Applied Mat Option Alert: Jun 20 $145 Puts at the Bid: 550 vs 1677 OI; Earnings 5/15 After Close [est] 

Applied Mat Option Alert: Jun 20 $145 Puts at the Bid: 550 @ $10.51 vs 1677 OI; Earnings 5/15 After Close [est] Ref=$145.115

Applied Mat Option Alert: Jan 16 $175 Calls at the Bid: 550 vs 306 OI; Earnings 5/15 After Close [est] 

Applied Mat Option Alert: Jan 16 $175 Calls at the Bid: 550 @ $13.85 vs 306 OI; Earnings 5/15 After Close [est] Ref=$152.86

Applied Mat (NASDAQ:AMAT) Bolsa

Applied Mat

Applied Materials Inc is the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturer in the world. Applied Materials has a broad portfolio spanning nearly every corner of the WFE ecosystem. Specifically, Applied Materials holds a market share leadership position in deposition, which entails the layering of new materials on semiconductor wafers. It is more exposed to general-purpose logic chips made at integrated device manufacturers and foundries. It counts the largest chipmakers in the world as customers, including TSMC, Intel, and Samsung.

Applied Materials

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Descubre las acciones más sobrevendidas en tecnología según RSI, incluyendo Axcelis Technologies, Applied Materials y Microchip Technology.

Acciones sobrevendidas en tecnología: ¿Oportunidad de compra o riesgo?

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MSGE

Acciones de EE.UU. al alza: Applied Materials, CI&amp;T, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, H&amp;R Block y Flowers Foods en el radar de los inversores.

Acciones de EE.UU. en el foco este viernes: AMAT, MSGE, CINT, HRB y FLO

Equities

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Descubre las acciones que captaron la atención de los traders el jueves, incluyendo Tesla y Amazon, en una jornada alcista para Wall Street.

5 acciones en tendencia: Amazon, AST Spacemobile, Cingulate, Applied Materials y Tesla

Applied Materials Inc

Amata Corp PCL

On Thursday, Keybanc analyst Steve Barger downgraded Amkor Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMKR#NASDAQ">AMKR</a>) from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMKR/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overweight to Sector Weight</a>.
The rerating reflects reduced visibility into demand for mobile phones, automobiles, and consumer products, which stems from fluctuating trade policy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44851295/asml-cfo-incorporates-tariff-impact-in-outlook-reveals-strong-demand-for-advanced-euv-and-high-na-systems" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASML CFO Incorporates Tariff Impact In Outlook, Reveals Strong Demand For Advanced EUV And High NA Systems</a>
Barger noted that it could exacerbate the expected gross margin pressure in the first half of 2025 due to a temporary socket loss in its Mobile end market and expressed concern about Amkor&#8217;s inherently lower-visibility but relatively high-capex business model.
The analyst noted that shares will likely remain under pressure until major end markets like Automotive and Mobile show signs of stabilization and growth.
Amkor automotive sales generally track the major automotive semiconductor companies, and while consensus estimates indicate a return to growth in the second half of 2025, Barger noted that company commentary combined with volatile global trade rhetoric suggests a cautious approach to shares in the near term.
In a broader upcycle scenario, the analyst noted Amkor should exhibit substantial operating leverage on higher factory utilization, but that will require recovery and growth across high-volume end markets for that to happen.
As one of a handful of outsourced manufacturing companies able to process 2.5D advanced packages with acceptable yield and throughput, Barger noted Amkor will continue to focus on high-performance computing as a margin-accretive and higher-growth vector.
The analyst noted volumes are still too small to drive consolidated company outperformance, absent participation from traditional end markets. Amkor could remain a &#8220;second choice&#8221; for leading-edge chip companies behind the technology leader, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
Barger lowered his estimates to reflect heightened uncertainty in global trade and end demand. The analyst&#8217;s 2025 estimate goes to $1.40 from $1.48 (consensus $1.41), reflecting a -2% growth rate at a 6% decremental margin. His 2026 estimate goes to $1.91 from $2.04 (consensus $1.96), reflecting 9% growth on a 34% incremental margin.
Given the recent share price action, Barger acknowledged that his downgrade was reactive. Still, when he noted the market position and the potential impact of reduced demand across mobile phones, autos, and other consumer products, he had less confidence in predicting near-term outcomes for Amkor than for some other names he covered.
For now, Barger noted that the demand for AI-related devices and investments in leading-edge roadmaps should remain resilient, and he is more positive about names exposed to upgrade cycles or where channel inventory has been reduced, like memory. Looking forward, when this macro angst passes and improving cycle dynamics become more apparent, the analyst could be quick to reverse course, but for now, he noted more positive outlooks for Overweight-rated Applied Materials, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), Advanced Energy Industries, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEIS#NASDAQ">AEIS</a>) and MKS Instruments, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MKSI#NASDAQ">MKSI</a>).
Price Action: AMKR stock is down 0.33% at $16.10 at last check Thursday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44841545/applied-materials-lam-research-kla-drop-amid-fresh-trade-war-fears-revenue-risk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Drop Amid Fresh Trade War Fears, Revenue Risk</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Downgrades

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AEIS

AMKR

LRCX

MKSI

Amkor Stock Under Pressure: Analyst Cuts Rating Due To Trade Policy Concerns, Slowing End Market Growth

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors">semiconductor sector</a> is bracing for a shakeup, and JPMorgan&#8217;s Harlan Sur isn't mincing words. "Expect in-line results but tariff/trade related dynamics to drive weaker 2Q/2H25 and negative earnings revision cycle." That's Wall Street-speak for buckle up &#8211; it's about to get bumpy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariff Troubles: A 15-25% EPS Trim Ahead?</h2>
As first-quarter earnings begin to roll in, Sur says the Street should prepare for a "kick off negative earnings revision cycle," with forward EPS estimates potentially being slashed by 15-25% over the next few quarters. Investors hoping that semi stocks had already hit bottom after a ~25% tariff-driven slump may be in for another jolt &#8211; Sur sees another 10-15% downside from here.
But this isn't just about numbers. The broader concern is about confidence, or lack thereof. "Rapidly changing tariff headlines are negatively impacting consumer and business confidence," Sur notes, with turn business — which can make up 20-30% of guidance &#8211; now at risk due to reduced visibility. Add in China's latest tariff volley against U.S.-fabricated chips, and names like Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Texas Instruments Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>), Qorvo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QRVO#NASDAQ">QRVO</a>), and Skyworks Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWKS#NASDAQ">SWKS</a>) suddenly look exposed.
Read Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/04/44818578/qorvo-stock-bounces-but-charts-still-bearish-starboards-jeffrey-smith-sees-a-comeback-play">Qorvo Stock Bounces, But Charts Still Bearish &#8211; Starboard&#8217;s Jeffrey Smith Sees A Comeback Play</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI And Datacenter: The Only Bright Spots</h2>
That said, JPMorgan isn't throwing out the entire chip basket. Sur urges a "selective" approach, spotlighting Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Marvell Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) and Analog Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADI#NASDAQ">ADI</a>) as top picks &#8211; all tied closely to AI and data infrastructure. These are the companies best positioned to ride the "strong demand in accelerated compute/AI," even if GPU giants like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) face potential downside from tightening China restrictions and "upcoming AI diffusion rules."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EDA, Semicap: Downturn-Proof Darlings</h2>
In the tools-of-the-trade corner, KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) and Synopsys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>) also earn JPM's stamp of approval. EDA players like Synopsys are seen as resilient. "R&amp;D budgets don't get cut in downturns," Sur says, a mantra every long-term investor in chip design software should pin to their monitors.
Meanwhile, the "flat-to-down" outlook for WFE (wafer fab equipment) in 2025 spells more caution for semicap names, though JPMorgan still favors Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), KLA Corp, and Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) &#8211; all expected to outperform thanks to "rising capital intensity" and growing service revenue.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Down-Cycle Playbook Moment Is Here</h2>
The macro backdrop remains fraught. JPM economists now peg the chance of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645681/jpmorgan-raises-recession-risk-to-60-as-largest-us-tax-hike-in-60-years-hits-global-economy">U.S. recession at 60%</a>, as the tariff storm clouds hang heavy. Demand pull-forward in smartphones might make the first quarter look fine, but "incremental conservatism" is expected to dominate the second quarter and H2 guidance.
Bottom line? 
This is a "down-cycle playbook" moment. The sector's long-term structural story — AI, content tailwinds, and rising chip complexity — remains intact. But for now, it's all about threading the needle between "inevitable slowdown" and the pockets of AI-driven strength.
And as Sur says, "remain selective on stocks."
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44823070/us-recession-fears-are-intensifying-but-is-bitcoin-the-real-flight-to-safety-expert-weighs-in">US Recession Fears Are &#8216;Intensifying&#8217; — But Is Bitcoin The Real Flight To Safety? Expert Weighs In</a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

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Tech

AVGO

INTC

KLAC

MRVL

NVDA

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Broadcom, Marvell, Synopsys: The Chips That Might Not Crumble In The Coming Storm

The first-quarter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductor earnings parade</a> kicks off with ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44832382/nvidia-supplier-asml-beats-revenue-and-eps-estimates-euv-product-mix-performance-milestones-drive-q1-says-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Wednesday</a> and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) on Thursday, followed by the U.S. semi and semicap peers in the following week.
For U.S. chip vendors, BofA Securities analysts Vivek Arya and Duksan Jang expect first-quarter results to beat as their original outlook was likely conservative and tariff-related pull-ins created a better demand environment.
However, the second-quarter outlook could be in line as companies could widen the guidance range.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44841545/applied-materials-lam-research-kla-drop-amid-fresh-trade-war-fears-revenue-risk" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Drop Amid Fresh Trade War Fears, Revenue Risk</a>
Regarding tariff impact, Arya and Jang expect U.S. chip companies to follow the example of early reporting companies Taiwan Semiconductor, ASML, Texas Instruments Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>), and Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>).
The analysts generically express concern on second-half demand headwinds and quantified gross margin headwinds from inflationary supply chain movements (such as Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvda#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)) and higher U.S. sourcing.
Overall, semi-industry overhangs could persist pending clarity on new sectoral tariff rates (next several weeks), China retaliation, U.S. reciprocal tariffs, and AI diffusion rules (May 15).
On the positive side, despite some downside to estimates, valuation has become more compelling for high-quality areas in cloud/AI (Nvidia, Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/avgo#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)), design software (Cadence Design Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cdns#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>), Synopsys, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>)) and semicap (Lam Research, KLA Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/klac#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>)).
The analysts laid down two potential scenarios, which are modest tariff impact and dire tariff impact. Their modest scenario aligns with limited China and reciprocal tariffs, while the dire scenario implies the implementation of specific sectoral tariffs on semis/electronics (tariff rates not yet announced).
In a modest scenario, tariffs could drive roughly ~4% hit to calendar 2025 sales and ~6% hit to calendar 2026 versus current consensus, with EPS declines mostly ranging between 5%-25% (12%-13% average) inclusive of 150bps gross margin hit.
In a dire scenario, estimates could be further pushed down, with a 9% and 12% sales decline in calendar 2025 and 2026 and EPS declines mostly ranging between 15%-50% (25%-30% average) inclusive of a 500bps gross margin hit.
For revenue impact, the analysts noted companies with AI/cloud/industrial exposures to fare better in a potential tariff-induced demand downturn.
At the same time, those with consumer/auto are at greater risk. Nvidia, Lam Research, Cadence Design Systems, Synopsys, and Applied Materials, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) are among the companies with the least potential sales impact (at -1% to -6% sales impact), while Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXPI#NASDAQ">NXPI</a>), ON Semiconductor Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) could fare worse (at -7% to -9% impact).
Importantly, even under the above distressed EPS scenario (dire tariffs), Nvidia, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), Synopsys, and Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) have a 30%+ potential upside to historical P/E or PEG multiple at current stock price.
In a modest tariff scenario, the EPS hits of 12%-13% (2-2.5 times sales) are well below the 30%-40% reductions the analysts have seen in prior market downturns. However, the primary concern is PE multiple compression due to enhanced market risks.
The SOX index is currently trading at ~18 times forward PE, below the broader SPX at ~20 times, though above the 12-14 times PE at prior semi-industry downturns. Notably, the SOX index has more than given up the ~20% PE premium it gained during AI-fueled stock gains in calendar 2023 and 2024.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44844097/amd-flags-800-million-risk-from-new-us-chip-export-rules-as-china-tariffs-add-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMD Flags $800 Million Risk From New US Chip Export Rules As China Tariffs Add Pressure</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

ASML

CDNS

NXPI

These Semiconductor Stocks To Face Least Tariffs Impact Compared To Intel

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chip equipment stocks</a> Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) and KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) are trading lower Wednesday, in line with the semiconductor sector&#8217;s fear of repercussions from the Trump administration&#8217;s tariff attack on countries including China.
Also, the chip equipment company ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) reported its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44832382/nvidia-supplier-asml-beats-revenue-and-eps-estimates-euv-product-mix-performance-milestones-drive-q1-says-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter results</a> on Wednesday. ASML reported quarterly revenue of €7.742 billion or $8.764 billion, beating analyst estimates of $7.760 billion.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44826144/asml-nears-china-order-finish-line-as-demand-for-ai-chip-tools-heats-up" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASML Approaches End Of China Backlog, Eyes Growth in AI and Advanced Chip Demand</a>
The company reported basic earnings of €6 or $6.83 per share, above estimates of $5.760. CFO Roger Dassen outlined <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44833646/from-parts-to-profits-tariffs-have-a-4x-hit-on-asmls-bottom-line-says-cfo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the potential fallout</a> from tariffs imposed on complete system shipments into the U.S., parts and tools required for ASML&#8217;s field operations within the U.S., the material imports that ASML needs to manufacture in its U.S.-based facilities, and the reciprocal tariffs imposed by other countries on ASML&#8217;s shipments from the U.S.
Reuters reports, citing industry calculations, that the new tariffs could cost U.S. semiconductor equipment makers more than $1 billion annually.
Applied Materials, Lam Research, and KLA may each suffer a loss of close to $350 million over a year related to the tariffs.
Chip equipment makers have already lost billions in revenue due to the Biden administration&#8217;s semiconductor sanctions on China.
The Trump administration is weighing further duties on the chip industry and initiated a probe into their imports on Monday.
Applied Materials, Lam Research stocks have tanked ~30% in the last 12 months.
Needham analyst Charles Shi and KeyBanc analyst Steve Barger&nbsp;had predicted that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43741255/applied-materials-navigates-china-slowdown-analysts-see-early-recovery-despite-soft-guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. tariffs on</a> China would weigh on Applied Materials&#8217; second-quarter results, considering the company&#8217;s exposure to the country. Barger noted ~$400 million impact in fiscal 2025, half of which will affect the second quarter, and that China exposure would drop to ~25% this quarter.
Applied Materials <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44821697/applied-materials-expands-chip-packaging-push-with-strategic-stake-in-dutch-partner-besi" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquired a 9%</a> stake in Besi in April to advance hybrid bonding for energy-efficient chip packaging.
Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari expects Lam Research to outperform <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43541019/chip-equipment-stocks-gain-traction-as-ai-demand-tsmcs-capex-and-semiconductor-expansion-drive-valuations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its immediate peers</a> in 2025, backed by a quarterly recovery in the overall Wafer Fab Equipment market. 
In February, Lam Research <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43664402/lam-research-commits-1-2-billion-investment-in-india-eyes-63-billion-semiconductor-growth-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">committed $1.2 billion</a> to boost India&#8217;s semiconductor ecosystem. The country aims for a $63 billion chip market by 2026.
Price Actions: AMAT stock is down 4.43% at $138.99 premarket at last check on Wednesday. LRCX is down 4.44%, and KLAC is down 2.46%.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44823834/ericsson-q4-earnings-sales-climb-3-us-clients-accelerate-purchases-ahead-of-tariffs-eyes-solid-q2-despite-global-tariff-pressures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ericsson&#8217;s US Clients Accelerate Purchases In Q1 Ahead of Tariffs, Eyes Solid Q2 Despite Global Uncertainty</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

Media

Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Drop Amid Fresh Trade War Fears, Revenue Risk

Chip stocks are sliding Wednesday after NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) announced that the U.S. government will start requiring a license to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44828742/nvidia-stock-is-tumbling-after-hours-heres-why">export chips to China</a>. 
What Happened: In a regulatory filing late Tuesday, Nvidia said the U.S. government contacted the company on April 9, informing the chipmaker that it will need a license to sell H20 chips to China.
The filing also states that a license will be required for any other circuits achieving the H20&#8217;s memory bandwidth, interconnect bandwidth, or a combination thereof.
Nvidia shares tumbled on the news, dragging down several other chip stocks with it. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) was down about 3.75% at the time of writing Wednesday morning, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Here&#8217;s a look at some of the semiconductor names moving lower on Wednesday:
<ul>
<li>Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>QUALCOMM Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>)</li>
</ul>
The license requirement will be in effect for the indefinite future in an effort to address risks associated with the potential for China to use the products for a supercomputer. 
As a result of the restrictions, Nvidia said it expects its first-quarter financial results to include up to $5.5 billion of charges associated with H20 products held in inventory. 
AMD also said in a filing Wednesday morning that the new export controls on chips could result in charges of up to approximately $800 million related to inventory and purchase commitments. 
ASML, the largest supplier of chipmaking equipment, reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44833646/from-parts-to-profits-tariffs-have-a-4x-hit-on-asmls-bottom-line-says-cfo">first-quarter results</a> before the market open on Wednesday. The company warned that tariffs have increased uncertainty surrounding the company&#8217;s outlook, which may be adding to the weakness across the board. 
&#8220;Our conversations so far with customers support our expectation that 2025 and 2026 will be growth years. However, the recent tariff announcements have increased uncertainty in the macro environment and the situation will remain dynamic for a while,&#8221; ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said.
BofA Securities <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">cut price targets</a> on several semiconductor names Wednesday morning due to potential impacts of tariffs. 
The new chip license requirement is the latest in an intensifying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44806095/as-xi-jinping-urges-vietnam-to-stand-against-unilateral-bullying-trump-labels-the-meeting-a-plan-to-screw-the-united-states-of-america" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trade war with China</a>. The Trump administration paused reciprocal tariffs for most countries last week, but ramped up tariffs on China. China responded with 125% retaliatory tariffs on American goods over the weekend.
Read Next:
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Photo: <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/yakobchuk">AKOBCHUK V</a>/Shutterstock.

Global

Movers

QCOM

Chip Stocks Are Facing Selling Pressure Wednesday: Here's Why

WIIM

Applied Materials shares are trading lower after B of A Securities cut its price target from $205 to $190, and broader market weakness in the semiconductor space weighs on the stock.

B of A Securities analyst Vivek Arya maintains Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $205 to $190.

Price Target

B of A Securities Maintains Buy on Applied Mat, Lowers Price Target to $190

ALGM

AOSL

CAMT

CRDO

ENTG

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LSCC

MPWR

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SITM

SMTC

Shares of chip stocks are trading lower after NVIDIA said it was recently informed by the US government that it will need a license to export chips to China. Additionally, warned that tariffs have increased uncertainty surrounding the company's outlook, which may be adding to the weakness across the board.

Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 10 analysts have published ratings on Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) in the last three months.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Applied Mat, presenting an average target of $197.2, a high estimate of $235.00, and a low estimate of $165.00. A 5.9% drop is evident in the current average compared to the previous average price target of $209.56. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744740044_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
The standing of Applied Mat among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;Brian Chin &#x7C;Stifel &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $195.00&#x7C;$235.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Atif Malik &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $170.00&#x7C;$202.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Blayne Curtis &#x7C;Jefferies &#x7C;Announces &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $195.00&#x7C;- &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Atif Malik &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $202.00&#x7C;$194.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Charles Shi &#x7C;Needham &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $195.00&#x7C;$200.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Tom O'Malley &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $190.00&#x7C;$200.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Brian Chin &#x7C;Stifel &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Buy &#x7C; $235.00&#x7C;$250.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Mehdi Hosseini &#x7C;Susquehanna &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $165.00&#x7C;$155.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Steve Barger &#x7C;Keybanc &#x7C;Maintains &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $225.00&#x7C;$225.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Tom O'Malley &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $200.00&#x7C;$225.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Applied Mat. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Applied Mat compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Applied Mat's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Applied Mat's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMAT/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Applied Mat analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Applied Mat Better</h2>
Applied Materials Inc is the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturer in the world. Applied Materials has a broad portfolio spanning nearly every corner of the WFE ecosystem. Specifically, Applied Materials holds a market share leadership position in deposition, which entails the layering of new materials on semiconductor wafers. It is more exposed to general-purpose logic chips made at integrated device manufacturers and foundries. It counts the largest chipmakers in the world as customers, including TSMC, Intel, and Samsung.
<h3>Applied Mat: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With a profound presence, the company's market capitalization is above industry averages. This reflects substantial size and strong market recognition.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Applied Mat's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 6.84% as of 31 January, 2025, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.
Net Margin: Applied Mat's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 16.54%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Applied Mat's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 6.3%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Applied Mat's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.5% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, Applied Mat adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Expectations For Applied Mat's Future

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$112.00</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td>54.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APLD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>10.5K</td>
<td>13.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$35.1K</td>
<td>5.2K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BTDR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$64.3K</td>
<td>139</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$31.8K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$43.3K</td>
<td>437</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$27.5K</td>
<td>602</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$148.00</td>
<td>$97.0K</td>
<td>410</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$175.7K</td>
<td>10.1K</td>
<td>745</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>370</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 164 contract(s) at a $112.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $214.0 per contract. There were 9127 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 54341 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding APLD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 276 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 238 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.7K, with a price of $229.0 per contract. There were 10574 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 13886 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 10 day(s) on April 25, 2025. This event was a transfer of 90 contract(s) at a $205.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.1K, with a price of $395.0 per contract. There were 5217 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6212 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BTDR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTDR#NASDAQ">BTDR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 17 day(s) on May 2, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1740 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $64.3K, with a price of $37.0 per contract. There were 139 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1750 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 31 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 475 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.8K, with a price of $67.0 per contract. There were 9597 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1574 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CRWV (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>), we observe a put option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 185 day(s) on October 17, 2025. Parties traded 38 contract(s) at a $40.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.3K, with a price of $1142.0 per contract. There were 437 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1479 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DELL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 185 day(s) on October 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 62 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.5K, with a price of $445.0 per contract. There were 602 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1130 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMAT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 522 contract(s) at a $148.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $97.0K, with a price of $186.0 per contract. There were 410 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1078 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PLTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 640 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 62 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $175.7K, with a price of $2835.0 per contract. There were 10159 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 745 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $320.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $1250.0 per contract. There were 1340 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 370 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

AAPL

APLD

BTDR

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PLTR

SMCI

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

On Tuesday, Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) announced it had purchased a 9% stake in BE Semiconductor Industries (Besi), a manufacturer of assembly equipment for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/g44802160/applied-materials-announces-a-strategic-investment-in-be-semiconductor-industries" rel="noreferrer noopener">the semiconductor industry</a>.
The financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.
Applied and Besi have been successfully collaborating since 2020 and recently extended their deal to co-develop the fully integrated equipment solution for die-based hybrid bonding.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/buybacks/25/03/44218819/applied-materials-hikes-dividend-for-8th-year-greenlights-10-billion-buyback-to-reward-investors" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Materials Hikes Dividend For 8th Year, Greenlights $10 Billion Buyback to Reward Investors</a>
Hybrid bonding is becoming a critical technology for advanced packaging of semiconductors to develop more energy-efficient chips.
Applied Materials and Besi have co-developed an integrated hybrid bonding system with the full capabilities chipmakers need to take the technology to very high-volume manufacturing over the next several years.
The system combines Applied&#8217;s front-end wafer and chip processing expertise with bonding accuracy and speed from Besi&#8217;s die placement, interconnect, and assembly solutions.
Applied Materials does not plan to purchase additional stock and will not seek board representation at Besi.
The company held $8.2 billion in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/buybacks/25/03/44218819/applied-materials-hikes-dividend-for-8th-year-greenlights-10-billion-buyback-to-reward-investors" rel="noreferrer noopener">cash and equivalents</a> as of January 26.
Applied Materials expects second-quarter revenue of $6.7 billion—$7.5 billion versus the analyst consensus estimate of $7.21 billion. The company expects adjusted EPS of $2.12–$2.48 versus the analyst consensus estimate of $2.30.
Goldman Sachs Toshiya Hari noted Applied Materials as a long-term share gainer within the broader Wafer Fab Equipment market.
KeyBanc&#8217;s Steve Barger expects new trade restrictions with China to have a ~$400 million impact in fiscal 2025.
Price Action: AMAT stock is up 0.55% at $145.32 at the last check on Tuesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44792707/intel-stock-surges-5-on-potential-altera-sale-trumps-tariff-relief-provides-added-boost" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel To Offload 51% Of Altera Business To PE Firm Silver Lake</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Applied Materials Expands Chip Packaging Push With Strategic Stake in Dutch Partner Besi

Stifel analyst Brian Chin maintains Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $235 to $195.

Stifel Maintains Buy on Applied Mat, Lowers Price Target to $195

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) disclosed her significant stock purchases made just before and on the day of President Donald Trump&#8216;s announcement to pause global tariffs. This announcement had a substantial impact on the stock market.
What Happened: Based on the information disclosed to the House, Greene bought stocks valued between $21,000 and $315,000 on April 8 and 9. On April 8, she also sold Treasury bills worth between $50,000 and $100,000, according to the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/marjorie-taylor-greene" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Benzinga Government Trades tracker.</a>
Greene&#8217;s stock purchases included shares in several companies, such as&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), which has since appreciated by approximately 5%. She also invested in other tech firms, energy companies like&nbsp;Devon Energy Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>), and pharmaceutical giant&nbsp;Merck &amp; Company&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>).
On April 8, Greene bought stocks in&nbsp;Palantir Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) and&nbsp;Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>). These transactions occurred&nbsp;as government bond yields were&nbsp;on the rise amidst the tariff turmoil.
Here's a look at the stocks Greene purchased during the period:
<ul>
<li>Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>)</li>
<li>Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</li>
<li>Amazon Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</li>
<li>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</li>
<li>Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</li>
<li>ASML Holding N.V (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)</li>
<li>Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>)</li>
<li>Cummins Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMI#NYSE">CMI</a>)</li>
<li>Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)</li>
<li>FedEx Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>)</li>
<li>JP Morgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</li>
<li>Merck &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>)</li>
<li>Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>)</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</li>
<li>Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</li>
<li>Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>)</li>
<li>Southern Copper Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCCO#NYSE">SCCO</a>)</li>
<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</li>
</ul>
SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44805507/jensen-huang-praised-by-trump-nvidia-wouldnt-be-doing-500-billion-ai-infrastructure-commitment-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jensen Huang Praised By Trump: Nvidia &#8216;Wouldn&#8217;t Be Doing&#8217; $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Commitment Without Tariffs</a>
Why It Matters: Greene&#8217;s stock trades have raised eyebrows, especially considering the timing of her purchases. The trades coincided with former President Trump&#8217;s tariff pause announcement, which led to a significant surge in the stock market. 
This has led to calls for an investigation into potential insider trading related to President Trump&#8217;s market communications before the tariff pause announcement. Key Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have expressed concerns about possible corruption. Schiff and Warren pointed out a post on Truth Social where Trump<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44747573/adam-schiff-and-elizabeth-warren-call-for-investigation-into-possible-insider-trading-by-trump-allie"> encouraged buying stocks</a> just hours before the tariff pause announcement that sent markets soaring.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York&nbsp;urged a ban on stock trading by members of Congress following the revelation of Ms. Greene's investment activities. He told <a href="https://jeffries.house.gov/2025/04/14/leader-jeffries-we-are-going-to-hold-republicans-accountable-for-any-effort-to-dismantle-social-security/">MSNBC </a>on Monday, "We obviously have to continue to highlight why this is problematic."
<ul>
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44804849/amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-once-made-his-grandmother-cry-trying-to-show-off-his-math-skills-that-day-his-gran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos Once Made His Grandmother Cry Trying To Show Off His Math Skills — That Day, His Grandfather Gave Him A Life-Changing Piece Of Wisdom</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

ADBE

SCCO

Marjorie Taylor Greene Made Large Stock Purchases Ahead Of Trump's 90-Day Tariff Pause: Hakeem Jeffries Calls It 'Problematic'

General

Applied Materials Announces The Purchase Of 9% Of The Outstanding Shares Of The Common Stock BE Semiconductor Industries; No Financial Terms Disclosed

Citigroup analyst Atif Malik maintains Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $202 to $170.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Applied Mat, Lowers Price Target to $170

Wall Street ended the week on a strong note, with major indices posting their best weekly performance in years, as traders appeared confident that the escalation in the U.S.-China trade war — which led to triple-digit tariff increases on both sides — would be resolved in the near term.
Not even a shocking University of Michigan survey on consumer sentiment — revealing the most pronounced stagflation concerns in decades — nor fears of stress in the Treasury market were enough to curb the surge in dip-buying activity that emerged in the final <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44764554/consumer-sentiment-crashes-to-3-year-lows-as-inflation-expectations-spike-to-1981-highs">day of the week.</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Wall Street Rallies, Treasury Stress Fades</h1>
The S&amp;P 500 index, as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), closed at 5,363, up 1.8% on the day and 5.7% for the week, marking its best weekly performance since October 2023.
From its lows earlier in the week, the index jumped 11% and now sits just four percentage points below the level it held prior to President Donald Trump's tariff announcement on April 2.
The Nasdaq 100 index, tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), also rose 1.8% on Friday, bringing weekly gains to 7.5% — its strongest performance since November 2022.
Since Monday's lows, tech stocks have surged 13% and are now about three percentage points below pre-tariff levels.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, tracked by the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), rose 1.6%, extending weekly gains to 4.9%, the best week for blue chips since October 2023.
From the week's lows, the Dow has gained about 10%, and it currently trades nearly five percentage points below the level prior to the tariff news.
Materials were the best-performing sector on Friday, with the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLB#NYSE">XLB</a>) closing 3.5% higher, buoyed by strong rallies in mining stocks.
The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDX#NYSE">GDX</a>) jumped 5.7% on the day and nearly 20% for the week, reaching levels last seen in 2012, as gold prices continued to break record highs.
Tensions in the Treasury market, which had triggered concern in Washington earlier in the day as the 30-year yield hit 5% and the 10-year surpassed 4.5%, eased by the close. The 30-year yield retreated sharply to 4.85%, while the 10-year settled at 4.47%. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) ended in the green, up 0.54%.
Oil prices rose 2.1% to $61.50 a barrel, and copper climbed 4.8%, signaling easing fears about global economic conditions.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) also reflected the improved risk sentiment, rising more than 5% to $83,850.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Top 5 Performers</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company Name </th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Monolithic Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>)</td>
<td>+9.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Newmont Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>)</td>
<td>+7.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>)</td>
<td>+7.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>)</td>
<td>+6.89%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fastenal Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FAST#NASDAQ">FAST</a>)</td>
<td>+6.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Nasdaq 100&#8217;s Top 5 Performers</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company Name </th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>)</td>
<td>+10.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fastenal Co.</td>
<td>+6.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</td>
<td>+5.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</td>
<td>+5.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</td>
<td>+4.83%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44772209/3-big-brand-stocks-to-lean-on-during-tariff-troubles">3 Big Brand Stocks To Lean On During Tariff Troubles</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/BOY+Suttiphong">Sutthiphong Chandaeng</a> via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Sector ETFs

Bonds

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Commodities

Treasuries

Econ #s

Economics

ETFs

$BTC

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

FAST

Market Vectors ETF Trust Market Vectors Gold Miners

MRNA

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Stocks Notch Best Week In Years As Dip Buying On Tariff Crisis Gathers Momentum

Applied Mat's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NYSE">AMAT</a>) short percent of float has fallen 13.6% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 17.49 million shares sold short, which is 2.16% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.68 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Applied Mat Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744401625_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Applied Mat has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Applied Mat's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Applied Mat's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 8.84%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About Applied Mat?

Shares of chip stocks are trading higher as stocks rebound amid overall market volatility as investors assess this week's tariff developments. Additionally, China announced tariffs on US-made chips but those outsourcing to Taiwan Semiconductor were exempted.

ACMR

AMBA

ASYS

CRUS

ENPH

HIMX

ICHR

KLIC

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Shares of chip stocks are trading lower as stocks pull back after surging Wednesday following President Trump's tariff pause announcement.

INDI

RMBS

SLAB

TSEM

VECO

Shares of chip stocks are trading higher following President Trump's decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries except China.

Press Releases

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Continues Its Investigation of Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) on Behalf of Investors

SolarEdge Appoints New Directors to its Board of Directors

Applied Materials to Report Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Results on February 13, 2025

CIBC introduces additional Canadian Depositary Receipts ("CDRs")

Applied Materials Awards Suppliers for Outstanding Performance

Applied Materials Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

Applied Materials Accelerates Chip Defect Review with Next-Gen eBeam System

Applied Materials to Participate in the Cantor Fitzgerald Global Technology Conference

Dividends

Applied Materials Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend by 15 Percent and Announces New $10 Billion Share Repurchase Authorization

Applied Materials Announces a Strategic Investment in BE Semiconductor Industries

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Comments

Applied Mat

Unusual Options Activity for

Noticias

SOCIO/CONTRIBUIDOR

BENZINGA GLOBAL

Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
12:38 PMMar 28, 2025	PUT	$145.00	Jun 20, 2025	60	566	550	34	1677	TRADE	BULLISH
02:08 PMMar 25, 2025	CALL	$175.00	Jan 16, 2026	270	551	550	180	306	TRADE	BEARISH