VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands, December 2, 2003 - ASML Holding NV (ASML) today announced that, based on its backlog of customer orders as of December 1 and its anticipated system shipments through year end, the company expects its order backlog at December 31, 2003 will be greater than its previously disclosed order backlog of 91 systems as of September 28, 2003.
ASML indicated today's announcement was to update cautionary statements, made in its Q3 2003 results conference call, that the company's backlog potentially could decline in the fourth quarter.
"The volatility of customer demand continues. In the past two weeks, the intake process has shown considerable strength and we will continue to pursue further orders through year end," said Doug Dunn, president and CEO, ASML.
Due to uncertain market conditions, ASML continues to refrain from issuing further guidance or forecasts.
About ASML
ASML is the world's leading provider of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, manufacturing complex machines that are critical to the production of integrated circuits or chips. Headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML. For more information, visit the Web site at www.asml.com.
ASML Press Contacts:
Tom McGuire - Corporate Communications - +31 40 268 5758 - Veldhoven, the Netherlands Beth Kitchener - Corporate Communications - +31 40 268 2602 - Veldhoven, the Netherlands
ASML Investor Contacts:
Doug Marsh - US Institutional Investor Relations +1 480 383 4006 - Tempe, Arizona, US Craig DeYoung - Investor Relations - +31 40 268 3938 - Veldhoven, the Netherlands