Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) vs Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)
A side-by-side comparison of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Lam Research Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: COST is classified in Consumer Defensive; LRCX is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
$966.58Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
LRCX
Lam Research Corporation
$269.61TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — COST vs LRCX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCOST +11175.1%LRCX +45665.6%LRCX compounded faster
COST LRCX
COST vs LRCX: by the numbers
- •COST is the larger company ($428.66B vs $337.17B market cap).
- •COST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (47.87 vs 55.02 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •LRCX converts more revenue to profit (30.94% vs 3.01% net margin).
- •LRCX grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.31% vs 9.48% CAGR).
- •COST pays the higher dividend yield (0.56% vs 0.36%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | COST | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 47.87 | 55.02 |
| Forward P/E | 46.33 | 51.20 |
| P/S ratio | 1.44 | 16.91 |
| P/B ratio | 12.62 | 34.64 |
| PEG ratio | 5.23 | 0.54 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.89 | 46.59 |
| FCF yield | 2.08% | 1.76% |
Profitability
| Metric | COST | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 12.88% | 49.98% |
| Operating margin | 3.82% | 34.26% |
| Net margin | 3.01% | 30.94% |
| ROE | 26.38% | 63.38% |
| ROIC | 19.44% | 34.00% |
Dividends
| Metric | COST | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.56% | 0.36% |
| Payout ratio | 29.44% | 24.94% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | COST | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.48% | 10.31% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 15.04% | 21.72% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 4.95% | 19.28% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.31% | 37.60% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, COST or LRCX?
- COST has the lower trailing P/E: COST trades at 47.87 and LRCX at 55.02. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, COST or LRCX?
- Over the past five years, LRCX grew revenue faster — COST at a 9.48% CAGR versus LRCX at 10.31%.
- Does COST or LRCX pay a bigger dividend?
- COST yields 0.56% and LRCX yields 0.36% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is COST or LRCX more profitable?
- LRCX runs the higher net margin — COST at 3.01% versus LRCX at 30.94%.
- How have COST and LRCX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, COST delivered 20.06% and LRCX delivered 43.20% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Costco Wholesale P/E ratioLam Research P/E ratioCostco Wholesale dividend yieldLam Research dividend yieldCostco Wholesale ROELam Research ROECostco Wholesale operating marginLam Research operating marginCostco Wholesale revenue growthLam Research revenue growthCostco Wholesale free cash flowLam Research free cash flow
Costco Wholesale & Lam Research appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.