Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AMAT
Applied Materials Inc
$435.44
+6.04%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $325.89B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 7% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $28.21B). AMAT leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 14.5%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AMAT
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AMAT.
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit
Earnings expanding 75.2% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 15.9x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Revenue declined 2.1%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : AMAT
The primary concerns for AMAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMAT profiles as a declining stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — 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 56/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins. 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.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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