AMSTERDAM: Dutch computer chipmaker and global high-tech bellwether ASML Holding NV yesterday reported a steep fall in first-quarter sales and profits, but predicted an upswing in the months ahead.
Net sales for the first quarter of this year stood at 1.33 billion euros (US$1.51 billion), compared with 1.65 billion euros a year ago.
However, net income halved, dropping from 403 million euros in the first quarter of last year to 198 million this year. ASML president Peter Wennink said the firm’s second-quarter net sales would increase substantially from the first quarter to about 1.7 billion euros.
