Lam Research Corporation vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Lam Research Corporation trades at $326.5 (market cap $389.67B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $226.5 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: Lam Research Corporation is far larger — about 4.3× Waste Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LRCX | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $389.67B | $90.68B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $433.33 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $97.03 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $387.83B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Lam Research (LRCX) trades at $326.02, up 6.4% in 24 hours, with a bullish technical signal and strong earnings beats. The stock shows robust fundamentals with a 29.06% net income margin and 65.07% ROE in 2025, supported by positive analyst sentiment and expansion into panel-level packaging. Recent news highlights AI-driven semiconductor demand as a key growth catalyst.
Outlook remains positive given consensus price target of $397.18 and 78% buy ratings, though high P/E of 54.06 and competitive pressures from new entrants like SpaceX's Terrafab pose risks. Revenue growth to $23.2B in 2026 suggests sustained momentum, but investors should monitor execution amid industry volatility.
WM trades at $226.19, down 0.18% today, with a neutral technical signal and strong fundamentals. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates at $2.02 per share, driven by pricing discipline and margin gains. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $25.20 billion, though net income margin dipped to 10.74%. The stock shows a bullish analyst consensus with a $263.43 price target, supported by 20 buy ratings and no sell recommendations. Institutional activity includes mixed trades, such as Bank of America reducing holdings by 6.1% in Q1 2026 (SEC filing, 2026-08-01).
Outlook remains positive due to consistent earnings beats and operational efficiency, but risks include high valuation ratios like a P/E of 59.74 and rising debt levels, with total liabilities at $36.31 billion in 2024. Investors should weigh growth potential against margin pressures and macroeconomic headwinds affecting waste volumes.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Lam Research manufactures equipment used to fabricate semiconductors. The firm is focused on the etching, deposition, and clean markets, which are key steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process, especially for 3D NAND flash storage, advanced DRAM, and leading-edge logic/foundry chipmakers. Lam's flagship Kiyo, Vector, and Sabre products are sold in all major geographies to key customers such as Samsung Electronics, Micron, Intel, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more on LRCX →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →