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FORM vs LRCX
Which Stock Would AI Choose? FormFactor (FORM) vs. Lam Research (LRCX) Stock Comparison
1. Key Takeaways
- FORM (FormFactor) and LRCX (Lam Research) both serve the semiconductor supply chain but occupy very different niches: test-and-measurement probe cards versus front-end wafer fabrication equipment (WFE).
- FormFactor recently reported record quarterly and annual revenue, driven by rising demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced packaging test solutions.
- Lam Research delivered roughly 28% year-over-year revenue growth, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and HBM-related capital spending.
- Lam Research is a large-cap leader with a market value near $200 billion, while FormFactor is a small-cap specialist, creating a meaningful contrast in scale, liquidity, and cyclical sensitivity.
- Both names carry exposure to memory-cycle volatility, export controls, and tariff pressures, though their risk profiles differ materially.
2. Introduction
Investors weighing semiconductor exposure often face a choice between large, diversified equipment makers and smaller, specialized suppliers. FORM (FormFactor) and LRCX (Lam Research) illustrate that divide. FormFactor provides probe cards and test-and-measurement systems used to validate chips, while Lam Research supplies deposition and etch equipment used to manufacture them. Although both benefit from the same underlying demand for AI infrastructure and memory, their business models, market positioning, and risk profiles differ sharply. This stock comparison is relevant to traders and investors assessing relative performance and market positioning across the semiconductor value chain.
3. FORM Overview and Recent Performance
FormFactor is a provider of test and measurement technologies spanning the semiconductor lifecycle, with a core franchise in probe cards that electrically test wafers and advanced packages. The company competes most directly in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), DRAM (dynamic random-access memory), and advanced packaging applications, where rising test complexity has supported demand for its SmartMatrix probe card architecture.
In recent market activity, FormFactor reported record quarterly revenue of $215.2 million, up 13.6% year over year, alongside record full-year revenue of roughly $785 million. Non-GAAP gross margin expanded to 43.9%, reflecting workforce reductions, improved yields, and shorter production cycles. Management guided to further growth in the following quarter, citing early contributions from the HBM4 transition and an all-time DRAM record. Sentiment has also been shaped by customer concentration in HBM, tariff-related margin headwinds, and short lead-time visibility.
4. LRCX Overview and Recent Performance
Lam Research is a global supplier of wafer fabrication equipment, specializing in deposition and etch tools used to build advanced memory and logic chips. The company is a direct beneficiary of AI-driven investment, given the intensity of etch and deposition steps required for HBM, advanced packaging, and leading-edge nodes.
In recent quarters, Lam Research reported revenue of $5.32 billion, up about 28% year over year, with non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.26 and a non-GAAP operating margin of roughly 35%. Management cited strong demand across systems and its customer support business group, while raising its outlook for global WFE spending. The stock reached a 52-week high in recent weeks, supported by AI infrastructure demand. However, exposure to China export restrictions, NAND (flash memory) upgrade cycles, and geographic mix remain notable considerations for investors tracking relative performance.
5. Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a large roster of AI trading bots covering thousands of tickers, but only a curated subset earns a place in its Trending AI Robots section. These bots differ in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and the sets of tickers they trade, with many reporting measurable historical win rates and trade frequency. The featured list is designed to surface the strategies best suited to current market conditions rather than every available model. Traders researching names like FORM and LRCX may find the section a useful starting point for monitoring AI-generated signals. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the bots currently considered most relevant.
6. Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is scale and position within the semiconductor value chain. Lam Research generates more than $5 billion in revenue per quarter as a WFE leader, while FormFactor operates at a materially smaller scale focused on test consumables and systems. This difference shapes growth drivers: Lam Research benefits from broad capital-equipment budgets and NAND upgrade cycles, whereas FormFactor is tied more directly to test intensity and probe card demand within HBM and DRAM.
On momentum, both stocks have benefited from AI-driven memory demand, though Lam Research's rally has been amplified by its outsized exposure to data-center equipment spending. FormFactor's gains reflect margin expansion and share gains in high-performance compute, but its smaller size and customer concentration can produce greater relative volatility. Risk factors also diverge: Lam Research faces China export-control and NAND-cycle risks, while FormFactor contends with tariff effects, short order visibility, and concentration among major HBM manufacturers.
7. Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, catalyst visibility, and market positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely view Lam Research as the more stable, established beneficiary of the current AI and memory upcycle, given its scale, margin profile, and broad demand drivers. FormFactor, by contrast, may appeal to models favoring momentum and margin-improvement narratives within a smaller, higher-beta profile. Neither outcome is definitive; the preferred exposure depends on an investor's tolerance for volatility and desired position within the semiconductor cycle. A probabilistic reading suggests Lam Research currently holds the steadier trend, while FormFactor offers higher potential variability alongside its improving fundamentals.
8. 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 FORM is a Hold and LRCX is a Hold.
FORM in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026
FORM 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. In 35 of 43 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
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 FORM as a result. In 64 of 91 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%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for FORM 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 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 66%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FORM 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%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where FORM's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 25 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 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 FORM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 19 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 +14.00% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FORM advanced for three days, in 238 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
FORM 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 189 of 229 cases where FORM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 83%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average 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 70, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FORM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably 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 Valuation Rating of 83 (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 (7.743) is normal, around the industry mean (6.982). P/E Ratio (74.432) is within average values for comparable stocks, (91.905). FORM's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.500) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.008) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (9.200) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
LRCX in downward trend: 10-day moving average crossed below 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
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 9 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 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
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 53 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 65%.
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 58 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 58 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
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.
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 64%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where LRCX's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 17 of 19 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 89%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 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 276 of 338 cases where LRCX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 82%.
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 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 70, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (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 Valuation Rating of 88 (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 (27.315) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (6.982). P/E Ratio (47.012) is within average values for comparable stocks, (91.905). LRCX's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.463) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.008) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (14.620) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (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.
FORM | LRCX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 73 | 79 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 83 Overvalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 48 | 37 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 67 | 18 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 90 |
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.
FORM's Valuation (83) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as LRCX (88). This means that FORM’s stock grew similarly to LRCX’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's Profit vs Risk Rating (37) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as FORM (48). This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to FORM’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's SMR Rating (18) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FORM (67). This means that LRCX’s stock grew somewhat faster than FORM’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as FORM (50). This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to FORM’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's P/E Growth Rating (15) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as FORM (45). This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to FORM’s over the last 12 months.
| FORM | LRCX | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 89% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 85% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 65% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 82% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 21 days ago 79% | 19 days ago 84% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 70% | 5 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 82% |
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).
FORM’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while LRCX’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- FORM’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
FORM’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LRCX’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FORM’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- LRCX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
FORM (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -15.44% price change this week, while LRCX (@Electronic Production Equipment) price change was -12.07% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was -11.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -13.30%, and the average quarterly price growth was -24.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
FORM is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
LRCX is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (-11.92% 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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FORM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FORM has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FORM jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FORM | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORM | 100% | +4.90% | ||
| LRCX - FORM | 78% Closely correlated | +3.13% | ||
| COHU - FORM | 78% Closely correlated | +6.02% | ||
| AMAT - FORM | 75% Closely correlated | +0.93% | ||
| RMBS - FORM | 74% Closely correlated | +6.20% | ||
| NVMI - FORM | 74% Closely correlated | -0.65% | ||
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