recurring, high-margin revenue stream. The company has guided for continued growth and has returned more than $5 billion to shareholders in its latest fiscal year through buybacks and dividends. However, recent market activity has been volatile: after reaching a 52-week high around $438, Lam Research shares pulled back roughly 35% in the following months amid sector-wide concerns over inflation, elevated valuations, and competition from Chinese equipment makers, even as its fundamental results remained strong.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is scale and stage of maturity. Lam Research is a large-cap industry leader generating tens of billions in annual revenue with strong profitability and a disciplined capital-return program. Cohu is a much smaller company whose investment case hinges on converting a growing AI-compute pipeline into sustained, profitable revenue growth.
Their business models also differ. Cohu serves the test, inspection, and handling portion of semiconductor manufacturing, with a meaningful recurring component from consumables and software. Lam Research operates earlier in the fabrication process, where etch and deposition tools carry high capital intensity and long customer adoption cycles. As a result, Lam Research's results are more closely tied to overall wafer-fab equipment spending and memory cycles, while Cohu's outlook depends more heavily on specific HPC and HBM qualification wins.
Risk profiles diverge as well. Lam Research faces concentration risk in China and sensitivity to shifts in memory capital spending, while Cohu carries execution risk around a still-developing AI pipeline and thinner near-term profitability. In terms of market sentiment, Cohu has shown stronger recent relative performance and momentum, whereas Lam Research has experienced a notable de-rating from its highs despite robust fundamentals — a contrast that shapes how each may be positioned in a diversified portfolio.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward Cohu for shorter-horizon traders, given its stronger recent price momentum, rising HPC pipeline, and upward estimate revisions. For investors prioritizing stability, scale, and profitability, however, Lam Research's established earnings engine, growing recurring services revenue, and discounted valuation relative to recent highs may present a more durable profile. The AI's assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: Cohu appears better positioned on near-term trend strength and catalysts, while Lam Research offers steadier fundamentals with a more defensive margin structure. The most suitable choice ultimately depends on the time horizon and risk tolerance embedded in a given strategy.
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 COHU is a Hold and LRCX is a StrongBuy.
COHU in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026
COHU 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 34 cases where COHU's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where COHU's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 23 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
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.
Following a +4.82% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where COHU advanced for three days, in 237 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 187 of 230 cases where COHU Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 81%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on COHU as a result. In 75 of 96 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for COHU turned negative on October 12, 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 54 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 40 of the 54 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 74%.
COHU moved below its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for COHU crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 19 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 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where COHU 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 70%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 10 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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 (2.931) is normal, around the industry mean (6.365). P/E Ratio (-57.783) is within average values for comparable stocks, (86.150). COHU's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.040) is slightly lower than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.589) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 31 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. COHU’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 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. COHU’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.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable 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.
LRCX's RSI Oscillator remains in oversold zone for 3 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 uptrend is expected.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
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.
Following a +5.78% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LRCX advanced for three days, in 269 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
LRCX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 271 of 334 cases where LRCX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 81%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on LRCX as a result. In 55 of 82 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for LRCX turned negative on October 12, 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 57 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 57 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 65%.
LRCX moved below its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LRCX crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 13 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 85%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LRCX 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 65%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 18 (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 20 (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 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LRCX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 86 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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: LRCX's P/B Ratio (23.090) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (6.365). P/E Ratio (39.741) is within average values for comparable stocks, (86.150). LRCX's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.463) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (14.620) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
COHU | LRCX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 69 | 56 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 10 Undervalued | 86 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 71 | 48 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 18 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 62 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 31 | 20 | |
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.
COHU's Valuation (10) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for LRCX (86). This means that COHU’s stock grew significantly faster than LRCX’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's Profit vs Risk Rating (48) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as COHU (71). This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to COHU’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's SMR Rating (18) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for COHU (92). This means that LRCX’s stock grew significantly faster than COHU’s over the last 12 months.
COHU's Price Growth Rating (55) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as LRCX (62). This means that COHU’s stock grew similarly to LRCX’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's P/E Growth Rating (20) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as COHU (31). This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to COHU’s over the last 12 months.
| COHU | LRCX | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 20 days ago 75% | 23 days ago 84% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 70% | 1 day ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 81% |
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).
COHU’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while LRCX’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- COHU’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- LRCX’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.
COHU’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LRCX’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- COHU’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- LRCX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
COHU (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -5.61% price change this week, while LRCX (@Electronic Production Equipment) price change was -12.82% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was -4.19%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -22.43%, and the average quarterly price growth was -32.54%.
Reported Earning Dates
COHU is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
LRCX is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (-4.19% 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.
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COHU and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, COHU has been closely correlated with ONTO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 79% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if COHU jumps, then ONTO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To COHU | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COHU | 100% | +3.67% | ||
| ONTO - COHU | 79% Closely correlated | +0.01% | ||
| AMKR - COHU | 78% Closely correlated | +0.64% | ||
| ENTG - COHU | 78% Closely correlated | +4.84% | ||
| UCTT - COHU | 78% Closely correlated | +1.93% | ||
| LRCX - COHU | 78% Closely correlated | -0.02% | ||
More | ||||
LRCX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LRCX has been closely correlated with AMAT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 91% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LRCX jumps, then AMAT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LRCX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRCX | 100% | -0.02% | ||
| AMAT - LRCX | 91% Closely correlated | +0.44% | ||
| KLAC - LRCX | 88% Closely correlated | -1.50% | ||
| ASML - LRCX | 85% Closely correlated | +0.72% | ||
| NVMI - LRCX | 84% Closely correlated | +0.39% | ||
| RMBS - LRCX | 80% Closely correlated | -0.09% | ||
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