ASML Achieves Strong Sales and Profit Growth in Fourth Quarter

ASML announced fourth-quarter bookings of 7.088 billion euros, significantly exceeding analysts' projected 3.99 billion euros, driven by robust demand for cutting-edge tools utilized in artificial intelligence. CEO Christophe Fouquet commented, "The expansion of artificial intelligence is the primary catalyst for growth in our sector." In response to the results and potential U.S. export restrictions impacting the semiconductor industry, ASML shares dropped by 16.3%. Despite the decline, the substantial increase in bookings signals a strong investment trend in AI-focused chips, according to analysts.