Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

A side-by-side comparison of Lam Research Corporation and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnLRCX vs QCOM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LRCX +3486.4% (+43.0%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)LRCX compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$3,586$367
LRCX QCOM

LRCX vs QCOM: by the numbers

  • LRCX is the larger company ($372.94B vs $191.07B market cap).
  • QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 51.77 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LRCX converts more revenue to profit (31.27% vs 21.01% net margin).
  • LRCX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.25% vs 6.23% CAGR).
  • QCOM pays the higher dividend yield (2.05% vs 0.35%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLRCXQCOM
P/E ratio51.7720.77
Forward P/E31.4317.26
P/S ratio16.054.34
P/B ratio29.916.91
EV / EBITDA42.9917.11
FCF yield1.21%5.45%

Profitability

MetricLRCXQCOM
Gross margin50.47%54.23%
Operating margin35.29%23.19%
Net margin31.27%21.01%
ROE58.26%33.48%
ROIC40.77%17.42%

Dividends

MetricLRCXQCOM
Dividend yield0.35%2.05%
Payout ratio18.06%41.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLRCXQCOM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.25%6.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)16.30%2.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)12.22%2.09%
Total return CAGR (5Y)39.31%6.80%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LRCX or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: LRCX trades at 51.77 and QCOM at 20.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LRCX or QCOM?
Over the past five years, LRCX grew revenue faster — LRCX at a 11.25% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
Does LRCX or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
LRCX yields 0.35% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LRCX or QCOM more profitable?
LRCX runs the higher net margin — LRCX at 31.27% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
How have LRCX and QCOM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LRCX delivered 43.62% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 September 11, 2026.