The artificial intelligence sector continues to see significant activity, with companies like ASML experiencing a surge in demand for their chip-making equipment, driven by AI investments. ASML's third-quarter bookings reached 5.4 billion euros, exceeding expectations. However, the company anticipates a substantial drop in sales to China in 2026 due to U.S. trade restrictions, though it projects 2026 revenue to be at least flat compared to 2025. Meanwhile, AI startup Liberate has raised $50 million at a $300 million valuation to expand its AI solutions for insurance operations, utilizing AI agents and a voice assistant. Elastic, an enterprise software company focused on AI-powered search and observability, announced a $500 million share repurchase program following strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results driven by AI adoption. SoundHound AI is also experiencing strong momentum, with its stock surging due to AI market excitement and expansion into customer service and voice commerce, despite remaining unprofitable. In a notable development, Walmart is nearing a trillion-dollar valuation, with its market capitalization exceeding $854 billion, following a partnership with OpenAI that enables direct purchasing through ChatGPT, a move seen as a significant step in agentic commerce. Other companies like TSMC are expected to benefit from the AI craze, while Veeva Systems is identified as a top AI stock pick by CNBC personality Josh Brown for its specialized cloud software solutions in the life sciences industry.
Key Takeaways
- ASML's third-quarter bookings hit 5.4 billion euros, fueled by AI demand, but the company expects a significant sales decline in China for 2026 due to U.S. trade restrictions.
- Liberate, an AI startup for insurance operations, secured $50 million in funding at a $300 million valuation.
- Elastic announced a $500 million share repurchase program, driven by strong adoption of its AI offerings.
- SoundHound AI's stock is surging amid AI market excitement, with the company expanding its voice AI capabilities.
- Walmart's market capitalization has surpassed $854 billion, nearing a trillion-dollar valuation, following a partnership with OpenAI for direct purchasing via ChatGPT.
- TSMC is expected to benefit from continued demand driven by the high interest in artificial intelligence applications.
- Veeva Systems has been identified as a top AI stock pick for its specialized cloud software solutions in the life sciences industry.
- ASML anticipates its 2026 revenue will be at least equal to 2025 levels, despite challenges in the Chinese market.
- Liberate uses AI agents and a voice assistant named Nicole to automate insurance operations.
- The partnership between Walmart and OpenAI is seen as a significant advancement in agentic commerce.
ASML orders surge on AI demand, but China sales may drop
ASML reported strong third-quarter bookings of 5.4 billion euros, exceeding expectations due to high demand for its advanced chip-making machines driven by AI investments. The Dutch company, a key supplier for sophisticated chips, saw its shares rise. Despite this positive momentum, ASML anticipates a significant decrease in sales to China in 2026, partly due to U.S. trade restrictions. The company aims to grow annual revenue to 60 billion euros by 2026, but faces geopolitical challenges impacting its business in China.
ASML earnings beat, but warns of significant China sales drop
ASML announced strong third-quarter earnings, boosted by the AI boom, with new orders reaching 5.4 billion euros. However, the company warned of a significant drop in sales to China for 2026 due to U.S. export controls. CEO Christophe Fouquet expressed confidence in long-term growth, stating that 2026 sales are not expected to fall below 2025 levels. Despite geopolitical challenges, ASML maintains its forecast for annual sales growth of around 15% this year.
ASML AI demand strong, but China sales expected to decline
ASML, a major chip equipment supplier, expects to benefit from increased AI investments, but forecasts a significant decrease in demand from China for the next year. The company's net orders in the third quarter of 2025 reached 5.4 billion euros, slightly above analyst predictions. While China has been a substantial market for ASML, contributing nearly a third of its new equipment sales in the first nine months of 2025, a decline is now anticipated. CEO Christophe Fouquet noted positive momentum in AI investments extending to more customers.
ASML sees lower China sales amid AI demand, faces trade pressure
Chip equipment maker ASML predicts a significant drop in sales to China for the upcoming year, as Chinese customers had already purchased substantial amounts in previous years. China represented over 40 percent of ASML's chip machine sales last year, making it the firm's largest market. The company is also facing pressure from U.S. officials regarding its sales to China. ASML expects its 2026 revenue to be at least equal to 2025 levels, with further details to be provided next year.
ASML beats AI-driven estimates but warns of sharp China sales fall
ASML, the world's largest supplier of chipmaking equipment, reported strong third-quarter net bookings of 5.4 billion euros, exceeding estimates due to booming AI investments. CEO Christophe Fouquet highlighted continued positive momentum in AI investments benefiting customers needing advanced logic and memory chips. However, ASML warned that Chinese demand is expected to drop significantly next year, after making up a substantial portion of sales. The company anticipates 2026 sales will be at worst flat compared to 2025.
ASML earnings rise on AI demand, but China sales expected to decline
ASML shares increased following strong third-quarter results, driven by demand for AI and chipmaking tools, despite anticipating a significant decline in Chinese revenue starting in 2026. The company reported third-quarter revenue of 7.5 billion euros and net income of 2.1 billion euros. CEO Christophe Fouquet noted continued positive momentum in AI investments across its customer base. While expecting 15% growth in total net sales for the full year, ASML struck a cautious note on its business in China.
ASML sees AI demand boost but warns of significant China sales drop
Chipmaking equipment supplier ASML is optimistic about demand for artificial intelligence, expecting its 2026 sales to remain stable compared to 2025, despite a significant expected decline in sales to China. CEO Christophe Fouquet stated the company sees continued positive momentum in AI investments. ASML reported third-quarter earnings per share of 5.49 euros, exceeding analyst estimates, and projects fourth-quarter sales between 9.2 billion and 9.8 billion euros. The company's shares have risen nearly 50% in 2025.
Liberate raises $50M for AI in insurance operations
Liberate, an AI startup focused on automating insurance operations, has secured $50 million in funding at a $300 million valuation, led by Battery Ventures. The company uses AI agents and a voice assistant named Nicole to handle tasks like quoting policies, processing claims, and customer service. Founded in 2022, Liberate aims to embed AI into the core of insurance operations, helping carriers grow and reduce costs. The new funding will support scaling its deployments globally.
Liberate secures $50M for AI in insurance back offices
Liberate, an AI company automating tasks for property and casualty insurers, has raised $50 million at a $300 million valuation. Its AI solutions streamline sales, service, and claims processing within insurance operations. This funding is expected to accelerate Liberate's growth and further integrate its AI technology into the insurance sector, enhancing efficiency and customer service.
Elastic stock gains on AI traction and $500M buyback
Elastic, an enterprise software company specializing in AI-powered search, security, and observability, announced a $500 million share repurchase program. This move follows strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results where the company exceeded Wall Street forecasts, driven by growing adoption of its AI offerings. Elastic reported increased revenue and free cash flow, highlighting its confidence in its business strategy and execution. The company's stock has shown renewed strength after a period of decline.
SoundHound AI: High momentum, but avoid money-losing AI stocks
SoundHound AI is experiencing strong momentum in the AI sector, with its stock showing significant gains. The company is expanding into customer service and voice commerce, enhancing its Agentic AI capabilities. However, SoundHound AI remains unprofitable, and faces risks from potential competition by major tech companies and OpenAI. Investors are advised to maintain discipline and avoid unprofitable AI growth stocks despite the current market enthusiasm.
TSMC earnings expected amid AI fever pitch
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is set to report its earnings, benefiting significantly from the ongoing AI craze. As a primary player in the semiconductor industry, TSMC's dominant market position and strong competitive advantages make it a long-term investment prospect. The company is expected to see continued demand driven by the high interest in artificial intelligence applications.
Josh Brown picks Veeva Systems as top AI stock
CNBC personality Josh Brown has identified Veeva Systems Inc. as his top stock pick in the artificial intelligence sector, believing it to be an under-the-radar opportunity. Veeva Systems provides cloud-based software solutions for the life sciences industry, helping pharmaceutical and biotech companies manage data and accelerate R&D. Brown highlighted the company's specialized focus and essential services as key strengths for continued growth, despite its less direct involvement in consumer-facing AI.
Best Solana trading strategy using Bitget's AI agent
Solana (SOL) is showing positive market performance, trading at $203 and demonstrating resilience amid market fluctuations. Buyers appear to have the upper hand, with accumulation noted between $190 and $197, providing solid support. A break above $210 with volume could target $221 and then $236, potentially leading to new highs. A long position is suggested with an entry between $197 and $205, a stop loss at $188, and take profits at $235, $290, and $350 to $450.
Walmart nears trillion-dollar valuation after OpenAI deal
Walmart is projected to reach a trillion-dollar valuation following its new partnership with OpenAI, which allows shoppers to buy products directly through ChatGPT. This alliance, unveiled Tuesday, sent Walmart's stock to a record high, increasing its market capitalization to over $854 billion. Analyst David Bellinger called the move a significant step in agentic commerce, positioning Walmart ahead of competitors. The deal enhances Walmart's ability to innovate and maintain its strong market position.
SoundHound AI stock surges on AI market excitement
SoundHound AI's stock has seen a significant increase, gaining over 13% in the last five trading days and over 150% in six months, driven by the broader AI stock rally. The company specializes in voice AI and natural language processing, with recent revenue growth prompting an increase in its full-year guidance. Strategic acquisitions, like the recent purchase of a leader in AI for workflow automation, are positioning SoundHound for long-term growth in the voice AI market.
Sources
- ASML Orders Beat Expectations as AI Arms Race Boosts Demand
- ASML Warns of ‘Significant’ China Sales Drop Despite Strong Q3 Earnings Fueled by AI
- ASML (ASML) Expects AI Investment Boost but Warns of Declining China Demand
- Chip equipment maker ASML predicts lower sales in China amid strong AI demand
- ASML beats estimates on AI boom, but expects Chinese chip sales to fall ‘significantly’ next year
- ASML gains on earnings beat, but warns of China sales decline
- What Chipmaking Equipment Giant ASML's Q3 Results Said About AI Demand, China Trade
- Liberate bags $50M at $300M valuation to bring AI deeper into insurance back offices
- Liberate bags $50M at $300M valuation to bring AI deeper into insurance back offices
- A $500 Million Reason to Buy This Little-Known AI Stock
- SoundHound AI: Shun The Enigma Of Money-Losing AI Stocks (NASDAQ:SOUN)
- TSMC Earnings: Here's What To Expect As AI Reaches A Fever Pitch (NYSE:TSM)
- Josh Brown Pitches Best AI Stock ‘Not a Lot of People Know About’
- "Best Solana Trading Strategy Using Bitget's AI Agent "
- Walmart on Path to Trillion Dollar Status After OpenAI Alliance
- Investors Flock to SoundHound AI Stock (SOUN)—Should You Jump In?