Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML has reported unprecedented financial performance for 2025, achieving a historic net profit of €9.6 billion ($11.5 billion) on sales totaling €32.7 billion. This remarkable growth, driven primarily by artificial intelligence-related demand, represents a significant milestone for the chip machinery manufacturer.
Despite operating under Dutch government export restrictions targeting advanced chipmaking equipment that could be utilized in weapons systems, ASML has demonstrated remarkable resilience. These export controls, initially implemented in 2023 and subsequently expanded, align with broader U.S. initiatives to limit China’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
President and CEO Christophe Fouquet emphasized the transformative market shift, stating: ‘Recent months have witnessed our customers expressing substantially more optimistic medium-term market assessments, fundamentally anchored in strengthened expectations regarding the sustainability of AI-driven demand. This positive outlook has translated into significant enhancements to their capacity planning and our record-breaking order intake.’
Concurrently, ASML announced strategic workforce reductions affecting approximately 1,700 positions, representing roughly 4% of its global workforce. The company characterized these measures as proactive streamlining initiatives designed to enhance operational efficiency and innovation capacity. Internal communications to employees clarified that these organizational changes are being implemented from a position of corporate strength rather than financial necessity.
The restructuring primarily targets technology and IT departments, aiming to sharpen ASML’s engineering focus and innovation capabilities. Company leadership emphasized that process and system improvements will facilitate more effective innovation, ultimately driving responsible growth for ASML and its stakeholders.
Looking forward to 2026, ASML anticipates another year of expansion, with growth expected to be propelled by continued strong demand for its extreme ultraviolet lithography systems—the sophisticated machinery essential for producing the world’s most advanced semiconductors.