10-KPeriod: FY2018

APPLIED MATERIALS INC /DE Annual Report, Year Ended Oct 28, 2018

Filed December 13, 2018For Securities:AMAT

Summary

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) reported robust performance in its fiscal year ending October 27, 2018, with net sales increasing by 19% to $17.25 billion, driven by strong customer investments across all its segments, particularly in Semiconductor Systems. The company's operational efficiency also improved, with gross margins rising to 45.3% and operating margins expanding to 27.8%. Significant investments in Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E) continued, totaling $2.02 billion, underscoring AMAT's commitment to innovation in materials engineering for the semiconductor and display industries. The company also demonstrated strong cash generation from operations, amounting to $3.79 billion. AMAT actively returned capital to shareholders through substantial stock repurchases ($5.3 billion) and increased cash dividends. The global business continues to be a significant driver, with 85% of net sales originating from outside the United States, highlighting geographic diversification. However, investors should note the inherent cyclicality and volatility of the semiconductor and display industries, coupled with risks related to global economic conditions, trade policies, and customer concentration.

Financial Highlights

61 data points
Beta

Revenue

$16.70B

45.0% Gross Margin

Net Income

$3.04B

18.2% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$2.96

Total Assets

$17.63B

Cash & Equivalents

$3.44B

Free Cash Flow

$3.17B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$16.70B
Cost of Revenue$9.19B
Gross Profit$7.52B
R&D Expenses$2.02B
Operating Expenses$3.03B
Operating Income$4.49B
Interest Expense$234.00M
Net Income$3.04B
EPS (Basic)$3.00
EPS (Diluted)$2.96
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.01B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.03B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 19% year-over-year to $17.25 billion in fiscal 2018.
  • 2Gross margin improved to 45.3% and operating margin reached 27.8% in fiscal 2018.
  • 3The Semiconductor Systems segment remains the largest contributor to revenue, with a 15% increase in net sales year-over-year.
  • 4Applied Global Services saw a significant 24% increase in net sales, indicating growing demand for services.
  • 5The company invested $2.02 billion in Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E), emphasizing future innovation.
  • 6Applied Materials returned a substantial $5.9 billion to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends in fiscal 2018.
  • 785% of net sales were generated from customers outside the United States, showcasing strong international presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

In fiscal year 2018, Applied Materials reported a strong financial performance with net sales reaching $17.25 billion, a 19% increase from the previous year. Gross profit margin improved to 45.3%, and operating income grew significantly, reflecting increased customer spending across its core business segments.

The Semiconductor Systems segment, the largest contributor to revenue, saw a 15% increase in net sales. The Applied Global Services segment experienced robust growth with a 24% rise in net sales, indicating strong demand for its support and optimization services. The Display and Adjacent Markets segment also showed significant growth, with a 31% increase in net sales, driven by investments in TV and mobile display manufacturing equipment.

Applied Materials is committed to innovation and significantly increased its investment in Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E) to $2.02 billion in fiscal 2018. This investment supports the development of new materials engineering capabilities and products aimed at solving customer challenges and expanding market opportunities in the semiconductor and display industries.

In fiscal 2018, Applied Materials demonstrated a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders by repurchasing $5.3 billion of its common stock and paying $605 million in cash dividends. This reflects the company's confidence in its financial position and its strategy to enhance shareholder value.