Applied Materials, Inc. vs Novartis AG — how do they compare? Applied Materials, Inc. trades at $548.91 (market cap $417.31B), while Novartis AG trades at $153.03 (market cap $295.37B). The key difference: Applied Materials, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Novartis AG pays the higher dividend (3.07%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMAT | NVS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $417.31B | $295.37B |
Sector | Technology | Health |
52-Week High | $723.00 | $168.62 |
52-Week Low | $156.25 | $119.31 |
Enterprise Value | $416.34B | $336.69B |
Dividend Yield | 0.4% | 3.07% |
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.
Novartis AG (NVS) trades at $156.79, up 0.29% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and recent Q2 2026 earnings beating estimates. Strong profitability is evident with a 74.74% gross margin and 22.5% net margin, while revenue grew to $56.67B in 2025. The stock faces resistance near $157, with support at $156.
The outlook is positive due to robust drug pipeline progress and reaffirmed 2026 guidance, though risks include generic competition for Entresto and pricing pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 24% buy ratings, but institutional buying activity supports confidence in long-term growth.
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 →Novartis develops and manufactures healthcare products through two segments: Innovative Medicines and Sandoz. It generates the vast majority of its revenue from Innovative Medicines segment consisting global business franchises in oncology, ophthalmology, neuroscience, immunology, respiratory, cardio-metabolic, and established medicines. The company sells its products globally, with the United States representing close to one third of total revenue.
Read more on NVS →