Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
AMAT
Applied Materials Inc
$456.49
+0.55%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $362.27B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$330.65
-2.32%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $270.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Applied Materials Inc generates 169% more annual revenue ($30.84B vs $11.48B). AMAT leads profitability with a 30.0% profit margin vs 2.7%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
AMAT
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
PANW
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AMAT.
Margin of Safety
+34.1%
Fair Value
$501.81
Current Price
$330.65
$171.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 14.1x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.8x book value
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
2.7% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AMAT
The primary concerns for AMAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 295.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMAT profiles as a growth stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — 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 51/100), backed by strong 30.0% margins and 24.8% revenue growth. PANW offers better value entry with a 34.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
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 →Palo Alto Networks Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
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