ASML announces order backlog
A small number of new units have been rescheduled from Q3 2004 while the rest of the backlog is due to minor production delays on some leading edge 300mm systems now due to ship to customers in early Q4 2004.
Doug Dunn, ASML president and CEO, comments: "We expect new unit sales in Q4 2004 to clearly favour 300mm systems causing our average selling price to rise sharply compared with Q3 2004. However, customers are showing signs of uncertainty by pushing out a handful of delivery dates of 200mm systems."
ASML is taking a more "prudent position" on Q4 2004, "based on recent commentary by customers about their own business outlook, including inventory buildup".
Dunn adds: "If this becomes a pattern, we do not exclude possible push-outs of five to ten lithography systems from Q4 into 2005, possibly reducing our gross margin by around one percentage point. We remain positive that ASML will deliver another two solid financial quarters to complete 2004."
