KLA (NASDAQ:KLAC) Stock

KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.

KLA Corp

KLA's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NYSE">KLAC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 16.8% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.83 million shares sold short, which is 2.13% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.95 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>KLA Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744905618_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for KLA has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing KLA's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, KLA's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 8.84%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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KLAC

What's Driving the Market Sentiment Around KLA?

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors">semiconductor sector</a> is bracing for a shakeup, and JPMorgan&#8217;s Harlan Sur isn't mincing words. "Expect in-line results but tariff/trade related dynamics to drive weaker 2Q/2H25 and negative earnings revision cycle." That's Wall Street-speak for buckle up &#8211; it's about to get bumpy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariff Troubles: A 15-25% EPS Trim Ahead?</h2>
As first-quarter earnings begin to roll in, Sur says the Street should prepare for a "kick off negative earnings revision cycle," with forward EPS estimates potentially being slashed by 15-25% over the next few quarters. Investors hoping that semi stocks had already hit bottom after a ~25% tariff-driven slump may be in for another jolt &#8211; Sur sees another 10-15% downside from here.
But this isn't just about numbers. The broader concern is about confidence, or lack thereof. "Rapidly changing tariff headlines are negatively impacting consumer and business confidence," Sur notes, with turn business — which can make up 20-30% of guidance &#8211; now at risk due to reduced visibility. Add in China's latest tariff volley against U.S.-fabricated chips, and names like Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Texas Instruments Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>), Qorvo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QRVO#NASDAQ">QRVO</a>), and Skyworks Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWKS#NASDAQ">SWKS</a>) suddenly look exposed.
Read Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/04/44818578/qorvo-stock-bounces-but-charts-still-bearish-starboards-jeffrey-smith-sees-a-comeback-play">Qorvo Stock Bounces, But Charts Still Bearish &#8211; Starboard&#8217;s Jeffrey Smith Sees A Comeback Play</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI And Datacenter: The Only Bright Spots</h2>
That said, JPMorgan isn't throwing out the entire chip basket. Sur urges a "selective" approach, spotlighting Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Marvell Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) and Analog Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADI#NASDAQ">ADI</a>) as top picks &#8211; all tied closely to AI and data infrastructure. These are the companies best positioned to ride the "strong demand in accelerated compute/AI," even if GPU giants like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) face potential downside from tightening China restrictions and "upcoming AI diffusion rules."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EDA, Semicap: Downturn-Proof Darlings</h2>
In the tools-of-the-trade corner, KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) and Synopsys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>) also earn JPM's stamp of approval. EDA players like Synopsys are seen as resilient. "R&amp;D budgets don't get cut in downturns," Sur says, a mantra every long-term investor in chip design software should pin to their monitors.
Meanwhile, the "flat-to-down" outlook for WFE (wafer fab equipment) in 2025 spells more caution for semicap names, though JPMorgan still favors Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), KLA Corp, and Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) &#8211; all expected to outperform thanks to "rising capital intensity" and growing service revenue.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Down-Cycle Playbook Moment Is Here</h2>
The macro backdrop remains fraught. JPM economists now peg the chance of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645681/jpmorgan-raises-recession-risk-to-60-as-largest-us-tax-hike-in-60-years-hits-global-economy">U.S. recession at 60%</a>, as the tariff storm clouds hang heavy. Demand pull-forward in smartphones might make the first quarter look fine, but "incremental conservatism" is expected to dominate the second quarter and H2 guidance.
Bottom line? 
This is a "down-cycle playbook" moment. The sector's long-term structural story — AI, content tailwinds, and rising chip complexity — remains intact. But for now, it's all about threading the needle between "inevitable slowdown" and the pockets of AI-driven strength.
And as Sur says, "remain selective on stocks."
Read Next: 
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Broadcom, Marvell, Synopsys: The Chips That Might Not Crumble In The Coming Storm

The first-quarter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductor earnings parade</a> kicks off with ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44832382/nvidia-supplier-asml-beats-revenue-and-eps-estimates-euv-product-mix-performance-milestones-drive-q1-says-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Wednesday</a> and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) on Thursday, followed by the U.S. semi and semicap peers in the following week.
For U.S. chip vendors, BofA Securities analysts Vivek Arya and Duksan Jang expect first-quarter results to beat as their original outlook was likely conservative and tariff-related pull-ins created a better demand environment.
However, the second-quarter outlook could be in line as companies could widen the guidance range.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44841545/applied-materials-lam-research-kla-drop-amid-fresh-trade-war-fears-revenue-risk" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Drop Amid Fresh Trade War Fears, Revenue Risk</a>
Regarding tariff impact, Arya and Jang expect U.S. chip companies to follow the example of early reporting companies Taiwan Semiconductor, ASML, Texas Instruments Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>), and Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>).
The analysts generically express concern on second-half demand headwinds and quantified gross margin headwinds from inflationary supply chain movements (such as Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvda#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)) and higher U.S. sourcing.
Overall, semi-industry overhangs could persist pending clarity on new sectoral tariff rates (next several weeks), China retaliation, U.S. reciprocal tariffs, and AI diffusion rules (May 15).
On the positive side, despite some downside to estimates, valuation has become more compelling for high-quality areas in cloud/AI (Nvidia, Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/avgo#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)), design software (Cadence Design Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cdns#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>), Synopsys, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>)) and semicap (Lam Research, KLA Corp (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/klac#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>)).
The analysts laid down two potential scenarios, which are modest tariff impact and dire tariff impact. Their modest scenario aligns with limited China and reciprocal tariffs, while the dire scenario implies the implementation of specific sectoral tariffs on semis/electronics (tariff rates not yet announced).
In a modest scenario, tariffs could drive roughly ~4% hit to calendar 2025 sales and ~6% hit to calendar 2026 versus current consensus, with EPS declines mostly ranging between 5%-25% (12%-13% average) inclusive of 150bps gross margin hit.
In a dire scenario, estimates could be further pushed down, with a 9% and 12% sales decline in calendar 2025 and 2026 and EPS declines mostly ranging between 15%-50% (25%-30% average) inclusive of a 500bps gross margin hit.
For revenue impact, the analysts noted companies with AI/cloud/industrial exposures to fare better in a potential tariff-induced demand downturn.
At the same time, those with consumer/auto are at greater risk. Nvidia, Lam Research, Cadence Design Systems, Synopsys, and Applied Materials, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) are among the companies with the least potential sales impact (at -1% to -6% sales impact), while Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXPI#NASDAQ">NXPI</a>), ON Semiconductor Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) could fare worse (at -7% to -9% impact).
Importantly, even under the above distressed EPS scenario (dire tariffs), Nvidia, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), Synopsys, and Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) have a 30%+ potential upside to historical P/E or PEG multiple at current stock price.
In a modest tariff scenario, the EPS hits of 12%-13% (2-2.5 times sales) are well below the 30%-40% reductions the analysts have seen in prior market downturns. However, the primary concern is PE multiple compression due to enhanced market risks.
The SOX index is currently trading at ~18 times forward PE, below the broader SPX at ~20 times, though above the 12-14 times PE at prior semi-industry downturns. Notably, the SOX index has more than given up the ~20% PE premium it gained during AI-fueled stock gains in calendar 2023 and 2024.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44844097/amd-flags-800-million-risk-from-new-us-chip-export-rules-as-china-tariffs-add-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMD Flags $800 Million Risk From New US Chip Export Rules As China Tariffs Add Pressure</a></li>
</ul>
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NXPI

These Semiconductor Stocks To Face Least Tariffs Impact Compared To Intel

Risk sentiment took a sharp blow Wednesday afternoon after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell linked rising tariffs to higher inflation and slower growth, while making it clear the central bank has no intention <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44848474/fed-chair-powell-says-tariffs-lead-to-temporary-rise-in-inflation">of cushioning market losses.</a>
In remarks at the Economic Club of Chicago, Powell said the inflationary effects of tariffs could be more persistent than previously thought, and warned that current policy uncertainty makes it difficult to gauge their full impact. 
Most notably for Wall Street, Powell addressed the notion of a so-called "Fed put"—the belief that the central bank would intervene if markets drop sharply—and offered a blunt response: "I'm going to say no."
That single line pushed traders to recalibrate expectations for any near-term monetary support.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Tumble As Chipmakers Extend Losses</h3>
By 3:15 p.m. ET, the S&amp;P 500 – as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) – had dropped 3.1% to 5,230 points, while the Nasdaq 100 – tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) plunged 4.1% to 18,050, dragged down by the tech-heavy weighting of the index. 
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 838 points, or 2.1%, and the Russell 2000 small-cap index also fell 2.1%.
Nearly every sector turned red, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) nosediving 5%. Energy stocks were the sole exception, buoyed by higher crude prices and safe-haven commodity demand.
Semiconductors were particularly hard hit following fresh export restrictions on Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) chips to China. 
The iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) plummeted 6.8%, with Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) both down around 10%.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gold Shines In Flight To Safety</h3>
As stocks tumbled, gold prices climbed, continuing their powerful 2025 rally. The precious metal hit new record highs, rising to over $2,350 an ounce, and is now up 26% year to date. 
With the Nasdaq 100 down 23% over the same period, gold has outperformed the tech index by nearly 50% in less than four months.
Gold's appeal has grown amid mounting inflation concerns, policy uncertainty, and geopolitical tension.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Powell: No Market Rescue This Time</h3>
Powell's refusal to endorse the "Fed put" marked a sharp shift in tone from the central bank's more accommodative stance in past downturns. While he acknowledged market volatility, he said both equity and bond markets were "functioning" and "orderly."
"Markets are struggling with a lot of uncertainty, and that means volatility," Powell said. "But having said that, markets are functioning."
The Fed chair emphasized that rate decisions will continue to focus on economic data, especially inflation and employment, and not on asset prices.
Top S&amp;P 500 Gainers:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Last</th>
<th>Chg %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>)</td>
<td>129.93</td>
<td>+2.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NYSE">APA</a>)</td>
<td>15.27</td>
<td>+2.52%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)</td>
<td>29.21</td>
<td>+2.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Newmont Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>)</td>
<td>55.88</td>
<td>+2.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diamondback Energy Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NYSE">FANG</a>)</td>
<td>129.98</td>
<td>+2.23%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Top S&amp;P 500 Losers:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Last</th>
<th>Chg %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Advanced Micro Devices Inc.</td>
<td>85.90</td>
<td>-9.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nvidia Corp.</td>
<td>101.25</td>
<td>-9.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBHT#NYSE">JBHT</a>)</td>
<td>123.21</td>
<td>-8.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</td>
<td>89.90</td>
<td>-8.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>)</td>
<td>622.99</td>
<td>-7.87%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44844084/nvidias-h20-chip-ban-could-lead-to-manageable-sales-drop-bank-of-america-says">Nvidia H20 Chip Ban Could Lead To &#8216;Manageable&#8217; Sales Drop, Bank Of America Says</a></li>
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iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Stocks Sink As Powell Dismisses 'Fed Put' Safety Net, Gold Extends Massive Lead Over Nasdaq

U.S. major indices traded lower at midday Wednesday, pressured by sharp declines in tech and semiconductor stocks after Washington tightened chip <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/china">export restrictions to China.</a>
The U.S. government has barred Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) from selling its H20 chips to China — a move that could wipe out an estimated $5.5 billion from the company's projected quarterly revenue. Nvidia shares slid nearly 7%.
Other chipmakers also felt the heat. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) dropped 6% as its MI308 chips fall under the new licensing requirements.
The iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) sank 3.4%, extending the sector&#8217;s losses. Adding to the drag, Dutch chip equipment giant ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) missed quarterly revenue estimates, sending its shares down 5%.
On the macro front, March retail sales surprised to the upside, rising 1.4% month-over-month — topping forecasts of 1.3% and marking the strongest monthly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44837237/march-retail-sales-post-highest-surge-in-over-two-years-as-us-consumers-anticipate-tariff-jitters">gain since January 2023.</a>
Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar saw renewed selling pressure, with the dollar index dipping back below 100. Treasury yields were little changed, with the 10-year yield holding steady near 4.33%.
Gold continued its stellar run, surging 2.5% to a fresh record high of $3,320 per ounce as demand for safe-haven assets remains robust.
In commodities, oil prices rebounded sharply, with WTI crude climbing 2% to $62 a barrel. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) also edged up 1.3% to around $84,500.
All eyes are now on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who is set to speak at the Economic Club of Chicago later this afternoon.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices </td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Chg %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>40,318.86</td>
<td>-0.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>1,872.38</td>
<td>-0.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,340.12</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>18,501.22</td>
<td>-1.7%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 11:30 a.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) fell 0.9% to $532.68.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) eased 0.1% to $403.09.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;tanked 1.7% to $450.31.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) fell 0.5% to $185.84.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) outperformed, up 1.1%; the&nbsp;Technology&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) lagged, down 2.2%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Top 5 Gainers On Wednesday</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>)</td>
<td>5.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>)</td>
<td>4.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>)</td>
<td>4.17%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>)</td>
<td>3.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Mosaic Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOS#NYSE">MOS</a>)</td>
<td>3.84%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Worst 5 Losers On Wednesday</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>% Change</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBHT#NASDAQ">JBHT</a>)</td>
<td>-8.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVIDIA Corporation </td>
<td>-6.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.</td>
<td>-5.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>)</td>
<td>-4.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPG#NYSE">IPG</a>)</td>
<td>-4.71%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44832771/the-ball-is-in-chinas-court-trump-says-as-white-house-awaits-beijings-call-china-needs-to-make-a-deal-with-us">&#8216;The Ball Is In China&#8217;s Court&#8217;: Trump Says As White House Awaits Beijing&#8217;s Call — &#8216;China Needs To Make A Deal With Us&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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Nvidia Drags Wall Street Down, Gold Defies Gravity Ahead Of Powell Remarks: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chip equipment stocks</a> Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) and KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) are trading lower Wednesday, in line with the semiconductor sector&#8217;s fear of repercussions from the Trump administration&#8217;s tariff attack on countries including China.
Also, the chip equipment company ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) reported its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44832382/nvidia-supplier-asml-beats-revenue-and-eps-estimates-euv-product-mix-performance-milestones-drive-q1-says-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter results</a> on Wednesday. ASML reported quarterly revenue of €7.742 billion or $8.764 billion, beating analyst estimates of $7.760 billion.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44826144/asml-nears-china-order-finish-line-as-demand-for-ai-chip-tools-heats-up" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASML Approaches End Of China Backlog, Eyes Growth in AI and Advanced Chip Demand</a>
The company reported basic earnings of €6 or $6.83 per share, above estimates of $5.760. CFO Roger Dassen outlined <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44833646/from-parts-to-profits-tariffs-have-a-4x-hit-on-asmls-bottom-line-says-cfo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the potential fallout</a> from tariffs imposed on complete system shipments into the U.S., parts and tools required for ASML&#8217;s field operations within the U.S., the material imports that ASML needs to manufacture in its U.S.-based facilities, and the reciprocal tariffs imposed by other countries on ASML&#8217;s shipments from the U.S.
Reuters reports, citing industry calculations, that the new tariffs could cost U.S. semiconductor equipment makers more than $1 billion annually.
Applied Materials, Lam Research, and KLA may each suffer a loss of close to $350 million over a year related to the tariffs.
Chip equipment makers have already lost billions in revenue due to the Biden administration&#8217;s semiconductor sanctions on China.
The Trump administration is weighing further duties on the chip industry and initiated a probe into their imports on Monday.
Applied Materials, Lam Research stocks have tanked ~30% in the last 12 months.
Needham analyst Charles Shi and KeyBanc analyst Steve Barger&nbsp;had predicted that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43741255/applied-materials-navigates-china-slowdown-analysts-see-early-recovery-despite-soft-guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. tariffs on</a> China would weigh on Applied Materials&#8217; second-quarter results, considering the company&#8217;s exposure to the country. Barger noted ~$400 million impact in fiscal 2025, half of which will affect the second quarter, and that China exposure would drop to ~25% this quarter.
Applied Materials <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44821697/applied-materials-expands-chip-packaging-push-with-strategic-stake-in-dutch-partner-besi" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquired a 9%</a> stake in Besi in April to advance hybrid bonding for energy-efficient chip packaging.
Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari expects Lam Research to outperform <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43541019/chip-equipment-stocks-gain-traction-as-ai-demand-tsmcs-capex-and-semiconductor-expansion-drive-valuations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its immediate peers</a> in 2025, backed by a quarterly recovery in the overall Wafer Fab Equipment market. 
In February, Lam Research <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43664402/lam-research-commits-1-2-billion-investment-in-india-eyes-63-billion-semiconductor-growth-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">committed $1.2 billion</a> to boost India&#8217;s semiconductor ecosystem. The country aims for a $63 billion chip market by 2026.
Price Actions: AMAT stock is down 4.43% at $138.99 premarket at last check on Wednesday. LRCX is down 4.44%, and KLAC is down 2.46%.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44823834/ericsson-q4-earnings-sales-climb-3-us-clients-accelerate-purchases-ahead-of-tariffs-eyes-solid-q2-despite-global-tariff-pressures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ericsson&#8217;s US Clients Accelerate Purchases In Q1 Ahead of Tariffs, Eyes Solid Q2 Despite Global Uncertainty</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Media

Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA Drop Amid Fresh Trade War Fears, Revenue Risk

WIIM

ALGM

AMKR

AOSL

CAMT

CRDO

ENTG

FORM

LSCC

MCHP

MKSI

MPWR

ONTO

QCOM

RGTI

SITM

SMTC

Shares of chip stocks are trading lower after NVIDIA said it was recently informed by the US government that it will need a license to export chips to China. Additionally, warned that tariffs have increased uncertainty surrounding the company's outlook, which may be adding to the weakness across the board.

Stifel analyst Brian Chin maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $825 to $750.

Price Target

Stifel Maintains Buy on KLA, Lowers Price Target to $750

A $500 billion commitment by Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) to build artificial intelligence supercomputers exclusively in the U.S. is drawing attention from Washington to Wall Street <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">as reshoring trends accelerate.</a>
In a Tuesday post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump announced the move and said Nvidia will receive expedited permits for its ambitious U.S.-based AI infrastructure investment, calling it a "very big and exciting news."
The announcement comes amid a broader push from the Trump administration to accelerate domestic technology manufacturing and reduce reliance on China. Trump also pledged to expedite all necessary permits for other companies investing in what he dubbed the "Golden Age of America."
Over the weekend, the administration confirmed exemptions to new tariffs of up to 145% on critical tech imports such as smartphones and semiconductors—moves aimed at shielding U.S. tech leaders from global trade friction.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bank of America Sees Earnings Tailwinds From Reshoring</h3>
In a note shared Monday, Bank of America semiconductor analyst Vivek Arya said earnings expectations for U.S.-based companies benefiting from reshoring remain on solid footing. 
"We expect earnings estimates from companies exposed to reshoring beneficiaries to remain well positioned to largely deliver on earnings expectations," Arya said.
Nvidia, in particular, was highlighted as a top sector pick alongside Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), chip-design leaders Cadence Design Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>) and Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>) as well as semiconductor capital equipment makers Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) and KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>).
Bank of America holds a $200 price target on Nvidia, implying an 80% upside from its current $110 share price. The bank values the stock at 33 times expected calendar year 2026 earnings, excluding cash—within its historical 25x to 56x forward price-to-earnings range.
According to Arya, this valuation is justified given Nvidia's broader exposure to long-term secular trends, including artificial intelligence infrastructure, gaming cycle recovery and robust data center demand.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>
NVIDIA shares edged up 0.2% in premarket trading Tuesday, following a 0.2% dip on Monday. The stock has surged 28% since last week's lows, which were triggered by renewed tariff fears.
Top premarket risers within the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) were KLA Corp., Onto Innovation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONTO#NASDAQ">ONTO</a>) and ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) with gains of about 1%. 
Read now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44807995/us-stock-futures-waver-after-two-day-rally-trumps-tariff-moves-could-end-a-3-year-rolling-recession-says-expert">US Stock Futures Waver After Two-Day Rally: Trump&#8217;s Tariff Moves Could End A 3-Year &#8216;Rolling Recession,&#8217; Says Expert</a></li>
</ul>
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Trump Hypes $500 Billion NVIDIA Investment In US AI Supercomputers: 'Golden Age Of America' Begins

A temporary delay in new U.S. tariffs on tech imports from China sparked <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors">a broad semiconductor rally</a>.
What Happened: The iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) jumped 2.5% by 9:40 a.m. ET Monday, extending its rally to 19% from last week's lows.
Monday&#8217;s top individual gainers within the SOXX ETF included:
<ul>
<li>Entegris Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENTG#NASDAQ">ENTG</a>) surged 6.7% to $74.37</li>
<li>Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) rose 6.1% to $20.95</li>
<li>Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) gained 5.8% to $73.56</li>
<li>Qorvo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QRVO#NASDAQ">QRVO</a>) added 5.1% to $59.16</li>
<li>MKS Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MKSI#NASDAQ">MKSI</a>) climbed 4.2% to $68.25</li>
<li>Universal Display Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OLED#NASDAQ">OLED</a>) rose 3.8% to $117.02</li>
<li>Texas Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>) advanced 3.7% to $153.01</li>
</ul>
In a research note published on Monday, Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya called the one-to-two-month delay on electronics tariffs &#8220;incrementally positive.&#8221; The delay, which allows industry debate before the White House finalizes so-called &#8220;sectoral&#8221; tariffs targeting semiconductors, was enough to trigger <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chipmakers">sharp gains in chip stocks</a>.
Sentiment also improved following the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's decision Friday to exclude several electronic categories—such as smartphones and PCs—from immediate reciprocal tariffs.
"The delay is a net positive," Arya said, citing how electronics represent roughly 50% of global chip demand. 
"It allows for debate and discussion on this critical end-market,&#8221; he added. 
Arya noted that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), the world's largest semiconductor buyer, was also excluded from tariff pressure during Trump&#8217;s first term.
Arya reaffirmed a bullish stance on chipmakers with exposure to artificial intelligence and reshoring themes, including Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>).
Cadence Design Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>) and Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>) remain his key preferences among chip-design software firms.
For semiconductor capital equipment—a group seen as direct beneficiaries of U.S. manufacturing—Arya highlighted Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) and KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>).
The analyst also noted a potential tailwind from increased domestic production efforts. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>)&#8217;s $195 billion U.S. investments, Apple's $500 billion pledge and Nvidia's $200 billion U.S. expansion could all influence the shaping of final tariff rules.
"We expect over time for TSMC to front-end process most—if not all—semis required by its U.S. fabless customers within its Arizona fabs," Arya said, adding that a potential Intel-TSMC joint venture could further boost domestic chip output.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44788262/apples-margins-catch-a-break-but-road-ahead-still-looks-bumpy">Apple&#8217;s Margins Catch A Break, But Road Ahead Still Looks Bumpy</a>
Why It Matters: Despite Monday's rally, Arya maintained a cautious view on chipmakers heavily exposed to consumer-facing segments like smartphones and PCs. 
After all, President Donald Trump clarified Sunday that electronics aren&#8217;t fully exempt. They will instead be folded into a separate sector-focused tariff plan to be announced in the coming months. 
Therefore, it&#8217;s unclear how sectoral tariffs will apply to U.S. electronics assembled in China using foreign-made chips.
"Semis remain a high beta sector and exposed to volatility," Arya said. However, he expects companies tied to AI and infrastructure to remain well-positioned to deliver on earnings expectations.
One risk Arya flagged is the upcoming May 15 compliance deadline for new U.S. rules governing the export of AI chips, which could limit shipments outside a small group of 19 &#8220;Tier 1&#8221; nations.
Still, with the delay in electronics tariffs offering space for negotiation, investors appear to be betting that the worst-case trade scenarios for U.S. chipmakers could be avoided, at least for now.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44787080/goldman-sachs-cheers-china-tariff-exemptions-lifts-earnings-forecasts-for-apple-dell-hp">Goldman Sachs Cheers China Tariff Exemptions, Lifts Earnings Forecasts For Apple, Dell, HP</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Mid Cap

AAPL

OLED

7 Chipmaker Stocks Set To Gain As Trump Delays Tariff Blow On Key China Tech Imports: Bank Of America

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>B of A Securities raised McKesson Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>) price target from $665 to $755. B of A Securities analyst Michael Cherny maintained a Buy rating. McKesson shares closed at $679.33 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MCK/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>BMO Capital slashed the price target for Entergy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETR#NYSE">ETR</a>) from $94 to $89. BMO Capital analyst James Thalacker maintained an Outperform rating. Entergy shares closed at $80.28 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Susquehanna lowered Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDC#NASDAQ">WDC</a>) price target from $72 to $40. Susquehanna analyst Medhi Hosseini maintained a Neutral rating. Western Digital shares closed at $34.87 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WDC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Baird cut the price target for Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRI#NYSE">CPRI</a>) from $26 to $18. Baird analyst Mark Altschwager maintained a Neutral rating. Capri shares closed at $14.63 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CPRI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Stifel cut the price target for Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FUN#NYSE">FUN</a>) from $64 to $52. Stifel analyst Steven Wieczynski maintained a Buy rating. Six Flags Entertainment shares closed at $32.29 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FUN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Morgan Stanley slashed Textron Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXT#NYSE">TXT</a>) price target from $82 to $71. Morgan Stanley analyst Kristine Liwag maintained an Equal-Weight rating. Textron shares settled at $64.52 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TXT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Piper Sandler cut Steven Madden, Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOO#NASDAQ">SHOO</a>) price target from $35 to $25. Piper Sandler analyst Anna Andreeva maintained a Neutral rating. Steven Madden shares closed at $21.18 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHOO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Needham slashed CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMX#NYSE">KMX</a>) price target from $101 to $92. Needham analyst Chris Pierce maintained a Buy rating. CarMax shares closed at $60.45 on Thursday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KMX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>B of A Securities cut the price target for American Express Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>) from $325 to $274. B of A Securities analyst Kenneth Bruce upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy. American Express shares settled at $246.89 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AXP/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Oppenheimer slashed KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) price target from $850 to $700. Oppenheimer analyst Edward Yang maintained an Outperform rating. KLA shares closed at $656.76 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KLAC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying MCK stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="558" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11083928/image-83-1024x558.png" alt="" class="wp-image-867900" style="width:486px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11083928/image-83-1024x558.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11083928/image-83-300x164.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11083928/image-83-768x419.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11083928/image-83.png 1073w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44734419/top-2-real-estate-stocks-that-may-keep-you-up-at-night-this-month">Top 2 Real Estate Stocks That May Keep You Up At Night This Month</a> </li>
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Photo via Shutterstock

CPRI

SHOO

McKesson To Rally More Than 11%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Friday

Oppenheimer analyst Edward Yang maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $850 to $700.

Oppenheimer Maintains Outperform on KLA, Lowers Price Target to $700

ACMR

AMBA

ASYS

CRUS

ENPH

HIMX

ICHR

KLIC

Shares of chip stocks are trading lower as stocks pull back after surging Wednesday following President Trump's tariff pause announcement.

KOPN

MTSI

PLAB

POWI

QUIK

UCTT

Shares of semiconductor companies are trading higher following President Trump's decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries except China.

On CNBC's &#8220;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/04/07/final-trades-berkshire-hathaway-first-citizens-bancshares-and-kla-corp.html">Halftime Report Final Trades</a>,&#8221; Brian Belski of BMO Capital Markets named First Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCNCA#NASDAQ">FCNCA</a>) as his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FCNCA/earnings">final trade</a>.
On the earnings front, First Citizens will report its financial results for the quarter that ended March 31, before the opening bell on Thursday, April 24. 
Analysts expect the firm to report quarterly earnings at $37.87 per share, down from $52.92 per share in the year-ago period. The company projects quarterly revenue of $2.22 billion, compared to $2.29 billion a year earlier.
Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners picked Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>).
The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Compass was in talks to buy Warren Buffett&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/ma/25/03/44317138/warren-buffetts-real-estate-brokerage-compass-discuss-deal-report">real estate brokerage unit</a>.
Don't forget to check out our<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/"> premarket coverage here</a>
Jason Snipe of Odyssey Capital Advisors named KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>).
Morgan Stanley analyst Shane Brett supported his view on March 31, upgrading KLA&#8217;s rating from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raising the price target from $748 to $870.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>First Citizens Bancshares shares gained 2.2% to close at $1,606.17 on Monday.</li>
<li>Berkshire Hathaway shares fell 0.6% to close at $490.38 during Monday's session.</li>
<li>KLA shares gained 4.9% to settle at $604.62 on Monday.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/04/44669062/top-3-health-care-stocks-that-may-crash-in-q2">Top 3 Health Care Stocks That May Crash In Q2</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Markets

FCNCA

First Citizens Bancshares, Berkshire Hathaway And A Tech Stock On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

INDI

SMCI

TSEM

Shares of chip stocks are trading higher amid overall market volatility. Stocks across sectors have been volatile on Monday, with tech stocks rebounding following earlier weakness.

BRK/B

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Berkshire Hathaway - B Stock, First Citizens BancShares, KLA Corp

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors">Semiconductors may power</a> everything from Tesla Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) cars to toothbrushes, but they can't outrun geopolitics.
With trade tensions heating up again, chip stocks have already taken a 25–30% hit, and JPMorgan analyst Harlan Sur says, &#8220;We see the potential for further ~10% downside (range of 5-15%) over the next six months.&#8221;
The good news? That may be the final flush before a rebound.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs Aren't The Problem &#8211; Demand Destruction Is</h2>
Despite investor jitters, Sur says the direct impact of tariffs on chipmakers is minimal. Most U.S.-designed chips are manufactured and tested abroad, not directly shipped into the U.S., shielding them from most tariff crossfire. Even China's retaliatory moves barely dent the sector directly.
Instead, the real problem lies in sticker shock. With end-products like smartphones and cars expected to rise 5–10% in price, consumers may start pulling back. A $300-more-expensive iPhone or a costlier EV could stall demand, ultimately hurting semiconductor sales.
Inventory caution from buyers only adds to the pressure.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44644871/nvidia-slips-into-bearish-trend-as-hsbc-downgrades-ai-giant">Nvidia Slips Into Bearish Trend As HSBC Downgrades AI Giant</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2018 Called &#8211; It Wants Its Trade War Back</h2>
Sur points to the 2018 U.S.-China tariff battle as a cautionary tale. Back then, chipmakers were riding high—until trade tensions slammed the brakes on the upcycle. Demand weakened, earnings were revised down and stocks nosedived by up to 35%. Memory stocks were hit the hardest, while software-centric names like Synopsys proved more defensive.
Sur sees echoes of that pattern in 2025: stocks are selling off ahead of earnings cuts, which could help clear the air for recovery. If history repeats, a three-to-five-month drawdown followed by a Fed-assisted rebound isn't out of the question.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Broadcom, Analog Devices, KLA, Synopsis: Selective Is The Safe Play</h2>
In this storm, Sur's sticking with what held up last time. He favors Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Analog Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADI#NASDAQ">ADI</a>), KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) and Synopsys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>) &#8211; stocks that blend strong fundamentals with exposure to AI, design software and increasing chip complexity.
These names outperformed during the 2018-2019 drawdown and are positioned to be more resilient this time around.
The bottom line? 
Semiconductor stocks may not be done falling, but with earnings resets coming soon, the worst might be behind us.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44645946/microsoft-halts-data-center-expansions-due-to-semiconductor-tariff-concerns-ai-overcapacity-fears">Microsoft Halts Data Center Expansions Due To Semiconductor Tariff Concerns, AI Overcapacity Fears</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

TSLA

Broadcom, Analog Devices Could Slide ~10%, Analyst Warns, But A Bottom Could Be Near

Shares of chip stocks are trading lower as global markets continue to decline following President Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs.

Shares of chip stocks are trading lower as markets react to President Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs.

Dividends

Press Releases

KLA Declares Regular Cash Dividend

KLA Earns Third-Party Validation of Near-term, Science-based GHG Emissions Targets and Releases Annual Global Impact Report

KLA Announces Upcoming Investor Webcasts

KLA Corporation Announces Increase in Quarterly Dividend Level to $1.70 per share

KLA Unveils Comprehensive IC Substrate Portfolio for a New Era of Advanced Semiconductor Packaging

Earnings

KLA Corporation Reports Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Results

KLA Corporation Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

SmartRent Appoints Ana Pinczuk to its Board of Directors

APTV

CSCO

FIVN

PLAN

SMRT

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. - Common Stock

Axcelis Technologies

ACM Research, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

ACM Research

Aehr Test System

Applied Mat

Amkor Tech

ASML Holding N.V. - New York Registry Shares

ASML Holding

Atomera

Cohu

DAQO New Energy Corp. American Depositary Shares, each representing five ordinary shares

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