Applied Materials stock: Besi stake set to rise to 20%

Applied Materials plans to increase its stake in BE Semiconductor Industries to approximately 20 percent, adding a new strategic element ahead of its fiscal 2026 results. The agreement, announced on October 26, is subject to the expiration or termination of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period, according to the Applied Materials 8-K filing.

Applied said the purchase would add to its existing Besi investment, which began in April 2025. The companies have worked together since 2020, and their collaboration now covers hybrid bonding, next-generation interconnect architectures, three-dimensional chip scaling, logic and memory integration, and advanced die integration platforms.

Investment expands AI packaging focus

Applied described the investment as long term and said it does not currently intend to raise its holding beyond approximately 20 percent or seek a board seat at Besi. The transaction therefore strengthens the companies' technology relationship without signaling a planned takeover or management role.

For investors, the agreement links Applied more closely to a part of the semiconductor supply chain that is becoming increasingly important as chipmakers pursue higher AI performance and energy efficiency. The commercial impact will depend on regulatory clearance, execution of the partnership and demand for advanced packaging equipment.

Applied Materials stock traded at 351.15 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 16:37 Berlin time on Friday, October 30, 2026, 7.71 percent below the Xetra close of Thursday, October 29. The real-time quote of Applied Materials stock provides the latest intraday indication.

Applied Materials will publish its fourth-quarter and fiscal 2026 results on November 12, according to its investor relations site. The earnings update will offer the next scheduled test of demand across semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging.

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