ASML, a leading semiconductor company, reported lower-than-expected net sales of 5.29 billion euros and a net profit of 1.22 billion euros, falling short of expectations. This decline in sales and income is attributed to weak demand for consumer electronics, affecting chipmakers as well as ASML’s machinery. However, there is a glimmer of hope as semiconductor firms like Samsung are experiencing a rebound in demand.
Despite the challenges faced in the first quarter, ASML remains optimistic about its outlook for 2024, expecting net sales to be similar to the previous year. The company anticipates a stronger second half of the year as the industry continues to recover. ASML’s equipment is used by major chip manufacturers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Samsung, and Intel. The company’s bullishness is also fueled by increased production capacity in America by key players like Samsung, TSMC, and Intel.
Export restrictions to China, which impacted ASML’s sales previously, are yet to be addressed by the company in the first quarter. The Dutch government introduced restrictions last year, affecting the export of advanced semiconductor equipment, including ASML’s machinery. Despite this, ASML’s sales to China increased in the first quarter, with export restrictions expected to impact a portion of sales to China in the coming year.