Applied Materials

Capital deployment is balanced: heavy reinvestment in R&D and platforms, consistent buybacks, and a growing dividend. In March 2025, the board approved a 15 percent dividend increase and an additional 10 billion dollar repurchase authorization. Nine‑month FY25 buybacks totaled about 4.0 billion dollars.

Applied also made a strategic 9 percent investment in BESI to strengthen its position in hybrid bonding and advanced packaging. Discipline is evident in avoiding large, high‑risk M&A after prior regulatory hurdles.