Arm Holdings vs Lam Research (ARM vs LRCX)
Arm Holdings (ARM) vs Lam Research (LRCX) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Arm Holdings (ARM) and Lam Research (LRCX) compete in semiconductors. Here are Arm Holdings and Lam Research side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Arm Holdings or Lam Research.
Arm Holdings vs Lam Research: the figures
| Figure | Arm Holdings | Lam Research |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $191.80 (November 4, 2026) | $221.43 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $204.8 billion | $277.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 197.7x | 33.0x |
| Forward P/E | 62.7x | 18.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +22.4% | +54.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 20.2% | 32.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | Net cash | Net cash |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.57% |
| Beta | 3.94 | 2.01 |
Arm Holdings and Lam Research figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Arm Holdings or Lam Research figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Arm Holdings and Lam Research
- Valuation: Arm Holdings trades at 197.7x its annual earnings and Lam Research at 33.0x; the market pays more for each dollar of Arm Holdings profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: Lam Research grew sales +54.4% year on year in its latest quarter, against +22.4% for Arm Holdings.
- Volatility: Arm Holdings stock moves more (beta 3.94) than Lam Research (beta 2.01); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Arm Holdings or Lam Research: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Lam Research is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Lam Research pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Arm Holdings has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Lam Research trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Arm Holdings nor Lam Research wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Arm Holdings and Lam Research make money
Arm Holdings (ARM)
Arm doesn't manufacture chips. It designs the processor architecture used in nearly every smartphone and a growing number of PCs, cars and data centers. It earns license fees for access to its designs and, mostly, royalties on every chip shipped by customers such as Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia and MediaTek. SoftBank is its controlling shareholder. Full Arm Holdings analysis.
Lam Research (LRCX)
Lam Research sells etch and deposition tools that memory and logic chipmakers use on their production lines. Revenue splits between new systems and its Customer Support Business Group, which earns money from spare parts, upgrades and field service on the installed base. China, Taiwan and South Korea are its biggest regions. Full Lam Research analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Arm Holdings vs Lam Research
Is Arm Holdings or Lam Research the better stock?
Choosing between Arm Holdings and Lam Research depends on what you are looking for. Lam Research is growing faster right now, and Lam Research trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Arm Holdings or Lam Research: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Arm Holdings or Lam Research?
As of November 4, 2026, Lam Research yields 0.57% and Arm Holdings pays none. Also check how much of their profit Arm Holdings and Lam Research pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Arm Holdings or Lam Research?
On P/E, Arm Holdings (197.7x) is more expensive than Lam Research (33.0x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Arm Holdings and Lam Research?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Arm Holdings and Lam Research, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Arm Holdings or Lam Research.
More comparisons with Arm Holdings or Lam Research
More companies like Arm Holdings and Lam Research: semiconductors stocks. Educational content about Arm Holdings and Lam Research, not investment advice.