TD Cowen Lifts Target on Applied Materials (AMAT) to $315, Names It a “Top 2026 Idea”

Core Viewpoint - Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) is recognized as a leading investment opportunity in the semiconductor sector, particularly due to its strong positioning in the DRAM and foundry segments, driven by increasing demand from artificial intelligence applications [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Applied Materials, Inc. is a leader in materials engineering solutions, providing manufacturing equipment, services, and software to the semiconductor, display, and related industries [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Growth Potential - TD Cowen has raised its price target for AMAT to $315.00 from $260.00 while maintaining a "Buy" rating, highlighting the company's strong growth prospects [1]. - The firm identifies AMAT as their "Top 2026 Idea," driven by structural growth in the DRAM and foundry segments, with approximately 50% of its semiconductor portfolio exposed to these areas [2]. - Non-China DRAM equipment spending is projected to grow by 17% in calendar year 2026, with potential upside to 20%, representing about 30% of AMAT's semiconductor systems revenue [3]. Group 3: Segment Analysis - The DRAM segment is expected to see significant growth, with historical data indicating that when DRAM gross margins were high, industry WFE (Wafer Fabrication Equipment) grew substantially before a correction [4]. - The leading-edge foundry segment is modeled to grow by 15% in calendar year 2026, particularly in the second half, supported by full utilization of current capacity and new cleanroom projects from major players like TSMC and Samsung [4].