Applied Materials vs. Broadcom: Which Tech Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

As the demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to accelerate, investors often weigh the merits of equipment providers against those of chip designers. Choosing between Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) and Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) requires a close look at two very different roles in the global supply chain.

Applied Materials provides the essential tools used to fabricate advanced chips, while Broadcom designs specialized silicon and infrastructure software. They are being compared because both are vital players in the artificial intelligence build-out, though they operate at different stages of the production cycle. This comparison evaluates their financial health and market positioning.

The case for Applied Materials

Applied Materials sells the complex machinery that other companies use to build chips, serving major foundries and memory makers. The expansion of global data centers has kept semiconductor stocks at the center of many growth-focused portfolios. Applied Materials maintains a highly concentrated customer base, with two customers accounting for approximately 19% and 15% of net revenue in fiscal 2025. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, though it includes a deep partnership with Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) on next-generation manufacturing.

In fiscal 2025, revenue reached nearly $28.4 billion, an increase of 4.4% over the prior year. Net income was roughly $7 billion, which resulted in a net margin of close to 24.7%. This performance highlights the company's steady financial position in its latest annual report, filed for the period ending in late 2025.

As of its October 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 0.3. The current ratio, which indicates the ability to pay short-term debts with short-term assets, was nearly 2.6. Free cash flow, which is cash flow from operations minus capital expenditures, was approximately $5.7 billion for the fiscal period.

The case for Broadcom

Broadcom provides a mix of specialized chips and infrastructure software. Its chips are essential for cloud data centers and high-end smartphones, while its software segment offers cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure. The company maintains major agreements including a $200 billion memorandum of understanding with Samsung and a $30 billion chip commitment with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL).

In fiscal 2025, revenue grew by about 23.9% to nearly $63.9 billion. The company reported net income of approximately $23.1 billion for the year, resulting in a net margin of roughly 36.2%. This was a significant increase in profitability compared to the net income reported in the prior year.

As of its November 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 0.8, while its current ratio was nearly 1.7. Free cash flow reached roughly $26.9 billion for the year. Note that stock-based compensation accounted for roughly 27.5% of operating cash flow, inflating reported cash generation, since SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.

Risk profile comparison

Applied Materials faces volatility inherent in the semiconductor industry and heavy geographic concentration. Nearly 89% of its revenue comes from outside the United States, making it sensitive to international trade shifts. Complex export controls, particularly regarding sales to China, remain a persistent challenge for the equipment maker. The company also paid a $252 million settlement in 2026 for export violations involving Semiconductor Manufacturing International.

Broadcom carries substantial indebtedness, which totaled nearly $67.12 billion as of late 2025. Its customer base is also highly concentrated, with a notable reliance on Alphabet for certain revenue streams. The company is navigating intense regulatory scrutiny, including antitrust challenges in the EU related to its VMware operations. Integration risks from large acquisitions and a legal dispute with AT&T (NYSE:T) also factor into its risk profile.

Valuation comparison

Broadcom is cheaper by forward P/E, which tracks future earnings estimates, while Applied Materials leads on P/S ratio, which measures market cap against 12-month sales.

Valuation metrics include sourcing from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Which stock would I buy in 2026?

Broadcom looks kind of expensive to me here. Applied Materials seems relatively boring; 4.4% growth isn't anything to write home about, but I think the valuation reflects that. On the other hand, Broadcom stock has outperformed Applied Materials by over 400 percentage points over the past 10 years, so its elevated valuation may also be justified.

On the other, other hand, smart investors know past performance is no indication of future results, and as a naturally conservative investor, I look at these companies' vastly different market caps and wonder which has the room for more growth. My guess is Applied Materials isn't going to knock your socks off, but it's outpaced the S&P 500 handily over the past 10 years. Furthermore, Broadcom seems closer to a ceiling than Applied Materials; the law of large numbers will make it harder for the former to keep posting those impressive revenue growth rates. I prefer Applied Materials.

Erin Kennedy has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Applied Materials, Broadcom, and Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.