ASML cuts 1,700 jobs despite strong order intake

ASML has announced the cutting of 1,700 jobs (3.8% of its total workforce) – the largest job cut in absolute numbers in the company's history. The cuts will take place primarily in the Netherlands and the USA, predominantly at management level. Reason: after a prolonged expansion phase in the 2010s and 2020s, the structure is being optimised. Paradoxically, at the same time ASML reported surprisingly strong Q4 bookings (€13.2 bn vs. an expected €6.32 bn) and raised its 2026 outlook (€34-39 bn in revenue instead of the analyst expectation of €35 bn) on the back of robust AI-chip demand (EUV for logic and DRAM). Long-term forecast to 2030: €44-60 bn in revenue, gross margin 56-60%.