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Applied Materials shares have fallen 24% since October 12, from $497.53 to $377.24 at Friday's close. The drop followed an October 13 investor presentation in which the company set ambitious profit targets but gave no forecast for wafer fab equipment (WFE) spending. By 2030, Applied Materials targets a non-GAAP gross margin of about 54% and an operating margin of 40%. Chief executive officer Gary Dickerson declined to give a WFE forecast but expressed "tremendous confidence" in computing demand. The stock fell 6.7% on October 13, more than rivals Lam Research, KLA, and ASML, which lost roughly 2.6% to 3.5%. It trades at about 21.4x forward earnings, down from nearly 49x in late June. The company reports fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on November 12. Analysts expect revenue of about $10.30 billion and adjusted earnings of $4.06 per share. China accounts for about 30% of fiscal 2025 revenue.

China's chip sector accelerates amid U.S. Export controls, redefining global tech dynamics. 10/16/2026 Your morning in 30 seconds. * China's semiconductor industry surges ahead, fueled by U.S. export controls (Fortune). * Applied Materials and Intel announce a new partnership to accelerate AI-focused chipmaking (DQIndia). * ASML's hybrid bonder patent signals the next wave of advanced chip packaging (DigiTimes). * U.S. chipmakers' overseas production dependence exceeds 95%, SIA reveals (DigiTimes). * Asia startup funding tops $353M this week, led by Tessolve in semiconductors (Techloy). The lead. China's chip sector advances amid export controls. * China's domestic semiconductor sector is making rapid breakthroughs, with export controls from the U.S. acting as a catalyst for increased innovation and self-sufficiency (Fortune). * Recent advancements include new chip manufacturing capabilities and increased market share for Chinese suppliers. * The sector's progress is shifting the geopolitical balance in global technology supply chains. * U.S. restrictions, intended to slow China's progress, have instead accelerated domestic R&D and investment in Chinese chip firms. * The development raises questions about future supply chain resilience and the potential need for supplier diversification. * Source: Fortune * Why it matters: Executives must reassess supply chain strategies and risk exposure as geopolitical forces drive rapid realignment in global chip manufacturing. What changed. Applied Materials and Intel partner on AI chipmaking. * Applied Materials and Intel have formed a strategic collaboration to develop next-generation semiconductor fabrication processes tailored for AI workloads (DQIndia). * The partnership will focus on overcoming scaling challenges and boosting chip performance for advanced computing. * This move is designed to maintain a competitive edge in the race for AI hardware innovation. * Source: DQIndia * Implication: Tech leaders should watch for new fabrication technologies that could influence AI infrastructure roadmaps. ASML's hybrid bonder patent drives packaging innovation. * ASML has patented a hybrid bonder, a key enabler for advanced chip packaging as traditional scaling approaches hit physical limits (DigiTimes). * The technology is expected to improve efficiency and performance in semiconductor manufacturing. * This move reflects growing industry focus on packaging as a differentiator for next-gen chips. * Source: DigiTimes * Implication: Executives should evaluate how packaging advances may alter chip design, procurement, and partnerships. SIA finds U.S. Chipmakers rely heavily on overseas production. * The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reports that U.S. chipmakers source 95% of their manufacturing equipment and materials from foreign suppliers (DigiTimes). * The finding contradicts previous assumptions about domestic self-sufficiency. * Heightened geopolitical risks highlight the need for robust supply chain strategies. * Source: DigiTimes * Implication: Supply chain diversification and contingency planning should be board-level priorities. Asia startup funding surges, led by Tessolve. * Asia's tech startups raised $353.73 million in the past week, with major investments in semiconductors, robotics, and electric mobility (Techloy). * Tessolve, a semiconductor firm, tops the funding list, reinforcing the region's growing influence in deep tech. * The funding landscape signals opportunities for new partnerships and expansion in Asia. * Source: Techloy * Implication: Executives exploring global growth should prioritize engagement with Asia's dynamic startup ecosystem. Cybersecurity job postings hit four-year low. * Cybersecurity job postings have dropped to the lowest level since 2022, according to Help Net Security. * Compliance roles are increasingly sought after, while CISO hiring remains volatile. * The trend suggests an industry-wide reevaluation of cybersecurity needs and workforce planning. * Source: Help Net Security * Implication: Rethink talent acquisition and upskilling strategies to align with evolving security priorities. Signals. * Iberdrola, BBVA, and Santander complete a €150M syndicated loan entirely on blockchain, advancing financial transparency (The Paypers). * Flipkart alumni advocate for ESOP buyouts, spotlighting ongoing debates over employee equity (Economic Times). * BTQ partners with MoonPay Korea to bolster stablecoin security, reinforcing the importance of digital asset protection (The Paypers). * Mastercard and BVNK launch a global money platform integrating fiat and stablecoin payments, aiming for real-time, cross-border efficiency (The Paypers). Chief in Tech Perspective: This week's deeptech surge is a call to action for women leaders in technology: proactive board engagement on supply chain, innovation, and cybersecurity is critical as global dynamics shift. Championing diverse leadership at the intersection of semiconductors, AI, and fintech will be essential for navigating risk and seizing new opportunities.