Rafferty Asset Management Trims Applied Materials Stake

Hedge fund reduces position in semiconductor equipment maker by 11.1% in Q3 2026

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:55am

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Rafferty Asset Management LLC, a major investment firm, has reduced its position in Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) by 11.1% in the third quarter of 2026. The firm previously owned 2,223,600 shares of the semiconductor equipment manufacturer, but sold 278,436 shares during the period, leaving it with a 0.28% stake worth $455,260,000.

Why it matters

Applied Materials is a key supplier of capital equipment and software used in the production of semiconductors, display panels, and other advanced materials. Changes in major institutional investors' holdings can signal shifts in market sentiment and expectations around the company's performance and the broader semiconductor industry.

The details

According to a disclosure filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Rafferty Asset Management reduced its position in Applied Materials by 11.1% in Q3 2026. The firm previously owned 2,223,600 shares, or a 0.28% stake, in the company, but sold 278,436 shares during the period, leaving it with a position valued at $455,260,000.

  • Rafferty Asset Management reduced its Applied Materials stake in the third quarter of 2026.

The players

Rafferty Asset Management LLC

A major investment management firm that previously held a 0.28% stake in Applied Materials.

Applied Materials, Inc.

A U.S.-based supplier of equipment, services and software used to manufacture semiconductor chips, flat panel displays and other advanced materials.

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The takeaway

The reduction in Rafferty Asset Management's stake in Applied Materials could signal broader market concerns or shifts in sentiment around the semiconductor equipment maker's outlook, though the reasons behind the firm's decision are not explicitly stated. Investors will likely monitor Applied Materials' performance and any further changes in major institutional holdings going forward.