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LRCX vs QCOM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Lam Research (LRCX) vs. Qualcomm (QCOM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Lam Research (LRCX) has delivered stronger year-to-date and one-year returns than Qualcomm (QCOM), driven by AI-related wafer fabrication equipment demand.
- Qualcomm (QCOM) is accelerating diversification into AI data centers and automotive segments to offset handset revenue pressure from reduced Apple exposure.
- Both companies operate in the semiconductor sector but differ in business models: Lam Research (LRCX) supplies manufacturing equipment, while Qualcomm (QCOM) designs and licenses chips.
- Recent market activity shows Lam Research (LRCX) experiencing higher volatility with rebounds tied to sector sentiment, while Qualcomm (QCOM) faces mixed reactions to its growth targets.
- Market positioning favors Lam Research (LRCX) in capital expenditure cycles supporting AI infrastructure, whereas Qualcomm (QCOM) emphasizes recurring revenue from licensing and new verticals.
- Relative performance highlights trade-offs between equipment cycle exposure and chip design diversification amid broader semiconductor trends.
Introduction
This comparison examines Lam Research (LRCX) and Qualcomm (QCOM), two semiconductor companies with distinct roles in the technology supply chain. Lam Research (LRCX) provides wafer fabrication equipment essential for advanced chip production, while Qualcomm (QCOM) focuses on mobile and connectivity chipsets alongside emerging AI applications. The analysis targets institutional investors, portfolio managers, and active traders seeking to evaluate relative performance, growth drivers, and sector positioning in the current market environment characterized by AI-driven capital spending and shifting handset dynamics.
Lam Research (LRCX) Overview and Recent Performance
Lam Research (LRCX) specializes in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, particularly for etching and deposition processes used in advanced node production. In recent weeks, the stock has shown notable volatility, with a sharp rebound of nearly 7% on September 18, 2026, closing at approximately $288 amid elevated trading volume. Year-to-date returns stand around 68%, supported by record fiscal results and upward revisions to wafer fabrication equipment industry forecasts. Sentiment has been influenced by strong AI-related demand for high-performance computing capacity, though concerns over broader sector funding and capacity digestion contributed to pullbacks following the July earnings release. The company returned over $5 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2026 through buybacks and dividends, including a 27% dividend increase.
Qualcomm (QCOM) Overview and Recent Performance
Qualcomm (QCOM) designs and licenses wireless communication technologies, with a core focus on mobile chipsets and expanding presence in automotive, Internet of Things (IoT), and data center applications. In recent market activity, shares traded near $178 on September 18, 2026, reflecting a decline amid broader tech sector movements. Year-to-date performance approximates 5.5%, with one-year returns around 8%. Developments include a multi-generational collaboration with Amazon on AI data center infrastructure and partnerships advancing optical technologies for AI networking. Sentiment reflects efforts to raise non-handset revenue targets to $40 billion by fiscal 2029, offsetting lower-than-expected contributions from Apple handsets, while automotive revenue achieved record levels in the latest quarter.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Lam Research (LRCX) and Qualcomm (QCOM) contrast sharply in business models: the former supplies capital equipment tied to semiconductor fabrication cycles, while the latter generates revenue through chip design, licensing, and system-level solutions. Growth drivers for Lam Research (LRCX) center on AI infrastructure spending and wafer fab equipment demand, yielding higher recent revenue growth near 26% year-over-year. Qualcomm (QCOM) emphasizes diversification beyond handsets into AI data centers and automotive, targeting accelerated non-handset expansion above 60% in fiscal 2027. Recent momentum favors Lam Research (LRCX) with superior total returns, though Qualcomm (QCOM) offers greater dividend yield stability. Risk factors include Lam Research (LRCX)’s sensitivity to equipment spending fluctuations and export restrictions, versus Qualcomm (QCOM)’s exposure to handset market share shifts and competition in emerging AI segments. Sector exposure overlaps in semiconductors, but market sentiment has rewarded equipment providers amid capital expenditure strength while scrutinizing handset dependency.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency in AI-driven capital expenditure, relative stability in equipment demand signals, and positioning within semiconductor infrastructure growth, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign a higher probabilistic preference to Lam Research (LRCX) over Qualcomm (QCOM). This assessment reflects stronger recent performance alignment with sector catalysts, though outcomes remain subject to evolving macroeconomic conditions and competitive dynamics.
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 LRCX is a Buy and QCOM is a Buy.
LRCX | QCOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 84 Overvalued | 46 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 32 | 59 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 18 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 39 | 21 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
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 somewhat better than the same rating for LRCX (84) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that QCOM’s stock grew somewhat faster than LRCX’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's Profit vs Risk Rating (32) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (59) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's SMR Rating (18) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (31) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
QCOM's Price Growth Rating (21) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as LRCX (39) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that QCOM’s stock grew similarly to LRCX’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's P/E Growth Rating (10) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (15) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
| LRCX | QCOM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 70% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 69% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 84% | 3 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 64% | N/A |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days 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).
LRCX’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while QCOM’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- LRCX’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- QCOM’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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.
LRCX’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while QCOM’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LRCX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- QCOM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
LRCX (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а +14.25% price change this week, while QCOM (@Semiconductors) price change was +6.71% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was +5.93%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.01%, and the average quarterly price growth was +25.32%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was +6.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.06%, and the average quarterly price growth was +61.36%.
Reported Earning Dates
LRCX is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
QCOM is expected to report earnings on Nov 11, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (+5.93% 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 (+6.47% 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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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% | -0.52% | ||
| LRCX - QCOM | 80% Closely correlated | -1.08% | ||
| KLAC - QCOM | 78% Closely correlated | -0.24% | ||
| AMKR - QCOM | 76% Closely correlated | -2.33% | ||
| AMAT - QCOM | 74% Closely correlated | +0.41% | ||
| KLIC - QCOM | 74% Closely correlated | +1.46% | ||
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