When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
In the latest trading session, Applied Materials (AMAT) closed at $518.21, marking a +2.08% move from the previous day.
Applied Materials (AMAT) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.
Why investors should use the Zacks Earnings ESP tool to help find stocks that are poised to top quarterly earnings estimates.
Applied Materials (AMAT) delivered record Q2 FY2026 revenue of $7.91B (+11% Y/Y) and non-GAAP EPS of $2.86 (+20% Y/Y). Management raised CY2026 equipment growth guidance to 30%+, with improved order visibility and strong DRAM and AGS segment performance. Despite a ~40% drawdown from highs, fundamentals remain robust, and the recent correction is attributed to sector positioning rather than company weakness.
Applied Materials remains a "Strong Buy" after a 45% rally, driven by robust Q2 results and sector momentum. Q2 revenue reaccelerated to $7.91 billion (+11% YoY), with a record 31.9% operating margin, and raised the 2026 semiconductor equipment growth outlook to 30%+. Management's improved revenue visibility, strategic NEXX acquisition, and deepening EPIC Center partnerships strengthen AMAT's competitive moat and growth prospects.
Recently, Zacks.com users have been paying close attention to Applied Materials (AMAT). This makes it worthwhile to examine what the stock has in store.
Applied Materials (AMAT) reached $516.89 at the closing of the latest trading day, reflecting a -3.61% change compared to its last close.
There's no mystery why Dr. Michael Burry is so bearish on the semi trade. It's overheated, and if you think AI is in a bubble, it just makes sense to bet against the broad basket.
AMAT, MPWR and SIMO enter Q2 earnings with positive ESPs as AI, cloud and storage demand fuel growth.
Here is how Applied Materials (AMAT) and ASE Technology Hldg (ASX) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
AI optimism is driving semiconductor demand as JNGTX, PRSCX and KTCAX offer exposure to the sector amid sustained AI-led growth and strong sales trends.