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LRCX vs QCOM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Lam Research (LRCX) vs. Qualcomm (QCOM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- LRCX (Lam Research) is riding record revenue and AI-driven demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, while QCOM (Qualcomm) is working through weakness in its core handset business.
- Lam Research has delivered five consecutive quarters of record revenue and strong margin expansion, whereas Qualcomm's revenue and profits have recently declined year over year.
- Both stocks have pulled back sharply from their 52-week highs, but LRCX retains stronger momentum, remaining solidly positive year to date.
- Qualcomm offers a more diversified long-term growth story in automotive, Internet of Things, and data center, but carries near-term execution and margin risk.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on observable trend consistency, growth trajectory, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI currently favors LRCX over QCOM.
- For deeper context, explore LRCX Major News and LRCX Today's Price Move, as well as QCOM Major News and QCOM Today's Price Move.
- Discover AI-driven trading strategies on the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Lam Research and Qualcomm are two of the most closely watched names in the semiconductor sector, yet they occupy very different positions in the value chain. Lam Research supplies the wafer-fabrication equipment that chipmakers use to build advanced memory and logic devices, while Qualcomm designs processors and licenses wireless technology for smartphones, vehicles, and connected devices. Comparing the two offers a useful lens on the current artificial intelligence (AI) investment cycle and its uneven impact across the chip industry. This comparison is relevant for investors and traders evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and how two industry leaders are navigating shifting demand, supply constraints, and competitive pressures in recent market activity.
LRCX Overview and Recent Performance
Lam Research (LRCX) designs, manufactures, and services semiconductor processing equipment, holding the leading market share in etch and a strong number-two position in deposition. Its largest customers include major memory and foundry producers such as Samsung, SK hynix, Micron, and TSMC. In recent weeks, the company reported record revenue for its most recent quarter, with sales rising more than 50% year over year to roughly $8.2 billion, supported by elevated AI-driven demand for memory and advanced logic. Gross and operating margins also reached record levels.
Despite these strong fundamentals, the stock has experienced notable volatility. Shares pulled back sharply from their 52-week high after management flagged that clean-room space and component supply constraints would limit near-term shipments, and that revenue from China is expected to decline. These supply-chain bottlenecks and regional concentration risks have tempered sentiment, even as analysts continue to highlight multi-year growth in wafer fabrication equipment spending. Overall, LRCX remains solidly higher year to date, though recent weeks have seen a meaningful correction from peak levels.
QCOM Overview and Recent Performance
Qualcomm (QCOM) develops foundational wireless technologies, including Snapdragon processors and cellular modems, and licenses a broad patent portfolio. Its core smartphone business faces multiple headwinds: handset revenue declined roughly 20% year over year in the latest quarter as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worked down inventory amid rising memory prices and input costs. The company has also signaled that Apple-related revenue will decline faster than previously expected as the iPhone maker insources modem technology.
Qualcomm is countering this with growth in automotive, where revenue rose about 61% year over year to a record level, and in Internet of Things (IoT) and data center initiatives. The company has announced a collaboration with Anduril on U.S.-made laptops and has custom-chip engagements with cloud providers. However, management has also announced workforce reductions and a restructuring, reflecting margin pressure and a lower earnings trajectory. The stock has declined significantly from its 52-week high and is roughly flat to slightly negative year to date, with valuation multiples below its historical medians.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most sharply in their exposure to the current AI cycle. Lam Research benefits directly as a supplier of the deposition and etch tools required to fabricate AI-related memory and advanced packaging, translating into accelerating revenue and record margins. Qualcomm, by contrast, derives most of its revenue from smartphones, a market pressured by memory shortages, softer consumer demand, and competitive erosion from Apple's modem transition and rivals such as MediaTek.
Growth drivers also differ. LRCX's outlook hinges on wafer fabrication equipment spending, which management expects to exceed $200 billion in 2027, but is tempered by supply constraints and China exposure. QCOM is pursuing a structural diversification into automotive, IoT, and data center, which offers longer-term optionality but comes with near-term margin dilution and execution risk. On valuation, Qualcomm trades at a lower price-to-earnings multiple and a higher dividend yield, while Lam Research commands a premium reflective of its stronger near-term growth and profitability. Market sentiment has favored LRCX's momentum even as both names have corrected from recent highs.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor LRCX over QCOM at present. Lam Research demonstrates stronger and more consistent revenue and earnings growth, record margins, and a clear catalyst in AI-driven equipment demand, despite near-term supply-chain constraints. Qualcomm's diversification story is credible but remains earlier-stage, with the core handset business still under pressure and margins facing dilution. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and reflects observable, data-driven factors in the current market environment.
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 Hold and QCOM is a Hold.
LRCX's RSI Indicator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for LRCX moved out of oversold territory on November 03, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 19 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 17 of the 19 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 89%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
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.
Following a +5.62% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LRCX advanced for three days, in 272 of 324 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.
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 61 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 74%.
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 10 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 77%.
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%.
The Aroon Indicator for LRCX 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 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 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 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 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (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 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 (23.152) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (6.389). P/E Ratio (39.848) is within average values for comparable stocks, (83.490). 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).
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.
LRCX | QCOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 5 | 16 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 86 Overvalued | 59 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 46 | 67 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 18 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 64 | 61 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 31 | 39 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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 LRCX (86) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that QCOM’s stock grew similarly to LRCX’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's Profit vs Risk Rating (46) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (67) 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 (61) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as LRCX (64) 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 (31) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (39) 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 (%) | 2 days ago 89% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 76% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 75% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 84% | 9 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | 3 days ago 74% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 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).
LRCX’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while QCOM’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- LRCX’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.
LRCX’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while QCOM’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LRCX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- QCOM’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
LRCX (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -4.21% 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 -12.67%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -30.26%, and the average quarterly price growth was -36.78%.
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
LRCX is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
QCOM is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (-12.67% 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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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% | +1.39% | ||
| AMAT - LRCX | 91% Closely correlated | +1.97% | ||
| KLAC - LRCX | 88% Closely correlated | +2.02% | ||
| ASML - LRCX | 85% Closely correlated | +1.70% | ||
| NVMI - LRCX | 84% Closely correlated | -0.42% | ||
| RMBS - LRCX | 80% Closely correlated | +4.96% | ||
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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% | +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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