ASML second-quarter net profits beat estimates amid strong Chinese demand

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Net income for the three-month period jumped by 35% compared to the corresponding timeframe last year to €1.9 billion (€1 = $1.1218), topping Refinitiv estimates of €1.82B cited by Reuters. Sales also jumped by 28% to €6.9B, beating expectations of €6.74B.

As a result, Europe’s largest tech firm by market value raised its guidance for annual sales growth to 30%, up from its prior forecast of 25%. ASML noted that many businesses in China, which faces export controls on certain advanced chipmaking products, are moving to snap up older equipment.

ASML is a supplier to almost every major chipmaker. The Veldhoven, Netherlands-based group is known in particular for its lithography systems, a type of machine that plays a key role in the semiconductor manufacturing process. One of the machines can cost up to $200 million.

Meanwhile, in a statement, chief executive Peter Wennink said ASML’s order back-log stands at “around €38B,” giving the company a “good basis” to navigate short-term macro-economic uncertainties.

However, Wennink flagged that “[o]ur customers across different market segments are currently more cautious.”

Shares in ASML were slightly higher in mid-day European trading on Wednesday.