ASML raises revenue outlook yet cuts 1,700 jobs

ASML is recording strong growth driven by AI chip demand. Q4 2025: order intake significantly exceeded expectations (€13.2 bn vs. expectation €6.32 bn vs. previous quarter €5.4 bn). 2026 revenue forecast raised to €34–39 bn (analyst expectation: €35 bn; 2025: €32.7 bn). Background: cloud computing giants (Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet) and semiconductor manufacturers (TSMC, Samsung) are massively increasing investments in capacity for AI chips due to supply bottlenecks for memory and AI accelerator chips. CEO Christophe Fouquet: 'Customers share a significantly more positive market assessment for the medium term, especially due to more robust AI demand assumptions.' Long-term forecast to 2030 unchanged: €44–60 bn revenue, gross margin 56–60%. Despite growth optimism: in parallel, a cut of 1,700 positions (3.8%) announced.