Applied Materials, Inc. vs STMicroelectronics NV — how do they compare? Applied Materials, Inc. trades at $550.29 (market cap $417.31B), while STMicroelectronics NV trades at $56.19 (market cap $49.21B). The key difference: Applied Materials, Inc. is far larger — about 8.5× STMicroelectronics NV's market cap, and STMicroelectronics NV pays the higher dividend (0.65%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMAT | STM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $417.31B | $49.21B |
Sector | Technology | Financials |
52-Week High | $723.00 | $79.91 |
52-Week Low | $156.25 | $21.20 |
Enterprise Value | $416.34B | $47.21B |
Dividend Yield | 0.4% | 0.65% |
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.
STM trades at $54.35, down 3.12% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bearish moving averages. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.31, beating expectations, but faces declining revenue and net income margins. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $74.63 price target, supported by strong AI data center growth prospects highlighted in recent earnings calls (Zacks Investment Research, 2026-07-24).
Outlook is mixed; growth catalysts in AI and automotive sectors offer upside potential, but high P/E of 107.92 and recent earnings misses pose valuation and execution risks. Cash flow improved in 2025, yet profitability remains pressured. The stock's near-term direction hinges on Q3 2026 results and demand trends in key markets.
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 →A merger between Italian firm SGS Microelettronica and the nonmilitary business of Thomson Semiconductors in France formed STMicroelectronics in 1987. STMicro is a leader in a variety of semiconductor products, including analog chips, discrete power semiconductors, microcontrollers, and sensors. STMicro is an especially prominent chip supplier into the industrial and automotive industries.
Read more on STM →