Business Breakdowns
Episode 118 Applied Materials: Sanding Atoms
Business Breakdowns

Episode 118: Applied Materials: Sanding Atoms

Business Breakdowns

Episode 118

Applied Materials: Sanding Atoms

Dylan Patel is the author and Chief Analyst of SemiAnalysis. We cover the geopolitical factors impacting the semiconductor industry, how the rise of AI is fueling growth in demand for semis, and compare Applied's business model to its more cyclical competitors.

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(00:02:33) - (First question) - An overview of the vital and diverse semiconductor industry

(00:05:11) - The shift to specialization in semiconductors

(00:09:04) - Geopolitical factors that impact the sector

(00:12:16) - The dynamic evolution of Applied Materials

(00:15:22) - What differentiates Applied Materials from their competitors

(00:18:52) - Strong margins, growth, and efficient capital allocation drive their financials 

(00:22:00) - The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry

(00:24:36) - Optimizing equipment for next-gen chips through collaboration with manufacturers

(00:29:09) - How Applied Materials' specialization limits equipment changes for manufacturers

(00:32:54) - Contributing factors to Applied Materials' continued growth

(00:36:05) - Market share varies by equipment and processes

(00:39:13) - Biggest risks for Applied

(00:41:23) - AI's growing demand for semiconductors

(00:43:20) - Lessons learned from studying Applied Materials

Applied Materials: Sanding Atoms

Introduction

Zack
This is Zack Fuss, an investor at Irenic Capital and today, we're breaking down the biggest manufacturer of semiconductor making equipment in the world. Last week, we looked at the other leading equipment maker, ASML; and while that business currently has a higher market cap, Applied Materials generated more revenue and earnings last year. Its top line was $26 billion. It invested $3 billion in R&D, and it currently enjoys a portfolio of 17,300 patents. To explore the business behind those numbers, I'm joined by Dylan Patel, Chief Analyst at SemiAnalysis. Dylan takes us through the industry's evolution, how Applied's business compares to ASML and how geopolitics are a double-edged sword. Please enjoy this breakdown of Applied Materials.

An Overview of the Semiconductor Industry and Today's Geopolitical Backdrop

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