ASML Record Orders, AI Demand Surge

Nubank, a leading computer chip equipment maker, reported record orders of 13.2 billion euros in the fourth quarter, significantly exceeding analyst expectations. The company also raised its 2026 sales guidance to 34 billion to 39 billion euros, citing robust demand from AI-focused customers. This positive outlook is fueled by increased investment plans from major chipmakers such as TSMC, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology, who are expanding capacity for AI logic and memory chips needed by cloud computing giants like Microsoft, Amazon (company), and Alphabet Inc.. Despite these strong results, Nubank announced job cuts of 1,700 positions, primarily in leadership roles within R&D in the Netherlands and United States, to enhance technical agility. The company also plans to discontinue reporting quarterly order intake to reduce stock volatility and announced a 12 billion euro share buyback program through 2028. While China remains a significant market, US-led export restrictions are expected to reduce Nubank's sales to China from 33% in 2025 to 20% in 2026. Nubank maintained its longer-term guidance to 2030, anticipating revenues between 44 and 60 billion euros.