January 24, The world's leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, ASML Holding NV (ASML, Financial), is now facing growing scrutiny as its next earnings report approaches. Igniting a sharp selloff that left its stock down nearly 30% from its July peak, the Dutch company slashed its revenue forecast for 2025. ASML's position has become ever more precarious as significant sector challenges and uncertainty remain over the tightening of the export controls to China.
The key customer for ASML's cutting-edge lithography tools — Intel Corp (INTC, Financial) — is in the midst of leadership transitions, as is Samsung Electronics Co (SSNLF, Financial), which is fighting production setbacks, notably high bandwidth memory critical to Nvidia Corp (NVDA, Financial). Compounding that, SK Hynix Inc. limited investment growth for the year has alarmed about potential equipment spending cutbacks. That dragged ASML's stock further and reflects the chip equipment sector more broadly struggling.
ASML is expected to make $33.8 billion in sales this year, well below the middle of the company's own guidance. That puts confidence in ASML's long-term growth shakier than usual, with its clients facing uncertain spending plans for the future. The markets to watch for investors will be for stabilization here and in the chipmaking landscape more broadly.
