News Release

Applied Materials Employee Giving Tradition to Enable More Than 2 Million Meals for the Hungry

Dec 19, 2008 at 3:01 PM EST

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2008--Applied Materials, Inc., today announced that its North American employees have raised more than $480,000 for local food banks in the past two months through a variety of fundraising activities, exceeding the company's 2008 fundraising goal. The Applied Materials Foundation will match the employee giving amount, so that the total contribution to food banks throughout North America will be $1 million, which will provide more than 2 million meals for those in need.

"Since 1991 when Applied first set a national record for a corporate food drive, our employees have set a standard for generosity that grows each year," said Mike Splinter, president and CEO of Applied Materials. "With service organizations facing record need this year, we are especially proud of this tradition and of our employees, who have shown a real passion for addressing the hunger issue for so many years."

"Applied once again is showing its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the Austin area through the generosity of its employees," said David Davenport, President & CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank. "Our need this year is higher than ever and it is corporate donations and the creativity of employees like we see at Applied Materials that is going to allow us to meet the need."

The Applied Materials food drive takes place in November and December when employees try to 'out-do' one another in a variety of friendly competitions, often between buildings and work units, by raising money in what are sometimes unusual and creative ways.

"This year employees pulled out all the stops to increase overall giving in the face of these tough economic times," said Mark Walker, Managing Director of Community Affairs for Applied Materials. "In addition to a significant online program, we had employees paying to throw cream pies at their managers, holding auctions in their homes, canned food sculpture contests, solar car races, bake sales and dozens of other events designed to convince co-workers to donate a little bit more for a great cause."

"Many companies are generous in their giving to our program, but Applied Materials has been a company we've been able to count on for decades," said Keith Flagler, interim CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. "They are one of the most consistent and creative in their approach and their employees never cease to amaze us with new ideas for raising funds. The donations of both money and food they provide help all year long and are an important part of our annual fundraising efforts."

About Applied Materials:

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology(TM) solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

CONTACT: Applied Materials, Inc.
Dave Miller, 408-563-9582 (editorial/media)
Robert Friess, 408-986-7977 (financial community)

Source: Applied Materials, Inc.