Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT), the semiconductor-equipment manufacturer, boosted the Fund’s return by 70 basis points, as its stock surged 25.8% from $23.97 to $30.15. Following an impressive earnings report in August, where both new orders and total backlog hit all-time highs, the company presented a compelling case for long-term growth at its annual analyst meeting in September. The management team outlined additional market-expansion and share-gain opportunities, particularly around new transistor architectures and advanced display technologies that are expected to grow revenue and expand margins.
From Jerome Dodson (Trades, Portfolio)'s Parnassus Fund third-quarter 2016 commentary.
