Reviewed by Jacob Bakshi, Senior Market Strategist. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
Comparative Analysis
SMCI wins this head-to-head comparison, driven by its significantly superior revenue growth and a more favorable valuation relative to its growth prospects. While CLS has demonstrated strong profitability and a higher return on equity, SMCI's explosive top-line expansion and recent positive earnings surprises present a more compelling growth narrative. SMCI's current price also appears more attractive given its forward-looking potential, despite CLS showing a stronger analyst consensus. CLS, despite its recent positive earnings surprise and strong profitability, is currently trading at a premium valuation with slower revenue growth compared to SMCI. The stock's technicals are also showing weakness, with its RSI and MACD indicating downward momentum and its price below key moving averages. SMCI, on the other hand, is exhibiting a more attractive growth profile and a valuation that better reflects its rapid expansion, even with a more mixed analyst sentiment.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for SMCI appears more promising in the near to medium term, driven by its exceptional revenue growth and recent strong earnings performance, which suggest continued upward momentum. The stock's valuation, while potentially volatile, offers significant upside if growth trends persist. A potential scenario involves SMCI continuing to beat earnings expectations, leading to further price appreciation and a potential upward revision of analyst targets. CLS faces a more uncertain outlook. While its profitability is strong and analyst sentiment is positive, the slower revenue growth and current technical weakness present headwinds. A scenario for CLS could involve a period of consolidation or further decline if growth fails to re-accelerate, potentially leading to a downward revision of its median price target. Investors should watch for signs of renewed top-line momentum to support its current valuation.
Price Analysis Comparison
Valuation Metrics i
Valuation Metrics: CLS vs SMCI
Metric
CLS
SMCI
P/E Ratio
37.12
11.98
Market Cap
40.77B
25.27B
Price/Sales
2.89
0.65
Price/Book
16.58
2.50
EV/EBITDA
25.87
11.40
Dividend Yield
N/A
N/A
SMCI presents a more attractive valuation, trading at a P/E of approximately 12, significantly lower than CLS's P/E of nearly 37. CLS's higher P/E ratio, coupled with its slower revenue growth, indicates a more expensive valuation. While its return on equity is considerably higher at 52.69% compared to SMCI's 21.47%, the market appears to be pricing in significant future growth for CLS that is not yet materializing at the same pace as SMCI's expansion.
Profitability & Efficiency i
Profitability & Efficiency: CLS vs SMCI
Metric
CLS
SMCI
Rev. Growth (Qtly)
62.40%
93.20%
Profit Margin
7.16%
5.62%
Return on Equity
52.69%
21.47%
Return on Assets
10.80%
7.88%
Debt/Equity
0.40
0.64
CLS shows a better return on assets at 10.8% compared to SMCI's 7.88%. Despite SMCI's lower profitability ratios, its rapid revenue growth suggests an improving operational efficiency that may narrow the gap over time. CLS currently holds a clear advantage in terms of current profit generation and capital efficiency.
Earnings Reality Check i
CLS
Last 4 Qs: CLS beat estimates 4x out of 4. Fell 2x after beats. (Sell the news?)
SMCI
Last 2 Qs: SMCI beat estimates 2x out of 2. Rose 2x after beats.
Technical Indicators
Technical indicators: CLS vs SMCI
Indicator
CLS
SMCI
RSI (14)
35.67
32.89
50-Day MA
$332.71
$38.58
200-Day MA
$333.37
$32.45
Both CLS and SMCI are exhibiting weak technical signals, with their respective RSI values below 36 and MACD lines trading negatively. CLS's price is trading below its 20-day EMA ($348.63), 50-day SMA ($332.71), and 200-day SMA ($333.37), indicating a strong downtrend. SMCI's price is also below its 20-day EMA ($39.88) and 50-day SMA ($38.58), but it is trading slightly above its 200-day SMA ($32.45), suggesting a more mixed technical picture. SMCI's stochastic indicator is at 6.01, indicating it is oversold, while CLS's stochastic is at 1.77, also suggesting oversold conditions. Given SMCI's price is closer to its 200-day moving average and its recent earnings strength, it may present a slightly better technical entry point for a potential rebound compared to CLS, which shows more pronounced weakness across all moving averages.
AI Analyst Sentiment
AI rating: CleaRank Financial AI's overall score for each asset, the same score shown on its own analysis page. It combines price trend and momentum with valuation, analyst and insider data where they exist.
CLS
Buy
AI Score: 75/100
SMCI
Hold
AI Score: 53/100
Analyst sentiment is mixed for both companies, but CLS has a stronger consensus rating of 'Strong Buy' from 5 analysts and 'Buy' from 17, with a median target price of $480, suggesting significant upside potential from its current price. SMCI, conversely, has a more divided analyst view, with 2 'Strong Buys' and 2 'Buys', but a higher proportion of 'Hold' ratings (11 out of 18), and a median target price of $43, which is only slightly above its current trading price. Despite CLS's more favorable analyst ratings and higher price target, SMCI's recent strong earnings performance and significant positive price reactions may be starting to shift sentiment, even if the analyst community has not fully caught up. The market's reaction to SMCI's earnings suggests a growing positive sentiment independent of traditional analyst coverage.
Note: While CLS has the higher AI score (Buy 75/100), the AI comparative analysis favors SMCI (Hold 53/100) based on its overall trend structure, fundamentals, and risk-adjusted outlook.
Risk Stratification i
Risk metrics: CLS vs SMCI
Metric
CLS
SMCI
Beta (Volatility) i
1.32
2.01
Sharpe Ratio
1.49
0.28
For CLS, the primary risks include its premium valuation relative to its growth rate and the potential for its high profitability to decline if revenue growth falters. The stock's current technical weakness, with prices below key moving averages and a low RSI, suggests a risk of further downside if momentum does not improve. Additionally, the recent negative price reactions to earnings reports, despite beating estimates, indicate potential investor skepticism about the sustainability of its growth. SMCI faces risks related to its lower profit margins and the sustainability of its extremely high revenue growth. A slowdown in its expansion could lead to a significant re-rating of its stock, especially given its more mixed analyst sentiment. The company also experienced a notable earnings miss in November 2025, highlighting the potential for volatility and negative surprises. Its higher proportion of 'Hold' ratings from analysts also suggests caution among some market participants.
Comparative ProTips
Consider SMCI for its high-growth potential, leveraging its superior revenue expansion at a more reasonable valuation.
Monitor CLS's ability to accelerate revenue growth to justify its current premium valuation and analyst optimism.
For investors prioritizing current profitability and capital efficiency, CLS remains attractive, but growth-oriented investors should favor SMCI.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
Simulated growth of $10,000 in each asset, from its own historical volatility and trend. Statistical outcomes, not forecasts.
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative3%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
CLS
Current: $297.98
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$283.08
Aggressive
$297.98
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$274.59
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5% from current
$312.88
+10% from current
$327.78
+15% from current
$342.68
SMCI
Current: $33.19
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$31.53
Aggressive
$33.19
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$30.58
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Comparison includes a higher-volatility asset (CLS). Correlations between assets with different volatility profiles can break down rapidly during market stress. Liquidity risks may prevent execution at displayed prices.
Note: The AI favored SMCI based on growth trajectory. This is valid for the specified timeframe only. While CLS currently shows the stronger short-term technical score (75 vs 53), the AI favors SMCI on the factors above rather than today's technical setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do CLS and SMCI compare on valuation?+
SMCI is significantly cheaper on a P/E basis (12 vs. 37) and offers much higher revenue growth (93.2% vs. 62.4%), making it more attractively valued for growth investors.
Which stock has stronger earnings momentum?+
SMCI shows stronger earnings momentum, evidenced by its recent massive earnings surprise of 77.08% and a significant positive price reaction, outperforming CLS's more modest recent earnings beat.
What do analysts recommend for CLS and SMCI?+
Analysts have a stronger consensus for CLS, with a 'Strong Buy' rating from 22 analysts and a median target of $480. SMCI has a more mixed rating, with 18 analysts providing a median target of $43.
What is the technical outlook for CLS versus SMCI?+
Both stocks show weak technicals, but CLS exhibits more pronounced downtrend signals with its price below all key moving averages, whereas SMCI is trading closer to its 200-day SMA, suggesting slightly less technical weakness.
How have CLS and SMCI performed over the past year?+
Over the 12 months to October 15, 2026, CLS's price rose 10.4% and SMCI's fell 38.5%. These are price changes; dividends are not included.
Which is more volatile, CLS or SMCI?+
They have been about equally volatile. Over the 30 days to October 15, 2026, CLS's annualized volatility was 63.0% and SMCI's 69.6%, measured from daily closing prices.