Il 2025 closes as one of the best years ever for ASML, the Dutch multinational founded in 1984 and specialized in the development and production of photolithography machines used in the production of the most advanced chips. A result that confirms the the group's central role in the global semiconductor race new generation. The net turnover reached 32,7 billion euros, with a gross margin of 52,8% and a Net income rose to €9,6 billion. The fourth quarter saw further acceleration, with revenues of €9,7 billion and a net profit of €2,8 billion, also supported by the recognition of revenues related to High NA systems.
The most striking data, however, is that of the ordersIn the fourth quarter alone, Reservations net sales reached 13,2 billion euros, more than double analysts' estimates, with 7,4 billion attributable to EUV technologies. By the end of 2025, overall order book reached 38,8 billion euros, offering very broad visibility on future revenues.
For the 2026 Asml provides net sales between 34 and 39 billion euros, with stable gross margins between 51% and 53%, signaling the continuation of the AI-related growth cycle.
AI demand reshapes customers' business plans
The basis of these numbers is the rapid development of artificial intelligence infrastructure, which is pushing major technology and semiconductor groups to accelerate investments in advanced manufacturing capacity. According to management, in recent months, many clients have expressed a significantly more positive assessment of the medium-term market outlook, based on the sustainability of AI-related demand.
This change in perception is directly reflected in the expansion plans and in the record number of orders acquired by the group, which continues to benefit from its unique position in manufacturing the equipment needed for the most sophisticated chips. This dynamic has further strengthened ASML's strategic role throughout the global semiconductor supply chain.
Despite the boom, ASML prepares 1.700 cuts
Despite the exceptional growth, Asml has however announced an internal reorganization which will lead to approximately 1.700 job cuts, concentrated above all in the Netherlands and partly in the United States, equal to about 4% of the workforceThe reduction mainly concerns managerial positions and is part of a process of reviewing operating methods.
The CEO Christophe Fouquet He explained that, although the company is "in excellent shape", some ways of working have become less agile. The goal is simplify the organizational structure and increase efficiency, intervening during a phase of strength to prepare the group for the needs of a rapidly evolving market.
The market rewards ASML, but Wall Street remains demanding
The results have been met with positive market response. ASML shares have risen 36% since the beginning of the year and have more than doubled in the last twelve months, reflecting investor enthusiasm for booming orders and growth prospects related to artificial intelligence. The group's market capitalization exceeded $500 billion in January.
At the same time, the accounts did not fully meet Wall Street's expectations, where earnings per share estimates were more ambitious. This is a sign of how high expectations remain for a company now perceived as one of the main structural beneficiaries of the AI revolution, but one that is expected to maintain increasingly ambitious performance levels over time.
This morning ASML stock soars on the stock market gaining over 5% to €1,291 per share.
