Despite missing revenue expectations, ASML remains a favored stock in the AI sector due to its critical role in semiconductor manufacturing, which is essential for AI development.
The video game industry has been hit with a wave of layoffs, with over 8,500 workers laid off in 2022 and 10,500 in 2023. The pandemic-driven industry boom led to overexpansion, but revenue growth did not hold, resulting in layoffs. Companies are facing challenges with slowing revenue, increased development costs, and a shift towards user-generated content models. Some companies, like Unity and Twitch, are struggling with profitability. Developers are unionizing and exploring alternative models to address the industry's cyclical hiring and firing behavior.
Applied Materials (AMAT) is set to report its earnings, with analysts expecting a 3.8% decline in revenue to $6.49 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.91 per share. The company has a history of exceeding revenue expectations and has seen positive sentiment in the semiconductor manufacturing segment, with its stock up 17.4% over the last month. Analysts have a price target of $173.8 for the company, which is currently trading at $180.6.