Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights a significant decline in Applied Materials' stock price following disappointing sales and profit forecasts, raising concerns about demand suppression due to trade disputes [1][2] - Applied Materials reported a revenue increase of 7.7% year-over-year to $7.3 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $7.21 billion, with earnings per share of $2.48, also above the forecast of $2.36 [1] - The company anticipates revenue of approximately $6.7 billion for the upcoming fiscal quarter, significantly lower than the analyst average estimate of $7.32 billion, and expects adjusted earnings per share of $2.11, below the forecast of $2.38 [1] Group 2 - Several investment banks have downgraded their target prices for Applied Materials, with Citigroup removing the company from its focus list and lowering the target price to $205, while Mizuho and Wells Fargo also reduced their target prices to $200 and $205 respectively [2] - CEO Gary Dickerson indicated a decrease in demand from certain customers and delays in technology export approvals, alongside prolonged tariff negotiations and other economic factors causing major clients to postpone purchases [1]