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(Reuters) – Chip-equipment maker Applied Materials Inc reported a better-than-expected third-quarter profit as contract manufacturers spend more on technology used to make smartphone and memory chips. Demand for DRAM chips, used mainly in personal computers, is expected to grow in the current quarter, Chief Executive Gary Dickerson said on call with analysts. Applied Materials, which also provides equipment to make flat panel displays and solar cells, forecast an adjusted profit of 25-29 cents per share for the fourth quarter. Analysts on average were expecting a profit of 26 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. The company said it expects revenue growth of about 10 to 17 percent, implying revenue of $2.19 billion to $2.33 billion for the quarter.