FormFactor vs ASML: why the prices moved differently

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  Record Q2 results and raised Q3 guidance FormFactor reported record Q2 revenue of $258.2 million and EPS of $0.82, beating expectations, and guided Q3 to about $270 million and $0.86 EPS. The stock jumped 25.6% as the annualized revenue run rate passed $1 billion, showing the AI testing boom is translating into real profits.

  This is the biggest new event of the period and directly explains the stock's sharp move.

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  Accelerating co-packaged optics and HBM4 share gains Management said demand for co-packaged optics is accelerating, with full-year 2026 revenue now expected to significantly exceed the initial $20 million forecast. FormFactor also gained market share in HBM4 using its SmartMatrix technology, expanding its AI exposure beyond memory into networking and custom chips.

  This shows new growth drivers that support future revenue and justify the stock's premium valuation.

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  Sector selloff on China competition and AI demand doubts On July 29, semiconductor stocks fell sharply, with FormFactor dropping 9-11%, amid fears of increased competition from China and doubts about the sustainability of AI demand. Reports of China's progress in advanced chip manufacturing and the strong debut of Chinese memory maker CXMT fueled oversupply and pricing concerns.

  This is a real counterweight that pressured the stock just before earnings, showing the risks investors are weighing.

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  TSMC capex reset triggered semiconductor selloff On July 16, FormFactor fell 6.9% after TSMC raised its capital expenditure guidance, sparking a broad semiconductor selloff. Investors worried that rising costs for AI manufacturing capacity would pressure free cash flow and margins across the sector, even though TSMC also lifted its revenue outlook.

  This event shows how broader industry cost concerns can drag FormFactor down, even when its own business is strong.

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  Record Q1 revenue and profit surge FormFactor reported Q1 2026 revenue up 32% to $226 million and earnings per share up 349% to $0.46, with management expecting a record Q2 driven by DRAM probe card sales. This shows the company is benefiting strongly from AI chip testing demand, pushing the stock up.

  This is the core fundamental driver of FormFactor's business performance and directly explains why the stock is moving.

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  AI capex boom boosts testing demand Zacks highlighted FormFactor as a top pick for the AI infrastructure spending surge, with cloud providers expected to spend $700 billion in 2026. As AI chips become more complex, demand for FormFactor's testing solutions rises, supporting the stock price.

  This points to a broad, ongoing demand driver that underpins FormFactor's growth outlook.

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  Memory slowdown and profit-taking hit sector A report that SK Hynix is slowing HBM expansion triggered a broad AI-chip selloff, with FormFactor falling 8.4%. Later, Samsung's record profit led to profit-taking, and news of DeepSeek's own AI chip raised fears of reduced demand for test equipment, sending FormFactor down 10.2%.

  These events represent real counterweights that have pressured FormFactor's stock during the period.

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  China Nvidia import hopes lift test equipment stocks Reports that China may allow limited imports of Nvidia's H200 chips sparked a rally in semiconductor manufacturing stocks, with FormFactor jumping 9.5%. Easing restrictions could boost demand for advanced chip testing and packaging equipment, benefiting FormFactor.

  This is a new positive catalyst that directly lifted FormFactor's stock and could improve future demand.

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  EUV market forecast to double by 2032 A new report projects the EUV lithography market will grow from $15.84 billion in 2026 to $30.36 billion by 2032, an 11.4% yearly pace. ASML is the only maker of these machines, so a bigger market directly lifts its future sales and supports the stock.

  Shows a long-term demand tailwind that underpins ASML's growth story.

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  Analysts raise ASML earnings estimates and price targets Zacks upgraded ASML to Buy after earnings estimates jumped 36.9% for the current quarter, and UBS kept it a top pick with a €2,350 target, expecting 2027 revenue growth above 30%. Higher estimates and targets pull the stock up as investors price in stronger profits.

  Analyst upgrades and estimate revisions are a direct positive force on the share price.

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  Investors see ASML as a core AI winner Top investors named ASML an AI winner because its EUV monopoly is nearly fully booked for 2027, and TSMC guided to over 40% revenue growth. This reinforces that AI spending keeps flowing to ASML's tools, supporting demand and the stock.

  Confirms strong AI-driven demand and near-term order visibility.

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  CEO warns US China curbs could backfire ASML's CEO warned that broader US export restrictions on China could speed up rival technologies and shrink ASML's market for EUV and DUV tools. This geopolitical risk could cap future sales and weigh on the stock, even as buybacks continue.

  A real counterweight that could limit ASML's addressable market and future growth.

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  Samsung expands High-NA EUV partnership Samsung deepened its ASML partnership to use High-NA EUV for future memory and logic lines, adding to Intel and TSMC commitments. Each machine costs about $400 million, so more committed buyers lengthen ASML's order runway and support future sales and pricing.

  A concrete new customer commitment that directly supports ASML's future revenue.

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  Service and upgrade sales jump 31.8% ASML's installed-base business, which services and upgrades machines already in chipmakers' factories, grew 31.8% to €2.8 billion in the second quarter, beating management's own expectations. This steady, recurring revenue grows with the EUV fleet and is less tied to new-machine cycles.

  Shows a fast-growing, recurring revenue stream that cushions ASML against equipment-order swings.

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  12-inch photomask standard locks in High-NA roadmap TSMC and ASML launched an industry push to move EUV photomasks from 6-inch to 12-inch, targeting a pilot line by 2031 and production by 2033. Bigger masks can raise High-NA output about 40%, strengthening the long-term case for ASML's most expensive machines.

  A new industry-standard initiative that underpins the long-term economics of ASML's High-NA line.

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  Valuation premium leaves little room for error ASML shares trade roughly 35-40% above analyst fair-value estimates, so any wobble in AI spending or High-NA execution can hit the stock hard. This is the main counterweight: the business is strong, but the price already assumes a lot goes right.

  The key risk balancing the positive demand news, explaining why shares can slip even on good headlines.

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  AI leaders' slowdown call triggers sector sell-off On September 14, Anthropic's Dario Amodei, backed by Sam Altman and Elon Musk, urged a deliberate slowdown in AI development. ASML fell 5-6% as investors feared weaker demand for chipmaking equipment. This is a new negative force, though political opposition and Altman's clarification limit the impact.

  This was the main reason ASML dropped sharply this period, directly answering why the stock moved.

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  ASML studies building over 110 EUV tools in 2028 ASML is examining ways to produce more than 110 EUV systems in 2028, up at least 37.5% from 2027, driven by AI demand. Its 2027 capacity is nearly sold out. This signals strong future orders and supports the stock, as it shows ASML is preparing for a boom, not a slowdown.

  This is a new, concrete positive signal that counters the slowdown fears and shows ASML's growth path.

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  TSMC capex surge and ASML Q2 results confirm AI demand ASML's Q2 revenue rose 21.3% to $10.65 billion, with memory system sales expected to grow over 75% this year. TSMC raised its 2026 capital budget to $60-64 billion and is expanding in Arizona. This spending directly benefits ASML, as TSMC buys its lithography tools.

  This new article provides fresh confirmation of strong customer spending, a key positive driver for ASML.

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  High-NA EUV moves into real production Intel and ASML confirmed over one million wafers processed on High-NA EUV, with Intel using it for Panther Lake chips. This proves ASML's newest, most expensive machines work in mass production, supporting future orders and pricing power.

  This is the core new event of the period and directly supports ASML's most advanced product line.

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  TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix line up for High-NA TSMC plans High-NA for advanced nodes by 2030, Samsung and SK Hynix for DRAM by 2028. More chipmakers adopting ASML's top tools widens its customer base and lengthens the order runway into the 2030s.

  Shows the demand driver broadening beyond Intel, which is new and important for future revenue.

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  ASML raises 2026 guidance on AI demand ASML lifted 2026 sales guidance to €43–45 billion and gross margin to 54–56%, saying AI spending is lifting orders into 2028. It also bought back about €1.1 billion of shares, signaling confidence and supporting the stock price.

  A direct, company-issued upgrade to financial targets is a major new positive for the stock.

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  Record chip-equipment spending, memory boom Industry wafer-fab equipment spending is set to hit a record $135.2 billion in 2026, with memory equipment up sharply. ASML plans 30% more low-NA EUV capacity for 2027, positioning it to capture this demand.

  This is the broad industry backdrop that underpins ASML's order growth and capacity expansion.

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  TSMC's July sales surge signals more ASML orders ahead TSMC, ASML's biggest customer, reported July revenue up 44.7% from a year earlier and raised its 2026 spending plans. When TSMC sells more AI chips, it needs more of ASML's lithography machines, so ASML shares jumped as much as 5%.

  This is the main new demand signal that moved ASML this period.

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  Intel's $15 billion raise funds high-NA EUV expansion Intel plans to sell $15 billion in new stock to fund AI and foundry expansion, including high-volume production using ASML's newest high-NA EUV machines. That means a major customer is spending more on ASML's most advanced, expensive tools, supporting future orders.

  New customer capital commitment directly supports ASML's high-end equipment demand.

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  Zeiss says it can keep up with ASML machine demand Zeiss, which makes the special mirrors inside ASML's most advanced machines, said it has enough capacity and is building new factories to meet AI-driven demand. This eases fears that a parts shortage could limit how many machines ASML can deliver.

  Removes a key supply bottleneck worry that could have capped ASML's sales.

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  New $400 million bet on a lithography rival A hedge fund invested $400 million in startup Source Foundry, which is developing lithography equipment to compete with ASML. It does not affect ASML's current orders, but it shows serious money backing a potential future rival in a market ASML has long dominated.

  Introduces a new competitive threat that could weigh on ASML's long-term pricing power.

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  China's homegrown DUV machines spark global chip selloff China's Shanghai Aishengna began mass-producing immersion DUV lithography tools, the older machines ASML sells to China (about 29% of 2025 sales). This breaks ASML's near-monopoly on that technology, threatening future Chinese orders and service revenue. The news triggered a worldwide chip rout, and ASML fell 8.4% in a single day.

  This is the main new competitive threat that directly drove ASML's sharp drop this period.

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  AI stock selloff and financing doubts drag sector Investors grew skeptical about how AI data-center spending is financed, and a broad AI-linked selloff hit chip stocks. ASML fell with the whole sector, not just on its own news. Capital Economics called the selloff fear-driven and expects a rally to resume, but warned longer-term earnings expectations look too optimistic.

  Explains the market-wide pressure that amplified ASML's decline beyond its own China news.

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  Tesla-SpaceX $16.8B Texas chip complex to boost equipment demand Tesla and SpaceX are building a $16.8 billion semiconductor complex in Texas, combining chip design, wafer production, memory, packaging and testing. It could create significant orders for equipment suppliers like ASML, which is already factoring expected Terafab demand into its future capacity plans. Execution risks remain, but it supports long-term demand.

  A new, concrete demand driver that could offset China competition fears over time.

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  Chipmaker rebound lifts ASML over 2% ASML gained over 2% as chipmakers rebounded, with ARM up more than 5% and ON Semiconductor and Marvell also rising. The rebound suggests demand for ASML's lithography systems remains robust despite recent China fears. This is a short-term sentiment shift, but it shows the stock can recover when sector worries ease.

  Shows the counterweight: investor confidence returning to chip equipment names.

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  China starts mass-producing rival DUV tools China's state-backed Shanghai Aishengna began mass-producing immersion DUV lithography machines, the type ASML sells to China — about 29% of 2025 sales. This breaks ASML's near-monopoly on that older technology, so future Chinese orders and service revenue are at risk. The stock fell over 8%.

  This is the single biggest new force hitting ASML this period and the main reason the stock dropped.

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  Global chip selloff on China fears and AI financing doubts The China DUV news triggered a worldwide semiconductor rout: Korea's Kospi fell about 11%, Samsung and SK Hynix each dropped over 12%, and Nvidia lost 5%. Investors also grew skeptical about how AI data-center spending is financed. ASML fell with the whole sector, not just on its own news.

  Shows the selloff was market-wide, amplifying the drop in ASML shares beyond the China story alone.

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  AI chip demand forecast raised, capacity still tight Omdia lifted its 2026 semiconductor revenue growth forecast to 94.1%, driven by AI memory demand, with leading-edge chip capacity constrained into 2027. That means foundries still need more of ASML's machines. This is a counterweight to the China competition fear, supporting future orders.

  It is the main new positive force offsetting the China-driven selloff and supports ASML's order pipeline.

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  ASML raising low-NA EUV prices on monopoly strength ASML is reportedly planning to raise prices for its low-NA EUV systems, which cost about $200 million each, citing their rising value to chipmakers. With a monopoly on EUV and 2027 capacity nearly sold out, higher prices lift revenue and margins. This supports the stock despite the China threat.

  Pricing power is a new, concrete positive driver for ASML's revenue and margins this period.

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  Q2 beat and sharply raised 2026 guidance ASML reported Q2 sales of €9.3 billion and profit of €2.9 billion, both above its own guidance, and raised full-year 2026 sales to €43–45 billion from €36–40 billion. The stock jumped as much as 8% because this shows AI-driven demand is still accelerating, not fading.

  The earnings beat and raised outlook are the single biggest new force moving ASML's price this period.

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  Intel starts commercial production with ASML's newest High NA EUV tool Intel began using ASML's next-generation High NA EUV machine in commercial production at its Oregon plant, with yields matching older tools. This matters because the expensive new machine had faced doubts about adoption; a major customer proving it works supports future orders and pricing power.

  It is a concrete new customer milestone that validates ASML's most advanced and highest-priced product line.

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  2027 EUV capacity nearly sold out; price rises planned ASML's CFO said 2027 EUV capacity is close to fully booked, with substantial 2028 orders already secured, and the company plans to raise equipment prices. Full order books and higher prices both point to stronger future revenue, though biggest customer TSMC is pushing back on the increases.

  It shows demand visibility years out and a new profit lever, directly supporting the stock's valuation.

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  New US export-control push and TSMC capex-cost selloff US lawmakers advanced rules that could tighten ASML's DUV sales to China, about 20% of 2026 revenue, while TSMC's higher capex guidance sparked a sector selloff that dragged ASML down 4.7% on Friday. These are the main counterweights to the strong earnings.

  It captures the two real negatives this period: regulatory risk to China revenue and margin-cost fears spreading through chip stocks.

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  ASML invests €1.3B in Mistral AI, forms strategic partnership ASML led a €1.7 billion funding round for French AI startup Mistral AI, investing €1.3 billion. The partnership will explore using AI models across ASML's products and operations. This signals ASML is embedding AI deeper into its business, which could improve its technology and efficiency, supporting the stock.

  New capital deployment and technology partnership that could enhance ASML's competitive edge.

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  Bernstein and other analysts raise ASML price targets sharply Bernstein lifted its ASML target to $2,623 from $1,971, citing unprecedented AI-driven demand for advanced logic and DRAM chips. Morgan Stanley and Susquehanna also raised targets. Higher targets from major banks can attract more investors and push the stock up.

  Analyst upgrades reflect growing confidence in ASML's earnings outlook, directly influencing investor sentiment.

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  SK Hynix confirms 11.9 trillion won EUV order from ASML SK Hynix plans to spend about 11.9 trillion won on EUV scanners from ASML, with delivery by December 2027. This concrete order, tied to SK Hynix's Nasdaq IPO, shows strong demand for ASML's most advanced machines and supports future revenue.

  Large confirmed order provides visibility on future sales, a key driver for the stock.

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  Q2 earnings preview: strong demand expected but Zacks rates Sell ASML reports Q2 on July 15, with analysts expecting strong results and raised guidance on AI demand. However, Zacks rates the stock a Sell, citing downward estimate revisions and China export risks. The mixed views create uncertainty ahead of the report, which could cause volatility.

  Upcoming earnings are a major near-term catalyst, with conflicting analyst views that could swing the stock.

Based on 11 stories →

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  Samsung and SK Hynix's $1.3 trillion Korea chip investment South Korea announced that Samsung and SK Hynix will invest over $1.3 trillion in new chip plants. This massive, decade-long spending will require many EUV machines from ASML, driving its stock up 5.3% to a record high.

  This is a major new demand catalyst that directly boosts ASML's future orders and stock price.

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  JPMorgan and BofA raise price targets on improved outlook JPMorgan and BofA raised their price targets for ASML, citing better capacity and demand recovery. This signals growing confidence from major banks, which can attract more investors and push the stock higher.

  Analyst upgrades are a direct driver of investor sentiment and price targets, influencing buying decisions.

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  ASML's strong financials and €12 billion buyback ASML reported a $45 billion backlog, 52.8% gross margin, and announced a new €12 billion share buyback. These fundamentals show the company's financial strength and support its stock price by returning cash to shareholders.

  Strong financial health and buybacks are key factors that underpin investor confidence and stock valuation.

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  EU report warns US could block ASML's China exports An EU-funded report warns that the US could block ASML's exports to China, adding regulatory risk. This could reduce future sales to a key market, creating uncertainty that may weigh on the stock price.

  This highlights a real regulatory threat that could negatively impact ASML's revenue and investor sentiment.

Based on 14 stories →

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  AI valuation fears trigger sharp tech selloff Global tech stocks plunged on fears that AI-related valuations are too high and interest rates may rise. ASML fell 8.7% in one day as chipmakers led the decline. This hurts ASML's price because investors are selling high-flying tech stocks, even if the company's business remains strong.

  This explains the immediate negative price move and the broader market sentiment driving ASML down.

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  Netherlands joins Pax Silica, tightening export rules The Netherlands joined a U.S.-led alliance to coordinate AI supply chains, raising expectations of stricter export controls on ASML's equipment to China. China was 36% of ASML's system sales in late 2025 but only 19% in early 2026. This adds regulatory risk and could reduce future sales, pushing the stock down.

  This is a new regulatory development that directly affects ASML's sales to China and investor confidence.

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  SK Hynix plans $29 billion listing to buy EUV scanners SK Hynix filed to raise $29.65 billion on the Nasdaq, partly to buy EUV scanners from ASML. This is a concrete order signal that supports future revenue. It pushes ASML's price up because it shows demand for its most advanced machines remains strong despite market jitters.

  This is a new, specific demand driver that counters the negative sentiment and shows ASML's order book strength.

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  IBM unveils sub-1nm chip with ASML as partner IBM announced the world's first sub-1 nanometer chip technology, developed with ASML as a partner. This shows ASML's tools are essential for the next generation of chips. It supports ASML's long-term demand and helps offset negative news, though commercial adoption is years away.

  This is a new technology milestone that reinforces ASML's critical role in advanced chipmaking, supporting its long-term growth story.

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  Intel's 18A-P risk production lifts EUV demand hopes Intel announced its 18A-P chip node entered risk production, a step toward mass manufacturing. This could mean more orders for ASML's EUV machines, as Intel needs them to make advanced chips. The stock hit a 52-week high on the news.

  This is a new event that directly boosts expected demand for ASML's core products.

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  Dan Loeb's new stake signals confidence in ASML's monopoly Billionaire investor Dan Loeb bought a new stake in ASML, worth about $15.85 million. His move shows belief that ASML's unique position in EUV lithography and the AI boom still have room to grow, even after a big stock rally.

  A high-profile investor's new position can sway sentiment and highlights ASML's durable competitive edge.

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  Goldman Sachs sees ASML as a top beneficiary of AI capex boom Goldman Sachs says the world has entered a new era of heavy spending on AI infrastructure, with hyperscalers expected to spend $755 billion in 2026. ASML is named as one of about 50 global companies set to benefit from this capital flood.

  This macro shift supports long-term demand for ASML's machines and validates its role in the AI supply chain.

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  US concerns that ASML EUV machine may have reached China US Commerce Secretary Lutnick told ASML leaders he is worried that one of its top EUV machines may have gone to China, breaking export rules. This could lead to fines or tighter restrictions, adding risk to ASML's sales and reputation.

  This is a new regulatory threat that could hurt ASML's business and investor confidence.

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