UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K
   
(Mark one)  
þ
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the fiscal year ended October 31, 200430, 2005
 OR
o
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from           to

Commission file number 0-6920

Applied Materials, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware
 94-1655526
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
3050 Bowers Avenue, P.O. Box 58039
Santa Clara, California
(Address of principal executive offices)
 95052-8039
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(408) 727-5555

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Title of ClassName of Each Exchange on Which Registered


NoneNone
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
Rights to Purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 ofRegulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of thisForm 10-K or any amendment to thisForm 10-K.  þo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2

of the Act).  Yes o     No þ

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of May 2, 2004,1, 2005, based upon the closing sale price reported by the Nasdaq National Market on that date:$30,549,893,44224,309,916,866. Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of November 28, 2004, based upon the closing sale price reported by the Nasdaq National Market on that date:$28,205,165,975.

Number of shares outstanding of the issuer’sregistrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of November 28, 2004:27, 2005:1,679,234,8041,606,934,422
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for Applied Materials, Inc.’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 23, 200522, 2006 are incorporated by reference into Part III of thisForm 10-K.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1: Business
Item 2: Properties
Item 3: Legal Proceedings
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6: Selected Financial Data
Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures
Item 9B: Other Information
PART III
Item 10: Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11: Executive Compensation
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14: Principal AccountingAccountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
SIGNATURES
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
EXHIBIT 10.3610.44
EXHIBIT 10.3710.45
EXHIBIT 10.3910.46
EXHIBIT 10.47
EXHIBIT 10.48
EXHIBIT 12
EXHIBIT 21
EXHIBIT 23.1
EXHIBIT 23.2
EXHIBIT 24
EXHIBIT 31.1
EXHIBITEXHBITI 31.2
EXHIBIT 32.1
EXHIBIT 32.2


This Annual Report onForm 10-K of Applied Materials, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Applied or the Company) contains forward-looking statements. All statements in this Annual Report onForm 10-K, including those made by the management of Applied, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding Applied’s future financial results, operating results, cash flows and cash deployment strategies, business strategies, projected costs, products, competitive positions, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, as well as semiconductor and semiconductorsemiconductor-related industry trends. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. Forward-looking statements may contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and “continue,” the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Any expectations based on these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other important factors, including those discussed below and in the section titled “Trends, Risks and Uncertainties.” Other risks and uncertainties are disclosed in Applied’s prior Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. These and many other factors could affect Applied’s future financial condition and operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations based on forward-looking statements made in this document or elsewhere by Applied or on its behalf. Applied undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.

The following information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. All references to fiscal year apply to Applied’s fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in October of each year.
PART I
 
Item 1:Business

Item 1:  Business
Organized in 1967, Applied, a Delaware corporation, develops, manufactures, markets and services integrated circuit fabrication equipment for the worldwide semiconductor and semiconductor-related industry. Customers for these products include semiconductor wafer manufacturers and semiconductor integrated circuit (or chip) manufacturers who(including those that produce chips and flat panel displays), which either use the semiconductorsintegrated circuits they manufacture in their own products or sell them to other companies for use in advanced electronic components.

Integrated Circuit Manufacturing
Most chips are built on a silicon wafer base and include a variety of circuit components, such as transistors and other devices, that are connected by multiple layers of wiring (interconnects). As the density of the circuit components increases to enable greater computing power in the same or smaller area, the complexity of building the chip also increases, necessitating the formation of smaller structures and more intricate wiring schemes. To build a chip, the transistors, capacitors and other circuit components are first created on the surface of the wafer by performing a series of processes to deposit and selectively remove selectedsuccessive film layers. Similar processes are then used to build the layers of wiring structures on the wafer. A typical, simplified process sequence for building the wiring portion of chips involves initially depositing a dielectric film layer onto the base layer of circuit components using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. An etch system is then used to create openings and patterns in the dielectric layer. To form the metal wiring, these openings and patterns are subsequently filled with conducting material using physical vapor deposition (PVD) and/or electrochemical plating (ECP) technologies. A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) step then polishes the wafer to achieve a flat surface. Additional deposition, etch and CMP steps are then performed to build up the layers of wiring needed to complete the interconnection of the circuit elements to form the chip. Advanced chip designs require about 500 steps involving these and other processes to complete the manufacturing cycle.

Applied operates in a single industry segment and currently manufactures systems that perform most of the primary steps in the chip fabrication process, including: atomic layer deposition (ALD), CVD, PVD, ECP, etch, ion implantation, rapid thermal processing (RTP), CMP, wafer wet cleaning, wafer metrology and inspection, and systems that generate, etch, measure and inspect


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circuit patterns on masks used in the photolithography process. Applied’s subsidiary AKT, Inc. (AKT) manufactures CVD systems and array testers for making flat panel displays (FPDs) used in notebook computers, desktop monitors, televisions and other applications. Applied also provides products and services to enhance integrated circuit manufacturing yields.

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productivity and yield.

Most of Applied’s products are single-wafer systems with multiple process chambers attached to a base platform. Each wafer is processed separately in its own environment, allowing precise process control, of the process, while the system’s multiple chambers enable simultaneous, high productivity manufacturing. Applied sells most of its single-wafer, multi-chamber systems on four basic platforms: the Centura®, the Endura®, the Producer® and the Vantage®. These platforms currently support ALD, CVD, PVD, etch and RTP technologies.

In fiscal 2004, Applied broadened its line of platforms to include Parallel Wafer ProcessingTM systems through its acquisition of Torrex Equipment Corporation (Torrex). The FlexStarTM system, used for CVD applications, is capable of processing up to 25 wafers at a time in a furnace environment.

     Throughout its history,

Historically the semiconductor industry has migrated to increasingly larger wafers to build chips. The predominant wafer size used for volume production today is 200mm, or eight-inch, wafers, but a substantial number of new fabs that are being built use 300mm, or12-inch, wafers to gain the economic advantages of a larger surface area. Applied offers a comprehensive line of systems and services to support 200mm and 300mm wafer processing.

A majority of process steps used in chipmaking are performed to build the interconnect, a complex matrix of microscopic wires that carry electrical signals to connect the transistor and capacitor components of a chip. Customers are transitioningMany customers have transitioned from using aluminum as the main conducting material for the interconnect to copper, which has lower resistance than aluminum and can carry more current in a smaller area. Applied is athe leading supplier of systems for manufacturing copper-based chips, ranging fromand supplies systems for depositing, etching and planarizing the systems to deposit dielectric, tantalum nitride barrier and copper materials to CMP systems to smooth theseinterconnect layers. In 2005, Applied launched an enhanced PVD system for depositing the critical copper interconnect barrier-seed layers for optimized planarity.

in next-generation chips.

Complementing the transition to copper to improve chip speed is the use of highly efficient low dielectric constant (low k) films to replace silicon dioxide material as the insulator between the copper wiring structures. Applied leads the industry in providing low k dielectric systems thatto integrated circuit manufacturers and many of these customers are usednow using the Company’s Applied Black Diamond® film in volume production by a numberproduction. Applied introduced its second-generation low k dielectric film this year, the Applied Producer Black Diamond II, which further reduces the dielectric constant to enhance the speed of semiconductor manufacturers.

customers’ 65 nanometer (nm) and below chip designs.

The transistor portion of the chip is another area in which semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers are advancing their device designs to improve speed. Applied introduced several new products during fiscal 20042005 for building smaller and faster transistors, by expanding its offerings in ion implantation, epitaxial depositionrapid thermal processing (RTP) and silicon nitride systems.

etching.

Applied also uses similar technologies to manufacture and service equipment used to fabricate flat panel displays (FPDs) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AKT, Inc. (AKT). These systems are used by FPD manufacturers to build and test thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels for televisions, computer displays and other applications.
Products

The following summarizes Applied’s portfolio of products and their associated process technology areas.
 
Deposition

Deposition

Deposition is a fundamental step in fabricating a semiconductor.an integrated circuit. During deposition, a layer of either dielectric (material used as insulation between conductors)insulation), barrier or electrically conductive (typically metal materials used to carry current) film is deposited or grown on a wafer. Applied currently provides equipment to perform the four main types of deposition: ALD, CVD, PVD and ECP. In addition, Applied’s rapid thermal processingRTP systems can be used to perform certain types of dielectric deposition.
 
Atomic Layer Deposition

Atomic Layer Deposition

ALD is an emerging technology in which single layers of atoms are used to build chip structures. This technology enables customers to deposit thin layers of either conducting or insulating material with uniform coverage in very smallsub-nanometer sized areas. Applied offers ALD chambers for depositing tungsten and tantalum nitride films. The Applied Endura iCuBSTMtm product is the industry’s first system to integrate ALD and PVD chambers on a single platform for depositing critical barrier and seed layers in copper interconnects. The Applied Centura


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iSprintTMtm Tungsten system (iSprint) combines an ALD chamber, which deposits a tungsten nucleation film, with a CVD tungsten bulk fill process in one system. The iSprint is used to form contact structures that connect the transistors to the wiring areas of the chip.

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Chemical Vapor Deposition

Chemical Vapor Deposition
CVD is used by customers to deposit dielectric and metal films on a wafer. During the CVD process, gases that contain atoms of the material to be deposited react on the wafer surface, forming a thin film of solid material. Films deposited by CVD may be silicon oxide, single-crystal epitaxial silicon, amorphous silicon, silicon nitride, dielectric anti-reflective coatings, low k dielectric (highly efficient insulating materials), high k dielectric (electrical charge-storing materials), aluminum, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon, tungsten, refractory metals or silicides. Applied offers the following CVD products and technologies:

The Applied Producer CVD system— This high-throughput platform features Twin-Chamber®Twin-Chamber modules that have two single-wafer process chambers per unit. Up to three Twin-Chamber modules can be mounted on each Producer platform, giving it a maximum simultaneous processing capacity of six wafers. Many dielectric CVD processes can be performed on this platform. The Applied Producer Advanced Patterning FilmTMtm process is an innovative CVD hardmask film that enables customers to fabricate sub-50 nanometer (nm)sub-50nm transistor gates and contact structures using standard lithography. The Applied Producer DARC® 193 deposits a dielectric anti-reflective coating that provides the precise dimensional control and compatibility needed for fabricating interconnects and transistors using advanced lithography methods.

The Applied Centura Ultima HDP-CVD® system— High-density plasma CVD (HDP-CVD) is used to fill very small, deep spaces with dielectric film. One of the processes that can be performed on the system is fluorinated silicate glass (FSG), a film with higher insulating value than traditionally-used silicon dioxide material that enables faster chip performance. The Applied Centura Ultima HDP-CVD product is used by a number of major semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers for gap-fill applications, including the deposition of FSG in their advanced interconnect structures and deposition of silicon oxides in substrate isolation structures.

Low k Dielectric Films— Many semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers are now incorporating new low k dielectric materials in their copper-based chip designs to further improve interconnect speed. The Applied Producer Black Diamond®Diamond CVD low k system is being used by several customers in volume production to produce some of the industry’s most advanced devices. Using conventional CVD equipment, the Black Diamond product provides customers with a proven, cost-effective way to transition to this new material. In 2005, the Applied Producer Black Diamond II was introduced — a second-generation dielectric that provides a lower k-value film for building faster 65nm generation and below chip designs. A complementary low k dielectric film, called the Applied Producer BLOkTMtm (Barrier low k), enables the complete, multi-layer dielectric structure to benefit from low k technology.

Epitaxial Deposition— Epitaxial silicon (epitaxy or epi) is a layer of pure silicon grown in a uniform crystalline structure on the wafer to form a high quality base for the device circuitry. Epi technology is used in an increasing number of semiconductorintegrated circuit devices in both the wafer substrate and transistor areas of a chip to enhance speed. The Applied Centura Epi system integrates pre- and post-epi processes on the same system to improve film quality and reduce production costs. This system is also being used for silicon-germanium epi technology, which can reduce power usage and increase speed in certain types of advanced chips. For emerging transistor designs, the Company’s Applied Centura RP Epi system offers selective epi processes to enable faster transistor switching without the need to shrink the scale of the device.

Polysilicon Deposition— Polysilicon is a type of silicon used to form portions of the transistor structure within the semiconductorintegrated circuit device. The Applied Centura PolygenTMtm LPCVD (low pressure chemical vapor deposition) system is a single-wafer, multi-chamber product that deposits thin, polysilicon films at high temperatures with high productivity and process control. A variant of the system, the Applied Centura Polycide LPCVD product, combines chambers for polysilicon and tungsten silicide deposition on the Centura platform in an integrated process to create transistor gate structures in memory chips.structures. To address the challenging requirements of 130nm90nm and below devices, the Applied Centura DPN Gate Stack system integrates chambers for decoupled plasma nitridation (DPN), RTP anneal and RTP annealpolysilicon deposition on one platform to enable superior film quality and material properties.


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In fiscal 2004, Applied added the FlexStarTM LPCVD system to its product portfolio through its acquisition of Torrex. The FlexStar system uses Parallel Wafer Processing technology to deliver high quality silicon films with high productivity. Combining short cycle times, single-wafer process flexibility and lower cost of ownership, this system provides customers with highly cost-sensitive thermal applications for transistor production.

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Silicon Nitride Deposition— The Applied Centura SiNgen®PlusLPCVD system is a single-wafer, high-temperature system that deposits silicon nitride films in transistor-areafor transistor applications. This system minimizes the amount of time the wafer is exposed to high temperatures and reduces particles while improving operating cost and productivity in critical transistor nitride layers for 130nm and below devices. The system also features the DPN chamber which uses a plasma process to incorporate a high concentration of nitrogen into the gate oxide to prevent leakage in devices with 90nm and below designs.

Tungsten Deposition— Tungsten is used in the contact area of a chip that connects the transistors to the wiring circuitry. In aluminum-based devices, tungsten is also used in the structures that connect the multiple layers of aluminum wiring. The Company has two products for depositing tungsten: the Applied Centura SprintTMSprint® Tungsten CVD system for 130nm and 90nm devices and the advanced Applied Centura iSprint ALD/CVD system.system for 65nm and below applications. The latter product combines ALD technology and CVD chambers on the same platform for 65nm and below applications.platform.
 
Physical Vapor Deposition

Physical Vapor Deposition
PVD, also called sputtering, is a physical process in which atoms of a gas, such as argon, are accelerated toward a metal target. The metal atoms chip off, or sputter away, and are then deposited on the wafer. The Applied Endura PVD system offers a broad range of advanced deposition processes, including aluminum, aluminum alloys, cobalt, titanium/titanium nitride, tantalum/tantalum nitride, tungsten/tungsten nitride, nickel, nickel vanadium and copper (Cu). The Applied Endura CuBS (copper barrier/seed) PVD system launched in fiscal 1998, is widely used by customers for fabricating copper-based chips. Using PVD technology, the system deposits critical layers that prevent copper material from entering other areas of the device and primes the structure for the subsequent deposition of bulk copper by electrochemical plating.

An enhanced version of the Applied Endura CuBS system was announced in August 2005 to enable precise filling of the extremely high aspect ratio features found in 65nm devices, with extendibility to 45nm chips and below.

The Applied Endura system’s highly flexible, multi-chamber architecture allows the integration of multiple PVD processes or combinations of metal CVD and PVD technologies on the same system. In addition to the integrated Applied Endura iCuBS ALD/PVD system (discussed in the Atomic Layer Deposition section), the Applied Endura iLBTMtm (integrated liner barrier) system combines a PVD chamber for depositing titanium with a CVD chamber for titanium nitride deposition to form critical lining layers of interconnect structures. These structures are subsequently filled with tungsten, aluminum or other materials. In fiscal 2004, Applied introduced the Applied Endura2 platform, a new generation of its Endura platform, designed to extend the Endura into future chip generations. The Endura2 platform has 20 percent fewer parts and sets a new standard for design that emphasizes reliability, serviceability and overall equipment efficiency for 300mm high-volume manufacturing.
 
Electrochemical Plating

Electrochemical Plating
Electrochemical plating is a process by which metal atoms from a chemical fluid (an electrolyte) are deposited on the surface of an immersed object. Its main application in the semiconductor industry is to deposit copper in interconnect wiring structures. This process step follows the deposition of barrier and seed layers which prevent the copper from contaminating other areas of the device and improve the adhesion of the copper film.

The Applied SlimCellTMtm ECP (electrochemical plating) system offers a small-volume cell design that allows independent bath chemistry for multi-step processing. The system enables a reduction in defect levels compared to conventional large bath systems while reducing chemical consumption.
 
Etch

Etch
Etching is used many times throughout the semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturing process to selectively remove material from the surface of a wafer. Before etching begins, the wafer is coated with a light-sensitive film, called photoresist. A photolithography process then projects the circuit pattern onto the wafer. Etching removes material only from areas dictated by the photoresist pattern. Applied offers a full range of systems for etching dielectric, metal and silicon films to meet the requirements of sub-100nm processing.

For dielectric applications, the Applied Centura eMax® system etches a broad range of dielectric films in the contact and interconnect regions of the chip. In fiscal 2003, Applied introduced a high-throughput Applied

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Applied’s Producer Etch system that utilizes the Twin-Chamber Producer platform concept to target cost-sensitive dielectric etch applications in 90nm and below design geometries. To address advanced low k etch applications, the Applied Centura Enabler® Etch system performs etch, strip and clean


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steps in a single chamber. The Enabler’sall-in-one capability streamlines the process flow for 65nm and below chip designs and significantly reduces operating costs.

The Applied Centura DPSDecoupled Plasma Source (DPS) Etch systems are used to etch conducting films, such as metal and silicon materials, and offer customers the technology, productivity and reliability required for 100nm and below processing. Extending the DPS technology to the next generation of silicon etching, the Applied Centura AdvantEdgetm system, launched in July 2005, offers chipmakers high precision gate etching for 65nm and 45nm-generation devices. The Applied Centura TransformaTMtm Etch patterning system combines silicon etch technology with integrated metrology capability to enable customers to improve process control, device yield and overall fab cycle time for building advanced transistor gate structures.
 
Ion Implantation

Ion Implantation
During ion implantation, silicon wafers are bombarded by a beam of ions, called dopants, that penetrate (or implant) the film surface to a desired depth. The implantation step is used during transistor fabrication to change electrical properties of a material and achieve a particular electrical performance.

Low-energy, high current implant technology is important to enabling the fabrication of smaller structures, which contributes to faster transistor performance. The Applied Quantum® X Implanter introduced in 2004, provides chipmakers with a production-worthy, single-wafer, high-current implanter that enables transistor scaling to the 65nm node and below. The Quantum X system’s high tilt capability, together with its precise energy control and low defect levels, deliver the process technology needed to achieve the most difficult and critical implants required for 65nm and 45nm logic and advanced DRAM manufacturing.
 
Rapid Thermal Processing

Rapid Thermal Processing

RTP subjects a wafer to rapid bursts of intense heat that can take the wafer from room temperature to more than 1,000 degrees Celsius in less than 10 seconds. RTP is used mainly for modifying the properties of deposited films. The Applied Centura Radiance®Plusand Applied Vantage RadiancePlusRTP systems feature the same advanced RTP technology with differing platform designs. While the multi-chamber Centura platform offers exceptional process flexibility, the streamlined2-chamber Vantage platform is designed for dedicated high-volume manufacturing. These single-wafer RTP systems are also used for growing high quality oxide and oxynitride films, deposition steps that traditional large batch furnaces can no longer achieve with the necessary precision and control. For flash memory applications, the Company launched the Applied Vantage RadOxtm system, which deposits high-performance gate oxides with high productivity and low operating cost.
 
Chemical Mechanical Polishing

Chemical Mechanical Polishing

CMP removes material from a wafer to create a flat (planarized) surface. This process allows subsequent photolithography patterning steps to occur with greater accuracy and enables film layers to build with minimal height variations. The Company’s 200mm Applied Mirra® and Mirra Mesa® systems and 300mm Applied Reflexion® systemsystems have led the industry in CMP technology with important features such as integrated cleaning, film measurement and process control capabilities. In fiscal 2004, Applied launched a major breakthrough with itsThe Company’s 300mm Applied Reflexion LK EcmpTMtm system. Introducing innovative,system features proprietary electro-chemical mechanical planarization (Ecmp) capability on Applied’s proven Reflexion LK platform, this new system providestechnology to provide a uniquely high-performance, cost-effective and extendible solution for copper/low k manufacturinginterconnects at the 65nm node and below. The Ecmp system removes bulk copper at a high rate by electric charge, independent of downforce, making it ideal for fragile ultra-low k films.
 
Metrology and Wafer Inspection

Metrology and Wafer Inspection

Applied offers several types of products that are used to measure and inspect the wafer during various stages of the fabrication process:
 
Critical Dimension and Defect Review Scanning Electron Microscopes (CD-SEMs and DR-SEMs)

Critical Dimension and Defect Review Scanning Electron Microscopes (CD-SEMs and DR-SEMs)
Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) use an electron beam to form images of microscopic features, or critical dimensions (CDs), of a semiconductorintegrated circuit wafer at extremely high magnification. Applied’s SEMs provide


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provide
customers with full automation, along with the high accuracy and sensitivity needed for measuring very small CDs. In 2004, the Company introduced itsThe Applied VeritySEMTMtm Metrology system which uses proprietary new SEM imaging technology to enable precise control of the lithography and etching processes. The VeritySEM measures transistor CDs with less than 5 angstrom precision — a requirement for 45nm device production — and incorporates automation and software advancements for significantly higher throughput in production. In February 2005, Applied introduced its OPC Check software for the VeritySEM system. Using OPC Check, the VeritySEM system performs automated qualification of OPC (optical proximity correction) — based chip designs, significantly reducing mask (see Mask Making, below) verification time over conventional manual methods.

DR-SEMs review defects on the wafer (such as particles, scratches or residues) that are first located by a defect detection system and then classify the defects to identify their source. The high-throughput, fully automatic Applied SEMVisionTMtm G2 Defect Analysis system enablesproducts enable customers to use this technology as an integral part of their production lines to analyze defects as small as 50nm30nm with very high productivity.throughput. The Applied SEMVision G2 FIB introduced in 2004, integrates advanced defect review SEM capability with automated focused ion beam (FIB) technology in one system. The FIB provides a cross-sectional view of the defects reviewed by the SEM, enabling chipmakers to analyze the defects in minutes as part of their in-line review process.

The Applied BX-10 Implant/ Anneal Metrology system measures critical process parameters that directly affect transistor performance and provides users with monitoring capability for multiple device generations.

 
Wafer Inspection

Wafer Inspection

Using laser-based technology, defects can be detected on patterned wafers (wafers with printed circuit images printed on them)images) as they move between processing steps. Defects may include particles, open circuit lines, shorts between lines or other problems. The Applied ComPlus-EVComPlus-2TTMtm Inspection system detects defects in devices with design rules of 90nm and below. Incorporating key advances in imaging technology, the system captures up to 50 percent more defects than the previous system with the high speed required for customers’ volume production lines.
Flat Panel Displays

     The most advanced flat panel displays (FPDs) are manufactured using technologies similar to those for making semiconductors. One significant difference is In June 2005, the vastly larger area ofCompany announced its breakthrough entry into the substrate (panel). The panels can be up to 60 times larger in area than today’s largest wafers (300mm diameter). New generation FPD fabs are being built primarily for manufacturing large-area flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) television screens.

Applied’s wholly-owned subsidiary AKT supplies plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) systems and electron beam array testers to FPD manufacturers.large brightfield inspection market with the Applied offers a range of systems that can process different substrate sizes to meetUVisiontm Inspection system, the industry’s requirements for ever larger substrates. In responsefirst laser-based 3D brightfield tool. Utilizing multi-beam DUV laser illumination and high efficiency detectors, the UVision system uncovers critical defects on the wafer that have not been detected before by any other system, enabling customers to the growing demand for LCD televisions, Applied introduced its latest PECVD system in fiscal 2004, the seventh-generation (Gen 7) AKT-40K PECVD, which addresses FPD fab requirements for substrates measuring 1.8 meters by 2.2 meters. Complementing the PECVD system, AKT also introduced a Gen 7 electron beam test system, the AKT-40K EBT, which tests the substrates during production for defective pixelsrapidly resolve performance-limiting defect issues and other imperfections.achieve greater chip yields.

 
Mask Making

Mask Making
Masks are used by photolithography systems to transfer microscopic circuit designs onto wafers. Since an imperfection in a mask may be replicated on the wafer, the mask must be virtually defect-free. Applied provides systems for etching, measuring and inspecting masks. The Applied Tetra II Mask etch system is based on the writing, etching, measurementCompany’s production-proven DPS wafer etch technology and inspectionis the industry’s most advanced etch tool for fabricating masks. The Applied RETicle SEM system, built on Applied’s proven CD-SEM platform, measures virtually all mask types with sub-1nm precision, meeting the requirements of the industry’s most advanced masks.
Flat Panel Display Manufacturing
Flat panel displays are manufactured using integrated circuit technologies similar to those for making chips. One significant difference is the vastly larger area of the substrate (panel). The panels can be in excess of 70 times larger in area than today’s largest wafers (300mm diameter). New generation FPD fabs are being built primarily for manufacturing large-area flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) television screens.
Applied’s wholly-owned subsidiary AKT supplies plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) systems and electron beam array testers to FPD manufacturers. Applied offers a range of systems that can process and test different substrate sizes to meet the industry’s requirements for multiple FPD applications. In response to the growing demand for LCD televisions, Applied introduced its latest PECVD system in fiscal 2005, the eighth generation (Gen-8) AKT-50K PECVDtm, which addresses FPD fab requirements for substrates measuring approximately 2.2 meters by 2.4 meters. The system can process up to six52-inch TV screens per substrate, doubling the capacity of previous Gen-7 systems for the same screen size. Complementing its PECVD systems, AKT also offers electron beam test systems that test the substrates during production for defective pixels and other imperfections.


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Customer Service and Support

Applied Global Services plays a critical role in the Company’s ability to continuously satisfysupport its customers’ production requirements. Approximately 2,7002,500 trained customer engineers and process support engineers are deployed in more than a dozen countries. These engineers are usually located at or near customers’ fab sites and service over 17,00018,000 installed Applied systems.

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Applied offers a broad range of service products to maintain, service and serviceoptimize equipment in customers’ fabs. For example, with the Applied TotalMaterials Genuine Parts Management® (TPM) program, the Company provides an inventory management service fortm include spare parts used inmanufactured to Applied’s strict technical specifications and quality. Applied systems at a customer’s fab. A second product, the Applied Total Support Package® (TSP), is a comprehensive equipment service solution that includes parts management along with system cost and performance improvement targets for Applied equipment at the customer’s location. The Applied SparesSolutionsCertified Service ProductsTMtm program is an on-line, customer support service that streamlines the procurement of spare parts. The Applied Total Kit ManagementTM program providesprovide customers with optimized tool performance for improved total cost of ownership and a convenient, cost-effective way to manage their systems’ process kit service requirements. Appliedhigher return on investment. The Company also refurbishesoffers remanufactured and sells used Applied equipment.

     Applied entered into several new agreements in 2004 ascertified tools, product enhancements, and comprehensive technical training for customers.

As part of its strategic initiativeeService Solutions, Applied offers FAB300tm, a manufacturing execution system to expand itsmonitor and control fab service capabilitiesoperations. An extension of FAB 300 for customers. Appliedtest, assembly and Brooks Automation, Inc., signed an agreement to provide on-site support and spare parts management for certain of Brooks’ factory automation hardware products. During 2004, Applied entered into other agreements with multiple companies to provide additional services and products, including fab-wide commodity consumables services and wafer reclaim services. On August  16, 2004, Appliedpackaging facilities was announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the operating subsidiaries and businesses of in 2005.
Metron Technology, N.V.Inc. (Metron), which provides a widewholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Materials, offers a range of outsourceproducts and services for fab-wide operations and integrated circuit manufacturing equipment. Metron’s fab solutions products include cleanroom consumables, gas and fluid handling components, parts kitting and cleaning, and other services that are critical to the semiconductor industry.

cleanroom manufacturing. Its EcoSystm products addresspoint-of-use environmental abatement for integrated circuit fabrication systems.

Backlog

Applied’s backlog increaseddecreased from $2.5 billion at October 26, 2003 to $3.4 billion at October 31, 2004.2004 to $2.6 billion at October 30, 2005. Applied manufactures its systems based on order backlog and customer commitments. Backlog includes only orders for which written authorizations have been accepted and shipment dates within 12 months have been assigned or where shipment has occurred but revenue has not been recognized. In addition, backlog includes contractual service revenue and maintenance fees to be earned within the next 12 months. Backlog adjustments for fiscal 20042005 totaled $114$205 million, which consisted of cancellations and currency and other adjustments. Customers may delay delivery of products or cancel orders prior to shipment, subject to possible cancellation penalties. Due to possible changes in delivery schedules and cancellations of orders, Applied’s backlog aton any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual sales for any succeeding period. Delays in delivery schedules and/or a reduction of backlog during any particular period could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business and results of operations.

Manufacturing, Raw Materials and Supplies

Applied’s manufacturing activities consist primarily of assembling various commercial and proprietary components into finished systems in Austin, Texas.systems. Applied also has significant manufacturing operations in Austin, Texas; Santa Clara, California; Hillsboro, Oregon; Horsham, England; and Rehovot, Israel. Manufacturing requires some raw materials, including a wide variety of mechanical and electrical components, to be manufactured to Applied’s specifications. Applied uses numerous companies to supply parts, components and subassemblies (parts) for the manufacture and support of its products. Although Applied makes reasonable efforts to assure that parts are available from multiple qualified suppliers, this is not always possible. Accordingly, some key parts may be obtained from only from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. Applied has sought, and will continue to seek, to minimize the risk of production and service interruptions and/or shortages of key parts by: (1) qualifying and selecting alternate suppliers for key parts; (2) monitoring the financial condition of key suppliers; (3) maintaining appropriate inventories of key parts; and (4) qualifying new parts on a timely basis.

Research, Development and Engineering

Applied’s long-term growth strategy requires continued development of new manufacturing products for integrated circuit fabrication. Applied’s significant investment in research, development and engineering (RD&E) has generally enabled it to deliver new products and technologies before the emergence of strong demand, thus allowing customers to incorporate these products into their manufacturing plans at an early stage in the technology selection cycle. Applied works closely with its global customers to design systems and processes that meet their


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planned technical and production requirements. Product development and engineering organizations are located primarily in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom and Israel, with process support and customer demonstration laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom and

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Israel. In addition, Applied outsources certain RD&E activities, some of which are performed in other countries. Process support and customer demonstration laboratories are located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel.

Applied invested $1.1 billion (21 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2002, $921 million (21 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2003, and $992 million (12 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2004 and $941 million (13 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2005 in RD&E for product development and engineering programs to create new product lines and improve existing technologies and products. Applied has spent an average of 1516 percent of net sales on RD&E over the last five years. In addition to RD&E for specific product technologies, Applied maintains ongoing programs for automation control systems, materials research and environmental control that have applications to its products. In fiscal 2004,2005, Applied focused on developing systems for customers’ new chip designs with 65nm and below geometries, including systems to enable faster and denser transistor and interconnect structures with 65nm and below linewidths.

structures.

Marketing and Sales

Because of the highly technical nature of its products, Applied markets and sells its products worldwide through a direct sales force. For fiscal 2004,2005, net sales to customers in each region as a percentage of Applied’s total net sales were: Taiwan 25 percent, Asia-Pacific (including China) 20 percent, Japan 1723 percent, North America (primarily the United States) 1721 percent, Japan 20 percent, Korea 1114 percent, Europe 13 percent and Europe 10Asia-Pacific (including China) 9 percent. Applied’s business is usually not seasonal in nature, but it is cyclical, based on the capital equipment investment patterns of major semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers. These expenditure patterns are based on many factors, including anticipated market demand and pricing for integrated circuits, the development of new technologies, factory utilization and global and regional economic conditions.

During fiscal 2004, more than2005, approximately 80 percent of Applied’s net sales were to regions outside of the United States. Managing Applied’s global operations presents challenges and involves uncertainties that may affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations. For further discussion, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Trends, Risks and Uncertainties — Applied is exposed to the risks of operating a global business.”

Information on net sales to unaffiliated customers and long-lived assets attributable to Applied’s geographic regions is included in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Net sales to Intel Corporation represented 10 percent of Applied’s fiscal 2002 net sales. During fiscal 2003, two customers individually accounted for greater than 10 percent of net sales: net sales to Intel Corporation represented 13 percent of Applied’s net sales and net sales to Samsung America, Inc. represented 12 percent of Applied’s net sales. During fiscal 2004, no individual customer accounted for more than 10 percent of Applied’s net sales.

During 2005, Samsung America, Inc. accounted for 10 percent of Applied’s net sales.

Competition

The global semiconductor equipment industry is highly competitive and is characterized by rapid technological advancements and demanding worldwide service requirements. Applied’s ability to compete primarily depends on its ability to commercialize its technology and continually improve its products, processes and services, as well as its ability to develop new products that meet constantly evolving customer requirements. Significant competitive factors for succeeding in the semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturing equipment market include the product’s technical capability, productivity and cost-effectiveness, and the level of technical service and support. The importance of each of these factors varies depending on the specific customer’s needs, including considerations such as the customer’s process application, product requirements, timing of the purchase and particular circumstances of the purchasing decision. The pace of technological change is rapid, with customers continually moving to smaller critical dimensions and larger wafer sizes and adopting new materials for fabricating chips. Existing technology can sometimes be adapted to the new requirements, but some of these new requirements may create the need for an entirely different technical approach. The rapid pace of technological change continually creates opportunities for existing competitors and startups, and can quickly diminish the value of existing technologies.

Substantial competition exists for each of Applied’s products. Competitors range from small companies that compete with a single product and/or in a single region to global companies with multiple lines of semiconductor processingintegrated circuit


8


manufacturing products. Competitors in a given technology tend to have different degrees of market presence in various regional markets. Management believes that Applied ishas a strong competitor and

9


that its competitive position is based on the ability of its products and services to continue to address customer requirements. Success for Applied will requirerequires a continued high level of investment in RD&E and in marketing, sales and customer support activities.

Patents and Licenses

Management believes that Applied’s competitive position is significantly dependent upon skills in research, development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing, and not just on its patent position. However, protection of Applied’s technological assets by obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights, including patents, is important. Therefore, Applied has aApplied’s practice is to file patent applications in the U.S. and other countries for inventions that Applied considers significant. Applied has a significant number of patents in the U.S. and other countries, and additional applications are pending for new developments. Although Applied does not consider its business materially dependent upon any one patent, the rights of Applied and the products made and sold under its patents taken as a whole, are a significant element of Applied’s business. In addition to patents, Applied also possesses other intellectual property, including trademarks, knowhow, trade secrets and copyrights.

Applied enters into patent and technology licensing agreements with other companies when management determines that it is in its best interest to do so. Applied pays royalties under existing patent license agreements for the use, in several of its products, of certain patented technologies that are licensed to Applied for the life of the patents. Applied also receives royalties from licenses granted to third parties. Royalties received from and paid to third parties have not been and are not expected to be material in relation to the consolidated results of operations.

In the normal course of business, Applied periodically receives and makes inquiries regarding possible patent infringement. In dealing with such inquiries, it may become necessary or useful for Applied to obtain or grant licenses or other rights. However, there can be no assurance that such licenses or rights will be available to Applied on commercially reasonable terms. If Applied is not able to resolve a claim, negotiate a settlement of the matter, obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms and/or successfully prosecute or defend its position, Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Environmental Matters

Two of Applied’s locations have been designated as environmental cleanup sites. In 1987, the United States Environmental Protection Agency designated one of the locations, in Santa Clara, California, as a Superfund site and named Applied as a “Responsible Party.” Cleanup activities at this site began in 1984 and were substantially completed in February 2002. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board has designated Applied as a “Discharger” with respect to another site in Sunnyvale, California. Although Applied was named a Discharger at the Sunnyvale site upon its acquisition of the property in 1997, as it currently owns the site in question,1997. The prior owners and operators of the site are responsible for performing cleanup and monitoring activities. Applied maintains a number of environmental, health and safety programs that are primarily preventive in nature. As part of these programs, Applied regularly monitors ongoing compliance and periodically conducts investigations of possible contamination. Neither compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating discharge of materials into the environment, nor remedial agreements or other actions relating to the environment, has had, or is expected to have, a material effect on Applied’s capital expenditures, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.
The most recent report on Applied’s environmental, health and safety activities can be found on the Company’s web sitewebsite athttp://www.appliedmaterials.com/about/environment.html. This report is updated periodically. This website address is intended to be an inactive textual reference only. None of the information contained on Applied’s website is part of this report or is incorporated by reference herein.

Employees

     None of Applied’s

At October 30, 2005, Applied employed 12,576 regular employees is represented by a trade union, and management considers its relations with employees to be good.348 temporary employees. In the high-technology industry, competition for highly-skilled employees is intense. Applied believes that its future success is highly dependent upon its continued ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees. There can be no assurance that Applied will be able to attract, hire, assimilate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees. At October 31, 2004, Applied employed 12,191 regular employees and 769 temporary employees.


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Available Information

Applied’s website ishttp://www.appliedmaterials.com. Applied makes available free of charge, on or through its website, its annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such reports with, or furnishing them to, the SEC. This website address is intended to be an inactive textual reference only; none of the information contained on Applied’s website is part of this report or is incorporated by reference herein.
 
Item 2:
Properties

Item 2:  Properties

Information concerning Applied’s principal properties at October 31, 200430, 2005 is set forth below:
                 
Square
LocationTypePrincipal UseFootage(1)Ownership





Santa Clara, CA  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Headquarters, Marketing,   1,465,000   Owned 
       Manufacturing, Distribution,   2,007,000(2)  Leased 
       Research, Development         
       and Engineering         
Austin, TX  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Manufacturing   1,719,000   Owned 
           389,000   Leased 
Rehovot, Israel  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Manufacturing, Research,   442,000   Owned 
       Development and Engineering         
Hayward, CA  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Research, Development   342,000   Leased 
       and Engineering         
Narita, Japan  Office & Warehouse   Customer Support   226,000(3)  Owned 
Hsinchu, Taiwan  Office & Warehouse   Customer Support   81,000   Owned 
           127,000   Leased 
Singapore  Office   Customer Support   200,000   Owned 
Hillsboro, OR  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Manufacturing, Research,   177,000   Owned 
       Development and Engineering         
Tainan, Taiwan  Office & Warehouse   Customer Support   148,000   Owned 
Horsham, England  Office, Plant & Warehouse   Manufacturing, Research,   138,000   Leased 
       Development and Engineering         
Chunan, Korea  Office & Warehouse   Customer Support   111,000   Owned 
Pudong, China  Office & Warehouse   Customer Support   102,000   Leased 


Square
Location
TypePrincipal UseFootage(1)(2)Ownership
Santa Clara, CAOffice, Plant & WarehouseHeadquarters, Marketing,1,465,000Owned
Manufacturing, Distribution,1,544,000Leased
Research, Development
and Engineering
Austin, TXOffice, Plant & WarehouseManufacturing1,719,000Owned
445,000Leased
Rehovot, IsraelOffice, Plant & WarehouseManufacturing, Research,442,000Owned
Development and Engineering
Hayward, CAOffice, Plant & WarehouseCustomer Support342,000Leased
Narita, JapanOffice & WarehouseCustomer Support226,000Owned
Hsinchu, TaiwanOffice & WarehouseCustomer Support90,000Owned
141,000Leased
SingaporeOfficeCustomer Support200,000Owned
Hillsboro, OROffice, Plant & WarehouseCustomer Support and177,000Owned
Manufacturing
Tainan, TaiwanOffice & WarehouseCustomer Support148,000Owned
Horsham, EnglandOffice, Plant & WarehouseManufacturing, Research,138,000Leased
Development and Engineering
Chunan, KoreaOffice & WarehouseCustomer Support111,000Owned
Pudong, ChinaOffice & WarehouseCustomer Support102,000Leased
(1) Approximately 1.51.4 million square feet were available for lease or sublease.
 
(2) Includes approximately 216,000257,000 square feet that were being subleased.
(3) Subject to loans of $13 million, collateralized by property and equipment with a net book value of $43 million at October 31, 2004.

In addition to the above properties, Applied leasesleased office space for marketing, sales, engineering and customer support offices in 7997 locations throughout the world: 24 in Japan, 2126 in North America (principally the United States), 1524 in Europe, 823 in Japan, 11 in Asia-Pacific (including China)China and India), 79 in Korea and 4 in Taiwan.

In addition, Applied owns: (1) 9694 acres of buildable land in Texas that cancould accommodate approximately 1,464,0001,433,000 square feet of additional building space; (2) 26 acres in Oregon that cancould accommodate approximately 396,000 square feet of additional building space; (3) 43 acres in California that cancould accommodate approximately 1,247,000 square feet of additional building space; (4) 9 acres in Japan that cancould accommodate approximately 766,000767,000 square feet of additional building space; and (5) 16 acres in Danvers, Massachusetts, which includes an unimproved building of approximately 280,000 square feet. Applied also leases: (1) 13 acres in Taiwan that cancould accommodate approximately 271,000270,000 square feet of additional building space; and

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(2) 10 acres in Israel that cancould accommodate approximately 111,000 square feet of additional building space. This additional building space is anticipated to satisfy Applied’s future needs.

Applied considers the above facilities suitable andthese properties adequate to meet its current and future requirements.

Item 3:Legal Proceedings

Novellus

     On June 13, 1997, after Varian Associates, Inc. (Varian) failed In response to respond to requests by Applied to discuss certain patent issues, Applied filed a lawsuit against Varian captioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Varian Associates, Inc. (case no. C-97-20523-RMW)ongoing changes in the United States District Court forintegrated circuit industry, Applied regularly assesses the Northern Districtsize, capability and location of California, alleging infringement of several of Applied’s patents concerning PVD technology. On July 7, 1997, Applied amended that action to allege infringement of those same Applied PVD patents against Novellus Systems, Inc. (Novellus)its global infrastructure and to add Novellus as a defendant, as a result of Novellus’ acquisition of Varian’s thin film systems PVD business. On June 23, 1997, Novellus filed a separate lawsuit against Applied captioned Novellus Systems, Inc. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. C-97-20551-EAI) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging infringement by Applied of several PVD technology patents that were formerly owned by Varian. Novellus sought damages for past infringement, a permanent injunction, treble damages for willful infringement, pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. In September 2000, Applied and Varian settled their disputes and Applied released all claims with respect to the PVD technology system, as it was made and sold as of May 7, 1997. On October 3, 2000, Applied’s claims against Varian and Varian’s claims and counterclaims against Applied were dismissed with prejudice.periodically makes adjustments accordingly.


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     On September 20, 2004, Applied and Novellus entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which effects a full settlement of the pending lawsuits. Both lawsuits have been dismissed with prejudice. As part of the MOU, Applied agreed to pay Novellus $8 million and to forgive an additional $3.5 million that Applied contended was owed under a previous license and settlement agreement (TEOS Agreement) between the parties. Patent licenses previously granted under the TEOS Agreement by each of Novellus and Applied become fully paid, as well as revocable only in limited circumstances. The MOU contains additional covenants and restrictions which, in general, limit the ability of each party (including subsidiaries and permitted successors and assigns) to sue the other, the other’s customers and, with some exceptions, the other’s suppliers and distributors, for infringement of any of the parties’ respective patents covering products in technology areas in which both parties were engaged in business as of September 3, 2004 (the Effective Date), as follows: (i) for a period of five years from the Effective Date as to existing products, and (ii) for a period of two years from the Effective Date, with the possibility to extend for an additional year, as to new products introduced after the Effective Date (Covenants Not to Sue). Technology areas in which neither party or only one party engaged in business as of the Effective Date are specifically excluded from the Covenants Not to Sue (Excluded Product Areas). The parties further agreed to notice and cure periods prior to filing suit on products subject to a Covenant Not to Sue that has expired. No damages for infringement will accrue during the Covenant Not to Sue and cure periods. The MOU contains a general release of all claims arising prior to the Effective Date that either Applied or Novellus may have had against the other and the other’s customers and, with some exceptions, the other’s suppliers and distributors, relating to infringement of the party’s patents by any of the other party’s products, other than those in Excluded Product Areas. There is no license of patents, technology or trade secrets in the MOU.

Linear Technology

     On March 2, 2001, Linear Technology Corp. (LTC) filed a third party complaint against Applied in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, captioned Texas Instruments, Inc. v. Linear Technology Corp. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. 2-01-CV4 (DF)). The complaint against Applied alleged that Applied is obligated to indemnify LTC and defend LTC for certain claims in the underlying patent infringement lawsuit brought by Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) against LTC. The complaint also alleged claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty, and various unfair business practices. In the complaint, LTC alleged that, before LTC purchased certain equipment from Applied, Applied failed to disclose to LTC that TI previously had won a jury verdict against Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. (Hyundai) for patent infringement based on Hyundai’s use of certain semiconductor equipment including some Applied tools.

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LTC’s Texas lawsuit against Applied sought indemnification and damages from Applied and an order requiring Applied to defend LTC in the underlying lawsuit with TI. On January 15, 2002, the court granted TI’s motion to sever Applied and the other third party defendants from the action and dismissed LTC’s action against Applied and the other third party defendants without prejudice.
Item 3:  Legal Proceedings
Linear Technology
On March 12, 2002, LTCLinear Technology Corp. (LTC) filed a complaint against Applied in the Superior Court for the County of Santa Clara, captioned Linear Technology Corp. v. Applied Materials, Inc., Novellus Systems, Inc. and Tokyo Electron Ltd., (case no. CV806004), alleging claims for breach of contract, fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation, suppression of fact, unfair competition, breach of warranty, express contractual indemnity, implied equitable indemnity and declaratory relief. The complaint alleged, among other things, that Applied is obligated to indemnify and defend LTC for certain claims in an underlying patent infringement lawsuit brought by Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) against LTC. On November 12, 2002, LTC filed an amended complaint in the Santa Clara action asserting essentially the same claims as in the original complaint, but adding an additional assertion that LTC and TI have settled their litigation. Applied’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint was granted in part. LTC filed a Second Amended Complaint and Applied’s motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint was granted. LTC filed a Third Amended Complaint, andeach of which was dismissed upon Applied’s motion to dismiss the Third Amended Complaint was granted.motion. On February 13, 2004, LTC filed a Fourth Amended Complaint.Complaint, which Applied moved to dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint.dismiss. LTC subsequentlythen filed a motion to amend its Fourth Amended Complaint, which the Court granted. On July 7, 2004, LTC filed a Fifth Amended Complaint which Applied moved to dismiss.Complaint. On October 5, 2004, Applied’s motion to dismiss LTC’s Fifth Amended Complaint was granted with prejudice. On January 11, 2005, LTC filed a notice of appeal of the dismissal of its complaint. Applied believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to pursue them vigorously.

David Scharf

On July 31, 2001, David Scharf, an individual, filed a lawsuit against Applied in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, captioned David Scharf v. Applied Materials, Inc. (caseno. 01-06580 AHM). The lawsuit alleges that Applied has infringed, has induced others to infringe and has contributed to others’ infringement of a patent concerning color synthesizing scanning electron microscope technology. Mr. Scharf seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction, a finding of willful infringement, damages (including treble damages), and costs. Applied has answered the complaint and counterclaimed for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity. On May 10, 2002, Mr. Scharf filed a request for re-examination of his patent with the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). On June 26, 2002, the case was removed from the Court’s active docket after the parties stipulated to stay the case pending the results of that re-examination. On July 11, 2002, Applied filed its own request for re-examination of Mr. Scharf’s patent with the PTO. Applied’s request for re-examination was granted on September 19, 2002. On April 23, 2004, the PTO notified Applied that it intended to issue a re-examination certificate. On June 14, 2004, Applied filed a second request for re-examination of Mr. Scharf’s patent with the PTO. The second request was denied on September 1, 2004. On October 1, 2004, Applied filed a petition for reconsideration of that denial.denial, which subsequently was denied. Applied believes it has meritorious defenses and counterclaims and intends to pursue them vigorously.

ASMI

     On August 27, 2002, ASM America, Inc. and ASM International, N.V. (collectively ASMI) filed a lawsuit against Applied in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, captioned ASM America, Inc. and ASM International, N.V. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. Civ’02 1660 PHX SMM). The lawsuit sought a judicial declaration that ASMI does not infringe six patents owned by Applied that relate to remote cleaning of CVD chambers and to deposition of silicon nitride. The suit also sought a judicial declaration that these patents were invalid. Applied answered the complaint by denying the allegations and counterclaiming for infringement of the six patents.

     On October 3, 2003, ASMI filed a lawsuit against Applied in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, captioned ASM America, Inc. and ASM International, N.V. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. 2 03CV 348 TJW). The lawsuit alleged infringement of six ASMI patents. Applied responded to the complaint by denying the allegations and counterclaiming for a declaratory judgment of invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement of the patents. Applied also asserted that ASMI infringed seven Applied patents, including the six patents at issue in the Arizona action plus an additional patent.

     In August 2004, Applied and ASMI settled the Arizona and the Texas lawsuits and stipulated to dismiss both lawsuits without prejudice. The lawsuits were settled without payment of any kind by any party and

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without licensing any patents. The settlement has not had, and is not expected to have, a material adverse affect on Applied’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.

     On September 13, 2002, Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (VSEA) filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association asserting that Applied has breached a patent license agreement between VSEA and Applied dated January 1, 1992. VSEA seeks to recover royalties, interest and attorneys’ fees. The arbitration hearing on whether the products are covered by the patent license agreement has concluded. On May 2, 2003, the arbitration panel issued an interim decision finding that some, but not all, of the patent claims asserted by VSEA were invalid. On September 1, 2004, the arbitration panel issued a decision in the second phase of the arbitration finding that Applied had not proven the invalidity of certain patent claims asserted by VSEA. To date, no hearing has been set to determine the amount owed by Applied to VSEA under the agreement pursuant to the arbitration panel’s decisions. Based on Applied’s current assessment of this matter, Applied believes that the amount of back royalty payments owed in connection with this action, including interest, will not exceed $25 million, of which $23 million was paid through October 31, 2004. In addition to back royalty payments, Applied will be required to make unit-based royalty payments on future sales of certain products found to be within the scope of the agreement. Applied expects that these unit-based royalty payments will not have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Jusung

On December 24, 2003, Applied filed a lawsuit against Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd., (Jusung Engineering) and Jusung Pacific Co., Ltd., (collectively (Jusung Pacific, referred to together with Jusung Engineering as Jusung) in Tao-Yuan District Court in Taiwan captioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd. (case no. 92 Tsai-chuan Tzi No. 6388). The lawsuit alleges that Jusung is infringing a patent related to chemical vapor deposition owned by Applied. In the suit, Applied seeks a provisional injunction prohibiting Jusung from importing, using, manufacturing, servicing or selling in Taiwan certain flat panel display manufacturing equipment. On December 25, 2003, the Tao-Yuan District Court ruled in favor of Applied’s request for a provisional injunction and, on January 14, 2004, the Court issued a provisional injunction order.order against Jusung Pacific. Jusung Pacific has appealed those decisions.decisions, and the decisions were affirmed on appeal. On January 30, 2004, Jusung Pacific soughtrequested permission to post a counterbond to have the Jusung Pacific injunction lifted. Jusung Pacific’s applicationcounterbond request was granted and, on March 30, 2004, the provisional injunction order was lifted. AppliedAt Applied’s request, on December 11, 2004, the District Court issued a provisional injunction order against Jusung Engineering. Jusung Engineering appealed that order, and the order was affirmed on appeal. Jusung Engineering also requested permission to post a counterbond decisionsto have the Jusung Engineering injunction lifted. Jusung Engineering’s counterbond request was granted, and, on May 31, 2004,April 25, 2005, the appellate court ruled that theprovisional injunction should be reinstated pending a final decision on Applied’s appeal of the grant of the counterbond.order against Jusung Engineering was lifted. Applied has


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appealed both counterbond decisions. On June 30, 2004, Applied filed a “main action” patent infringement complaint against Jusung in the Hsinchu District Court in Taiwan captioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd. (case no. 93 Zhong Zhi No. 3). In the suit, Applied seeks damages and a permanent injunction for infringement of the same patent. On August 5, 2004, the intermediate appellate court ruled in the provisional injunction lawsuit that the injunction against Jusung Pacific should be dissolved. Applied appealed that decision, and in December 2004, the Supreme Court reversed the appellate court’s decision. The injunction against Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd remains in effect. The decisions regarding the provisional injunction and counterbond had no effect on the separate patent infringement lawsuit filed by Applied against Jusung in the Hsinchu Court. Applied believes it has meritorious claims and intends to pursue them vigorously.

Taiwan Fair Trade Commission

On April 10, 2004, the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission (TFTC) notified Applied’s subsidiary AKT Inc. (AKT) in Taiwan that, pursuant to a complaint filed by Jusung, the TFTC had begun an investigation into whether AKT violated the Taiwan Fair Trade Act. The investigation focusesfocused on whether AKT violated the Taiwan Guidelines for the Review of Cases Involving Enterprises Issuing Warning Letters for Infringement on Copyright, Trademark and Patent Rights by allegedly notifying customers about AKT’s patent rights and the infringement of those rights by Jusung. On June 15, 2004, the TFTC notified Applied that Applied also was the subject of the investigation. BothBy letter dated April 15, 2005, the TFTC notified Applied and AKT have respondedthat there was insufficient evidence to support a claim against either company. Jusung has appealed the TFTC’s inquiries.decision, and the appeal is pending. Although Applied believesagrees with the TFTC’s decision that there has been no violation, neither the extent nor the outcome of the investigationappeal can be

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determined at this time.
Applied believesdoes not believe that the outcome of any of the above matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Axcelis Technologies

On January 8, 2001, Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (Axcelis), formerly a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, filed a lawsuit against Applied in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, captioned Axcelis Technologies, Inc. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. 01-10029 DPW). The lawsuit alleged that Applied infringed a patent concerning ion implantation owned by Axcelis. The complaint also alleged various Massachusetts state and common law tortious interference and unfair competition claims. Axcelis sought a preliminary and permanent injunction, damages, costs and attorneys’ fees. On April 12, 2001, Applied answered the complaint by denying all allegations and counterclaimed for declaratory judgment of invalidity and non-infringement, and violations of various unfair and deceptive trade practices laws. Applied sought damages, a permanent injunction, costs and attorneys’ fees. On July 2, 2003, after a trial on the merits, a jury ruled in favor of Applied, returning a verdict that Applied’s SwiftTM ion implantation system does not infringe Axcelis’ patent. The court then entered judgment in favor of Applied on Axcelis’ infringement claim. Axcelis appealed the judgment. On March 5, 2004, Applied and Axcelis settled the lawsuit and the parties have dismissed all claims and counterclaims, including the appeal, with prejudice. The settlement has not had a material effect on Applied’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Semitool

     On June 11, 2001, Semitool, Inc. (Semitool) filed a lawsuit against Applied in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, captioned Semitool, Inc. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. CV-01-2277 CRB). The lawsuit alleged that Applied infringed a patent concerning seed repair and electroplating owned by Semitool. Semitool sought a preliminary and permanent injunction, damages, costs and attorneys’ fees. On July 12, 2001, before Applied had answered the complaint, Semitool voluntarily dismissed its action against Applied in the Northern District of California. On the same day, Semitool filed a substantially identical action against Applied in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon captioned Semitool, Inc. v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. CV’01-1066 AS). On July 13, 2001, Applied filed a declaratory judgment action against Semitool in the Northern District of California captioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Semitool, Inc. (case no. CV-01-2673 BZ). In that action, Applied sought a declaration that Applied had not infringed the Semitool patent and that Semitool’s patent was invalid and unenforceable. Applied also sought costs and attorneys’ fees. The California Court transferred Applied’s action against Semitool to the District of Oregon. The actions were proceeding together in Oregon. As part of a broad technology license agreement, Applied and Semitool settled the lawsuit on February 17, 2004, and all claims and counterclaims have been dismissed. The settlement and the license agreement did not have a material effect on Applied’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Other Legal Matters

From time to time, Applied is subject to variousreceives notification from third parties, including customers and suppliers, seeking indemnification, litigation support, payment of money or other legal proceedings andactions by Applied in connection with claims either asserted or unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of business.made against them. In addition, from time to time, Applied receives notification from customersthird parties claiming that such customers are entitled to indemnificationApplied may be or is infringing their intellectual property or other obligations fromrights. Applied relatedalso is subject to infringementvarious other legal proceedings and claims, made againstboth asserted and unasserted, that arise in the customers by third parties.ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Applied does not believe that any of these other existing legal proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

15


 
Item 4:Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following table and notes set forth information about Applied’s executive officers:

   
Name of Individual
Capacities in Which ServedPosition


James C. Morgan(1) Chairman of the Board of Directors
Michael R. Splinter(2) President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Franz Janker(3)Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Nancy H. Handel(3)Handel(4)Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Manfred Kerschbaum(5)Senior Vice President, General Manager Applied Global Services
Farhad Moghadam(6)Senior Vice President, General Manager Thin Films Product Business Group and Foundation Engineering
Mark R. Pinto(7)Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager New Business and New Products Group
Thomas St. Dennis(8)Senior Vice President, General Manager Etch and Front End Product Business Groups


12


Name of Individual
Position
Joseph J. Sweeney(9)Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Gilad Almogy(10) Group Vice President, General Manager Process Diagnostics and Chief Financial OfficerControl Product Business Group
Franz Janker(4)Yvonne Weatherford(11) SeniorCorporate Vice President, Sales and MarketingCorporate Controller


(1) Mr. Morgan, age 66,67, has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Applied since 1987. Mr. Morgan served as Applied’s Chief Executive Officer from 19771997 to April 2003. Mr. Morgan also served2003, and as Applied’s President from 1976 to 1987.
 
(2) Mr. Splinter, age 54, was appointed55, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Applied on April 30, 2003.Applied. Prior to joining Applied in April 2003, Mr. Splinter worked for nearly 20 years at Intel Corporation (Intel). Most recently he was Executive Vice President and Director of the Sales and Marketing Group at Intel, responsible for sales and operations worldwide. Mr. Splinter previously held various executive positions at Intel, including Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Technology and Manufacturing Group.
 
(3)Mr. Janker, age 56, has been the head of Sales and Marketing since May 2003. From May 2003 he was Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing and in December 2004 he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. He served as Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Corporate Marketing beginning in December of 2002. From December 1998 to 2002, he served as Group Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Business Management. From 1982 to 1998, Mr. Janker served in a variety of sales and marketing management positions with Applied in the United States and Europe.
(4) Ms. Handel, age 53,54, was appointed GroupSenior Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer onin October 22, 2004. Prior to that,Previously, she had been Group Vice President, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller since 2000. From 1994 to 2000, Ms. Handel had responsibilitiesresponsibility for Global Finance Operations in addition to serving as Treasurer. From 1986 to 1994, Ms. Handel served as Treasurer. Ms. Handel joined Applied in 1985.
 
(4)(5) Mr. Janker,Kerschbaum, age 55,51, has been Senior Vice President, of SalesGeneral Manager Applied Global Services since January 2005. He was Group Vice President, Global Operations from July 2004 to January 2005 and Marketing sincefrom October 2002 to May 2003. PriorFrom May 2003 to that,July 2004, he was Group Vice President, Foundation Engineering and Operations. From March 1997 to October 2002, he held various positions in Applied Materials North America, most recently as Group Vice President, General Manager Applied Materials North America. Mr. Kerschbaum has served in various other operations, customer service and engineering positions since joining Applied in 1983.
(6) Dr. Moghadam, age 51, has been Senior Vice President, General Manager Thin Films Product Business Group and Foundation Engineering since September 2004. He became Group Vice President, General Manager Dielectric Systems and Modules Product Business Group and Foundation Engineering and Operations in April 2004, after serving as Group Vice President, General Manager Dielectric Systems and Modules Product Business Group since December 2002. He was named Corporate Vice President of the group in December 1999. Dr. Moghadam joined Applied in 1996 and subsequently served in several positions with the Chemical Vapor Deposition Product Business Group. Before joining Applied, he spent 15 years at Intel in various management roles. Dr. Moghadam earned his Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University in 1981.
(7) Dr. Pinto, age 46, has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager New Business and New Products Group, since joining Applied in January 2004. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Pinto spent 19 years with Bell Laboratories and the Lucent Microelectronics Group, which later became Agere Systems Inc., most recently as Vice President of Global Operationsthe Analog Products Division. Dr. Pinto holds a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
(8) Mr. St. Dennis, age 52, returned to Applied in September 2005 as Senior Vice President, General Manager Etch and Front End Product Business Groups. He previously was with Applied from 1992 to 1999, most recently as Group Vice President, President Planarization and Dielectric Deposition Product Business Group and before that as Corporate Vice President, President Physical Vapor Deposition Product Business Group. From 2003 to 2005, Mr. St. Dennis was an Executive Vice President and member of the Office of the CEO of

13


Novellus Systems, Inc. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wind River Systems, Inc. from 1999 to 2003.
(9) Mr. Sweeney, age 57, has held the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Marketing in DecemberSecretary of 2002.Applied since July 2005, with responsibility for global legal affairs, intellectual property and security. From December 1998April 2002 to 2002, heJuly 2005, Mr. Sweeney was Group Vice President, ofLegal Affairs and Intellectual Property, and Corporate Marketing and Business Management. From 1982 to 1998,Secretary. Mr. Janker served in a variety of sales and marketing management positions withSweeney joined Applied in the United States and in Europe.July 1993.

16


(10) Dr. Almogy, age 40, was appointed Group Vice President, General Manager Process Diagnostics and Control Product Business Group in July 2005. He was Corporate Vice President, General Manager of the group from April 2002 to July 2005 and Vice President and Co-General Manager of the group from December 2000 to April 2002. He has held various other positions in the group since joining Applied in 1997 when Applied acquired Orbot Instruments, Ltd. Dr. Almogy holds a Ph.D in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology.
(11) Ms. Weatherford, age 54, has served as Corporate Vice President, Corporate Controller since December 2004. Ms. Weatherford was Appointed Vice President, Business Operations Controller from December 2001 to December 2004 and Appointed Vice President, Financial Operations Controller from October 2000 to December 2001. She has held various other finance roles since joining Applied in 1990.

PART II
 
Item 5:Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.
                 
20032004


Fiscal YearHighLowHighLow





First quarter $17.49  $13.03  $25.61  $20.72 
Second quarter $15.81  $11.60  $22.84  $18.27 
Third quarter $19.30  $13.66  $19.97  $15.86 
Fourth quarter $22.22  $17.88  $17.63  $15.61 

                 
  2004  2005 
Fiscal Year
 High  Low  High  Low 
First quarter $25.61  $20.72  $17.89  $15.17 
Second quarter $22.84  $18.27  $17.92  $14.50 
Third quarter $19.97  $15.86  $18.48  $15.08 
Fourth quarter $17.63  $15.61  $18.58  $16.36 
Applied’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol AMAT. As of November 28, 2004,27, 2005, there were 6,7196,254 directly registered holders of stock.

     To date,

On March 23, 2005, Applied has not declared orits first quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.03 per share, which was paid on June 8, 2005 to stockholders of record as of May 18, 2005, for a total of $49 million. On June 23, 2005, Applied declared its second quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.03 per share, payable on September 7, 2005 to stockholders of record as of August 17, 2005, for a total of $49 million. On September 16, 2005, Applied declared its third quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.03 per share, payable on December 8, 2005 to stockholders of record as of November 17, 2005, for a total of $48 million. Applied currently anticipates that cash dividends will continue to itsbe paid on a quarterly basis in the future, although the declaration of any future cash dividend is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions and other factors, as well as a determination that cash dividends are in the best interest of stockholders. Applied has no plans to declare and pay cash dividends.


14


The following table provides information as of October 31, 200430, 2005 with respect to the shares of common stock repurchased by Applied during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2004:
                  
Maximum Dollar
Total Number ofValue of Shares
AverageShares Purchased asthat May Yet be
Total Number ofPrice PaidPart of PubliclyPurchased Under
PeriodShares Purchasedper ShareAnnounced Program*the Program*





(Shares in(Shares in(Dollars in
thousands)thousands)millions)
Month #1                
 (August 2, 2004 to August 29, 2004)  10,660  $16.14   10,660  $2,828 
Month #2                
 (August 30, 2004 to September 26, 2004)  20,333  $16.13   20,333  $2,500 
Month #3                
 (September 27, 2004 to October 31, 2004)    $     $2,500 
   
       
     
Total  30,993  $16.13   30,993     


2005:

                 
           Maximum Dollar
 
        Total Number of
  Value of Shares
 
     Average
  Shares Purchased as
  that May Yet be
 
  Total Number of
  Price Paid
  Part of Publicly
  Purchased Under
 
Period
 Shares Purchased  per Share  Announced Program*  the Program* 
  (Shares in
     (Shares in
  (Dollars in
 
  thousands)     thousands)  millions) 
Month #1
(August 1, 2005 to August 28, 2005)
  2,600  $18.24   2,600  $3,249 
Month #2
(August 29, 2005 to September 25, 2005)
  9,900  $17.67   9,900  $3,074 
Month #3
(September 26, 2005 to October 30, 2005)
  13,401  $16.98   13,401  $2,847 
                 
Total  25,901  $17.37   25,901     
*On March 24, 2004, following the expiration of the prior share repurchase authorization,22, 2005, the Board of Directors extended theapproved a new stock repurchase program and authorized the repurchase offor up to $3$4.0 billion of Applied’s common stock over the next three years, ending March 2008, which replaced the $3.0 billion stock repurchase program that was instituted in the open market.March 2004.

17


 
Item 6:Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial information has been derived from Applied’s historical consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes for the corresponding fiscal years:
                      
Fiscal year ended(1)2000(2)2001200220032004






(In thousands, except percentages, per share amounts and number of employees)
Net sales $9,564,412  $7,343,248  $5,062,312  $4,477,291  $8,013,053 
Gross margin $4,855,728  $3,252,033  $2,056,661  $1,604,455  $3,701,245 
 (% of net sales)  50.8   44.3   40.6   35.8   46.2 
Research, development and engineering $1,107,922  $1,198,799  $1,052,269  $920,618  $991,873 
 (% of net sales)  11.6   16.3   20.8   20.6   12.4 
Marketing, selling, general and administrative $960,753  $901,924  $708,955  $625,865  $751,621 
 (% of net sales)  10.0   12.3   14.0   14.0   9.4 
Income/(loss) before income taxes, equity in net income/(loss) of joint venture and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $2,947,844  $1,103,802  $340,511  $(211,556) $1,829,250 
Effective tax rate (%)  30.0   29.8   21.0   29.5   26.1 
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $2,063,552  $775,228  $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303 
 (% of net sales)  21.6   10.6   5.3   (3.3)  16.9 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax(2) $  $(267,399) $  $ —  $ 
Net income/(loss) $2,063,552  $507,829  $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303 
 
Earnings/(loss) per share(3) $1.20  $0.46  $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     (0.16)         
   
   
   
   
   
 
  $1.20  $0.30  $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Weighted average common shares and equivalents(3)  1,718,338   1,694,658   1,701,557   1,659,557   1,721,645 
Order backlog $4,381,768  $2,725,406  $3,190,459  $2,495,115  $3,368,382 
Working capital $6,079,436  $6,249,358  $6,571,337  $6,729,896  $7,993,538 
Current ratio  3.2   5.1   5.4   5.1   4.5 
Long-term debt $573,126  $564,805  $573,853  $456,422  $410,436 
Stockholders’ equity $7,104,348  $7,606,737  $8,019,649  $8,068,034  $9,262,027 
Book value per share(3) $4.37  $4.66  $4.87  $4.81  $5.51 
Total assets $10,545,730  $9,828,510  $10,224,765  $10,311,622  $12,093,445 
Capital expenditures, net of retirements $383,255  $710,620  $417,080  $211,959  $171,538 
Regular employees  19,220   17,365   16,077   12,050   12,191 
                     
Fiscal Year Ended(1)
 2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except percentages, ratios, per share amounts and number of employees) 
Net sales $7,343,248  $5,062,312  $4,477,291  $8,013,053  $6,991,823 
Gross margin $3,252,033  $2,056,661  $1,604,455  $3,701,245  $3,085,874 
(% of net sales)  44.3   40.6   35.8   46.2   44.1 
Research, development and engineering $1,198,799  $1,052,269  $920,618  $991,873  $940,507 
(% of net sales)  16.3   20.8   20.6   12.4   13.5 
Marketing, selling, general and administrative $901,924  $708,955  $625,865  $751,621  $697,402 
(% of net sales)  12.3   14.0   14.0   9.4   10.0 
Income/(loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $1,103,802  $340,511  $(211,556) $1,829,250  $1,581,569 
Effective tax rate (%)  29.8   21.0   29.5   26.1   23.5 
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $775,228  $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303  $1,209,900 
(% of net sales)  10.6   5.3   (3.3)  16.9   17.3 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax(2) $(267,399) $  $  $  $ 
Net income/(loss) $507,829  $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303  $1,209,900 


15


                     
Fiscal Year Ended(1)
 2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except percentages, ratios, per share amounts and number of employees) 
Earnings/(loss) per share(3) $0.46  $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78  $0.73 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle per share(3)  (0.16)            
                     
  $0.30  $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78  $0.73 
                     
Weighted average common shares and equivalents(3)  1,694,658   1,701,557   1,659,557   1,721,645   1,657,493 
Order backlog $2,725,406  $3,190,459  $2,495,115  $3,368,382  $2,570,808 
Working capital $6,249,358  $6,571,337  $6,729,896  $7,993,538  $7,683,269 
Current ratio  5.1   5.4   5.1   4.5   5.4 
Long-term debt $564,805  $573,853  $456,422  $410,436  $407,380 
Cash dividends declared per common share $  $  $  $  $0.09 
Stockholders’ equity $7,606,737  $8,019,649  $8,068,034  $9,262,027  $8,928,549 
Book value per share(3) $4.66  $4.87  $4.81  $5.51  $5.56 
Total assets $9,828,510  $10,224,765  $10,311,622  $12,093,445  $11,269,157 
Capital expenditures, net of loss on fixed asset retirements $710,620  $417,080  $211,959  $171,538  $177,097 
Regular employees  17,365   16,077   12,050   12,191   12,576 
(1)Each fiscal year ended on the last Sunday in October.
 
(2)Effective the first fiscal quarter of 2001, Applied implemented the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” Implementation of SAB 101 resulted in Applied recording a cumulative effect of change in accounting

18


principle of $267 million (net of income tax benefit of $112 million) in fiscal 2001. For periods prior to fiscal 2001, data was not available to provide pro forma information as if the change in accounting principle were applied retroactively.
 
(3)Amounts prior tofor fiscal 20022001 have been restated to reflect atwo-for-one stock split in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend, effective April 16, 2002.

 
Item 7:Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to facilitate an understanding of Applied’s business and results of operations. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with Applied’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report. MD&A consists of the following sections:

 • Overview:  a summary of Applied’s business, measurements and opportunities.
 
 • Results of Operations:  a discussion of operating results.
 
 • Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources:  an analysis of cash flows, sources and uses of cash, contractual obligations and financial position.
 
 • Critical Accounting Policies:  a discussion of critical accounting policies that require the exercise of judgments and estimates.
 
 • Trends, Risks and Uncertainties:  a discussion of significant risks that could affect Applied’s financial condition and/or operating results.

16


Overview

Applied develops, manufactures, markets and services integrated circuit fabrication equipment for the worldwideglobal semiconductor and semiconductor-related industry. Product development and manufacturing activities occur in North America, the United Kingdom and Israel. Applied’s broad range of equipment and service products are highly technical and, as a result, are sold through a direct sales force. Customer demand for spare parts and services is fulfilled through a global spare parts distribution system and trained service engineers located around the world in close proximity to customer sites.

As a supplier to the global semiconductorthis industry, Applied’s results are primarily driven by worldwide demand for integrated circuits, which in turn depends on end-user demand for electronic products. The global semiconductor industry in which the Company operates is volatile. The downturn that began in fiscal 2001 and continued into fiscal 2003 constituted what management believes to be the longest and most severe downturn experienced by the semiconductor equipment industry. A recovery began in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2003 and continued throughoutinto fiscal 2004. The growth peaked in the second half of 2004 and slowed thereafter through fiscal 2005. Applied’s results in fiscal 20022003 through 20042005 reflect this volatility.

the volatility of the industry.

The following table presents certain significant measurements of the past three fiscal years:
             
Fiscal year200220032004




(In millions, except per share
amounts and percentages)
New orders $6,142  $4,318  $8,982 
Net sales $5,062  $4,477  $8,013 
Gross margin $2,057  $1,604  $3,701 
Gross margin percent  40.6%  35.8%  46.2%
Net income/(loss) $269  $(149) $1,351 
Earnings/(loss) per share $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78 

             
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In millions, except per share amounts and percentages) 
New orders $4,318  $8,982  $6,389 
Net sales $4,477  $8,013  $6,992 
Gross margin $1,604  $3,701  $3,086 
Gross margin percent  35.8%  46.2%  44.1%
Net income/(loss) $(149) $1,351  $1,210 
Earnings/(loss) per share $(0.09) $0.78  $0.73 
During fiscal 2002 and 2003, lower sales volume and under absorption of manufacturing and field service costs resulted in lower gross margins. In response to the continued difficult economic environment, that began in fiscal 2001, Applied implemented a series of actions that were intended to better align Applied’s cost structure with anticipated business conditions. During fiscal 2003, when business conditions did not improve significantly,

19


Applied implemented a realignment plan in fiscal 2003, which concluded in the first fiscal quarter of 2004. Fiscal 2002 and 2003 operating results were negatively affected by lower net sales, reduced gross margins and charges related to realignment activities.

Operating results for fiscal 2004 reflected a recovery in the semiconductor industry and the global economy, as well as Applied’s realized savings from the completed realignment activities. In addition, Applied gained market share in critical areas, including 300mm equipment and copper interconnect, improved operational efficiencies, and increasedfurther strengthened its cash position.
Fiscal 2005 results reflected a challenging environment as Applied’s customers decreased fab utilization globally and reduced or delayed capacity additions as a result of excess inventories and slowing demand for integrated circuits. During this period, Applied focused on lowering costs, improving efficiencies, reducing cycle time and bringing new products to market. Applied also generated strong cash position.

flow, and returned value to stockholders by repurchasing stock and paying cash dividends.

Applied’s long-term opportunities depend in part on successful execution of aits growth strategy, including increasing market share in existing markets, expanding into related markets, and cultivating new markets and new business models. These opportunities are also subject to:to many factors, including: (1) global economic conditions; (2) advanced technology and/or capacity requirements of semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers and their capital investment trends; (3) the profitability of semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers; (4) supply and demand for semiconductors;integrated circuits; (5) continuedApplied’s investment in RD&E&E; and (6) the relative competitiveness of Applied’s equipment and service products. For this and other reasons set forth in the section entitled “Trends, Risks and Uncertainties,” Applied’s prior results of operations mayare not necessarily be indicative of future operating results.


17


Results of Operations

Applied’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October of each year. Fiscal 2004 contained 53 weeks, whereas fiscal 20022005 and 2003 each contained 52 weeks, whereas fiscal 2004 contained 53 weeks. The first fiscal quarter of 2005 and 2003 each contained 13 weeks, whereas the first fiscal quarter of 2004 contained 14 weeks, whereas the first fiscal quarter of 2002 and 2003 each contained 13 weeks.
 
Net Sales

Net Sales
Applied’s business was subject to cyclical industry conditions in fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2004.2005. As a result of these conditions, there were significant fluctuations in Applied’s quarterly new orders and net sales, both within and across the fiscal years. Demand for semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturing equipment has historically been volatile as a result of sudden changes in semiconductorintegrated circuit supply and demand and other factors, including rapid technological advances in both semiconductor devices and waferintegrated circuit fabrication processes.

Quarterly and full fiscal year financial information was as follows:
                      
Fiscal Quarter

Fiscal
FirstSecondThirdFourthYear





(In millions, except per share amounts)
2002:                    
 New orders $1,119  $1,688  $1,778  $1,557  $6,142 
 Net sales $1,000  $1,156  $1,460  $1,446  $5,062 
 Gross margin $386  $463  $606  $602  $2,057 
 Net income/(loss) $(45) $52  $115  $147  $269 
 Earnings/(loss) per share $(0.03) $0.03  $0.07  $0.09  $0.16 
2003:                    
 New orders $1,016  $971  $1,054  $1,277  $4,318 
 Net sales $1,054  $1,107  $1,095  $1,221  $4,477 
 Gross margin $390  $373  $347  $494  $1,604 
 Net income/(loss) $(65) $(62) $(37) $15  $(149)
 Earnings/(loss) per share $(0.04) $(0.04) $(0.02) $0.01  $(0.09)
2004:                    
 New orders $1,683  $2,214  $2,462  $2,623  $8,982 
 Net sales $1,556  $2,018  $2,236  $2,203  $8,013 
 Gross margin $676  $939  $1,059  $1,027  $3,701 
 Net income $82  $373  $441  $455  $1,351 
 Earnings per share $0.05  $0.22  $0.26  $0.27  $0.78 
                     
  Fiscal Quarter  Fiscal
 
  First  Second  Third  Fourth  Year 
  (In millions, except per share amounts) 
2003:                    
New orders $1,016  $971  $1,054  $1,277  $4,318 
Net sales $1,054  $1,107  $1,095  $1,221  $4,477 
Gross margin $390  $373  $347  $494  $1,604 
Net income/(loss) $(65) $(62) $(37) $15  $(149)
Earnings/(loss) per share $(0.04) $(0.04) $(0.02) $0.01  $(0.09)
2004:                    
New orders $1,683  $2,214  $2,462  $2,623  $8,982 
Net sales $1,556  $2,018  $2,236  $2,203  $8,013 
Gross margin $676  $939  $1,059  $1,027  $3,701 
Net income $82  $373  $441  $455  $1,351 
Earnings per share $0.05  $0.22  $0.26  $0.27  $0.78 
2005:                    
New orders $1,675  $1,553  $1,468  $1,693  $6,389 
Net sales $1,781  $1,861  $1,632  $1,718  $6,992 
Gross margin $790  $818  $717  $761  $3,086 
Net income $289  $305  $370  $246  $1,210 
Earnings per share $0.17  $0.18  $0.23  $0.15  $0.73 


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Net sales by geographic region, which were attributed to the location of the customers’ facilities, were as follows:
             
Fiscal Year200220032004




(In millions)
Taiwan $1,238  $583  $2,006 
Asia-Pacific(1)  636   527   1,580 
Japan  757   827   1,417 
North America(2)  1,328   1,179   1,337 
Korea  443   666   879 
Europe  660   695   794 
   
   
   
 
  $5,062  $4,477  $8,013 
   
   
   
 


             
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In millions) 
Taiwan $583  $2,006  $1,608 
North America(1)  1,179   1,337   1,472 
Japan  827   1,417   1,396 
Korea  666   879   1,021 
Europe  695   794   883 
Asia-Pacific(2)  527   1,580   612 
             
  $4,477  $8,013  $6,992 
             
(1)Includes China.
(2) Primarily the United States.
(2)Includes China.

     During

From fiscal year 2001 through the third quarter of 2003, slowing worldwide demand for semiconductorsintegrated circuits resulted in a rapid decline in demand for semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturing equipment. Inventory buildups in telecommunication products, slower than expected personal computer sales and slower global economic growth caused semiconductorintegrated circuit companies to reduce their capital spending and reschedule or cancel existing orders. ThisThe decline in demand further deepened sequentially throughout fiscal 2001 into a severe industry downturn due to continued weakness in the macro-economic climate and reduced consumption of electronic products, which resulted in further capital spending cutbacks by Applied’s customers. This industry downturn extended from 2001 through the third fiscal quarter of 2003. BeginningHowever, beginning with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2003 and continuing into fiscal 2004, customers made increased their investments in capital equipment for capacity and technology, responding to higher spending for consumer electronics and business information technology and an increase in semiconductorintegrated circuit demand.

     Applied experienced The growth peaked in the second half of 2004 and slowed thereafter into fiscal 2005. As a decline inresult of excess inventories and slowing demand for its productsintegrated circuits, customers reduced production and delayed capacity additions in fiscal 2005.

New orders in the first fiscal quarterhalf of 2002. In the second fiscal quarter of 2002, customers ordered equipment for 200mm advanced capacity to satisfy demand driven by consumer-related and wireless devices. Customers also continued to place technology orders to invest in 300mm wafer processing, copper and smaller line-width technologies. However, second quarter demand levels proved to be unsustainable as the global economic environment weakened through the middle of the year, and customers reduced their level of capacity spending accordingly, while maintaining advanced technology spending. Net sales peaked in the third fiscal quarter of 2002 and flattened in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2002. Included in fiscal 2002 net sales was the remaining $9 million of revenue that was recognized as part of the cumulative effect of implementing SAB 101.

     Net sales2003 declined 12 percent from $5.1 billion for fiscal 2002 to $4.5 billion for fiscal 2003. New orders declined from $1.6 billion for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2002 to $1.0 billion for each of the first and second fiscal quarters of 2003,per quarter, reflecting the continued and prolonged downturn in the semiconductorintegrated circuit industry. However, new orders increased to $1.1 billion forduring the third fiscal quarter and $1.3 billion for the fourth fiscal quartersecond half of 2003, reflecting customers’ continued investments in DRAMadvanced memory and logic and their transition to 300mm, along with the increased capacity utilization in both advanced and established technologies. Following these new order trends, net sales decreased to approximately $1.1 billion for each of the first three fiscal quarters of 2003, reflecting the impact of the prolonged industry downturn. Net sales increased to $1.2 billion for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2003, indicating the beginning of an industry recovery.

Net sales increased 79 percent from $4.5 billion for fiscal 2003 to $8.0 billion for fiscal 2004. Orderswere $4.5 billion.

New orders increased from $4.3 billion for fiscal 2003 to $9.0 billion for fiscal 2004, reflecting a broad-based increase in capital investment by both DRAMadvanced memory and logic manufacturers for 300mm technology to meet rising demand for semiconductors.integrated circuits. Following the new order trends, net sales increased 79 percent from $4.5 billion for fiscal 2003 to approximately $8.0 billion for fiscal 2004, reflecting the fulfillment of higher levels of orders for capital equipment received in prior quarters to support customers’ manufacturing capacity expansion and new technology requirements.

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New orders decreased 29 percent from $9.0 billion for fiscal 2004 to $6.4 billion for fiscal 2005, as integrated circuit manufacturers reduced their capital investments to bring inventories in line with demand. Following the trend of decreasing orders during fiscal 2005, net sales decreased by 13 percent from $8.0 billion for fiscal 2004 to $7.0 billion for fiscal 2005, reflecting lower demand for integrated circuit products.
Realignment Activities

Realignment Activities

During fiscal 2003, in response to the continuing difficult business conditions, Applied implemented a series of activities to better align Applied’s cost structure with prevailing economic conditions. Realignment activities consisted of consolidation of facilities, reductions in workforce, and refocused product efforts, such as the electron-beam mask pattern product line and implementation of the global spare parts distribution system (which included the closure of a central warehouse).efforts. As a result of the


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realignment activities, Applied vacated approximately two million square feet and reduced approximately 3,800 positions during fiscal 2003. Realignment activities resulted in charges across multiple categories, as incurred, including cost of products sold, research, development and engineering (RD&E)RD&E expenses, and restructuring and asset impairment charges. During the first fiscal quarter of 2004, realignment activities were completed and reported as restructuring, asset impairments and other charges, as discussed below. There were no realignment charges during fiscal 2005.
 
Gross Margin

Gross Margin

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreasedincreased from 40.6 percent for fiscal 2002 to 35.8 percent for fiscal 2003 and then increased to 46.2 percent for fiscal 2004.2004, and decreased to 44.1 percent for fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2000, Applied experienced unprecedented new order and revenue growth. Accordingly, Applied expanded its manufacturing facilities to accommodate anticipated growth. The decreasedlower business volume in fiscal 2001 2002 andthrough fiscal 2003, due to the industry downturn, was insufficient to fully absorb the overhead costs of these facilities, resulting in lower gross margins for all respective periods. The continued decline in gross margin for fiscal 2003 was principally attributable to under absorption of manufacturing and field service costs as a result of prolonged lowerlow business volumes, and inventory writeoffs and charges associated with refocused product efforts, including an electron-beam mask pattern product and implementation of the global spare parts distribution system.efforts. The increase in gross margin from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2004 was principally attributable to improved revenue levels, changes in product mix, decreased product costs, and increased manufacturing volume, resulting in higher absorption of manufacturing and field service costs and the completion of refocused product efforts discussed previously. The improvement in gross margin was partially offset by increased variable compensation costs as a result of improved operating performance. The decrease in gross margin from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2005 was due to lower revenue levels, lower manufacturing absorption and changes in product mix, which were partially offset by initiatives for cost reduction and efficiency improvement, such as common platform architecture and parts, lower cost sourcing and cycle time reduction.
 
Research, Development and Engineering

Research, Development and Engineering
Applied’s future operating results depend, to a considerable extent, on its ability to maintain a competitive advantage in the products and services it provides. Applied believes that it is critical to continue to make substantial investments in RD&E to assure the availability of innovative technology that meets the current and projected requirements of its customers’ most advanced semiconductorintegrated circuit designs. Applied has historically maintained its commitment to investing in RD&E in order to continue to offer new products and technologies. As a result, RD&E expenses were $1.1 billion (21 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2002, $921 million (21 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2003, and $992 million (12 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2004.2004 and $941 million (13 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2005. Development cycles range from 12 to 36 months depending on whether the product is an enhancement of an existing technologyproduct or a new product. Most of Applied’s existing product lines are the result ofproducts resulted from internal product development activities.activities and innovations involving new technologies, materials and processes. In certain instances, Applied acquires technologies either in its existing areas of development or through new product opportunities to complement its existing technology capabilities and to reduce time to market. Throughout the periods covered by this report, Applied has developed products designed to enable our customers to fabricate chips with 65nm and below feature sizes, to make use of new materials such as copper and low k dielectrics, and to transition to 300mm wafer processing.

     In fiscal 2002, Applied invested in critical development activities to meet its customers’ rapid move to sub-100nm dimensions in their most advanced designs, which began entering production in fiscal 2003. This difficult and challenging dimensional shift was compounded by the need to provide much of the technology for both 200mm and 300mm wafers, requiring additional process and hardware development. For the sub-100nm chip generations, inspection and metrology tools became more important to assure enhanced device performance as well as adequate manufacturing yields. Accordingly, Applied focused its RD&E resources on these technologies. In addition, development of innovations such as atomic layer deposition, which deposits materials in increasingly smaller structures, and advanced wafer wet cleaning, addressed new market opportunities for Applied. Within virtually all of the technology areas, including fab and yield management, Applied invested in more advanced software capabilities.

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In fiscal 2003, Applied refocused its product efforts and made investments in strategic products. Applied focusedconcentrated on the development of several important processing technologies to enable the production of new chips using copper and low k dielectric materials, as well as to meet the challenges of smaller feature sizes, such as 65nm and below, feature sizes.below. In addition to interconnect solutions, Applied continued to invest resources in the development of systems for advanced transistor designs with smaller gate structures that enable faster signal propagation and reduced power. Applied also continued the development of its process diagnostic and control capabilities with systems to inspect and measure smaller dimensions and defects.

In fiscal 2004, Applied continued its investment in developing new technologies for future generation manufacturing. Advances were made in several key areas, including technology for enhancing transistor and interconnect performance. Applied introduced ten major new products in these areas, including the Endura2, Ecmp, Quantum X andG2and G2 FIB systems, all targeted for 65nm and below chip manufacturing. In addition, Applied introduced the Gen7 AKT flat panel system.
 
Marketing, Selling, General and Administrative
In fiscal 2005, Applied focused on developing systems for customers’ advanced chip designs, including systems to enable smaller and faster interconnect and transistor structures with 65nm, 45nm and below geometries.


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For copper interconnect applications, the Company introduced the Applied Endura CuB/S system with advanced copper barrier/seed technology and the Applied Producer Black Diamond II system for next-generation low k dielectric layers. For leading-edge transistor gate applications, Applied launched the Applied AdvantEdge Etch system and the Applied Vantage RadOx RTP. New applications in strain engineering, which involves creating localized areas of stress in the transistor structure, were also developed for existing systems to meet customers’ requirements for faster transistors. In the area of inspection and metrology, Applied launched UVision, the industry’s first laser 3D brightfield inspection tool. The Applied OPC Check software is designed to automate critical OPC mask verification for customers. Applied’s AKT subsidiary developed the Gen-8 AKT-50K PECVD system for manufacturing flat panel displays. The system processes 2.2m x 2.4m glass substrates and doubles the capacity of previousGen-7 systems for producing52-inchLCD-TV screens.
Marketing, Selling, General and Administrative
Marketing, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from $709 million (14 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2002 towere $626 million (14 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2003, and increased to $752 million (9 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2004. The decrease from2004, and decreased to $697 million (10 percent of net sales) for fiscal 2002 to 2003 was due primarily to headcount reductions and cost reduction activities, limiting discretionary expenditures to align costs to lower business volumes.2005. The increase from fiscal 2003 to 2004 correlated to the increase in business volume, as well as increases in variable compensation as a result of improved operating performance.performance. The decrease from fiscal 2004 to 2005 was due to lower business volume, reductions in variable compensation and Applied’s continued focus on cost controls.
 
Restructuring, Asset Impairments and Other Charges

Restructuring, Asset Impairments and Other Charges
The restructuring actions taken in fiscal 2002, 2003 and 2004 were intended to better align Applied’s cost structure with prevailing market conditions due to the industry downturn at the time. These actions, which were necessary as a result of reduced business volume, reduced Applied’s global workforce and consolidated global facilities.

     Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges for fiscal 2002 totaled $85 million, consisting of a charge of $8 million for acquired in-process research and development and $77 million for restructuring and asset impairment charges. The restructuring and asset impairment charges consisted of $39 million for headcount reductions, $16 million for consolidation of facilities and $22 million for other costs, primarily fixed asset writeoffs due to facility consolidation.

Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges for fiscal 2003 totaled $372 million, consisting of $186 million for headcount reductions, $86 million for consolidation of facilities and $100 million for other costs, primarily fixed asset writeoffs due to facility consolidation.

     As of October 31, 2004, the majority of the fiscal 2002 and 2003 restructuring actions have been completed, and restructuring reserve balances consist principally of remaining lease commitments associated with facilities.

consolidations.

Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges for fiscal 2004 totaled $167 million, consisting of $65 million for facility consolidations, $6 million for severance and benefits, and $96 million for other costs, primarily fixed asset writeoffs due to facility consolidations.

As of October 30, 2005, the fiscal 2003 and 2004 restructuring actions have been completed, and restructuring reserve balances consist principally of remaining lease commitments associated with facilities.
For further details, see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Litigation Settlements, Net

Litigation Settlements, Net

Litigation settlements, net were $27 million for fiscal 2004 and includedconsisted of costs of $28 million related to two separate patent litigation settlements, net of a gain of $1 million related to a legal settlement in favor of Applied.
 
Net Interest Income

During fiscal 2003 or 2005, there were no significant litigation settlements.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $131 million for fiscal 2002, $102 million for fiscal 2003, and $66 million for fiscal 2004.2004 and $134 million for fiscal 2005. The decrease in net interest income infrom fiscal 2003 andto 2004 was due primarily to lower average

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portfolio yields. While there were increasesThe increase in net interest income in 2005 was due to a substantial increase in interest rates during fiscaland a decrease in interest expense associated with scheduled debt maturities in September 2004 the benefit to interest income on Applied’s investment portfolio was limited by the moderate rate of portfolio turnover throughout the year.and September 2005.
 
Income Taxes

Income Taxes
Applied’s effective income tax provision/(benefit) rate was 21.0 percent for fiscal 2002, (29.5) percent for fiscal 2003, and 26.1 percent for fiscal 2004. Applied’s actual effective rate of 21.02004 and 23.5 percent for fiscal 2002 differed from the anticipated2005. Applied’s effective rate of 29.5 percent primarily due to significant export tax benefits, which resulted from an increase in qualified export sales. Applied expected and experienced an actual effective benefit rate of (29.5) percent in fiscal 2003. Applied’s actual effective rate of 26.1 percent for fiscal 2004 differed from the anticipated effective rate of 29.5 percent primarily(29.5 percent) for fiscal 2003 due to a change in estimates with respect to foreign tax credits,increased export tax benefits and foreign tax credits. Applied’s effective rate of


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23.5 percent for fiscal 2005 differed from 26.1 percent for fiscal 2004 primarily due to the geographical compositionfavorable resolution of worldwide earnings.a multi-year Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax examination of $118 million and a change in estimate with respect to export tax benefits of $14 million, partially offset by a charge of $32 million relating to the distribution of foreign earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Jobs Creation Act). Applied’s future effective income tax rate depends on various factors, such as tax legislation, the geographic composition of Applied’s pre-tax income and non-tax deductible expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions.

Management carefully monitors these factors and timely adjusts the effective income tax rate accordingly.

In October 2004, the United States Congress enacted The Americanthe Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act). The Actwhich provides for a three year phase-out of current extraterritorial income tax (ETI) benefits and replaces ETI with a phased-in nine percent domestic production activity deduction that will not be fully effective until 2010. The Jobs Creation Act will not fully replace Applied’s current ETI tax benefits. The Act also includes a deduction
Business Combinations
On June 28, 2005, Applied purchased certain assets of 85%SCP Global Technology, Inc. (SCP), consisting of single-wafer HF-last immersion technology and Marangoni clean/dry intellectual property, for certain foreign earnings that are repatriated, as definedapproximately $24 million in cash.
On December 16, 2004, Applied acquired the Act.assets of ATMI, Inc.’s Treatment Systems business (EcoSys), which supports the gas abatement requirements of process equipment for integrated circuit manufacturing and other industrial applications, for approximately $16 million in cash.
On December 14, 2004, Applied may elect to apply this provision to qualifying earnings repatriations. Applied is evaluating the effectsacquired substantially all of the repatriation provision. This provisionoperating subsidiaries and businesses of the Act is not expected to haveMetron Technology N.V. (Metron), a material effect on Applied’s resultsprovider of a range of products and services for fab-wide operations or financial positionand integrated circuit manufacturing equipment, for approximately $85 million in the period of implementation.cash.
 
Business Combinations

On June 14, 2004, Applied acquired Torrex Equipment Corporation, a developer of a multi-wafer system that utilizes chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition processes to address front-end semiconductor manufacturing applications, for $7 million in cash.
On April 18, 2003, Applied acquired Boxer Cross, Inc., a producer of in-line monitoring systems that provide customers with critical electrical measurement data for controlling semiconductor processes, for $14 million in cash. On April 8, 2002, Applied acquired Electron Vision Corporation, a designer, manufacturer and seller of e-beam stabilization and curing tools for the semiconductor, thin film head and micro-fabrication industries, for $26 million in cash.

For further details, see Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Accounting PronouncementPronouncements

In June 2004,May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ratifiedissued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections — a Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (SFAS 154), which requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of every voluntary change in accounting principal unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors beginning in fiscal 2007. Applied does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on Applied’s financial position or results of operations.
In March 2005, the SEC released SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107). SAB 107 provides the SEC staff position regarding the application of SFAS 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” SAB 107 contains interpretive guidance relating to the interaction between SFAS 123R and certain SEC rules and regulations, as well as the staff’s views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. SAB 107 also highlights the importance of disclosures made related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. Applied is currently evaluating SAB 107 and will be incorporating it as part of its adoption of SFAS 123R in the first fiscal quarter of 2006.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. In April 2005, the SEC extended the compliance requirement date of SFAS 123R, with the result that this requirement will be effective for Applied beginning with the first fiscal quarter of 2006. Applied is currently evaluating the expected impact of


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SFAS 123R to its Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the pro forma effect on Applied’s reported net income and net earnings per share of applying the fair value provisions of the SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation.
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” (SFAS 151). SFAS 151 clarifies that abnormal inventory costs such as costs of idle facilities, excess freight and handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) are required to be recognized as current period charges. SFAS 151 will be effective in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 151 is not expected to have a material effect on Applied’s financial position or results of operations.
In March 2004, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF IssueNo. 03-1, (EITF 03-1), “The Meaning ofOther-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” Investments”(EITF 03-1 includes new03-1). The guidance prescribes a three-step model for evaluatingdetermining whether an investment isother-than-temporarily impaired and recording impairmentrequires disclosures about unrealized losses on debt and equity investments, as well as new disclosure requirementsinvestments. The accounting guidance became effective for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired. Adoption of the recognition and measurement guidance of EITF 03-1 has been temporarily deferred by the FASB, butreporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, while the disclosure requirements became effective for annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2004. In September 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP)EITF 03-1-1, “Effective Date ofParagraphs 10-20of EITF IssueNo. 03-1 are ‘The Meaning ofOther-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (FSPEITF 03-1-1). FSPEITF 03-1-1 delayed the effective date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained inparagraphs 10-20 of EITFIssue 03-1. In November 2005, the FASB issued FSPFAS 115-1 andFAS 124-1, “The Meaning ofOther-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certainother-than-temporary Investments.” This FSP addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether the impairment isother-than-temporary and the measurement of an impairment loss. This statement specifically nullifies the requirements ofparagraph 10-18 ofEITF 03-1 and references existingother-than-temporary impairment guidance. The guidance under this FSP is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Applied continued to apply relevant“other-than-temporary” guidance as provided for in FSPEITF 03-1-1 during fiscal 2005. Applied does not expect the implementation of FSPFAS 115-1 andFAS 124-1 will have a material effect on Applied’s fiscal 2004 annual consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, additional disclosures as required by EITF 03-1 are included in Note 2position or results of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

operations.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Applied increased its

Applied’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased from $5.5 billion at October 26, 2003 to $6.6 billion at October 31, 2004.2004 to $5.9 billion at October 30, 2005 due primarily to repurchases and cash dividend distributions. Applied has not undertaken any significant external financing activities for several years.

Applied generated cash from operating activities of $552 million for fiscal 2002, $855 million for fiscal 2003, and $1.6 billion for fiscal 2004.2004 and $1.2 billion for fiscal 2005. The primary sources of cash from operating activities have been net income, as adjusted to exclude the effect of non-cash charges, and changes in working capital levels, including accounts receivable and inventories. Applied utilized programs to sell accounts receivable of $689 million for fiscal 2002, $556 million for fiscal 2003, and $859 million for fiscal 2004.2004 and $158 million for fiscal 2005. The sales of these accounts

24


receivables receivable increased cash and reduced accounts receivable and days sales outstanding. Days sales outstanding was 66 days at the end of fiscal 2002, compared towere 68 days at the end of fiscal 2003, andcompared to 69 days at the end of fiscal 2004.2004 and 85 days at the end of fiscal 2005. A portion of these sold accounts receivable is subject to certain limited recourse provisions. However, Applied has not experienced any losses under these programs.programs Availability and usage of these accounts receivable sale agreements depend on many factors, including the willingness of financial institutions to purchase receivables and the cost of such arrangements. The increase in days sales outstanding in fiscal 2005 is primarily related to the change in the regional sales mix and the resulting relative decrease in the amount of sold accounts receivable. For further details regarding accounts receivable sales, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Inventories increaseddecreased by $188$105 million in fiscal 2004,2005, which corresponds to the increasedecrease in business volume and sales activity from fiscal 20032004 to fiscal 2004.2005.

Applied used $752 million$1.1 billion of cash for investing activities for fiscal 2002, $7852003, $534 million for fiscal 20032004, and $353$179 million for fiscal 2004.2005. Capital expenditures were $476 million for fiscal 2002, $265 million for fiscal 2003, and $191 million for fiscal 2004, and $200 million for fiscal 2005, totaling $932$656 million for the past three years. Application laboratories, equipment and related facilities have comprised the majority of the capital spending. Fiscal 2002 capital expenditures also included $65 million for the purchase of properties in Santa Clara, California that were previously held under a synthetic lease. Fiscal 2003 capital expenditures also


23


included $52 million for the purchase of facilities in Hillsboro, Oregon that were previously held under a synthetic lease. Fiscal 2004 capital expenditures consisted principally of laboratory and demonstration equipment. Fiscal 2005 capital expenditures included investment in laboratory equipment and upgrades to Applied’s enterprise resource planning software and network architecture. Investing activities also included purchases and sales of short-term investments and acquisitions of technology or of other companies to allow Applied to access new market opportunities or emerging technologies. Fiscal 2004 capital expenditures consisted principallyDuring fiscal 2005, Applied paid $102 million, net of laboratorycash acquired, for the Metron and demonstration equipment.

EcoSys acquisitions, as discussed in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Applied generated cash of $131$8 million from financing activities for fiscal 2002 and $8 million for fiscal 2003, and used cash of $359 million for fiscal 2004.2004 and used cash for $1.6 billion for 2005. Financing activities included issuances and repurchases of common stock.stock and payment of dividends. Since March 1996, Applied has systematically repurchased shares of its common stock in the open market to partially fund its stock-based employee benefit and incentive plans. Cash used to repurchase shares totaled $125 million for fiscal 2002, $250 million for fiscal 2003, and $650 million for fiscal 2004. Cash generated from issuances of common stock totaled $199 million2004 and $1.7 billion for fiscal 2002, $3232005. Beginning in the second fiscal quarter of 2005, Applied’s Board of Directors declared three consecutive quarterly cash dividends, in the amount of $0.03 per share per declaration. The first two declared cash dividends totaling $98 million forwere paid during fiscal 20032005. The declaration of any future cash dividend is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and $397 million for fiscal 2004.will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions and other factors. Financing activities also included borrowings and repayments of debt. Applied generated cash of $88 million in fiscal 2002 from debt borrowings, and did not borrow any cash in fiscal years 2003, and 2004.2004 or 2005. Cash used for debt repayments totaled $32 million for fiscal 2002, $64 million for fiscal 2003, and $105 million for fiscal 2004.

     On March 21, 2002, Applied’s Board2004 and $62 million for fiscal 2005. Cash generated from issuances of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of Applied’s common stock which was distributed in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend on or about April 16, 2002pursuant to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2002.

Applied’s equity compensation programs totaled $323 million for fiscal 2003, $397 million for fiscal 2004 and $266 million for fiscal 2005.

Although cash requirements will fluctuate based on the timing and extent of factors such as those discussed above, Applied’s management believes that cash generated from operations, together with the liquidity provided by existing cash balances and borrowing capability, will be sufficient to satisfy Applied’s liquidity requirements for the next 12 months. For further details regarding Applied’s operating, investing and financing activities for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2004,30, 2005, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

report.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the ordinary course of business, Applied provides standby letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to certainthird parties as required for certain transactions initiated by either Applied or its subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2004,30, 2005, the maximum potential amount of future payments that Applied could be required to make under these guarantee agreements was approximately $55$60 million. Applied has not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. Applied does not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these guarantee arrangements.

In 2001, Applied also has additional guarantee arrangements on behalf of certain subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2004, Applied has not recorded any liability related to guarantees of subsidiary obligations. Applied does not expect, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these arrangements. Subsidiary guarantees as of October 31, 2004 totaled

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approximately $202 million and were associated with the following types of arrangements: short-term borrowing facilities, overdraft facilities, customs guarantees and leases. In the event of use and subsequent default of these facilities by Applied’s subsidiaries, such arrangements would be guaranteed by Applied. In addition, certain subsidiaries have lease arrangements guaranteed by Applied. These leases will expire between 2009 and 2014. In the event that the subsidiaries do not make the required payments, Applied could be required to pay the leases on behalf of the subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2004, annual lease obligations under these arrangements approximated $11 million.

formed Applied Materials Ventures I, L.P. (the Fund) investsto invest in privately-held, early-stage companies engaged in developing systems, components and devices based on nanotechnology and/or communications technology for specific applications and products. The Fund iswas a limited partnership, with Applied as the sole limited partner and an independent party as the general partner. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, Applied exercised its right to limit capital contributions to the Fund to $25 million and to elect to terminate the partnership. As a result, under the provisions of the partnership agreement, the partnership will be dissolved, and the activities of the partnership will be concluded six months followingand the election to terminate the partnership.partnership was dissolved in March 2005. Applied’s cumulative capital contributions to the Fund totaled approximately $16 million through October 26, 2003 and $23 million through October 31, 2004.2004 and $24 million through October 30, 2005. The Fund’s assets, which primarily consisted of shares of portfolio companies, were distributed between Applied and the general partner during fiscal 2005. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the Fund.

Applied also has operating leases for various facilities. Total rental expense for operating leases was $140 million for fiscal 2002, $134 million for fiscal 2003, and $88 million for fiscal 2004.2004 and $87 million for fiscal 2005.


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Contractual Obligations
 
Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes Applied’s contractual obligations as of October 31, 2004:
                     
Payments Due by Period

Less Than1-33-5More Than
Contractual obligationsTotal1 YearYearsYears5 Years






(In millions)
Long-term debt obligations $456  $46  $204  $4  $202 
Operating lease obligations  327   84   116   48   79 
Purchase obligations*  704   699   5       
Other long-term liabilities  133      15   7   111 
   
   
   
   
   
 
  $1,620  $829  $340  $59  $392 
   
   
   
   
   
 


30, 2005:

                     
  Payments Due by Period 
     Less Than
  1-3
  3-5
  More Than
 
Contractual Obligations
 Total  1 Year  Years  Years  5 Years 
  (In millions) 
Long-term debt obligations $415  $8  $205  $2  $200 
Interest expense associated with long-term debt obligations  199   28   42   29   100 
Operating lease obligations  272   74   87   45   66 
Purchase obligations*  751   739   7   5    
Other long-term liabilities  168   8   14   11   135 
                     
  $1,805  $857  $355  $92  $501 
                     
*Represents Applied’s agreements to purchase goods and services consisting of Applied’s:Applied’s (a) outstanding purchase orders for goods and services; (b) contractual requirements to make specified minimum payments even if Applied does not take delivery of the contracted goods; and (c) contractual requirements to pay a penalty if the contract is cancelled. While the amount above represents Applied’s purchase agreements as of October 31, 2004,30, 2005, the actual amounts to be paid by Applied may be less in the event that any agreements are renegotiated, cancelled or terminated.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported. Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Certain of these significant accounting policies are considered to be critical accounting policies, as defined below.

A critical accounting policy is defined as one that is both material to the presentation of Applied’s consolidated financial statements and requires management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments that could have a material effect on Applied’s financial condition andor results of operations. Specifically, these policies have the following attributes: (1) Applied is required to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time of the estimate; and (2) different estimates Applied could reasonably have

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used, or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur, would have a material effect on Applied’s financial condition or results of operations.

Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty. Applied bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be applicable and reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates may change as new events occur, as additional information is obtained and as Applied’s operating environment changes. These changes have historically been minor and have been included in the consolidated financial statements as soon as they became known. In addition, management is periodically faced with uncertainties, the outcomes of which are not within its control and will not be known for prolonged periods of time. These uncertainties are discussed in the section below entitled “Trends, Risks and Uncertainties.” Based on a critical assessment of its accounting policies and the underlying judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies, management believes that Applied’s consolidated financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and provide a meaningful presentation of Applied’s financial condition and results of operations.

Management believes that the following are critical accounting policies:
 
Warranty Costs

Warranty Costs

Applied provides for the estimated cost of warranty when revenue is recognized. Estimated warranty costs are determined by analyzing specific product and historical configuration statistics and regional warranty support costs.


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Applied’s warranty obligation is affected by product and component failure rates, material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting product failures during the warranty period. As Applied’s customer engineers and process support engineers are highly trained and deployed globally, labor availability is a significant factor in determining labor costs. The quantity and availability of critical replacement parts is another significant factor in estimating warranty costs. Unforeseen component failures or exceptional component performance can also result in changes to warranty costs. If actual warranty costs differ substantially from Applied’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required, which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Inventory Valuation

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are generally stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The carrying value of inventory is reduced for estimated obsolescence by the difference between its cost and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand. Applied evaluates the inventory carrying value for potential excess and obsolete inventory exposures by analyzing historical and anticipated demand. In addition, inventories are evaluated for potential obsolescence due to the effect of known and anticipated engineering change orders and new products. If actual demand were to be substantially lower than estimated, additional inventory adjustments for excess or obsolete inventory might be required, which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Applied reviews goodwill and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable, and also reviews goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives annually in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 (SFAS 142), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”for impairment. Intangible assets, such as purchased technology, are generally recorded in connection with a business acquisition. The value assigned to intangible assets is usually based on estimates and judgments regarding expectations for the success and life cycle of products and technology acquired. If actual product acceptance differs significantly from the estimates, Applied may be required to record an impairment charge to write down the asset to its realizable value. The fair value of a reporting unit is estimated using the market multiples approach, and is dependent on market values for companies in a similar industry. A severe decline in market value could result in an unexpected impairment charge for impaired goodwill, which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Income Taxes

Income Taxes
Applied accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109 (SFAS 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires thatby recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enactedstatutory tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. SFAS 109 also requires that deferredDeferred tax assets beare also reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management has determined that it is more likely than not that its future taxable income will be sufficient to realize its deferred tax assets.

     Applied provides for income taxes based upon an annual estimated effective income tax rate.

The effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic composition of worldwide earnings, tax regulations governing each region, non-tax deductible expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions and availability of tax credits. Management carefully monitors the changes in many factors and adjusts the effective income tax rate on a timely basis. If actual results differ from these estimates, Applied could be required to record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets or adjust its effective income tax rate, which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with Applied’s expectations could have a material impact on Applied’s results of operations and financial condition. Applied accounts for income tax contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.”
 
Legal Matters

Legal Matters
Applied is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of business. Applied evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable


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outcome and reasonably estimates the amount of the loss. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of the probability and as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated. When Applied determines that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable, the effect is recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Although the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, Applied does not believe that any of the existing legal matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. However, significant changes in legal proceedings and claims or the factors considered in the evaluation of those matters could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Trends, Risks and Uncertainties
 
The industry that Applied serves is volatile and unpredictable.

The industry that Applied serves is volatile and unpredictable.
As a supplier to the global semiconductor and semiconductor-related industry, Applied is subject to the industry’s business cycles, the timing, length and volatility of which are difficult to predict. The semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical due to sudden changes in demand for semiconductorsintegrated circuits and manufacturing capacity, including capacity using the latest technology. The rateeffect on Applied of these changes in demand, including end-customer demand, is accelerating, and the effect of these changes on Applied is occurring sooner,more rapidly, exacerbating the volatility of these cycles. These changes have affected the timing and amounts of customers’ capital equipment purchases and investments in technology, and continue to affect Applied’s orders, net sales, gross margin and results of operations.

Applied must effectively manage its resources and production capacity to meet changing demand. During periods of decreasing demand for integrated circuit manufacturing equipment, Applied must be able to appropriately align its cost structure with prevailing market conditions, and effectively motivate and retain key employees. Conversely, duringemployees, and effectively manage its supply chain. During periods of increasing demand, Applied must have sufficient manufacturing capacity and inventory to meet customer demand and must be able to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified individuals.individuals and effectively manage its supply chain. If Applied is not able to timely and appropriately align its cost structure with business conditions and/or to effectively manage its resources and production capacity, including its supply chain during changes in demand, Applied’s business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

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Applied is exposed to risks as a result of ongoing changes in the semiconductor industry.

Applied is exposed to risks as a result of ongoing changes in the industry.

The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid ongoing changes, including: (1) changes in customers’ capacity requirements, capacity utilization and capital spending, which depend in part on the demand for customers’ products and customers’ inventory levels relative to demand for their products;demand; (2) the importance of driving downreducing the cost of system ownership, of systems; (3) more complex technology requirements; (4)due in part to the increasing significance of consumer electronics as a driver for chipintegrated circuit demand and the related focus on lower prices; (5)(3) varying levels of business information technology spending; (6)(4) increasingly complex technology requirements, including a significant rise in the number and importance of new materials; (5) the growing types and varieties of integrated circuits and applications; (7)(6) an increasingexpanding number of applications across multiple substrate sizes, in the semiconductor industry, resulting in divergent interestsdemands among semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers; (7) customers’ varying adoption rates of new technology; (8) a rising percentage of business from customers in Asia and the emergence of customers, competitors and competitorssuppliers in new geographical regions; (9) customer demands for shorter lead times for the manufacture and installation of semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturing equipment; (10) the heightened importance to customers of system reliability and (10)productivity; (11) the effect on system demand as a result of the increasing productivity and reliability of integrated circuit manufacturing equipment; (12) the increasing pace of changes in the mix of investments by customers in integrated circuit manufacturing equipment; (13) customers’ increasing use of partnerships, alliances, joint ventures and industry consortia that has increased the influence of key integrated circuit manufacturers in technology decisions made by their global partners; (14) higher capital requirements for new semiconductorintegrated circuit fabrication plants.plants; (15) the rising importance of speed of product development andtime-to-market; (16) the increasing difficulty for customers to move from product design to volume manufacturing; (17) the challenge to customers of moving volume manufacturing from one technology node to the next smaller technology node; (18) the rate of growth in the industry; (19) a heightening concern among certain U.S. governmental agencies regarding possible national commercial and/or security issues posed by the growing manufacturing business in Asia, especially China; (20) the need to effectively manage a growing number of


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existing and new products in more varied competitive environments; and (21) the increasing importance of operating flexibility to enable different responses to different markets, customers and applications. These changes, individually or in combination, are increasing the need for customer partnering, use of foundries, collaborative research and development efforts, and process integration support. TheseCertain of these changes also heighten the importance of spare parts and service product offerings as a competitive advantage for semiconductorintegrated circuit equipment manufacturers, even though service products historically have resulted, and may in the futuretypically result in lower gross margins than system products. In addition, key integrated circuit manufacturers have become influential in technology decisions made by theirresponse to these ongoing changes, Applied must regularly reassess the size, capability and location of its global partners.infrastructure. If Applied does not successfully manage the risks resulting from the ongoing changes occurring in the semiconductor industry, its business, financial condition and results of operationoperations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Applied is exposed to the risks of operating a global business.

In fiscal 2004, more than 80 percent of Applied’s net sales were to regions outside the United States. Certain manufacturing facilities and suppliers of Applied are also located outside the United States. Managing Applied’s global operations presents challenges including, but not limited to, those arising from periodic regional economic downturns, global trade issues, varying regional and geopolitical business conditions and demands, variationsoperates in protection of intellectual property and other legal rights in different jurisdictions, differences in the ability to develop relationships with suppliers and other local businesses, changes in United States and international laws and regulations, including United States export restrictions, fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, the need to provide sufficient levels of technical support in different locations, cultural differences and shipping delays. Many of these challenges are present in China, a large potential market for integrated circuit equipment and an area that Applied anticipates will continue to present a significant opportunity for growth over the long term. These challenges, as well as global uncertainties with respect to: (1) economic growth rates in various countries; (2) consumer confidence; (3) sustainability, timing, rate and amount of demand for electronics products and semiconductors; (4) capital spendinghighly competitive industry characterized by semiconductor manufacturers; (5) price trends for certain semiconductor devices; and (6) political instability, terrorism or acts of war where Applied has operations or sales, including Asia, Israel and the United States, may materially and adversely affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.increasingly rapid technological changes.

 
Applied operates in a highly competitive industry characterized by increasingly rapid technological changes.

As Applied operates in a highly competitive environment, Applied’s future success is heavily dependentdepends on effective development, commercialization and customer acceptance of its new productsequipment, service and services over those of its competitors.related products. In addition, Applied must also successfully execute its growth strategy, including increasing market share in existing markets, expanding into related markets, and cultivating new markets and new business models.models, while constantly improving its operational performance. Applied’s success is subject to many risks, including, but not limited to, its ability to timely and cost-effectively: (1) develop and market new products services and technologies;price products appropriately; (2) improve existing products services and technologies;increase market share in its existing markets; (3) expand into or develop related and new markets for integrated circuit products and services;its technology; (4) achieve market acceptance of, and accurately forecast demand and meet production schedules for, its products and services;products; (5) achieve cost efficiencies across product offerings; (6) adapt to technology changes in related markets, such as lithography; (7) adapt to changes in value offered by companies in different parts of the supply chain; (8) qualify new or improved products for volume manufacturing with its customers; (7) commence and adjust production to meet customer demands; (8) price products and services appropriately; and (9) lower customers’ cost of ownership.successfully implement improvements in its manufacturing process. The development, introduction and support of an increasingly broad set of new or improved products, services and technologies,

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including those enabling the transition to smaller device feature sizes and incorporation of new materials, and 300mm wafers, have grown increasingly complex and expensive over time. SuchFurthermore, new or improved products and services may involve higher costs and reduced efficiencies compared to Applied’s more established products and services and could adversely affect Applied’s gross margins. In addition, Applied must successfully implement changes in its design engineering methodology, including changes that result in: significant decreases in material costs and cycle time; greater commonality of platforms and types of parts used in different systems; and more effective product life cycle management. If Applied does not: (1) develop and introduce new or improved products, services and technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements; (2) price such products and services appropriately to reflect changes in costs; or (3)not successfully implement changes in its product design processes,manage these challenges, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Applied is exposed to risks associated with a highly concentrated customer base.
Applied is exposed to the risks of operating a global business.
In fiscal 2005, approximately 80 percent of Applied’s net sales were to regions outside the United States. Certain manufacturing facilities and suppliers of Applied are also located outside the United States. Managing Applied’s global operations presents challenges including, but not limited to, those arising from: (1) varying regional and geopolitical business conditions and demands; (2) global trade issues; (3) variations in protection of intellectual property and other legal rights in different countries; (4) rising raw material and energy costs; (5) variations in the ability to develop relationships with suppliers and other local businesses; (6) changes in laws and regulations of the United States (including export restrictions) and other countries, as well as their interpretation and application; (7) fluctuations in interest rates and currency exchange rates; (8) the need to provide sufficient levels of technical support in different locations; (9) political instability, natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or floods), pandemics, terrorism or acts of war where Applied has operations, suppliers or sales; (10) cultural differences; (11) special government-supported efforts to promote local integrated circuit manufacturing equipment companies; and (12) shipping delays. Many of these challenges are present in China, a large potential market for integrated circuit equipment and an area that Applied anticipates will continue to present a significant opportunity for growth over the long term. China is also experiencing significant growth of suppliers and potential competitors to Applied. These challenges, as well as global uncertainties with respect to: (1) economic growth rates in various countries; (2) consumer confidence; (3) the sustainability, timing, rate and amount of demand for electronics products and integrated circuits; (4) capital spending by integrated circuit manufacturers;


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and (5) price trends for certain integrated circuit devices, may materially and adversely affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is exposed to risks associated with a highly concentrated customer base.
Applied’s customer base is and has been highly concentrated. Although no single customer accounted for 10 percent or more of Applied’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2004, ordersOrders from a relatively limited number of manufacturers of integrated circuits have accounted for, and likely will continue to account for, a substantial portion of Applied’s net sales. During fiscal 2002In addition, the mix and 2003, there were onetype of customers, and two customers, respectively, that individually accounted for 10 percent or more of Applied’s consolidated net sales. In addition, sales to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. If customers do not place orders, or delay or cancel orders, Applied may not be able to replace thisthe business. As Applied’s products are configured to customer specifications, changing, rescheduling or canceling orders may result in significant non-recoverable costs. Major customers may also demandseek and on occasion receive pricing, payment terms or other conditions whichthat are less favorable to Applied. In addition, certain customers have formed strategic alliances or collaborative efforts that result in additional complexities in managing individual customer relationships and transactions. These factors could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Applied is exposed to risks associated with expanded service product offerings and strategic transactions.

In orderThe ability to improve customers’ manufacturing productivityattract, retain and efficiency,motivate key employees is vital to Applied’s success.

Applied’s success and competitiveness depend in large part on its ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees. Achieving this objective may be difficult due to many factors, including fluctuations in global economic and industry conditions, changes in Applied’s management or leadership, the effectiveness of Applied’s compensation programs, including its equity-based programs, and competitors’ hiring practices. Applied has entered into, and maymade adjustments to its equity compensation programs, such as implementation of a broad-based program providing for grants of restricted stock units (referred to as “performance shares” in the future enter into, agreements that expand its service product offerings beyond those relating to Applied’s systems.Applied Materials, Inc. Employee Stock Incentive Plan) beginning in fiscal 2006. These service products include on-site supportchanges, as well as other changes in compensation practices or employee benefit programs, may reduce the effectiveness of the equity compensation programs as incentives to employees and/or may be disruptive to operations. Beginning in its first fiscal quarter of 2006, Applied will record a charge to earnings for equity-based compensation, such as stock options and restricted stock units (performance shares), in accordance with SFAS 123R. This requirement reduces the attractiveness of granting equity-based compensation as the expense associated with these grants will decrease Applied’s profitability. If Applied does not successfully attract, retain and motivate key employees as a result of these or other factors, Applied’s operating results and ability to capitalize on its opportunities may be materially and adversely affected.
Manufacturing interruptions or delays could affect Applied’s ability to meet customer demand, while the failure to estimate customer demand accurately could result in excess or obsolete inventory.
Applied’s business depends on its ability to supply chainequipment, services and spare parts management. These new servicerelated products are offeredthat meet the rapidly changing requirements of its customers, which depends in part through strategic relationshipson the timely delivery of parts, components and alliances formed with,subassemblies (collectively, parts) from suppliers. Some key parts may be obtained only from a single supplier or acquisitionsa limited group of othersuppliers, and some sourcing or subassembly is provided by suppliers in developing regions, including China. Additionally, Applied plans to transition to a single-vendor enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system to perform various functions, including order management and manufacturing control. Significant interruptions of manufacturing operations or the delivery of services as a result of (1) the failure or inability of suppliers to timely deliver quality parts; (2) volatility in the semiconductor industry. Inavailability and cost of materials; (3) difficulties or delays in obtaining required export approvals; (4) information technology or infrastructure failures; (5) difficulties in implementing the ERP system; (6) natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or floods); or (7) other causes (such as regional economic downturns, epidemics, political instability, terrorism or acts of war), could result in delayed deliveries, manufacturing inefficiencies, increased costs or order to develop this market opportunity,cancellations. Moreover, if actual demand for Applied’s products is different than expected, Applied must cultivate new business models, formmay purchase more/fewer parts than necessary or incur costs for canceling, postponing or expediting delivery of parts. Any or all of these factors could materially and maintain strategic relationships with appropriate companies, achieve customer acceptance, and successfully and cost-effectively provide these services. Applied’s inability to achieve any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect onadversely affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.


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The failure to successfully implement outsourcing activities could adversely affect results of operations.
 
Applied is exposed to risks associated with acquisitions.

To better align costs with market conditions and to increase productivity and operational efficiency, Applied outsources certain functions to third parties, including companies in India, China and other countries. These functions include engineering, manufacturing, customer support, software development and administrative activities. The expanding role of third party providers has required changes to Applied’s existing operations and the adoption of new procedures and processes for retaining and managing these providers in order to protect its intellectual property. If Applied does not effectively develop and implement its outsourcing strategy, if required export approvals are not timely obtained, or if third party providers do not perform as anticipated, Applied may not realize productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience operational difficulties, increased costs, manufacturing interruptions or delays and/or loss of its intellectual property rights, which could materially and adversely affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is exposed to risks associated with acquisitions.
Applied has made, and may in the future make, acquisitions of, or significant investments in, businesses with complementary or aligned products, services and/or technologies. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including but not limited to: (1) diversion of management’s attention from other operational matters; (2) inability to complete acquisitions as anticipated or at all; (3) inability to realize synergies expected to result from an acquisition; (4) failure to commercialize purchased technologies; (5) ineffectiveness of an acquired company’s internal controls; (6) impairment of acquired intangible assets as a result of technological advancements orworse-than-expected performance of the acquired company or its product offerings; (7) unknown, underestimated and/or undisclosed commitments or liabilities; (8) failure to integrate and retain key employees; and (9) ineffective integration of operations. Mergers and acquisitions are inherently subject to significant risks, and the inability to effectively manage these risks could materially and adversely affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Manufacturing interruptions or delays could affect Applied’s ability to meet customer demand, while the failure to estimate customer demand accurately could result in excess or obsolete inventory.

Applied’s business dependsApplied is exposed to various risks related to legal proceedings or claims and protection of intellectual property rights.

Applied from time to time is, and in the future may be, involved in legal proceedings or claims regarding patent infringement, intellectual property rights, antitrust, environmental regulations, securities, contracts, product performance, product liability, unfair competition, employment and other matters. In addition, Applied on its abilityoccasion receives notification from customers who believe that Applied owes them indemnification or other obligations related to supply productsclaims made against customers by third parties. These legal proceedings and services that meetclaims, whether with or without merit, may be time-consuming and expensive to prosecute or defend and divert management’s attention and resources. There can be no assurance regarding the rapidly changing requirementsoutcome of current or future legal proceedings or claims. Applied previously entered into a mutual covenant-not-to-sue arrangement with one of its customers, whichcompetitors to decrease the risk of patent infringement lawsuits in the future. There can be no assurance that the intended results of this arrangement will be achieved or that Applied will be able to adequately protect its intellectual property rights with the restrictions associated with such a covenant. In addition, Applied’s success depends in part on the timely deliveryprotection of parts, componentsits intellectual property and subassemblies (collectively, parts) from suppliers. Some keyother rights. Infringement of Applied’s rights by a third party, such as the unauthorized manufacture or sale of equipment or spare parts, may be obtained only from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. In addition, Applied outsources certain manufacturing activities. Significant interruptions of manufacturing operations as a result of the failure or inability of suppliers to timely deliver quality parts, outsourcing difficulties, natural disasters (such as earthquakes or tornadoes), or other causes (such as information technology or infrastructure failures, regional economic downturns, political instability, terrorism or acts of war) could result in delayed productuncompensated lost market and revenue opportunities for Applied. Applied’s intellectual property rights may not provide significant competitive advantages if they are circumvented, invalidated, rendered obsolete by the rapid pace of technological change, or service deliveries if Applied does not adequately assert these rights. Furthermore, the laws of other countries, including China, permit the protection and enforcement of Applied’s rights to varying extents, which may not be sufficient to protect Applied’s rights. If Applied is not able to resolve a claim, negotiate a settlement of the matter, obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms, and/or manufacturing inefficiencies. Moreover, if actual demand for Applied’s products and services is different than expected, Applied may purchase more/ fewer parts than necessarysuccessfully prosecute or incur costs for canceling, postponing or expediting delivery of parts. Any or all of these factors could materially and adversely affectdefend its position, Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The failure to successfully implement outsourcing activitiesoperations could adversely affect results of operations.

To better align costs with market conditions and to increase productivity and operational efficiency, Applied outsources certain functions to third parties, including companies in India and China. These functions include engineering, manufacturing, customer support and administrative activities. The expanding role of third party providers has required changes to Applied’s existing operations and its adoption of new procedures and processes for retaining and managing these providers. If Applied does not effectively develop and implement its outsourcing strategy, or if third party providers do not perform as anticipated, Applied may not realize productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience operational difficulties and increased costs, which could materially and adversely affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The ability to attract, retain, and motivate key employees is vital to Applied’s success.

Applied’s success depends in large part on its ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees, including those in managerial, technical, marketing and support roles. Achieving this objective may be difficult due to changes in the global economy, the industry, Applied’s management and proposed changes in accounting rules that would require expensing of stock options. If Applied does not successfully attract, retain and motivate key employees, Applied’s operating results and ability to capitalize on its opportunities may be materially and adversely affected.

 
Changes in tax rates or tax liabilities could affect future results.

Changes in tax rates or tax liabilities could affect future results.
As a global company, Applied is subject to taxation in the United States and various other countries. Significant judgment is required to determine and estimate worldwide tax liabilities. Applied’s future tax rates


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could be affected by changes in the composition of earnings in countries with differing tax rates, changes in the valuation of Applied’s deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in the tax laws. For example, recent U.S. legislation governing taxation of extraterritorial income (ETI) repealed certain export subsidies that were prohibited by the World Trade Organization and enacted different tax provisions. These new tax provisions arewill not expected to fully offset the loss of the repealed tax provisions and, as a result, Applied’s U.S. tax liability may increase. In addition, Applied is subject to regular examination of its income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. Applied regularly assesses the likelihood of favorable or unfavorable outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. Although Applied believes its tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any final determination will not be materially different thanfrom the treatment reflected in Applied’s historical income tax provisions and accruals.

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Applied is exposed to various risks related to legal proceedings or claims and protection of intellectual property rights.

Applied from time to time is, and in the future may be, involved in legal proceedings or claims regarding patent infringement, intellectual property rights, antitrust, environmental regulations, securities, contracts, product performance, product liability, unfair competition, employment and other matters. In addition, Applied on occasion receives notification from customers who believe that Applied owes them indemnification or other obligations related to infringement claims made against the customers by third parties. These legal proceedings and claims, whether with or without merit, are time-consuming and expensive to prosecute or defend and divert management’s attention and resources. There can be no assurance regarding the outcome of current or future legal proceedings or claims. The Company has entered into a mutual covenant-not-to-sue arrangement with one of its competitors to avoid patent infringement lawsuits in the future. There can be no assurance that the intended results of this arrangement will be achieved or that Applied will be able to adequately protect its intellectual property rights with the restrictions associated with such a covenant. In addition, Applied’s intellectual property rights may not provide significant competitive advantages if they are circumvented, invalidated, rendered obsolete by the rapid pace of technological change, or Applied does not adequately assert these rights. Furthermore, the laws of other countries permit the protection of Applied’s rights to varying extents, compared to United States laws. Applied’s success is dependent in part upon the protection of its intellectual property and other rights. Infringement of Applied’s rights by a third partyaccruals, which could result in uncompensated lost market and revenue opportunities for Applied. If Applied is not able to resolve a claim, negotiate a settlement of the matter, obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms, and/or successfully prosecute or defend its position, Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.affect Applied’s results of operations.

 
Applied will become subject to internal controls evaluations and attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Beginning in fiscal 2005, pursuantApplied is subject to internal control evaluations and attestation requirements of Section 404 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act.

Pursuant to Section 404 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, AppliedApplied’s management must perform and report on its evaluationevaluations of Applied’s internal controlscontrol over financial reporting,reporting. Beginning as of the end of fiscal 2005 and annually thereafter, Applied’sForm 10-K must include a report of its management’s assessment of the adequacy of such internal control, and Applied’s independent registered public accounting firm must publicly attest to the adequacy of management’s evaluationassessment and the effectiveness of such controls, on an annual basis. Applied has prepared and is implementing a plan of action for compliance. ComplianceApplied’s internal control. Ongoing compliance with these requirements is complex, costly and time-consuming. If Applied fails to maintain an effective internal control over financial reporting, if Applied’s management does not timely or successfully comply withassess the requirementsadequacy of Section 404,such internal control, or if Applied’s independent registered public accounting firm does not timely attest to the evaluation, Applied could be subject to increased regulatory scrutinysanctions and the public’s perception of Applied may change.decline.
 
Applied is exposed to various risks related to the regulatory environment.

Applied is exposed to risks associated with expanded service product offerings and strategic transactions.
In order to improve customers’ manufacturing productivity and efficiency and as part of its growth strategy, Applied is expanding its service product offerings for both Applied and non-Applied products. These new service products, which includeon-site support as well as supply chain and spare parts management, are offered in part through strategic relationships and alliances formed with, or acquisitions of, other suppliers to the semiconductor industry. In order to develop this market opportunity, Applied must cultivate new business models, form and maintain strategic relationships with appropriate companies, achieve customer acceptance, and successfully and cost-effectively provide these service products. Applied’s inability to achieve any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is subject to risks of non-compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Applied is subject to environmental and safety regulations in connection with its global business operations, including, but not limited to, regulations related to the development, manufacture and use of its products, the operation of its facilities, and the use of its real property. Failure or inability to comply with existing or future environmental and safety regulations could result in significant remediation liabilities, the imposition of fines and/or the suspension or termination of development, manufacture or use of certain of its products, or may affect the operation of its facilities or use of its real property, each of which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is exposed to various risks related to the regulatory environment.
Applied is subject to various risks related to: (1) new, different, inconsistent or even conflicting laws, rules and regulations that may be enacted by legislative bodies and/or regulatory agencies in the countries in which Applied operates and with which Applied must comply; and (2) disagreements or disputes between national or regional regulatory agencies related to international trade.

In addition, during fiscal 2002, Applied filed antrade; and (3) the interpretation and application with the SEC for an exemptive order confirming that it is not subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act), which requires companies primarily engaged in the business of investing in securities to comply with certain additionallaws, rules and regulations. Based on Applied’s ratios of investments to total assets and of interest income to net income,If Applied could be deemed to be coveredis found by the Investment Company Act. In March 2004, Applied responded to the SEC’s request for additional and updated information. If the SEC does not grant the exemption, Applied may have to take other actions that could adversely affect its results of operations in ordera court or regulatory agency not to be subject to the Investment Company Act.

Applied is subject to risks of non-compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

     Applied is subject to environmental and safetyin compliance with applicable laws, rules or regulations, in connection with its business operations, including, but not limited to, regulations related to the development, manufacture and use of its products. Failure or inability to comply with existing or future environmental and safety regulations could result in

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significant remediation liabilities, the imposition of fines and/or the suspension or termination of development, manufacture or use of certain of its products, each of which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and results of operations.operations could be materially and adversely affected.


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Item 7A:Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 7A:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk

At October 31, 2004,30, 2005, Applied’s investment portfolio included fixed-income securities with a fair value of approximately $5.8$5.6 billion. Applied’s primary objective for investing in fixed-income securities is to preserve principal while maximizing returns and minimizing risk. These securities are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase. Based on Applied’s investment portfolio at October 31, 200430, 2005 and October 26, 2003,31, 2004, an immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of the portfolio of approximately $49$65 million and $52$49 million, respectively. While an increase in interest rates reduces the fair value of the investment portfolio, Applied will not realize the losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations unless the individual fixed-income securities are sold prior to recovery.

recovery or the loss is determined to beother-than-temporarily impaired.

Applied’s long-term debt bears interest primarily at fixed rates. As such, Applied’s interest expense would increase only to the extent that Applied significantly increased the amount of variable rate obligations outstanding. Due to the short-term nature and relatively low amount of Applied’s variable rate obligations, an immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates would not be expected to have a material effect on Applied’s near-term financial condition or results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Certain operations of Applied are conducted in foreign currencies, such as Japanese yen, British pound, euro and Israeli shekel. Applied enters into forward exchange and currency option contracts to hedge a portion of, but not all, existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions expected to occur within 12 months. Gains and losses on these contracts are generally recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations at the time that the related transactions being hedged are recognized. Because the effect of movements in currency exchange rates on forward exchange and currency option contracts generally offsets the related effect on the underlying items being hedged, these financial instruments are not expected to subject Applied to risks that would otherwise result from changes in currency exchange rates. Applied does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Net foreign currency gains and losses did not have a material effect on Applied’s results of operations for fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004 or 2004.

2005.

Forward exchange contracts are denominated in the same currency as the underlying transactions (primarily Japanese yen, British pound, euro and Israeli shekel), and the terms of the forward exchange contracts generally match the terms of the underlying transactions. Applied’s outstanding forward exchange contracts aremarked-to-market (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), as are the majority of the related underlying transactions being hedged; therefore, the effect of exchange rate changes on forward exchange contracts is expected to be substantially offset by the effect of these changes on the underlying transactions. The effect of an immediate 10 percent change in exchange rates on forward exchange contracts and the underlying hedged transactions is not expected to be material to Applied’s near-term financial condition or results of operations. Applied’s risk with respect to currency option contracts is limited to the premium paid for the right to exercise the option. Premiums paid for options outstanding at October 31, 200430, 2005 were not material.
 
Item 8:
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 8:  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The consolidated financial statements required by this Item are set forth on the pages indicated at Item 15(a).
 
Item 9:
Item 9:  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     On June 15, 2004, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as Applied’s independent registered public accounting firm. On June 16, 2004, the Audit Committee engaged KPMG LLP (KPMG) as Applied’s new independent registered public accounting firm

33


for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004. The change in independent registered public accounting firm was reported in a Current Reportand Disagreements with Accountants on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2004.

PwC’s reports on the ConsolidatedAccounting and Financial Statements of Applied for the fiscal years 2002 and 2003 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle. In connection with its audits of Applied’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the fiscal years ended October 27, 2002 and October 26, 2003 and through June 15, 2004, there were no disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference thereto in its reports on the consolidated financial statements for such years. During Applied’s fiscal years ended October 27, 2002 and October 26, 2003 and through June 15, 2004, there were no “reportable events,” as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.Disclosure

None.
 
Item 9A:
Item 9A:  Controls and Procedures

     As required by Rule 13a-15(b), Applied management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation asProcedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  As of the end of the period covered by this report, management of Applied conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Applied’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Applied’s disclosure controls


32


and procedures, as such term is defined inRule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).Act. Based onupon that evaluation, theApplied’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Applied’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Asreport in ensuring that information required by to be disclosed was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Applied’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined inRule 13a-15(d), Applied management, including13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of Applied’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, alsomanagement of Applied conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Applied’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether anybased upon the framework in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, Applied’s management concluded that Applied’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 30, 2005.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report onForm 10-K and, as part of the audit, has issued a report, included herein, on (1) Applied’s management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Applied’s internal control over financial reporting and (2) the effectiveness of Applied’s internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  There were no changes occurredin the internal control over financial reporting that materially affected Applied’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Applied’s internal controlof 2005.
Inherent Limitations of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the fourth fiscal quarter.

Financial Reporting.  It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.

 
Item 9B:Other Information
None.


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None.REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Stockholders and Board of Directors Applied Materials, Inc.:
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 9A: Controls and Procedures, that Applied Materials, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2005, based on the criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Applied Materials, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that Applied Materials, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by COSO. Also, in our opinion, Applied Materials, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2005, based on the criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Applied Materials, Inc. as of October 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and our report dated December 14, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/  KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Mountain View, California
December 14, 2005


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PART III

Pursuant to Paragraph G(3) of the General Instructions toForm 10-K, portions of the information required by Part III ofForm 10-K are incorporated by reference from Applied’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 20052006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement).
 
Item 10:Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

(1) Information concerning directors, including Applied’s audit committee financial expert, appears in the Proxy Statement, under “Election of Directors.” This portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

(2) For information with respect to Executive Officers, see Part I of this Annual Report onForm 10-K, under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

(3) Information concerning Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance appears in the Proxy Statement, under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.” This portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Applied has adopted the Standards of Business Conduct, a code of ethics with which every person who works for Applied and every member of the Board of Directors is expected to comply. If any substantive amendments are made to the Standards of Business Conduct or any waiver is granted, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to Applied’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief FinancialAccounting Officer, Applied will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on thatits website or in a report onForm 8-K. The Standards of Business Conduct are

34


publiclyabove information is available on Applied’s website under the Investors Section athttp://www.appliedmaterials.com/investors/cgstandards.html.index.html.This website address is intended to be an inactive, textual reference only. None of the material on this website is part of this report.
 
Item 11:Executive Compensation

Information concerning executive compensation appears in the Proxy Statement, under “Executive Compensation and Related Information.” This portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 12:Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appears in the Proxy Statement, under “Principal Stockholders.” This portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


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The following table summarizes information with respect to options and other equity awards under Applied’s equity compensation plans as of October 31, 2004:

30, 2005:

Equity Compensation Plan Information
             
(b)(c)
(a)Number of Securities
Number ofAvailable for Future
Securities to beIssuance Under Equity
Issued Upon ExerciseWeighted AverageCompensation Plans
of Outstanding Options,Exercise Price of(Excluding Securities
Warrants andOutstanding Options,Reflected in
Plan categoryRights(1)Warrants and RightsColumn (a))




(In thousands, except prices)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  94,831  $17.33   130,965(2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  132,757(3) $18.36   22,534(4)
   
       
 
   227,588  $17.93   153,499 
   
       
 


             
  (a)  (b)  (c) 
        Number of Securities
 
  Number of
     Available for Future
 
  Securities to be
  Weighted Average
  Issuance Under Equity
 
  Issued Upon Exercise
  Exercise Price of
  Compensation Plans
 
  of Outstanding Options,
  Outstanding Options,
  (Excluding Securities
 
  Warrants and
  Warrants and
  Reflected in
 
Plan Category
 Rights (1)  Rights (2)  Column (a)) 
  (In thousands, except prices) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  67,305  $19.08   137,714(3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  132,777(4) $18.46   15,400(5)
             
Total  200,082  $18.67   153,114 
             
(1) Includes only options and restricted stock units (referred to as “performance shares” under the Applied Materials, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan) outstanding under Applied’s stock optionequity compensation plans, as no stock warrants or other rights were outstanding as of October 31, 2004.30, 2005.
 
(2) The weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights does not take restricted stock units into account as restricted stock units have a de minimus purchase price.
(3) Includes 13,5589,892 shares of Applied’s common stock reserved for future issuance under the Applied Materials, Inc. Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan.
 
(3)(4) Includes options to purchase 1,520897 shares of Applied’s common stock assumed through various mergers and acquisitions, after giving effect to the applicable exchange ratios. These assumed options had a weighted average exercise price of $13.58$12.55 per share. No further shares are available for issuance under these assumed plans.
 
(4)(5) Includes 6,0634,843 shares of Applied’s common stock reserved for future issuance under the Applied Materials, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees.

Applied has the following equity compensation plans that have not been approved by stockholders (share numbers shown in thousands):

2000 Global Equity Incentive PlanThe 2000 Global Equity Incentive Plan (the 2000 Plan) was adopted effective as of June 21, 2000. The 2000 Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options to employees other than officers and directors. The administrator of the 2000 Plan (either the Board or a committee appointed by the Board) determines the terms and conditions of all stock options granted; provided, however, that (1) the exercise price generally may not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value (on the date of grant) of the stock covered by the option, and (2) the term of options can be no longer than 10 years (extended to up to 13 years in the event of death). A total of 147,000 shares has been authorized for issuance under the 2000 Plan, and 16,47110,543 shares remain available for issuance as of October 31, 2004.

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30, 2005.

30th Anniversary Stock Option Plan The 30th Anniversary Stock Option Plan (the Anniversary Plan) was adopted effective as of October 1, 1997. The Anniversary Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options to employees who, as of November 14, 1997, were not officers. The administrator of the Anniversary Plan (a committee appointed by the Board) determines the terms and conditions of all stock options granted; provided, however, that (1) the exercise price may not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value (on the date of grant) of the stock covered by the option, and (2) options generally have expired under the Anniversary Plan. Vesting fully accelerates in the event of an optionee’s death. A total of 12,163 shares has been authorized for issuance under the Anniversary Plan, and 4,401 shares remain unissued as of October 31, 2004. By the express terms of the Anniversary Plan, no options may be granted after November 15, 1997 (unless applicable law of countries other than the U.S. requires grant dates to be postponed).

1998 Non-Executive Employee Retention Stock Option PlanThe 1998 Non-Executive Employee Retention Stock Option Plan (the 1998 Plan) was adopted effective as of September 2, 1998. The 1998 Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options to employees who, as of October 9, 1998, were not officers. The administrator of the 1998 Plan (a committee appointed by the Board) determines the terms and conditions of all stock options granted; provided, however, that (1) the exercise price may not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value (on the date of grant) of the stock covered by the option, and (2) options generally expire no later than November 13, 2005. Vesting fully accelerates in the event of an optionee’s death. A total of 10,609 shares has been authorized for issuance under the 1998 Plan, and 3,44014 shares remain unissued as of October 31, 2004.30, 2005. By the express terms of the 1998 Plan, no options may be granted after October 10, 1998 (unless applicable law of countries other than the U.S. requires grant dates to be postponed).


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Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore EmployeesThe Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees (the Offshore Plan) was adopted effective as of October 16, 1995. The Offshore Plan provides for the grant of stock options to employees (other than U.S. citizens or residents) through one or more offerings. The administrator of the Offshore Plan (the Board or a committee appointed by the Board) determines the terms and conditions of all options prior to the start of an offering, including the option exercise price, number of shares covered and when an option may be exercised. All options granted as part of an offering must be granted on the same date. A total of 12,800 shares has been authorized for issuance under the Offshore Plan, and 6,0634,843 shares remain available for issuance as of October 31, 2004.30, 2005.
 
Item 13:
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Item 13:  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 14:Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 14:  Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information concerning principal accountant fees and services and the audit committee’s preapproval policies and procedures appearappears in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms”Firm” and is incorporated herein by reference.


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PART IV
 
Item 15:
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 15:  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report onForm 10-K:
 
Page Number

(1) Financial Statements:    
  Page Number
(1) Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 200430, 2005 3839
 Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 26, 200331, 2004 and October 31, 200430, 2005 3940
 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 200430, 2005 4041
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 200430, 2005 4142
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 4243
 Report of Management66
Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 6768
 Report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 6869
(2) Financial Statement Schedule:  
 Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 200430, 2005 7576
(3) Exhibits:  
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report onForm 10-K.10-K
  

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.


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37


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              
October 27,October 26,October 31,
Fiscal year200220032004




(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales $5,062,312  $4,477,291  $8,013,053 
Cost of products sold  3,005,651   2,872,836   4,311,808 
   
   
   
 
Gross margin  2,056,661   1,604,455   3,701,245 
Operating expenses:            
 Research, development and engineering  1,052,269   920,618   991,873 
 Marketing and selling  385,693   325,189   394,376 
 General and administrative  323,262   300,676   357,245 
 Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges  85,479   371,754   167,459 
 Litigation settlements, net        26,627 
   
   
   
 
Income/(loss) from operations  209,958   (313,782)  1,763,665 
Interest expense  49,357   46,875   52,877 
Interest income  179,910   149,101   118,462 
   
   
   
 
Income/(loss) before income taxes  340,511   (211,556)  1,829,250 
Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes  71,507   (62,409)  477,947 
   
   
   
 
Net income/(loss) $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303 
   
   
   
 
Earnings/(loss) per share:            
 Basic $0.16  $(0.09) $0.80 
 Diluted $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78 
Weighted average number of shares:            
 Basic  1,643,612   1,659,557   1,688,121 
 Diluted  1,701,557   1,659,557   1,721,645 

             
  October 26,
  October 31,
  October 30,
 
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
Net sales $4,477,291  $8,013,053  $6,991,823 
Cost of products sold  2,872,836   4,311,808   3,905,949 
             
Gross margin  1,604,455   3,701,245   3,085,874 
Operating expenses:            
Research, development and engineering  920,618   991,873   940,507 
Marketing and selling  325,189   394,376   358,524 
General and administrative  300,676   357,245   338,878 
Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges  371,754   167,459    
Litigation settlements, net     26,627    
             
Income/(loss) from operations  (313,782)  1,763,665   1,447,965 
Interest expense  46,875   52,877   37,819 
Interest income  149,101   118,462   171,423 
             
Income/(loss) before income taxes  (211,556)  1,829,250   1,581,569 
Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes  (62,409)  477,947   371,669 
             
Net income/(loss) $(149,147) $1,351,303  $1,209,900 
             
Earnings/(loss) per share:            
Basic $(0.09) $0.80  $0.74 
Diluted $(0.09) $0.78  $0.73 
Weighted average number of shares:            
Basic  1,659,557   1,688,121   1,645,531 
Diluted  1,659,557   1,721,645   1,657,493 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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38


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
October 26,October 31,
20032004


(In thousands,
except per share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:        
 Cash and cash equivalents $1,364,857  $2,281,844 
 Short-term investments  4,128,349   4,296,152 
 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,847 and $2,533 at 2003 and 2004, respectively  912,875   1,670,153 
 Inventories  950,692   1,139,368 
 Deferred income taxes  782,823   610,095 
 Other current assets  231,177   283,907 
   
   
 
  Total current assets  8,370,773   10,281,519 
Property, plant and equipment  3,094,427   2,953,130 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization  (1,534,597)  (1,607,602)
   
   
 
 Net property, plant and equipment  1,559,830   1,345,528 
Goodwill, net  223,521   257,321 
Purchased technology and other intangible assets, net  92,512   50,291 
Other assets  64,986   158,786 
   
   
 
  Total assets $10,311,622  $12,093,445 
   
   
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:        
 Current portion of long-term debt $105,292  $45,864 
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses  1,319,471   1,895,061 
 Income taxes payable  216,114   347,056 
   
   
 
  Total current liabilities  1,640,877   2,287,981 
Long-term debt  456,422   410,436 
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities  146,289   133,001 
   
   
 
  Total liabilities  2,243,588   2,831,418 
   
   
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)      
Stockholders’ equity:        
 Preferred stock: $.01 par value per share; 1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued      
 Common stock: $.01 par value per share; 2,500,000 shares authorized; 1,677,440 and 1,680,264 shares outstanding at 2003 and 2004, respectively  16,774   16,803 
 Additional paid-in capital  2,223,553   2,070,733 
 Deferred stock compensation, net  (1,543)  (96)
 Retained earnings  5,812,867   7,164,170 
 Accumulated other comprehensive income  16,383   10,417 
   
   
 
  Total stockholders’ equity  8,068,034   9,262,027 
   
   
 
  Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $10,311,622  $12,093,445 
   
   
 

         
  October 31,
  October 30,
 
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands,
 
  except per share amounts) 
ASSETS
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,493,292  $990,342 
Short-term investments  5,084,704   4,944,999 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,533 and $3,649 at 2004 and 2005, respectively  1,670,153   1,615,504 
Inventories  1,139,368   1,034,093 
Deferred income taxes  610,095   592,742 
Other current assets  283,907   271,003 
         
Total current assets  10,281,519   9,448,683 
Property, plant and equipment  2,953,130   3,011,110 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization  (1,607,602)  (1,736,086)
         
Net property, plant and equipment  1,345,528   1,275,024 
Goodwill, net  257,321   338,982 
Purchased technology and other intangible assets, net  50,291   81,093 
Other assets  158,786   125,375 
         
Total assets $12,093,445  $11,269,157 
         
         
         
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:        
Current portion of long-term debt $45,864  $7,574 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  1,895,061   1,618,042 
Income taxes payable  347,056   139,798 
         
Total current liabilities  2,287,981   1,765,414 
Long-term debt  410,436   407,380 
Other liabilities  133,001   167,814 
         
Total liabilities  2,831,418   2,340,608 
         
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)        
Stockholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock: $.01 par value per share; 1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued      
Common stock: $.01 par value per share; 2,500,000 shares authorized; 1,680,264 and 1,606,694 shares outstanding at 2004 and 2005, respectively  16,803   16,067 
Additional paid-in capital  2,070,733   721,937 
Deferred stock compensation, net  (96)   
Retained earnings  7,164,170   8,227,793 
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)  10,417   (37,248)
         
Total stockholders’ equity  9,262,027   8,928,549 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $12,093,445  $11,269,157 
         
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                
Accumulated
Common StockAdditionalDeferredOther

Paid-InStockRetainedComprehensive
SharesAmountCapitalCompensationEarningsIncome/(Loss)Total







(In thousands)
Balance at October 28, 2001  1,631,540  $16,315  $1,872,967  $  $5,693,010  $24,445  $7,606,737 
 Components of comprehensive income:                            
  Net income              269,004      269,004 
  Change in unrealized net gain on investments                 (16,491)  (16,491)
  Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments                 1,366   1,366 
  Translation adjustments                 9,289   9,289 
                           
 
   Comprehensive income                          263,168 
 Net issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $75,253  23,283   233   274,506            274,739 
 Stock repurchases  (6,795)  (68)  (124,927)           (124,995)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at October 27, 2002  1,648,028   16,480   2,022,546      5,962,014   18,609   8,019,649 
 Components of comprehensive loss:                            
  Net loss              (149,147)     (149,147)
  Change in unrealized net gain on investments                 (17,165)  (17,165)
  Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments                 (4,058)  (4,058)
  Translation adjustments                 18,997   18,997 
                           
 
   Comprehensive loss                          (151,373)
 Net issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $124,238  44,692   447   446,509            446,956 
 Issuance of restricted stock to employees  308   3   4,279   (4,279)        3 
 Amortization of deferred stock compensation           2,736         2,736 
 Stock repurchases  (15,588)  (156)  (249,781)           (249,937)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at October 26, 2003  1,677,440   16,774   2,223,553   (1,543)  5,812,867   16,383   8,068,034 
 Components of comprehensive income:                            
  Net income              1,351,303      1,351,303 
  Change in unrealized net gain on investments                 (12,657)  (12,657)
  Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments                 (1,283)  (1,283)
  Translation adjustments                 7,974   7,974 
                           
 
   Comprehensive income                          1,345,337 
 Net issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $100,599  40,608   407   496,802            497,209 
 Amortization of deferred stock compensation           1,447         1,447 
 Stock repurchases  (37,784)  (378)  (649,622)           (650,000)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at October 31, 2004  1,680,264  $16,803  $2,070,733  $(96) $7,164,170  $10,417  $9,262,027 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

                             
                 Accumulated
    
        Additional
  Deferred
     Other
    
  Common Stock  Paid-In
  Stock
  Retained
  Comprehensive
    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Compensation  Earnings  Income/(Loss)  Total 
  (In thousands)    
Balance at October 27, 2002  1,648,028   16,480   2,022,546      5,962,014   18,609   8,019,649 
Components of comprehensive loss:                            
Net loss              (149,147)     (149,147)
Change in unrealized net gain on investments                 (17,165)  (17,165)
Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments                 (4,058)  (4,058)
Translation adjustments                 18,997   18,997 
                             
Comprehensive loss                          (151,373)
Net issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $124,238  44,692   447   446,509            446,956 
Issuance of restricted stock to employees  308   3   4,279   (4,279)        3 
Amortization of deferred stock compensation           2,736         2,736 
Stock repurchases  (15,588)  (156)  (249,781)           (249,937)
                             
Balance at October 26, 2003  1,677,440   16,774   2,223,553   (1,543)  5,812,867   16,383   8,068,034 
Components of comprehensive income:                            
Net income              1,351,303      1,351,303 
Change in unrealized net gain on investments                 (12,657)  (12,657)
Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments                 (1,283)  (1,283)
Translation adjustments                 7,974   7,974 
                             
Comprehensive income                          1,345,337 
Net issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $100,599  40,608   407   496,802            497,209 
Amortization of deferred stock compensation           1,447         1,447 
Stock repurchases  (37,784)  (378)  (649,622)           (650,000)
                             
Balance at October 31, 2004  1,680,264  $16,803  $2,070,733  $(96) $7,164,170  $10,417  $9,262,027 
Components of comprehensive income:                            
Net income              1,209,900      1,209,900 
Change in unrealized net loss on investments                 (33,053)  (33,053)
Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments    ��            8,561   8,561 
Change in minimum pension liability                 (17,868)  (17,868)
Translation adjustments                 (5,305)  (5,305)
                             
Comprehensive income                          1,162,235 
Dividends              (146,277)     (146,277)
Net issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $85,361  27,638   276   351,200            351,476 
Amortization of deferred stock compensation           96         96 
Stock repurchases  (101,208)  (1,012)  (1,699,996)           (1,701,008)
                             
Balance at October 30, 2005  1,606,694  $16,067  $721,937  $  $8,227,793  $(37,248) $8,928,549 
                             
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                
October 27,October 26,October 31,
Fiscal year200220032004




(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:            
 Net income/(loss) $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303 
 Adjustments required to reconcile net income/(loss) to cash provided by operating activities:            
  Acquired in-process research and development expense  8,000       
  Non-cash portion of restructuring, asset impairments and other charges  27,605   88,859   81,300 
  Depreciation and amortization  387,526   381,655   355,538 
  Loss on fixed asset retirements  59,377   53,321   19,039 
  Deferred income taxes  (161)  (208,565)  78,927 
  Tax benefits from employee stock option plans  75,253   124,238   100,599 
  Amortization of deferred compensation     2,736   1,447 
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired:            
   Accounts receivable  (278,387)  144,369   (756,193)
   Inventories  147,015   331,161   (187,925)
   Other current assets  (53,289)  28,586   (53,315)
   Other assets  (968)  (14,332)  (82,228)
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (138,552)  (59,923)  586,243 
   Income taxes payable  51,475   111,624   130,554 
   Other liabilities  (2,383)  20,493   1,982 
   
   
   
 
Cash provided by operating activities  551,515   855,075   1,627,271 
   
   
   
 
Cash flows from investing activities:            
 Capital expenditures  (476,457)  (265,280)  (190,577)
 Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (107,462)  (13,498)  (7,400)
 Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments  2,188,117   1,941,111   3,380,542 
 Purchases of short-term investments  (2,356,157)  (2,446,927)  (3,535,327)
   
   
   
 
Cash used for investing activities  (751,959)  (784,594)  (352,762)
   
   
   
 
Cash flows from financing activities:            
 Short-term debt borrowings  66,534       
 Short-term debt repayments  (24,770)  (41,949)  (861)
 Long-term debt borrowings  21,713       
 Long-term debt repayments  (7,126)  (22,456)  (104,553)
 Proceeds from common stock issuances  199,486   322,721   396,610 
 Common stock repurchases  (124,995)  (249,937)  (650,000)
   
   
   
 
Cash provided by financing activities  130,842   8,379   (358,804)
   
   
   
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (1,911)  1,206   1,282 
   
   
   
 
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (71,513)  80,066   916,987 
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of year  1,356,304   1,284,791   1,364,857 
   
   
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents — end of year $1,284,791  $1,364,857  $2,281,844 
   
   
   
 
Supplemental cash flow information:            
 Cash payments/(refunds) for income taxes, net $(65,470) $(119,065) $179,489 
 Cash payments for interest $40,219  $41,967  $40,255 

             
  October 26,
  October 31,
  October 30,
 
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net income/(loss) $(149,147) $1,351,303  $1,209,900 
Adjustments required to reconcile net income/(loss) to cash provided by operating activities:            
Non-cash portion of restructuring, asset impairments and other charges  88,859   81,300    
Depreciation and amortization  381,655   355,538   300,433 
Loss on fixed asset retirements  53,321   19,039   22,553 
Deferred income taxes  (208,565)  78,927   20,310 
Tax benefits from equity-based compensation plans  124,238   100,599   84,294 
Amortization of deferred compensation and other equity awards  2,736   1,447   151 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired:            
Accounts receivable, net  144,369   (756,193)  86,959 
Inventories  331,161   (187,925)  130,924 
Other current assets  28,586   (53,315)  48,315 
Other assets  (14,332)  (82,228)  (10,415)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (59,923)  586,243   (444,858)
Income taxes payable  111,624   130,554   (217,851)
Other liabilities  20,493   1,982   16,425 
             
Cash provided by operating activities  855,075   1,627,271   1,247,140 
             
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Capital expenditures  (265,280)  (190,577)  (199,650)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (13,498)  (7,400)  (101,793)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments  1,627,167   2,852,439   3,245,686 
Purchases of short-term investments  (2,417,384)  (3,188,319)  (3,123,366)
             
Cash used for investing activities  (1,068,995)  (533,857)  (179,123)
             
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Short-term debt repayments  (41,949)  (861)  (13,290)
Long-term debt repayments  (22,456)  (104,553)  (48,425)
Proceeds from common stock issuances  322,721   396,610   266,115 
Common stock repurchases  (249,937)  (650,000)  (1,677,511)
Payments of dividends to stockholders        (98,040)
             
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities  8,379   (358,804)  (1,571,151)
             
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  1,206   1,282   184 
             
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (204,335)  735,892   (502,950)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of year  961,735   757,400   1,493,292 
             
Cash and cash equivalents — end of year $757,400  $1,493,292  $990,342 
             
Supplemental cash flow information:            
Cash payments/(refunds) for income taxes, net $(119,065) $179,489  $374,302 
Cash payments for interest $41,967  $40,255  $32,171 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of PresentationThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Applied Materials, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Applied or the Company) after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. All references to a fiscal year apply to Applied’s fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal 2003 and 2005 contained 52 weeks, whereas fiscal 2004 contained 53 weeks. The first fiscal quarter of 2003 and 2005 each contained 13 weeks, whereas fiscal 2002 and 2003 each contained 52 weeks. Thethe first fiscal quarter of 2004 contained 14 weeks, whereas the first fiscal quarter of 2002 and 2003 each contained 13 weeks.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

     Certain prior year amounts

Reclassifications  Auction rate securities in the amount of $589 million and variable rate demand notes in the amount of $200 million have been reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments in the October 31, 2004 consolidated balance sheet to conform to the fiscal 20042005 financial statement presentation.

Accordingly, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 26, 2003, October 31, 2004 and October 30, 2005 reflect this presentation. Certain other reclassifications have been made within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to the 2005 presentation.

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term InvestmentsAll highly-liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. All of Applied’s short-term investments are classified asavailable-for-sale at the respective balance sheet dates. Investments classified asavailable-for-sale are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices, and any temporary difference between the cost and fair value of an investment is presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The specific identification method is used to determine the realized gains and losses on investments.

InventoriesInventories are generally stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

Property, Plant and EquipmentProperty, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows: buildings and improvements, 3 to 33 years; demonstration and manufacturing equipment, 3 to 5 years; software, 3 to 5 years; and furniture, fixtures and other equipment, 3 to 15 years. Land improvements are amortized over the shorter of 15 years or the estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of five years or the lease term. During fiscal 2003, Applied reviewed the estimated useful lives of its fixed assets. This analysis indicated that estimated useful lives for certain assets should be increased based on historical experience and other considerations. This change in estimate resulted in approximately $23 million less depreciation expense in fiscal 2003 than would have been recognized under previous estimates.

Intangible AssetsApplied adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 (SFAS 142), “Goodwill  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” in the first fiscal quarter of 2002. SFAS 142 supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets,” and discontinues the amortization of goodwill. In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill is no longerindefinite-lived assets are not amortized, but isare reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Purchased technology and other intangible assets are presented at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 52 to 10 years using the straight-line method.

Long-Lived AssetsApplied reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Applied assesses these assets for impairment based on estimated future cash flows from these assets.

Research, Development and Engineering CostsResearch, development and engineering costs are expensed as incurred.


43

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APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Advertising CostsAdvertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were not material for all periods presented.

Income TaxesIncome tax expense/(benefit) is based on pretax earnings. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts.

Revenue RecognitionApplied recognizes revenue when all four revenue recognition criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; seller’s price to buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. Applied’s shipping terms are customarily FOB Applied shipping point or equivalent terms. Applied’s revenue recognition policy generally results in revenue recognition at the following points. (1) For all transactions where legal title passes to the customer upon shipment, Applied recognizes revenue upon shipment for all products that have been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment; the portion of revenue associated with certain installation-related tasks is deferred based on the estimated fair value, and that revenue is recognized upon completion of the installation-related tasks. (2) For products that have not been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment, revenue is recognized at customer technical acceptance. (3) For transactions where legal title does not pass at shipment, revenue is recognized when legal title passes to the customer, which is typically at customer technical acceptance. (4) For arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred at estimated fair value until delivery of the deferred elements. In cases where Applied has sold products that have been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment, Applied believes that at the time of delivery, it has an enforceable claim to amounts recognized as revenue. Spare parts revenue is generally recognized upon shipment, and services revenue is generally recognized over the period that the services are provided.

Derivative Financial InstrumentsApplied uses financial instruments, such as forward exchange and currency option contracts, to hedge a portion of, but not all, existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions expected to occur within 12 months. The terms of currency instruments used for hedging purposes are generally consistent with the timing of the transactions being hedged. The purpose of Applied’s foreign currency management is to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated revenues, costs and eventual cash flows. All of Applied’s derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices for comparable instruments. For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges of anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions, the effective portion of the gain or loss on these hedges is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive incomeincome/(loss) in stockholders’ equity, and is reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. If the transaction being hedged fails to occur, or if a portion of any derivative is ineffective, the gain or loss on the associated financial instrument is recorded immediatelypromptly in earnings. For derivative instruments used to hedge existing foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities, the gain or loss on these hedges is recorded immediatelypromptly in earnings to offset the changes in the fair value of the assets or liabilities being hedged. Applied does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency TranslationApplied’s subsidiaries, with the exception primarily of the subsidiary located in the United Kingdom, use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, except for non-monetary assets, such as inventories and property, plant and equipment, that are translated using historical exchange rates. Revenues and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period, except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are translated using historical exchange rates. The resulting translation gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as incurred. Applied’s subsidiary located in the United Kingdom operates primarily using the British pound, and therefore, the British pound has been determined to be the functional currency for the United Kingdom subsidiary.

43


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

Accordingly, all assets and liabilities of this subsidiary are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and revenues and costs are translated using average exchange


44


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in stockholders’ equity.

Prior to the second fiscal quarter of 2003, Applied’s subsidiaries located in Japan and Europe operated primarily using local currencies as their functional currencies. During the second fiscal quarter of 2003, Applied reviewed the functional currencies of its subsidiaries and determined that the U.S. dollar was most appropriate for its subsidiaries, with the exception of its subsidiary located in the United Kingdom. This determination was made as a result of changes in facts, circumstances, scope of operations and business practices. The change in the functional currencies did not have a material effect on Applied’s business, results of operations or financial position for fiscal 2003.

Stock-Based CompensationDuring fiscal 2003, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (SFAS 148), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation  — Transition and Disclosure — an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123,” became effective for Applied.

Applied measures compensation expense for its stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method. As the exercise price of all options granted under these plans was not below the fair market price of the underlying common stock on the grant date, no stock-based employee compensation cost is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Operations for stock options.

In accordance with SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 148 (SFAS 148), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123” and SFAS No. 123 (SFAS 123), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” Applied’s pro forma option expense is computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model was developed for use in estimating the value of publicly traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Applied’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of publicly traded options; therefore,options. Beginning in the opinionfirst fiscal quarter of management, the Black-Scholes option pricing model generally used to2006, Applied will comply with SFAS 148 and SFAS 123 may not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of Applied’s options.

To comply with SFAS 148, Applied is presenting theNo. 123R (SFAS 123R), as discussed further in Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

The following table to illustrateillustrates the effect on the net income/(loss) and earnings/(loss) per share as if itApplied had appliedimplemented the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS 148, to options granted under the stock-based employee compensation plans. For purposes of this pro forma disclosure, the estimated value of the options is amortized ratably to expense over the options’ vesting periods.
              
Fiscal year200220032004




(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Reported net income/(loss) $269,004  $(149,147) $1,351,303 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax  (316,699)  (389,100)  (345,897)
   
   
   
 
Pro forma net income/(loss) $(47,695) $(538,247) $1,005,406 
   
   
   
 
Earnings/(loss) per share as reported:            
 Basic $0.16  $(0.09) $0.80 
 Diluted $0.16  $(0.09) $0.78 
Pro forma earnings/(loss) per share:            
 Basic $(0.03) $(0.32) $0.60 
 Diluted $(0.03) $(0.32) $0.58 
If Applied recognized the expense of equity programs in the consolidated statement of operations, additional paid-in capital would have increased by a corresponding amount, net of applicable taxes.
             
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
Reported net income/(loss) $(149,147) $1,351,303  $1,209,900 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax  (389,100)  (345,897)  (312,116)
             
Pro forma net income/(loss) $(538,247) $1,005,406  $897,784 
             
Earnings/(loss) per share as reported:            
Basic $(0.09) $0.80  $0.74 
Diluted $(0.09) $0.78  $0.73 
Pro forma earnings/(loss) per share:            
Basic $(0.32) $0.60  $0.55 
Diluted $(0.32) $0.58  $0.54 


45


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock option grants was $10.87 for fiscal 2002, $6.85 for fiscal 2003, and $10.06 for fiscal 2004.2004 and $6.46 for fiscal 2005. The weighted average estimated fair value of purchase rights granted under the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plans

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APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

Applied’s employees’ stock purchase plans (ESPP) was $6.29 for fiscal 2002, $5.31 for fiscal 2003, and $5.91 for fiscal 2004.2004, and $5.65 for fiscal 2005. Beginning in the first fiscal quarter of 2005, the computation of the expected volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes calculations for new grants changed from being based solely on historical volatility to being based on a combination of historical and implied volatilities. In calculating pro forma compensation, the fair value of each stock option grant and stock purchase right is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:

                         
  Stock Options  ESPP 
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005  2003  2004  2005 
Dividend yield  None   None   0.11%  None   None   0.01%
Expected volatility  67%  63%  44%  67%  67%  48%
Risk-free interest rate  2.00%  2.49%  3.45%  1.44%  1.82%  2.51%
Expected life (in years)  3.6   3.6   4.0   1.25   1.25   1.25 
On August 4, 2005, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Applied approved the vesting acceleration of certain unvested,out-of-the-money
                         
Stock OptionsESPP


Fiscal year200220032004200220032004







Dividend yield  None   None   None   None   None   None 
Expected volatility  69%  67%  63%  69%  67%  67%
Risk-free interest rate  3.58%  2.00%  2.49%  2.42%  1.44%  1.82%
Expected life (in years)  3.6   3.6   3.6   0.5   1.25   1.25 

stock options outstanding under Applied’s employee stock option plans, effective August 5, 2005. Stock options held by Applied’s five most senior executive officers, non-employee directors and consultants were not included in the vesting acceleration. Vesting was accelerated for stock options that had exercise prices greater than $17.85 per share, which was the closing price of Applied common stock on August 5, 2005. In connection with the modification of the terms of these options to accelerate their vesting, approximately $138 million was recorded as a non-cash compensation expense on a pro forma basis in accordance with SFAS 123, and this amount is included in the proforma table above for the year ended October 30, 2005. This action was taken to reduce the impact of future compensation expense that Applied would otherwise be required to recognize in future consolidated statements of operations pursuant to SFAS��123R, which is applicable to Applied beginning in the first fiscal quarter of 2006.

For additional information on Applied’s employee benefit plans, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject Applied to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities. Applied invests in a variety of financial instruments, such as, but not limited to, certificates of deposit, corporate and municipal bonds, and U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution or commercial issuer. Applied’s customers consist of semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturers located throughout the world. Applied performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally requires no collateral to secure accounts receivable. Applied maintains an allowance reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable based on its assessment of the collectibility of accounts receivable. Applied regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customerscustomer’s ability to pay. In addition, Applied utilizes letters of credit to mitigate credit risk when considered appropriate. Applied is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments, but does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

Earnings Per ShareBasic earnings per share is determined using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is determined using the weighted average number of common shares and equivalents (representing the dilutive effect of stock options)options and restricted stock units) outstanding during the period.


46


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, weighted average common share equivalents do not include stock options with an exercise price that exceeded the average fair market value of Applied’s common stock for the period, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Options to purchase shares of common stock that were excluded from the computation were as follows:
             
Fiscal year20022003*2004




(In thousands, except prices)
Number of shares excluded  77,271   129,205   80,889 
Average exercise price  $23.82   $21.45   $23.15 


             
Fiscal Year
 2003*  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except prices) 
Number of shares excluded  129,205   80,889   124,306 
Average exercise price $21.45  $23.15  $21.04 
Fiscal 2003 amounts are presented for informational purposes only, as this period resulted in a net loss. As such, the basic loss per share computation was utilized.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Restricted Stock  During fiscal 2003, Applied issued 307,500 shares of restricted stock to two individuals, which consisted principally of an initial compensation package for Applied’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). On May 20, 2003, Applied issued 300,000 shares of restricted common stock at $0.01 per share to the new President and CEO. The closing market price of Applied’s common stock was $13.76 per share on May 20, 2003. One half of the shares vested on October 1, 2003, and the other half of the shares vested on October 1, 2004. Deferred compensation was charged for the difference between the market value of the restricted shares and the purchase price, and was presented as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in Applied’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred compensation was amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Applied recognized general and administrative expenses of approximately $2.7 million in fiscal 2003, $1.4 million in fiscal 2004 and $96,000 in fiscal 2005 in amortization expense related to restricted stock issuances.
Restricted Stock Units  During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2005, Applied issued 75,000 shares of restricted stock units (referred to as “performance shares” under the Applied Materials, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan). The closing market price of Applied’s common stock on that day was $17.47 per share. One third of the restricted stock units will vest on each of July 15, 2007, July 15, 2008 and July 15, 2009, subject to continued service to Applied on each vesting date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, and resulted in $55,000 in general and administrative expense in fiscal 2005.
Dividends  Beginning in the second fiscal quarter of 2005, Applied’s Board of Directors declared three consecutive quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.03 per share per declaration. The first two declared cash dividends were paid during fiscal 2005, totaling $98 million. The third quarterly cash dividend was paid on December 8, 2005, to stockholders of record on November 17, 2005 in the amount of $48 million. The declaration of any future cash dividend is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on Applied’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions and other factors.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2004,May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issueissued SFAS No. 03-1 (EITF 03-1)154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections — a Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (SFAS 154), “The Meaningwhich requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of Other-Than-Temporary Impairmentevery voluntary change in accounting principal unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and Its Applicationcorrections of errors beginning in fiscal 2007. Applied does not expect the adoption of this standard to Certain Investments.have a material effect on Applied’s financial position or results of operations.
In March 2005, the SEC released SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107). SAB 107 provides the SEC staff position regarding the application of SFAS 123R, “Share-Based Payment.EITF 03-1 includes newSAB 107 contains interpretive guidance relating to the interaction between SFAS 123R and certain SEC rules and regulations, as well as the staff’s views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for evaluating and recording impairment losses onpublic companies. SAB 107 also highlights the importance of disclosures made related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. Applied is

45
47


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

debt

currently evaluating SAB 107 and equity investments,will be incorporating it as well as new disclosure requirements for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired. Adoptionpart of its adoption of SFAS 123R in the recognition and measurement guidancefirst fiscal quarter of EITF 03-1 has been temporarily deferred by2006.
In December 2004, the FASB butissued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. In April 2005, the disclosure requirementsSEC extended the compliance requirement date of EITF 03-1 areSFAS 123R, with the result that this requirement will be effective for Applied’sApplied beginning with the first fiscal 2004 annual consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, additional disclosures as required by EITF 03-1 are included inquarter of 2006. Applied is currently evaluating the expected impact of SFAS 123R to its Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 21 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements for information related to the pro forma effect on Applied’s reported net income and net earnings per share of applying the fair value provisions of the SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation.
 
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” (SFAS 151). SFAS 151 clarifies that abnormal inventory costs such as costs of idle facilities, excess freight and handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) are required to be recognized as current period charges. SFAS 151 will be effective in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 151 is not expected to have a material effect on Applied’s financial position or results of operations.
In March 2004, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF IssueNo. 03-1, “The Meaning ofOther-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (EITF 03-1). The guidance prescribes a three-step model for determining whether an investment isother-than-temporarily impaired and requires disclosures about unrealized losses on investments. The accounting guidance became effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, while the disclosure requirements became effective for annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2004. In September 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF 03-1-1, “Effective Date ofParagraphs 10-20 of EITF IssueNo. 03-1 ‘The Meaning ofOther-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (FSP EITF 03-1-1). FSP EITF 03-1-1 delayed the effective date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained inparagraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue 03-1. In November 2005, the FASB issued FSPFAS 115-1 andFAS 124-1, “The Meaning ofOther-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certainother-than-temporary Investments.” This FSP addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether the impairment isother-than-temporary and the measurement of an impairment loss. This statement specifically nullifies the requirements ofparagraph 10-18 of EITF 03-1 and references existingother-than-temporary impairment guidance. The guidance under this FSP is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Applied continued to apply relevant“other-than-temporary” guidance as provided for in FSP EITF 03-1-1 during fiscal 2005. Applied does not expect the implementation of FSPFAS 115-1 andFAS 124-1 will have a material effect on Applied’s financial position or results of operations.


48


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Note 2Financial Instruments
 
Investments

Investments

Short-term investments by security type at October 30, 2005 were as follows:
                 
     Gross
  Gross
    
     Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Estimated
 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Fair Value 
  (In thousands) 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $1,362,456  $194  $4,720  $1,357,930 
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes  1,069,556   1,429   7,806   1,063,179 
Bank certificates of deposit  63,847         63,847 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities  1,671,396   134   16,339   1,655,191 
Other debt securities  816,424   763   12,335   804,852 
                 
  $4,983,679  $2,520  $41,200  $4,944,999 
                 
Short-term investments by security type at October 31, 2004 were as follows:
                 
GrossGross
UnrealizedUnrealizedEstimated
CostGainsLossesFair Value




(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $499,495  $2,732  $1,277  $500,950 
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes  1,517,123   6,185   1,970   1,521,338 
Bank certificates of deposit  116,933         116,933 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities  1,501,897   3,609   2,771   1,502,735 
Other debt securities  652,028   4,704   2,536   654,196 
   
   
   
   
 
  $4,287,476  $17,230  $8,554  $4,296,152 
   
   
   
   
 

Short-term investments by security type at October 26, 2003 were as follows:

                 
GrossGross
UnrealizedUnrealizedEstimated
CostGainsLossesFair Value




(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $657,475  $6,508  $458  $663,525 
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes  1,370,050   10,399   5,018   1,375,431 
Bank certificates of deposit  55,997         55,997 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities  1,312,695   2,708   1,300   1,314,103 
Other debt securities  713,532   7,395   1,634   719,293 
   
   
   
   
 
  $4,109,749  $27,010  $8,410  $4,128,349 
   
   
   
   
 

                 
     Gross
  Gross
    
     Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Estimated
 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Fair Value 
  (In thousands) 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $1,246,496  $2,732  $1,277  $1,247,951 
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes  1,517,123   6,185   1,970   1,521,338 
Bank certificates of deposit  116,933         116,933 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities  1,501,897   3,609   2,771   1,502,735 
Other debt securities  693,579   4,704   2,536   695,747 
                 
  $5,076,028  $17,230  $8,554  $5,084,704 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents included investments in debt and other securities of $884$719 million at October 26, 200331, 2004 and $1.5 billion$608 million at October 31, 2004.

30, 2005.

Contractual maturities of short-term investments at October 31, 200430, 2005 were as follows:
         
Estimated
CostFair Value


(In thousands)
Due in one year or less $2,539,970  $2,537,512 
Due after one through three years  1,080,417   1,082,147 
Due after three years  667,089   676,493 
   
   
 
  $4,287,476  $4,296,152 
   
   
 

46


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

     For fiscal 2003, gross realized gains on sales of short-term investments were $44 million, and gross realized losses were $8 million. For fiscal 2004, gross realized gains on sales of short-term investments were $15 million, and gross realized losses were $7 million.
         
     Estimated
 
  Cost  Fair Value 
  (In thousands) 
Due in one year or less $1,724,984  $1,719,315 
Due after one through three years  1,136,017   1,123,831 
Due after three years  1,297,957   1,289,056 
No single maturity date*  824,721   812,797 
         
  $4,983,679  $4,944,999 
         

Securities with no single maturity date include mortgage- and asset-backed securities.
Applied manages its cash equivalents and short-term investments as a single portfolio of highly marketable securities that is intended to be available to meet Applied’s current cash requirements. For fiscal 2004, gross realized gains on sales of short-term investments were $15 million, and gross realized losses were $7 million. For


49


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

fiscal 2005, gross realized gains on sales of short-term investments were $3 million, and gross realized losses were $8 million.
The following table provides the breakdown of the short-term investments with unrealized losses at October 31, 2004:
                         
In Loss Position forIn Loss Position for
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or GreaterTotal



GrossGrossGross
UnrealizedUnrealizedUnrealized
Fair ValueLossesFair ValueLossesFair ValueLosses






(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $191,361  $1,135  $6,224  $142  $197,585  $1,277 
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes  776,861   1,859   3,695   111   780,556   1,970 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities  962,554   2,598   7,346   173   969,900   2,771 
Other debt securities  310,349   2,503   2,302   33   312,651   2,536 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
  $2,241,125  $8,095  $19,567  $459  $2,260,692  $8,554 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

30, 2005:

                         
  In Loss Position for
  In Loss Position for
    
  Less Than 12 Months  12 Months or Greater  Total 
     Gross
     Gross
     Gross
 
     Unrealized
     Unrealized
     Unrealized
 
  Fair Value  Losses  Fair Value  Losses  Fair Value  Losses 
  (In thousands) 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $536,069  $3,939  $20,028  $781  $556,097  $4,720 
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes  571,797   4,744   147,774   3,062   719,571   7,806 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities  1,188,798   10,932   294,453   5,407   1,483,251   16,339 
Other debt securities  537,875   7,510   176,713   4,825   714,588   12,335 
                         
  $2,834,539  $27,125  $638,968  $14,075  $3,473,507  $41,200 
                         
The gross unrealized losses related to short-term investments are primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of debt securities as a result of an increase in interest rates during fiscal 2004.2005. Applied has determined that the gross unrealized losses on its short-term investments at October 31, 200430, 2005 are temporary in nature. Applied reviews its investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of possible impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, credit quality and Applied’s ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

Derivative Financial Instruments In accordance with SFAS No. 133 (SFAS 133), “Accounting for   Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, derivative instruments and hedging activities, including foreign currency exchange contracts, are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge treatment, as well as the ineffective portion of any hedges, are recognized currently in earnings. All of Applied’s derivative financial instruments are recorded at their fair value in other current assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Applied conducts business in a number of foreign countries, with certain transactions denominated in local currencies, such as Japanese yen, British pound, euro and Israeli shekel. The purpose of Applied’s foreign currency management is to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated revenues, costs and eventual cash flows. The terms of currency instruments used for hedging purposes are generally consistent with the timing of the transactions being hedged.

Applied uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward exchange contracts and currency option contracts, to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions expected to occur within the next 12 months. Hedges related to anticipated transactions are designated and documented at the inception of

47


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

the hedge as cash flow hedges, and are evaluated for effectiveness quarterly. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these hedges is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, and is reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. All such amountsAmounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income at October 31, 200430, 2005 will generally be reclassified tointo earnings within 12 months. Changes in the fair value of currency forward exchange and option contracts due to changes in time value are excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, and are recognized in cost of products sold. The change in option and forward time value was not material for fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004 or 2004.2005. If the transaction being hedged fails to occur, or if a portion of any derivative is ineffective, Applied immediatelypromptly recognizes the gain or loss on the associated financial instrument in


50


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

general and administrative expenses. The amounts recognized due to anticipated transactions failing to occur were not material for all periods presented.

Forward exchange contracts are generally used to hedge certain foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities. These derivatives are not designated for SFAS 133 hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these hedges are recorded immediatelypromptly in earnings to offset the changes in the fair value of the assets or liabilities being hedged.

Derivative-related activity in accumulated other comprehensive income was as follows:
         
20032004


(In thousands)
Unrealized gain, net, on derivative instruments at beginning of period $5,987  $1,929 
Increase in fair value of derivative instruments  4,700   13,701 
Gains reclassified to earnings, net  (8,758)  (14,984)
   
   
 
Unrealized gain, net, on derivative instruments at end of period $1,929  $646 
   
   
 

         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Unrealized gain, net, on derivative instruments at beginning of period $1,929  $646 
Increase in fair value of derivative instruments  13,701   10,105 
Gains reclassified into earnings, net  (14,984)  (1,544)
         
Unrealized gain, net, on derivative instruments at end of period $646  $9,207 
         
Fair Value of Financial Instruments  The carrying amounts of Applied’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments. At October 26, 2003,31, 2004, the carrying amount of long-term debt was $562 million, and the estimated fair value was $625 million. At October 31, 2004, the carrying amount was $456 million, and the estimated fair value was $510 million. At October 30, 2005, the carrying amount of long-term debt was $415 million, and the estimated fair value was $432 million. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based primarily on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues.

48


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

 
Note 3Balance Sheet Detail
         
20032004


(In thousands)
Inventories
        
Customer service spares $480,770  $427,403 
Raw materials  115,481   179,630 
Work-in-process  143,130   222,663 
Finished goods*  211,311   309,672 
   
   
 
  $950,692  $1,139,368 
   
   
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
        
Land and improvements $265,571  $277,597 
Buildings and improvements  1,396,976   1,371,078 
Demonstration and manufacturing equipment  645,740   680,551 
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment  562,020   530,606 
Construction in progress  224,120   93,298 
   
   
 
Gross property, plant and equipment  3,094,427   2,953,130 
Accumulated depreciation  (1,534,597)  (1,607,602)
   
   
 
  $1,559,830  $1,345,528 
   
   
 
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
        
Accounts payable $258,416  $350,105 
Compensation and employee benefits  168,993   423,859 
Installation and warranty  172,921   224,531 
Deferred revenue  204,980   301,220 
Customer deposits  37,246   125,466 
Restructuring reserve  106,820   100,111 
Other  370,095   369,769 
   
   
 
  $1,319,471  $1,895,061 
   
   
 
         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Inventories
        
Customer service spares $427,403  $383,003 
Raw materials  179,630   136,371 
Work-in-process
  222,663   129,778 
Finished goods*  309,672   384,941 
         
  $1,139,368  $1,034,093 
         
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
        
Land and improvements $277,597  $280,391 
Buildings and improvements  1,371,078   1,424,922 
Demonstration and manufacturing equipment  680,551   684,268 
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment  530,606   535,609 
Construction in progress  93,298 �� 85,920 
         
Gross property, plant and equipment  2,953,130   3,011,110 
Accumulated depreciation  (1,607,602)  (1,736,086)
         
  $1,345,528  $1,275,024 
         
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
        
Accounts payable $350,105  $347,559 
Compensation and employee benefits  423,859   291,721 
Installation and warranty  224,531   171,419 


51


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
         
Deferred revenue  301,220   318,106 
Customer deposits  125,466   50,291 
Restructuring reserve  100,111   69,482 
Other  369,769   369,464 
         
  $1,895,061  $1,618,042 
         

Included in finished goods inventory is $76 million at October 26, 2003 and $88 million at October 31, 2004 and $117 million at October 30, 2005 of newly introduced systems at customer locations where the sales transaction did not meet Applied’s revenue recognition criteria, as set forth in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Goodwill, Purchased Technology and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, Purchased Technology and Other Intangible Assets

Details of unamortized intangible assets which consisted solely of goodwill, were as follows:
         
20032004


(In thousands)
Gross carrying amount $269,391  $303,191 
Accumulated amortization  (45,870)  (45,870)
   
   
 
  $223,521  $257,321 
   
   
 

     In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” as of the beginning of fiscal 2002, goodwill

                         
  2004  2005 
     Other
        Other
    
     Intangible
        Intangible
    
  Goodwill  Assets  Total  Goodwill  Assets  Total 
  (In thousands) 
Gross carrying amount $303,191  $  $303,191  $384,852  $17,860  $402,712 
Accumulated amortization  (45,870)     (45,870)  (45,870)     (45,870)
                         
  $257,321  $  $257,321  $338,982  $17,860  $356,842 
                         
Goodwill is no longernot amortized but reviewed for impairment annually during the

49


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Applied conducted goodwill impairment tests in fiscal 20032004 and fiscal 2004,2005, and the results of these tests indicated that Applied’s goodwill assets were not impaired. From October 26, 200331, 2004 to October 31, 2004,30, 2005, the change in goodwill was $34$82 million, which consisted of $11 million fordue primarily to the acquisition of Torrex Equipment Corporationall of the operating subsidiaries and $23 millionbusinesses of adjustmentsMetron Technology N.V. (Metron Technology) and the assets of ATMI, Inc.’s Treatment Systems business (EcoSys). Other assets that are not subject to amortization consist primarily of a trade name associated with the purchase price for prior acquisitions containing contingent purchase price provisions.Metron Technology acquisition. For additional details, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Details of amortized intangible assets were as follows:
                         
20032004


OtherOther
PurchasedIntangiblePurchasedIntangible
TechnologyAssetsTotalTechnologyAssetsTotal






(In thousands)
Gross carrying amount $324,193  $23,600  $347,793  $331,693  $23,600  $355,293 
Accumulated amortization  (244,331)  (10,950)  (255,281)  (290,492)  (14,510)  (305,002)
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
  $79,862  $12,650  $92,512  $41,201  $9,090  $50,291 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

                         
  2004  2005 
     Other
        Other
    
  Purchased
  Intangible
     Purchased
  Intangible
    
  Technology  Assets  Total  Technology  Assets  Total 
  (In thousands) 
Gross carrying amount $331,693  $23,600  $355,293  $356,933  $37,270  $394,203 
Accumulated amortization  (290,492)  (14,510)  (305,002)  (308,816)  (22,154)  (330,970)
                         
  $41,201  $9,090  $50,291  $48,117  $15,116  $63,233 
                         
Purchased technology and other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 52 to 10 years using the straight-line method. From October 31, 2004 to October 30, 2005 the change in amortized intangible assets was approximately $39 million, primarily due to the acquisition associated with Metron Technology and certain assets of ATMI, Inc. and SCP Global Technology, Inc. Aggregate amortization expense was $48$50 million and $50$26 million for fiscal 20032004 and 2004,2005, respectively. As of October 31, 2004,30, 2005, future estimated amortization expense is

52


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

expected to be $21 million for fiscal 2005, $15$25 million for fiscal 2006, $7$13 million for fiscal 2007, $4$10 million for fiscal 2008, $2$8 million for fiscal 2009, $5 million for fiscal 2010, and $1$2 million thereafter.
 
Note 4Borrowing Facilities

At October 30, 2005, Applied hashad credit facilities for unsecured borrowings in various currencies of up to approximately $673$415 million, of which $500$250 million iswas comprised of twoa revolving credit agreementsagreement in the United States with a group of banks. One agreement is a $250 million line of credit that expires in September 2005, and is expected to be renewed, and the other is a $250 million line of creditbanks that expires in September 2006. The agreements provideagreement provides for borrowings at various rates, including the lead bank’s prime reference rate, and includeincludes financial and other covenants with which Applied was in compliance at October 31, 2004.30, 2005. No amounts wereamount was outstanding under these agreementsthis agreement at October 26, 2003 or at October 31, 2004.30, 2005. The remaining credit facilities of approximately $173$165 million are with Japanese banks at rates indexed to their prime reference rate and are denominated in Japanese yen. No amounts were outstanding under these Japanese credit facilities at October 26, 2003 or at October 31, 2004.

50


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.30, 2005.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

 
Note 5Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt outstanding at the end of the fiscal year was as follows:
         
Fiscal year20032004



(In thousands)
Japanese debt, 3.00%-4.25%, maturing 2004-2011 $18,714  $13,300 
6.70-7.00% medium-term notes due 2005, interest payable March 15 and September 15  43,000   43,000 
8.00% unsecured senior notes due 2004, interest payable March 1 and September 1  100,000    
6.75% unsecured senior notes due 2007, interest payable April 15 and October 15  200,000   200,000 
7.125% unsecured senior notes due 2017, interest payable April 15 and October 15  200,000   200,000 
   
   
 
   561,714   456,300 
Current portion  (105,292)  (45,864)
   
   
 
  $456,422  $410,436 
   
   
 

     At October 31, 2004, $13 million of Japanese debt was collateralized by property and equipment with a net book value of $43 million.

         
Fiscal Year
 2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
1.61% installment note payable to Tokyo Electron Ltd., face amount $5,400, maturing 2006 - 2008, interest payable March 17, June 17, September 17 and December 17 $  $4,971 
Japanese debt, 3.00%-4.25%, maturing 2005-2011  13,300   9,983 
6.70-7.00% medium-term notes due 2005, interest payable March 15 and September 15  43,000    
6.75% unsecured senior notes due 2007, interest payable April 15 and October 15  200,000   200,000 
7.125% unsecured senior notes due 2017, interest payable April 15 and October 15  200,000   200,000 
         
   456,300   414,954 
Current portion  (45,864)  (7,574)
         
  $410,436  $407,380 
         
Applied has debt agreements that contain financial and other covenants. These covenants require Applied to maintain certain minimum financial ratios. At October 31, 2004,30, 2005, Applied was in compliance with all covenants.

Aggregate debt maturities at October 31, 200430, 2005 were: $46$8 million in fiscal 2005; $2 million in fiscal 2006;2006, $202 million in fiscal 2007; $22007, $3 million in fiscal 2008; $22008, $1 million in fiscal 2009;2009, $1 million in fiscal 2010, and $202$200 million thereafter.
 
Note 6Restructuring, Asset Impairments and Other Charges

Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges included the following:

             
Fiscal year200220032004




(In thousands)
Restructuring and asset impairment charges $77,479  $371,754  $167,459 
Acquired in-process research and development expense  8,000       
   
   
   
 
  $85,479  $371,754  $167,459 
   
   
   
 

     Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges for fiscal 2002 totaled $85 million, consisting of a charge of $8 million for acquired in-process research and development and $77 million for restructuring and asset impairment charges. The restructuring and asset impairment charges consisted of $39 million for headcount reductions, $16 million for consolidation of facilities and $22 million for other costs, primarily fixed asset writeoffs due to facility consolidation.

Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges for fiscal 2003 totaled $372 million, consisting of $186 million for headcount reductions, $86 million for consolidation of facilities and $100 million for other costs, primarily fixed asset writeoffs due to facility consolidations.

     As of October 31, 2004, the majority of the fiscal 2002 and 2003 restructuring actions have been completed, and restructuring reserve balances consist principally of remaining lease commitments associated with facilities.

51


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

Restructuring, asset impairments and other charges for fiscal 2004 totaled $167 million, consisting of $65 million for facility consolidations, $6 million for severance and benefits, and $96 million for other costs, primarily related to fixed asset writeoffs due to facility consolidations.


53


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The restructuring actions in fiscal 2002, 2003 and 2004 were taken to align Applied’s cost structure with prevailing market conditions due to the industry downturn at the time. These actions, which were necessary as a result of reduced business volume, decreased Applied’s global workforce and consolidated Applied’s global facilities.

There were no restructuring, asset impairments or other charges for fiscal 2005.
As of October 30, 2005, the majority of the fiscal 2003 and 2004 restructuring actions have been completed, and restructuring reserve balances consisted principally of remaining lease commitments associated with facilities.
Changes in restructuring reserves for fiscal 2003, 2004 and 20042005 were as follows:
                 
Severance
and BenefitsFacilitiesOtherTotal




(In thousands)
Balance, October 27, 2002 $1,993  $32,015  $3,300  $37,308 
Provision for fiscal 2003  185,733   86,105   99,916   371,754 
Cash paid  (175,789)  (26,276)  (43,768)  (245,833)
Non-cash charges     (1,949)  (54,460)  (56,409)
   
   
   
   
 
Balance, October 26, 2003  11,937   89,895   4,988   106,820 
Provision for fiscal 2004  6,200   65,400   95,859   167,459 
Cash paid  (18,137)  (57,290)  (5,824)  (81,251)
Non-cash charges        (92,917)  (92,917)
   
   
   
   
 
Balance, October 31, 2004 $  $98,005  $2,106  $100,111 
   
   
   
   
 

                 
  Severance
          
  and Benefits  Facilities  Other  Total 
  (In thousands) 
Balance, October 27, 2002 $1,993  $32,015  $3,300  $37,308 
Provision for fiscal 2003  185,733   86,105   99,916   371,754 
Cash paid  (175,789)  (26,276)  (43,768)  (245,833)
Non-cash charges     (1,949)  (54,460)  (56,409)
                 
Balance, October 26, 2003  11,937   89,895   4,988   106,820 
Provision for fiscal 2004  6,200   65,400   95,859   167,459 
Cash paid  (18,137)  (57,290)  (5,824)  (81,251)
Non-cash charges        (92,917)  (92,917)
                 
Balance, October 31, 2004     98,005   2,106   100,111 
Cash paid     (28,523)  (2,106)  (30,629)
                 
Balance, October 30, 2005 $  $69,482  $  $69,482 
                 

Note 7     Stockholders’ Equity

Note 7  Stockholders’ Equity

Stock SplitOn March 21, 2002, Applied’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of Applied’s common stock, which was distributed in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend on or about April 16, 2002 to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2002. All prior period common stock and applicable share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect this stock dividend.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeIncome/(Loss)  See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the components of comprehensive income. Accumulated other comprehensive incomeincome/(loss) consisted of the following components:

         
Fiscal year20032004



(In thousands)
Unrealized gain on investments $24,092  $11,435 
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges  1,929   646 
Cumulative translation adjustments  (9,638)  (1,664)
   
   
 
  $16,383  $10,417 
   
   
 

         
Fiscal Year
 2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Unrealized gain/(loss) on investments $11,435  $(21,618)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges  646   9,207 
Minimum pension liability     (17,868)
Cumulative translation adjustments  (1,664)  (6,969)
         
  $10,417  $(37,248)
         
Stock Repurchase ProgramSince March 1996, Applied has systematically repurchased shares of its common stock in the open market to partially fund its stock-based employee benefit and incentive plans. Upon the expiration of the previous authorization on March 24, 2004, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program and authorized the repurchase of up to $3.0 billion of Applied’s common stock in the open market over the succeeding three years. In fiscal 2002, there were 6,795,000 shares repurchased at an average priceOn March 22, 2005, the Board of $18.40 per share.Directors approved a new stock repurchase program for up to $4.0 billion over the next three years ending March 2008. In fiscal 2003, there were 15,588,000 shares repurchased at an average price of $16.03 per share. In fiscal 2004, there were 37,784,000 shares repurchased at an average price of $17.20 per share. In fiscal 2005, there were 101,208,000 shares repurchased at an average price of $16.80 per share.

52
54


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Dividends  During fiscal 2005, Applied’s Board of Directors declared cash dividends for three consecutive quarters beginning in the second fiscal quarter of 2005, in the amount of $0.03 per share per declaration. The first two declared cash dividends were paid during fiscal 2005, totaling $98 million. The third declared cash dividend was paid on December 8, 2005 to stockholders of record on November 17, 2005 in the amount of $48 million. The declaration of any future cash dividend is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions and other factors.

Note 8     Employee Benefit Plans

Note 8  Employee Benefit Plans

Stock OptionsApplied grants options to employees and non-employee directors to purchase shares of its common stock, at future dates, at the fair market value on the date of grant. Options generally vest over one to four years, and generally expire no later than seven years from the date of grant. There were 96,874,00074,793,000 shares available for grant at October 27, 2002, 74,793,00026, 2003; 133,878,000 at October 26, 200331, 2004 and 133,878,000138,377,000 shares available for grant at October 31, 2004.30, 2005. Stock option activity was as follows:
                         
200220032004



WeightedWeightedWeighted
AverageAverageAverage
ExerciseExerciseExercise
SharesPriceSharesPriceSharesPrice






(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Outstanding, beginning of year  301,274  $15.57   268,562  $16.00   252,035  $16.56 
Granted and assumed  8,802  $20.92   52,407  $13.61   37,089  $21.21 
Exercised  (19,156) $6.82   (38,480) $6.67   (35,298) $9.85 
Canceled  (22,358) $20.06   (30,454) $18.96   (26,238) $20.30 
   
       
       
     
Outstanding, end of year  268,562  $16.00   252,035  $16.56   227,588  $17.93 
   
       
       
     
Exercisable, end of year  114,188  $11.10   117,491  $15.94   105,252  $18.45 

                         
  2003  2004  2005 
     Weighted
     Weighted
     Weighted
 
     Average
     Average
     Average
 
     Exercise
     Exercise
     Exercise
 
  Shares  Price  Shares  Price  Shares  Price 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)    
Outstanding, beginning of year  268,562  $16.00   252,035  $16.56   227,588  $17.93 
Granted and assumed  52,407  $13.61   37,089  $21.21   24,186  $16.97 
Exercised  (38,480) $6.67   (35,298) $9.85   (22,759) $8.49 
Canceled  (30,454) $18.96   (26,238) $20.30   (29,008) $19.48 
                         
Outstanding, end of year  252,035  $16.56   227,588  $17.93   200,007  $18.67 
                         
Exercisable, end of year  117,491  $15.94   105,252  $18.45   135,714  $20.21 
The following table summarizes information with respect to options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2004:
                     
Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable


Weighted
WeightedAverageWeighted
AverageRemainingAverage
Number ofExerciseContractualNumber ofExercise
Range of exercise pricesSharesPriceLifeSharesPrice






(In thousands)(In years)(In thousands)
$ 0.01 - $ 4.99  331  $2.67   2.0   331  $2.67 
$ 5.00 - $ 9.99  20,221  $7.27   0.8   20,220  $7.27 
$10.00 - $19.99  123,148  $16.17   4.1   35,274  $17.22 
$20.00 - $29.99  76,305  $21.74   4.2   41,875  $21.61 
$30.00 - $59.99  7,583  $37.31   2.5   7,552  $37.30 
   
           
     
   227,588  $17.93   3.8   105,252  $18.45 
   
           
     

30, 2005:

                     
  Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable 
        Weighted
       
     Weighted
  Average
     Weighted
 
     Average
  Remaining
     Average
 
  Number of
  Exercise
  Contractual
  Number of
  Exercise
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 Shares  Price  Life  Shares  Price 
  (In thousands)     (In years)  (In thousands)    
$ 0.01 - $ 4.99  186  $2.82   1.4   186  $2.82 
$ 5.00 - $ 9.99  1,714  $7.87   0.2   1,714  $7.87 
$10.00 - $19.99  127,141  $16.31   3.7   64,576  $17.39 
$20.00 - $29.99  64,216  $21.71   3.2   62,488  $21.68 
$30.00 - $59.99  6,750  $37.32   1.6   6,750  $37.32 
                     
   200,007  $18.67   3.4   135,714  $20.21 
                     
Employees’ Stock Purchase PlanApplied sponsors two employee stock purchase plansEmployees’ Stock Purchase Plans for the benefit of United States (U.S.) and international employees.employees, respectively. The U.S. plan is qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the employee stock purchase plan (ESPP),ESPP substantially all employees may purchase Applied’s common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value at the beginning of the offering period or at the end of each applicable purchase period. Beginning in December 2002, Applied amended the ESPP to extend the offering period from 6 months to 24 months, composed of four six-month purchase periods. ESPP contributions are limited to a maximum of 10 percent of an employee’s eligible compensation, up to a


55


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

maximum of $6,500, per six-month purchase period. ESPP participants are also limited to purchasing a maximum of 1,000 shares per purchase period. Shares issued under the ESPP were 4,127,000 for fiscal 2002, 6,212,000 for fiscal 2003, and 5,308,000 for fiscal 2004.2004 and 4,879,000 for fiscal 2005. At October 31, 2004,30, 2005, there were 19,618,00014,735,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the ESPP.

Stock-Based CompensationSee Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

53


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

Restricted StockDuring fiscal 2003, Applied issued 307,500 shares of restricted stock to two individuals, which consisted principally of an initial compensation package for Applied’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). On May 20, 2003, Applied issued 300,000 shares of restricted common stock at $0.01 per share to the new President and CEO. The closing market price of Applied’s common stock was $13.76 per share on May 20, 2003. One half of the shares vested on October 1, 2003, and the other half of the shares vested on October 1, 2004. Deferred compensation was charged for the difference between the market value of the restricted shares and the salespurchase price, and was presented as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in Applied’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred compensation iswas amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Applied recognized general and administrative expenses of approximately $2.7 million in fiscal 2003, and $1.4 million in fiscal 2004 and $96,000 in fiscal 2005 in amortization expense related to restricted stock issuances.

Restricted Stock Units  During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2005, Applied issued 75,000 shares of restricted stock units (referred to as “performance shares” under the Applied Materials, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan). The closing market price of Applied’s common stock on that day was $17.47 per share. One third of the restricted stock units will vest on each of July 15, 2007, July 15, 2008 and July 15, 2009, subject to continued service to Applied on each vesting date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, and resulted in $55,000 in general and administrative expense in fiscal 2005.
Employee Bonus PlansApplied has various employee bonus plans. A profit-sharing plan provides for the distribution of a percentage of pre-tax profits to substantially all Applied employees not eligible for other performance-based incentive plans, up to a maximum percentage of compensation. Other plans award annual bonuses to Applied’s executives and key contributors based on the achievement of profitability and other specific performance criteria. Applied also has agreements with key technical employees that provide for additional compensation related to the success of new product development and achievement of specified profitability criteria. Charges to expense under these plans were $99 million for fiscal 2002, were not material for fiscal 2003, and were $309 million for fiscal 2004.

2004 and were $138 million for fiscal 2005.

Employee Savings and Retirement PlanThe Employee Savings and Retirement Plan is qualified under Sections 401(a) and (k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applied contributes a percentage of each participating employee’s salary deferral contributions. These matching contributions generally become 20 percent vested at the end of an employee’s second year of service with Applied, and vest 20 percent per year of service thereafter until they become fully vested at the end of six years of service. Prior to January 1, 2002, Company matching contributions vested beginning at the end of an employee’s third year of service and became fully vested at the end of seven years of service. Effective January 1, 2004, each participant may elect to have the Company matching contributions invested in any of the diversified investment funds available under the plan or in Applied’s common stock. Prior to 2004, the Company matching contributions were invested in Applied’s common stock. Applied’s matching contributions under this plan were approximately $27 million for fiscal 2002, $13 million, net of $12 million in forfeitures, for fiscal 2003, and $17 million, net of $8 million in forfeitures, for fiscal 2004. Forfeitures were not material2004, and $25 million, net of $1 million in forfeitures, for fiscal 2002.

2005.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans of Foreign SubsidiariesSeveral of Applied’s foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of their eligible employees. Benefits under these plans are typically based on years of service and final average compensation levels. TheseApplied uses August 31 as a measurement date. The plans are managed in accordance with applicable local statutes and practices. Applied deposits funds for certain of these plans with insurance companies, pension trustees, government-managed accounts, and/or accrues the expense for the unfunded portion of the benefit obligation on its consolidated financial statements. Where appropriate, the pension plans retain professional investment managers that invest plan


56


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

assets in equity securities, fixed income securities, cash and other institutional investments. Applied’s practice is to fund the various pension plans in amounts sufficient to meet the minimum requirements as established by applicable local governmental oversight and taxing authorities. Depending on the design of the plan, local custom and market circumstances, the liabilities of a plan may exceed qualified plan assets. The differences between the aggregate accumulated benefit obligations and aggregate plan assets of these plans totaled $69 million at October 26, 2003 and $81 million at October 31, 2004, which have been recorded as liabilities by Applied and are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

54


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

A summary of the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for fiscal 20032004 and 20042005 is presented below.
         
20032004


(In thousands, except
percentages)
Change in projected benefit obligation
        
Beginning projected benefit obligation $116,144  $123,726 
Service cost  12,998   12,744 
Interest cost  5,246   5,842 
Plan participants’ contributions  560   716 
Net actuarial (gain)/loss  8,922   13,170 
Curtailment loss to be recognized  (12,093)   
Benefits paid  (8,051)  (6,330)
   
   
 
Ending projected benefit obligation $123,726  $149,868 
   
   
 
Change in plan assets
        
Beginning fair value of plan assets $30,302  $33,585 
Actual return on plan assets  488   5,281 
Employer contributions  10,286   9,368 
Plan participants’ contributions  560   716 
Benefits paid  (8,051)  (6,330)
   
   
 
Ending fair value of plan assets $33,585  $42,620 
   
   
 
Funded status $(90,141) $(107,248)
Unrecognized transition obligations  861   698 
Unrecognized prior service costs  1,190   1,055 
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss  33,105   38,076 
   
   
 
Net amount recognized $(54,985) $(67,419)
   
   
 
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
        
Projected benefit obligation $123,726  $149,868 
Accumulated benefit obligation $102,363  $123,620 
Fair value of plan assets $33,585  $42,620 
Plan assets — allocation
        
Equity securities  52%  53%
Fixed income  32%  33%
Cash  16%  14%
         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except percentages) 
Change in projected benefit obligation
        
Beginning projected benefit obligation $123,726  $149,868 
Service cost  12,744   11,935 
Interest cost  5,842   6,841 
Plan participants’ contributions  716   939 
Actuarial loss  3,415   27,454 
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits      
Foreign currency exchange rate changes  9,755   (3,291)
Benefits paid  (6,330)  (7,311)
Plan amendments and business combinations      
         
Ending projected benefit obligation $149,868  $186,435 
         
Ending accumulated benefit obligation
 $123,620  $152,564 
         
Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
        
Discount rate  2.0% - 5.6%  2.0% - 6.3%
Rate of compensation increase  2.0% - 5.0%  2.0% - 5.0%
Change in plan assets
        
Beginning fair value of plan assets $33,585  $42,620 
Return on plan assets  2,102   8,232 
Employer contributions  9,368   21,243 
Plan participants’ contributions  716   939 
Foreign currency exchange rate changes  3,179   (1,572)
Divestitures, settlements and business combinations      
Benefits paid  (6,330)  (7,311)
         
Ending fair value of plan assets $42,620  $64,151 
         
Funded status $(107,248) $(122,283)
Unrecognized transition obligations  698   424 
Unrecognized prior service costs  1,055   1,034 
Unrecognized net actuarial loss  38,076   57,884 
Employer contributions after the measurement date     1,360 
         
Net amount recognized $(67,419) $(61,581)
         

55
57


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except percentages) 
         
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
        
Prepaid benefit cost $166  $226 
Accrued benefit cost  (68,996)  (89,595)
Intangible asset  1,411   1,212 
Additional other comprehensive loss     26,576 
         
Net amount recognized $(67,419) $(61,581)
         
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
        
Projected benefit obligation $149,868  $186,435 
Fair value of plan assets $42,620  $64,151 
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
        
Accumulated benefit obligation $121,771  $149,460 
Fair value of plan assets $39,123  $59,362 
Plan assets — allocation
        
Equity securities  53%  57%
Debt securities  33%  36%
Cash  14%  7%

Applied’s investment strategy for its defined benefit plans is to invest assets in a prudent manner, maintaining well-diversified portfolios with the long-term objective of meeting the obligations of the plans as they come due. Asset allocation decisions are typically made by plan fiduciaries with input from Applied’s pension committee. Applied’s asset allocation strategy incorporates a sufficient equity exposure in order for the plans to benefit from the expected long-term outperformance of equities relative to the plans’ liabilities. Applied retains investment managers, where appropriate, to manage the assets of the plans. Performance of investment managers is monitored by plan fiduciaries with the assistance of local investment consultants. The investment managers make investment decisions within the guidelines set forth by plan fiduciaries. Risk management practices include diversification across asset classes and investment styles, and periodic rebalancing toward target asset allocation ranges. Investment managers may use derivative instruments for efficient portfolio management purposes. Plan assets do not include any of Applied’s own equity or debt securities.

58


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

A summary of the components of net periodic pension costs and the weighted average assumptions used for net periodic pension cost and benefit obligation calculations for fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004 and 20042005 is presented below.
             
200220032004



(In thousands, except percentages)
Components of net periodic pension cost
            
Service cost $12,079  $12,998  $12,744 
Interest cost  4,960   5,246   5,842 
Expected return on plan assets  (2,631)  (1,986)  (2,261)
Amortization of transition obligation  100   158   163 
Amortization of prior service costs  100   122   135 
Curtailment loss to be recognized     58    
Amortization of net (gain)/loss  1,301   1,446   1,635 
   
   
   
 
Net periodic pension cost $15,909  $18,042  $18,258 
   
   
   
 
Weighted average assumptions
            
Discount rate  2.3% -  7.0%  2.0% -  6.5%  2.0% -  5.6%
Expected long-term return on assets  4.0% -  8.0%  3.0% -  7.5%  3.5% -  7.5%
Rate of compensation increase  2.3% -  5.0%  2.0% -  5.4%  2.0% -  5.0%

             
  2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands, except percentages) 
Components of net periodic pension cost
            
Service cost $12,998  $12,744  $13,835 
Interest cost  5,246   5,842   7,440 
Expected return on plan assets  (1,986)  (2,261)  (2,727)
Amortization of transition obligation  158   163   67 
Amortization of prior service costs  122   135   140 
Curtailment loss to be recognized  58       
Amortization of net loss  1,446   1,635   1,641 
             
Net periodic pension cost $18,042  $18,258  $20,396 
             
Weighted average assumptions
            
Discount rate  2.0% - 6.5%  2.0% - 5.6%  2.0% - 6.3%
Expected long-term return on assets  3.0% - 7.5%  3.5% - 7.5%  3.5% - 7.5%
Rate of compensation increase  2.0% - 5.4%  2.0% - 5.0%  2.0% - 5.0%
Asset return assumptions are derived based on actuarial and statistical methodologies, from analysis of long-term historical data relevant to the country in which each plan is in effect and the investments applicable to the corresponding plan.

The discount rate for each plan was derived by reference to appropriate benchmark yields on high quality corporate bonds, allowing for the approximate duration of both plan obligations and the relevant benchmark index.

Future expected benefit payments over the next ten fiscal years are: $4 million in fiscal 2005; $5 million in fiscal 2006;2006, $6 million in fiscal 2007;2007, $6 million in fiscal 2008; $72008, $6 million in fiscal 2009;2009, $6 million in fiscal 2010, and $41$39 million collectively for fiscal years 20102011 through 2014.2015. Company contributions to these plans for fiscal 20052006 are expected to be approximately $8$21 million.

Executive Deferred Compensation PlanPlans  UnderApplied sponsors two unfunded deferred compensation plans, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (Predecessor EDCP) and the 2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 EDCP), under which certain employees may elect to defer a portion of their following year’s eligible earnings. The Predecessor EDCP was frozen as of December 31, 2004 such that no new deferrals could be made under the plan after that date and the plan would qualify for “grandfather” relief under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Predecessor EDCP participant accounts continue to be maintained under the plan and credited with deemed interest. The 2005 EDCP was adopted by Applied effective as of January 1, 2005 and is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Amounts payable, including accrued deemed interest, under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan totaled $77 million at October 26, 2003 and $81 million at October 31, 2004 and $83 million at October 30, 2005, which were included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Post-Retirement BenefitsOn January 1, 1999, Applied adopted a plan that provides certain medical and vision benefits to eligible retirees who are at least age 55 and who have at least 10 years of service at their date of retirement. An eligible retiree may elect coverage for an eligible spouse or domestic partner who is not eligible for Medicare. Coverage under the plan generally ends for both the retiree and spouse or domestic partner upon becoming eligible for Medicare. This plan has not had, and is not expected to have, a material effect on Applied’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

56
59


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Note 9     Income Taxes

Note 9  

Income Taxes
The components of income/(loss) from operations before income taxes were as follows:
             
Fiscal year200220032004




(In thousands)
U.S.  $131,818  $(345,081) $1,474,143 
Foreign  208,693   133,525   355,107 
   
   
   
 
  $340,511  $(211,556) $1,829,250 
   
   
   
 

             
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
U.S.  $(345,081) $1,474,143  $1,256,572 
Foreign  133,525   355,107   324,997 
             
  $(211,556) $1,829,250  $1,581,569 
             
The components of the provision for/(benefit from) income taxes were as follows:
              
Fiscal year200220032004




(In thousands)
Current:            
 U.S.  $(4,781) $(45,765) $273,988 
 Foreign  80,406   55,204   116,351 
 State  (3,957)  8,646   8,681 
   
   
   
 
   71,668   18,085   399,020 
   
   
   
 
Deferred:            
 U.S.   (21,002)  (76,804)  102,886 
 Foreign  15,157   2,929   (29,692)
 State  5,684   (6,619)  5,733 
   
   
   
 
   (161)  (80,494)  78,927 
   
   
   
 
  $71,507  $(62,409) $477,947 
   
   
   
 

             
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Current:            
U.S.  $(45,765) $273,988  $233,755 
Foreign  55,204   116,351   62,824 
State  8,646   8,681   16,918 
             
   18,085   399,020   313,497 
             
Deferred:            
U.S.   (76,804)  102,886   95,899 
Foreign  2,929   (29,692)  13,505 
State  (6,619)  5,733   (51,232)
             
   (80,494)  78,927   58,172 
             
  $(62,409) $477,947  $371,669 
             
A reconciliation between the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35 percent and Applied’s actual effective income tax provision/(benefit) rate is as follows:
             
Fiscal year200220032004




Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate  35.0%  (35.0)%  35.0%
Effect of foreign operations taxed at various rates  (4.0)  5.8   (1.3)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit  0.3   0.6   0.5 
Research and other tax credits  (0.4)     (0.8)
Export sales benefit  (11.2)  (4.2)  (5.7)
Other  1.3   3.3   (1.6)
   
   
   
 
   21.0%  (29.5)%  26.1%
   
   
   
 
             
Fiscal Year
 2003  2004  2005 
Tax provision/(benefit) at U.S. statutory rate  (35.0)%  35.0%  35.0%
Favorable settlement from IRS examination        (7.5)
Foreign earnings repatriation under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004        2.0 
Effect of foreign operations taxed at various rates  5.8   (1.3)  (1.2)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit  0.6   0.5   0.6 
Research and other tax credits     (0.8)  (1.2)
Export sales benefit  (4.2)  (5.7)  (5.9)
Other  3.3   (1.6)  1.7 
             
   (29.5)%  26.1%  23.5%
             
The 2005 reconciling items included benefits of $118 million due to a favorable resolution of a multi-year I.R.S. tax examination and $14 million relating to a change in estimate with respect to export benefits, partially offset by a charge of $32 million relating to the distribution of foreign earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

57
60


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
          
20032004


(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:        
 Inventory reserves and basis difference $96,007  $123,704 
 Installation and warranty reserves  51,564   75,284 
 Accrued liabilities  178,698   208,766 
 Restructuring reserves  49,256   42,903 
 Deferred revenue  50,815   74,489 
 Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards  365,103   163,117 
 Deferred compensation  31,539   32,823 
 Intangibles  9,956   24,079 
   
   
 
   832,938   745,165 
   
   
 
Deferred tax liabilities:        
 Depreciation  (21,984)  (41,397)
 Purchased technology  (24,216)  (9,435)
 Other  (19,185)  (5,707)
   
   
 
   (65,385)  (56,539)
   
   
 
  $767,553  $688,626 
   
   
 

         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Deferred tax assets:        
Inventory reserves and basis difference $123,704  $100,306 
Installation and warranty reserves  75,284   51,913 
Accrued liabilities  208,766   229,008 
Restructuring reserves  42,903   28,829 
Deferred revenue  74,489   118,144 
Tax credit carryforwards  163,117   146,498 
Deferred compensation  32,823   31,943 
Intangibles  24,079   25,015 
         
   745,165   731,656 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Depreciation  (41,397)  (42,242)
Purchased technology  (9,435)  (16,926)
Other  (5,707)  (25,718)
         
   (56,539)  (84,886)
         
  $688,626  $646,770 
         
The following table presents the breakdown between current and non-current deferred tax assets/(liabilities):
         
20032004


(In thousands)
Current $782,823  $610,095 
Non-current  (15,270)  78,531 
   
   
 
  $767,553  $688,626 
   
   
 

58


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Current $610,095  $592,742 
Non-current  78,531   54,028 
         
  $688,626  $646,770 
         

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a temporary incentive for U.S. corporations to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad by providing an 85 percent dividends received deduction for certain dividends from controlled foreign corporations. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2005, Applied’s foreign subsidiaries distributed $270 million to Applied Materials, Inc. The distribution increased the provision for income taxes by $32 million and income taxes payable by $14 million. The charge resulted in a corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital as it related primarily to stock option compensation of employees working in foreign subsidiaries from which earnings were repatriated. Except for the items described previously, U.S. income taxes have not been provided for approximately $370$165 million of cumulative undistributed earnings of several non-U.S. subsidiaries. Applied intends to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in operations outside of the U.S.

As of October 31, 2004,30, 2005, Applied’s federal tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes were $163$146 million. Management believes that tax credit carryforwards will be utilized in future periods. If not utilized, the federalFederal tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in fiscal 2011.

Applied’s income taxes payable have been reduced and deferred tax assets have been increased, by the tax benefits associated with employee stock option transactions. These benefits, credited directly to stockholders’ equity, amounted to $124 million for fiscal 2003 and $101 million for fiscal 2004 and


61


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

$85 million for fiscal 2005, with a corresponding increase to deferred tax assets of $124 million in fiscal 2003 and a reduction to taxes payable of $101 million in fiscal 2004.

2004 and a reduction to taxes payable of $85 million in fiscal 2005.

Applied’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years 19982002 through 20012004 are under examination and the Internal Revenue Service has proposed certain adjustments.examination. Management believes that adequate amounts have been accrued for any adjustments that may ultimately result from these examinations.
 
Note 10Industry Segment and Foreign Operations

Applied operates in one reportable segment for the manufacture, marketing and servicing of integrated circuit fabrication equipment. In accordance with SFAS No. 131 (SFAS 131), “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” Applied’s chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the President and CEO, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire company. All material operating unitssegments qualify for aggregation under SFAS 131 due to their identicalsimilarities in the following: customer base and similarities in:base; economic characteristics; nature of products and services; and procurement, manufacturing and distribution processes. Since Applied operates in one reportable segment and in one group of similar products and services, all financial segment and product line information required by SFAS 131 can be found in the consolidated financial statements.

59


Consolidated Financial Statements.

APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

For geographical reporting, revenues are attributed to the geographic location in which the customers’ facilities are located. Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, and are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Net sales and long-lived assets by geographic region were as follows:
          
Long-lived
Net SalesAssets


(In thousands)
2002:        
 North America(1) $1,327,886  $1,497,247 
 Taiwan  1,238,504   41,497 
 Japan  756,700   107,424 
 Europe  660,042   119,105 
 Korea  443,099   21,298 
 Asia-Pacific(2)  636,081   33,981 
   
   
 
  $5,062,312  $1,820,552 
   
   
 
2003:        
 North America(1) $1,179,131  $1,341,485 
 Taiwan  583,439   41,064 
 Japan  827,193   92,830 
 Europe  695,085   95,818 
 Korea  665,502   20,125 
 Asia-Pacific(2)  526,941   33,494 
   
   
 
  $4,477,291  $1,624,816 
   
   
 
2004:        
 North America(1) $1,337,050  $1,172,298 
 Taiwan  2,006,402   21,869 
 Japan  1,416,639   87,784 
 Europe  794,026   93,543 
 Korea  879,333   19,300 
 Asia-Pacific(2)  1,579,603   30,988 
   
   
 
  $8,013,053  $1,425,782 
   
   
 
         
     Long-lived
 
�� Net Sales  Assets 
  (In thousands) 
2003:        
North America(1) $1,179,131  $1,341,485 
Taiwan  583,439   41,064 
Japan  827,193   92,830 
Europe  695,085   95,818 
Korea  665,502   20,125 
Asia-Pacific(2)  526,941   33,494 
         
  $4,477,291  $1,624,816 
         
2004:        
North America(1) $1,337,050  $1,172,298 
Taiwan  2,006,402   21,869 
Japan  1,416,639   87,784 
Europe  794,026   93,543 
Korea  879,333   19,300 
Asia-Pacific(2)  1,579,603   30,988 
         
  $8,013,053  $1,425,782 
         


62


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

         
     Long-lived
 
  Net Sales  Assets 
  (In thousands) 
         
2005:        
North America(1) $1,472,020  $1,110,178 
Taiwan  1,608,161   17,669 
Japan  1,395,056   81,705 
Europe  882,964   88,098 
Korea  1,021,553   18,811 
Asia-Pacific(2)  612,069   29,911 
         
  $6,991,823  $1,346,372 
         

(1) Primarily the United States.
 
(2) Includes China.

     Net sales to Intel Corporation represented 10 percent of Applied’s fiscal 2002 net sales.

During fiscal 2003, two customers individually accounted for more than 10 percent of net sales: net sales to Intel Corporation represented 13 percent of Applied’s net sales; and net sales to Samsung America, Inc. represented 12 percent of Applied’s net sales. During fiscal 2004, no individual customer accounted for more than 10 percent of Applied’s net sales.

60


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. During fiscal 2005, net sales to Samsung America, Inc. represented 10 percent of Applied’s net sales.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

 
Note 11Commitments and Contingencies
 
Leases

Leases

Applied leases some of its facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases and has options to renew most leases, with rentals to be negotiated. Total rent expense was $140 million for fiscal 2002, $134 million for fiscal 2003, and $88 million for fiscal 2004.2004, and $87 million for fiscal 2005. Future minimum lease payments at October 31, 200430, 2005 were: $84 million for fiscal 2005; $66$74 million for fiscal 2006; $50$54 million for fiscal 2007; $27$33 million for fiscal 2008; $21$26 million for fiscal 2009; $19 million for fiscal 2010; and $79$66 million collectively for all periods thereafter.
 
Accounts Receivables Sales

Accounts Receivables Sales

Applied has agreements with various financial institutions to sell accounts receivable from selected customers. Applied also discounts letters of credit through various financial institutions. Under these agreements, Applied sold accounts receivable and discounted letters of credit in the amounts of $689 million for fiscal 2002, $556 million for fiscal 2003, and $859 million for fiscal 2004.2004 and $158 million for fiscal 2005. Discounting fees were not material for fiscal 2002, 2003, and 2004.2004 or 2005. At October 31, 2004, $5130, 2005, $2 million of sold accounts receivable remained outstanding under these agreements. A portion of these sold accounts receivable is subject to certain recourse provisions. Applied has not experienced any losses under these recourse provisions.
 
Guarantees

Guarantees
Applied products are generally sold with a12-month warranty period following installation. The provision for the estimated cost of warranty is recorded when revenue is recognized. Parts and labor are covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. The warranty provision is based on historical experience by product, configuration and geographic region.

63


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Changes in the warranty reserves were as follows:
         
20032004


(In thousands)
Beginning balance $168,175  $138,407 
Provisions for warranty  110,775   192,956 
Consumption of reserves  (140,543)  (152,445)
   
   
 
Ending balance $138,407  $178,918 
   
   
 

         
  2004  2005 
  (In thousands) 
Beginning balance $138,407  $178,918 
Provisions for warranty  192,956   155,426 
Consumption of reserves  (152,445)  (197,731)
         
Ending balance $178,918  $136,613 
         
As noted above, Applied’s products are generally sold with a12-month warranty. Accordingly, current warranty provisions are related to the current year’s net sales, and warranty consumption is associated with current and prior year’s net sales.

During the ordinary course of business, Applied also provides standby letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to certain parties as required for certain transactions initiated by either Applied or its subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2004,30, 2005, the maximum potential amount of future payments that Applied could be required to make under these guarantee agreements was approximately $55$60 million. Applied has not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. Applied does not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these guarantee arrangements.

Applied also has additional guaranteeagreements with various global banks to facilitate subsidiary banking operations worldwide, including overdraft arrangements, on behalfissuance of certain subsidiaries.bank guarantees, and letters of credit. As of October 31, 2004,30, 2005, Applied Materials Inc. has not in the past recorded any liability relatedprovided parent guarantees to guarantees of subsidiary obligations. Applied does not expect, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be requiredbanks for approximately $65 million to be paid in the future undercover these arrangements. Subsidiary guarantees as of

61


APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.services.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

October 31, 2004 totaled approximately $202 million and were associated with the following types of arrangements: short-term borrowing facilities, overdraft facilities, customs guarantees and leases. In the event of use and subsequent default of these facilities by Applied’s subsidiaries, such arrangements would be guaranteed by Applied. In addition, certain subsidiaries have lease arrangements guaranteed by Applied. These leases will expire between 2009 and 2014. In the event that the subsidiaries do not make the required payments, Applied could be required to pay the leases on behalf of the subsidiaries. As of October 31, 2004, annual lease obligations under these arrangements approximated $11 million.

 
Legal Matters

     On June 13, 1997, after Varian Associates, Inc. (Varian) failed to respond to requests by Applied to discuss certain patent issues, Applied filed a lawsuit against Varian alleging infringement of several of Applied’s patents concerning physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology. On July 7, 1997, Applied amended that action to allege infringement of those same Applied PVD patents against Novellus Systems, Inc. (Novellus) and to add Novellus as a defendant, as a result of Novellus’ acquisition of Varian’s thin film systems PVD business. On June 23, 1997, Novellus filed a separate lawsuit against Applied, alleging infringement by Applied of several PVD technology patents that were formerly owned by Varian. Novellus was seeking damages for past infringement, a permanent injunction, treble damages for willful infringement, pre-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. In September 2000, Applied and Varian settled their disputes, and Applied released all claims with respect to the Inova System, as it was made and sold as of May 7, 1997. On October 3, 2000, Applied’s claims against Varian and Varian’s claims and counterclaims against Applied were dismissed with prejudice.

     On September 20, 2004, Applied and Novellus entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which effects a full settlement of the pending lawsuits. Both lawsuits have been dismissed with prejudice. As part of the MOU, Applied agreed to pay Novellus $8 million and to forgive an additional $3.5 million that Applied contended was owed under a previous license and settlement agreement (TEOS Agreement) between the parties. Patent licenses previously granted under the TEOS Agreement by each of Novellus and Applied become fully paid, as well as revocable only in limited circumstances. The MOU contains additional covenants and restrictions which, in general, limit the ability of each party (including subsidiaries and permitted successors and assigns) to sue the other, the other’s customers and, with some exceptions, the other’s suppliers and distributors, for infringement of any of the parties’ respective patents covering products in technology areas in which both parties engaged in business as of September 3, 2004 (the Effective Date), as follows: (i) for a period of five years from the Effective Date as to existing products, and (ii) for a period of two years from the Effective Date (with the possibility to extend for an additional year) as to new products introduced after the Effective Date (Covenants Not to Sue). Technology areas in which neither party or only one party were engaged in business as of the Effective Date are specifically excluded from the Covenants Not to Sue (Excluded Product Areas). The parties further agreed to notice and cure periods prior to filing suit on products subject to a Covenant Not to Sue that has expired. No damages for infringement will accrue during the Covenant Not to Sue and cure periods. The MOU contains a general release of all claims arising prior to the Effective Date that either Applied or Novellus may have had against the other and the other’s customers and, with some exceptions, the other’s suppliers and distributors, relating to infringement of the party’s patents by any of the other party’s products, other than those in Excluded Product Areas. There is no license of patents, technology or trade secrets in the MOU.

Legal Matters
On March 12, 2002, Linear Technology Corp. (LTC) filed a lawsuit against Applied in the Superior Court of the County of Santa Clara, California, alleging claims for breach of contract, fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation, suppression of fact, unfair competition, breach of warranty, express contractual indemnity, implied equitable indemnity and declaratory relief.relief related to LTC’s assertion that Applied is obligated to indemnify and defend LTC for certain claims in an underlying patent infringement lawsuit brought by Texas Instruments, Inc. After the court dismissed many of its claims, LTC amended its complaint. LTC’s Amended Complaint, as well as its Second, Third and Fourth Amended Complaints, have all beenwere dismissed by the

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

Court in whole or in part. On July 7, 2004, LTC filed a Fifth Amended Complaint, which the Court has dismissed with prejudice.prejudice on October 5, 2004. On January 11, 2005, LTC filed a notice of appeal of the dismissal of its complaint. Applied believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to pursue them vigorously.

On July 31, 2001, David Scharf, an individual, filed a lawsuit against Applied alleging that Applied has infringed, has induced others to infringe and has contributed to others’ infringement of a patent concerning color synthesizing scanning electron microscope technology. Mr. Scharf seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction, a finding of willful infringement, damages (including treble damages), and costs. Applied has answered the complaint and counterclaimed for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity. On May 10, 2002, Mr. Scharf filed a request for re-examination of his patent with the Patent and Trademark Office.Office (PTO). On June 26, 2002, the case was removed from the Court’s active docket after the parties stipulated to stay the case pending the results of that re-examination. On July 11, 2002, Applied filed its own request for re-examination of Mr. Scharf’s patent with the Patent and Trademark Office. Applied’s request for re-examination was granted on September 19, 2002. On April 23, 2004, the PTO notified Applied that it intended to issue a re-examination certificate. On June 14, 2004, Applied filed a second request for re-examination of Mr. Scharf’s patent with the PTO. The second request was denied on September 1, 2004. On October 1, 2004, Applied filed a petition for reconsideration of that denial,


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

which subsequently was denied. Applied believes it has meritorious defenses and counterclaims and intends to pursue them vigorously.

     On September 13, 2002, Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (VSEA) filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association asserting that Applied has breached a patent license agreement between Varian and Applied dated January 1, 1992. Varian seeks to recover royalties, interest and attorneys’ fees. The arbitration hearing on whether the products are covered by the license agreement has concluded. On May 2, 2003, the arbitration panel issued an interim decision finding that some, but not all, of the products at issue were subject to the agreement. On September 1, 2004, the arbitration panel issued a decision in the second phase of the arbitration finding that some, but not all, of the patent claims asserted by VSEA were invalid. No hearing has been set to determine the amount owed by Applied to VSEA under the agreement pursuant to the arbitration panel’s decisions. Based on Applied’s current assessment of this matter, Applied believes that the amount of back royalty payments owed in connection with this action, including interest, will not exceed $25 million, of which $23 million was paid through October 31, 2004. In addition to back royalty payments, Applied will be required to make unit-based royalty payments on future sales of certain products found to be within the scope of the Agreement. Applied expects that these unit-based royalty payments will not have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

On December 24, 2003, Applied filed a provisional injunction lawsuit against Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd., (Jusung Engineering) and Jusung Pacific Co., Ltd., (collectively(Jusung Pacific, and referred to together with Jusung Engineering as Jusung) in Tao-Yuan District Court in Taiwan, alleging infringement ofcaptioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd. (case no. 92 Tsai-chuan Tzi No. 6388). The lawsuit alleges that Jusung is infringing a patent related to chemical vapor deposition. On January 14, 2004,deposition owned by Applied. In the Court issuedsuit, Applied seeks a provisional injunction order prohibiting Jusung from importing, using, manufacturing, servicing or selling in Taiwan certain flat panel display manufacturing equipment. On December 25, 2003, the Tao-Yuan District Court ruled in favor of Applied’s request for a provisional injunction and, on January 14, 2004, the Court issued a provisional injunction order against Jusung Pacific. Jusung Pacific appealed that decisionthose decisions, and the decisions were affirmed on appeal. On January 30, 2004, Jusung Pacific requested permission to post a counterbond to have the Jusung Pacific injunction lifted. Jusung Pacific’s counterbond request was granted and, on August 5,March 30, 2004, the intermediate appellate court ruled thatprovisional injunction order was lifted. At Applied’s request, on December 11, 2004, the District Court issued a provisional injunction order against Jusung Pacific should be dissolved. TheEngineering. Jusung Engineering appealed that order, and the order was affirmed on appeal. Jusung Engineering also requested permission to post a counterbond to have the Jusung Engineering injunction againstlifted. Jusung Pacific previously had been lifted after Jusung Pacific posted a counterbond. In December 2004,Engineering’s counterbond request was granted, and, on April 25, 2005, the Taiwan Supreme Court reversed the intermediate appellate court’s decision. Theprovisional injunction order against Jusung Engineering was not affected by theselifted. Applied has appealed both counterbond decisions. On June 30, 2004, Applied filed another lawsuita “main action” patent infringement complaint against Jusung in a different courtthe Hsinchu District Court in Taiwan, seekingcaptioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd. (case no. 93 Zhong Zhi No. 3). In the lawsuit, Applied seeks damages and a permanent injunction for infringement of the same patent. The decisions regarding the provisional injunction and counterbond have no effect on the separate patent infringement lawsuit filed by Applied against Jusung in the Hsinchu Court. Applied believes it has meritorious claims and intends to pursue them vigorously.

On April 10, 2004, the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission (TFTC) notified Applied’s subsidiary AKT Inc. (AKT) that, pursuant to a complaint filed by Jusung, the TFTC had begun an investigation into whether AKT had violated the Taiwan Fair Trade Act. The investigation focuses on whether AKT violated the Taiwan Guidelines for the Review of Cases Involving Enterprises Issuing Warning Letters for Infringement on Copyright, Trademark and Patent Rights by allegedly notifying customers about AKT’s patent rights and the infringement of those rights by Jusung. On June 15, 2004, the TFTC notified Applied that Applied also was

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

the subject of the investigation. BothBy letter dated April 15, 2005, the TFTC notified Applied and AKT have respondedthat there was insufficient evidence to support a claim against either company. Jusung has appealed the TFTC’s inquiries.decision, and the appeal is pending. Although Applied believesagrees with the TFTC’s decision that there has been no violation, neither the extent nor the outcome of the investigationappeal can be determined at this time.

Applied believesdoes not believe that the outcome of any of the above matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

From time to time, Applied is subject to variousreceives notification from third parties, including customers and suppliers, seeking indemnification, litigation support, payment of money or other legal proceedings andactions by Applied in connection with claims either asserted or unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of business.made against them. In addition, from time to time, Applied receives notification from customersthird parties claiming that such customers are entitled to indemnificationApplied may be or is infringing their intellectual property or other obligations fromrights. Applied relatedalso is subject to infringementvarious other legal proceedings and claims, made againstboth asserted and unasserted, that arise in the customers by third parties.ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Applied does not believe that any of these other existing legal mattersproceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 
Note 12Litigation Settlements, Net

Net litigation settlement expense of $27 million reported in the fiscal 2004 Consolidated Statement of Operations consisted of costs of $28 million related to the two patent litigation settlements with VSEAVarian


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. and Novellus as discussed in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements,Systems, Inc., net of a gain of $1 million related to a legal settlement in favor of Applied.
 
During fiscal 2003 or 2005, there were no significant litigation settlements.
Note 13Business Combinations

On June 28, 2005, Applied purchased certain assets of SCP Global Technology, Inc., consisting of single-wafer HF-last immersion technology and Marangoni clean/dry intellectual property, for approximately $24 million in cash. In connection with this asset purchase, Applied recorded purchased technology and other intangible assets of $20 million and other items of $4 million.
On December 16, 2004, Applied acquired the assets of ATMI, Inc.’s Treatment Systems business (EcoSys), which supported the gas abatement requirements of process equipment for integrated circuit manufacturing and other industrial applications, for approximately $16 million in cash. In connection with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of $5 million, purchased technology and other intangible assets of $8 million and other items of $3 million, including liabilities assumed upon acquisition.
On December 14, 2004, Applied acquired substantially all of the operating subsidiaries and businesses of Metron Technology N.V., a provider of a wide range of outsource solutions to the integrated circuit industry, for approximately $85 million in cash. In connection with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of $76 million and other intangible assets of $31 million, partially offset by other items of $22 million, primarily for net liabilities assumed upon acquisition.
On June 14, 2004, Applied acquired Torrex Equipment Corporation, a developer of a multi-wafer system that utilizes chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition processes to address front-end semiconductorintegrated circuit manufacturing applications, for $7 million in cash. In connection with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of $11 million, net of adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation, partially offset by other items of $4 million, primarily for net liabilities assumed upon acquisition. The in-process research and development expense related to this transaction was not material.

On April 18, 2003, Applied acquired Boxer Cross, Inc., a producer of in-line monitoring systems that provide customers with critical electrical measurement data for controlling semiconductorintegrated circuit processes, for $14 million in cash. In connection with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of $18 million, net of adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation, and purchased technology of $3 million, partially offset by other items of $7 million, primarily for deferred tax assets and other liabilities. The in-process research and development expense was not material.

     On April 8, 2002, Applied acquired Electron Vision Corporation, a designer, manufacturer and seller of e-beam stabilization and curing tools for the semiconductor, thin film head and micro-fabrication industries, for $26 million in cash. In connection with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of $13 million, net of adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation, and purchased technology of $16 million, partially offset by other items of $3 million, primarily for deferred tax liabilities.

For all of the purchase business combinations discussed above, the results of operations prior to the acquisition dates were not material in relation to those of Applied for any of the periods presented herein. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed periodically for impairment in accordance with SFAS 142, and purchased technology is amortized over its useful life of 52 to 10 years. These acquisitions have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on Applied’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Note 14Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

In fiscal 2001, Applied has a venture capital fund,formed Applied Materials Ventures I, L.P. (the Fund), that investsto invest in privately-held, early-stage companies engaged in developing systems, components and devices relating to nanotechnology and/or communications technology for specific applications and products. The Fund iswas formed as a limited partnership, with Applied as the sole limited partner and an independent party as the general partner.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS —  (Continued)

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, Applied exercised its right to limit capital contributions to the Fund to $25 million and to elect to terminate the partnership. As a result, under the provisions of the partnership agreement, the partnership will be dissolved, and the activities of the partnership will be concluded six months followingand the election to terminate the partnership.partnership was dissolved in March 2005. Applied’s cumulative capital contributions to the Fund


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APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

through dissolution totaled approximately $16 million through$24 million. The Fund’s assets, which primarily consisted of shares of portfolio companies, were distributed between Applied and the general partner during fiscal 2005. Applied recorded its investment in the portfolio companies as other long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheet at October 26, 2003 and $23 million through October 31, 2004.

30, 2005.

FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51,” as amended, provides guidance on the identification, classification and accounting of variable interest entities. The Fund qualifiesqualified for consolidation under FIN 46 and was consolidated in Applied’s consolidated financial statements duringstarting in the first fiscal quarter of 2004.fiscal 2004 until it was dissolved. The consolidation and dissolution of the Fund did not have a material impact on Applied’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004.periods presented.
 
Note 15Subsequent Event

On August 16, 2004, AppliedNovember 29, 2005, Applied’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Metron Technology, Inc., announced that it had entered into a definitive agreementhas agreed to acquire substantiallypurchase all of the operating subsidiariesoutstanding shares of ChemTrace Corporation and businesses of Metron Technology N.V.ChemTrace Precision Cleaning, Inc. (collectively ChemTrace), which provides a wide range of outsource solutions to the semiconductor industry,both privately-held companies, for approximately $85 million and to assume certain of its liabilities,an undisclosed amount, subject to certain closing conditions. The acquisition was completed on December 14, 2004.ChemTrace provides customers with precision parts cleaning and materials testing solutions. The results of operations of the acquired operating subsidiaries and businesses of Metron Technology N.V.ChemTrace are not expected to have a material effect on Applied’s fiscal 20052006 financial condition or results of operations.
 
Note 16Unaudited Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data
                      
Fiscal Quarter

FirstSecondThirdFourthFiscal Year





(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2003:                    
 Net sales $1,054,209  $1,107,177  $1,094,907  $1,220,998  $4,477,291 
 Gross margin $390,382  $372,774  $346,928  $494,371  $1,604,455 
 Net income/(loss) $(65,670) $(62,126) $(36,802) $15,451  $(149,147)
 Earnings/(loss) per share $(0.04) $(0.04) $(0.02) $0.01  $(0.09)
2004:                    
 Net sales $1,555,448  $2,018,105  $2,236,152  $2,203,348  $8,013,053 
 Gross margin $676,169  $938,641  $1,059,232  $1,027,203  $3,701,245 
 Net income $82,376  $373,348  $440,571  $455,008  $1,351,303 
 Earnings per share $0.05  $0.22  $0.26  $0.27  $0.78 
                     
  Fiscal Quarter    
  First  Second  Third  Fourth  Fiscal Year 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
2004:                    
Net sales $1,555,448  $2,018,105  $2,236,152  $2,203,348  $8,013,053 
Gross margin $676,169  $938,641  $1,059,232  $1,027,203  $3,701,245 
Net income $82,376  $373,348  $440,571  $455,008  $1,351,303 
Earnings per share $0.05  $0.22  $0.26  $0.27  $0.78 
2005:                    
Net sales $1,780,576  $1,861,189  $1,631,938  $1,718,120  $6,991,823 
Gross margin $790,225  $818,430  $717,089  $760,130  $3,085,874 
Net income $288,765  $304,830  $369,591  $246,714  $1,209,900 
Earnings per share $0.17  $0.18  $0.23  $0.15  $0.73 

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REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

     Management is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America appropriate under the circumstances and, accordingly, include some amounts based on management’s best judgments and estimates. Financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.

     Management is responsible for maintaining a system of internal business controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance, at an appropriate cost/benefit relationship, that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are authorized, recorded and reported properly. The internal control system is augmented by appropriate reviews by management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection and training of qualified personnel and a written code of business ethics applicable to all employees of Applied and its subsidiaries. Management believes that Applied’s internal controls provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against material loss from unauthorized use or disposition and that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and other data and maintaining accountability for assets.

     The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of Directors who are not employees or officers of Applied, meets on a regular periodic basis with the independent registered public accounting firm, internal auditors and management to discuss internal business controls, auditing and financial reporting matters. The Committee reviews with the independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of the audit effort. The Committee also meets with the independent registered public accounting firm without management present to ensure that the independent registered public accounting firm has free access to the Audit Committee.

     The independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, is engaged to audit the consolidated financial statements of Applied and to conduct such tests and related procedures as they deem necessary in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The opinion of the independent registered public accounting firm, based upon its audits of the consolidated financial statements, is contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ MICHAEL R. SPLINTER

Michael R. Splinter
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ NANCY H. HANDEL

Nancy H. Handel
Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

December 14, 2004

66


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the

The Stockholders and Board of Directors of Applied Materials, Inc.

:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of October 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the yearyears then ended. In connection with our auditaudits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as of and for each of the years in the two year period ended October 31, 2004,30, 2005, listed at Item 15(a)(2). These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

audits.

We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries as of October 30, 2005 and October 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the yearyears then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule as of and for each of the years in the two year period ended October 31, 2004,30, 2005, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Applied Materials, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2005, based on criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated December 14, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.
/s/  KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP
Mountain View, California
December 14, 20042005


68

67


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Applied Materials, Inc.

:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) on page 3738 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positionresults of operations and cash flows of Applied Materials, Inc. and its subsidiaries at October 26, 2003, andfor the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the periodyear ended October 26, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) on page 3738 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein for each of the two years in the periodyear ended October 26, 2003, when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule data based on our audits.audit. We conducted our auditsaudit of these statements in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States.(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provideaudit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/  PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Jose, California

November 12, 2003


69

68


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

These Exhibits are numbered in accordance with the Exhibit Table of Item 601 ofRegulation S-K:
Exhibit No.Description


3.1Certificate of Incorporation of Applied Materials, Inc., as amended and restated through March 31, 2000, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2000 (file no. 002-45028) filed June 8, 2000.
3.2Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock dated as of July 9, 1999, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed September 14, 1999.
3.3Bylaws of Applied Materials, Inc., as amended and restated through November 28, 2001, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2001 (file no. 002-45028) filed January 23, 2002.
4.1Form of Indenture (including form of debt security) between Applied Materials, Inc. and Harris Trust Company of California, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 8-K (file no. 000-06920) filed August 17, 1994.
4.2Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1999, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (file no. 000-06920) dated July 13, 1999.
4.3First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2002, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/ A (file no. 000-06920) dated November 25, 2002.
10.1*The 1976 Management Stock Option Plan, as amended to October 5, 1993, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1993 (file no. 000-06920) filed December 21, 1993.
10.2*Applied Materials, Inc. Supplemental Income Plan, as amended, including Participation Agreements with James C. Morgan, Walter Benzing, and Robert Graham, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1981 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 22, 1982.
10.3*Amendment to Supplemental Income Plan, dated July 20, 1984, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1984 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 25, 1985.
10.4*The Applied Materials, Inc. Employee Financial Assistance Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Definitive Proxy Statement (file no. 000-06920) filed February 5, 1981.
10.5*Applied Materials, Inc. Supplemental Income Plan as amended to December 15, 1988, including the Participation Agreement with James C. Morgan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1988 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 1989.
10.6License Agreement dated January 1, 1992, between Applied Materials and Varian Associates, Inc., incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1992 (file no. 000-06920) filed December 16, 1992.
10.7*Amendment dated December 9, 1992 to Applied Materials, Inc. Supplemental Income Plan dated June 4, 1981 (as amended to December 15, 1988), incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1993 (file no. 000-06920) filed December 21, 1993.
10.8*Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on April 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1995 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 7, 1995.
10.9Applied Materials, Inc. Medium-Term Notes, Series A Distribution Agreement, dated August 24, 1995, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1995 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 12, 1996.
10.10*Amendment No. 1 to the Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 26, 1998 (file no. 000-06920) filed September 9, 1998.
     
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Applied Materials, Inc., as amended and restated through March 31, 2000, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2000 (file no. 002-45028) filed June 8, 2000.
     
   
 3.2 Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Terms of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock dated as of July 9, 1999, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed September 14, 1999.
     
   
 3.3 Bylaws of Applied Materials, Inc., as amended and restated through November 28, 2001, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2001 (file no. 002-45028) filed January 23, 2002.
     
   
 4.1 Form of Indenture (including form of debt security) between Applied Materials, Inc. and Harris Trust Company of California, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 8-K (file no. 000-06920) filed August 17, 1994.
     
   
 4.2 Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1999, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Registration Statement onForm 8-A (file no. 000-06920) filed July 13, 1999.
     
   
 4.3 First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2002, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Registration Statement onForm 8-A/A (file no. 000-06920) filed November 25, 2002.
     
   
 10.1* The 1976 Management Stock Option Plan, as amended to October 5, 1993, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1993 (file no. 000-06920) filed December 21, 1993.
     
   
 10.2* Applied Materials, Inc. Supplemental Income Plan, as amended, including Participation Agreements with James C. Morgan, Walter Benzing, and Robert Graham, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1981 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 22, 1982.
     
   
 10.3* Amendment to Supplemental Income Plan, dated July 20, 1984, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1984 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 25, 1985.
     
   
 10.4* The Applied Materials, Inc. Employee Financial Assistance Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Definitive Proxy Statement (file no. 000-06920) filed February 5, 1981.
     
   
 10.5* Applied Materials, Inc. Supplemental Income Plan as amended to December 15, 1988, including the Participation Agreement with James C. Morgan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1988 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 1989.
     
   
 10.6 License Agreement dated January 1, 1992, between Applied Materials and Varian Associates, Inc., incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1992 (file no. 000-06920) filed December 16, 1992.
     
   
 10.7* Amendment dated December 9, 1992 to Applied Materials, Inc. Supplemental Income Plan dated June 4, 1981 (as amended to December 15, 1988), incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1993 (file no. 000-06920) filed December 21, 1993.
     
   
 10.8* Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on April 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1995 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 7, 1995.
     
   
 10.9 Applied Materials, Inc. Medium-Term Notes, Series A Distribution Agreement, dated August 24, 1995, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1995 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 12, 1996.
     
   
 10.10* Amendment No. 1 to the Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended July 26, 1998 (fileno. 000-06920) filed September 9, 1998.


70

69


Exhibit No.Description


10.11*Amendment No. 2 to the Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 26, 1998 (file no. 000-06920) filed September 9, 1998.
10.12Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 22, 1998, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1998 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 20, 1999.
10.13*Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
10.14Amendment dated January 26, 1999 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 22, 1998, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed March 9, 1999.
10.15Receivables Purchase Agreement dated January 26, 1999, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services (UK) Limited, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed March 9, 1999.
10.16Second Amendment dated April 28, 1999 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 22, 1998, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 15, 1999. (Confidential treatment has been granted for Certain portions of the agreement.)
10.17Amendment dated April 28, 1999 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated January 26, 1999, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation (UK) Limited, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 15, 1999 (Confidential treatment has been granted for Certain portions of the agreement.)
10.18*Applied Materials, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement related to the Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (formerly named the “Applied Materials, Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan”), incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 15, 1999.
10.19Form of Indemnification Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and Non-Employee Directors, dated June 11, 1999, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1999 (file no. 333-88777) filed January 31, 2000.
10.20Form of Indemnification Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and James C. Morgan and Dan Maydan, dated June 11, 1999, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1999 (file no. 333-88777) filed January 31, 2000.
10.21Form of Indemnification Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and certain of its officers, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 1999 (file no. 333-88777) filed January 31, 2000.
10.22*Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Senior Executive Bonus Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Definitive Proxy Statement (file no. 000-06920) filed February 15, 2002.
10.23*Form of Applied Materials, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Grant Agreement for use under the Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (formerly named the “Applied Materials Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan”) incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 2001 (file no. 002-45028) filed June 7, 2001.
10.24*Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees, incorporated by reference to Applied’s S-8 (file no. 033-63847) filed October 31, 1995.
10.25*Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated 30th Anniversary Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
10.26*Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated 1998 Non-Executive Employee Retention Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
     
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 10.11* Amendment No. 2 to the Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended July 26, 1998 (fileno. 000-06920) filed September 9, 1998.
     
   
 10.12 Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 22, 1998, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1998 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 20, 1999.
     
   
 10.13* Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
     
   
 10.14 Amendment dated January 26, 1999 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 22, 1998, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed March 9, 1999.
     
   
 10.15 Receivables Purchase Agreement dated January 26, 1999, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services (UK) Limited, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed March 9, 1999.
     
   
 10.16 Second Amendment dated April 28, 1999 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 22, 1998, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 15, 1999. (Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of the agreement.)
     
   
 10.17 Amendment dated April 28, 1999 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated January 26, 1999, between Applied Materials, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation (UK) Limited, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1999 (fileno. 000-06920) filed June 15, 1999 (Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of the agreement.)
     
   
 10.18* Applied Materials, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement related to the Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (formerly named the ‘Applied Materials, Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan”), incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 1999 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 15, 1999.
     
   
 10.19 Form of Indemnification Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and Non-Employee Directors, dated June 11, 1999, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1999 (file no.333-88777) filed January 31, 2000.
     
   
 10.20 Form of Indemnification Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and James C. Morgan and Dan Maydan, dated June 11, 1999, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1999 (file no.333-88777) filed January 31, 2000.
     
   
 10.21 Form of Indemnification Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and certain of its officers, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 1999 (file no.333-88777) filed January 31, 2000.
     
   
 10.22* Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Senior Executive Bonus Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Definitive Proxy Statement (file no. 000-06920) filed February 15, 2002.
     
   
 10.23* Form of Applied Materials, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Grant Agreement for use under the Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (formerly named the ‘‘Applied Materials Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan”) incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 2001 (file no. 002-45028) filed June 7, 2001.
     
   
 10.24* Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees, incorporated by reference to Applied’s S-8 (file no.033-63847) filed October 31, 1995.
     
   
 10.25* Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated 1998 Non-Executive Employee Retention Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (fileno. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
     
   
 10.26* Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated 2000 Global Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
     
   
 10.27* Applied Materials, Inc. Profit Sharing Scheme (Ireland), incorporated by reference to Applied’s S-8 (file no.333-45011) filed January 27, 1998.
     


71

70


Exhibit No.Description


10.27*Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated 2000 Global Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2002 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 23, 2003.
10.28*Applied Materials, Inc. Profit Sharing Scheme (Ireland), incorporated by reference to Applied’s S-8 (file no. 333-45011) filed January 27, 1998.
10.29*Applied Materials, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees, as amended through April 16, 2002, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003.
10.30*Term Sheet for employment of Michael R. Splinter, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003.
10.31*Restricted Stock Agreement for Michael R. Splinter, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003.
10.32Program for Accounts Receivable Transfer Agreement dated April 9, 2003 between Applied Materials, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003. (Confidential treatment has been granted for the redacted portion of the agreement.)
10.33$250,000,000 364-Day Credit Agreement dated September 19, 2003 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 13, 2004. (Confidential treatment has been granted for the redacted portions of the agreement.)
10.34$250,000,000 Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2003 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citigroup USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 13, 2004. (Confidential treatment has been requested for redacted portions of the agreement.)
10.35*Applied Materials, Inc. Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (formerly named the “Applied Materials, Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan”) incorporated by reference to Applied’s Definitive Proxy Statement (file no. 000-06920) filed February 17, 2004.
10.36Amendment No. 1 to $250,000,000 364-Day Credit Agreement dated September 17, 2004 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein.
10.37Amendment No. 1 to $250,000,000 Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of September 17, 2004 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein.
10.38Binding Memorandum of Understanding between Applied Materials, Inc. and Novellus Systems, Inc. dated September 20, 2004, incorporated by reference to Applied’s Form 8-K (file no. 000-06920) filed September 24, 2004. (Confidential treatment has been requested for redacted portions of the agreement.)
10.39Separation Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and Joseph R. Bronson dated November 30, 2004.
12Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21Subsidiaries of Applied Materials, Inc.
23.1Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP.
23.2Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24Power of Attorney.
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 10.28* Applied Materials, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees, as amended through April 16, 2002, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003.
     
   
 10.29* Term Sheet for employment of Michael R. Splinter, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003.
     
   
 10.30* Restricted Stock Agreement for Michael R. Splinter, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003.
     
   
 10.31 Program for Accounts Receivable Transfer Agreement dated April 9, 2003 between Applied Materials, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended April 27, 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed June 11, 2003. (Confidential treatment has been granted for the redacted portion of the agreement.)
     
   
 10.32 $250,000,000364-Day Credit Agreement dated September 19, 2003 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 13, 2004. (Confidential treatment has been granted for the redacted portions of the agreement.)
     
   
 10.33 $250,000,000 Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2003 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citigroup USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2003 (file no. 000-06920) filed January 13, 2004. (Confidential treatment has been granted for the redacted portions of the agreement.)
     
   
 10.34* Applied Materials, Inc. Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (formerly named the ‘‘Applied Materials, Inc. 1995 Equity Incentive Plan”) incorporated by reference to Applied’s Definitive Proxy Statement (file no. 000-06920) filed February 17, 2004.
     
   
 10.35 Amendment No. 1 to $250,000,000364-Day Credit Agreement dated September 17, 2004 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2004 (fileno. 000-06920) filed December 15, 2004.
     
   
 10.36 Amendment No. 1 to $250,000,000 Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of September 17, 2004 among Applied Materials, Inc., Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and the lenders listed therein, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2004 (fileno. 000-06920) filed December 15, 2004.
     
   
 10.37 Binding Memorandum of Understanding between Applied Materials, Inc. and Novellus Systems, Inc. dated September 20, 2004, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 8-K (fileno. 000-06920) filed September 24, 2004. (Confidential treatment has been granted for the redacted portions of the agreement.)
     
   
 10.38 Separation Agreement between Applied Materials, Inc. and Joseph R. Bronson dated November 30, 2004, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-K for fiscal year 2004 (fileno. 000-06920) filed December 15, 2004.
     
   
 10.39* Performance Goals and Bonus Formulas for Fiscal Year 2005 under the Senior Executive Bonus Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended January 30, 2005 (file no. 000-06920) filed March 1, 2005.
     
   
 10.40* Lead Independent Director Annual Retainer,incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended January 30, 2005 (file no. 000-06920) filed March 1, 2005.
     
   
 10.41* Nonemployee Director Share Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 2005 (file no. 000-06920) filed May 31, 2005.
     
   
 10.42* Election form for use under Nonemployee Director Share Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 2005 (file no. 000-06920) filed May 31, 2005.
     
   
 10.43* Applied Materials, Inc. amended and restated Relocation Policy, incorporated by reference to Applied’sForm 8-K (file no. 000-06920) filed October 31, 2005.
     
   
 10.44* Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for use under Applied Materials, Inc.’s Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.
     


72

71


     
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 10.45* Form of Performance Share Agreement for use under Applied Materials, Inc.’s Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.
     
   
 10.46* Amendment No. 3 to the Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
     
   
 10.47* Amendment No. 4 to the Applied Materials, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
     
   
 10.48* Vesting Acceleration of Certain Stock Options.
     
   
 12  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     
   
 21  Subsidiaries of Applied Materials, Inc.
     
   
 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP.
     
   
 23.2 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
     
   
 24  Power of Attorney.
     
   
 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
   
 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
   
 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
   
 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit No.Description


32.1Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement, as required by Item 15(a)3.


73

72


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
 By: 
/s/  MICHAEL R. SPLINTER


Michael R. Splinter

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: December 15, 2004

14, 2005

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
       
Title
Date


/s/  MICHAEL R. SPLINTER


Michael R. Splinter
 President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 December 15, 200414, 2005
 
/s/  NANCY H. HANDEL


Nancy H. Handel
 GroupSenior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial OfficerOfficer)
December 14, 2005
/s/  YVONNE WEATHERFORD

Yvonne Weatherford
Corporate Vice President and
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 December 15, 200414, 2005
 
Directors:    
 
*

James C. Morgan
 Chairman of the Board December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Michael H. Armacost
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Deborah A. Coleman
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Herbert M. Dwight, Jr.
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Philip V. Gerdine
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Paul R. Low
Thomas J. Iannotti
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Dan Maydan
Charles Y.S. Liu
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005


74

73


       
Title
Date


 
*

Steven L. MillerPaul R. Low
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Gerhard H. Parker
Dan Maydan
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
*

Gerhard H. Parker
DirectorDecember 14, 2005
*
Willem P. Roelandts
 Director December 15, 200414, 2005
 
Representing a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.Directors
 
*By 
/s/  MICHAEL R. SPLINTER


Michael R. Splinter
Attorney-in-Fact **Attorney-in-Fact**
    
** By authority of the power of attorney filed herewith.

75


** By authority of the power of attorney filed herewith.

74


SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
(In thousands)
                   
Balance atAdditions —Balance at
Fiscal YearBeginning of YearCharged to IncomeDeductionsEnd of Year





 2002  $2,700  $  $(625) $2,075 
 2003  $2,075  $  $(228) $1,847 
 2004  $1,847  $686  $  $2,533 
                       
Fiscal
  Balance at
  Additions —
  Additions —
     Balance at
 
Year
  Beginning of Year  Charged to Income  Business Combinations  Deductions  End of Year 
 2003  $2,075  $  $  $(228) $1,847 
 2004  $1,847  $686  $  $  $2,533 
 2005  $2,533  $213  $1,220  $(317) $3,649 


76

75