Applied Materials (AMAT) News Today

Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) shares are under pressure despite a strong fiscal fourth-quarter report. Investors appear to be weighing robust AI-driven demand against recent semiconductor-sector weakness and a wave of analyst price-target cuts.

• Positive Sentiment: Applied Materials reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $10.41 billion, up 53% year over year, and non-GAAP EPS of $4.16, up 92%; both beat estimates. Management’s first-quarter revenue outlook of $10.6 billion to $11.6 billion was also above the consensus midpoint. Fourth-quarter results
• Positive Sentiment: Management expects Semiconductor Systems sales to grow more than 40% in calendar 2026 and sees another record year in 2027, citing strong AI-chip demand. Customers are seeking earlier deliveries, while component and clean-room capacity—not demand—is limiting shipments. 2026 growth outlook
• Neutral Sentiment: Management expects China to account for less than a quarter of shipments in 2027. Reduced exposure may ease concerns about export restrictions, though China remains a source of uncertainty. China and demand commentary
• Negative Sentiment: At least 10 firms lowered price targets after the results, even as most maintained Buy ratings; Summit Insights downgraded the stock to Hold. The revisions may reflect valuation concerns and lingering caution about the chip-equipment sector. Broader weakness and concerns tied to Nvidia are also weighing on sentiment. Analyst target changes