<div id="readability-page-1"><div><div><p>On Thursday Applied Materials issued a Q2 outlook that was well above expectations, driven by rising demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, fueled by the boom in artificial intelligence and a global memory shortage. The company expects revenue of about $7.65bn, plus or minus $500m, compared with the $7.01bn forecast by analysts. EPS is expected at around $2.64, with a margin of $0.20, well above the consensus of $2.28.</p><p>The stock jumped over 11% in after-hours trading, lifting other sector players such as Lam Research and KLA, up over 2%. Chief Executive Gary Dickerson said ramping investment in AI infrastructure is boosting demand for advanced logic technologies, high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and sophisticated packaging techniques. HBM, which is essential to high-end AI processors such as Nvidia's, is at the center of a sharp squeeze in global supply. </p><p>Applied Materials posted Q1 revenue of $7.01bn, above expectations, and adjusted EPS of $2.38, versus $2.20 expected. Revenue from the division focused on DRAM memory tools rose 34%, accelerating from the 27% recorded a year earlier. Against a backdrop of strong demand and targeted shortages, the group says it is well positioned in the strategic AI market, with solid near-term prospects.</p></div></div></div>

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<p>Applied Materials forecasts a strong Q2, expecting revenue of about $7.65bn, driven by AI demand and a global memory shortage. This outlook exceeds analysts' expectations of $7.01bn. EPS is projected at $2.64, surpassing the consensus of $2.28. The stock rose over 11% in after-hours trading, positively impacting sector peers like Lam Research and KLA. CEO Gary Dickerson highlighted increased investment in AI infrastructure, boosting demand for advanced technologies. The company reported Q1 revenue of $7.01bn and a 34% rise in revenue from DRAM memory tools, indicating strong positioning in the AI market.</p>

Applied Materials forecasts a strong quarter on AI demand and a memory shortage