Applied Materials vs. Broadcom: Comparing Sales Growth Trajectories for These Artificial Intelligence Companies
Applied Materials (AMAT) reported a 25% YoY revenue increase to $9.1B in Q3 2026, with a 34% operating margin. Broadcom (AVGO) saw an 86% YoY revenue jump to $29.6B, driven by $16.7B in AI semiconductor sales, and a 54% operating margin. Both companies are involved in AI-related manufacturing and infrastructure.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
Both firms delivered record revenue, with Broadcom showing a sharper AI revenue surge, suggesting sector momentum.
Market read
The earnings beat and AI revenue acceleration are likely to influence investor sentiment across the semiconductor space.
What to watch
Potential supply‑chain constraints or regulatory scrutiny on AI chip exports could temper upside.
Background
The article compares revenue growth trajectories of two AI‑focused semiconductor companies after their latest quarterly filings.
Ticker impact
Applied Materials reported Q3 revenue of $9.1 billion, a 25% YoY increase, and an operating margin of 34% for the quarter ended July 26 2026.
Potential upside of 3‑5% over the next week as investors digest the earnings beat.
Quarterly revenue beat and margin expansion indicate momentum in AI‑related equipment demand.
Broadcom posted Q3 revenue of $29.6 billion, an 86% YoY increase, with AI semiconductor sales up 221% to $16.7 billion for the quarter ended Aug 2 2026.
Potential upside of 4‑6% in the short term as the market reacts to the AI surge.
The magnitude of AI revenue growth signals strong demand and may lift the stock.
Market effects
Both companies' strong AI‑related growth may boost the broader semiconductor and equipment sector.
U.S. tech stocks could see upward pressure in North American markets.
Highlights accelerating global AI hardware spending, supporting worldwide tech indices.
Counterpoint
If AI demand softens, the high valuations could face pressure despite recent growth.
Key entities
- CompanyApplied Materials
Semiconductor equipment maker reporting Q3 results.
- CompanyBroadcom
Diversified semiconductor and software company reporting Q3 results.





