Fisher Asset Management LLC, a reputable investment management firm, has disclosed that it has lowered its stake in Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) by 24.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to its recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm formerly had 3,998,596 shares of the manufacturing equipment provider’s stock but sold about 1,312,851 shares during that period. With this move, Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns roughly 0.47% of AMAT worth $389,383,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.
Meanwhile, amidst all these developments is AMAT’s declaration of an increase in quarterly dividend pay-out for investors vested on Thursday on May 25th. Holders will receive $0.32 for every share they own. This represents a hike from its previous offer of $0.26 per share that yields an annualized dividend payout ratio (DPR) of approximately 13.94%. The ex-dividend date is scheduled for May 24th.
As reported recently in the news outlet Forbes.com and corroborated by Fisher Asset Management LLC’s disclosure to the SEC regarding their stake reduction in AMAT shares,it appears that some investors have been significantly affected by such corporate moves as market prices traded lower than usual values during mid-day trading on April 22nd which showed a similar trend over days leading up to said date.
Shares attributed to NASDAQ:AMAT were reported to trade down around $1.16 or a loss percent change hovering around -1%, selling at slightly below their original opening value at $113.23 given an increased bearish attitude towards American chipmakers following rising tensions between China and the United States in anticipation of attempts at tightening restrictions over such technology exports despite unprecedented demand from markets across continents.
Applied Materials has had market capitalization hovering around $95 billion with a price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 15.17 and a PEG ratio of 2.84 while showing a beta score of 1.61 during this time. Over the past 12 months, AMAT shares have fluctuated up to $125.62 and bottomed out at $71.12 with both figures taken as vital factors for prospective buyers looking to make smart investment decisions.
In conclusion, though Fisher Asset Management LLC has divested parts of its AMAT holding, prospects for potential investors remain viable given the company’s planned dividend hike which shows consistent attempts towards value creation for investors even in today’s uncertain economic climate. AMAT’s decision to increase its quarterly dividend payout is an eloquently clear message that they want to keep their shareholders happy and keep growing the reputation they have garnered year after year in the industry as one of the leading manufacturing equipment providers with recognition both stateside and abroad. Investors looking to take a position in AMAT stock should consider these recent developments as well as other factors when making their investment decision like any conflicts or possible geopolitical tensions that may arise that could threaten global stability–something integral in forecasting accuracy over future returns given how volatile markets tend to be from time-to-time!
Institutional Support and Strong Earnings: The Success Story of Applied Materials
Applied Materials: A Company with Strong Institutional Support and Positive Earnings
Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) has been making headlines recently with a series of high-profile stock transactions including large purchases by several institutional investors as well as sales by senior vice presidents.
Disciplined Investments LLC raised their holdings in Applied Materials by 53.2% during the third quarter of 2022, now owning 337 shares valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the period. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC also increased its AMAT holdings, up 55% in Q3 to own 372 shares worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares.
Emfo LLC made a significant move into Applied Materials in the third quarter, buying a new position worth $32,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky followed suit in Q4, raising their AMAT holdings by 100% to own 400 shares valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 200.
Finally, Global Wealth Strategies & Associates bought a new position worth roughly $39,000 in the fourth quarter of last year. As a result of these moves into the stock by institutional investors, approximately three-quarters of all AMAT stock is now owned by institutional shareholders.
The news wasn’t just about gaining new investment; there were also senior leaders selling off some of their stock. SVP Teri A. Little sold over six thousand shares of her AMAT holding late last month concerning some industry watchers.
Despite this recent activity around AMAT’s ownership structure and insider dealings, the company’s financials appear strong based on its latest reported earnings results from mid-February this year. Applied Materials reported an EPS figure for Q4 that exceeded analyst expectations as well as revenue that was higher than figures predicted – demonstrating that not only do investors have faith in AMAT stock but analysts like what they see when looking at the company’s fundamentals.
Analysts are predicting that Applied Materials, Inc. will post a strong EPS figure for the current fiscal year of 7.01 – after recording $2.03 EPS in Q4 of 2022.
Also noteworthy is the recent announcement by AMAT’s board authorizing a stock repurchase plan valued at $10.00 billion, signaling management confidence in the company’s future and leading some analysts to believe that Applied Materials’ shares are undervalued.
Overall, Applied Materials appears to be a company with solid financial fundamentals and institutional support which bodes well for its near-term growth prospects. As investors look to diversify their portfolios into companies with stable cash-flows and strong earnings reports, AMAT may become an attractive long-term investment option.
