Applied Materials Revenue Climbs on Display Demand

Applied Materials Inc. gave a forecast for fiscal third-quarter sales that topped the low end of analysts’ estimates as it takes market share and demand for display-making machinery rebounds.

Revenue in the period that ends in July will be $2.24 billion to $2.35 billion, based on the company’s prediction for sales to be down 5 percent to flat from the prior quarter. Analysts were estimating $2.16 billion to $2.46 billion and an average of $2.32 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Profit before certain items will be 25 cents to 29 cents a share, the company said in a statement yesterday, compared with an average projection of 27 cents.