Applied Materials, Inc. vs BHP Billiton Limited — how do they compare? Applied Materials, Inc. trades at $549.02 (market cap $417.31B), while BHP Billiton Limited trades at $91.39 (market cap $229.15B). The key difference: Applied Materials, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and BHP Billiton Limited pays the higher dividend (2.95%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMAT | BHP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $417.31B | $229.15B |
Sector | Technology | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $723.00 | $93.15 |
52-Week Low | $156.25 | $52.14 |
Enterprise Value | $416.34B | $243.35B |
Dividend Yield | 0.4% | 2.95% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Applied Materials (AMAT) trades at $522.12, down 3.16% on the day, amid a neutral technical signal with support at $510 and resistance at $546. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $2.86 surpassing the $2.68 forecast. Strong profitability is evident with a net margin of 29.31% and ROE of 39.69%, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 49.45 are elevated. Recent news highlights robust AI-driven demand in semiconductor equipment, with CEO Gary Dickerson calling it the industry's strongest period ever (CNBC, 2026-05-28).
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus with a $662.82 price target and 76.9% buy ratings, but risks include high valuation sensitivity and cyclical semiconductor capital spending. Revenue growth to $29.0B in 2026 with a projected 29.31% net margin supports upside, though investors should monitor competitive pressures and macroeconomic impacts on tech spending.
BHP trades at $90.61, up 0.22% with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company reported mixed Q4 2025 earnings, missing EPS estimates but maintaining strong profitability with 18.97% net margins. Recent operational challenges include strikes at Port Hedland iron ore operations, while copper production declines in Chile. Valuation metrics show a P/E of 22.36 and P/B of 4.54, reflecting premium pricing relative to historical levels.
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with analyst consensus leaning hold (64.52%) amid labor disputes and production volatility. Key opportunities include exposure to AI-driven copper demand growth, while risks center on strike impacts and fluctuating commodity prices. The stock's current technical strength faces fundamental headwinds from operational disruptions.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Applied Materials is the world's largest supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, providing materials engineering solutions to help make nearly every chip in the world. The firm's systems are used in nearly every major process step with the exception of lithography. Key tools include those for chemical and physical vapor deposition, etching, chemical mechanical polishing, wafer- and reticle-inspection, critical dimension measurement, and defect-inspection scanning electron microscopes.
Read more on AMAT →BHP Group Limited operates as a mining company. The Company engages in the exploration, development, production, and processing of iron ore, metallurgical coal, and copper. BHP Group serves customers worldwide.
Read more on BHP →