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 "url": "https://clearank.com/compare/amat-vs-lrcx/",
 "dataUrl": "https://clearank.com/compare/amat-vs-lrcx/data.json",
 "title": "AMAT vs LRCX: Which Is the Better Buy? (2026)",
 "description": "AMAT or LRCX? Compare AMAT vs LRCX, daily AI-powered analysis with technical indicators, price targets, valuation, and a head-to-head verdict.",
 "headline": "Applied Materials vs Lam Research",
 "published": "2026-06-16T09:20:32+00:00",
 "modified": "2026-09-26T18:11:06.198+00:00",
 "generated": "2026-09-27T13:24:05.694Z",
 "language": "en-US",
 "publisher": {
  "name": "CleaRank",
  "url": "https://clearank.com/"
 },
 "disclaimer": "Educational and informational only; not financial advice. AI-generated analysis reviewed by the CleaRank editorial team; prices delayed up to 15 minutes.",
 "assets": [
  {
   "ticker": "AMAT",
   "dataUrl": "https://clearank.com/stock/applied-materials-amat/data.json"
  },
  {
   "ticker": "LRCX",
   "dataUrl": "https://clearank.com/stock/lam-research-lrcx/data.json"
  }
 ],
 "sections": [
  {
   "id": "verdict",
   "title": "Comparative Analysis",
   "text": [
    "LRCX wins this head-to-head comparison due to its superior profitability and stronger recent earnings performance, despite AMAT showing more aggressive revenue growth. LRCX's higher net profit margin and return on equity suggest better operational efficiency and value generation from shareholder investments. While AMAT's revenue growth is impressive, LRCX's ability to convert revenue into profit and its consistent positive earnings surprises give it the edge. LRCX also holds a higher median analyst target price relative to its current price, indicating greater upside potential according to Wall Street. Both companies operate in the semiconductor equipment sector, benefiting from strong secular trends in AI and advanced computing, but LRCX's current financial health and analyst sentiment favor it as the preferred investment at this time.",
    "LRCX's superior profitability, evidenced by higher net profit margins and returns on equity and assets, is the key differentiator. While AMAT shows strong revenue growth and a higher median analyst target, LRCX's ability to convert sales into profit more effectively and generate higher returns for shareholders makes it a more fundamentally sound investment at this juncture. The strong positive price reaction to LRCX's recent earnings beat further confirms its current market favorability.",
    "The semiconductor equipment sector is expected to remain strong, driven by demand for AI, high-performance computing, and advanced manufacturing processes. Both AMAT and LRCX are well-positioned to benefit from these trends. For LRCX, continued strong execution on profitability and earnings could see its stock price appreciate towards its median analyst target, especially if the industry cycle remains strong. AMAT, with its higher revenue growth and significant analyst upside potential, could outperform if it can translate its growth into more consistent positive earnings reactions and maintain its valuation premium. A potential scenario for LRCX involves continued margin expansion and market share gains, while for AMAT, a scenario of accelerated demand and successful new product introductions could drive its stock higher."
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "price",
   "title": "Price Analysis Comparison"
  },
  {
   "id": "valuation",
   "title": "Valuation Metrics",
   "text": [
    "AMAT trades at a P/E ratio of 40.89, while LRCX has a higher P/E of 53.51. This suggests that LRCX is currently valued at a premium compared to AMAT, potentially pricing in its stronger profitability. However, AMAT's price is trading below its 50-day simple moving average ($490.25) and is closer to its 52-week low ($196.20) than its high ($739.67), indicating some recent technical weakness. LRCX's price is also below its 50-day SMA ($304.58) but is trading significantly above its 52-week low ($125.02) and is closer to its 52-week high ($438.5) than AMAT is to its own high. The median analyst target for AMAT is $650, offering approximately 34% upside from its current price, while LRCX's median target of $380 suggests about 20.5% upside. Despite the higher P/E, LRCX's stronger fundamentals and analyst sentiment may justify its premium valuation."
   ],
   "tables": [
    {
     "caption": "Valuation Metrics: AMAT vs LRCX",
     "columns": [
      "Metric",
      "AMAT",
      "LRCX"
     ],
     "rows": [
      {
       "label": "P/E Ratio",
       "cells": [
        "40.89",
        "53.51"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Market Cap",
       "cells": [
        "384.89B",
        "394.43B"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Price/Sales",
       "cells": [
        "12.17",
        "16.54"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Price/Book",
       "cells": [
        "14.65",
        "30.82"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "EV/EBITDA",
       "cells": [
        "36.89",
        "44.31"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Dividend Yield",
       "cells": [
        "0.42%",
        "0.35%"
       ]
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "profitability",
   "title": "Profitability & Efficiency",
   "text": [
    "LRCX exhibits superior profitability metrics compared to AMAT. LRCX boasts a net profit margin of 31.27% and a return on equity of 65.07%, both significantly higher than AMAT's 30.05% net profit margin and 41.07% return on equity. LRCX also has a higher return on assets at 22.84% compared to AMAT's 15.48%. These figures indicate that LRCX is more efficient at converting revenue into profit and generates a greater return from its assets and shareholder equity. This stronger profitability profile is a key differentiator for LRCX."
   ],
   "tables": [
    {
     "caption": "Profitability & Efficiency: AMAT vs LRCX",
     "columns": [
      "Metric",
      "AMAT",
      "LRCX"
     ],
     "rows": [
      {
       "label": "Rev. Growth (Qtly)",
       "cells": [
        "24.80%",
        "30.00%"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Profit Margin",
       "cells": [
        "30.05%",
        "31.27%"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Return on Equity",
       "cells": [
        "41.07%",
        "65.07%"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Return on Assets",
       "cells": [
        "15.48%",
        "22.84%"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Debt/Equity",
       "cells": [
        "28.67",
        "33.05"
       ]
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "earnings",
   "title": "Earnings Reality Check",
   "text": [
    "Last 5 Qs: AMAT beat estimates 5x out of 5. Fell 3x after beats. (Sell the news?)",
    "Last 4 Qs: LRCX beat estimates 3x out of 4. Rose 2x after beats."
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "technicals",
   "title": "Technical Indicators",
   "text": [
    "Both AMAT and LRCX are showing signs of technical consolidation after recent price movements. AMAT's RSI is at 60.07, indicating solid momentum but not yet overbought territory, while its CCI is at 108.03, suggesting strong buying pressure. However, AMAT's MACD is negative (-6.28), signaling a bearish short-term trend, and its Stochastic is high at 96.48, indicating it is in overbought conditions. LRCX's RSI is at 53.2, showing neutral momentum, and its CCI is at 80.19, indicating positive but less intense buying pressure than AMAT. LRCX's MACD is also negative (-1.42), but its Stochastic is at 87.68, also indicating overbought conditions. Both stocks are trading below their 50-day SMAs, suggesting short-term headwinds, but AMAT is trading above its 200-day SMA ($421.42) while LRCX is also above its 200-day SMA ($270.93). AMAT's price is closer to its 52-week high than LRCX, but LRCX's recent earnings reaction suggests underlying strength."
   ],
   "tables": [
    {
     "caption": "Technical indicators: AMAT vs LRCX",
     "columns": [
      "Indicator",
      "AMAT",
      "LRCX"
     ],
     "rows": [
      {
       "label": "RSI (14)",
       "cells": [
        "60.07",
        "53.20"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "50-Day MA",
       "cells": [
        "$490.25",
        "$304.58"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "200-Day MA",
       "cells": [
        "$421.42",
        "$270.93"
       ]
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "sentiment",
   "title": "AI Analyst Sentiment",
   "text": [
    "Analyst sentiment favors LRCX, with a median target price of $380 suggesting approximately 20.5% upside from its current price, compared to AMAT's median target of $650, implying about 34% upside. However, the analyst rating distribution shows a more concentrated 'Strong Buy' and 'Buy' consensus for AMAT (33 out of 39 analysts) versus LRCX (29 out of 35 analysts). Despite AMAT having a higher median target, the significant positive price reaction to LRCX's last earnings beat suggests strong underlying investor conviction. AMAT's recent negative price reaction to its earnings beat might indicate some investor skepticism or profit-taking despite the bullish analyst outlook."
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "risk",
   "title": "Risk Stratification",
   "text": [
    "For AMAT, a key risk is its current valuation, with a P/E of over 40, which could be vulnerable to a market correction or a slowdown in the semiconductor equipment cycle. Its recent negative reaction to earnings, despite beating estimates, suggests that market expectations may be very high and difficult to consistently meet. Competition within the semiconductor equipment space is intense, and any disruption to its supply chain or technological innovation could impact future growth. For LRCX, the primary risk is its higher P/E ratio of 53.51, making it more susceptible to valuation compression if growth expectations are not met. While its profitability is strong, a significant downturn in the semiconductor industry or increased competition could pressure its margins. The dependence on capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers means that macroeconomic headwinds could slow demand for its equipment."
   ],
   "tables": [
    {
     "caption": "Risk metrics: AMAT vs LRCX",
     "columns": [
      "Metric",
      "AMAT",
      "LRCX"
     ],
     "rows": [
      {
       "label": "Beta (Volatility) i",
       "cells": [
        "1.60",
        "1.86"
       ]
      },
      {
       "label": "Sharpe Ratio",
       "cells": [
        "0.87",
        "1.17"
       ]
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "protips",
   "title": "Comparative ProTips",
   "lists": {
    "ProTips": [
     "Consider LRCX for its superior profitability and operational efficiency, which may offer more resilience in market downturns.",
     "Monitor AMAT's ability to consistently meet high growth expectations, as its valuation is heavily dependent on continued strong performance.",
     "Given the strong analyst sentiment for both, consider a diversified approach or focus on the asset with the most compelling risk-reward based on your investment horizon."
    ]
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "monte-carlo",
   "title": "Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)"
  },
  {
   "id": "trade-plans",
   "title": "Actionable Trade Plans",
   "text": [
    "Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets",
    "Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels."
   ],
   "facts": {
    "STOP LOSS": "$290.47"
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "faq",
   "title": "Frequently Asked Questions"
  },
  {
   "id": "people-also-watch",
   "title": "People Also Watch",
   "links": [
    {
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    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "faq": [
  {
   "question": "Which is a better buy, AMAT or LRCX?+",
   "answer": "LRCX is the preferred buy due to its superior profitability margins and stronger recent earnings performance, despite AMAT having a higher median analyst target. LRCX's operational efficiency and market reception to its earnings provide a more compelling investment case."
  },
  {
   "question": "What are the key risks for AMAT vs LRCX?+",
   "answer": "AMAT faces risks from its high valuation and recent negative earnings reaction, while LRCX's main risk is its even higher P/E ratio and potential vulnerability to semiconductor industry downturns."
  },
  {
   "question": "What is the outlook for AMAT and LRCX?+",
   "answer": "Both companies are expected to benefit from strong secular trends in AI and advanced computing. However, LRCX's current profitability and earnings momentum suggest a potentially stronger near-term outlook, while AMAT's higher upside potential from analyst targets could materialize if growth accelerates."
  },
  {
   "question": "How do their valuations compare?+",
   "answer": "AMAT trades at a lower P/E ratio (40.89) than LRCX (53.51), suggesting AMAT is cheaper on a P/E basis. However, LRCX's premium valuation may be justified by its stronger profitability."
  },
  {
   "question": "What are the dividend yields for AMAT and LRCX?+",
   "answer": "AMAT offers a dividend yield of approximately 0.42%, while LRCX provides a yield of about 0.35%. Both yields are relatively modest."
  },
  {
   "question": "How has recent earnings performance differed between AMAT and LRCX?+",
   "answer": "LRCX has shown more consistent positive earnings surprises and strong positive price reactions, notably beating estimates by 8.33% in its latest quarter. AMAT had a mixed recent performance, with a beat in its latest quarter but a negative price reaction."
  }
 ],
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       }
      ],
      "description": "AI-driven analysis of Lam Research Corp. (LRCX) - price targets, valuation, technicals.",
      "url": "https://clearank.com/stock/lam-research-lrcx/"
     }
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "@context": "https://schema.org",
   "@type": "FAQPage",
   "mainEntity": [
    {
     "@type": "Question",
     "name": "Which is a better buy, AMAT or LRCX?",
     "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "LRCX is the preferred buy due to its superior profitability margins and stronger recent earnings performance, despite AMAT having a higher median analyst target. LRCX's operational efficiency and market reception to its earnings provide a more compelling investment case."
     }
    },
    {
     "@type": "Question",
     "name": "What are the key risks for AMAT vs LRCX?",
     "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "AMAT faces risks from its high valuation and recent negative earnings reaction, while LRCX's main risk is its even higher P/E ratio and potential vulnerability to semiconductor industry downturns."
     }
    },
    {
     "@type": "Question",
     "name": "What is the outlook for AMAT and LRCX?",
     "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "Both companies are expected to benefit from strong secular trends in AI and advanced computing. However, LRCX's current profitability and earnings momentum suggest a potentially stronger near-term outlook, while AMAT's higher upside potential from analyst targets could materialize if growth accelerates."
     }
    },
    {
     "@type": "Question",
     "name": "How do their valuations compare?",
     "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "AMAT trades at a lower P/E ratio (40.89) than LRCX (53.51), suggesting AMAT is cheaper on a P/E basis. However, LRCX's premium valuation may be justified by its stronger profitability."
     }
    },
    {
     "@type": "Question",
     "name": "What are the dividend yields for AMAT and LRCX?",
     "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "AMAT offers a dividend yield of approximately 0.42%, while LRCX provides a yield of about 0.35%. Both yields are relatively modest."
     }
    },
    {
     "@type": "Question",
     "name": "How has recent earnings performance differed between AMAT and LRCX?",
     "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "LRCX has shown more consistent positive earnings surprises and strong positive price reactions, notably beating estimates by 8.33% in its latest quarter. AMAT had a mixed recent performance, with a beat in its latest quarter but a negative price reaction."
     }
    }
   ]
  }
 ]
}