Applied Materials launches $5 billion EPIC Center as shares tumble

Applied Materials unveiled its Equipment and Process Innovation and Commercialization (EPIC) Center, a $5 billion research facility in Sunnyvale, on Oct. 12 2026. The announcement coincided with a sharp sell‑off in semiconductor equipment stocks, sending AMAT shares down about 7% in intraday trading. Analysts note the drop is driven by broader chip‑sector weakness rather than the company’s fundamentals. Evercore ISI kept its Outperform rating and $700 price target despite the pull‑back.

The decline erodes short‑term market value for investors holding AMAT, while Evercore’s $700 target and a median analyst target of $590 highlight a range of expectations for future price performance.

  • 1The EPIC Center represents a $5 billion investment by Applied Materials.
  • 2The EPIC Center was unveiled on Oct. 12 2026.
  • 3Applied Materials reported Q3 FY2026 revenue of $9.12 billion.
  • 4Applied Materials reported Q3 FY2026 non‑GAAP EPS of $3.50.
  • 5Evercore ISI reiterated an Outperform rating and a $700 price target for Applied Materials.
  • 6Analysts’ median price target for Applied Materials is $590.
  • Closing price reported as $460.59 versus $461.91.

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