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ASML Reports Strong Q4 Orders, Calming Investor Fears After DeepSeek’s Release

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Key Highlights:

  • ASML, a leading chip equipment maker, exceeded expectations in its fourth-quarter bookings, reaching 7.09 billion euros ($7.39 billion), compared to the forecasted 3.99 billion euros, driven by booming demand in the AI sector.
  • The surge in orders reassures investors about the future prospects of AI chips, despite a recent sell-off triggered by DeepSeek’s AI model, which requires less computing power than competing models.
  • ASML shares rose 7.5% to 695 euros, peaking at 722 euros during the trading day.

AI Boom and Impact on ASML’s Outlook:

  • CEO Christophe Fouquet expressed optimism, stating that AI has strengthened demand for ASML’s most advanced equipment.
  • DeepSeek’s AI model raised concerns over whether companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon would continue their heavy investments in AI chips. Despite this, Fouquet remains confident that as AI model costs decrease, demand for chips and advanced manufacturing tools will increase.
  • ASML reported a net income of 2.7 billion euros for the fourth quarter, surpassing analyst expectations. The company’s 2025 sales forecast remains between 30-35 billion euros, reflecting expected growth driven by the AI chip boom.

Market Position and Forecasts:

  • ASML’s largest customer, TSMC, remains a key player in the chip industry, manufacturing chips for firms like Nvidia and the aforementioned tech giants. Despite DeepSeek’s impact, the growth in AI-related demand for chips continues to drive TSMC’s capital expenditure.
  • ASML’s US market accounted for 28% of sales in Q4, with China following closely. The shift is due to TSMC’s Arizona expansion and Intel’s investments in ASML’s high-tech EUV tools.
  • However, ASML expects its China sales to decline to 20% of total sales in 2025 due to ongoing export restrictions imposed by the US and Dutch governments on national security grounds.

Philips Sells Xiver Chipmaking Subsidiary, Report Reveals

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Philips, the global healthcare technology company, has sold its small chipmaking subsidiary, Xiver, according to a report by the Telegraaf newspaper, citing the company’s CEO. The subsidiary was acquired by a consortium led by Orange Mills Ventures, the investment firm of Dutch businessman Cees Meeuwis. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Xiver, which specializes in manufacturing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)—a combination of mechanical and electronic components on a silicon chip—had been struggling financially and was described as a loss-making business. The subsidiary employed around 100 people. CEO John van Soerland, who retired from VDL last year, confirmed that Xiver supplies to major industry players, including ASML and the French defense firm Lynred.

Philips, which sold most of its semiconductor-related businesses, including ASML, several years ago, has since focused its efforts primarily on the healthcare sector. Xiver’s sale marks another step in the company’s strategy to streamline its operations, continuing its shift away from semiconductor manufacturing. Philips’ former semiconductor businesses, which include NXP and Nexperia, have now been spun off into separate entities.

 

Netherlands to Expand Export Controls on Semiconductor Equipment

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The Dutch government has announced an expansion of its export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment, effective from April 1. The new measures, which build on restrictions first introduced in 2023 under U.S. pressure, will require companies to seek export licenses for a narrow set of technologies. These include equipment used for measuring and inspecting semiconductor wafers, which play a critical role in the chipmaking process.

Despite the expansion of export controls, Dutch chip equipment company ASML has stated that the new regulations are not expected to affect its business. ASML maintained that the updated rules, which were outlined in the Netherlands’ state legal newspaper, align with previous guidance it issued in December. This guidance followed new restrictions announced by the U.S. government targeting semiconductor exports to China.

The Dutch trade ministry highlighted that such rule adjustments may occur periodically due to ongoing technical developments in the semiconductor industry.