ASM bookings hit by disappointing China, AI demand

(Reuters) -Computer chip equipment maker ASM International reported third-quarter bookings below market expectations on Tuesday, hit by a larger-than-expected drop in orders from Chinese chipmakers Although ASM reported higher AI-related spend from clients, the rise was less than it had expected. Bookings, the industry's most closely watched figure, came in at 637 million euros ($743 million) in the third quarter of the year, down 9% on the last quarter and 22% on the same period the year before. That compared with an average 719 millions euros forecast by analysts, according to Visible Alpha. The Dutch firm in September cut its 2025 revenue forecast anticipating weaker demand as major customers Intel and Samsung face challenges. "We expect the subdued order trend to bottom out in Q4 at a slightly higher level than Q3. Quarterly orders are projected to pick up again as 2026 progresses", ASM said in a statement. Bookings fueled by artificial-intelligence related demand were higher than in the last quarter, but did not meet expectations, ASM said. "China spend weighs more on ASM's margins than AI related demand", analyst Michael Roeg of Degroof Petercam said in an email. The world's largest chip equipment maker ASML beat orders estimates earlier this month as demand for AI megadeals outweighed a steeper loss in Chinese orders. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Gdansk; Editing by Matt Scuffham)

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