Applied Materials, Inc. vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Applied Materials, Inc. trades at $587.2 (market cap $478.36B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $273.91 (market cap $108.37B). The key difference: Applied Materials, Inc. is far larger — about 4.4× Howmet Aerospace Inc's market cap, and Applied Materials, Inc. pays the higher dividend (0.35%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMAT | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $478.36B | $108.37B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $723.00 | $283.23 |
52-Week Low | $156.25 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $477.39B | $110.62B |
Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 0.18% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Applied Materials (AMAT) trades at $602.50, up 2.35% recently, with strong technical support near $573 and resistance at $617. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals, including a 29.31% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, while benefiting from AI-driven semiconductor demand highlighted in recent CEO commentary (CNBC, 2026-05-28).
Outlook remains positive given analyst consensus of $644.33 price target and 76.9% buy ratings, though elevated P/E of 56.68 poses valuation risk. Key opportunities include AI infrastructure growth, while risks involve cyclical semiconductor demand and execution challenges in scaling operations.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $270.85, down 1.07% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and key support at $268. The company reported strong profitability with a 20.22% net margin and ROE of 33.98%, though Q1 2026 earnings missed expectations. Recent news highlights growth in commercial aerospace and defense sectors, with Q2 2026 results due August 6, 2026.
HWM's premium valuation (P/E 62.84) reflects growth optimism, but execution risks and earnings volatility pose challenges. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $317.29 price target, suggesting 17% upside. Investors should weigh robust cash flow and sector tailwinds against high multiples and macroeconomic sensitivity.
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 →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →