Tokyo Electron reduced its full-year earnings forecast due to weaker demand from logic chip producers and reduced spending on chipmaking equipment in China. The company now expects 570 billion yen (US$3.7 billion) in operating income for the fiscal year ending March, down from 727 billion yen. Shares fell 18%, and the company reported a 12.7% decline in June quarter operating income. Applied Materials, a competitor, reported strong Q2 2025 results with $7.10 billion in revenue, driven by AI-driven demand. The article highlights divergent outcomes for equipment suppliers, with AI infrastructure growth outpacing traditional consumer electronics demand.

Tata Electronics has appointed Randhir Thakur as its new chief executive officer and managing director, leveraging his 40 years of experience in global manufacturing, supply chain management, and semiconductor leadership. Thakur previously held roles at Intel and Applied Materials, with expertise in foundry services, process technology, and semiconductor innovation.

Arizona State University professor Seth Ariel Tongay has received grants from Applied Materials to develop 2D semiconductors for next-generation microchips, aiming to create smaller, more energy-efficient chips for AI and advanced electronics. The collaboration focuses on overcoming limitations of traditional silicon through atomic-scale material innovation.

Stock markets declined on Thursday as chipmakers and pharmaceutical companies retreated, driven by ARM Holdings' earnings forecast and President Trump's letters to drugmakers demanding price cuts. Key indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 fell, while economic data showed resilient labor markets and inflation pressures. Trade tensions and earnings reports from major companies like Microsoft and Meta also influenced market movements.

Tom Gayner, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Markel Corporation, submitted the 13F filing for Q2 2025, detailing his investment activities. He added shares in Adobe Inc, Applied Materials Inc, and CSX Corp, increased positions in Franco-Nevada Corp and Novo Nordisk AS, sold all shares of Cable One Inc, and reduced holdings in 3M Co and Watsco Inc. His portfolio includes major holdings in Berkshire Hathaway, Alphabet, and Amazon.