Applied Materials

CEO Gary Dickerson says AI demand is accelerating across advanced logic, high-bandwidth memory, data centers, edge AI and advanced packaging, with about 80% of this year’s wafer‑fab equipment growth tied to AI-related areas. Applied's advanced‑packaging business is growing more than 50% this year and its services business is expanding at roughly a 20% CAGR. The company is investing $5 billion in an EPIC Center to co‑develop and commercialize AI‑focused chip architectures faster, while emphasizing materials engineering, yield and reliability. » More on finance.yahoo.com

Applied Materials raised revenue in the third fiscal quarter to $9.12 billion (+25% year-on-year) and reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.50, both above consensus estimates. The stock nevertheless fell about 5.1% on the Nasdaq; market participants attributed this to a high valuation (P/E >50) and profit-taking. CEO Gary Dickerson attributes the growth to stronger demand for equipment for AI chips; the company expects roughly $10.25 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter. About 28% of revenue comes from China, which is cited as a risk in the event of possible export restrictions. » More on finanzen.net

Weaker US retail data and falling consumer confidence dampened sentiment at US markets on Friday, with the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing slightly lower. Applied Materials fell 5.1 percent despite strong quarterly results and a positive outlook, as concerns over high valuation weighed on the stock. Reddit jumped sharply after the announcement of its inclusion in the S&P 500, while Sandisk and Eton Pharmaceuticals rose significantly following analyst ratings and quarterly results, respectively. Overall, economic worries are dominating market sentiment and making investors more cautious. » More on de.investing.com