ASML’s strong business figures – but not strong enough

According to further information, revenues climbed by more than 20 percent to €7.7 billion during the reporting period. The operating profit margin was a surprisingly strong 53.7 percent. One-off effects, among other things, had a positive impact here, explained CEO Fouquet. "For the third quarter, we expect revenues of €7.4 to €7.9 billion and a margin of between 50 and 52 percent." For the full year, the ASML CEO is targeting a 15 percent increase in sales and a profit margin of approximately 52 percent. He also announced an interim dividend of €1.60 per share.

"The figures are better than expected across the board," praised analyst Michael Roeg of asset manager Degroof Petercam. Investors nevertheless reacted with disappointment. ASML shares temporarily plummeted sharply on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, falling as sharply as they did during the previous quarterly results, when order intake fell short of market expectations.