Stifel cuts Applied Materials price target to $235, keeps Buy rating

Published 11/02/2025, 14:16
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On Tuesday, Stifel analysts adjusted their outlook on Applied Materials stock, reducing the price target from the previous $250.00 to $235.00, while still maintaining a Buy rating for the semiconductor equipment maker. With a market capitalization of $149.26 billion and strong financial health score of "GOOD" according to InvestingPro, the company appears well-positioned to outperform the industry’s expected mid-single digit growth in wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) for the calendar year 2025 due to its strategic investments in leading-edge capacity.

The analysts remain confident in Applied Materials’ ability to expand its served available market (SAM) and share. They also noted the market’s skepticism towards the company’s prospects but argued that the stock is undervalued when compared to its peers. Applied Materials is currently trading at approximately 16 times Stifel’s revised earnings per share (EPS) estimate for the calendar year 2026, which is lower than the 20 times earnings valuation often seen in the sector. The company’s current P/E ratio stands at 21.14x, with revenue reaching $27.18 billion in the last twelve months. According to InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis, the stock appears slightly overvalued at current levels.

Stifel’s new price target of $235.00 is based on valuing Applied Materials at a 20 times multiple of the projected calendar year 2026 earnings per share, inclusive of net cash. This valuation aligns with the industry average, suggesting that the stock is priced reasonably in comparison to its competitors.

Applied Materials, listed on (NASDAQ:AMAT), is a leading provider of materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Their expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality.

The firm’s revision of the price target reflects a careful consideration of the company’s growth potential and market valuation, offering an updated perspective for investors while reaffirming confidence in the stock’s performance potential.

In other recent news, Applied Materials has seen varied analysis from financial institutions. Cantor Fitzgerald maintains its Overweight rating on Applied Materials, with a steady price target of $220. The firm anticipates Applied Materials to slightly outperform expectations and increase its guidance, propelled by industry trends. Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn), however, has adjusted its outlook on the company, reducing the price target to $170 from the previous $200, while maintaining a Hold rating on the stock. The revision follows a reassessment of the wafer fabrication equipment market dynamics, which are anticipated to be volatile into 2025.

Applied Materials, along with other semiconductor equipment manufacturers such as ASML (AS:ASML), Lam Research (NASDAQ:LRCX), and KLA Corporation, has been positively influenced by robust earnings reports and forecasts in the sector. ASML reported impressive fourth-quarter results for 2024, surpassing expectations with record net sales of €9.3 billion. Furthermore, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, announced a capital expenditure target for the year that surpassed analysts’ expectations, positively impacting the stocks of semiconductor equipment manufacturers.

These recent developments highlight a complex global semiconductor market, where demand for advanced chips and memory solutions continues to grow. As the industry navigates these challenges, investors and analysts alike will continue to monitor the performance of companies like Applied Materials.

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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