DeepSeek’s Ascendancy: Implications for ASML’s Earnings
Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML has reported a slight decline in net profit for 2024, with earnings of €7.6 billion compared to €7.8 billion in 2023. Total net sales for 2024 were €28.3 billion, up from €27.6 billion the previous year.
The company attributes this dip in profit to several factors, including geopolitical tensions and the emergence of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which has disrupted the sector.
Despite these challenges, ASML reported a significant increase in net bookings for the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching €7.09 billion—up 169% from €2.63 billion in the third quarter and exceeding analyst expectations. This surge suggests robust demand for ASML’s advanced lithography machines, particularly from manufacturers of AI processors.
Looking ahead, ASML anticipates that China’s share of its sales will decline to about 20% in 2025, primarily due to trade restrictions. The company has maintained its revenue forecast for 2025, projecting total sales between €30 billion and €35 billion.
In the stock market, ASML’s shares rose by 4.3% following the announcement of its fourth-quarter results, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s resilience and future prospects.