Applied Materials predicts upbeat revenue as chipmakers ramp up capacity
Semiconductor equipment maker Applied Materials Inc eased fears of a slowdown with a strong revenue forecast for the fourth quarter, though sticky supply chain snarls pinched its margins. Chipmakers Intel and Micron Technology Inc have recently warned of an inventory build-up and declining spending on electronics, sparking worries that the industry's years-long growth run was at an end. Chief Executive Gary Dickerson allayed the concerns, saying Applied Materials can overcome the dour economic outlook and that he remains…