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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 Hold and QCOM is a Hold.
LRCX in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026
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. In 27 of 37 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LRCX moved out of overbought territory on October 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 33 of the 48 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 69%.
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 56 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 68%.
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 59 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 59 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 63%.
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%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for LRCX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 12 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 90%.
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 277 of 341 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%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (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 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (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 85 (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 (31.546) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (8.078). P/E Ratio (54.595) is within average values for comparable stocks, (161.623). LRCX's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.463) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.004) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (14.620) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
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.
QCOM's RSI Oscillator recovers from overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Indicator for QCOM moved out of overbought territory on September 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 31 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 24 of the 31 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QCOM 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 QCOM turned negative on September 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 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 70%.
QCOM 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.
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%.
QCOM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
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.
The 10-day moving average for QCOM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 09, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 15 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 60%.
Following a +11.56% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QCOM advanced for three days, in 217 of 326 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 139 of 203 cases where QCOM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
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 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (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 Valuation Rating of 46 (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 (7.241) is normal, around the industry mean (7.975). P/E Ratio (21.426) is within average values for comparable stocks, (165.532). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.832) is also within normal values, averaging (3.761). QCOM has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.019) as compared to the industry average of (0.007). P/S Ratio (4.513) is also within normal values, averaging (45.794).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 69 (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 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.
LRCX | QCOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 63 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 85 Overvalued | 46 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 69 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 18 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 39 | 44 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 9 | 15 | |
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.
QCOM's Valuation (46) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LRCX (85) 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 (35) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for QCOM (69) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that LRCX’s stock grew somewhat faster than 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.
LRCX's Price Growth Rating (39) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as QCOM (44) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that LRCX’s stock grew similarly to QCOM’s over the last 12 months.
LRCX's P/E Growth Rating (9) 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 (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 84% | 24 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 4 days ago 74% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day 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 2 FA rating(s) are green while QCOM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- LRCX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- QCOM’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.
LRCX’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while QCOM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LRCX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- QCOM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
LRCX (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -12.93% price change this week, while QCOM (@Semiconductors) price change was -2.54% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was -14.55%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.45%, and the average quarterly price growth was -14.76%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was -14.05%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.14%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.62%.
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 (-14.55% 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 (-14.05% 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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