Wed Jan 29 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## ASML Defies AI Spending Concerns with Record Bookings
**AMSTERDAM** – Dutch semiconductor giant ASML Holding NV reported a massive surge in fourth-quarter net bookings, exceeding analyst expectations and suggesting robust demand for its advanced chipmaking equipment despite recent concerns about slowing AI investment.
ASML announced €7.09 billion in net bookings, a 169% increase compared to the third quarter and significantly surpassing the €3.99 billion forecast by analysts. This strong performance comes amidst a recent market dip triggered by the launch of DeepSeek’s low-cost AI model, which raised questions about the sustainability of high spending on AI infrastructure by companies like OpenAI and Microsoft. These concerns had previously impacted ASML’s stock price.
The company’s EUV lithography systems, crucial for producing advanced microchips, accounted for €3 billion of the total bookings. This strong performance has reassured some analysts. Michael Field, chief equity strategist at Morningstar, stated that ASML’s results refute claims of overvaluation and highlighted the company as Morningstar’s top AI pick in Europe, suggesting a potential share price of €850. This is considerably higher than Tuesday’s closing price of €646.60. The robust bookings suggest that despite anxieties surrounding AI spending, the demand for ASML’s high-tech equipment remains exceptionally strong.
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