Record Q3 but AI fears and China risks hit AMAT
Record Q3 results and strong Q4 guidance Applied Materials reported record Q3 revenue of $9.12B, up 25%, with profit up 43%, and guided Q4 to about $10.25B, driven by AI data-center demand and a strong eight-quarter order book.
This is the core new financial result that drove the quarter.
Record services and advanced packaging growth Services revenue hit a record $1.78B, up 22%, and advanced packaging grew over 70%, showing strength beyond new equipment sales and supporting future recurring revenue.
These new business highlights show diversification and growth drivers.
AI spending fears and Burry short trigger selloffs Fears about AI spending and Michael Burry's short position caused sharp selloffs, and shares fell 5% even after the earnings beat, showing how nervous investors are about the AI trade.
This explains the negative price reaction despite strong results.
China risks and analyst downgrade China's homegrown DUV breakthrough and a 50% domestic-equipment mandate threaten Applied's 26-30% China revenue, while BofA cut its target to $650 on slower growth and flat margins.
These are new competitive and regulatory threats that weighed on the stock.