Applied Materials (AMAT) CEO Says AI Fuels Strongest Semiconductor Boom Ever

Applied Materials (AMAT) CEO Gary Dickerson said on May 28, 2026, that the semiconductor industry is entering its strongest growth period in history, driven by accelerating AI computing demand that is rewriting traditional business cycles. Speaking on CNBC, Dickerson dismissed fears of a typical boom-bust cycle, arguing AI has made demand more resilient and predictable. He said customer discussions are now focused on 2027 and 2028 requirements, reflecting unprecedented order visibility. The world’s largest chip-equipment supplier has doubled its production capacity yet still struggles to keep pace with rising demand, he added. Applied Materials shares have surged about 178% over the past year. Dickerson said the company’s financial guidance points to explosive growth ahead and that AI will transform every industry, creating a long-term opportunity for advanced chips and the equipment to make them.