NetApp, Inc. (NTAP) AI Stock Analysis
NTAP AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchNetApp, Inc. (NTAP) provides intelligent data management software and cloud storage infrastructure across hybrid and public cloud environments. In FY2026, the company generated $6.92B in revenue with a 24.5% operating margin and $1.87B in free cash flow. For the latest quarter ended July 31, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 29.9% year-over-year while quarterly earnings expanded 63.5%.
- Market cap
- $40.03B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $7.39B
- P/E
- 28.7x fwd 21.4x
- 1Y return
- 73.3% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $211.69 3.9% vs last close
Bull case
- In the latest quarter ended July 31, 2026, quarterly revenue expanded 29.9% year-over-year while quarterly earnings rose 63.5%.
- Annual free cash flow reached $1.87B in FY2026, supporting $950.0M in share buybacks and $413.0M in dividends paid.
- NetApp's trailing P/E of 28.7x trades at a discount to the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers at 31.5x.
Bear case
- The company's 5-year revenue CAGR stands at a modest 3.8% from FY2021 to FY2026, including a revenue decline of 1.5% in FY2024.
- NetApp's forward P/E of 21.4x sits higher than the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers of 20.3x.
- The mean analyst price target of $211.69 offers only a 3.9% premium over the last close of $203.80.
What NetApp does
NetApp, Inc. provides cloud-centric and data-driven solutions to manage and synchronize data across on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud environments. Operating through its Hybrid Cloud and Public Cloud segments, the company offers storage infrastructure and intelligent data management software, including NetApp ONTAP, Snapshot, SnapCenter, SolidFire, and StorageGRID. NetApp also delivers cloud data services such as NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP, Azure NetApp Files, and Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP. In addition, NetApp provides cloud operations services through NetApp Cloud Insights and Spot by NetApp, alongside professional strategic consulting, implementation, and ongoing support services.
Growth and profitability
NetApp grew revenue from $6.32B in FY2022 to $6.92B in FY2026, representing a 5-year revenue CAGR of 3.8%. Operating margin expanded from 18.3% in FY2022 to 24.5% in FY2026, while gross margin improved from 66.8% to 70.7%. Net income increased from $937.0M in FY2022 to $1.28B in FY2026, with diluted EPS rising from $5.29 to $7.31. For the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $7.39B with an operating margin of 26.7% and net margin of 19.2%. In the latest quarter ended July 31, 2026, quarterly revenue increased 29.9% year-over-year and quarterly earnings grew 63.5%.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of July 31, 2026, NetApp held $3.58B in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $2.53B, yielding net cash of $1.04B. The company reported a current ratio of 1.24 and debt-to-equity of 1.69 on shareholders' equity of $1.50B. During FY2026, operating cash flow was $2.07B and capital expenditures were $198.0M, generating $1.87B in free cash flow. NetApp returned capital by spending $950.0M on share buybacks and $413.0M on dividends paid, helping reduce share count by 12.7% over 5 years.
Valuation and performance
NetApp trades at a trailing P/E of 28.7x, below the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers of 31.5x. Its forward P/E of 21.4x is slightly above the peer group median of 20.3x. NetApp carries an EV-to-EBITDA of 17.4x and price-to-sales of 5.4x, compared to peer medians of 19.9x and 6.3x. Over the past year, NetApp shares gained 73.3%, outperforming the S&P 500 return of 16.8%. Over 5 years, the stock returned 141.1% compared to 83.0% for the index.
NTAP dividend
NetApp pays a quarterly dividend with an annualized forward payout of $2.08 per share, representing a dividend yield of 1.02% and a payout ratio of 26.5%. The company has paid consecutive dividends for 14 years and achieved a 5-year annualized dividend growth rate of 1.6%. Its last ex-dividend date was October 9, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage consists of 7 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 12 Hold ratings, with 0 Sell or Strong Sell ratings. The mean price target of $211.69 implies upside of 3.9% over the last close of $203.80. For the current fiscal year ending April 30, 2027, consensus estimates project revenue of $8.18B and EPS of $10.01, representing 23.1% EPS growth. NetApp beat EPS estimates in all of the last 4 quarters. The next earnings date is November 24, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- A debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69 and total debt of $2.53B present leverage considerations relative to $1.50B in shareholders' equity.
- Stock price volatility remains elevated, as evidenced by a beta of 1.45.
- Revenue growth is projected to decelerate to 5.8% in the next fiscal year, down from current fiscal year revenue estimates of $8.18B.
- The stock trades 41.6% above its 200-day average, having already gained 93.2% year-to-date.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this NTAP AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of NetApp, Inc. (NTAP). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: NTAP income statement, NTAP balance sheet, NTAP key metrics, NTAP analyst forecast, NTAP chart. See the NTAP stock overview for the latest quote and news.
NTAP AI stock analysis FAQ
What is NetApp's dividend yield and payout schedule?
NetApp pays a quarterly dividend yielding 1.02% with an annual forward dividend of $2.08 per share. The dividend represents a payout ratio of 26.5% and has been paid for 14 consecutive years.
What are NetApp's projected earnings and revenue for the current fiscal year?
For the fiscal year ending April 30, 2027, analysts forecast revenue of $8.18B and an EPS of $10.01, which represents an EPS growth rate of 23.1%.
How does NetApp's valuation compare to its technology peers?
NetApp trades at a trailing P/E of 28.7x and EV-to-EBITDA of 17.4x, both lower than the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers at 31.5x and 19.9x, respectively. However, its forward P/E of 21.4x is above the peer median of 20.3x.
How strong is NetApp's cash position and balance sheet?
As of July 31, 2026, NetApp held $3.58B in cash and short-term investments and $2.53B in total debt, resulting in a net cash position of $1.04B and a current ratio of 1.24.