WallStSmart

Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Applied Materials Inc generates 3172% more annual revenue ($28.21B vs $862.22M). AMAT leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 15.8%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AMAT

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.5Value: 9.3Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.98

PLAB

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 6.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AMATUndervalued (+19.1%)

Margin of Safety

+19.1%

Fair Value

$456.30

Current Price

$369.34

$86.96 discount

UndervaluedFair: $456.30Overvalued
PLABUndervalued (+22.0%)

Margin of Safety

+22.0%

Fair Value

$48.86

Current Price

$43.26

$5.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $48.86Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AMAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$293.11B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
38.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
75.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 75.2% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Profit MarginProfitability
27.8%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
29.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%

PLAB5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.5810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.4%

Areas to Watch

AMAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
13.5x4/10

Trading at 13.5x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.1%2/10

Revenue declined 2.1%

PLAB2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.642/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AMAT

The strongest argument for AMAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 29.9%.

Bull Case : PLAB

The strongest argument for PLAB centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 24.4%.

Bear Case : AMAT

The primary concerns for AMAT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : PLAB

The primary concerns for PLAB are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AMAT profiles as a declining stock while PLAB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

PLAB is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.

AMAT generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AMAT scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins. PLAB offers better value entry with a 22.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Applied Materials Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Applied Materials, Inc. is an American corporation that supplies equipment, services and software for the manufacture of semiconductor (integrated circuit) chips for electronics, flat panel displays for computers, smartphones and televisions, and solar products. The company also supplies equipment to produce coatings for flexible electronics, packaging and other applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.

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Photronics Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.

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