Applied Materials forecasts quarterly revenue above estimates on strong AI chip demand

Applied Materials has forecasted its fiscal first quarter revenue to exceed Wall Street's expectations, driven by robust demand for advanced AI chips. The semiconductor equipment manufacturer benefits from increased spending by chipmakers racing to meet the surging AI-led demand for chips and memory. While shares of the company saw a marginal rise in extended trading, TECHnalysis Research's chief analyst Bob O’Donnell stated that the market metrics show demand remains very strong.

Applied Materials' Semiconductor Systems revenue soared to US$8 billion in the fourth quarter, a 64% increase from the previous year. CEO Gary Dickerson anticipates another record year for the market and Applied in 2027, noting that wafer fab equipment demand should surge over 30% and customers are seeking tools sooner rather than later.

China contributed 25% of fourth quarter revenue, down from 29% a year earlier, although sales in China rose about 35% to US$2.64 billion. Applied forecasted quarterly revenue of around US$11.1 billion, with a margin of plus or minus US$500 million, compared to the average estimate of analysts at US$10.89 billion.