Applied Materials Forecasts Profit Short of Estimates

Applied Materials Inc., the largest maker of machines used to build semiconductors, forecast fiscal first-quarter profit and sales that may fall short of some estimates as customers hold off on adding new capacity.

Profit excluding certain items in the current period ending in January will be 25 cents to 29 cents a share on revenue of $2.26 billion to $2.38 billion, the company said yesterday. Analysts had predicted on average profit of 31 cents and sales of $2.38 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.