2012-10-03 22:33:58 -

SANTA CLARA, Calif., - Oct. 3, 2012 - Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT)
today announced a plan to realign its global workforce and enhance its ability
to invest for growth.  Applied will implement a voluntary retirement program and
other workforce reduction actions that are expected to affect approximately 900
to 1,300 positions, or 6 to 9 percent of its global workforce.

"Achieving our strategic objectives requires us to deploy our talent in the best
way possible," said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO. "We are taking action to
realign our worldwide organization and workforce while investing in key product
development capabilities that will enhance our ability to grow."

The voluntary retirement program will be available to certain U.S. employees who
meet minimum age and length of service requirements, as well as other   business-
specific criteria.  In addition, Applied plans to implement other workforce
reduction actions globally, the extent of which will depend on the number of
employees who participate in the voluntary retirement program and other
considerations.

Applied expects to substantially complete the restructuring plan by the end of
the third quarter of fiscal 2013, depending on local legal requirements.  Upon
completion, the plan is projected to make available approximately $140 million
to $190 million annually to fund key growth initiatives.

Applied expects to incur aggregate pre-tax restructuring charges comprised of
severance and other termination benefits in the range of $180 million to $230
million, substantially all of which will be paid in cash.  Due to the nature of
the plan, the projected cost amounts are subject to multiple assumptions and
estimates, including:  the number and job levels of employees who participate in
the voluntary retirement program; the nature and extent of additional workforce
actions required to complete the plan; and other factors.  Applied will begin
recording these restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and
expects that the remainder will be recorded during fiscal 2013.

Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements, including those relating to
the objectives, nature, scope, and timing of the restructuring plan; the amounts
expected to become available to fund initiatives and their anticipated use; and
the amount and timing of anticipated charges and cash expenditures.  These
statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by
such statements, including but not limited to: (i) uncertain global economic and
industry conditions; (ii) Applied's ability to implement the plan as expected
and achieve the intended objectives, which may be affected by:  customer
requirements, changes in business conditions and/or operational needs,
participation rates for the voluntary retirement program, the nature and extent
of additional workforce actions required to complete the plan, retention of key
employees, applicable laws, delays, and increased costs; and (iii) other risks
described in Applied's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its most recent Form 10-Q.  All forward-looking statements are as of
the date hereof, and Applied undertakes no obligation to revise or update any
such statements.

About Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in providing
innovative equipment, services and software to enable the manufacture of
advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic products. Our
technologies help make innovations like smartphones, flat screen TVs and solar
panels more affordable and accessible to consumers and businesses around the
world. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.
# # #
Contact:
Matt Ceniceros (editorial/media) 408.768.8169
Michael Sullivan (financial community) 408.986.7977



This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of 
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: 
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and 
    other applicable laws; and 
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and 
     originality of the information contained therein. 
    
Source: Applied Materials via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1646317]