Institutional investors increased stake in Applied Materials, Q2 earnings exceeded estimates, and B. Riley raised target price and rating.

Institutional investors including Manning & Napier Advisors LLC increased their stake in Applied Materials Inc. by $48.12 million, owning 203,922 shares in the second quarter. The company reported Q2 earnings per share of $2.09, exceeding the consensus estimate. Analyst firm B. Riley raised its target price from $255.00 to $300.00, giving Applied Materials a "buy" rating.