Applied Materials Rockets 98% in 2026: How Does AMAT Compare to Lam Research and KLA as AI Capex Powers Chip Gear Stocks?

Applied Materials Rockets 98% in 2026: How Does AMAT Compare to Lam Research and KLA as AI Capex Powers Chip Gear Stocks?

Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) shares are up 98% year to date (YTD) at $509.29 Tuesday afternoon, a rally that captures how central chip equipment makers have become to the 2026 AI infrastructure trade. However, AMAT stock is down 5% Tuesday, part of a group-wide pullback. Comparison figures across the peer group are settled through Monday’s close, ... Applied Materials Rockets 98% in 2026: How Does AMAT Compare to Lam Research and KLA as AI Ca…