** Applied Materials AMAT.O shares dipping 0.4% on Thurs ahead of qtrly results after the bell, as investors watch for impact from export curbs and China trade tensions ** Analysts expect the chip manufacturing equipment maker to report qtrly rev up 7% to $7.22 bln. Adj EPS seen at $2.36 vs $2.12 yr-ago, per LSEG ** AMAT missed rev est last qtr, citing weaker sales in its semiconductor systems segment and ongoing export restrictions to China ** Stock recently at 19x expected earnings, just above 5-yr avg forward PE of 18** AMAT up about 16% YTD, outpacing Nasdaq .IXIC which is up 12%

(Reporting by Noel Randewich)

((noel.randewich@thomsonreuters.com))