Applied Materials Solar Not Enough To Carry Earnings, Yet (AMAT)

Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) posted $0.22 EPS on $2.15 Billion in revenues.  Non-GAAP net income for Q2-2008 was $362 million, or $0.26 EPS.  First Call had estimates at $0.22 EPS on $2.13 Billion in revenues.

It also showed a 9% year over year decrease and a 3% sequential decrease to $2.41 Billion in new orders.

Gross margin for Q2-2008 was 45%, up from 44.9% for Q2-2007, and up from 44.8% for Q1-2008.

This is one of the first reports where side businesses are getting as much focus as parts of the main business.  Applied is ramping display and solar businesses while addressing the challenges of a weaker global chip equipment market.

Applied shares closed up 0.25% at $19.86 in normal trading, and shares are down 1% at $19.65 after the report.

Jon C. Ogg
May 12, 2008