- The iShares Semiconductor ETF dropped 27.43 % in July, marking its worst monthly performance since September 2001.
- Major industry players experienced historic losses, with Astera Labs, Marvell Technology, and KLA Corp. suffering declines exceeding 43 %.
- Despite the broad sector selloff, primary AI beneficiaries like Nvidia and Broadcom remained largely resilient with minor losses.
- Stifel, led by five-star analyst Brian Chin, has raised target prices for Applied Materials, KLA, and Lam Research while maintaining buy ratings on all three semiconductor equipment stocks.
- The price increases stem from surging demand for AI systems, which require extensive memory and advanced processors, coupled with the complexity of ramping up chip production.
- As a result, Stifel anticipates WFE spending will reach $145 billion to $150 billion in 2026, benefiting the companies differently, with analysts suggesting LRCX has the highest upside potential among the stocks discussed.