Q4 net profit 1.82 bln euros analysts 1.70 billion
Revenue 6.43 bln euros analysts 6.38 billion euros
Order backlog record high 40 bln euros

VELDHOVEN, Netherlands, Jan 25 Reuters ASML Holding NV, Europe39;s largest technology company, beat fourthquarter earnings forecasts on Wednesday and forecast a rise more than 25 in 2023 sales despite possible new curbs on its exports to China.

The maker of equipment to produce semiconductors has struggled to meet demand as top customers TSMC, Samsung and Intel are all engaged in major expansions.

It said its order backlog had grown to a record 40 billion euros 43.62 billion at the end of the year.

Credit Suisse analysts said the earnings may be taken negatively by the market, given recent rallies in the company39;s share price, up 22 in January and up 55 from October lows.

However, ASMLs structural prospects remain unchanged, they said in a note.

Shares were down 1.7 at 605.40 euros at 0744 GMT.

CEO Peter Wennink said that although the economic outlook for 2023 is clouded by worries over the economy and growing semiconductor inventories, customers also see conditions improving toward the end of the year and China39;s economy recovering after the end of COVID19 curbs.

That means that the demand is still higher than what we can make, he said.

CHINA The numbers come a week after U.S. President Joe Biden and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte discussed possible new export restrictions on some of ASML39;s sales to customers…