Micron Technology (MU) Competitors

Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) and Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) are both large-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, media sentiment, risk, dividends and valuation.

Does the media refer more to MU or AMAT?

In the previous week, Micron Technology had 9 more articles in the media than Applied Materials. MarketBeat recorded 63 mentions for Micron Technology and 54 mentions for Applied Materials. Applied Materials' average media sentiment score of 1.53 beat Micron Technology's score of 1.10 indicating that Applied Materials is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company	Very Positive	Positive	Neutral	Negative	Very Negative	Overall Sentiment
Micron Technology	40 Very Positive mention(s)	5 Positive mention(s)	17 Neutral mention(s)	1 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Positive
Applied Materials	49 Very Positive mention(s)	1 Positive mention(s)	4 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Very Positive

Is MU or AMAT more profitable?

Applied Materials has a net margin of 24.06% compared to Micron Technology's net margin of 18.41%. Applied Materials' return on equity of 40.15% beat Micron Technology's return on equity.

Company	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Micron Technology	18.41%	13.60%	8.90%
Applied Materials	24.06%	40.15%	22.42%

Which has more risk & volatility, MU or AMAT?

Micron Technology has a beta of 1.37, meaning that its stock price is 37% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Applied Materials has a beta of 1.7, meaning that its stock price is 70% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Which has preferable valuation and earnings, MU or AMAT?

Applied Materials has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Micron Technology. Micron Technology is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Applied Materials, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Company	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Micron Technology	$33.81B	3.47	$778M	$5.55	18.90
Applied Materials	$27.18B	5.32	$7.18B	$8.22	21.90

Do insiders & institutionals have more ownership in MU or AMAT?

80.8% of Micron Technology shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 80.6% of Applied Materials shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Micron Technology shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.2% of Applied Materials shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Is MU or AMAT a better dividend stock?

Micron Technology pays an annual dividend of $0.46 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Applied Materials pays an annual dividend of $1.84 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Micron Technology pays out 8.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Applied Materials pays out 22.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Applied Materials has raised its dividend for 8 consecutive years. Applied Materials is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Do analysts rate MU or AMAT?

Micron Technology presently has a consensus price target of $146.44, suggesting a potential upside of 39.63%. Applied Materials has a consensus price target of $205.17, suggesting a potential upside of 13.99%. Given Micron Technology's stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Micron Technology is more favorable than Applied Materials.

Company	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Micron Technology	1 Sell rating(s)	5 Hold rating(s)	19 Buy rating(s)	1 Strong Buy rating(s)	2.77
Applied Materials	0 Sell rating(s)	8 Hold rating(s)	17 Buy rating(s)	0 Strong Buy rating(s)	2.68

Summary

Applied Materials beats Micron Technology on 11 of the 20 factors compared between the two stocks.