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Wells Fargo raises Applied Materials shares target, cites robust China demand

EditorEmilio Ghigini
Published 17/05/2024, 10:52
© Reuters
AMAT
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On Friday, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) made an adjustment to the price target of Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) shares, increasing it to $255 from the previous target of $250. The firm has maintained its Overweight rating on the stock.

The revision follows Applied Materials' recent financial disclosure, which highlighted that China demand had remained robust in the recent quarter.

The company reported revenue of $2.8 billion from China, which accounted for 43% of its total revenue. This figure represents a 102% year-over-year increase, despite a 6% decline from the previous quarter.

Applied Materials also provided insights into its future revenue expectations, specifically from its China operations. The company anticipates a significant decline in China DRAM revenue in the July quarter, with projections nearing $0 million by the October quarter.

However, revenue from China is expected to stabilize at around 30% of total revenue, primarily from its ICAPS (Integrated Circuit, Advanced Packaging (NYSE:PKG), Service, and Components) segment.

The firm's commentary suggests a cautiously optimistic view on demand for China ICAPS, which appears to be more positive than the overall revenue trend for the region.

This specialized segment is anticipated to contribute consistently to Applied Materials' revenue stream, even as other areas face reductions.

InvestingPro Insights

In light of Wells Fargo's updated price target for Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT), here are some InvestingPro Insights that can provide additional context for investors considering this stock. Applied Materials has shown a substantial return over the last year with a 71.74% price total return, indicating strong market performance that aligns with Wells Fargo's confidence in the company. Additionally, the firm's ability to raise its dividend for 6 consecutive years, as well as maintain dividend payments for 20 consecutive years, speaks to its financial stability and commitment to shareholder value.

With a market capitalization of $177.84 billion and a P/E ratio of 25.21, Applied Materials is trading at a high valuation relative to near-term earnings growth. The company's stock price is also trading near its 52-week high, at 97.84% of the peak, which could suggest a bullish sentiment among investors. Moreover, Applied Materials operates with a moderate level of debt and its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, positioning it well to manage its financial obligations and invest in future growth opportunities.

For those looking for more detailed analysis and additional InvestingPro Tips, such as the company's performance in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry or its volatility trends, you can visit InvestingPro. There are 17 additional tips available to help you make a more informed investment decision. Remember to use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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