News Release

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 26, 2000--

                 Applied Materials Selected as One of
               Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work for

Applied Materials, Inc., the world's largest supplier of wafer fabrication solutions to the semiconductor industry, today announced that it has been selected by Fortune magazine as one of "America's top employers and one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For." The magazine's annual ranking of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" will appear in its January 8, 2001 issue.

"We are pleased that Fortune has recognized Applied Materials as one of the best places to work," said Dr. Dan Maydan, president of Applied Materials. "Applied Materials continuously strives to create the culture and programs which foster the professional development and success of our employees on both an individual basis and as part of a highly skilled global workforce. Our employees' dedication to creating the innovative technology solutions our customers need to drive the Information Age forward is truly remarkable."

Applied Materials is well known for its innovative and progressive programs, including ongoing internal technical and non-technical training at Applied Materials Global University, where hundreds of specialized classes on subjects from management to personal development are taught, and its support of external career-related courses. Employees benefit from ongoing stock option awards to all employees, its Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other retirement savings options. The company's commitment to employee wellness and work-life balance is reflected in its on-site fitness centers with exercise facilities and massage, as well as classes such as ballroom dancing, yoga and self-defense. Access is also provided to convenience services including online health, discount shopping, and on-site dry cleaning, to name a few.

"The many benefits and programs we offer only enhance the exciting business and technology career challenges offered by working for the world's leading supplier of semiconductor equipment," concluded Dr. Maydan.

The Fortune 100 Best Places to Work is one of several national honors Applied Materials has received this year. The company was named as one of Industry Week's Best Managed Companies, Fortune Magazine's Best Companies for Minorities, and Fortune's Most Admired Companies. In addition, James C. Morgan, chairman and chief executive officer of Applied Materials was profiled as one of Worth Magazine's top five CEOs.

Applied Materials (Nasdaq:AMAT) is a leader of the Information Age and the world's largest supplier of products and services to the global semiconductor industry. The company's Web Site can be found at www.appliedmaterials.com.

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