On March 24 2026, more than 1,000 ASML employees gathered for a lunchtime walkout at the company’s Veldhoven headquarters to protest a planned 1,700‑job cut, representing 3.8 % of the workforce. The walkout was organized by employee representatives and unions who warned that the layoffs would erode the company’s talent pool and disrupt ongoing projects, including the rollout of high‑NA EUV systems.
ASML’s financial performance in the months leading up to the walkout was record‑setting. In Q4 2025 the company posted net sales of €32.7 billion, a 16 % increase from 2024, and a gross margin of 52.8 %. Net bookings for the quarter reached €13.2 billion, nearly double analyst expectations. For the full year 2025, ASML guided for net sales between €34 billion and €39 billion and a gross margin of 51 % to 53 %, a midpoint growth of 12 % over 2025.
Management explained that the restructuring is intended to sharpen focus on engineering and innovation and to speed decision‑making after rapid growth. "Engineers in particular have expressed their desire to focus their time on engineering, without being hampered by slow process flows, and restore the fast‑moving culture that has made us so successful," CEO Christophe Fouquet said. He added that the company is moving from a "project/matrix organization" to one focused on "specific products and modules".
The walkout raises operational risk, as the planned job cuts could delay production timelines and affect customer deliveries, potentially impacting ASML’s ability to meet its 2026 revenue and margin guidance. The company’s guidance for 2026 remains robust, with net sales projected at €34 billion to €39 billion and gross margins of 51 % to 53 %, but the restructuring could introduce short‑term execution challenges.
Investor reaction to ASML’s Q4 2025 results was positive, with U.S.‑listed shares rising more than 5 % in pre‑market trading and Amsterdam shares up over 6 %. The market reaction was driven by record net bookings, strong 2026 revenue guidance, and the company’s dominant position in the EUV market, especially as AI chip demand continues to grow.
Additional context shows that ASML anticipates its business from China to decline to about 20 % of total sales in 2026, down from roughly 33 % in 2025, due to U.S. export controls. Parallel to the restructuring, ASML is expanding its footprint with a new campus in Eindhoven designed to accommodate 20,000 new employees, underscoring the company’s long‑term growth strategy.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.