Applied Materials Announces Operational Change; Vice Chairman James W. Bagley to Focus on Strategic Direction of Company.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 1995--Applied Materials, Inc. announced today that Vice Chairman James W. Bagley, 56, will transition out of his role as chief operating officer at the end of the Company's fiscal year on October 29, 1995. Bagley will remain an active executive in the Company and will continue to serve as vice chairman of the board of directors.

"More than two years ago, Applied Materials adopted a structure which emphasizes making key decisions close to the customer. Since then, we have tripled the size of our business, gained market share and made improvements in customer satisfaction, profitability and our overall operational effectiveness," said James C. Morgan, chairman and chief executive officer.

Within this structure, an increasing proportion of operational decisions are made by product group and regional executives, with senior management focusing on long-term global initiatives and strategy, as well as global governance, guidance and oversight.

"The demonstrated success of our corporate structure and management team affords Jim Bagley the opportunity to focus on providing business guidance to our product group and regional executives, and to assist in defining corporate strategic initiatives," Morgan said. "Applied Materials will continue to benefit from Jim's insights and leadership as an executive and vice chairman of the board."

Applied Materials, Inc. is a global growth company and the world's largest supplier of wafer fabrication systems and services to the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "AMAT."

CONTACT: Applied Materials, Inc.

Tom Hayes, 408/748-5602 (general media)

Vinod Mahendroo, 408/748-5299 (trade press)

Nancy Handel, 408/748-5079 (financial community)