Applied Materials is trading 8.5% up at $618.93, driven by specific positive catalysts. - Mizuho raised its price target for AMAT to $650 from $540, maintaining an "Outperform" rating, reflecting confidence in AI-driven demand. - CEO Gary Dickerson signaled a "multi-year chip boom" in an interview with Nikkei Asia, stating chipmakers are providing demand outlooks stretching to 2030, reinforcing AI infrastructure spending. - The stock is rebounding amid renewed enthusiasm for AI infrastructure and expectations for over 30% growth in the semiconductor equipment business by 2026.