Applied Materials declares $0.53 per share dividend
Applied Materials, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.53 per share, payable on Sept. 10, 2026, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 20, 2026. The company has increased its dividend for nine consecutive years, with a 15-percent rise announced in March 2026. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Applied distributed $765 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with $13.2 billion remaining in its share repurchase authorization.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Applied Materials, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.53 per share payable on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable on Sept. 10, 2026 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 20, 2026. This announcement underscores the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders as part of its broader allocation strategy.
The cash dividend is a key component of Applied's capital allocation strategy. In March 2026, Applied announced a 15-percent increase in the quarterly dividend per share, from $0.46 to $0.53, which more than doubled the dividend per share from four years ago and marked nine consecutive years of dividend increases. With the increase announced in March 2026, Applied has grown its dividend per share at a compound annual growth rate of 18 percent over the past decade.
Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns
Over the past 10 fiscal years, the company has distributed nearly 90 percent of free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Applied distributed $765 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company had approximately $13.2 billion remaining in its share repurchase authorization at the end of the period.
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quarterly Dividend per Share | $0.53 |
| Previous Dividend per Share | $0.46 |
| Dividend Increase Percentage | 15% |
| Q2FY26 Distribution to Shareholders | $765 million |
| Remaining Share Repurchase Authorization | $13.2 billion |
The declaration of future dividends and the timing of share repurchases remain subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, depending on the company's financial condition, results of operations, and market conditions.
Can Applied Materials sustain the 18% compound annual growth rate of its dividend given potential semiconductor market cyclicality?
How will the company balance the remaining $13.2 billion share repurchase authorization with future dividend increases?
What impact will the high 90% free cash flow payout ratio have on funding for R&D and capital expenditures?
























