Dutch chip equipment maker BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) draws takeover interest from US giants like Lam Research and Applied Materials amid surging demand for its advanced packaging tech crucial for AI chips.
Applied Materials shares jump 11% after strong Q1 results and upbeat Q2 outlook, driven by AI chip needs. Revenue hit $7.01B, with Q2 expected at $7.65B amid booming demand for memory and advanced tech.
TSMC announces massive $56B spending plan for 2026, signaling confidence in AI boom. Strong earnings and expansion plans boost tech sector optimism.
UBS upgrades Applied Materials to Buy with a new $285 target, citing a bullish outlook for wafer fab equipment spending and rising DRAM-driven demand through 2027.
Applied Materials forecasts reduced China spending in 2026 due to U.S. export restrictions, causing shares to fall 6%. Company expects recovery in second half of 2026.
Applied Materials expects a $600 million revenue loss in fiscal 2026 due to new U.S. rules restricting exports of chip manufacturing machinery to China-based affiliates aimed at preventing circumvention of controls.
