ASML CEO sees growing economic 'uncertainty' from tariffs

Core Viewpoint - ASML has expressed concerns about increasing economic uncertainty due to US tariffs but maintains its sales forecast for 2025 unchanged [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - ASML's net profit for the first quarter was reported at 2.4 billion euros, a significant increase from 1.2 billion euros in the same quarter last year [6]. - The company's sales for the first quarter reached 7.7 billion euros, aligning with expectations, while the forecast for second-quarter net sales is between 7.2 billion and 7.7 billion euros [5]. - Net bookings for the first quarter were 3.9 billion euros, a decline from 7.1 billion euros in the previous quarter, which fell short of market expectations and led to a share price drop of around 7% [2][4]. Group 2: Market Outlook - Despite current challenges, ASML's CEO anticipates growth in 2025 and 2026, supported by ongoing customer conversations [2]. - The company projects sales to rise to between 44 and 60 billion euros by 2030, driven by the expanding AI market [8]. - The impact of US tariffs on ASML remains uncertain, with the CEO indicating that quantifying this effect is challenging [9]. Group 3: Industry Context - The US has initiated tariffs on semiconductors and related equipment, with a 10% global tariff imposed on all imports [3]. - ASML is navigating the complexities of US-led export restrictions on high-tech goods to China, which are perceived as a threat to national security [9][10]. - The Dutch government has also tightened export controls on advanced semiconductor production equipment, although ASML stated that this would have no significant impact on its business [10].