Quick verdict: AMAT vs INTU in 2026

Intuit (INTU) appears to have an overall edge in this AMAT vs INTU stock comparison for 2026, leading in key growth and valuation metrics. Intuit boasts significantly stronger revenue growth and more attractive valuation ratios, making it the clear growth and value leader. Applied Materials (AMAT), however, demonstrates superior operational efficiency with higher net and EBITDA margins, establishing itself as the margin leader. While AMAT receives a slightly higher “Buy” percentage from analysts, suggesting it is the analyst favourite in terms of conviction, INTU offers substantially greater projected upside according to consensus price targets. This is not investment advice.

AMAT vs INTU: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of AMAT and INTU across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-04-30.

AMAT vs INTU valuation comparison

In the AMAT vs INTU valuation comparison, Intuit (INTU) presents a more attractive picture for value-oriented investors as of April 30, 2026. Applied Materials (AMAT) trades at a P/E ratio of 38.7x, which is considerably higher than Intuit’s P/E of 25.4x. This suggests that the market currently values AMAT’s earnings at a premium compared to INTU’s. Similarly, when looking at the price-to-book (P/B) ratio, AMAT’s 13.97x significantly surpasses INTU’s 5.78x, indicating that Intuit’s assets are valued more conservatively relative to its stock price.

Furthermore, a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis reveals a stark difference in perceived intrinsic value. AMAT shows a highly negative DCF upside of -196.4%, implying that its current stock price is dramatically overvalued by this model. In contrast, INTU’s DCF upside is a far more modest -5.4%, suggesting it is trading much closer to its estimated fair value. Based on these metrics, INTU appears to be the cheaper stock when considering AMAT vs INTU fundamentals and valuation, offering a more compelling entry point for investors focused on current financial multiples and intrinsic value estimates.

AMAT vs INTU growth comparison

When evaluating AMAT vs INTU on growth metrics, Intuit (INTU) clearly demonstrates stronger momentum. Intuit recorded an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of +15.6%, significantly outpacing Applied Materials (AMAT), which posted a revenue growth of +4.4%. This substantial difference highlights INTU’s ability to expand its top line at a much faster rate, reflecting strong demand for its software and services in the current market environment. This robust growth trajectory is often a key indicator for investors seeking companies with expanding market share and increasing relevance, and a critical factor in any amat vs intu stock comparison 2026.

AMAT, while still growing its revenue, is doing so at a more moderate pace, typical for a mature leader in the semiconductor equipment industry. The operational efficiency shown by AMAT’s strong margins, though primarily a profitability metric, indicates it extracts considerable profit from its current revenue base. However, for investors primarily focused on aggressive top-line expansion and market penetration, Intuit’s double-digit revenue growth makes it the more dynamic choice. The divergence in growth rates indicates differing stages of market maturity or varying levels of demand resilience within their respective sectors, with INTU showing stronger forward momentum.

AMAT vs INTU profitability

In terms of profitability, Applied Materials (AMAT) and Intuit (INTU) present a mixed picture. AMAT demonstrates superior net and EBITDA margins, with a net margin of 27.78% and an EBITDA margin of 35.04%. These figures indicate AMAT’s strong ability to convert revenue into profit after operational expenses. Its gross margin of 48.72% also contributes to this efficiency, though INTU boasts an even higher gross margin, reflecting the nature of its software business.

Intuit (INTU), while having a lower net margin of 21.57% and an EBITDA margin of 32.71% than AMAT, shines in its gross margin at 81.23%, reflecting a strong underlying business model with high value-add. Furthermore, INTU exhibits a superior Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 6.22% compared to AMAT’s 2.04%. This higher FCF yield suggests that INTU is more effective at generating cash relative to its market capitalization. Both companies report N/A% for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on this metric. Overall, while AMAT demonstrates stronger bottom-line efficiency in net and EBITDA, INTU’s high gross margin and robust FCF generation indicate a healthy and cash-generative business in this amat vs intu profitability comparison.

Analyst ratings: AMAT vs INTU

When considering analyst ratings for AMAT vs INTU, both companies receive a consensus “Buy” rating, indicating general optimism from the analyst community. Applied Materials (AMAT) garners a higher percentage of “Buy” recommendations, with 79.3% of 53 analysts endorsing the stock. Their consensus price target for AMAT is $426.39, implying a projected upside of +11.4% from its current price of $382.59. This suggests a solid, albeit moderate, confidence in AMAT’s near-term performance.

Intuit (INTU), while having a slightly lower “Buy” percentage at 74.4% from 43 analysts, offers a significantly more compelling upside according to their collective price target. Analysts project INTU to reach $666.75, representing a substantial +68.8% upside from its current price of $395.08. This suggests that while fewer analysts might have a “Buy” rating, those who do see a much greater potential for capital appreciation. Therefore, while AMAT is slightly more favored by the sheer percentage of “Buy” ratings, INTU is perceived to have considerably more growth potential in its stock price, making it the more attractive option for those seeking higher returns based on analyst forecasts in this amat vs intu stock comparison 2026.

Should I buy AMAT or INTU stock in 2026?

Deciding whether to buy AMAT or INTU stock in 2026 depends heavily on your investment strategy and risk tolerance. For growth-oriented investors, Intuit (INTU) appears to be the more compelling option. INTU demonstrates significantly higher revenue growth at +15.6% year-over-year compared to AMAT’s +4.4%. This stronger top-line expansion, coupled with a consensus analyst price target implying a substantial +68.8% upside (versus AMAT’s +11.4%), suggests that INTU has greater momentum and potential for capital appreciation. This is not investment advice.

Value investors seeking more attractive entry points might also lean towards Intuit. INTU trades at a P/E ratio of 25.4x and a P/B ratio of 5.78x, both considerably lower than AMAT’s 38.7x P/E and 13.97x P/B. Furthermore, INTU’s DCF analysis shows a more contained downside of -5.4% compared to AMAT’s daunting -196.4%. These metrics collectively indicate that Intuit’s stock is currently valued more conservatively, offering a potentially safer investment from a valuation perspective in your amat vs intu fundamentals and valuation analysis. This is not investment advice.

For income-focused investors, neither AMAT nor INTU are particularly strong candidates, as both have minimal dividend yields. AMAT currently offers a 0.0% dividend yield, while INTU offers a token 0.01%. Therefore, if generating regular income from dividends is a primary investment goal, you might need to consider other options beyond these two technology stocks. However, if forced to choose based on income, INTU technically offers a yield, however small. Always remember to conduct your own due diligence before making any investment decisions; this is not investment advice.

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