Applied Materials, Inc. vs Ralph Lauren Corp — how do they compare? Applied Materials, Inc. trades at $551.35 (market cap $417.31B), while Ralph Lauren Corp trades at $400.85 (market cap $23.70B). The key difference: Applied Materials, Inc. is far larger — about 17.6× Ralph Lauren Corp's market cap, and Ralph Lauren Corp pays the higher dividend (0.94%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMAT | RL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $417.31B | $23.70B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $723.00 | $414.25 |
52-Week Low | $156.25 | $285.35 |
Enterprise Value | $416.34B | $24.76B |
Dividend Yield | 0.4% | 0.94% |
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.
Ralph Lauren (RL) trades at $406.89, up 2.87% today, reflecting strong momentum after consecutive earnings beats. The stock shows bullish technical signals with support near $396 and resistance at $413. Fundamentals are robust, with Q2 2026 EPS of $4.59 beating estimates, revenue growth to $7.08B in 2025, and high profitability margins. Analyst sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 66% recommending Buy and a consensus price target of $456.50.
The outlook remains favorable due to brand strength and margin expansion, but risks include economic sensitivity and high valuation multiples. Near-term catalysts hinge on Q3 2026 earnings due soon. The stock's proximity to its 52-week high suggests cautious entry points may be optimal.
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 →Founded by designer Ralph Lauren in 1967, Ralph Lauren Corp. designs, markets, and distributes lifestyle products in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its products include apparel, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, leather goods, home products, and fragrances. The company's brands include Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Double RL. Distribution channels for Ralph Lauren include wholesale (including department stores and specialty stores), retail (including company-owned retail stores and e-commerce), and licensing.
Read more on RL →