WallStSmart

Axcelis Technologies Inc (ACLS)vsApplied Materials Inc (AMAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Applied Materials Inc generates 3461% more annual revenue ($30.84B vs $866.07M). AMAT leads profitability with a 30.0% profit margin vs 10.7%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

ACLS

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.04

AMAT

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.98

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACLS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

AMAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$362.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

ACLS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-23.5%2/10

Earnings declined 23.5%

AMAT2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
14.1x4/10

Trading at 14.1x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACLS

The strongest argument for ACLS centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : AMAT

The strongest argument for AMAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 33.7%. Revenue growth of 24.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACLS

The primary concerns for ACLS are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : AMAT

The primary concerns for AMAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACLS profiles as a value stock while AMAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ACLS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.86 — expect wider price swings.

AMAT is growing revenue faster at 24.8% — sustainability is the question.

AMAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AMAT scores higher overall (78/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 30.0% margins and 24.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Axcelis Technologies Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures and services the ion implantation and other processing equipment used in the manufacture of semiconductor chips in the United States, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Applied Materials Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Applied Materials, Inc. is an American corporation that supplies equipment, services and software for the manufacture of semiconductor (integrated circuit) chips for electronics, flat panel displays for computers, smartphones and televisions, and solar products. The company also supplies equipment to produce coatings for flexible electronics, packaging and other applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?