Chip machinery maker ASML said on Wednesday it expected to beat 2007’s record earnings of €3.8bn this year, following higher than expected sales in the first quarter.

ASML, which is Europe’s biggest maker of semiconductor equipment, received orders valued at €1bn in the first quarter and predicted a similar level in the second.
First quarter sales totalled €742m. Net income reached €107m.
‘Bookings came in at €1bn, in line with our expectations and adding confidence in a prolonged recovery of the semiconductor industry,’ said CEO Eric Meurice in a statement.
ASML’s customers include Apple iPods and Nokia’s mobile phones.