EX-99.1 2 asmlstatutoryannualreport2.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit
Exhibit 99.1




  



 


Statutory Annual Report 2015








Contents












A summary of all abbreviations, technical terms and definitions (of capitalized terms) used in this Statutory Annual Report is set forth on page 127 through 129.
This report comprises regulated information within the meaning of articles 1:1 and 5:25c of the Dutch FMSA.
In this report the name "ASML" is sometimes used for convenience in contexts where reference is made to ASML Holding N.V. and/or any of its subsidiaries in general. The name is also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.
© 2015, ASML Holding N.V. All Rights Reserved.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015







ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015




Board of Management
Peter T.F.M. Wennink (1957)
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Member of the Board of Management
First appointed in 1999
Dutch nationality
Martin A. van den Brink (1957)
President, Chief Technology Officer and
Member of the Board of Management
First appointed in 1999
Dutch nationality
Frits J. van Hout (1960)
Executive Vice President, Chief Program Officer and
Member of the Board of Management
First appointed in 2009
Dutch nationality
Frédéric J.M. Schneider-Maunoury (1961)
Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer and
Member of the Board of Management
First appointed in 2010
French nationality
Wolfgang U. Nickl (1969)
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Member of the Board of Management
First appointed in 2014
German nationality



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    1



Supervisory Board
Arthur P.M. van der Poel (1948)
Chairman
Former member of the Board of Management of Royal Philips N.V.
First appointed 2004
Current term until 2016
Dutch nationality
Douglas A. Grose (1950)
Vice Chairman
Former Chief Executive Officer of GlobalFoundries
First appointed 2013
Current term until 2017
United States nationality
Pauline F.M. van der Meer Mohr (1960)
Former President of the Executive Board of the Erasmus University Rotterdam
First appointed 2009
Current term until 2017
Dutch nationality
Wolfgang H. Ziebart (1950)
Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Infineon Technologies A.G.
First appointed 2009
Current term until 2017
German nationality
Clara (Carla) M.S. Smits-Nusteling (1966)
Former Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Management of Royal KPN N.V.
First appointed 2013
Current term until 2017
Dutch nationality
Johannes (Hans) M.C. Stork (1954)
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of ON Semiconductor Corporation
First appointed in 2014
Current term until 2018
United States nationality
Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris (1958)
Adjunct Professor of Strategy at INSEAD
First appointed 2015
Current term until 2019
Dutch nationality
Gerard J. Kleisterlee (1946)
Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Management of Royal Philips N.V.
First appointed 2015
Current term until 2019
Dutch nationality
Rolf-Dieter Schwalb (1952)
Former Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Management of Royal DSM N.V.
First appointed 2015
Current term until 2019
German nationality



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    2




Supervisory Board Report
In this section of the 2015 Statutory Annual Report of ASML, the SB reports on its activities in 2015, and on the information required to be provided in this report based on the Code.
Overview of 2015
The year 2015 was a successful year. Continued progress was made with the EUV technology: in April an agreement was reached with a major U.S. customer for delivery of a minimum of 15 EUV systems; the availability of EUV systems in the field improved; two fourth-generation EUV lithography systems (the NXE:3350B) were shipped; and ASML opened a new EUV factory in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, enabling volume shipments. Other important 2015 milestones concern the shipment of ASML's newest immersion system (the NXT:1980), the use by Ieading customers of our full suite of process window enhancement solutions (Holistic Lithography), and the successful performance of complex System Node Extension Package upgrades at our customers' production sites. The total workforce of ASML grew to 14,681 employees measured in FTEs as per December 31, 2015.
In terms of revenue 2015 was a record year for ASML, with net sales of EUR 6,287.4 million and net income of EUR 1,619.5 million. ASML returned EUR 867.2 million to its shareholders through combined dividend and share buybacks.
The SB extensively discussed the above-mentioned topics throughout the year.
Another important topic in 2015 was risk management. At several occasions the SB reviewed and discussed ASML's risk universe and risk mitigation measures implemented by management. More particularly, the SB and its AC closely monitored management's response to the IT systems security incident that was discovered in the first quarter of 2015. ASML, like any other leading organization, is expected to continue to be subject to cybersecurity attacks. The SB takes knowledge protection very seriously and continues to monitor ASML's defenses against hacking attempts and the company's detection capabilities.
Meetings and Activities of the Supervisory Board
The SB held five physical meetings in 2015. Three conference calls were held for the purpose of discussing the quarterly results and the press releases related thereto. In addition, several informal meetings and telephone calls took place among SB and/or BoM members to consult with each other on various topics.
The physical SB meetings and meetings of the SB committees are held over several days, thus ensuring sufficient time for the review and discussion. To continuously stay abreast of the developments in the semiconductor market, the BoM provides the SB each meeting with a market and customer update, including expectations for the near future, financial updates, and the development of ASML’s share price and analyst perception. The SB further discussed specific themes such as strategy, risk management including ASML's business risks, operational performance, talent management and succession planning, business priorities and the corporate objectives and targets. The budget process at ASML is semi-annual and therefore the budget is reviewed and discussed twice per year.
The SB also reviewed ASML’s Corporate Responsibility strategy (for more information about this topic, see our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report as published on our Website and which is incorporated in this Statutory Annual Report by reference), including the actions (to be) implemented to achieve the sustainability target set with respect thereto. CR was also addressed in the Remuneration committee as it is a long term qualitative target for the BoM.
The attendance rate both of the SB meetings and of the meetings of the four SB committees was well above 95%.
In general, after each SB meeting, the SB members meet inter se to discuss topics such as the functioning and composition of the SB and the BoM.
During all physical meetings of the SB, most BoM members were present. Outside the meetings, members of the SB and its committees interacted regularly with the BoM and its individual members. During the annual off-site meeting in September, the SB extensively discussed the corporate strategy and the risks of the business. In November 2015 the SB and BoM visited two of ASML's key suppliers in Germany and held its regular meeting there.
Annually, the SB and the SNC perform evaluations related to the functioning of the SB, its committees, the individual members and the chairpersons of the SB and the committees, as well as the functioning of the BoM and its individual members. The composition of both boards, and the desired profile, composition and competence of the SB were also addressed. The SB has embedded this evaluation process in its processes and activities as the SB attaches great value to the evaluations. They ensure continuous focus on the quality of the activities, composition and functioning of the SB and its committees and its relationship with the BoM. In 2014, an in-depth evaluation of the SB was performed. The key findings and conclusions of this evaluation were extensively discussed in the SB at the beginning of 2015, and subsequently, to the extent relevant, in the various committees and with the BoM. Various follow-up actions were implemented both in the SB and the committees. In late 2015, the SB conducted its annual self-assessment. The results thereof will be discussed early 2016.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    3




In 2015, a delegation of the SB met twice with the Works Council. The topics of these meetings generally evolve around important internal and external developments relevant for ASML and its employees, ASML’s financial position and strategy. In 2015, focus was on the overall performance of ASML and particularly in EUV, the composition of the SB and the BoM, alignment of the remuneration policies for senior management and the job grades below that level, and ASML's strategy and business development process. The SB considers these meetings very valuable.
For further details on the structure, organization and responsibilities of the SB, see "Corporate Governance Paragraph".
Composition of the Supervisory Board
In 2015, Mr. Fröhlich retired from the SB. The SB is grateful for his commitment and valuable contribution to ASML’s SB, not only as a member of the SB but also as chairman of the AC and member of the SNC.
Three new SB members were appointed at the 2015 AGM, each for a period of four years: Ms. Aris, Mr. Kleisterlee and Mr. Schwalb. Ms. Aris was appointed pursuant to the enhanced recommendation right of the Works Council. An extensive introduction program was set up for the newly appointed SB members, which covered all relevant aspects of ASML's business with a primary focus on (EUV) technology and product roadmaps. The SB evaluated the introduction program, and the education and training program for SB members.
At the end of 2015, the SB consists of nine members. Five of the SB members have the Dutch nationality, two members have the German nationality and two members have the United States nationality. The average age is 61 years, whereby the ages vary from 49 to 69 years. For information regarding the personal data of the members of the SB, see "Supervisory Board Report - Information on Supervisory Board Members".
Dutch legislation provides for statutory provisions to ensure a balanced representation of men and women.
The SB is of the opinion that its current members are all independent as defined by the Code. Neither the Chairman nor any other member of the SB is a former member of ASML's BoM, or has another relationship with ASML which can be judged "not independent" of ASML. Potentially, however, when looking for the most suitable candidate for a vacancy, the SB may want - or need - to nominate candidates for appointment to the General Meeting of Shareholders who do not fully comply with the independence criteria as listed in the Code. This could be the case if the profile for a vacancy requires particular knowledge of or experience in the semiconductor - and related - industries, it being noted that the semiconductor industry has relatively few players. In those circumstances, ASML and the candidates will ensure that any such business relationship does not compromise the candidate's independence.
The SB continuously spends considerable time discussing its future composition, in view of the rotation schedule and envisaged changes in 2017 and subsequent years. Other than the retirement of the SB Chairman, Mr. Van der Poel, no other changes to the SB's composition are currently expected in 2016.
Supervisory Board Committees
The SB has installed four committees: an Audit Committee, a Remuneration Committee, a Selection and Nomination Committee, and a Technology and Strategy Committee. Each committee operates pursuant to its charter, which is based on the rules and regulations of the Code, but also reflects practices developed over the years. The responsibilities and authorities of the committees are based on a mandate of the SB, whereas the SB retains full responsibility for the activities of the four committees. The committees prepare the decisions to be made by the full SB, each in its own field of expertise.
In the plenary SB meetings, the Chairperson of each committee provides a report, verbally and/or in writing, on the topics discussed during the committee meetings. In addition, the minutes of the AC, RC and TSC meetings are available for all SB members, so that they have all information sufficient to understand ASML’s current state of affairs, thus ensuring that the full SB is able to make the appropriate decisions.
Audit Committee
The current members of ASML’s AC are Ms. Smits-Nusteling (Chairperson), Mr. Van der Poel, Ms. Van der Meer Mohr, and Mr. Schwalb. The members of the AC are all independent members of the SB.
In 2015, the AC met five times and held four conference calls.
In 2015, the AC focused on, amongst others, ASML's risk universe and implemented risk mitigating measures, the impact of and management's response to the IT systems security incident discovered in early 2015, investor relations activities, revenue recognition for systems, inventory excess and obsolete provision, sensitivities in valuation of goodwill and other intangible fixed assets. The AC further discussed the quarterly results and the related press release, the results of the year- end US GAAP and IFRS-EU audits, the operational short and long term performance with extensive discussions around various (EUV) performance scenarios and their impact on ASML's results, cash generation and financing and return policy. The financial impact of relationships with key strategic suppliers was also part of these discussions. The AC (and SB) agree with ASML’s (conservative) principles with respect to its (future) financing policy and return policy, which helps ASML to respond properly to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor equipment industry.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    4




The AC continuously monitors the activities with respect to ASML’s risk management and internal controls, including, the testing of internal controls over financial reporting in light of Section 404, 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and a regular fraud risk assessment. The AC reviews and approves the audit plans of the internal and external auditors and monitors their audit activities. After each physical meeting, the AC has one-to-one meetings with the CFO only, and with the external auditor without BoM members being present. Annually, the AC reviews ASML’s tax strategy and planning. ASML’s management of the IT landscape is reviewed on a semi-annual basis. The result of the evaluation by the BoM of the structure and operation of the internal risk management and control systems, as well as any significant changes thereto, were discussed in the AC and SB.
With respect to the external auditor’s management letter over the financial year 2015, the AC confirms that the management letter contained no significant items that need to be mentioned in this report.
At the 2015 AGM KPMG was appointed, upon recommendation of the SB, as the new external auditor as per the financial year 2016. The AC closely monitored the transition process from the current external auditor to KPMG, which started already in the second quarter of 2015.
Selection and Nomination Committee
The current members of the SNC are Mr. Van der Poel (Chairman), Mr. Grose and Ms. Van der Meer Mohr. Furthermore, as per January 1, 2016, Mr. Kleisterlee became a member of the SNC.
The SNC held three scheduled meetings in 2015.
The SNC prepared the decision with respect to the appointment of Ms. Aris, Mr. Kleisterlee and Mr. Schwalb as members of the SB per the 2015 AGM.
The (future) composition of the BoM, the SB and the SB committees was extensively discussed. Other discussion items in 2015 were the amendment of the SB profile, the functioning of the individual members of the SB and the BoM, the outcome of the SB's self-evaluation 2014 and preparations for the self-assessment in late 2015.
The SNC is responsible for monitoring Corporate Governance developments, and shall continue to pay close attention to, amongst others, the (potential) impact of the consultation document of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code Monitoring Committee, which is expected to be published on February 11, 2016, on both the Code and ASML's corporate governance.
Remuneration Committee
The current members of ASML’s RC are Mr. Ziebart (Chairman), Ms. Aris and Mr. Schwalb.
In 2015, the RC met five times in scheduled meetings, either in person or via conference call.
In 2015 the RC reviewed the group of reference companies for BoM remuneration and conducted a benchmark against this reference group, discussed and, where applicable, made recommendations to the SB concerning the ESOPs, the targets and remuneration package for the BoM, the assessment of the shareholding positions of the BoM based upon the share ownership guideline of the Remuneration Policy, and the 2015 Remuneration Report.
In cooperation with the AC and the TSC, the RC reviewed and proposed to the SB the 2015 STI and LTI targets for the BoM and also provided its recommendations to the SB with respect to the achievements of the 2015 targets and related appropriate compensation levels for the BoM members over the financial year 2015.
An external advisor in the field of remuneration for members of boards of management assisted the RC in its activities. This external advisor does not provide services to the BoM.
Technology and Strategy Committee
The current members of ASML’s TSC are Mr. Grose (Chairman), Ms. Aris, Mr. Kleisterlee, Mr. Stork and Mr. Ziebart. In addition, the TSC may appoint one or more advisors from within and/or from outside ASML.
In 2015, three external advisors and three internal advisors participated in the TSC meetings. The advisors to the TSC may be invited as guests to (parts of) the meetings of the committee, but are not entitled to vote at the meetings. The TSC held six scheduled meetings either in person or by conference call in 2015. In general, the physical meetings last a full day. One meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the 2015 technology targets for the BoM; the achievements related thereto were discussed in a subsequent meeting.
The TSC reviews and advises the SB on specific ASML technology matters important at that time and discusses the proposals for ASML’s future product- and technology strategies. The TSC is instrumental in preparing the decisions and/or advice for the SB related to these topics. Important topics this year were the execution and implementation of technology programs with particular focus on EUV, and corporate strategy initiatives.
For a further description of the responsibilities of the SB committees, see "Corporate Governance Paragraph".


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    5




Remuneration of the Supervisory Board
The remuneration of the SB members is described in Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to their fee as member of the SB, SB members also receive a fee for each committee membership. The SB remuneration is not dependent on ASML’s financial results. None of the members of the SB own shares or options on ASML’s shares. ASML has not granted any loans to, nor has granted any guarantees in favor of, any of the members of the SB.
Composition of the Board of Management
The BoM currently consists of five members. For further details on the members of the BoM, see "Board of Management".
Remuneration of the Board of Management
General
At the 2015 AGM the General Meeting of Shareholders adopted a revised version of the Remuneration Policy for the BoM, which came into effect per January 1, 2015.
The RC oversees the development and implementation of compensation and benefit programs for the BoM, as well as the compensation levels for the individual members of the BoM.
The RC reviews the corporate objectives and targets relevant to the compensation of the members of the BoM. It ensures that targets for the BoM are aligned and support the long term strategy of ASML. These targets relate to short and long term technology, customer and financial performance, the three main pillars of long term value creation at ASML. The RC cooperates with the AC and the TSC in setting the targets. The RC evaluates the achievements of the BoM with respect to those objectives and targets (again, in cooperation with the AC and the TSC), and it provides recommendations to the SB on the resulting compensation levels for the members of the BoM. Details of the remuneration targets and their link to the ASML long term strategy can be found in the 2015 Remuneration Report.
The external auditor performs agreed-upon procedures on the targets achieved to assess compliance with the Remuneration Policy.
The SB has the discretionary power to adjust variable remuneration components both upwards and downwards if these would, in the opinion of the SB, lead to an unfair result due to extraordinary circumstances during the period in which the predetermined performance criteria have been or should have been achieved (Ultimum Remedium - provision II.2.10). Besides this, the SB may recover from the BoM any variable remuneration awarded on the basis of incorrect financial or other data (Claw Back Clause - provision II.2.11).
Outline Remuneration Report
In summary, the total remuneration for members of the BoM is derived from the median level of the appropriate top executive pay market (a reference market consisting of a group of European companies mainly in the ICT and Technology sector) and consists of (i) base salary; (ii) short term performance incentives (in cash); (iii) long term performance incentives (in shares) and (iv) other benefits. The payout of the cash incentive and vesting of performance shares is dependent on the achievement of predetermined financial and non-financial performance criteria.
The STI refers to the annual performance related cash incentive that is applicable to all members of the BoM. The target level of the STI is 60% of base salary. In case of excellent performance the maximum opportunity amounts to 90% of base salary. The LTI refers to the share-based incentive. All members of the BoM are eligible to receive performance-related shares. The target level of the LTI is set at 70% of base salary. In case of excellent performance the maximum opportunity amounts to 140% of base salary. See the "Corporate Governance Paragraph" and Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on BoM Remuneration in 2015.
Gratitude to ASML Employees
The Supervisory Board would like to thank and recognize all ASML employees including the temporary work force who have been able to again achieve so much this past year: the continued efforts in EUV development, the efforts made to supply the demand and the great overall results of ASML.
The SB realizes the pressure that the extreme swings in the continuing demand for leading-edge technology put on ASML employees. Therefore, the SB expresses its appreciation for all the efforts and achievements of ASML employees throughout the year.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    6




Information on Supervisory Board Members
Presented below is the personal data of all SB members that is required to be disclosed in this report in compliance with the Code.
A.P. Aris
Gender                        :Female
Age                        :57
Profession / principal position            :Adjunct Professor of Strategy at INSEAD
Nationality                    :Dutch
Other relevant positions                :Non-Executive Director of Thomas Cook Plc and member of the
supervisory boards of ProsiebenSat.1 AG, Jungheinrich AG and ASR
Nederland N.V.
First appointed                    :2015
Current term until                    :2019
D.A. Grose
Gender                        :Male
Age                        :65
Profession / principal position            :CTO of BessTech and former CEO of GlobalFoundries
Nationality                    :United States
Other relevant positions                :Member of the Board of Directors of SBA Materials, Inc.
First appointed                    :2013
Current term until                    :2017
G.J. Kleisterlee
Gender                        :Male
Age                        :69
Profession / principal position            :Chairman of the Board of Vodafone Group Plc., and former President and                          CEO of the Board of Management of Royal Philips N.V.
Nationality                    :Dutch
Other relevant positions                :Non-Executive Director of Royal Dutch Shell Plc. and Non-Executive
Director of IBEX Global Solutions Plc.
First appointed                    :2015
Current term until                    :2019
P.F.M. van der Meer Mohr
Gender                        :Female
Age                        :55
Profession / principal position            :Former President of the Executive Board of the Erasmus University                               Rotterdam
Nationality                    :Dutch
Other relevant positions                :Chairperson of the supervisory board of EY, member of the
supervisory board of Royal DSM N.V., Non-Executive Director of                                   HSBC Holdings Plc., Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Fulbright
Center, Chairperson of the supervisory board of Nederlands Danstheater
and member of the Board of Directors of Stichting Het Concertgebouw
Fonds
First appointed                    :2009
Current term until                    :2017
A.P.M. van der Poel
Gender                        :Male
Age                        :67
Profession / principal position            :Former member of the Board of Management of Royal Philips N.V.
Nationality                    :Dutch
Other relevant positions                :Non-executive member of the Board of Directors of Gemalto Holding N.V.
(until December 2015) and Chairman of the supervisory board of BDR Thermea
First appointed                    :2004
Current term until                    :2016


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    7




R.D. Schwalb
Gender                        :Male
Age                        :63
Profession / principal position            :Former CFO and member of the Board of Management
of Royal DSM N.V.
Nationality                    :German
Other relevant positions                :None
First appointed                    :2015
Current term until                    :2019
C.M.S. Smits-Nusteling
Gender                        :Female
Age                        :49
Profession / principal position            :Former CFO and member of the Board of Management of Royal KPN N.V.
Nationality                    :Dutch
Other relevant positions
:Non-executive director of the Board of Tele2 AB, member of the
Management Board of the Foundation Unilever N.V. Trust Office and lay
judge of the Enterprise Court of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal
First appointed                    :2013
Current term until                    :2017
J.M.C. Stork
Gender                        :Male
Age                        :61
Profession / principal position            :Senior Vice President and CTO of ON Semiconductor Corporation
Nationality                    :United States
Other relevant positions                :Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of imec
First appointed                    :2014
Current term until                    :2018
W.H. Ziebart
Gender                        :Male
Age                        :66
Profession / principal position            :Former President and CEO of Infineon Technologies A.G.
Nationality                    :German
Other relevant positions                :Chairman of the supervisory board of Nordex SE and member of the
Board of Autoliv, Inc.
First appointed                    :2009
Current term until                    :2017
Company Secretary                :Mr. R.F. Roelofs
Appointed                    :2002
Deputy Company Secretary                :Mr. J.P. van Hees
Appointed                    :2015
The Supervisory Board,
Veldhoven, February 4, 2016



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    8




Corporate Governance Paragraph
I.
General1
ASML, with its corporate headquarters in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, is engaged in the development, production, marketing, selling and servicing of advanced semiconductor equipment systems, exclusively consisting of lithography systems. ASML’s principal operations are in the Netherlands, the US and Asia.
Our shares are listed for trading in the form of registered shares on NASDAQ and on Euronext Amsterdam. The principal trading market of our ordinary shares is Euronext Amsterdam.
ASML continuously monitors and assesses applicable Dutch, US and other relevant corporate governance codes, rules, and regulations. ASML is subject to the Code, and because ASML is listed on NASDAQ, ASML is also required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as NASDAQ Listing Rules, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.
For the full text of the Code, please refer to the website www.commissiecorporategovernance.nl. For the full text of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as NASDAQ listing rules, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, see www.sec.gov/about/laws/soa2002.pdf, http://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com, and www.sec.gov/about.shtml respectively.
ASML’s SB and BoM, who are responsible for ASML's corporate governance structure, will continue their efforts to ensure that ASML's practices and procedures comply with both Dutch and corporate governance requirements. In this paragraph, we address ASML's corporate governance structure, thereby referring to the principles and best practices set forth in the Code, as well as with the applicable laws with respect to corporate governance. ASML's SB and BoM are of the opinion that ASML complies with all recommendations in the Code. However, ASML has provided explanations with respect to one recommendation, as ASML's practice with respect to that recommendation could be perceived as non-compliant with the Code.
Material changes in the corporate governance structure of ASML and/or in its compliance with the Code, if applicable, will be discussed at the AGM as a separate agenda item.
It is expected that the Dutch Corporate Governance Code Monitoring Committee will publish a public consultation document on February 11, 2016. The outcome of this consultation process will likely lead to a revision of the Code. As part of the continued effort of ASML's SB and BoM to ensure that our practices and procedures comply with Dutch corporate governance requirements, we intend to carefully monitor these developments, participate in the consultation process, and assess the implications for our corporate governance structure.
II.
Board of Management
Role and Procedure
ASML’s BoM is responsible for managing ASML, under the chairmanship of the President and CEO, and vice-chairmanship of the President and CTO, constituting dual leadership. The current BoM comprises five members.
Although the various management tasks are divided among the members of the BoM, the BoM remains collectively responsible for the management of ASML, the deployment of ASML's strategy, ASML's risk profile and policies, the achievement of ASML's objectives, ASML's results and the corporate social responsibility aspects relevant to ASML.
In fulfilling its management tasks and responsibilities, the BoM considers the interests of ASML and the business connected with it, as well as the interests of ASML's stakeholders. The BoM is accountable to the SB and the General Meeting of Shareholders for the performance of its management tasks.
ASML has a two-tier board structure: the SB supervises and advises the BoM in the execution of its tasks and responsibilities. The BoM provides the SB with all information, in writing or otherwise, necessary for the SB to fulfill its duties. Besides the information provided in the regular meetings, the BoM keeps the SB frequently informed on developments relating to ASML’s business, financials, operations, and industry developments in general.
Important decisions of the BoM that require the approval of the SB are, among others:
The operational and financial objectives;
The strategy designed to achieve the objectives;
The parameters to be applied in relation to the strategy designed to achieve the objectives, and
Corporate responsibility issues that are relevant to ASML.
1 This Corporate Governance Paragraph also includes the information that is required to be disclosed pursuant to article 2a of the Decree of December 23, 2004 regarding further provisions on the substance of annual reports.


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The main elements of the operational and financial objectives, the strategy to achieve the objectives, and the parameters to be applied are included in the Management Board Report. In the "risk factors" section of this 2015 Statutory Annual Report, the sensitivity of the results to both external and internal factors and variables is described.
The rules of procedure for the BoM contain among other topics the general responsibilities of the BoM, the relationship with the SB and various stakeholders, the decision making process within the BoM, and the logistics surrounding the meetings. The rules of procedure for the BoM are posted in the Governance section of our Website.
Appointment, other functions
Members of the BoM are appointed by the SB upon recommendation by the SNC and upon notification to the General Meeting of Shareholders. Members of the BoM are appointed for a period of four years, where after reappointment is possible.
The SB may suspend and dismiss members of the BoM, but dismissal can only occur after consulting the General Meeting of Shareholders.
Pursuant to Dutch legislation a member of the BoM may not be a supervisory board member in more than two other qualifying legal entities (Large Company). A member of the BoM may never be the chairman of a supervisory board of a Large Company. BoM members may only accept a supervisory board membership of another Large Company after having obtained prior approval from the SB. Members of the BoM are also required to notify the SB of other important functions held or to be held by them. Currently, no BoM member holds more than 2 supervisory board seats in other Large companies and no member of the BoM is a chairman of a supervisory board of a Large Company.
Dutch legislation provides for statutory provisions to ensure a balanced representation of men and women in management boards and supervisory boards of companies governed by this legislation. Balanced representation of men and women is deemed to exist if at least 30% of the seats are filled by men and at least 30% are filled by women. ASML currently has no seats taken by women in the BoM and as such does not qualify as balanced within the meaning of this legislation. ASML recognizes the benefits of diversity, including gender balance. However, ASML feels that gender is only one part of diversity and future members of the BoM will continue to be selected on the basis of wide ranging (technical) experience, backgrounds, skills, knowledge and insights. ASML continues to strive for more diversity in both the SB and BoM, as is also evidenced by the composition of the SB which already qualifies as balanced within the meaning of this legislation.
Internal Risk Management and Control Systems
The BoM is responsible for ensuring that ASML complies with applicable legislation and regulations. It is also responsible for the financing of ASML and for managing the internal and external risks related to its business activities.
The establishment of ASML’s internal risk management and control system is based on the identification of external and internal risk factors that could influence the operational, business continuity and financial objectives of ASML and contains a system of monitoring, reporting, and operational reviews.
To help identifying risks, ASML uses a formal risk management approach, consisting of a set of risks definitions (ASML Risk Universe) which are reviewed and discussed by the CRC on a quarterly basis. Our risk appetite is aligned with our strategy and priorities. To further improve ASML's internal Risk Management, during 2015 the CRC received a formal mandate and charter to act on behalf of the BoM. The CRC is chaired by the Chief Operations Officer and consists of ASML senior management, including the CEO and CFO. Based on the outcome of the risk assessments, actions are initiated to further enhance ASML’s risk mitigation. These actions are monitored via the CRC. In addition, the risk landscape is reviewed by the SB twice a year. Additionally during 2015, risk appetite scales have been defined across a number of potential impact dimensions i.e. Health and Safety, Environment and Community damage, Financial impact, Business impact, Reputation and Compliance as well as effectiveness of system of internal Control. These dimensions are applied consistently in all risk and compliance assessments performed.
All material risk management activities have been discussed with the AC and the SB. For a summary of ASML’s risk factors, see "Management Board Report - Risk Factors".
ASML does not rank the individual risks identified in our Management Board Report, as we are of the opinion that doing so defies the purpose of a comprehensive risk assessment and it would be arbitrary of nature since all risks mentioned have significant relevance for us and our business.
ASML publishes among others the following annual reports in respect of the financial year 2015: this 2015 Statutory Annual Report in accordance with IFRS-EU and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and an Annual Report on Form 20-F in conformity with US GAAP. Both Annual Reports describe the same risk factors that are specific to the semiconductor industry, ASML and ASML's shares. ASML also provides sensitivity analyses by providing:
A narrative explanation of ASML's financial statements;
The context within which financial information should be analyzed; and
Information about the quality, and variability, of ASML's earnings and cash flow. In ASML's "In Control Statement" (as part of the Director’s Responsibility Statement), as included in this 2015 Statutory Annual Report, the BoM addresses ASML's internal risk management and control systems.


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With respect to the process of drafting annual reports, ASML has extensive guidelines for the lay-out and the content of ASML's reports. These guidelines are primarily based on applicable laws and regulations. For the Statutory Annual Report and the Statutory Interim Report, ASML follows the requirements of Dutch law and regulations, including preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS-EU. For the Annual Report on Form 20-F, ASML applies the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and prepares the financial statements included therein in accordance with US GAAP. With respect to the preparation process of these and the other financial reports, ASML applies internal procedures to safeguard completeness and accuracy of such information as part of its disclosure controls and procedures.
ASML has a Disclosure Committee to ensure compliance with applicable disclosure requirements arising under US and Dutch law and applicable stock exchange rules, US GAAP, IFRS-EU and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Disclosure Committee is composed of various members of senior management, and reports to the CEO and CFO. The chairman of the Disclosure Committee reports to the AC about the outcome of the Disclosure Committee meetings. The Disclosure Committee gathers all relevant financial and non-financial information and assesses materiality, timeliness and necessity for disclosure of such information. In addition the Disclosure Committee advises the CEO and CFO on the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures and of the internal control over financial reporting (Sarbanes-Oxley Act).
ASML’s Internal Control Committee, comprising among others of three members of the Disclosure Committee, advises ASML’s Disclosure Committee in respect of its assessment of ASML’s internal control over financial reporting under SOX 404. The Chairman of the Internal Control Committee updates the AC and the BoM on the progress of this assessment and the Chairperson of the AC includes this item in her report to the full SB.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct describes what ASML stands for and believes in:
We respect people;
We respect our planet;
We operate with business and personal integrity; and
We manage professionally.
The Code of Conduct can be found on the Governance section of ASML's website.
Remuneration of the Board of Management
With respect to the remuneration of the BoM, the SB is of the opinion that the Remuneration Policy was drafted in accordance with the Code, and that the execution of the Remuneration Policy is also in line with the Code, with the (potential) deviation as mentioned more specifically at the end of this Corporate Governance Paragraph.
Performance criteria
Even though this is not a deviation from the Code, as the Code stipulates that not disclosing the performance criteria because of competition sensitiveness is justified, we hereby want to provide ASML's reasons for not providing all information as included in the best practice provisions II.2.13 f and g of the Code.
ASML provides the quantitative performance criteria, a summary and account of the methods to determine the achievement of the performance criteria, and also the ultimate achievement level of the quantitative and qualitative performance criteria. However, ASML cannot provide the exact performance criteria data, nor the levels of achievement per performance criterion, as this concerns highly competitive information, such as targets related to ASML's technology, market position, etc. The SB deems it its responsibility to set the actual targets and to determine the level of achievement of these targets for the variable part of the remuneration of the BoM.
For more details about the BoM’s remuneration, its composition, and other relevant elements, see Remuneration Policy and the 2015 Remuneration Report (both published on our Website), the Report of the Supervisory Board and Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The external auditor performs agreed-upon procedures on the targets achieved to assess compliance with the Remuneration Policy.
Insider Trading
With respect to trading in ASML financial instruments, ASML employees and members of the SB and BoM are bound by ASML’s Insider Trading Rules, which are published on our Website. The ASML Insider Trading Rules stipulate, among other items, that members of the BoM may not trade during the two months preceding the publication of the annual results, and during the three weeks before publication of quarterly results.
Indemnification
ASML’s Articles of Association provide for the indemnification of the members of the BoM against claims that are a direct result of their tasks as members of the BoM, provided that such claim is not attributable to willful misconduct or intentional recklessness of such member of the BoM. The SB has further implemented the indemnification of the BoM members by means of separate indemnification agreements for each BoM member.


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Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest procedures are incorporated in the BoM’s rules of procedure and reflect the principle and best practice provisions of the Code with respect to conflicts of interest.
There have been no transactions during 2015, and there are currently no transactions, between ASML or any of ASML's subsidiaries, or any significant shareholder and any member of the BoM or officer or any relative or spouse thereof, other than ordinary course compensation arrangements.
III.
Supervisory Board
Role and Procedure
As mentioned before, ASML’s SB supervises the BoM and the general course of affairs of ASML and its subsidiaries. The SB also supports the BoM with its advice. As ASML has and intends to keep a two-tier structure, the SB is a separate and independent body from the BoM and from ASML.
In fulfilling its role and responsibilities, the SB takes into consideration the interests of ASML and its subsidiaries, as well as the relevant interests of ASML’s stakeholders. The SB supervises and advises the BoM in performing its tasks, with a particular focus on:
The achievement of ASML’s objectives;
ASML’s corporate strategy and the management of risks inherent to ASML’s business activities;
The structure and operation of internal risk management and control systems;
The financial reporting process;
Compliance with applicable legislation and regulations;
Relationship with shareholders; and
The corporate social responsibility issues important for ASML.
Major management decisions, such as ASML’s strategy, major investments and budget, require the approval of the SB. The SB selects and appoints new BoM members, prepares the remuneration policy for the BoM, and decides on the remuneration for the individual members of the BoM. Also, the SB is the body that nominates new SB candidates for appointment and submits remuneration proposals for the SB members to the General Meeting of Shareholders.
The SB, through its SNC, closely follows the developments in the area of corporate governance and the applicability of the relevant corporate governance rules for ASML. For a more detailed description on the SB’s activities in the area of corporate governance see "Supervisory Board Report".
Meetings and activities of the Supervisory Board
The SB held five physical meetings in 2015. Three conference calls were held for the purpose of discussing the quarterly results and the press releases related thereto. During several meetings in 2015, the SB extensively discussed ASML’s strategy, the financial position, the budget and corporate targets and achievements, the financing and return policy, the business risks, the business priorities, investor relations, corporate responsibility, risk management, talent management and succession planning.
As also described in the Supervisory Board Report, members of the SB also interact with BoM members and with their colleague SB members outside the regular meetings or conference calls.
During all physical meetings of the SB usually all BoM members are present. In general at the end of each meeting, the SB meets inter se to discuss topics related to, amongst others, the composition and functioning of the BoM and the SB, the functioning of the individual members of both bodies, and the relationship between these bodies and its individual members.
As is common practice each year, the SB conducted an evaluation in 2015 with respect to the functioning of the full SB and its committees. For more detailed information on this topic, see "Supervisory Board Report".
A delegation of the SB has semi-annual meetings with the Works Council to discuss ASML's strategy, financial situation and any other topic that is deemed relevant at that time.
For more detailed information on the meetings and activities of the SB in 2015, see "Supervisory Board Report".
The Rules of Procedure
The rules of procedure of the SB contain requirements based on the Code, on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and on any other applicable laws, as well as corporate governance practices developed by the SB over the past years. The rules of procedure of the SB are subject to regular review in view of the continuous corporate governance developments. Items include among others responsibilities of the SB and its committees, composition of the SB and its committees, logistics surrounding the meetings, meeting attendance of SB members, and the rotation schedule for the SB members.


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The rules of procedure of the SB also contain the charters of the four committees. The SB has assigned certain of its tasks and responsibilities to the four committees; however, the plenary SB remains responsible for the fulfillment of these tasks and responsibilities. The SB - and its committees - may obtain information from officers and external advisors of ASML, if necessary for the execution of its tasks. Especially the committees occasionally call upon external advisors, who assist the committees in preparing the recommendations to be decided upon by the full SB.
The rules of procedure of the SB, as well as the charters of the four committees are regularly reviewed and, if needed, amended. Changes to the SB’s rules of procedure need to be approved by the full SB. Changes in the charters of the committees are approved by the committee concerned. The AC charter is reviewed annually, to check whether the charter still complies with the applicable rules and regulations, especially those relating to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Expertise, Composition, Appointment
The SB currently consists of nine members, the minimum being three members. The SB determines the number of SB members required for the performance of its functions.
Per the 2015 AGM, Mr. Fröhlich retired from the SB, and Ms. Aris and Messrs. Kleisterlee and Schwalb were appointed for a period of four years. Ms. Aris was appointed pursuant to the enhanced recommendation right of the Works Council.
The members of ASML’s SB show a diverse mix with respect to background, nationality, age, gender and expertise, in line with the current profile drawn up by the SB. The profile of the SB aims for an international and adequate composition reflecting the global business activities of ASML, as well as for an adequate level of experience in financial, economic, technological, social, and legal aspects of international business. In case of (re)appointments, the SNC checks whether the candidates fit in the SB’s profile.
Dutch legislation provides for statutory provisions to ensure a balanced representation of men and women in management boards and supervisory boards of companies governed by this legislation. Balanced representation of men and women is deemed to exist if at least 30% of the seats are filled by men and at least 30% are filled by women. ASML currently has 33.3% seats taken by women in the SB and, as such, qualifies as balanced within the meaning of this legislation. The SB recognizes the benefits of diversity, including gender balance and has taken this into account in its selection of candidates for the SB appointments as per the 2015 AGM. However, ASML feels that gender is only one part of diversity and future members of the BoM and SB will continue to be selected on the basis of wide ranging (technical) experience, backgrounds, skills, knowledge and insights.
ASML is subject to the law applicable to large corporations ("structuurregime"). As such, members of the SB are appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders based on nominations proposed by the SB. The SB informs the AGM and the Works Council about upcoming retirements by rotation at the AGM in the year preceding the actual retirement(s) by rotation to ensure that the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Works Council have sufficient opportunity to recommend candidates for the upcoming vacancies. The SB has the right to reject the proposed recommendations. Furthermore, the Works Council has an enhanced right to make recommendations for one-third of the members of the SB. The enhanced recommendation right implies that the SB may only reject the Works Council’s recommendations for the following reasons: (i) if the relevant person is unsuitable or (ii) if the SB would not be duly composed if the recommended person were appointed as SB member. If no agreement on the recommended person(s) can be reached between the SB and the Works Council, the SB may request the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal to declare that the SB’s objection is legitimate. Any decision of the Enterprise Chamber on this matter is non-appealable.
Nominations by the SB may be overruled by a resolution at the General Meeting of Shareholders with an absolute majority of the votes, representing at least one-third of ASML’s outstanding share capital. If the votes cast in favor of such a resolution do not represent at least one-third of the total outstanding capital, a new shareholders’ meeting can be convened at which the nomination can be overruled by an absolute majority.
Mr. Stork, Ms. Van der Meer Mohr and Ms. Aris were (re)appointed per the Works Council’s enhanced recommendation right.
For newly appointed SB members, ASML prepares an introduction program of which the main topics are: ASML’s organization, operations, strategy, industry, technology, ASML’s financial and legal affairs, and ASML’s human resources. SB members are regularly given the opportunity to follow technical tutorials to maintain and increase their knowledge of ASML’s ever progressing technology. In addition, specific training is also provided for new committee members based on individual needs. Annually, the SB and/or committees members determine their need for further training on specific topics.
SB members serve for a maximum term of four years from the date of their appointment, or a shorter period as per the SB’s rotation schedule. Members can be reappointed, provided that their entire term of office does not exceed 12 years. The rotation schedule is available in the Corporate Governance section on our Website.
The General Meeting of Shareholders may, by an absolute majority of the votes representing at least one-third of the total outstanding capital, dismiss the SB in its entirety for lack of confidence. In such case, the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal shall appoint one or more SB members at the request of the BoM.


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Legal restrictions apply to the overall number of executive board positions (including a one tier board) and supervisory board positions that a member of the supervisory board (or a non-executive director in case of a one-tier board) of a Large Company, may hold. A person may not be (re)appointed as member of the supervisory board, if such (re)appointment would lead to more than five supervisory board positions at Large Companies. Acting as a chairman of the supervisory or a supervisory body established by the articles of association or, in case of a one-tier board, chairman of the executive board, of a Large Company will count twice. None of the SB members is in violation of these rules.
For detailed information on ASML’s SB members, see "Supervisory Board Report".
Role of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Company Secretary
Mr. Van der Poel is the Chairman of the SB and Mr. Grose acts as Vice-Chairman. The role and responsibilities of the Chairman of the SB are described in its rules of procedure. The Chairman determines the agenda of the SB meetings, he acts as the main contact between the SB and the BoM and ensures orderly and efficient proceedings at General Meetings of Shareholders. The Chairman will amongst others also ensure that:
The members of the SB follow an introduction and training program;
The members of the SB receive all information necessary for the proper performance of their duties on a timely basis;
There is sufficient time for consultation and decision making by the SB;
The committees function properly;
The performance of the BoM members and the SB members is assessed at least once a year; and
The SB has proper contact with the BoM and the Works Council.
The Company Secretary assists the SB in the performance of its duties, ensures that the correct procedures are followed, and that the SB acts in accordance with its legal and statutory obligations. The Company Secretary assists the Chairman of the SB in the organization of the affairs of the SB and its committees. The Company Secretary is appointed by and may also be dismissed by the BoM after prior approval from the SB. The Company Secretary is assisted by a Deputy Company Secretary.
Composition and Role of the four Committees of the Supervisory Board
Although the SB retains ultimate responsibility, the SB has delegated certain of its tasks to its four committees. Their roles and functions are described in separate chapters in the SB’s rules of procedure which is available on our Website.
In the plenary SB meetings, the chairpersons of the committees report on the issues and items discussed in the committee meetings, and also the minutes of the committee meetings are available for all SB members, enabling the full SB to make the appropriate decisions.
Audit Committee
The current members of ASML’s AC are Ms. Smits-Nusteling (Chairperson), Mr. Van der Poel, Mr. Schwalb, and Ms. Van der Meer Mohr. The members of the AC are all independent members of the SB.
In general, the AC meets at least four times per year and always before the publication of the quarterly and annual financial results. In the first half year, the AC focuses on the annual results, the audits over the previous financial year and the internal and external audit plans for the year ahead. Frequently discussed topics are ASML’s internal control systems, including testing of internal controls in light of Section 404, 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act , ASML's risk management systems, and ASML’s financial- and cash position, and the supervision of the enforcement of the relevant legislation and regulations.
In 2015, the AC met five times and held four conference calls. Two calls were held to discuss the quarterly results and the related press release; one call was held for the purpose of discussing the results of the year- end US GAAP and IFRS-EU audits; and one call was held to receive an update on the execution of ASML's long-term financial plan. The AC frequently discussed amongst others, revenue recognition for systems, inventory excess and obsolete provision. The AC also discussed sensitivities in valuation of goodwill and intangible fixed assets.
ASML provides the AC with all relevant information to be able to adequately and efficiently supervise the preparation and disclosure of financial information by ASML. This includes, among other things, information on the status and development of the (semiconductor) market to be able to judge the outlook and budget for the next six to twelve months, the application of IFRS-EU, US GAAP, the choice of accounting policies and the work of internal and external auditors. Each year the AC discusses and reviews among others ASML’s financing policy and strategy, tax planning policy, investor relations activities and strategy, fraud policy, and information and communication technology policy.
The AC, on behalf of the SB, reviews and approves the fees of the external auditor. The AC is the first point of contact for the external auditor if the external auditor discovers irregularities in the content of the financial reports. As a general rule, the external auditor is present at meetings of the AC. In general, after each AC meeting, the AC meets with the CFO only, and meets with the external auditor -without management present - to discuss the relationship between the AC and the external auditor, the relationship between the BoM and the external auditor, and any other issues deemed necessary to be discussed.


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The AC generally invites ASML’s CEO, CFO, Corporate Controller, Corporate Chief Accountant, Vice-President Corporate Risk and Assurance and the Internal Auditor to its meetings. From time to time, other ASML employees are invited to AC meetings to address subjects that are of importance to the AC such as the return policy, including share buyback program, tax and IT.
Ms. Smits-Nusteling, Chairperson of the AC, and Mr. Schwalb are the SB’s financial experts, taking into consideration their extensive financial backgrounds and experience.
Remuneration Committee
The current members of ASML’s RC are Mr. Ziebart (Chairman), Ms. Aris, and Mr. Schwalb.
In general, the RC meets at least twice a year and more frequently when deemed necessary. The RC oversees the development and implementation of the Remuneration Policy. In cooperation with the AC and the TSC, the RC reviews and proposes to the SB corporate goals and objectives relevant to the variable part of the BoM’s remuneration. Also in cooperation with the AC and the TSC, the RC evaluates the performance of the members of the BoM in view of those goals and objectives, and - based on this evaluation - recommends to the SB appropriate compensation levels for the BoM members.
In 2015, the RC met five times in scheduled meetings. Topics of discussion in 2015 were among others the targets and remuneration package for the BoM , the ASML stock option and share plans, the bi-annual BoM remuneration benchmark including a review of the reference group of companies, scenario analyses concerning BoM variable pay, the 2015 Remuneration Report and the determination of the required shareholding positions of the BoM members based upon the shareholding guidelines of the Remuneration Policy. An external advisor assists the RC with its activities. This advisor does not provide services to the BoM with respect to matters in this area.
The RC prepared the 2015 Remuneration Report, which describes among others the manner in which the Remuneration Policy was implemented and executed in 2015.
Mr. Ziebart, the Chairman of the RC is neither a former member of ASML’s BoM, nor a member of the management board of another company. Currently, no member of the RC is a member of the management board of another Dutch listed company.
Selection and Nomination Committee
The current members of the SNC are Mr. Van der Poel (Chairman), Mr. Grose and Ms. Van der Meer Mohr. Furthermore, per 1 January, 2016, Mr. Kleisterlee became a member of the SNC.
In general, the SNC meets at least twice a year and more frequently when deemed necessary.

In 2015 the SNC held three scheduled meetings. Main focus items this year were the profile and composition of the SB and its committees as well as the functioning of the SB and the BoM, and the individual members of these boards. In that respect also the outcome of the self-assessment 2014 of the SB was discussed.

The Selection and Nomination Committee assists the SB in:
Preparing the selection criteria and appointment procedures for members of the SB and BoM;
Periodically evaluating the scope and composition of the BoM and the SB, and proposing the profile of the SB in relation thereto;
Periodically evaluating the functioning of the BoM and the SB and the individual members of those boards and reporting the results thereof to the SB; and
Proposing (re-)appointments of members of the BoM and the SB, and supervising the policy of the BoM in relation to the selection and appointment criteria for senior management.
The SNC furthermore discusses imminent corporate governance developments, for example those based on legislative proposals, but also the outcome of the Report of the Monitoring Committee with respect to compliance with the Code.
Technology and Strategy Committee
The current members of the TSC are Mr. Grose (Chairman), Ms. Aris, Mr. Kleisterlee, Mr. Stork, and Mr. Ziebart.
The TSC meets at least twice a year and more frequently when deemed necessary.
In 2015, the TSC met face to face five times and held one conference call. During several of these meetings the technology targets, which are part of the overall performance targets set, as well as the achievements related to the technology targets were discussed. The TSC provides the RC with its advice on this topic.
The TSC provides advice to the SB with respect to ASML’s technology strategies and ASML’s technology and product roadmaps. External experts as well as experts from within ASML may act as advisors to the TSC with respect to the subjects reviewed and discussed in this committee. The advisors do not have voting rights, but regularly attend committee meetings (except for those meetings or calls specifically designated only for the technology target settings and evaluations). External experts may include representatives of customers, suppliers and partners to increase the committee’s understanding of the technology and research necessary for the development of ASML’s leading-edge systems.


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In 2015, the TSC discussed the execution and implementation of technology programs (especially EUV related topics) and corporate strategy initiatives.
The in-depth technology discussions in the TSC and the subsequent reporting on headlines in the full SB increases the SB’s understanding of ASML technology requirements and enables the SB to adequately supervise the strategic choices facing ASML, including ASML’s investment in research and development.
Conflict of Interest
Conflict of interest procedures are incorporated in the SB's rules of procedure and address the principle and the best practice provisions of the Code with respect to conflicts of interest.
There have been no transactions during 2015, and there are currently no transactions, between ASML or any of its subsidiaries, and any other significant shareholder, and any SB member or any relative or spouse thereof other than ordinary course compensation arrangements.
Remuneration of the Supervisory Board
The General Meeting of Shareholders determines the remuneration of the SB members; the remuneration is not dependent on ASML's (financial) results. Detailed information on the SB’s remuneration can be found in Note 29 to the 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements, included herein.
In addition to their fee as member of the SB, SB members also receive a fee for each committee membership, as well as a net cost allowance.
No member of the SB personally maintains a business relationship with ASML other than as a member of the SB.
The SB members do not receive ASML shares, or rights to acquire ASML shares, as part of their remuneration. SB members, who acquire or have acquired ASML shares or rights to acquire ASML shares, must have the intention to keep these for long-term investment only. No member of the SB currently owns ASML shares or rights to acquire ASML shares. In concluding transactions in ASML shares, SB members must comply with ASML’s Insider Trading Rules.
ASML has not granted any personal loans, guarantees, or the like to members of the SB. ASML’s Articles of Association provide for the indemnification of the members of the SB against claims that are a direct result of their tasks as members of the Supervisory Board, provided that such claim is not attributable to willful misconduct or intentional recklessness of such SB member. ASML has further implemented the indemnification of the members of the SB by means of separate indemnification agreements for each member of the SB.
Insider trading
With respect to trading in ASML financial instruments, the ASML Insider Trading Rules stipulate - among other requirements - that members of the SB may not trade during the two months preceding the publication of the annual results, and neither during the three weeks before publication of the quarterly results. In addition, members of the SB may not perform transactions in ASML financial instruments during the open periods when they have inside information.
IV.
Shareholders and General Meeting of Shareholders
Powers
A General Meeting of Shareholders is held at least once a year and generally takes place in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. In this meeting, at least the following items are discussed and/or approved:
The written report of the BoM containing the course of affairs in ASML and the conduct of the management during the past financial year;
The adoption of the financial statements for the past financial year, as prepared in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
The discharge of the members of the BoM in respect of their management during the previous financial year;
The discharge of the members of the Supervisory Board in respect of their supervision during the previous financial year;
Our reserves and dividend policy and justification thereof by the BoM;
Each material change in our corporate governance structure; and
Any other item the BoM or the SB determine to place on the agenda.


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The General Meeting of Shareholders has furthermore (with due observance of the statutory provisions) the power:
To resolve to amend the articles of association;
To resolve to dissolve ASML;
To resolve to issue shares if and insofar as the BoM has not been designated by the General Meeting of Shareholders for this purpose;
To resolve to reduce the issued share capital;
To appoint members of the SB;
To withdraw its confidence in the SB (resulting in a dismissal of the SB in its entirety);
To adopt the Remuneration Policy for members of the BoM; and
To determine the remuneration of the members of the SB.
The BoM requires the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders and the SB for resolutions regarding a significant change in the identity or character of ASML or its business, including in any event:
A transfer of the business or virtually all of the business to a third party;
Entry into or termination of long-term cooperation by ASML or a subsidiary with another legal entity or partnership or as a general partner with full liability in a limited or general partnership if such cooperation or the termination thereof is of far-reaching significance for ASML; and
An acquisition or disposal by ASML or a subsidiary of a participation in the capital of another company, the value of which equals at least one third of the amount of the assets according to the consolidated balance sheet (in the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to as "Statement of Financial Position") with explanatory notes attached to the Statutory Annual Report as most recently adopted.
Proposals placed on the agenda by the SB, the BoM, or by shareholders, provided that they have submitted the proposals in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, are discussed and resolved upon. Shareholders representing at least 1.0 percent of ASML’s outstanding share capital or representing a share value of at least EUR 50.0 million are entitled to place agenda items on the agenda of a General Meeting of Shareholders at the latest sixty days before the date of such meeting. Although Dutch legislation increased the percentage from 1.0 to 3.0 percent, ASML's articles of association still reflect the "old" requirement of 1.0 percent or EUR 50.0 million, and therefore this remains applicable for ASML. About two weeks before the closing of this sixty days term, ASML notifies its shareholders about the closing of the term on its Website.
A recurring agenda item is the limited authorization for the BoM to issue (rights to) shares in ASML's capital, and to exclude pre-emptive rights for such issuances. This agenda item typically includes two elements: i) the authorization to the BoM to issue 5.0 percent (rights to) shares of ASML’s issued share capital as of the date of authorization, plus an additional 5.0 percent of ASML’s issued share capital as of the date of authorization that may be issued in connection with mergers, acquisitions and/or (strategic) alliances, and ii) the authorization to exclude pre-emptive rights in relation to the above share issue, with a maximum of 10.0 percent of ASML’s issued share capital as of the date of authorization.
A simple majority is required for the authorization to issue shares. For the authorization to exclude the pre-emptive rights a simple majority is required in case at least fifty percent of ASML’s issued share capital is present or represented at the AGM, otherwise a majority of two thirds of the votes cast is required. The BoM must obtain the approval of the SB for the issuance of ASML shares as well as for excluding the pre-emptive rights.
It is important for ASML to be able to issue (rights to) shares and to exclude the pre-emptive shareholders’ rights in situations where it is imperative to be able to act quickly, for example when financial opportunities arise or when share plans and/or stock option plans need to be executed to attract and retain top talent. This authorization has been used in the past especially to optimize the financial position of ASML. Given the dynamics of the global capital markets, such financing transactions generally need to be executed in the shortest window of opportunity. The opportunity to issue shares or rights to shares, such as convertible bonds, would be limited if ASML needed a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders to issue shares and/or to exclude the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights and may thus hinder the financial flexibility of ASML.
As communicated in ASML's press release of January 20, 2016, a proposal will be submitted to the 2016 AGM to declare a dividend in respect of 2015 of EUR 1.05 per ordinary share, which constitutes a dividend increase by 50% compared to the 2014 dividend.
In addition to dividend payments, we intend to return cash to our shareholders on a regular basis through share buybacks or capital repayment, subject to our actual and anticipated level of liquidity requirements, our current share price, other market conditions and other relevant factors.
On January 21, 2015 we announced our intention to repurchase approximately EUR 1.0 billion of our own shares within the 2015-2016 timeframe. This program consisted of the intended purchase of (i) up to 3.3 million shares to cover ESOPs and (ii) up to EUR 750 million of shares for cancellation. On July 14, 2015, ASML completed the purchase of 3.3 million shares for ESOPs for a total amount of EUR 314.9 million. In addition, from July 16, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we have acquired 3.0 million shares which will be canceled for a total consideration of EUR 250.0 million. In total ASML has acquired 6.3 million shares under this program for a total consideration of EUR 564.9 million.


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On January 20, 2016 we announced a new share buyback program, to be executed within the 2016-2017 time frame. As part of this program, we intend to purchase shares up to EUR 1.5 billion, which includes an amount of approximately EUR 500 million remaining from the prior program, announced on January 21, 2015. We intend to cancel the shares upon repurchase. This buyback program started on January 21, 2016.
The BoM or SB may convene EGMs as often as they deem necessary. Such meetings must be held if one or more shareholders and others entitled to attend the meetings jointly representing at least one-tenth of the issued share capital make a written request to that effect to the BoM and the SB, specifying in detail the items to be discussed.
Logistics of the General Meeting of Shareholders
The convocation date for the AGM is legally set at forty-two days, and the record date at twenty-eight days before the AGM. Those who are registered as shareholders on the record date are entitled to attend the meeting and to exercise other shareholder rights.
The BoM and SB shall provide the shareholders with the facts and circumstances relevant to the proposed resolutions, through an explanation to the agenda, as well as through other documents necessary and/or helpful for this purpose. All documents relevant to the General Meeting of Shareholders, including the agenda with explanations, shall be posted in the Investors and Governance sections on our Website. The agenda indicates which agenda items are voting items, and which items are for discussion only.
ASML shareholders may appoint a proxy who can vote on their behalf in the General Meeting of Shareholders. ASML also uses an internet proxy voting system, thus facilitating shareholder participation without having to attend in person. Shareholders who voted through internet proxy voting are required, however, to appoint a proxy to officially represent them at the General Meeting of Shareholders in person. ASML also provides the possibility for shareholders to issue voting proxies or voting instructions to an independent third party (civil law notary) prior to the General Meeting of Shareholders.
Voting results from the General Meeting of Shareholders will be made available on our Website within 15 days after the meeting.
The draft minutes of the General Meeting of Shareholders are available via our Website, and also upon request via mail or e-mail, no later than three months after the meeting. Shareholders are given the opportunity to provide their comments in the subsequent three months, and thereafter the minutes are adopted by the Chairman and the Secretary of the meeting. The adopted minutes are also available on our Website and, upon request, via regular mail or e-mail.
Information to the Shareholders
To ensure fair disclosure, ASML distributes company information that may influence the share price to shareholders and other parties in the financial markets simultaneously and through means that are public to all interested parties. In case of bilateral contacts with shareholders, ASML follows the procedure related thereto as published on our Website.
When ASML's annual and quarterly results are published by means of a press release, interested parties, including shareholders, can participate through conference calls, listen to a web cast and view the presentation of the results on our Website. The schedule for communicating the annual financial results is posted on our Website. In addition, ASML provides information to its shareholders at ASML's AGM. Also ASML publishes a Corporate Responsibility Report on our Website every year, reporting on environmental, health, safety and social performance.
It is ASML's policy to post the presentations given to analysts and investors at investor conferences on our Website. Information regarding presentations to investors and analysts and conference calls are announced in advance on our Website, for details see ASML's financial calendar as published in the Investor Relations section on our Website. Meetings and discussions with investors and analysts shall, in principle, not take place shortly before publication of regular financial information. ASML does not assess, comment upon, or correct analysts’ reports and valuations in advance, other than to comment on factual errors. ASML does not pay any fees to parties carrying out research for analysts’ reports, or for the production or publication of analysts’ reports, and take no responsibility for the content of such reports.
At the AGM, the BoM and the SB provide shareholders with all requested information, unless this is contrary to an overriding interest of ASML. If this should be the case, the BoM and SB will provide their reasons for not providing the requested information.
Furthermore, the Corporate Governance section on our Website provides links to websites that contain information about ASML published or filed by ASML in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
ASML's sole anti-takeover device is the possibility of issuing cumulative preference shares in its share capital to the Foundation under an option agreement between ASML and the Foundation.
Relationship with Institutional Investors
ASML finds it important that its institutional investors participate in its General Meetings of Shareholders. To increase the participation rate, several measures have been taken in the past few years, including providing Internet proxy voting. In addition, ASML actively approaches its institutional investors to discuss their participation at the General Meetings of Shareholders.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    18




V.
The Audit of Financial Reporting and the Position of the Internal and External Auditor Function
Financial Reporting
ASML has comprehensive internal procedures in place for the preparation and publication of its Annual Reports, quarterly figures, and all other financial information. These internal procedures are frequently discussed in the AC and the SB. The Disclosure Committee assists the BoM in overseeing ASML’s disclosure activities and ensures compliance with applicable disclosure requirements arising under Dutch and U.S. law, and other regulatory requirements.
The AC reviews and approves the external auditor’s audit plan for the audits planned during the financial year. The audit plan also includes amongst others the activities of the external auditor with respect to their limited procedures on the quarterly results other than the annual accounts. The external auditor regularly updates the AC on the progress of the audits and other activities.
The SB has reviewed ASML's 2015 Statutory Annual Report as prepared by the BoM. Deloitte has duly examined ASML's financial statements, and the Auditor’s Report is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Appointment, Role, Assessment of the Functioning of the External Auditor, and the Auditor’s Fee
In accordance with Dutch law, ASML’s external auditor is appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders and is nominated for appointment by the SB upon advice from the AC and the BoM. ASML’s current external auditor, Deloitte, was re-appointed by the 2014 AGM for the reporting year 2015. KPMG was appointed as new external auditor for the reporting year 2016 by the 2015 AGM, in order to comply with the mandatory audit firm rotation. The transition from Deloitte to KPMG started already in the second quarter of 2015 in order for KPMG to be well-prepared before the start of the reporting year 2016. The AC has been regularly informed by management on the progress made in the transition process.
Annually, the BoM and the AC provide the SB with a report on the relationship with the external auditor. The responsible lead audit partner of the external auditor rotated after the 2013 audit, which is relevant for the auditor’s independence.
The external auditor is present at ASML's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to respond to questions, if any, from the shareholders about the auditor’s report on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The AC, on behalf of the SB, approves the remuneration of the external auditor after consultation with the BoM. It has been agreed among the members of the SB and the BoM that the AC has the most relevant insight and experience to be able to approve this item, and therefore the SB has delegated these responsibilities to the AC.
The AC monitors compliance with the Dutch rules on non-audit services provided by the external auditor, which outlines strict separation of audit and advisory services for Dutch public interest entities.
In principle the external auditor attends all meetings of the AC, unless this is deemed not necessary by the AC. The findings of the external auditor are discussed at these meetings.
The AC reports on all issues discussed with the external auditor to the SB, including the external auditor’s reports with regard to the audit of the Annual Reports as well as the content of the Annual Reports. In the independent auditor’s report, the external auditor refers to materiality, scope of the group audit, key audit matters (such as revenue recognition for systems, inventory excess and obsolete provision, sensitivities in valuation in goodwill and other intangible fixed assets), responsibilities of management, the SB and the external auditor for the financial statements and reports on other legal and regulatory requirements.
Internal Audit Function
The Internal Audit function assesses ASML’s systems of internal controls by performing independent procedures such as risk-based operational audits, IT audits and compliance audits. The Internal Audit department reports directly to the AC and BoM. The annual Internal Audit plan is discussed with and approved by the AC. The follow-up on the Internal Audit findings and progress against the Internal Audit plan is discussed on a quarterly basis with the AC. The external auditor and Internal Audit department have meetings on a regular basis.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    19




VI.
Required Information Article 10 Takeover Directive
General
The EU Takeover Directive requires that listed companies publish additional information providing insight into defensive structures and mechanisms which they apply. The relevant provision has been implemented into Dutch law by means of a decree of April 5, 2006. Pursuant to this decree, Dutch companies whose securities have been admitted to trading on a regulated market have to include information in their annual report which could be of importance for persons who are considering taking an interest in the company.
This information comprises amongst other things:
The capital structure of the company;
Restrictions on the transfer of securities and on voting rights;
Special powers conferred upon the holders of certain shares;
The rules governing the appointment and dismissal of board members and the amendment of the articles of association;
The rules on the issuing and the repurchasing of shares by the company;
Significant agreements to which the company is a party and which contain change of control rights (except where their nature is such that their disclosure would be seriously prejudicial to the company); and
Agreements between the company and its board members or employees providing for a "golden parachute".
In this section the BoM and the SB provide for an explanation to the information - if applicable to ASML - as required under Article 10 of the Takeover Directive.
Share Capital
ASML’s authorized share capital amounts to EUR 126.0 million and is divided into:
700,000,000 Cumulative Preference Shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.09 each;
699,999,000 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.09 each; and
9,000 Ordinary Shares B with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 each.
As at December 31, 2015, 433,332,573 ordinary shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.09 each were issued and fully paid up, this includes 5,345,891 treasury shares. No ordinary shares B and no cumulative preference shares have been issued.
A total of 75,573,452 depositary receipts for ordinary shares are issued with our cooperation.
Our BoM has the power to issue ordinary shares and cumulative preference shares insofar as the BoM has been authorized to do so by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The BoM requires approval of the SB for such an issue. The authorization by the General Meeting of Shareholders can only be granted for a certain period not exceeding five years and may be extended for no longer than five years on each occasion. In case the General Meeting of Shareholders has not authorized the BoM to issue shares, the General Meeting of Shareholders shall have the power to issue shares upon the proposal of the BoM, provided that the SB has approved such proposal.
Shares Issued in Customer Co-Investment Program
In connection with the CCIP, on September 12, 2012, we issued 62,977,877 ordinary shares to the Stichting that holds shares on behalf of Intel and 12,595,575 ordinary shares to the Stichting that holds shares on behalf of Samsung and on October 31, 2012, ASML issued 20,992,625 ordinary shares to the Stichting that holds shares on behalf of TSMC. We received an amount of EUR 3,853.9 million in relation to the shares issued under the CCIP. The Stichting that held TSMC's shares in the CCIP has informed ASML that TSMC has sold all of those shares. For further details on our CCIP see Note 34.
Ordinary Shares
An ordinary share entitles the holder thereof to cast nine votes in the General Meeting of Shareholders. Each ordinary share consists of 900 fractional shares. Fractional shares entitle the holder thereof to a fractional dividend but do not entitle the holder thereof to voting rights. Only those persons who hold shares directly in the share register in the Netherlands, held by us at our address at 5504 DR Veldhoven, de Run 6501, the Netherlands, or in the New York share register, held by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., P.O. Box 64506, St. Paul, MN 55164-0506, United States, can hold fractional shares. Persons who hold ordinary shares through the deposit system under the Dutch Securities Bank Giro Transactions Act (Wet giraal effectenverkeer; the "Giro Act") maintained by the Dutch central securities depository Euroclear Nederland or through the DTC cannot hold fractional shares. At our 2015 AGM, the BoM was authorized from April 22, 2015 through October 22, 2016, subject to the approval of the SB, to issue shares and/or rights thereto representing up to a maximum of 5.0 percent of our issued share capital at April 22, 2015, plus an additional 5.0 percent of our issued share capital at April 22, 2015 that may be issued in connection with mergers, acquisitions and/or (strategic) alliances.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    20




Holders of ASML’s ordinary shares have a preemptive right, in proportion to the aggregate nominal amount of the ordinary shares held by them. This preemptive right may be restricted or excluded. Holders of ordinary shares do not have preemptive right with respect to any ordinary shares issued for consideration other than cash or ordinary shares issued to employees. If authorized for this purpose by the General Meeting of Shareholders, the BoM has the power subject to approval of the SB, to restrict or exclude the preemptive rights of holders of ordinary shares. At our 2015 AGM, our shareholders authorized the BoM through October 22, 2016, subject to approval of the SB, to restrict or exclude preemptive rights of holders of ordinary shares up to a maximum of 10 percent of our issued share capital. At our 2016 AGM, our shareholders will be asked to extend this authority through October 29, 2017.
ASML may repurchase its issued ordinary shares at any time, subject to compliance with the requirements of Dutch law and our Articles of Association. Any such repurchases are and remain subject to the approval of the SB and the authorization by the General Meeting of Shareholders, which authorization may not be for more than 18 months. At the 2015 AGM, the BoM has been authorized, subject to SB approval, to repurchase through October 22, 2016, up to a maximum of two times 10.0 percent of our issued share capital at April 22, 2015, at a price between the nominal value of the ordinary shares purchased and 110.0 percent of the market price of these securities on Euronext Amsterdam or NASDAQ. At our 2016 AGM, our shareholders will be asked to extend this authority through October 29, 2017.
On January 21, 2015 we announced our intention to repurchase approximately EUR 1.0 billion of our own shares within the 2015-2016 timeframe. This program consisted of the intended purchase of (i) up to 3.3 million shares to cover ESOPs and (ii) up to EUR 750 million of shares for cancellation. On July 14, 2015, ASML completed the purchase of 3.3 million shares for ESOPs for a total amount of EUR 314.9 million. In addition, from July 16, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we have acquired 3.0 million shares which will be canceled for a total consideration of EUR 250.0 million. In total ASML has acquired 6.3 million shares under this program for a total consideration of EUR 564.9 million.
On January 20, 2016 we announced a new share buyback program, to be executed within the 2016-2017 time frame. As part of this program, we intend to purchase shares up to EUR 1.5 billion, which includes an amount of approximately EUR 500 million remaining from the prior program, announced on January 21, 2015. We intend to cancel the shares upon repurchase. This buyback program started on January 21, 2016.
Ordinary Shares B
The articles of association provide for 9,000 ordinary shares B with a nominal value of EUR 0.01. Each ordinary share B entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Holders of fractional shares had the opportunity, until July 31, 2013, to convert fractional shares into ordinary shares B to obtain voting rights with respect to those fractional shares. No ordinary shares B have been issued.
Special voting rights on the issued shares
There are no special voting rights on the issued shares in our share capital.
Limitation voting rights on Ordinary Shares indirectly held by the Participating Customers
Pursuant to the agreements entered into with them, the Participating Customers (and their respective foundations) will not be entitled to vote the ordinary shares that were acquired by (the foundations of) the Participating Customers as part of the CCIP or any other ordinary shares otherwise transferred to the foundations (under the circumstances described under "Standstill; Additional Purchases", see Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) prior to a Shareholder Agreement Termination Event (see Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), except when a Suspension Event (see Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) occurs and is continuing or where the following matters are proposed at any General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Voting Restrictions"): (i) an issuance of ASML shares or grant of rights to subscribe for ASML shares representing 25 percent or more of the issued and outstanding share capital of ASML or the restriction or exclusion of pre-emption rights relating thereto (in each case, on an aggregate basis during the preceding 12 months) or the designation of the BoM as the authorized body to resolve on these matters; (ii) an authorization to repurchase 25 percent or more of ASML’s issued and outstanding share capital on an aggregate basis during the preceding 12 months; (iii) the approval of a significant change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business, including a transfer of all or substantially all business or assets of ASML and its subsidiaries to a third party, the establishment or cancellation of a long-lasting cooperation of essential importance with a third party and an acquisition or disposition of an interest in the capital or assets of a person with a value of at least one third of the assets of ASML (on a consolidated basis); (iv) an amendment to ASML’s Articles of Association that would materially affect the specific voting rights of the Participating Customers, would materially affect the identity or nature of ASML or its business, or would disproportionately (or uniquely) and adversely affect the rights or benefits attached to or derived from the ordinary shares held by the Participating Customers through the foundations as compared to the shareholders; (v) the dissolution of ASML; and (vi) any merger or demerger which would result in a material change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business.
Cumulative Preference Shares
In 1998, we granted the Preference Share Option to the Foundation. This option was amended and extended in 2003 and 2007. A third amendment to the option agreement between the Foundation and ASML became effective on January 1, 2009, to clarify the procedure for the repurchase and cancellation of the preference shares when issued.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    21




The nominal value of the cumulative preference shares amounts to EUR 0.09 and the number of cumulative preference shares included in the authorized share capital is 700,000,000. A cumulative preference share entitles the holder thereof to cast nine votes in the General Meeting of Shareholders.
The Foundation may exercise the Preference Share Option in situations where, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, ASML’s interests, ASML’s business or the interests of ASML’s stakeholders are at stake. This may be the case if a public bid for ASML’s shares has been announced or has been made, or the justified expectation exists that such a bid will be made without any agreement having been reached in relation to such a bid with ASML. The same may apply if one shareholder, or more shareholders acting in concert, hold a substantial percentage of ASML’s issued ordinary shares without making an offer or if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, the (attempted) exercise of the voting rights by one shareholder or more shareholders, acting in concert, is materially in conflict with ASML’s interests, ASML’s business or ASML’s stakeholders.
The objectives of the Foundation are to look after the interests of ASML and of the enterprises maintained by ASML and of the companies which are affiliated in a group with ASML, in such a way that the interests of ASML, of those enterprises and of all parties concerned are safeguarded in the best possible way, and influences in conflict with these interests which might affect the independence or the identity of ASML and those companies are deterred to the best of the Foundation’s ability, and everything related to the above or possibly conducive thereto. The Foundation seeks to realize its objects by the acquiring and holding of cumulative preference shares in the capital of ASML and by exercising the rights attached to these shares, particularly the voting rights attached to these shares.
The Preference Share Option gives the Foundation the right to acquire a number of cumulative preference shares as the Foundation will require, provided that the aggregate nominal value of such number of cumulative preference shares shall not exceed the aggregate nominal value of the ordinary shares that have been issued at the time of exercise of the Preference Share Option for a subscription price equal to their nominal value. Only one-fourth of the subscription price would be payable at the time of initial issuance of the cumulative preference shares, with the other three-fourths of the nominal value only being payable when we call up this amount. Exercise of the preference share option could effectively dilute the voting power of the outstanding ordinary shares by one-half.
Cancellation and repayment of the issued cumulative preference shares by ASML requires the authorization by the General Meeting of Shareholders of a proposal to do so by the BoM approved by the SB. If the Preference Share Option is exercised and as a result cumulative preference shares are issued, ASML, at the request of the Foundation, will initiate the repurchase or cancellation of all cumulative preference shares held by the Foundation. In that case ASML is obliged to effect the repurchase and cancellation respectively as soon as possible. A cancellation will have as a result a repayment of the amount paid and exemption from the obligation to pay up on the cumulative preference shares. A repurchase of the cumulative preference shares can only take place when such shares are fully paid up.
If the Foundation does not request ASML to repurchase or cancel all cumulative preference shares held by the Foundation within 20 months after issuance of these shares, we will be obliged to convene a General Meeting of Shareholders in order to decide on a repurchase or cancellation of these shares.
The Foundation is independent of ASML. The Board of Directors of the Foundation comprises four independent members from the Dutch business and academic communities. The members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation are: Mr. H. Bodt, Mr. M.W. den Boogert, Mr. J.M. de Jong and Mr. A.H. Lundqvist.
Limitations to transfers of shares in the share capital of ASML
There are currently no limitations, either under Dutch law or in the Articles of Association of ASML, as to the transfer of ordinary shares in the share capital of ASML. Pursuant to the Articles of Association of ASML, the approval of the SB shall be required for every transfer of cumulative preference shares.
Reporting obligations under the Act on the supervision of financial markets (Wet op het financieel toezicht, the FMSA)
Holders of our shares may be subject to reporting obligations under the FMSA.
The disclosure obligations under the FMSA apply to any person or entity that acquires, holds or disposes of an interest in the voting rights and/or the capital of a public limited company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market within the EU, such as ASML. Disclosure is required when the percentage of voting rights or capital interest of a person or an entity reaches, exceeds or falls below 3.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0, 75.0 or 95.0 percent (as a result of an acquisition or disposal by such person, or as a result of a change in our total number of voting rights or capital issued). With respect to ASML, the FMSA requires any person or entity whose interest in the voting rights and/or capital of ASML reached, exceeded or fell below those percentage interests to notify the AFM immediately.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    22




For the purpose of calculating the percentage of capital interest or voting rights, the following interests must, among other arrangements, be taken into account: shares and votes (i) directly held by any person, (ii) held by such person’s subsidiaries, (iii) held by a third party for such person’s account, (iv) held by a third party with whom such person has concluded an oral or written voting agreement (including on the basis of an unrestricted power of attorney), (v) held by a third party with whom such person has agreed to temporarily transfer voting rights against payment, (vi) financial instruments of which the increase in value is wholly or partially dependent on an increase in value of our shares or distributions in respect thereof (including certain cash settled financial instruments such as contracts for difference and total return swaps), (vii) put options pursuant to which a person can be required to purchase our shares, and (vii) other contracts under which a person has a position economically comparable to having our shares. Interests held jointly by multiple persons are attributed to those persons in accordance with their entitlement. A holder of a pledge or right of usufruct in respect of shares can also be subject to these reporting obligations if such person has, or can acquire, the right to vote on the shares or, in case of depositary receipts, the underlying shares. The managers of certain investment funds are deemed to hold the capital interests and voting rights in the funds managed by them.
For the same purpose, the following instruments qualify as "shares": (i) shares, (ii) depositary receipts for shares (or negotiable instruments similar to such receipts), (iii) negotiable instruments for acquiring the instruments under (i) or (ii) (such as convertible bonds), and (iv) options for acquiring the instruments under (i) or (ii).
The AFM keeps a public registry of and publishes all notifications made pursuant to the FMSA.
We may request Euroclear Nederland and its admitted institutions as well as intermediaries, institutions and custodians of investment funds (in the Netherlands and abroad) of which we reasonably expect that they hold our shares other than as beneficial owner, to provide certain details on the identity and number of shares held, of their clients for whom they hold our shares. We must keep the information received confidential. We may only make such requests during a period of 60 days prior to the day on which our General Meeting of Shareholders will be held. No details are required to be given in respect of shareholders with an interest of less than 0.5 percent of our issued share capital. A shareholder who, individually or together with other shareholders, holds an interest of at least 10 percent of the issued share capital may request us to establish the identity of our shareholders in this manner so that we can forward to them information provided by such shareholder in respect of an item on the agenda for the General Meeting. This request may only be made during a period of 60 days until (and not including) the 42nd day before the day on which the General Meeting of Shareholders will be held.
The following table sets forth the total number of ordinary shares owned by each shareholder that reported to the AFM or SEC a beneficial ownership of ordinary shares that is at least 3.0 percent of our ordinary shares issued and outstanding. The information set out below with respect to shareholders is solely based on public filings with the SEC and AFM as of February 1, 2016.
 
 
 
Identity of Person or Group
Shares Owned

Percent of
Class4

Capital Group International, Inc 1
67,265,695

15.72
%
Stichting Administratiekantoor MAKTSJAB/Intel 2
62,977,877

14.71
%
BlackRock Inc. 3
27,188,038

6.35
%
 
 
 
1
As reported to the AFM on April 25, 2014, Capital Group International, Inc. and CRMC, which we believe to be an affiliate of Capital Group International, Inc., indirectly have 605,391,255 voting rights corresponding to 67,265,695 shares (based on nine votes per share) of our ordinary shares but do not have ownership rights related to those shares. Capital World Investors reported on a Schedule 13-G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015, that it is the beneficial owner of 45,024,312 shares of our ordinary shares as a result of its affiliation with CRMC. In addition, the Growth Fund of America reported to the AFM on May 15, 2014 that it owns 3.22% of our outstanding shares. We believe that some or all of these shares are included within the shares reported to be owned by Capital Group International, Inc., as set forth above.
2
Stichting Administratiekantoor MAKTSJAB owns the stated percentage of our ordinary shares and has issued corresponding depository receipts to Intel.
3
Based solely on the Schedule 13-G filed by BlackRock Inc. with the SEC on January 28, 2016; Blackrock reports voting power with respect to 24,425,454 of these shares. A public filing with the AFM on April 21, 2015 shows aggregate holdings of various BlackRock funds of (based on total number of issued shares at the time) 4.05% in shares and 5.05 % in voting rights.
4
As a percentage of the total number of ordinary shares issued and outstanding (427,986,682) as of December 31, 2015, which excludes 5,345,891 ordinary shares which have been issued but are held in treasury by ASML. Please note that share ownership percentages reported to the AFM are expressed as a percentage of the total number of ordinary shares issued (including treasury stock) and that accordingly, percentages reflected in this table may differ from percentages reported to the AFM.
Appointment of Board of Management and Supervisory Board
Board of Management
The rules governing the appointment and dismissal of members of the BoM are described in section II above.
Supervisory Board
The rules governing the appointment and dismissal of members of the SB are described in section III above.
Amendment of the Articles of Association
The General Meeting of Shareholders can resolve to amend our Articles of Association. The (proposed) amendment requires the approval of the SB.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    23




A resolution to amend the Articles of Association is adopted at a General Meeting of Shareholders at which more than one half of the issued share capital is represented and with at least three-fourths of the votes cast; if the required share capital is not represented at a meeting convened for that purpose, a subsequent meeting shall be convened, to be held within four weeks of the first meeting, at which, irrespective of the share capital represented, the resolution can be adopted with at least three-fourths of the votes cast. If a resolution to amend the Articles of Association is proposed by the BoM, the resolution will be adopted with an absolute majority of votes cast irrespective of the represented share capital at the General Meeting of Shareholders.
The complete proposals should be made available for inspection by the shareholders and the others entitled to attend meetings at our office and at a banking institution designated in the convocation to the General Meeting of Shareholders, as from the date of said convocation until the close of that meeting. Furthermore, we must consult Euronext Amsterdam and the AFM, before the amendment is proposed to our shareholders.
Severance payments under agreements with members of Board of Management
Employment agreements respectively management services agreements for members of the BoM contain specific provisions regarding severance payments. If ASML gives notice of termination of the employment agreement respectively management services agreements for reasons which are not exclusively or mainly found in acts or omissions of the BoM member concerned, a severance payment not exceeding one year base salary will be paid upon the effective date of termination. This severance payment will also be paid in case a BoM member gives notice of termination under the agreement in connection with a substantial difference of opinion between the respective executive and the SB regarding his agreement, his function or ASML’s strategy.
BoM members shall also be entitled to the aforementioned severance payments in the event ASML or its legal successor gives notice of termination in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the agreements) or if such BoM member gives notice of termination directly related to such Change of Control, and such notice is given within twelve months from the date on which the Change of Control occurs.
Per July 1, 2013, the relationship between a member of the BoM and a listed company can no longer be treated as an employment contract. Members appointed after July 1, 2013 have entered into a management services agreement; however the employment agreements entered into before July 1, 2013 will remain in effect.
VII.
Deviation from the Code
For clarity purposes, ASML lists below its deviation from the Code and the reason for doing so.
II.2.5
Although ASML does not consider ASML’s execution of this best practice a deviation from the Code, it could be interpreted as such.
The members of the BoM are eligible to receive performance shares which will be awarded annually under the condition of fulfillment of predetermined performance targets, which are measured over a period of three calendar years. Once the shares are unconditionally awarded after fulfillment of the performance conditions, the shares will be retained (for a lock-up period) by the BoM member for at least two years after the date of unconditional award or until the termination of employment, whichever period is shorter. The date of release lies three years after the original date of target setting, and the members of the BoM have to retain the performance shares for at least two subsequent years. Accordingly, the total period before one obtains full rights to the performance shares will be five years. The RC believes that the total resulting period is in compliance with the Code. At the 2015 AGM the performance share arrangement for the BoM as contained in the Remuneration Policy was approved.
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board,
Veldhoven, February 4, 2016



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    24




Management Board Report
About ASML
ASML is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chip-making equipment. Our vision is to enable affordable microelectronics that improve the quality of life. To achieve this, our mission is to invent, develop, manufacture and service advanced technology for high-tech lithography, metrology and software solutions for the semiconductor industry. ASML's guiding principle is continuing Moore's Law towards ever smaller, cheaper, more powerful and energy-efficient semiconductors. This results in increasingly powerful and capable electronics that enable the world to progress within a multitude of fields, including healthcare, technology, communications, energy, mobility, and entertainment. We are a multinational company with over 70 locations in 16 countries, headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. As of December 31, 2015, we employed 12,168 payroll employees (2014: 11,318) and 2,513 temporary employees (2014: 2,754), measured in FTEs. ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML.
In 2015, we generated total net sales of EUR 6,287.4 million and operating income of EUR 1,860.8 million or 29.6 percent of total net sales. Net income in 2015 amounted to EUR 1,619.5 million or 25.8 percent of total net sales, representing basic net income per ordinary share of EUR 3.76.
All information disclosed in this Management Board Report is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Corporate Governance Paragraph, Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Risk Factors
In conducting our business, we face many risks that may interfere with our business objectives. Some of these risks relate to our operational processes, while others relate to our business environment. It is important to understand the nature of these risks and the impact they may have on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Some of the more relevant risks are described below. These risks are not the only ones that we face. Some risks may not yet be known to us and certain risks that we do not currently believe to be material could become material in the future.
Summary
Strategic risk
We derive most of our revenues from the sale of a relatively small number of products.
Risks related to the semiconductor industry
The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and we may be adversely affected by any downturn;
Our business will suffer if we or the industry do not respond rapidly to commercial and technological changes in the semiconductor industry;
Cadence for the introduction of new systems is lengthening;
Industry adoption of EUV technology may be delayed; and
We face intense competition.
Governmental, legal and compliance risks
Failure to adequately protect the intellectual property rights upon which we depend could harm our business;
Defending against intellectual property claims brought by others could harm our business;
We are subject to risks in our international operations;
Because of labor laws and practices, any workforce reductions that we may seek to implement in order to reduce costs company-wide may be delayed or suspended; and
Changes in taxation could affect our future profitability.


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Operational risks
The number of systems we can produce is limited by our dependence on a limited number of suppliers of key components;
The time window for new product introduction is short and is accompanied by potential design and production delays and by significant costs;
As lithography technologies become more complex, the success of our R&D programs becomes more uncertain, while their cost rises;
We are dependent on the continued operation of a limited number of manufacturing facilities;
We may be unable to make desirable acquisitions or to integrate successfully any businesses we acquire;
Our business and future success depend on our ability to attract and retain a sufficient number of adequately educated and skilled employees;
A disruption in our information technology systems, including incidents related to cyber security, could adversely affect our business operations; and
Hazardous substances are used in the production and operation of our systems and failure to comply with applicable regulations or failure to implement appropriate practices for customer and employee environment, health and safety could subject us to significant liabilities.
Financial risks
A high percentage of net sales is derived from a few customers; and
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could harm our results of operations.
Risks related to our ordinary shares
We may not declare cash dividends at all or in any particular amounts in any given year;
Restrictions on shareholder rights may dilute voting power; and
Participating customers in our Customer Co-Investment Program together own a significant amount of our ordinary shares and their interests may not coincide with the interests of our other shareholders.
Explanation per risk
Strategic risk
We derive most of our revenues from the sale of a relatively small number of products
We derive most of our revenues from the sale of a relatively small number of lithography equipment systems (169 units in 2015 and 136 units in 2014), with an ASP per system in 2015 of EUR 25.1 million (EUR 28.5 million for new systems and EUR 5.1 million for used systems) and an ASP per system in 2014 of EUR 31.2 million (EUR 35.6 million for new systems and EUR 5.8 million for used systems). As a result, the timing of shipment and recognition of revenue for a particular reporting period from a small number of system sales may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations in that period. Specifically, the failure to receive anticipated orders, or delays in shipments near the end of a particular reporting period, due, for example, to:
A downturn in the highly cyclical semiconductor industry;
Volatility in the Logic and Memory end-markets as a result of oversupply and undersupply;
Shipment rescheduling;
Cancellation or order push-back by customers;
Unexpected manufacturing difficulties; or
Delays in deliveries by suppliers
may cause net sales in a particular reporting period to fall significantly below net sales in previous periods or below our expected net sales, and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for that period. In particular, our published quarterly earnings may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and may vary in the future and reduce our visibility on future sales for the reasons discussed above.
Risks related to the semiconductor industry
The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and we may be adversely affected by any downturn
As a supplier to the global semiconductor industry, we are subject to the industry’s business cycles, of which the timing, duration and volatility are difficult to predict. The semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical. Sales of our lithography systems depend in large part upon the level of capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers. These capital expenditures depend upon a range of competitive and market factors, including:
• The current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors and for products utilizing semiconductors;
• Semiconductor prices;
• Semiconductor production costs and manufacturing capacity utilization of semiconductor manufacturers;
• Semiconductor equipment industry capacity and utilization;
• Changes in semiconductor inventory levels;
• General economic conditions; and
• Access to capital.


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Reductions or delays in capital equipment purchases by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In an industry downturn, our ability to maintain profitability will depend substantially on whether we are able to lower our costs and break-even level, which is the level of sales that we must reach in a year to achieve positive net income. If sales decrease significantly as a result of an industry downturn and we are unable to adjust our costs over the same period, our net income may decline significantly or we may suffer losses. As we need to keep certain levels of inventory on hand to meet anticipated product and service demand, we may also incur increased costs related to inventory obsolescence in an industry downturn, and such inventory obsolescence costs may be higher with our newer technology systems such as EUV. We have grown in terms of employees, facilities and inventories in recent years, so it may be even more difficult for us to reduce costs in order to respond to an industry downturn. In addition, industry downturns generally result in overcapacity, resulting in downward pressure on sales prices and impairment of assets, including inventories, intangible assets, and machinery and equipment, which in the past has had, and in the future could have, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current and future instability of the financial markets and the global economy in general can have a number of effects on our business, including (i) declining business and consumer confidence resulting in reduced, or delayed purchase of our products or shorter-term capital expenditures for our products or a delay in transition to newer technology tools; (ii) insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays, (iii) an inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products, delayed payments from our customers and/or customer insolvencies and (iv) other adverse effects that we cannot currently anticipate. If global economic and market conditions deteriorate, we are likely to experience material adverse impacts on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Conversely, in anticipation of periods of increasing demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, we must maintain sufficient manufacturing capacity and inventory and we must attract, hire, integrate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees to meet customer demand. Our ability to predict the timing and magnitude of industry fluctuations is limited, and as our products become increasingly sophisticated, the lead-time required to successfully deliver our systems has grown considerably. Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively increase our production capacity to respond to an increase in customer demand in an industry upturn resulting in lost sales, damage to customer relationships and we may lose market share.
We are also subject to trends in the key end markets of our customers - Memory and Logic, each of which exhibit different levels of cyclicality. Trends in our end markets may be affected by a number of factors, including business conditions in their respective markets (or in the economy generally), consumer confidence, competition, and changing consumer demand. Decreased demand in the end-markets of any of our customers could cause our customers to reduce their purchases of our systems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business will suffer if we or the industry do not respond rapidly to commercial and technological changes in the semiconductor industry
The semiconductor manufacturing industry is subject to:
Rapid change towards more complex technologies;
Frequent new product introductions and enhancements;
Evolving industry standards;
Changes in customer requirements; and
Short product life cycles.
Our success in developing new products and in enhancing our existing products depends on a variety of factors, including the successful management of our R&D programs and the timely completion of product development and design relative to competitors. If we do not develop and introduce new and enhanced systems at competitive prices and on a timely basis, our customers will not integrate our systems into the planning and design of new production facilities and upgrades of existing facilities, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In particular, we are investing considerable financial and other resources to develop and introduce new products and product enhancements, such as Immersion, EUV and Holistic Lithography. If we or our suppliers are unable to successfully develop and introduce these products and technologies, or if our customers do not fully adopt the new technologies, products or product enhancements due to a preference for more established or alternative new technologies and products, due to the failure to meet their development roadmaps which require our new technology or for any other reason, this could result in customers continuing to use existing technology tools and we may not recoup all of our investments in these technologies or products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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The success of EUV, which we believe is critical for keeping pace with Moore’s Law, which postulates that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every 18 to 24 months at equivalent costs, remains dependent on continuing technical advances by us and our suppliers. These advances include in particular advances in technology related to the light source, source power, system availability, and scanner performance, without which EUV tools cannot achieve the productivity and yield required to economically justify the higher price of these tools. A delay in the development of these tools or a delay in such tools meeting production requirements could discourage or result in much slower adoption of this EUV technology and could delay purchases of these tools. In addition, the introduction of alternative technologies or processes by our competitors that compete with EUV could discourage or result in much slower adoption of EUV technology. If the technologies that we pursue to assist our customers in producing smaller and more efficient chips are not as effective as those developed by our competitors, or if our customers adopt new technological architectures that are less focused on lithography, this may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we maintain in inventory a certain amount of parts and components for system production and when we stop producing a particular model in favor of newer models, there is a risk that this inventory of parts and components may become obsolete, particularly as a result of the rapid pace of technological change. In such cases, we seek to use such parts and components in new systems, but in case we are not able to do so, this can result in impairments of inventory. Many of these parts and components are particularly expensive and may only be used in a single type of system.
Cadence for the introduction of new systems is lengthening
Our lithography systems have become more complex and costly to develop and build. In addition, our customers have experienced delays in implementing their product roadmaps, which has resulted in delayed demand of new systems. These factors resulted in longer development cycles and a longer transition period (or cadence) both for our new systems and industry-wide, increasing the risk of a slowing down of the overall transition period for new systems as predicted by Moore's Law. A lengthening of the cadence for new system purchases by our customers could result in a slower adoption of EUV or any other new technology as a result of delays in the development of new tools or a change in the customer's product roadmaps or investment outlook. As a result of a lengthening of the cadence, our customers may purchase existing technology systems rather than new leading-edge systems or delay their investment in new systems to the extent that such investment is not economical or required given their product cycles. A lengthening of the cadence for the introduction of our new systems can also result in increased competition, as competitors may have more time to develop competing systems. In addition, longer cadence means we face increasing competition from manufacturers who produce systems with lower performance levels than our new systems. The change in cadence of our new systems could result in a decrease in the number of new systems or technology we sell in a given year, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Industry adoption of EUV technology may be delayed
EUV represents the next-generation lithography technology for ASML, and we have made significant investments in EUV, including our 2013 acquisition of Cymer Corporation, to develop EUV technology. To date, we have only sold a limited number of EUV systems. There are a number of development milestones to be met with respect to EUV systems, and EUV has not yet been widely adopted by the semiconductor manufacturing industry. There are a number of factors that may inhibit or delay industry adoption of our EUV systems, including those set forth in this Risk Factors section. Any delay in industry adoption of our EUV systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, for our EUV systems which we sell as part of our commercial sales, we defer a portion of the revenues pending completion of performance milestones agreed with the customer, so to the extent that our systems fail to meet these milestones, our revenues and profitability in certain periods may be lower than anticipated.
We face intense competition
The semiconductor equipment industry is highly competitive. The principal elements of competition in our market are:
The technical performance characteristics of a lithography system;
The value of ownership of lithography systems based on purchase price, maintenance costs, throughput, and customer service and support costs;
The exchange rate of the euro against the functional currency of our competitors and our customers, particularly against the Japanese yen;
The strength and breadth of our portfolio of patents and other intellectual property rights; and
Our customers’ desire to obtain lithography equipment from more than one supplier.
Our competitiveness increasingly depends upon our ability to develop new and enhanced semiconductor equipment that is competitively priced and introduced on a timely basis, as well as our ability to protect and defend our intellectual property rights. See Note 10 and Note 24 to the Financial Statements.


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We compete primarily with Nikon and Canon in respect of systems. Each of Nikon and Canon have substantial financial resources and broad patent portfolios. Each continues to introduce new products with improved price and performance characteristics that compete directly with our products, which may cause a decline in our sales or a loss of market acceptance for our lithography systems. In addition, adverse market conditions, industry overcapacity or a decrease in the value of the Japanese yen in relation to the euro or the US dollar, could further intensify price-based competition in those regions that account for the majority of our sales, resulting in lower prices and margins and lower sales which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We also face the risk of a decline in sales if our products and services do not meet our customers' standards, which could result in decline in demand from or loss of such customers.
We also compete with providers of software applications that support or enhance complex patterning solutions, including lithography, such as KLA-Tencor Corporation. These applications effectively compete with our holistic lithography offering, which has become an increasingly significant part of our business.
In addition to competitors in lithography, we may face competition with respect to alternative technologies. If we fail to keep pace with Moore’s Law or in the event the delivery of new technology is delayed, our customers may opt for other solutions in IC manufacturing as a substitute for purchasing our products.
Furthermore, a number of business combinations and strategic partnerships among our customers and research partners in the semiconductor industry have occurred recently, and more could occur in the future. Consolidation among our customers and research partners could affect industry dynamics and could adversely affect our business and margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Governmental, legal and compliance risks
Failure to adequately protect the intellectual property rights upon which we depend could harm our business
We rely on intellectual property rights such as patents, copyrights and trade secrets to protect our proprietary technology. However, we face the risk that such measures could prove to be inadequate because:
Intellectual property laws may not sufficiently support our proprietary rights or may change in the future in a manner adverse to us;
Patent rights may not be granted or interpreted as we expect;
Patents will expire which may result in key technology becoming widely available that may hurt our competitive position;
The steps we take to prevent misappropriation or infringement of our proprietary rights may not be successful; and
Third parties may be able to develop or obtain patents for similar competing technology.
In addition, legal proceedings may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend against claims of infringement. Any such proceedings may result in substantial costs and diversion of management resources, and, if decided unfavorably to us, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Defending against intellectual property claims brought by others could harm our business
In the course of our business, we are subject to claims by third parties alleging that our products or processes infringe upon their intellectual property rights. If successful, such claims could limit or prohibit us from developing our technology and manufacturing our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our customers may be subject to claims of infringement from third parties, alleging that our products used by such customers in the manufacture of semiconductor products and/or the processes relating to the use of our products infringe one or more patents issued to such third parties. If such claims were successful, we could be required to indemnify customers for some or all of any losses incurred or damages assessed against them as a result of such infringement, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We also may incur substantial licensing or settlement costs, which although potentially strengthening or expanding our intellectual property rights or limiting our exposure to intellectual property claims of third parties, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From late 2001 through 2004, ASML was a party to a series of civil litigations and administrative proceedings in which Nikon alleged ASML’s infringement of Nikon patents relating to lithography. ASML in turn filed claims against Nikon. Pursuant to agreements executed on December 10, 2004, ASML and Nikon agreed to settle all pending worldwide patent litigation between the companies. The settlement included an exchange of releases, a patent cross-license agreement related to lithography equipment used to manufacture semiconductor devices, and payments to Nikon by ASML.
Under the terms of the Nikon Cross-License Agreement, beginning on January 1, 2015, the parties may bring suit for infringement of certain patents subject to the agreement, including any infringement that occurred from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014 (the "Cross-License Transition Period"). Damages resulting from claims for patent infringement occurring during the Cross-License Transition Period are limited to three percent of the net sales price of applicable licensed products including optical components. For more information on the Nikon Cross-License Agreement, see Note 24.


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Accordingly, from January 1, 2015, both Nikon and we are no longer prohibited under the agreement from bringing claims against each other on the basis of infringement of certain patents subject to the Nikon Cross-License Agreement.
If Nikon files suit against us alleging patent infringement, we may incur substantial legal fees and expenses, and we may not prevail. Similarly, if we file suit against Nikon alleging patent infringement, we may incur substantial legal fees and expenses, and we may not prevail. Patent litigation is complex and may extend for a protracted period of time, giving rise to the potential for both substantial costs and diverting the attention of key management and technical personnel. Potential adverse outcomes from patent litigation may include, without limitation, payment of significant monetary damages, injunctive relief prohibiting the sale of products, and/or settlement involving significant costs to be paid by us, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. We are unable to predict at this time whether any such patent suit will in fact materialize, or, if so, what its outcome might be.
We are subject to risks in our international operations
The majority of our sales are made to customers outside Europe. There are a number of risks inherent in doing business in some of those regions:
Potentially adverse tax consequences;
Unfavorable political or economic environments;
Unexpected legal or regulatory changes;
An inability to effectively protect intellectual property; and
Adverse effects of foreign currency fluctuations.
If we are unable to manage successfully the risks inherent in our international activities, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
In particular, 24.7 percent of our 2015 net sales and 19.2 percent of our 2014 net sales were derived from customers in Taiwan. Taiwan has a unique international political status. The People’s Republic of China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and does not recognize the legitimacy of the Taiwanese government. Changes in relations between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, Taiwanese government policies and other factors affecting Taiwan’s political, economic or social environment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, certain of our manufacturing facilities as well as customers are located in South Korea. There are tensions between the Republic of South Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) since the division of the Korean Peninsula following World War II. The worsening of relations between those two countries or the outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsula could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, the installation and servicing of our products requires us to travel to our customers’ premises. Natural disasters could affect our ability to do so. For example, the Japanese earthquake in 2011 resulted in the disruption of our installation and servicing of systems for our customers in Japan. Natural disasters in areas where our customers are located could prevent or disrupt the installation or servicing of our systems. In addition, we have customers located in Israel. If the geopolitical environment prevents travel to Israel, it could result in the disruption of our installation and servicing of systems for our customers.
Lastly, if there is a pandemic outbreak located near any of our customers, it could result in the disruption of our installation and servicing of systems for our customers near the outbreak. Therefore, if there is a natural disaster, geopolitical conflict or pandemic that prevents our ability to travel to our customers’ premises, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely effected.
Because of labor laws and practices, any workforce reductions that we may seek to implement in order to reduce costs company-wide may be delayed or suspended
The semiconductor market is highly cyclical and as a consequence we may need to implement workforce reductions in case of a downturn, in order to adapt to such market changes. In accordance with labor laws and practices applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate, a reduction of any significance may be subject to formal procedures that can delay or may result in the modification of our planned workforce reductions. For example, ASML Netherlands B.V., our operating subsidiary in the Netherlands, has a Works Council, as required by Dutch law. If the Works Council renders contrary advice in connection with a proposed workforce reduction in the Netherlands, but we nonetheless determine to proceed, we must temporarily suspend any action while the Works Council determines whether to appeal to the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal. This appeal process can cause a delay of several months and may require us to address any procedural inadequacies identified by the Court in the way we reached our decision. Such delays could impair our ability to reduce costs company-wide to levels comparable to those of our competitors.
Changes in taxation could affect our future profitability
We are subject to income taxes in the Netherlands and numerous other jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate has fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future.


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Changes in tax legislation in the countries where we operate can affect our effective tax rate. For example, the OECD has recently embarked on a project to propose measures against so called BEPS, which the OECD describes as tax planning strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to reduce overall corporate tax. In October 2015, the OECD published 15 reports on various BEPS topics. These reports introduced new tax concepts which has resulted, and is expected to result, in substantial changes to tax legislation in the countries in which ASML operates.
In particular, one of the OECD BEPS reports introduces minimum requirements for Patent Box Regimes. In 2007, a Patent Box Regime was introduced in The Netherlands, which provides that income generated from qualifying innovative activities is effectively taxed at a beneficial tax rate of currently 5% rather than the Dutch statutory tax rate of 25%. The Patent Box Regime is called "Innovation Box" in The Netherlands legislation. A portion of our earnings currently qualifies for beneficial tax treatment under the Dutch Innovation Box. In order to meet the minimum requirements for Patent Box regimes mandated by the OECD BEPS report, the Dutch Innovation Box will have to be amended by July 1, 2016. Changes in Dutch tax laws to comply with the OECD BEPS report may reduce ASML’s current benefits under the Dutch Innovation Box.
Changes to tax legislation of jurisdictions ASML operates in may adversely impact ASML’s tax position and consequently our net income. In addition, jurisdictions levy corporate income tax at different rates. The distribution of our systems sales over the various jurisdictions in which we operate may vary from year to year, resulting in a different mix of corporate income tax rates applicable to our profits, which can affect the world wide effective tax rate for ASML.
Operational risks
The number of systems we can produce is limited by our dependence on a limited number of suppliers of key components
We rely on outside vendors for components and subassemblies used in our systems including the design thereof, each of which is obtained from a single supplier or a limited number of suppliers. Our reliance on a limited group of suppliers involves several risks, including a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components, reduced control over pricing and the risk of untimely delivery of these components and subassemblies.
The number of lithography systems we are able to produce may be limited by the production capacity of Zeiss. Zeiss is our single supplier of lenses, mirrors, illuminators, collectors and other critical optical components (which we refer to as optics). If Zeiss were unable to maintain and increase production levels or if we are unable to maintain our business relationship with Zeiss in the future we could be unable to fulfill orders, which could damage relationships with current and prospective customers and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If Zeiss were to terminate its relationship with us or if Zeiss were unable to maintain production of optics over a prolonged period, we would effectively cease to be able to conduct our business. See "Management Board Report - Manufacturing, Logistics and Suppliers".In addition to Zeiss’ current position as a supplier of optics, a number of other critical components such as drive lasers included in our CO2 lasers used in our EUV systems are available from only a limited number of suppliers.
Designing and manufacturing some of these components and subassemblies that we use in our manufacturing processes is an extremely complex process and could result in delays by our suppliers. Lead-times in obtaining components have increased as our products have become more complex, and our failure to adequately predict demand for our systems or any delays in the shipment of components can result in insufficient supply of components or, conversely, excess inventory. A prolonged inability to obtain adequate deliveries of components or subassemblies, or any other circumstance that requires us to seek alternative sources of supply, could significantly hinder our ability to deliver our products in a timely manner, which could damage relationships with current and prospective customers and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, as we develop new technologies, such as EUV, this requires our suppliers to participate in the development process so that the components they supply will meet the requirements of our development roadmap, and this may require significant R&D spending and investment on the part of our suppliers, particularly with the long lead-time required for EUV components. If our suppliers are unable to meet our technological and supply demands in line with our development roadmap, this may delay the development and introduction of new products. In addition, our suppliers may not have or may not be willing to spend sufficient financial resources to make the necessary R&D expenditures and investments to enable them (and therefore us) to maintain their development roadmaps and ultimately meet our supply demands. In this case, we may be required to co-invest with our suppliers to continue the R&D required to continue development roadmaps.


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The time window for new product introduction is short and is accompanied by potential design and production delays and by significant costs
The development and initial production, installation and enhancement of the systems we produce is often accompanied by design and production delays and related costs of a nature typically associated with the introduction and transition to full-scale manufacturing of complex capital equipment. While we expect and plan for a corresponding learning-curve effect in our product development cycle, we cannot predict with precision the time and expense required to overcome these initial problems and to ensure full performance to specifications. Moreover, we anticipate that this learning-curve effect will continue to present increasingly difficult challenges with each new generation of our products as a result of increasing technological complexity. In particular, the development of an EUV volume production system is dependent on, and subject to the successful implementation of, among other things, technology related to the light source, source power, system availability, scanner performance and other technologies specific to EUV. There is a risk that we may not be able to introduce or bring to full-scale production new products as quickly as we anticipate in our product introduction plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For the market to accept technology enhancements, our customers, in many cases, must upgrade their existing technology capabilities. Such upgrades from established technology may not be available to our customers to enable volume production using our new technology enhancements. This could result in our customers not purchasing, or pushing back or canceling orders for our technology enhancements, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are also dependent on our suppliers to maintain their development roadmaps to enable us to introduce new technologies on a timely basis, and if they are unable to keep pace whether due to technological factors, lack of financial resources or otherwise, this could prevent us from meeting our development roadmaps.
Additionally, in connection with our EUV production, we have made advanced payments to suppliers that we may not recoup if we do not reach expected EUV sales levels in the future. We may make similar advance payments (or other investments in our suppliers) to suppliers in connection with EUV or other technologies we develop, and we may not recoup those advanced payments or other investments (e.g. if expected sales are not met). See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
As lithography technologies become more complex, the success of our R&D programs becomes more uncertain, while their cost rises
Our lithography systems have become increasingly complex, and accordingly, the costs to develop new products and technologies have increased, and we expect such costs to continue to increase. This increase in costs requires us to continue obtaining sufficient funding for our R&D programs. For example, we obtained partial funding for our EUV R&D program through the CCIP. We may however, be unable to obtain this type of funding from customers in the future, in which case we may be unable or we may determine not to fund R&D investments necessary to maintain our technological leadership. The increasing complexity of new technologies, which leads to increasing cost of R&D programs for new technologies, also increases the risk that a new product or technology may not be successful.
Furthermore, as the innovation cycle becomes more complex, developing new technology, including EUV technology, requires increased R&D investments by our suppliers in order to meet the technology demands of us and our customers. Our suppliers may not have, or may not be willing to invest in, the resources necessary to continue the development of the new technologies to the extent such investments are necessary, which may result in our contributing funds to such R&D programs or limiting the R&D investments that we can undertake.
We are dependent on the continued operation of a limited number of manufacturing facilities
All of our manufacturing activities, including subassembly, final assembly and system testing, take place in cleanroom facilities in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, in Wilton, Connecticut and in San Diego, California, both in the United States, in Pyeongtaek, South-Korea and in Linkou, Taiwan. These facilities may be subject to disruption for a variety of reasons, including work stoppages, fire, energy shortages, flooding or other natural disasters. We cannot ensure that alternative production capacity would be available if a major disruption were to occur or that, if such capacity was available, it could be obtained on favorable terms. Such a disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, some of our key suppliers, including Zeiss, have a limited number of manufacturing facilities, the disruption of which may significantly and adversely affect our production capacity.
We may be unable to make desirable acquisitions or to integrate successfully any businesses we acquire
Our future success may depend in part on the acquisition of businesses or technologies intended to complement, enhance or expand our current business or products or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities. Our ability to complete such transactions may be hindered by a number of factors, including potential difficulties in obtaining government approvals.


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Any acquisition that we do make would pose risks related to the integration of the new business or technology with our business. We cannot be certain that we will be able to achieve the benefits we expect from a particular acquisition or investment. Acquisitions may also strain our managerial and operational resources, as the challenge of managing new operations may divert our management from day-to-day operations of our existing business. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we fail to coordinate our resources effectively to manage both our existing operations and any businesses we acquire.
In addition, in connection with acquisitions, anti-trust regulators may impose conditions on us, including requirements to divest assets or other conditions that could make it difficult for us to integrate the businesses that we acquire. For example, in connection with the Cymer acquisition we have agreed to maintain Cymer Light Sources as a stand-alone business.
We may also face challenges with integrating any business we acquire into our organization.
As a result of acquisitions, we have recorded, and may continue to record, a significant amount of goodwill and other intangible assets. Under current accounting guidelines, we must assess, at least annually and potentially more frequently, whether the value of goodwill and other intangible assets has been impaired. Any reduction or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in additional charges against earnings, which could materially reduce our reported results of operations in future periods.
Our business and future success depend on our ability to attract and retain a sufficient number of adequately educated and skilled employees
Our business and future success significantly depends upon our employees, including a large number of highly qualified professionals, as well as our ability to attract and retain employees. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may not be able to continue to attract and retain such personnel. Our R&D programs require a significant number of qualified employees. If we are unable to attract sufficient numbers of qualified employees, this could affect our ability to conduct our research and development programs on a timely basis, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, if we lose key employees or officers to retirement, illness or otherwise, particularly a number of our highly qualified professionals and/or senior management, we may not be able to timely find a suitable replacement. Moreover, as a result of the uniqueness and complexity of our technology, qualified engineers capable of working on our systems are scarce and generally not available (e.g. from other industries or companies). As a result, we must educate and train our employees to work on our systems. Therefore, a loss of a number of key professionals and/or senior management can be disruptive, costly and time consuming. Our R&D activities with respect to new technology systems such as EUV have increased our need for qualified personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is significant in the area surrounding our headquarters in Veldhoven, the Netherlands and in the other regions where our facilities are located, where a number of high technology companies are located.
Furthermore, the increasing complexity of our products results in a longer learning-curve for new and existing employees and suppliers leading to an inability to decrease cycle times and may result in the incurrence of significant additional costs.
Our suppliers face similar risks in attracting qualified employees, including attracting employees in connection with R&D programs that will support our R&D programs and technology developments. To the extent that our suppliers are unable to attract qualified employees, this could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A disruption in our information technology systems, including incidents related to cyber security, could adversely affect our business operations
We rely on the accuracy, availability and security of our information technology systems. Despite the measures that we have implemented, including those related to cybersecurity, our systems could be breached or damaged by computer viruses and systems attacks, natural or man-made incidents, disasters or unauthorized physical or electronic access.
From time to time we experience cybersecurity attacks on our information technology systems, these attacks are increasing and becoming more sophisticated, and may be perpetrated by computer hackers, cyber terrorists or other corporate espionage. These attacks include malicious software (malware), attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information (including confidential information relating to our customers and suppliers), and corruption of data. To date, none of the attacks we have experienced has materially impacted our business or operations. Nevertheless, any system failure, accident or security breach could result in business disruption, theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets (including our proprietary technology), customer or supplier information, unauthorized access to personnel information, or corruption of our data and of our systems.
Moreover, there can be no assurance that such measures we have implemented will be sufficient to prevent a system failure, accident or security breach from occurring. To the extent that our business is interrupted or data or proprietary technology or customer data is lost, destroyed or inappropriately used or disclosed, this could adversely affect our competitive position, relationships with customers and suppliers and therefore our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against or repair the damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    33




In addition, from time to time, we implement updates to our information technology systems and software, which can disrupt or shutdown our information technology systems. We may not be able to successfully integrate and launch these new systems as planned without disruption to our operations. Information technology system disruptions, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Hazardous substances are used in the production and operation of our systems and failure to comply with applicable regulations or failure to implement appropriate practices for customer and employee environment, health and safety could subject us to significant liabilities
Hazardous substances are used in the production and operation of our lithography systems, which subjects us to a variety of governmental regulations relating to environmental protection and employee and product health and safety, including the transport, use, storage, discharge, handling, emission, generation, and disposal of toxic or other hazardous substances. In addition, operating our machines (which use lasers and other potentially hazardous tools) is dangerous and can result in injury. The failure to comply with current or future regulations could result in substantial fines being imposed on us or other adverse consequences. Additionally, our products have become increasingly complex. The increasing complexity requires us to invest in continued risk assessments and development of appropriate preventative and protective measures for health and safety for both our employees (in connection with the production and installation of our systems) and our customers’ employees (in connection with the operation of our systems). There can be no assurance that the health and safety practices we develop will be adequate to mitigate all health and safety risks. Failing to comply with applicable regulations or the failure of our implemented practices for customer and employee health and safety could subject us to significant liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Financial risks
A high percentage of net sales is derived from a few customers
Historically, we have sold a substantial number of lithography systems to a limited number of customers. We expect customer concentration to increase because of continuing consolidation in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Consequently, while the identity of our largest customers may vary from year to year, sales may remain concentrated among relatively few customers in any particular year. In 2015, recognized net sales to our largest customer accounted for EUR 1,633.6 million, or 26.0 percent of net sales, compared with EUR 1,532.1 million, or 26.2 percent of net sales, in 2014. The loss of any significant customer or any significant reduction in orders by a significant customer may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, as a result of our limited number of customers, credit risk on our receivables is concentrated. Our three largest customers (based on net sales) accounted for EUR 704.1 million, or 58.3 percent of accounts receivable and finance receivables on December 31, 2015, compared with EUR 643.2 million, or 49.3 percent on December 31, 2014.
As a result of the foregoing risks, business failure or insolvency of one of our main customers may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could harm our results of operations
We are exposed to currency risks. We are particularly exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the US dollar, Japanese yen and the euro, as we incur costs of sales predominantly in euros with portions of our net sales and cost of sales also denominated in US dollars.
In addition, a portion of our sales and costs are denominated in US dollars, particularly following our acquisition of Cymer in 2013, and a small portion of our operating results are denominated in currencies other than the euro and the US dollar. Our Financial Statements are expressed in euros. Accordingly, our results of operations are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the euro and such other currencies, and changes in currency exchange rates can result in losses in our Financial Statements. In general, our customers generally run their businesses in US dollars and therefore a weakening of the US dollar against the euro might impact the ability or desire of our customers to purchase our products.
Furthermore, a strengthening of the euro particularly against the Japanese yen could further intensify price-based competition in those regions that account for the majority of our sales, resulting in lower prices and margins and a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks related to our ordinary shares
We may not declare cash dividends at all or in any particular amounts in any given year
We aim to pay an annual dividend that will be stable or growing over time. Annually, the BoM will, upon prior approval from the SB, submit a proposal to the AGM with respect to the amount of dividend to be declared with respect to the prior year. The dividend proposal in any given year will be subject to the availability of distributable profits or retained earnings and may be affected by, among other factors, the BoM’s views on our potential future liquidity requirements, including for investments in production capacity, the funding of our R&D programs and for acquisition opportunities that may arise from time to time; and by future changes in applicable income tax and corporate laws. Accordingly, the BoM may decide to propose not to pay a dividend or pay a lower dividend with respect to any particular year in the future, which could have a negative effect on our share price.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    34




Restrictions on shareholder rights may dilute voting power
Our Articles of Association provide that we are subject to the provisions of Dutch law applicable to large corporations, called "structuurregime". These provisions have the effect of concentrating control over certain corporate decisions and transactions in the hands of our SB. As a result, holders of ordinary shares may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by members of our SB than if we were incorporated in the United States or another jurisdiction.
Our authorized share capital also includes a class of cumulative preference shares and we have granted "Stichting Preferente Aandelen ASML", a Dutch foundation, an option to acquire, at their nominal value of EUR 0.09 per share, such cumulative preference shares. Exercise of the preference share option would effectively dilute the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares by one-half, which may discourage or significantly impede a third party from acquiring a majority of our voting shares.
See "Corporate Governance Paragraph - II. Board of Management" and Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Participating customers in our Customer Co-Investment Program together own a significant amount of our ordinary shares and their interests may not coincide with the interests of our other shareholders
In the CCIP, the Participating Customers, being Intel, Samsung and TSMC, through certain wholly-owned subsidiaries, acquired in aggregate 96,566,077 ASML shares, which represented 23% of our outstanding shares at that time. In the CCIP, all of the Participating Customers agreed to a lock-up arrangement with us which expired in the first half of 2015. As the lock-up has now expired, the Participating Customers are permitted to sell their shares and the Stichting that held TSMC's shares in the CCIP has informed ASML that all of the ASML shares acquired by TSMC have been sold (20,992,625 ASML shares). Intel and Samsung are now presumed to own a total of 75,573,452 ASML shares based on the number of ASML shares initially acquired. Any sales by the Participating Customers are subject to the following limitations: any market sales are limited in any 6 month period to a total of 4% or 1.5% of our disclosed outstanding shares, in the case of Intel and Samsung, respectively, but such limitations do not apply to underwritten sales or block trades. The sale of a large number of these shares, or the perception that such sales may occur, could have an adverse effect on the trading price of our shares.
See "Corporate Governance Paragraph - IV. Shareholders and General Meeting of Shareholders".
Additionally, the interests of the Participating Customers who continue to own ASML shares may not always coincide with the interests of other holders of our shares. The shares acquired by the Participating Customers are held by Dutch foundations which have issued depositary receipts in respect thereof and the participating customers may only vote those shares in General Meetings in exceptional circumstances, including the authorization of certain significant share issuances and share repurchases, the approval of a significant change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business, any amendment to ASML’s Articles of Association that would materially affect the specific voting rights of the Participating Customers or that would cause a significant change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business, the dissolution of ASML, and any merger or demerger which would result in a material change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business. When such exceptional circumstances occur, the Participating Customers who continue to own ASML shares, and in particular Intel (due to the percentage of our shares that Intel owns), will be able to influence matters requiring approval by the General Meeting and may vote their ordinary shares in a way with which other shareholders may not agree.
Financial Risk Management
We are exposed to certain financial risks such as market risk (including foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and capital risk. Our overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potentially adverse effects on our financial performance. We use derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. None of our transactions are entered into for trading or speculative purposes. We believe that market information is the most reliable and transparent measure for our derivative financial instruments that are measured at fair value.
See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Markets
Memory chips
Memory chips can store a large amount of data in a very small area in electronic products like personal computers, tablets or smartphones. There are two main classes of Memory: DRAM and NAND. With NAND chips, information can be stored even when the device is powered off. DRAM memory is used to enhance the performance of the electronic product. These DRAM and NAND chips are made in dedicated Memory factories.
Logic chips
Logic chips process information in electronic devices. They are produced by two groups of manufacturers. The first group designs and manufactures Logic chips and is referred to as IDMs. The second group are contract manufacturers known as Foundries. Foundry manufacturers do not design chips, but produce chips for other companies.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    35




Total net sales by end-use market for 2013 - 2015 for Memory, Foundry, IDM and net service and field option sales were divided as follows:
Year ended December 31
2013

 
2014

 
2015

 
(in millions)
EUR

% 1

EUR

% 1

EUR

% 1

Memory
1,488.8

28.4
%
2,225.1

38.0
%
2,115.0

33.6
%
Foundry
2,064.3

39.3
%
1,186.0

20.3
%
1,608.1

25.6
%
IDM
440.0

8.4
%
831.7

14.2
%
514.1

8.2
%
Net service and field option sales
1,252.2

23.9
%
1,613.5

27.5
%
2,050.2

32.6
%
Total net sales
5,245.3

 
5,856.3

 
6,287.4

 
1.
As a percentage of total net sales.
Business Strategy
General
Our vision is to enable affordable microelectronics that improve the quality of life.
To achieve this, our mission is to invent, develop, manufacture and service advanced technology for high-tech lithography, metrology and software solutions for the semiconductor industry. ASML's guiding principle is continuing Moore's Law towards ever smaller, cheaper, more powerful and energy-efficient semiconductors.
This results in increasingly powerful and capable electronics, with faster processing speeds, that enable the world to progress within a multitude of fields, including healthcare, technology, communications, energy, mobility, and entertainment. ASML creates economic value with strong financial results; social value by enhancing the welfare of our employees, suppliers and the communities we operate in; and environmental value by improving the energy efficiency of chips.
The long-term growth of the semiconductor industry is based on the principle that the power, cost and time required for every computation on a digital electronic device can be reduced by shrinking the size of transistors on chips. In 2015, chip makers produced electronic chip features with geometries between 28 and 20 nm routinely, compared to typical geometries of 10,000 nm in the early 1970s, resulting in an increase in the number of transistors on leading chips from several thousand to over two billion. This trend was first observed by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in 1965, and is referred to as "Moore’s Law". Moore’s Law is reflected in ever smaller, cheaper, more powerful and energy-efficient semiconductors. Smaller geometries allow for much lower electrical currents to operate the chip. Using advanced semiconductors in industrial and consumer products often provides economic benefits, user-friendliness and increased safety. The technology revolution powered by the semiconductor industry has brought many advantages: not only can information be more widely disseminated than ever before, but affordable chip intelligence has also enabled industry and service sectors to create and distribute products and ideas at high speed.
We are a focused supplier of equipment to IC manufacturers, providing high-performance lithography, metrology and software solutions that enable our customers to continue the feature shrink that underpins Moore's Law in a cost-effective way. Where there is a compelling customer benefit and industrial logic, we may expand into adjacent markets serving IC manufacturers. Finally, with a view to the future, we will explore areas outside of IC or lithography where we can apply our strengths in creating advanced systems that are geared for high throughput, reliable operation and extreme accuracy. To realize this we focus our internal efforts on technology leadership, strong customer and supplier relationships, and great people. This is complemented with showing responsible behavior as a prerequisite in executing our strategy.
Technology Leadership
Moore’s Law is the industry’s roadmap. It tells us where the industry wants to be in two years, five years or even 10 years from now. For three decades, we have kept up with Moore’s Law by constantly improving the capabilities of our lithography systems, meeting the needs of our customers allowing them make smaller, faster and more energy-efficient chips.
To make this happen, we invest heavily in developing cutting-edge technology. We employ more than 5,000 engineers in R&D, with an annual budget of over EUR 1.0 billion. Our major R&D sites are in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, Wilton, Connecticut in the US, Santa Clara and San Diego, both California in the US, Linkou, Taiwan and Shenzhen, China. This R&D investment results in constant innovation, enabling our customers to develop chips for new devices and new applications, benefiting us all: from smartphones and wearable sensors, to tablets and car electronics.
As part of our innovative culture we make investments to further mature management processes to identify, create and share knowledge inside and outside of our organization. We also invest in product stewardship. This means we design systems that can produce ever smaller electronic circuits. This in turn allows our customers to produce 'low power' chips that require fewer natural resources and use less energy over their lifetime compared to older-generation chips. We also strive to make our own systems more resource efficient, enabling our customers to reduce the carbon footprint per wafer produced.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    36




Strong Customer and Supplier Relationships
Since ASML’s early days, we have developed our systems in a cooperative network of partners (including suppliers, universities and research institutes). Many disciplines have to come together to make our systems work, from mechanical and electrical engineering to optics and highly advanced software controls. ASML focuses on its role as a system architect and system integrator. We work with hundreds of technology companies that supply most of the components in our systems and often do substantial research and development work themselves. This model is our approach to 'Open Innovation'.
A good example is our relationship with Zeiss in Germany, which for more than two decades has developed and manufactured the lenses for our lithography systems.
Open Innovation benefits everyone involved. It opens up fast access to leading-edge knowledge and skills in a wide range of technologies, provides the flexibility required to adjust to changing business needs and product requirements and leads to affordable solutions in terms of development and cost.
Staying ahead of the technology curve and ensuring our products are not outdated before they are even launched, requires us to share roadmaps, risk and rewards with our partners. This means giving suppliers real responsibility and incentive to improve; not imposing our way of working but learning from others and sharing our business context so our partners can think along with us. The quality of our relationships with both customers and suppliers are key measures for success.
Great people
ASML is an inspiring place where employees work, meet, learn and share in multidisciplinary and multinational teams. We push the boundaries of technology, and for that we need the most creative minds in physics, electronics, mechatronics, software and precision engineering. We offer all our people the opportunity to develop their talents and a working environment in which they feel included, engaged and can perform. Our thousands of engineers must effectively work together to ensure that our products ship on time and perform according to specifications, which requires a disciplined systems engineering approach. We thus continuously strike the balance between giving our engineers the creative freedom to solve the big technology challenges and ensuring that we deliver what our customers need, when they need it. Our measures for success include evaluating employee engagement and our organization’s ability to nurture talent.
Responsible Business Behavior
ASML is committed to behaving responsibly - it’s at the foundation of our company. This means doing business according to high ethical and professional standards. We seek to comply with the laws and regulations applicable in the countries and regions where we operate. We have a moral obligation to provide safe and healthy working conditions for our employees while minimizing our impact on the environment. We expect our people to respect human rights and expect the same from our business partners. Our Code of Conduct and Business Principles help us and our business partners to make ethically sound decisions. We also want to contribute to the local communities in which we operate by supporting their activities through collaborative and consultative partnerships. As a measure for responsible business success we evaluate our performance using the results of the RobecoSAM sustainability assessment, which are the basis for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.
For more information about this topic, see our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report as published on our Website and which is incorporated in this Statutory Annual Report by reference.
Our Business Model
Our business model is derived from our "value of ownership" concept which is based on the following principles:
Offering ongoing improvements of throughput, imaging, overlay and availability by introducing advanced technology based modular platforms, advanced applications and Holistic Lithography solutions outside the traditional lithography business, each resulting in lower costs or higher value per product for our customers;
Providing customer service that offers efficient installation and maintenance, superior support and training to optimize manufacturing processes of our customers;
Enhancing the capabilities of the installed base of our customers through ongoing field upgrades of throughput, imaging, overlay, Holistic Lithography and availability, based on further technology developments;
Reducing the cycle time between a customer’s order of a system and the use of that system in volume production; and
Providing refurbishing services that effectively increase residual value by extending the life of equipment.
To be able to execute our business model we seek to:
Maintain appropriate levels of R&D to offer the most advanced technology suitable for following Moore’s Law, as well as achieving high-throughput and low-cost volume production at the earliest possible date;
Be able to attract, train, retain and motivate highly qualified, skilled and educated employees; and
Retain operational flexibility in R&D and manufacturing by reinforcing strategic alliances with world class partners, including outsourcing companies.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    37




Manufacturing, Logistics and Suppliers
The execution of our business model is supported by outsourcing production of a significant part of components and modules that comprise our lithography systems, working in partnership with suppliers from all over the world. Our manufacturing activities comprise subassembly and testing of certain modules and the final assembly and fine tuning/ testing of a complete system from components and modules that are manufactured to our specifications by third parties and by us. All of our manufacturing activities are performed in cleanroom facilities in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, in Wilton, Connecticut and in San Diego, California, both the US, in Linkou, Taiwan and in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. We procure system components and subassemblies from single suppliers or a limited group of suppliers in order to ensure overall quality and on-time delivery. We jointly operate a strategy with suppliers known as "value sourcing", which is based on competitive performance. The essence of value sourcing is to maintain a supply base that is world class and globally competitive and present.
Value sourcing is intended to align the performance of our suppliers with our requirements on quality, logistics, technology, cost, and sustainability management.
Our value sourcing strategy is based on the following strategic principles:
• Maintaining long-term relationships with our suppliers;
• Sharing risks and rewards with our suppliers;
• Dual sourcing of knowledge, globally, together with our suppliers; and
• Single sourcing of products, where possible or required.
Zeiss is our single supplier, and we are their single customer, of optical components for lithography systems and is capable of producing these items only in limited numbers and only through the use of its manufacturing and testing facilities in Oberkochen and Wetzlar, Germany. In 2015, 25.4 percent of our aggregate cost of system sales were purchased from Zeiss (2014: 26.3 percent).
Zeiss is highly dependent on its manufacturing and testing facilities in Oberkochen and Wetzlar, Germany, and its suppliers. Moreover, Zeiss has a finite capacity for production of optical components included in our systems. From time to time, the number of systems we are able to produce may be limited by the capacity of Zeiss. In 2015 our production was not limited by capacity constraints from Zeiss.
Our relationship with Zeiss is structured as a strategic alliance pursuant to several agreements executed in 1997 and subsequent years. These agreements define a framework in all areas of our business relationship. The partnership between ASML and Zeiss is focused on continuous improvement of operational excellence.
Pursuant to these agreements, ASML and Zeiss have agreed to continue their strategic alliance until either party provides at least three years notice of its intent to terminate.
In addition to Zeiss, we also rely on other outside vendors for the components and subassemblies used in our systems and sources, each of which is obtained from a limited number of suppliers many of whom have almost exclusive competences in their respective industries.
We have a flexible labor model with a mix of fixed and flexible contracted labor throughout our departments and facilities in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. This reinforces our ability to adapt to semiconductor market cycles, including support for potential 24/7 production activities as needed.
Maximizing the flexibility of our technically-skilled workforce means we can shorten lead-times, adding value for customers. Flexibility also reduces our working capital requirements.
Organizational Structure
ASML Holding N.V. is a holding company that operates through its subsidiaries. Our major operating subsidiaries, each of which is ultimately wholly-owned by ASML Holding N.V., are ASML Netherlands B.V., ASML Systems B.V., ASML Hong Kong Ltd. and ASML US Inc.
See Note 26 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a list of our main subsidiaries.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    38




ASML Operations Update
The following table presents the key performance indicators used by our BoM and senior management to regularly measure performance. The figures in the table below are based on US GAAP.
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

 
2015

 
(in millions)
EUR

%1
EUR

%1
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
 
 
 
Total net sales
5,856.3

 
6,287.4

 
Increase in total net sales (%)
11.6

 
7.4

 
Net system sales
4,242.8

 
4,237.2

 
Net service and field option sales
1,613.5

 
2,050.2

 
Sales of systems (in units)
136

 
169

 
ASP of total system sales
31.2

 
25.1

 
ASP of new system sales
35.6

 
28.5

 
ASP of used system sales
5.8

 
5.1

 
Value of systems backlog
2,772.4

3 
3,184.3

2 
Systems backlog (in units)
82

3 
79

2 
ASP of systems backlog
33.8

3 
40.3

2 
ASP of systems backlog (New)
42.0

3 
46.3

2 
ASP of systems backlog (Used)
4.7

3 
3.2

2 
Immersion systems recognized (in units) 4
76

 
67

 
NXE:3300 systems recognized (in units)
5

 
1

 
Profitability
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
2,596.4

44.3
2,895.7

46.1
Income from operations
1,282.2

21.9
1,565.1

24.9
Net income
1,196.6

20.4
1,387.2

22.1
Liquidity
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
2,419.5

 
2,458.7

 
Short-term investments
334.9

 
950.0

 
Operating cash flow
1,025.2

 
2,025.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
1
As a percentage of total net sales.
2
As of 2015, our systems backlog and net bookings include all system sales orders for which written authorizations have been accepted (for EUV starting with the NXE:3350B). This change had no impact on the comparative figures.
3
As of 2014, our systems backlog and net bookings include sales orders for which written authorizations have been accepted and shipment and/or revenue recognition is expected within 12 months. As of 2014 we also include EUV in our backlog starting with our NXE:3350B systems. Before 2014, our systems backlog and net bookings included only sales orders for which written authorizations have been accepted and system shipment and revenue recognition dates within the following 12 months have been assigned. This change had no impact on the comparative figures.
4
Included in the total number of immersion systems recognized in 2015 are 7 units of our most advanced immersion technology NXT:1980 systems (2014: 48).
The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Statutory Annual Report are based on IFRS-EU, therefore, the results of operations analysis set out in the remainder of this paragraph are based on IFRS-EU. For a detailed explanation of the differences between US GAAP and IFRS-EU, we refer to pages 45 and 46.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    39




Results of Operations
Set forth below are our Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss data for the two years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015:
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in millions)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Total net sales
5,856.3

6,287.4

Total cost of sales
(3,358.9
)
(3,454.3
)
Gross profit
2,497.4

2,833.1

Other income
81.0

83.2

Research and development costs
(735.9
)
(710.2
)
Selling, general and administrative costs
(318.7
)
(345.3
)
Operating income
1,523.8

1,860.8

Finance income (costs)
2.6

(4.7
)
Income before income taxes
1,526.4

1,856.1

Provision for income taxes
(108.1
)
(236.6
)
Net income
1,418.3

1,619.5

 
 
 
The following table shows a summary of net sales, units sold, gross profit and ASP data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015:
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in millions EUR, unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
 
 
 
Total net sales
5,856.3

6,287.4

Net system sales
4,242.8

4,237.2

Net service and field option sales
1,613.5

2,050.2

Total sales of systems (in units)
136

169

Total sales of new systems (in units)
116

144

Total sales of used systems (in units)
20

25

Gross profit as a percentage of total net sales
42.6

45.1

ASP of system sales
31.2

25.1

ASP of new system sales
35.6

28.5

ASP of used system sales
5.8

5.1

 
 
 
Sales
Net sales increased by 7.4 percent, driven by the increase in net service and field option sales of 27.1 percent with a similar level of net system sales in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in net service and field option sales is mainly driven by:
An increase in the sales of productivity and focus upgrade packages; and
Higher service sales mainly resulting from an increased installed base.
The decrease of the ASP of our new systems sold is due to a shift in the product mix of systems sold towards more lower-end systems (more KrF systems and less EUV systems) in 2015 compared to 2014.
Gross profit increased by EUR 335.7 million mainly due to higher service and field option sales and lower EUV system sales (which currently do not contribute to gross profit).
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 42.6 percent in 2014 to 45.1 percent in 2015 primarily driven by lower EUV system sales (which currently do not contribute to gross profit).
Other Income
Other income consists of contributions for R&D programs under the NRE funding arrangements from certain Participating Customers in the CCIP and amounted to EUR 83.2 million for 2015 (2014: EUR 81.0 million).
Research and Development Costs
R&D investments of EUR 1,080.5 million (2014: EUR 1,081.1 million), comprise of R&D costs (including net development costs not eligible for capitalization), net of credits, of EUR 710.2 million (2014: EUR 735.9 million) and capitalization of development expenditures of EUR 370.3 million (2014: EUR 345.2 million). Overall R&D investments for both 2015 and 2014 were primarily focused on programs supporting EUV, DUV immersion, and Holistic Lithography. In 2015, R&D activities mainly related to:
EUV - Further improving availability and productivity, and supporting the design of our NXE:3400B system;
DUV immersion - Focused on the final stages of development relating to our NXT:1980 systems, of which we shipped the first systems in 2015, as well as development of future DUV platforms; and
Holistic Lithography - Further development of Yieldstar and process window control solutions.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    40




Selling, General and Administrative Costs
SG&A costs increased by 8.4 percent mainly driven by an increase in the number of employees, further impacted by exchange rate fluctuations, primarily related to our US operations.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate increased to 12.7 percent of income before income taxes in 2015 compared to 7.1 percent in 2014. In 2014 the tax rate was favorably impacted by settling agreements entered into by ASML Netherlands B.V. and Cymer LLC., prior to our acquisition of Cymer in 2013, at different tax rates.
Net Income
Net income in 2015 amounted to EUR 1,619.5 million, or 25.8 percent of total net sales, representing EUR 3.76 basic net income per ordinary share, compared with net income in 2014 of EUR 1,418.3 million, or 24.2 percent of total net sales, representing EUR 3.24 basic net income per ordinary share.
Liquidity
Our cash and cash equivalents increased to EUR 2,458.7 million as of December 31, 2015 from EUR 2,419.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and our short-term investments increased to EUR 950.0 million as of December 31, 2015 from EUR 334.9 million as of December 31, 2014.
Our principal sources of liquidity consist of cash flows from operations, cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 of EUR 2,458.7 million, short-term investments as of December 31, 2015 of EUR 950.0 million and available credit facilities as of December 31, 2015 of EUR 700.0 million. In addition, we may from time to time raise additional capital in debt and equity markets. Our goal is to remain an investment grade rated company and maintain a capital structure that supports this.
We invest our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in short-term deposits with financial institutions that have good credit ratings and with the Dutch government, in Dutch Treasury Certificates and in money market funds that invest in high-rated short-term debt securities of financial institutions and governments. Our investments are denominated in euros.
Our available credit facilities amount to EUR 700.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and as of December 31, 2014. No amounts were outstanding under these credit facilities at the end of 2015 and 2014. The amounts available at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of one EUR 700 million committed revolving credit facility with a group of banks. In 2015, the terms and conditions of the facility were amended by, among other things, removing the financial covenant and by extending the maturity until 2020. Outstanding amounts under this credit facility will bear interest at EURIBOR or LIBOR plus a margin that depends on our credit rating.
We have repayment obligations in 2017, amounting to EUR 238.2 million and in 2023, amounting to EUR 750.0 million, both relating to our Eurobonds.
ASML seeks to ensure that our principal sources of liquidity will be sufficient to satisfy its liquidity requirements throughout every phase of the industry cycles.
Our liquidity needs are affected by many factors, some of which are based on the normal on-going operations of the business, and others that relate to the uncertainties of the global economy and the semiconductor industry. Although our cash requirements fluctuate based on the timing and extent of these factors, we believe that cash generated from operations, together with our principal sources of liquidity are sufficient to satisfy our current requirements, including our expected capital expenditures in 2016. We intend to return cash to our shareholders on a regular basis in the form of dividend payments and, subject to our actual and anticipated liquidity requirements and other relevant factors, share buybacks or capital repayments.
See Notes 5, 17, 18, 19 and 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Trend Information
We expect that Moore’s Law will continue in the coming decade including industry fundamentals of a decline in cost per transistor. There is a strong demand for advanced ICs, supported by a value chain with means and incentive to support this. However, cost and process complexity of shrinking with multiple patterning together with new device structures and materials reshapes customer roadmaps, resulting in a continued need to improve DUV lithography performance while exploiting execution of agreed EUV targets for the future and complementing it with a portfolio of product options, enhancements and upgrade packages that support product stewardship and optimize the value of ownership over the entire lifetime of our systems. It also results in zero tolerance for non-performance, driving improvement of quality and cost efficiency of our products and services.
In DUV, we began ramping shipments of the TWINSCAN NXT:1980, our most advanced immersion system, shipping seven systems in 2015.
In Holistic Lithography, which grew by over 20 percent in revenue in 2015, we saw increased adoption of our latest metrology systems and control software at both Logic and Memory customers. These applications play an increasingly critical role in helping our customers achieve the best possible patterning performance on advanced nodes.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    41




EUV met its 2015 productivity and availability targets. We achieved a productivity of more than 1,000 wafers per day early in 2015 on the NXE:3300B system and improved this to more than 1,250 wafers per day on the successor system, the NXE:3350B. In addition, the availability of systems in the field improved, with the majority of systems achieving a four-week availability of more than 70 percent in recent months; the best result was more than 80 percent over four weeks. In 2015, we also shipped two of our latest NXE:3350B EUV systems and started shipping the third. They will be used in our customers' fabs for preparing the introduction of EUV into volume production. Our goals for 2016 are to continue improving productivity and availability and shipping six to seven EUV systems.
On January 20, 2016 we announced a new share buyback program, to be executed within the 2016-2017 time frame. As part of this program, we intend to purchase shares up to EUR 1.5 billion, which includes an amount of approximately EUR 500 million remaining from the prior program, announced on January 21, 2015. We intend to cancel the shares upon repurchase. This buyback program started on January 21, 2016.
The following table sets forth our systems backlog1 as of December 31, 2014 and 2015.
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

1 
(in millions EUR, unless otherwise indicated)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New systems backlog (in units)
64

68

 
Used systems backlog (in units)
18

11

 
Total systems backlog (in units)
82

79

 
Value of new systems backlog
2,687.0

3,149.6

 
Value of used systems backlog
85.4

34.7

 
Total value of systems backlog
2,772.4

3,184.3

 
ASP of new systems backlog
42.0

46.3

 
ASP of used systems backlog
4.7

3.2

 
ASP of total systems backlog
33.8

40.3

 
 
 
 
 
1
As of 2015, our systems backlog and net bookings include all system sales orders for which written authorizations have been accepted (for EUV starting with the NXE:3350B). This change had no impact on the comparative figures.
Outlook
Historically, orders have been subject to cancellation or delay by the customer. Due to possible customer changes in delivery schedules and to cancellation of orders, our systems backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual sales for any succeeding period.
For the first-quarter of 2016, we expect net sales at approximately EUR 1.3 billion and other income of about EUR 23 million, which consists of contributions from participants of the CCIP.
Looking ahead to the first half of 2016 we expect our Logic customers to take shipments of our leading edge immersion tools in the second quarter in preparation of their 10 nanometer node ramp. As a result, we expect second-quarter sales to increase significantly from the first-quarter level.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    42




Customer Co-Investment Program
Overview
On July 9, 2012, we announced our CCIP to accelerate our development of EUV technology beyond the current generation and our development of future 450mm silicon wafer technology. The Participating Customers collectively agreed to fund EUR 1.38 billion of our R&D projects from 2013 through 2017. This program created risk sharing with some of our largest customers while the results of our development programs will be available to every semiconductor manufacturer with no restrictions. The R&D funding program in the CCIP initially consisted of two funding projects: a 450mm technology development project and a next-generation EUV development project. ASML entered into NRE Funding Agreements with the Participating Customers.
Development 450mm silicon wafer technology
As previously disclosed, in November 2013, ASML decided to pause the development of 450mm lithography systems until customer demand and the timing related to such demand is clear. We have agreed with Intel that the 450mm NRE funding will be applied to other lithography projects, including generic developments applicable to both 300mm and 450mm. We believe that our 450mm development activities can be restarted if and when the industry demands the introduction of 450mm.
In addition to the funding commitments described above, the Participating Customers have invested in 96,566,077 of our ordinary shares, the proceeds of which, totaling EUR 3.85 billion, were returned to the holders of ordinary shares (excluding the Participating Customers) through a synthetic share buyback executed in November 2012. For further information regarding the synthetic share buyback, see Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Description of Shareholder Agreement and NRE Funding Agreements
In connection with the CCIP, ASML entered into an investment agreement, a shareholder agreement and NRE Funding Agreements with each of the Participating Customers. Intel is the largest participant in the program, with an aggregate funding commitment of EUR 829 million and an investment in 62,977,877 of our ordinary shares. A description of the shareholders agreement and NRE Funding Agreements between ASML and Intel is set out below. The shareholders agreements and the NRE Funding Agreements between ASML and the other program participants – TSMC (which acquired 20,992,625 of our ordinary shares and made an EUR 276 million funding commitment) and Samsung (which acquired 12,595,575 of our ordinary shares and made an EUR 276 million funding commitment) are on substantially the same terms as those agreed with Intel. Shares were acquired by Dutch foundations ("Stichtingen") established for each participant. On June 12, 2015, TSMC reported to the AFM that its interest in ASML had decreased below the 3% notification threshold. The TSMC Stichting holding the shares for TSMC has since informed us that all such shares have been sold and transferred.
Shareholder Agreement
In connection with the issuance of shares pursuant to the Intel Investment Agreement, on September 12, 2012 ASML, Intel and the Intel Stichting entered into a Shareholder Agreement which governs certain matters relating to the holding of and further investment by Intel in ordinary shares of ASML, directly and indirectly through the Intel Stichting, including the matters described below.
Voting Restrictions
Pursuant to the Intel Shareholder Agreement, Intel (and the Intel Stichting) will not be entitled to vote the ordinary shares that were acquired by the Intel Stichting as part of the CCIP or any other ordinary shares otherwise transferred to the Intel Stichting (under the circumstances described under "Standstill; Additional Purchases" below) prior to a shareholder agreement termination event (as defined below), except when a Suspension Event (as described below) occurs and is continuing or where the following matters are proposed at any General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Voting Restrictions"): (i) an issuance of ASML shares or grant of rights to subscribe for ASML shares representing 25 percent or more of the issued and outstanding share capital of ASML or the restriction or exclusion of pre-emption rights relating thereto (in each case, on an aggregate basis during the preceding 12 months) or the designation of the BoM as the authorized body to resolve on these matters; (ii) an authorization to repurchase 25 percent or more of ASML’s issued and outstanding share capital on an aggregate basis during the preceding 12 months; (iii) the approval of a significant change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business, including a transfer of all or substantially all business or assets of ASML and its subsidiaries to a third party, the establishment or cancellation of a long-lasting cooperation of essential importance with a third party and an acquisition or disposition of an interest in the capital or assets of a person with a value of at least one third of the assets of ASML (on a consolidated basis); (iv) an amendment to ASML’s Articles of Association that would materially affect the specific voting rights of Intel, would materially affect the identity or nature of ASML or its business, or would disproportionately (or uniquely) and adversely affect the rights or benefits attached to or derived from the ordinary shares held by Intel through the Intel Stichting as compared to the shareholders; (v) the dissolution of ASML; and (vi) any merger or demerger which would result in a material change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    43




Standstill, Lock-up and Orderly Market Arrangements
Standstill; Additional Purchases
Subject to certain exceptions, pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement, Intel (or its affiliates) may not, prior to the six-year anniversary of the date of the Intel Shareholder Agreement (the "Standstill Period"), acquire more than 19.9 percent of the outstanding share capital of ASML without ASML’s prior approval (the "Standstill Restriction"). There is an exception from the Standstill Restriction in the case of a ‘suspension event’, which includes certain circumstances where a third party has acquired or made an offer to acquire at least 20 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares, and the Standstill Restriction will terminate upon the occurrence of a shareholder agreement termination event.
The Shareholder Agreement permits Intel (and its affiliates) to acquire up to 4.99 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares (other than shares acquired through the CCIP) that may be held outside the Intel Stichting. For any additional ASML shares that Intel (or its affiliates) acquires in excess of 4.99 percent of the outstanding shares of ASML, Intel is required to deposit such shares with the Intel Stichting in exchange for Depositary Receipts. Shares held directly by Intel or its affiliates (and which not required to be deposited with the Intel Stichting) are not subject to the Voting Restrictions, or Lock-Up Restrictions (as defined below), but are subject to the Standstill Restriction.
The Intel Stichting will continue to hold ASML shares owned by Intel (notwithstanding termination of the Standstill Period) until the earlier of (i) such time as Intel owns (directly or through the Intel Stichting) less than 2 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares (the relevant percentage is 1 percent for the other Participating Customers) (ii) the date of notification to ASML by Participating Customers that the aggregate amount of ASML’s outstanding shares owned by Intel and the other Participating Customers represents less than 5 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares and (iii) a shareholder agreement termination event (as defined below), following which time depositary receipts will be exchanged for the underlying ASML shares. In case Intel would acquire ASML shares within 18 months after an event described under (i) or (ii) above, any ASML shares held by Intel in excess of 4.99 percent of the outstanding shares of ASML must be transferred to (and held by) the Intel Stichting.
Lock-up; Orderly Sell Down
Intel agreed not to, without prior written consent of ASML, transfer any ordinary shares or depositary receipts until the earliest of (i) two years and six months after the date of the Intel Shareholder Agreement, (ii) termination of the NRE Funding Agreements, and (iii) the occurrence of a shareholder agreement termination event ((i), (ii) and (iii) together, the "Lock-Up Restriction"). This Lock-Up Restriction has now expired. The TSMC Stichting that held TSMC's shares in the CCIP has informed ASML that TSMC has sold all of those shares.
In addition, Intel may not (even now after the Lock-Up Restriction has ended), without written consent of ASML, transfer on Euronext Amsterdam, NASDAQ or another securities exchange more than 4 percent of the outstanding shares of ASML during any six month period (the relevant percentage is 1.5 percent for Samsung); the foregoing restriction does not apply to block trades or underwritten offerings. There are also restrictions on Intel's ability to transfer ASML shares to certain competitors or customers of ASML.
Termination
The Intel Shareholder Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of the following events (each a "shareholder agreement termination event") (i) certain change of control transactions where the shareholders of ASML prior to such a transaction are no longer entitled to exercise at least 50 percent of the votes in the General Meeting of Shareholders following such transaction, (ii) in the event of a delisting of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam or delisting of our shares listed at NASDAQ (except for certain voluntary delistings from NASDAQ), (iii) the winding up or liquidation of ASML, or (iv) in the event that all depositary receipts are exchanged for ASML shares and Intel does not acquire ASML shares in excess of 4.99 percent of the outstanding ASML shares within 18 months of such exchange (see "Standstill; Additional Purchases" above).


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    44




NRE Funding Agreements
On July 9, 2012, ASML and Intel entered into two NRE Funding Agreements pursuant to which Intel has agreed to fund certain of ASML’s R&D costs and project expenditures. One agreement relates to the Intel 450mm NRE Funding Agreement and the other relates to the Intel EUV NRE Funding Agreement (together the "Intel NRE Funding Agreements"). Intel has committed to provide funding in an aggregate amount of EUR 553 million under the Intel 450mm NRE Funding Agreement and funding in an aggregate amount of EUR 276 million under the Intel EUV NRE Funding Agreement, payable over the term of the relevant agreements (2013-2017). Under the agreements, ASML retains sole control over the development of 450mm photo lithography equipment and EUV platforms and will own all intellectual property created by ASML in connection therewith. The NRE Funding Agreements provide that if ASML, in its reasonable discretion, determines to abandon either the 450mm or EUV development project, as a result of technical infeasibility or lack of sufficient industry demand, or if the then remaining funding exceeds the expenditure estimate for the development project (450mm or EUV), then the parties may agree on an alternative development project. If no alternative is agreed, ASML may invoice Intel for the remaining due portion of committed funding during each year of the remaining funding period in which ASML’s actual gross R&D expenditures exceed a minimum threshold specified in the relevant Intel NRE Funding Agreements.
The NRE Funding Agreements will terminate on December 31, 2017 or upon pre-payment by Intel of the aggregate amount of funding owed under the Intel NRE Funding Agreements.
Remuneration of the Supervisory Board
In accordance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the Supervisory Board remuneration is not dependent on the financial results of the Company. No member of the Supervisory Board personally maintains a business relationship with the Company other than as a member of the Supervisory Board. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board does not receive benefits upon resignation. The Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing and, if appropriate, recommending changes to the remuneration of the Supervisory Board. Any recommended changes to the remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board must be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders for approval. For more details regarding the remuneration of the Supervisory Board we refer to Note 29 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Remuneration of the Board of Management
The remuneration of the individual members of the BoM is determined by the SB based on the advice of the RC. For more details regarding the remuneration of the BoM, we refer to the Corporate Governance Paragraph and Note 29 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Corporate Governance
ASML continuously monitors and assesses applicable Dutch, U.S., and other relevant corporate governance codes, rules, and regulations. ASML is subject to the Code, as ASML is registered in the Netherlands and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more details we refer to the Corporate Governance Paragraph.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
The Directors' Responsibility Statement is included in this report on pages 48 and 49.
Corporate Responsibility Report
Our Corporate Responsibility Report describes our Corporate Responsibility strategy, achievements and contributions to sustainable business practices. For more information about this topic, see our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report as published on our Website and which is incorporated in this Statutory Annual Report by reference.
Annual Report on Form 20-F and Statutory Annual Report
General
ASML prepares two sets of Financial Statements, one based on US GAAP and one based on Dutch law and IFRS-EU. By means of regulation 1606/2002, the European Commission has stipulated that all listed companies within the European Union member states are required to prepare their consolidated financial statements under IFRS-EU as from January 1, 2005.
The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Statutory Annual Report are based on IFRS-EU. For internal and external reporting purposes, ASML follows US GAAP, which is ASML’s primary accounting standard for setting financial and operational performance targets.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    45




ASML’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is based on US GAAP, may contain additional information next to its Statutory Annual Report. The Annual Report on Form 20-F, the US GAAP quarterly press releases (including summary US GAAP and IFRS-EU Consolidated Financial Statements), the Statutory Interim Report and the Statutory Annual Report are available on ASML's website. For the periods presented in this Statutory Annual Report, the main differences between IFRS-EU and US GAAP for ASML relate to the following:
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Net income based on US GAAP
1,196,640

1,387,174

Development expenditures
194,378

244,668

Share-based payments
4,951

2,078

Income taxes
22,351

(14,431
)
Net income based on IFRS-EU
1,418,320

1,619,489

 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Shareholders equity under US GAAP
7,512,590

8,388,831

Development expenditures
792,112

1,054,487

Share-based payments
20,979

16,443

Income taxes
40,249

31,390

Equity under IFRS-EU
8,365,930

9,491,151

 
 
 
Development Expenditures
Under US GAAP, ASML applies ASC 730, "Research and Development". In accordance with ASC 730, ASML charges costs relating to research and development to operating expense as incurred.
Under IFRS, ASML applies IAS 38, "Intangible Assets". In accordance with IAS 38, ASML capitalizes certain development expenditures that are amortized over the expected useful life of the related product generally ranging between one and five years. Amortization starts when the developed product is ready for volume production.
Share-based Payments
Under US GAAP, ASML applies ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" which requires companies to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant-date fair value of those instruments. ASC 718’s general principle is that a deferred tax asset is established as we recognize compensation costs for commercial purposes for awards that are expected to result in a tax deduction under existing tax law. Under US GAAP, the deferred tax recorded on share-based compensation is computed on the basis of the expense recognized in the financial statements. Therefore, changes in ASML’s share price do not affect the deferred tax asset recorded in our financial statements.
Under IFRS, ASML applies IFRS 2, "Share-based Payments". In accordance with IFRS 2, ASML records as an expense the fair value of its share-based payments with respect to stock options and shares granted to its employees. Under IFRS, at period end a deferred tax asset is computed on the basis of the tax deduction for the share-based payments under the applicable tax law and is recognized to the extent it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which these deductible temporary differences will be utilized. Therefore, changes in ASML’s share price do affect the deferred tax asset at period-end and result in adjustments to the deferred tax asset.
Income Taxes
Under US GAAP, the elimination of unrealized net income from intercompany transactions that are eliminated from the carrying amount of assets in consolidation give rise to a temporary difference for which prepaid taxes must be recognized in consolidation. Contrary to IFRS, the prepaid taxes under US GAAP are calculated based on the tax rate applicable in the seller’s rather than the purchaser’s tax jurisdiction.
Under IFRS, ASML applies IAS 12, "Income Taxes". In accordance with IAS 12 unrealized net income resulting from intercompany transactions that are eliminated from the carrying amount of assets in consolidation give rise to a temporary difference for which deferred taxes must be recognized in consolidation. The deferred taxes are calculated based on the tax rate applicable in the purchaser’s tax jurisdiction.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    46




2015 Statutory Interim Report
On July 15, 2015 we published our Statutory Interim Report for the six-month period ended June 28, 2015. This report includes Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IAS 34, an Interim Management Board Report and a Managing Directors' Statement. The Statutory Interim Report comprises regulated information within the meaning of the Dutch FMSA.
The Board of Management,
Veldhoven, February 4, 2016


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    47




Directors' Responsibility Statement
Managing Directors' Statement (EU Transparency Directive)
The Board of Management hereby declares that, to the best of its knowledge, the Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS-EU and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code provide a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of ASML Holding N.V. and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole and that the management report includes a fair review concerning the position, as per the statement of financial position date, the development and performance of ASML Holding N.V. and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with the principal risk and uncertainties that they face.
In Control Statement (Dutch Corporate Governance Code)
As the Board of Management of ASML Holding N.V., we hereby state that we are responsible for the design, implementation and operation of ASML's internal risk management and control systems. The purpose of these systems is to adequately and effectively manage the significant risks to which ASML is exposed. Such systems can never provide absolute assurance regarding achievement of corporate objectives, nor can they provide an absolute assurance that material errors, losses, fraud and the violation of laws or regulations will not occur.
Financial Reporting Risks
To comply with our duties in the area of internal risk management and control systems with respect to financial reporting risks, we use various measures including but not limited to:
Monthly operational review meetings of the Board of Management with ASML’s senior management on financial performance and realization of operational objectives and responses to emerging issues;
Semi-annual financial planning meetings of the Board of Management with ASML’s senior management;
Monthly and quarterly financial reporting to the Board of Management and ASML’s senior management;
Letters of representation that are signed by ASML’s key senior management members on a semi-annual basis in which they confirm that for their responsible area based upon their knowledge (i) an effective system of internal controls and procedures is maintained and (ii) the financial reports fairly present the financial position, results and cash flows;
Assessments by ASML’s Disclosure Committee with respect to the timely review, disclosure, and evaluation of periodic (financial) reports;
Assessments by ASML’s Disclosure Committee with respect to internal controls in light of among others the requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code;
Discussions on management letters and audit reports provided by ASML's internal and external auditors within our Board of Management and Supervisory Board;
Quarterly review of key operational risk areas by the CRC;
ASML's Code of Conduct and Business Principles, our guidelines on ethical business conduct;
ASML’s procedure for reporting issues with respect to the Code of Conduct, including complaints of a financial nature, the Reporting Procedure; and;
ASML’s Anti-Fraud Policy, which facilitates the development of controls which will aid in prevention, deterrence and detection of fraud against ASML.
We acknowledge the importance of internal control and risk management systems. Additionally, ASML is required to properly manage internal controls over financial reporting, per section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Under the supervision and with the participation of ASML’s CEO and CFO, ASML’s management conducts an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of ASML’s internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Outcomes of the annual assessment, periodical updates, as well as significant changes and improvements, are regularly reported to and discussed with ASML’s AC and external auditors. The AC reports about these subjects to the Supervisory Board on a regular basis. In addition, once a year, the Board of Management discusses the implementation of this internal control framework, as well as significant changes and major improvements in internal controls, with the AC and the full Supervisory Board.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    48




Summary
Based on the outcome of the above-mentioned measures and to the best of its knowledge and belief, the Board of Management states that:
1.
The above-mentioned measures provide a reasonable level of assurance that the Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 fairly present in all material respects the financial position, results and cash flows of ASML and that ASML’s Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 do not contain any material inaccuracy;
2.
The internal risk management and control systems provide a reasonable assurance that the financial reporting does not contain any errors of material importance and have worked adequately in 2015; and
3.
There are no indications that ASML's internal controls over financial reporting will not operate effectively in 2016.
ASML’s Board of Management is currently not aware of any significant change in ASML's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, ASML's effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Operational/Strategic Risks and Legal and Regulatory Risks
To comply with our duties in the area of internal risk management and control systems with respect to operational/ strategic risks and legal and regulatory risks, we use various measures among which:
Strategic evaluations of ASML’s business including key operational risks by the Board of Management in consultation with the Supervisory Board;
Semi-annual senior management meetings, which are conducted to assess ASML’s corporate initiatives which are launched in order to execute ASML’s strategy;
Monthly operational review meetings of the Board of Management with ASML’s senior management on financial performance and realization of operational objectives and responses to emerging issues;
Semi-annual financial planning meetings of the Board of Management with ASML’s senior management;
Monthly and quarterly financial reporting to the Board of Management and ASML’s senior management;
Letters of representation that are signed by ASML’s key senior management members on a semi-annual basis in which they confirm their responsibility for assessing business risks and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation for their responsible area based upon their knowledge;
Quarterly review of key operational risk areas by the CRC;
ASML's Code of Conduct and Business Principles, our guidelines on ethical business conduct;
ASML’s procedure for reporting issues with respect to the Code of Conduct, including complaints of a financial nature, the Reporting Procedure; and;
ASML’s Anti-Fraud Policy, which facilitates the development of controls which will aid in prevention, deterrence and detection of fraud against ASML.
The establishment of ASML’s internal control and risk management systems is based on the identification of external and internal risk factors that could influence the operational and financial objectives of ASML and contains a system of monitoring, reporting and operational reviews. All material risk management activities have been discussed with the AC and the Supervisory Board. For more information on our risk management activities and our internal control and risk management systems, we refer to "Corporate Governance Paragraph - Board of Management - Internal Risk Management and Control Systems". For a summary of ASML’s Risk Factors, we refer to "Management Board Report - Risk Factors".
The Board of Management,
Peter T.F.M. Wennink, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Management
Martin A. van den Brink, President, Chief Technology Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Management
Frits J. van Hout, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer
Frédéric J.M. Schneider-Maunoury, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Wolfgang U. Nickl, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Veldhoven, February 4, 2016



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    49








ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    50







Consolidated Financial
Statements


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    51







ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    52




Consolidated Financial Statements



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    53





Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

Notes
(in thousands, except per share data)
EUR

EUR

27

Net system sales
4,242,790

4,237,183

 
Net service and field option sales
1,613,487

2,050,192

 
 
 
 
27
Total net sales
5,856,277

6,287,375

 
Cost of system sales
(2,434,516
)
(2,275,676
)
 
Cost of service and field option sales
(924,391
)
(1,178,666
)
 
 
 
 
28
Total cost of sales
(3,358,907
)
(3,454,342
)
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
2,497,370

2,833,033

34
Other income
81,006

83,200

28, 30
Research and development costs
(735,947
)
(710,161
)
28
Selling, general and administrative costs
(318,672
)
(345,325
)
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
1,523,757

1,860,747

31
Finance income
14,526

10,909

31
Finance costs
(11,913
)
(15,580
)
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
1,526,370

1,856,076

25
Provision for income taxes
(108,050
)
(236,587
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
1,418,320

1,619,489

7

Basic net income per ordinary share
3.24

3.76

7
Diluted net income per ordinary share1
3.23

3.74

 
Number of ordinary shares used in computing per share amounts (in thousands)
 
 
7
Basic
437,142

430,639

7
Diluted1
439,693

432,644

 
 
 
 
1
The calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share assumes the exercise of options issued under our stock option plans and the issuance of shares under our share plans for periods in which exercises or issuances would have a dilutive effect. The calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share does not assume exercise of such options or issuance of shares when such exercises or issuance would be anti-dilutive.



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    54




Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

Notes
(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 

Net income
1,418,320

1,619,489

 

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
18

Foreign currency translation, net of taxes:
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation
254,459

298,017

 
Financial instruments, net of taxes:
 
 
5, 18
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
17,375

9,872

5, 18
Transfers to net income
6,691

(21,995
)
 
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes1
278,525

285,894

 

Total comprehensive income, net of taxes
1,696,845

1,905,383

 

Attributable to equity holders
1,696,845

1,905,383

 
 
 
 
1
All items in accumulated other comprehensive income as at December 31, 2015, comprising of the hedging reserve of EUR 0.3 million losses (2014: EUR 11.9 million gains) and the currency translation reserve of EUR 290.1 million gains (2014: EUR 18.9 million gains), will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions are met.



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    55




Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(Before appropriation of net income)
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

Notes
(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
8
Property, plant and equipment
1,447,523

1,620,678

9
Goodwill
2,378,421

2,647,809

10
Other intangible assets
1,670,098

2,018,514

25
Deferred tax assets
142,746

139,622

15
Finance receivables
55,261

124,036

12
Derivative financial instruments
115,546

81,777

13
Other assets
329,274

369,105

 
Total non-current assets
6,138,869

7,001,541

 
 
 
 
14
Inventories
2,549,837

2,573,730

25
Current tax assets
43,876

19,080

12
Derivative financial instruments
38,257

52,026

15
Finance receivables
196,087

280,523

16
Accounts receivable
1,052,504

803,696

13
Other assets
293,630

375,467

17
Short-term investments
334,864

950,000

17
Cash and cash equivalents
2,419,487

2,458,717

 
Total current assets
6,928,542

7,513,239

 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
13,067,411

14,514,780

 
 
 
 
 
Equity and liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
18
Equity
8,365,930

9,491,151

 
 
 
 
19
Long-term debt
1,149,876

1,125,474

12
Derivative financial instruments
2,808

1,878

25
Deferred and other tax liabilities
249,369

376,548

 
Provisions
3,638

2,445

21
Accrued and other liabilities
408,847

412,491

 
Total non-current liabilities
1,814,538

1,918,836

 
 
 
 
 
Provisions
2,354

2,441

12
Derivative financial instruments
64,947

18,982

19
Current portion of long-term debt
4,261

4,211

25
Current tax liabilities
36,293

3,654

21
Accrued and other liabilities
2,282,852

2,656,611

 
Accounts payable
496,236

418,894

 
Total current liabilities
2,886,943

3,104,793

 
 
 
 
 
Total equity and liabilities
13,067,411

14,514,780




ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    56




Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Before appropriation of net income)



















Issued and Outstanding Shares


Treasury Shares at Cost











Number1

Amount

Share Premium

Retained Earnings

Other Reserves2

Net Income

Total

Notes
(in thousands)
 
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
Balance at January 1, 2014
440,852

40,214

3,383,105

(365,782
)
2,841,636

451,778

1,193,844

7,544,795

 
Appropriation of net income




1,193,844


(1,193,844
)

 
Components of statement of comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income






1,418,320

1,418,320

18
Foreign currency translation





254,459


254,459

5, 18
Loss on financial instruments, net of taxes





24,066


24,066

 
Total comprehensive income





278,525

1,418,320

1,696,845

 
CCIP:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18, 34
Fair value differences 3


28,086





28,086

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

Purchase of treasury shares
(9,981
)


(700,000
)



(700,000
)
18
Cancellation of treasury shares

(852
)

610,698

(609,846
)



22, 28, 29
Share-based payments


48,601





48,601

22
Issuance of shares
2,064

64

(3,236
)
65,641

(46,904
)


15,565

18
Dividend paid




(267,962
)


(267,962
)
18
Development expenditures




(246,743
)
246,743



 
Balance at December 31, 2014
432,935

39,426

3,456,556

(389,443
)
2,864,025

977,046

1,418,320

8,365,930

 
Appropriation of net income




1,418,320


(1,418,320
)

 
Components of statement of comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income






1,619,489

1,619,489

18
Foreign currency translation





298,017


298,017

5, 18
Gain on financial instruments, net of taxes





(12,123
)

(12,123
)
 
Total comprehensive income





285,894

1,619,489

1,905,383

 
CCIP:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18, 34
Fair value differences 3


17,888





17,888

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

Purchase of treasury shares
(6,273
)
(297
)

(564,590
)



(564,887
)
18
Cancellation of treasury shares

(462
)

389,302

(388,840
)



22, 28, 29
Share-based payments


50,145





50,145

22
Issuance of shares
1,325

119

(8,676
)
87,809

(60,250
)


19,002

18
Dividend paid




(302,310
)


(302,310
)
18
Development expenditures




(307,237
)
307,237



 
Balance at December 31, 2015
427,987

38,786

3,515,913

(476,922
)
3,223,708

1,570,177

1,619,489

9,491,151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
As of December 31, 2015, the number of issued shares was 433,332,573. This includes the number of issued and outstanding shares of 427,986,682 and the number of treasury shares of 5,345,891. As of December 31, 2014, the number of issued shares was 438,073,643. This includes the number of issued and outstanding shares of 432,935,288 and the number of treasury shares of 5,138,355. As of December 31, 2013, the number of issued shares was 446,822,452. This includes the number of issued and outstanding shares of 440,852,334 and the number of treasury shares of 5,970,118.
2
Other reserves consist of the hedging reserve, the currency translation reserve and the reserve for capitalized development expenditures. See Note 18.
3
In 2015, EUR 17.9 million (2014: EUR 28.1 million) is recognized to increase equity to the fair value of the shares issued to the Participating Customers in the CCIP. The portion of the NRE funding allocable to the shares is recognized over the NRE Funding Agreements period (2013-2017).



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    57




Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

Notes
(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 




 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
1,418,320

1,619,489

 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
8, 10, 13, 19
Depreciation and amortization 1
353,059

359,942

8, 9, 10
Impairment
10,528

2,287

8
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 2
3,502

1,630

22, 28, 29
Share-based payments
55,695

50,145

16
Allowance for doubtful receivables
133

3,870

14
Allowance for obsolete inventory
162,821

211,801

25
Deferred income taxes
(30,096
)
134,752

 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
16
Accounts receivable
(164,850
)
243,097

15
Finance receivables
51,132

(145,278
)
14
Inventories 2,3
(293,404
)
(87,777
)
13
Other assets
(104,658
)
(148,168
)
21
Accrued and other liabilities
36,524

235,446

 
Accounts payable
(136,192
)
(77,090
)
25
Current income taxes
11,822

(4,611
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,374,336

2,399,535


 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
8
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 3
(358,280
)
(371,770
)
10
Purchase of intangible assets
(348,110
)
(371,403
)
17
Purchase of available for sale securities
(504,756
)
(950,000
)
17
Maturity of available for sale securities
849,776

334,864

 
Cash from (used for) derivative financial instruments

(171,899
)
 
Net cash used in investing activities
(361,370
)
(1,530,208
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
18
Dividend paid
(267,962
)
(302,310
)
18
Purchase of shares
(700,000
)
(564,887
)
22, 29
Net proceeds from issuance of shares
39,679

33,230

19
Repayment of debt
(4,128
)
(3,639
)
 
Net cash used in financing activities
(932,411
)
(837,606
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows
80,555

31,721

 
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash
8,238

7,509

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
88,793

39,230

17
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
2,330,694

2,419,487

17
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
2,419,487

2,458,717

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Interest received
29,022

27,668

 
Interest and other paid
(42,439
)
(43,710
)
 
Income taxes paid
(124,325
)
(126,908
)
1
In 2015, depreciation and amortization includes EUR 243.0 million of depreciation of property, plant and equipment (2014: EUR 209.5 million), EUR 114.2 million of amortization of intangible assets (2014: EUR 142.3 million) and EUR 2.7 million of amortization of underwriting commissions related to bonds and credit facility (2014: EUR 1.2 million).
2
In 2015, an amount of EUR 72.7 million (2014: EUR 30.7 million) of the disposal of property, plant and equipment relates to non-cash transfers to inventory. Since the transfers between inventory and property, plant and equipment are non-cash events, these are not reflected in these Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For further details see Note 8.
3
In 2015, an amount of EUR 91.0 million (2014: EUR 95.5 million) of the additions in property, plant and equipment relates to non-cash transfers from inventory. Since the transfers between inventory and property, plant and equipment are non-cash events, these are not reflected in these Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For further details see Note 8.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    58




Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. General Information
ASML, with its corporate headquarters in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, is engaged in the development, production, marketing, selling and servicing of advanced semiconductor equipment systems, exclusively consisting of lithography systems. ASML’s principal operations are in the Netherlands, the US and Asia.
Our shares are listed for trading in the form of registered shares on NASDAQ and on Euronext Amsterdam. The principal trading market of our ordinary shares is Euronext Amsterdam.
Our Financial Statements were authorized for issue by the BoM on February 4, 2016 and will be filed at the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce in Eindhoven, the Netherlands within eight days after adoption by the 2016 AGM.
2. Adoption of New and Revised International Financial Reporting Standards
Standards and Interpretations effective in 2015
Implementation of new and revised IFRS-EU in 2015 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
At the date of authorization of these consolidated financial statements, the following standards and interpretations have been issued however are not yet effective and/or have not yet been adopted by the EU and have not yet been adopted by us
IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", was issued in May 2014. In May 2015, the IASB proposed to defer the effective date of IFRS 15 by one year to January 1, 2018. The Standard is subject to endorsement by the EU. IFRS 15 is a joint project of the IASB and the FASB, to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for IFRS and US GAAP that would:
Remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in previous revenue requirements;
Provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues;
Improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets;
Provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements; and
Simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer.
In July 2014, the IASB finalized the reform of financial instruments accounting and issued IFRS 9 (as revised in 2014), which will supersede IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement" in its entirety (the IASB tentatively decided that the mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 will be no earlier than annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018). Compared to IFRS 9 (as revised in 2013), the 2014 version includes limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements by introducing a 'fair value through other comprehensive income' measurement category for simple debt instruments. It also adds the impairment requirements relating to the accounting for an entity's expected credit losses on its financial assets and commitments to extend credit. The completed IFRS 9 (as revised in 2014) contains the requirements for a) the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, b) impairment methodology, and c) general hedge accounting.
IFRS 16 "Leases", was issued in January 2016. The Standard will become effective as of January 1, 2019 and is subject to endorsement by the EU. IFRS 16 is the result of a project initiated by IASB and the FASB and supersedes IAS 17 "Leases" and its associated interpretive guidance.

We are currently in the process of determining the impact of implementing these Standards on our Consolidated (Condensed Interim) Financial Statements.

We believe that the effect of all other IFRSs not yet adopted by the EU is not expected to be material.
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are stated in thousands of EUR unless indicated otherwise. These Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared for statutory purposes, have been prepared in accordance with IFRS-EU. For internal and external reporting purposes, we apply US GAAP. US GAAP is our primary accounting standard for setting financial and operational performance targets.
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on historical cost convention unless stated otherwise. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    59




Use of Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS-EU requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the dates of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, and the reported amounts of net sales and costs during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Basis of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Financial Statements of ASML Holding N.V. and all of its subsidiaries and the SPE of which ASML is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany profits, balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over which ASML has the power to govern financial and operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting rights. As from the date that these criteria are met, the financial data of the relevant subsidiaries are included in the consolidation.
Special Purpose Entities
When we have an interest in a SPE, we shall assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of that SPE and, thus, should consolidate the SPE.
Foreign Currency Translation
The individual financial statements of each group entity are presented in their Functional Currency. For the purpose of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the results and financial position of each entity are expressed in euros, which is ASML's Functional Currency, and the presentation currency for the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in Foreign Currencies are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing the date of the transactions. At each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date, monetary items denominated in Foreign Currencies are translated at the rates prevailing the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in Foreign Currencies are translated at the rates prevailing on the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a Foreign Currency are not retranslated.
Exchange rate differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the translation of monetary items, are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in the period in which they arise. Exchange rate differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss for the period except for differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and losses are recognized directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange rate component of that gain or loss is also recognized directly in equity.
In order to hedge our exposure to certain foreign exchange rate risks, we enter into forward contracts and currency options; see below for details of our accounting policies in respect of such derivative financial instruments.
For the purpose of presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries (including comparatives) are expressed in euros using exchange rates prevailing on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date. Income and cost items (including comparatives) are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions are used. Exchange rate differences arising are classified as equity and transferred to our currency translation reserve. Such translation differences are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in the period in which the foreign operation is disposed. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign subsidiary are treated as assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and translated at closing rate.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs of assets manufactured by ASML include direct manufacturing costs, production overhead and interest costs incurred for qualifying assets during the construction period. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets. In the case of leasehold improvements, the estimated useful lives of the related assets do not exceed the remaining term of the corresponding lease.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    60




The following table presents the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment:
 
 
Category
Estimated useful life
 
 
Buildings and constructions
5 - 45 years
Machinery and equipment
2 - 5 years
Leasehold improvements
5 - 10 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment
3 - 5 years
Land is not depreciated.
The estimated useful lives and depreciation method are reviewed at each year-end, with the effect of any changes in estimates accounted for on a prospective basis.
Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the costs of an acquisition over the fair value of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities incurred or assumed of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is allocated to CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those CGUs that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the start of the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill may not be recoverable. If the Recoverable Amount of the CGU is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period. Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets include internally-generated intangible assets, brands, intellectual property, developed technology, customer relationships, in-process R&D and other intangible assets.
Internally-generated Intangible Assets - Development Expenditures
Expenditures on research activities are recognized as costs in the period in which they incur. IFRS requires capitalization of development expenditures provided if, and only if, certain criteria can be demonstrated.
An internally-generated intangible asset arising from our development is recognized only if we can demonstrate all of the following conditions:
The technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;
The intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
The ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
The probability that the asset created will generate future economic benefits;
The availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and
The ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.
For certain development programs, it was not possible to separate development activities from research activities (approximately EUR 25.1 million and EUR 16.5 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively). Consequently, we are not able to reliably determine the amount of development expenditures incurred and therefore no amounts were capitalized for these programs.
Internally-generated intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from one to five years. Where no internally-generated intangible asset can be recognized, development expenditure is charged to the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in the period in which it is incurred.
The estimated useful lives and amortization method are reviewed at each year-end, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.
Brands, Intellectual Property, Developed Technology, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
Brands, intellectual property, developed technology, customer relationships and other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortization is charged on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life and amortization method are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    61




In-process Research and Development
In-process R&D relate to the fair value of the technology that was in development at the time of an acquisition. In- process R&D are considered to be not yet ready for use and are therefore not amortized. At inception of amortization, the amount of in-process R&D will be reclassified to developed technology.
The following table presents the estimated useful lives of ASML’s other intangible assets:
 
 
Category
Estimated useful life
Brands
20 years
Development expenditures
1 - 5 years
Intellectual property
3 - 10 years
Developed technology
6 - 15 years
Customer relationships
8 - 18 years
Other
2 - 6 years
 
 
Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill
At each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date, we review the carrying amounts of our tangible and intangible assets (other than goodwill) to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the Recoverable Amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the Recoverable Amount of an individual asset, we estimate the Recoverable Amount of the CGU to which the asset belongs. Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual CGU's, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of CGU's for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.
Other intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually, and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.
If the Recoverable Amount of an asset (or CGU) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is reduced to its Recoverable Amount. An impairment loss is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is increased to the revised estimate of its Recoverable Amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
Financial Assets
Financial assets are classified as "Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss", "Available-for-sale" or "Loans and receivables". The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.
Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss
Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss when the financial asset is designated at fair value through profit or loss.
Available-for-Sale Financial Assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated as available-for-sale or are not classified as (a) loans and receivables, (b) held-to-maturity investments or (c) financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. Our available-for-sale financial assets comprise short-term investments, which consist of Dutch Treasury Certificates and deposits with the Dutch government. Our short-term investments are stated at fair value. Fair value of our short-term investments is determined in the manner described in Note 4.
Loans and Receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date. These are classified as non-current assets. Our loans and receivables comprise of accounts receivable, finance receivables, cash and cash equivalents (excluding investments in money market funds, which are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit and loss) and other non-current and current assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    62




Loans and receivables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
We assess at each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired.
Impairment of Financial Assets
Financial assets, other than those at fair value through profit or loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date. Financial assets are impaired if there is objective evidence as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.
Financial Liabilities and Equity Instruments Issued by ASML
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by ASML are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.
Financial liabilities are either classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or other financial liabilities. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of ASML after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by ASML are recorded at fair value, net of direct issue costs.
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are stated at fair value with any resultant gain or loss recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss.
Other financial liabilities (including loans, borrowings and trade and other payables) are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
We use derivative financial instruments for the management of foreign currency risks and interest rate risks. We measure all derivative financial instruments based on fair values derived from market prices of the instruments. We adopt hedge accounting for hedges that are highly effective in offsetting the identified hedged risks taking into account required effectiveness criteria.
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. We designate certain derivatives as either:
A hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability, that is attributable to a particular risk (fair value hedge); or
A hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability, or of a forecasted transaction, that is attributable to a particular risk (cash flow hedge).
We document at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. We also document our assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
The fair values of various derivative financial instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in Note 4, Note 5, Note 11 and Note 12. Movements in the hedging reserve within equity are shown in Note 18. The fair value part of a derivative financial instrument that has a remaining term of less or equal to 12 months is classified as current asset or liability. When the fair value part of a derivative financial instrument has a term of more than 12 months it is classified as non-current.
Fair Value Hedge
Changes in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument, that is designated and qualified as a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. We designate foreign currency hedging instruments as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability in non-functional currencies.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when we revoke the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item arising from the hedged risk is amortized to the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss from that date.
Interest rate swaps that are being used to hedge the fair value of fixed loan coupons payable are designated as fair value hedges. The change in fair value is intended to offset the change in the fair value of the underlying fixed loan coupons, which is recorded accordingly. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps hedging fixed loan coupons payable is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in finance costs or finance income.


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Cash Flow Hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge are recorded in OCI net of taxes and accumulated under the heading of the hedging reserve, in equity, until the underlying hedged transaction is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. Hedge accounting is discontinued when we revoke the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognized in OCI and accumulated in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the forecasted transaction is ultimately recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. In the event that the underlying hedge transaction will not occur within the specified time period, the cumulative gain or loss that was deferred in equity is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss.
Foreign currency hedging instruments that are being used to hedge cash flows relating to future sales or purchase transactions in non-functional currencies are designated as cash flow hedges. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion of the foreign currency hedging instruments is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in net sales or cost of sales.
Interest rate swaps that are being used to hedge changes in the variability of future interest payments are designated as cash flow hedges. The change in fair value is intended to offset the change in the fair value of the underlying assets, which is recorded accordingly in equity as hedging reserve. The maximum length of time of cash flow hedges is the time elapsed from the moment the exposure is generated until the actual settlement. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps hedging the variability of future interest receipts is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in finance income or finance costs.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (applying the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Cost includes net prices paid for materials purchased, charges for freight and customs duties, production labor cost and factory overhead. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Allowances are made for slow-moving, obsolete or unsellable inventory. Impairment losses for inventories are determined based on the expected demand which is derived from the sales forecasts as well as the expected market value of the inventory. A new assessment of net realizable value is made in each subsequent period. When the circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down below cost no longer exist or when there is clear evidence of an increase in net realizable value because of changed economic circumstances, the amount of the write-down is reversed.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, less allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance for doubtful debts of accounts receivable is established when there is objective evidence that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to original terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial restructuring and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the accounts receivable are impaired. The allowance recognized is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition.
Short-term Investments
Investments with remaining maturities longer than 3 months and less than 1 year at the date of acquisition are presented as short-term investments. The short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. Gains and losses other than impairments, interest income and foreign exchange results, are recognized in OCI until the short-term investments are derecognized. Upon derecognition, the cumulative gain or loss recognized in OCI, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid investments, such as bank deposits, money market funds and interest-bearing bank accounts with insignificant interest rate risk and remaining maturities of 3 months or less at the date of acquisition.
Equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of income taxes, from the proceeds.
Treasury shares are deducted from equity for the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), until the shares are cancelled or reissued. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and related income tax effects is included in equity.
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method.


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Revenue Recognition
In general, we recognize the revenue from the sale of a system upon shipment and the revenue from the installation of a system upon completion of that installation at the customer site. Prior to shipment, systems undergo a FAT in our cleanroom facilities, effectively replicating the operating conditions that will be present on the customer's site, in order to verify whether the system will meet its standard specifications and any additional technical and performance criteria agreed with the customer, if any. A system is shipped, and revenue is recognized, only after all contractual specifications are met and customer sign-off is received or waived. In case not all specifications are met and the remaining performance obligation is not essential to the functionality of the system but is substantive rather than inconsequential or perfunctory, a portion of the sales price is deferred. Although each system’s performance is re-tested upon installation at the customer’s site, we have never failed to successfully complete installation of a system at a customer’s premises.
In connection with the introduction of new technology, such as NXE:3300B and NXE:3350B, we initially defer revenue recognition until acceptance of the new technology based system and completion of installation at the customer’s premises. As our systems are based largely on two product platforms that permit incremental, modular upgrades, the introduction of genuinely "new" technology occurs infrequently, and in the past 15 years, has occurred on only two occasions: 2000 (TWINSCAN) and 2010 (EUV).
We have no significant repurchase commitments in our general sales terms and conditions. From time to time we repurchase systems that we have manufactured and sold and, following refurbishment, we resell those systems to other customers. This repurchase decision is mainly driven by market demand expressed by other customers and less frequently by explicit or implicit contractual arrangements relating to the initial sale. We consider reasonable offers from any vendor, including customers, to repurchase used systems so that we can refurbish, resell, and install these systems as part of our normal business operations. Once repurchased, the repurchase price of the used system is recorded in work-in-process inventory during the period it is being refurbished, following which the refurbished system is reflected in finished products inventory until it is sold to the customer. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, ASML had no repurchase commitments.
The main portion of our net sales is derived from contractual arrangements with our customers that have multiple deliverables (elements), which mainly include the sale of our systems, installation and training services, and extended and enhanced (optic) warranty contracts. The revenue relating to the undelivered elements of the arrangements is deferred until delivery of these elements. Revenue from installation and training services is recognized when the services are completed. Revenue from service contracts and extended and enhanced (optic) warranty contracts is recognized over the term of the contract.
We offer customers discounts in the normal course of sales negotiations. These discounts are directly deducted from the gross sales price at the moment of revenue recognition. From time to time, we offer free or discounted products or services (award credits) to our customers as part of a volume purchase agreement. In some instances these volume discounts can be used to purchase field options (system enhancements) and services. The related amount is recorded as a reduction in net sales at time of system shipment. The sales transaction that gives rise to these award credits is accounted for as a multiple element sales transaction as the agreements involve the delivery of multiple products. The consideration received from the sales transaction is allocated between the award credits and the other elements of the sales transaction. The consideration allocated to the award credits is recognized as deferred revenue until award credits are delivered to the customer and earned. The amount allocable to a delivered item is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions (the non-contingent amount).
Net sales are recognized excluding the taxes levied on sales (net basis).
In the event that an arrangement with a customer becomes onerous, we recognize a liability for the amount that the cost of settling the contract exceeds the amount of the contract price. Obligations resulting from the arrangement can either be constructive or contractual. When we satisfy these contracts, we utilize the related liability.
Lease Arrangements
Our lease classifications for systems are determined on a contract-by contract basis, taking the substance and details of each lease contract into consideration.
Finance Leases
Leases where substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are transferred to the lessee are classified as finance lease arrangements. If we have offered the customer a finance lease arrangement, revenue is recognized at commencement of the lease term. The difference between the gross finance receivable and the present value of the minimum lease payments is initially recognized as unearned interest and presented as a deduction to the gross finance receivable. Interest income is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss over the term of the lease contract using the effective interest method.
Operating Leases
Leases whereby all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are not transferred to the lessee are classified as operating lease arrangements. If we have offered the customer an operating lease arrangement, the system is included in property, plant and equipment upon commencement of the lease. Revenue from operating lease arrangements is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract.


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Warranty
We provide standard warranty coverage on our systems for 12 months and on certain optic parts for 60 months, providing labor and parts necessary to repair systems during the warranty period. The estimated warranty costs are accounted for by accruing these costs for each system upon recognition of the system sale. The estimated warranty costs are based on historical product performance and service records. We calculate the charge of average service hours and parts per system to determine the estimated warranty costs. On a semi-annual basis, we assess, and update if necessary, our accounting estimates used to calculate the standard warranty reserve based on the latest actual historical warranty costs and expected future warranty costs. The actual product performance and/or field expense profiles may differ, and in those cases we adjust our warranty reserves accordingly. Future warranty costs may exceed our estimates, which could lead to an increase in our cost of sales. In 2015 and 2014, the reassessments of the warranty reserve, and resulting change in accounting estimate, did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Earnings per share amounts.
The extended and enhanced (optic) warranty on our systems is accounted for as a separate element of multiple element revenue recognition transactions.
Customer Co-Investment Program
In connection with the CCIP, we entered into investment agreements, Shareholders Agreements, NRE Funding Agreements and a commercial agreement with Participating Customers.
The investment agreements, Shareholder Agreements, NRE Funding Agreements and commercial agreement are accounted for as one transaction with separately identifiable components. The following two separate components are identified: (1) the share issuance (governed by the investment agreements and the Shareholder Agreements) and (2) the NRE funding and commercial discounts and credits (governed by the NRE Funding Agreements and the commercial agreement with Intel).
The shares issued to the Participating Customers are recorded at fair value based on quoted share prices (EUR 3,977.4 million) with the remaining aggregate arrangement consideration allocated to the NRE funding and commercial discounts and credits. The difference between the fair value of the shares and the subscription price of the shares (EUR 39.91) was recorded as a deduction from equity upon issuance of the shares (EUR 123.4 million). Equity is increased to the fair value of the shares as the portion of the NRE funding allocable to the shares is received over the NRE funding period (2013-2017). The amounts are deemed receivables from the Participating Customers in their capacity as shareholders of ASML.
A significant related party relationship exists between ASML and Intel as a result of the equity investment made by Intel as part of the CCIP. Based on the commercial discounts and credits (governed by the Commercial Agreement with Intel) and the significant related party relationship, all NRE funding from Intel will be deferred and recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss only when the commercial discounts and credits are earned.
In addition, see Other Income for further explanation on the accounting policies with respect to CCIP.
Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
ASML bills the customer for, and recognizes as net sales, any charges for shipping and handling costs. The related costs are recognized as cost of sales.
Cost of Sales
Cost of system sales and field option sales comprise direct product costs such as materials, labor, cost of warranty, depreciation, amortization, shipping and handling costs and related overhead costs.
Costs of service sales comprise direct service costs such as materials, labor, depreciation and overhead costs.
Other Income
The portion of the NRE funding from TSMC and Samsung not allocable to the shares issued to those Participating Customers under the CCIP is recognized in other income when the R&D costs relating to lithography projects are recognized over the NRE funding period (2013-2017).
Borrowing Costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time that the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.
Income Taxes
Income taxes represent the sum of the current tax position and deferred tax.
The current tax position is based on taxable base for the year. Taxable base differs from results as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss because it excludes items of income or charges that are taxable or deductible in prior or later years, for example timing differences between taxable base and financial results, and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible, for example permanent differences between taxable base and financial results. Our tax position is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date.


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Deferred tax is recognized on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the corresponding tax base used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realized, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which we expect, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of our assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and we intend to settle our current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
We recognize a liability for uncertain tax positions when it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will occur. Measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions is based on management’s best estimate of the amount of tax benefit that will be lost.
The Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss effect of interest and penalties relating to liabilities for uncertain tax positions are presented based on their nature, as part of interest charges and as part of SG&A costs, respectively.
Current and deferred tax are recognized as an expense or income in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, except when they relate to items credited or debited directly to OCI or directly to equity, in which case the tax is also recognized directly in equity, or where they arise from the initial accounting for a business combination. In the case of a business combination, the tax effect is taken into account in calculating goodwill or in determining the excess of our interest in the net fair value of the acquired entity’s identifiable assets and liabilities incurred or assumed over the cost of the business combination.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Our estimate for the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position is highly judgmental. However, we believe that we have adequately provided for uncertain tax positions. Settlement of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We recognize a liability for uncertain tax positions when it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will occur. Measurement of the liability for uncertain tax positions is based on management’s best estimate of the amount of tax benefit that will be lost.
Contingencies and Litigation
In connection with proceedings and claims, our management evaluates, based on the relevant facts and legal principles, the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and whether the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In most cases, management determined that either a loss was not probable or was not reasonably estimable. Significant subjective judgments were required in these evaluations, including judgments regarding the validity of asserted claims and the likely outcome of legal and administrative proceedings. The outcome of these proceedings, however, is subject to a number of factors beyond our control, most notably the uncertainty associated with predicting decisions by courts and administrative agencies. In addition, estimates of the potential costs associated with legal and administrative proceedings frequently cannot be subjected to any sensitivity analysis, as damage estimates or settlement offers by claimants may bear little or no relation to the eventual outcome. Finally, in any particular proceeding, we may agree to settle or to terminate a claim or proceeding in which we believe that it would ultimately prevail where we believe that doing so, when taken together with other relevant commercial considerations, is more cost-effective than engaging in an expensive and protracted litigation, the outcome of which is uncertain.
We accrue for legal costs related to litigation in our Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss at the time when the related legal services are actually provided.
Share-based Payments
Compensation expenses in relation to share-based payments are recognized based upon the grant-date fair value of stock options and shares. The grant-date fair value of stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This Black-Scholes model requires the use of assumptions, including expected share price volatility, the estimated life of each award and the estimated dividend yield. The risk-free interest rate used in the model is determined, based on an index populated with euro-denominated European government agency bond with high credit ratings and with a life equal to the expected life of the equity-settled share-based payments. The grant-date fair value of shares is determined based on the closing price of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam on the grant-date.


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The grant-date fair value of the equity-settled share-based payments is, based on the terms and conditions, expensed over the vesting period, based on our estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest. At each balance sheet date, we revise our estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss in the period in which the revision is determined, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
Our current share-based payment plans do not provide for cash settlement of options and stock.
Retirement Benefit Costs
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution plans where our obligations under the plans are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit plan. ASML accounts for its multi-employer defined benefit plan as if it were a defined contribution plan for the following reasons:
ASML is affiliated to an industrywide pension fund and uses the pension scheme in common with other participating companies; and
Under the regulations of the pension plan, the only obligation these participating companies have towards the pension fund is to pay the annual premium liability. Participating companies are under no obligation whatsoever to pay off any deficits the pension plan may incur. Nor have they any claim to any potential surpluses.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been prepared based on the indirect method. Cash flows in foreign currencies have been translated at average exchange rates. Exchange rate difference on cash and cash equivalents are shown separately in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Acquisitions of subsidiaries are presented net of cash balances acquired.
4. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as follows:
Level 1: Valuations based on inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access.
Level 2: Valuations based on inputs other than level 1 inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3: Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). A financial instrument‘s fair value classification is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant in the fair value measurement hierarchy.
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Investments in money market funds (as part of our cash and cash equivalents) have fair value measurements which are all based on quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities.
Our available-for-sale financial instruments consist of Dutch Treasury Certificates and deposits with an original maturity beyond three months with financial institutions that have good credit ratings or with the Dutch government. Dutch Treasury Certificates are traded in an active market and the fair value is determined based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities. The fair value of the deposits is determined with reference to quoted market prices in an active market for similar assets or discounted cash flow analysis.
The principal market in which we execute our derivative contracts is the institutional market in an over-the-counter environment with a high level of price transparency. The market participants usually are large commercial banks. The valuation inputs for our derivative contracts are based on quoted prices and quoting pricing intervals from public data sources; they do not involve management judgment.
The valuation technique used to determine the fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts (used for hedging purposes) approximates the NPV technique which is the estimated amount that a bank would receive or pay to terminate the forward foreign exchange contracts at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and current exchange rates.
The valuation technique used to determine the fair value of interest rate swaps (used for hedging purposes) is the NPV technique, which is the estimated amount that a bank would receive or pay to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates.


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Our Eurobonds serve as hedged items in fair value hedge relationships in which we hedge the variability of changes in the fair value of our Eurobonds due to changes in market interest rates with interest rate swaps. The fair value changes of these interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position under derivative financial instruments and the carrying amounts of the Eurobonds are adjusted for the effective portion of these fair value changes only. For the actual aggregate carrying amount and the fair value of our Eurobonds, see Note 19.
The following table presents our financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
Assets measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 1

133,803


133,803

Money market funds 2
659,295



659,295

Short-term investments 3

950,000


950,000

Total
659,295

1,083,803


1,743,098

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 1

20,860


20,860

 
 
 
 
 
Assets and Liabilities for which fair values are disclosed
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt 4
 
1,100,849



1,100,849

1
Derivative financial instruments consist of forward foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. See Note 5.
2
Money market funds are part of our cash and cash equivalents. See Note 17.
3
Short-term investments consist of deposits with an original maturity longer than three months.
4
Long-term debt relates to Eurobonds. See Note 19.
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
Assets measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 1

153,803


153,803

Money market funds 2
426,742



426,742

Short-term investments 3
334,864



334,864

Total
761,606

153,803


915,409

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments 1

67,755


67,755

 
 
 
 
 
Assets and Liabilities for which fair values are disclosed
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt 4
 
1,139,628



1,139,628

1
Derivative financial instruments consist of forward foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. See Note 5.
2
Money market funds are part of our cash and cash equivalents. See Note 17.
3
Short-term investments consist of Dutch Treasury Certificates.
4
Long-term debt relates to Eurobonds. See Note 19.
There were no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
In 2015, we had no significant fair value measurements on a non-recurring basis. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets during 2015. See Notes 9 and 10 for more information.
5. Financial Risk Management
We are exposed to certain financial risks such as market risk (including foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and capital risk. Our overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potentially adverse effects on our financial performance. We use derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. None of our transactions are entered into for trading or speculative purposes. We believe that market information is the most reliable and transparent measure for our derivative financial instruments that are measured at fair value.
Foreign Currency Risk Management
Our sales are predominately denominated in euros. Exceptions may occur on a customer by customer basis. Our cost of sales and other costs are mainly denominated in euros, to a certain extent in US dollars, Taiwanese dollars and Japanese yen and to a limited extent in other currencies. Therefore, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk.


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It is our policy to hedge material transaction exposures, such as forecasted sales and purchase transactions, and material net remeasurement exposures, such as accounts receivable and payable. We hedge these exposures through the use of foreign exchange contracts.
As of December 31, 2015, accumulated OCI includes EUR 2.0 million (2014: gain EUR 16.3 million) (net of taxes: 2015: EUR 1.8 million; 2014: EUR 14.5 million) representing the total anticipated gain to be released to cost of sales, which will offset the EUR equivalent of foreign currency denominated forecasted purchase transactions. All amounts are expected to be released over the next 12 months. As of December 31, 2015, no amount (2014: no amount) was included in accumulated OCI representing the total anticipated gain to be released to sales. The effectiveness of all contracts for which we apply hedge accounting is monitored on a quarterly basis throughout the life of the hedges. During 2014 and 2015, no ineffective hedge relationships were recognized.
Interest Rate Risk Management
We have interest-bearing assets and liabilities that expose us to fluctuations in market interest rates. We use interest rate swaps to align the interest-typical terms of interest-bearing liabilities with the interest-typical terms of interest-bearing assets. There may be residual interest rate risk to the extent the asset and liability positions do not fully offset.
As part of our hedging policy, we use interest rate swaps to hedge changes in fair value of our Eurobonds due to changes in market interest rates, thereby offsetting the variability of future interest receipts on part of our cash and cash equivalents. During 2015, these hedges were highly effective in hedging the fair value exposure to interest rate movements. The changes in fair value of the Eurobonds were included in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in the same period as the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps.
Furthermore, as part of our hedging policy, we use interest rate swaps to hedge the variability of future interest cash flows relating to certain of our operating lease obligations. During 2015, these hedges were highly effective in hedging the cash flow exposure to interest rate movements.
Financial Instruments
We use foreign exchange contracts to manage our foreign currency risk and interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. The following table summarizes the notional amounts and estimated fair values of our derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

 
2015

 
(in thousands)
Notional
amount
EUR

Fair Value
EUR

Notional
amount
EUR

Fair Value
EUR

 
 
 
 
 
Forward foreign exchange contracts
1,219,894

(52,319
)
898,227

(2,675
)
Interest rate swaps
1,013,053

138,367

1,013,053

115,618

 
 
 
 
 
Sensitivity Analysis Financial Instruments
Foreign Currency Sensitivity
We are mainly exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the euro and the US dollar, the euro and Taiwanese dollar and the euro and the Japanese yen. The following table details our sensitivity to a 10.0 percent strengthening of foreign currencies against the euro. The sensitivity analysis includes foreign currency denominated monetary items outstanding and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 10.0 percent strengthening in foreign currency rates. A positive amount indicates an increase in income before income taxes or OCI, as shown.
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
2015
(in thousands)
Impact on income before income taxes EUR

Impact on OCI EUR

Impact on income before income taxes EUR

Impact on OCI
EUR

 
 
 
 
 
US dollar
4,432

15,913

(4,778
)
22,834

Japanese yen
1,516

(10,002
)
189

(7,495
)
Taiwanese dollar
(2,929
)

(3,690
)

Other currencies
(2,183
)

(2,473
)

Total
 
836

5,911

(10,752
)
15,339

 
 
 
 
 
It is our policy to limit the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on our Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. The increased effect on income before income taxes in 2015 compared with 2014 reflects our higher net exposure at year end 2015. The negative effect on income before income taxes as presented in the table above for 2015 is mainly attributable to timing differences between the arising and hedging of exposures.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    70




The effects of the fair value movements of cash flow hedges, entered into for US dollar and Japanese yen transactions are recognized in OCI. The US dollar and Japanese yen effect on OCI in 2015 compared with 2014 is the result of an increase in outstanding purchase hedges and decrease in outstanding sales hedges.
For a 10.0 percent weakening of the foreign currencies against the euro, there would be approximately an equal but opposite effect on the income before income taxes and OCI.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both derivative financial and non-derivative financial instruments at the Statement of Financial Position date with the stipulated change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period. The table below shows the effect of a 1.0 percentage point increase in interest rates on our income before income taxes and OCI. A positive amount indicates an increase in income before income taxes and OCI.
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
2015
(in thousands)
Impact on income before income taxes
EUR

Impact on OCI
EUR

Impact on income before income taxes
EUR

Impact on OCI
EUR

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of a 1.0 percent point increase in interest rates
17,956

941

24,486

622

 
 
 
 
 
The positive effect on income before income taxes mainly relates to our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The positive effect on OCI, is mainly attributable to the fair value movements of the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges.
For a 1.0 percentage point decrease in interest rates there would be a lower opposite effect on income before income taxes and OCI.
Credit Risk Management
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, derivative financial instruments used for hedging activities, accounts receivable and finance receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and derivative financial instruments contain an element of risk of the counterparties being unable to meet their obligations. Our risk management program focuses appropriately on the current environment of uncertainty in the financial markets. We invest our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in short-term deposits with financial institutions that have good credit ratings and with the Dutch government, in Dutch Treasury Certificates and in money market funds that invest in highly-rated short-term debt securities of financial institutions and governments. To mitigate the risk that our counterparties in hedging transactions are unable to meet their obligations, we enter into transactions with a limited number of major financial institutions that have good credit ratings and closely monitor their creditworthiness. Concentration risk is mitigated by limiting the exposure to each of the individual counterparties.
Our customers consist of IC manufacturers located throughout the world. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We mitigate credit risk through additional measures, including the use of down payments, letters of credit, and contractual ownership retention provisions. Retention of ownership enables us to recover the systems in the event a customer defaults on payment.
Liquidity Risk Management
Our liquidity needs are affected by many factors, some of which are based on the normal on-going operations of the business, and others that relate to the uncertainties of the global economy and the semiconductor industry. Although our cash requirements fluctuate based on the timing and extent of these factors, we believe that cash generated from operations, together with our principal sources of liquidity are sufficient to satisfy our current requirements, including our expected capital expenditures in 2016. We intend to return cash to our shareholders on a regular basis in the form of dividend payments and, subject to our actual and anticipated liquidity requirements and other relevant factors, share buybacks or capital repayments.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    71




Our liquidity analysis of derivative financial instruments is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total

Less than 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

After 5 years

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash outflows
 
 
 
 
 
Currency contracts
2,107,362

2,107,362




Interest rate swaps
113,942

11,059

20,143

27,300

55,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash inflows










Currency contracts
2,104,002

2,104,002




Interest rate swaps
229,896

39,006

64,327

50,625

75,938

 
 
 
 
 
 
For interest rate swaps included in above table the amounts disclosed have been determined by reference to the projected interest rates as illustrated by the yield curves as at December 31, 2015.
For more information on our contractual obligations, including the liquidity analysis in relation to our borrowings, see Note 23. Additionally, other financial liabilities (including trade payables) are expected to be settled within one year.
6. Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
In the process of applying our accounting policies, management has made some judgments that have significant effect on the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in conformity with IFRS-EU. The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the dates of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, and the reported amounts of net sales and costs during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We evaluate our estimates continuously and we base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates if the assumptions prove incorrect. To the extent there are material differences between actual results and these estimates, our future results could be materially and adversely affected. We believe that the accounting policies described below require us to make significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our most critical accounting estimates include:
Revenue recognition;
Inventories;
Income Taxes;
Contingencies and Litigation;
Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets; and
Capitalization of Development Expenditures.
See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of our significant accounting policies.
7. Earnings per Share
Basic net income per ordinary share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for that period. The dilutive effect is calculated using the treasury stock method. Excluded from the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding calculation are cumulative preference shares contingently issuable to the preference share foundation, since they represent a different class of stock than the ordinary shares.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    72




The basic and diluted net income per ordinary share has been calculated as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands, except per share data)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Net income
1,418,320

1,619,489

 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
437,142

430,639

Basic net income per ordinary share
3.24

3.76

 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
437,142

430,639

Plus shares applicable to:

 
 
Options and conditional shares
2,551

2,005

 
 
 
Dilutive potential ordinary shares
2,551

2,005

Diluted weighted average number of shares
439,693

432,644

Diluted net income per ordinary share 1
3.23

3.74

 
 
 
1
The calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share assumes the exercise of options issued under our stock option plans and the issuance of shares under our share plans for periods in which exercises or issuances would have a dilutive effect. The calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share does not assume exercise of such options or issuance of shares when such exercises or issuance would be anti-dilutive.
8. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Land and
buildings
EUR

Machinery
and
    equipment
EUR

Leasehold
  improvements
EUR

Furniture,
fixtures and
other
equipment
EUR

Total
EUR

Cost
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
1,035,100

803,885

225,652

368,481

2,433,118

Additions
222,670

191,705

6,137

31,750

452,262

Disposals
(1,557
)
(222,836
)
(1,208
)
(100,485
)
(326,086
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
13,275

26,955

1,229

3,344

44,803

Balance at December 31, 2014
1,269,488

799,709

231,810

303,090

2,604,097

Additions
154,505

246,332

12,438

46,352

459,627

Disposals
(1,346
)
(117,250
)
(451
)
(3,920
)
(122,967
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
27,438

35,153

1,748

2,962

67,301

Balance at December 31, 2015
1,450,085

963,944

245,545

348,484

3,008,058

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
237,561

489,963

171,857

315,897

1,215,278

Depreciation
52,242

112,090

20,936

24,236

209,504

Impairment charges
7,403

2,983


142

10,528

Disposals
(90
)
(190,154
)
(1,204
)
(100,450
)
(291,898
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
(1,017
)
11,950

654

1,575

13,162

Balance at December 31, 2014
296,099

426,832

192,243

241,400

1,156,574

Depreciation
75,918

123,269

16,078

27,784

243,049

Impairment charges

2,287



2,287

Disposals
(115
)
(44,189
)
(439
)
(3,902
)
(48,645
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
10,459

21,202

605

1,849

34,115

Balance at December 31, 2015
382,361

529,401

208,487

267,131

1,387,380

 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying amount
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
973,389

372,877

39,567

61,690

1,447,523

December 31, 2015
1,067,724

434,543

37,058

81,353

1,620,678

As of December 31, 2015, the carrying amount includes assets under construction for land and buildings of EUR 64.7 million (2014: EUR 201.1 million), machinery and equipment of EUR 47.3 million (2014: EUR 30.2 million), leasehold improvements of EUR 7.8 million (2014: EUR 2.8 million) and furniture, fixtures and other equipment of EUR 14.9 million (2014: EUR 11.2 million).


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    73




As of December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of land amounts to EUR 88.0 million (2014: EUR 82.9 million).
As of December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of machinery and equipment includes an amount of EUR 23.5 million with respect to evaluation and operating lease systems (2014: EUR 68.6 million).
The majority of the additions in 2015 in property, plant and equipment relates to the further expansion of EUV production facilities for our newest technology.
The majority of additions in 2015 in machinery and equipment relates to operating leases to customers, prototypes, evaluation and training systems which are similar to those that ASML sells in its ordinary course of business. These systems are capitalized under property, plant and equipment because these are held for own use, for operating lease and for evaluation purposes. These are recorded at cost and depreciated over their expected useful life taking into consideration their residual value. From the time that these assets are no longer held for own use but intended for sale in the ordinary course of business, they are reclassified from property, plant and equipment to inventory at their carrying value.
An amount of EUR 91.0 million (2014: EUR 95.5 million) of the additions in property, plant and equipment relates to non-cash transfers from inventory. Since the transfers between inventory and property, plant and equipment are non-cash events, these are not reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
An amount of EUR 72.7 million (2014: EUR 30.7 million) of the disposal of property, plant and equipment relates to non-cash transfers to inventory. When sold, the proceeds and cost of these systems are recorded as net sales and cost of sales, respectively, identical to the treatment of other sales transactions. The cost of sales for these systems includes the inventory value and the additional costs of refurbishing (materials and labor). Since the transfers between inventory and property, plant and equipment are non-cash events, these are not reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
During 2015, we recorded depreciation charges of EUR 243.0 million (2014: EUR 209.5 million) of which we recorded EUR 191.7 million (2014: EUR 153.9 million) in cost of sales, EUR 19.7 million (2014: EUR 36.3 million) in R&D costs and EUR 31.6 million (2014: EUR 19.3 million) in SG&A costs.
Special Purpose Entity
The carrying amount of land and buildings includes an amount of EUR 28.1 million (2014: EUR 29.5 million) relating to our headquarters in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, which is ultimately owned by Koppelenweg I B.V., a "SPE".
As of 2003, we are leasing the Veldhoven headquarters for a period of 15 years from an entity ("lessor") that was incorporated by the SPE Shareholders. The lessor’s equity amounts to EUR 1.9 million and has not changed since 2003.
The SPE Shareholders each granted a loan of EUR 11.6 million and a fourth bank granted a loan of EUR 12.3 million (EUR 47.1 million in total) to the parent of the lessor. ASML provided the parent of the lessor with a subordinated loan of EUR 5.4 million and has a purchase option that is exercisable either at the end of the lease in 2018, at a price of EUR 24.5 million, or during the lease at a price equal to the book value of the assets. The total assets of the lessor entity amounted to EUR 54.5 million at inception of the lease. The entity is determined to be a SPE because the equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without sufficient additional subordinated support.
The primary purpose for which the SPE was created was to provide ASML with use of the building for 15 years, where ASML does not retain substantially all the risks and rewards from changes in value of the building. The main activities of the entity are to rent, re-market and ultimately sell the building that is owned by the SPE. The economic performance of the SPE is most significantly impacted by the ability of the lessee (ASML) to exercise the purchase option at any time during the lease term, and thus we could potentially benefit from increases in the fair value of the building.
While the debt holders have an interest, and may absorb losses, and the equity holders have an interest and may receive benefits, they do not have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and therefore, cannot be the primary beneficiary. Through the pre-determined price of the call option ASML has the power over the SPE, therefore only ASML meets both the power and losses/benefit criterion and consolidates the SPE.
9. Goodwill
Changes in goodwill are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Cost
 
 
Balance, January 1
2,111,296

2,378,421

Effect of changes in exchange rates
267,125

269,388

Balance at end of year
2,378,421

2,647,809

 
 
 


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    74




Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the start of the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill may not be recoverable.
Goodwill mainly relates to the acquisition of Cymer. Within ASML we have identified two CGUs, which are CGU ASML and CGU CLS.
As of December 31, 2015 the goodwill allocated to CGU ASML amounts to EUR 2,152.3 million (2014: EUR 1,933.5 million) and for CGU CLS this amounts to EUR 495.5 million (2014: EUR 444.9 million).
For 2015 and 2014, the Recoverable Amounts of the CGUs are based on value in use calculations. The value in use calculations were performed by discounting the future cash flows generated from the continuing use of the CGUs. Cash flows beyond the forecasted period of five years have been extrapolated using a 0 percent growth rate.
The pre-tax WACC used to determine the expected discounted future cash flows is 9.6 percent for CGU ASML and 13.6 percent for CGU CLS.
Based on the recoverability testing during the annual goodwill impairment test, we believe that the Recoverable Amounts of the CGUs significantly exceed their carrying amounts, and therefore goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2015.
10. Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets consist of development expenditures, brands, intellectual property, developed technology, customer relationships, and other. Development expenditures, brands, developed technology, customer relationships, and other were partly obtained from the acquisitions of Cymer (2013) and Brion (2007).
Other intangible assets consist of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Development expenditures
EUR

Brands
EUR

Intellectual
property
EUR

Developed
technology
EUR

Customer
relationships
EUR

Other
EUR

Total
EUR

Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
1,573,006

12,554

58,908

453,414

162,806

2,231

2,262,919

Additions
345,158


2,952




348,110

Effect of changes in exchange rates
30,359

1,621


52,228

19,897


104,105

Balance at December 31, 2014
1,948,523

14,175

61,860

505,642

182,703

2,231

2,715,134

Additions
370,295


1,108




371,403

Effect of changes in exchange rates
35,632

1,610


51,853

19,755


108,850

Balance at December 31, 2015
2,354,450

15,785

62,968

557,495

202,458

2,231

3,195,387

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
755,642

369

50,163

66,415

12,527

2,231

887,347

Amortization
98,415

649

2,649

30,593

9,990


142,296

Effect of changes in exchange rates
8,781

107


5,039

1,466


15,393

Balance at December 31, 2014
862,838

1,125

52,812

102,047

23,983

2,231

1,045,036

Amortization
63,058

774

3,145

36,465

10,790


114,232

Effect of changes in exchange rates
8,784

143


6,723

1,955


17,605

Balance at December 31, 2015
934,680

2,042

55,957

145,235

36,728

2,231

1,176,873

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
1,085,685

13,050

9,048

403,595

158,720


1,670,098

December 31, 2015
1,419,770

13,743

7,011

412,260

165,730


2,018,514

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Development expenditures mainly relate to the capitalized expenditures regarding our core programs: EUV, immersion and Holistic Lithography.
Intellectual property relates to licenses and patents purchased from third parties. During 2015, we acquired intellectual property from third parties for an amount of EUR 1.1 million (2014: EUR 3.0 million).
During 2015, we recorded amortization charges of EUR 114.2 million (2014: EUR 142.3 million) which were recorded in cost of sales for EUR 112.1 million (2014: EUR 140.6 million) and in R&D costs for EUR 2.1 million (2014: EUR 1.7 million).
As of December 31, 2015, the other intangible assets not yet available for use as included in the development expenditures amount to EUR 1,216.8 million (2014: EUR 926.0 million) and are allocated to CGU ASML for EUR 1,211.5 million and to CGU CLS for EUR 5.3 million. The increase in other intangible assets not yet available for use mainly relates to EUV.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    75




During 2015 and 2014, we did not record any impairment charges for other intangible assets.
During 2015, we capitalized borrowing costs for EUR 14.6 million, using a capitalization rate of 1.65 percent (2014: capitalized borrowing costs EUR 11.6 million; capitalization rate used 2.00 percent).
As at December 31, 2015, the estimated amortization expenses for other intangible assets, for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:
 
 
(in thousands)
EUR

2016
266,674

2017
350,590

2018
299,404

2019
298,220

2020
283,017

Thereafter
520,609

Total
2,018,514

 
 
11. Financial Instruments by Category
The accounting policies for financial instruments have been applied to the line items below and represent the fair value of these financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale financial assets

Loans and receivables

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR


Assets as per statement of financial position date
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
133,803



133,803

Accounts receivable


803,696

803,696

Finance receivables


404,559

404,559

Other non-current and current assets


198,041

198,041

Short-term investments


950,000

950,000

Cash and cash equivalents
659,295


1,799,422

2,458,717

Total
793,098


4,155,718

4,948,816

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Other financial liabilities

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR


Liabilities as per statement of financial position date
 
 
 
Long-term debt 1

1,129,685

1,129,685

Derivative financial instruments
20,860


20,860

Accrued and other liabilities

675,095

675,095

Accounts payable

418,894

418,894

Total
20,860

2,223,674

2,244,534

 
 
 
 
1
Long-term debt includes our Eurobonds. Because the Eurobonds serve as hedged item in a fair value hedge relationship, the carrying amount is adjusted for fair value changes as a result of changes in market interest rates. See Note 19.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    76




 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale financial assets

Loans and receivables

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR


Assets as per statement of financial position date
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
153,803



153,803

Accounts receivable


1,052,504

1,052,504

Finance receivables


251,348

251,348

Other non-current and current assets


129,870

129,870

Short-term investments

334,864


334,864

Cash and cash equivalents
426,742


1,992,745

2,419,487

Total
580,545

334,864

3,426,467

4,341,876

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Other financial liabilities

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR


Liabilities as per statement of financial position date
 
 
 
Long-term debt 1

1,154,137

1,154,137

Derivative financial instruments
67,755


67,755

Accrued and other liabilities

713,212

713,212

Accounts payable

496,236

496,236

Total
67,755

2,363,585

2,431,340

 
 
 
 
1
Long-term debt includes our Eurobonds. Because the Eurobonds serve as hedged item in a fair value hedge relationship, the carrying amount is adjusted for fair value changes as a result of changes in market interest rates. See Note 19.
See Note 4 for the fair value measurement hierarchy.
The carrying amounts of the accounts receivable, finance receivables and other assets approximate their fair value.
The amounts reflected above represent our maximum exposure to credit risk for financial assets. See Note 5 for credit risk management in relation to our financial assets.
12. Derivative Financial Instruments
The derivative financial instruments consist of the following:
 
2014
2015
As of December 31
Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedges

3,586


2,716

Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
141,953


118,334


Forward foreign exchange contracts - cash flow hedges
8,777

36

2,932

2,026

Forward foreign exchange contracts - other hedges
(no hedge accounting)
3,073

64,133

12,537

16,118

Total
153,803

67,755

133,803

20,860

 
 
 
 
 
Less non-current portion:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedges

2,808


1,878

Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
115,546


81,777


Total non-current portion
115,546

2,808

81,777

1,878

 
 
 
 
 
Total current portion
38,257

64,947

52,026

18,982

 
 
 
 
 
The fair value part of a hedging derivative financial instrument that has a remaining term of 12 months or less after Statement of Financial Position date is classified as current asset or liability. When the fair value part of a hedging derivative has a term of more than 12 months after Statement of Financial Position date, it is classified as non-current asset or liability.
For further information regarding our derivative financial instruments, see Note 4.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    77




Foreign Exchange Contracts
The notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts in the main currencies US dollar, Japanese yen and Taiwanese dollar at December 31, 2015 are USD 517.5 million, JPY 34.7 billion and TWD 4.3 billion (2014: USD 958.0 million, JPY 44.8 billion and TWD 6.2 billion).
The hedged highly probable forecasted transactions denominated in foreign currency are expected to occur at various dates during the coming 12 months. Gains and losses recognized in OCI on forward foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2015 will be recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in the period during which the hedged forecasted transactions affect the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss.
In 2015, we recognized a net amount of EUR 22.0 million gain (2014: EUR 6.7 million loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss resulting from effective cash flow hedges for forecasted sales and purchase transactions that occurred in the year. Furthermore, we recognized a net amount of EUR 129.9 million loss in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss resulting from derivative financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss (2014: EUR 119.3 million loss).
Interest Rate Swaps
The notional principal amount of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts as of December 31, 2015 was EUR 1,013.1 million (2014: EUR 1,013.1 million).
13. Other Assets
Other current assets consist of the following:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Advance payments to Zeiss
69,307

75,059

Prepaid expenses
103,278

125,378

Operations to be invoiced
40,912

79,803

VAT
41,121

61,332

Other assets
39,012

33,895

Other current assets
293,630

375,467

 
 
 
Zeiss is our single supplier of main optical systems (lenses, mirrors, illuminators, collectors and other critical optical components) and, from time to time, receives non-interest bearing advance payments from us that support Zeiss’ work-in-process, thereby securing lens and optical module deliveries to us. Amounts owed under these advance payments are settled through future lens or EUV optical component deliveries.
The increase in prepaid expenses in 2015 mainly relates to prepayments in relation to our joint development projects with one of our research partners.
Other non-current assets consist of the following:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Advance payments to Zeiss
285,659

305,642

Compensation plan assets 1
26,172

31,393

Prepaid expenses
6,525

6,876

Subordinated loan granted to lessor in respect of Veldhoven headquarters 2
5,445

5,445

Other
5,473

19,749

Other non-current assets
329,274

369,105

 
 
 
1
For further details on compensation plan assets see Note 22.
2
For further details on the loan granted to lessor in respect of Veldhoven headquarters see Note 8.
The increase in the advance payments to Zeiss in 2015 compared to 2014 was mainly driven by a prepayment in relation to EUV optical components development.
The carrying amount of the non-current and current other assets approximates the fair value.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    78




14. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

Raw materials
456,685

468,749

Work-in-process
1,477,041

1,481,387

Finished products
927,493

1,038,610

 
 
 
Inventories, gross
2,861,219

2,988,746

Allowance for obsolescence and/or lower market value
(311,382
)
(415,016
)
Inventories, net
2,549,837

2,573,730

 
 
 
The increase in finished products 2015 compared to 2014 is mainly caused by two NXE:3350B systems under installation at our customer.
A summary of activity in the allowance for obsolescence and/or lower market value is as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

Balance at beginning of year
(261,598
)
(311,382
)
Addition for the year
(162,821
)
(211,801
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
(8,848
)
(10,451
)
Utilization of the provision
121,885

118,618

Balance at end of year
(311,382
)
(415,016
)
 
 
 
In 2015, the addition for the year is recorded in cost of sales EUR 206.7 million and in R&D costs EUR 5.1 million (2014: cost of sales EUR 146.3 million and R&D costs EUR 16.5 million). The 2015 addition for the year mainly related to inventory items which became obsolete due to technological developments and design changes.
Utilization of the provision mainly relates to the scrapping of obsolete inventories.
The cost of inventories recognized as costs and included in cost of sales amounted to EUR 2,487.6 million (2014: EUR 1,980.0 million).
15. Finance Receivables
Finance receivables consist of receivables in relation to finance leases. The following table lists the components of the finance receivables as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

Finance receivables, gross
256,703

411,654

Unearned interest
(5,355
)
(7,095
)
Finance receivables, net
251,348

404,559

Current portion of finance receivables, gross
198,803

285,966

Current portion of unearned interest
(2,716
)
(5,443
)
Non-current portion of finance receivables, net
55,261

124,036

 
 
 
The increase in finance receivables as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 was caused by an increased number of finance leases compared to prior year.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    79




As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the minimum lease payments and present value of minimum lease payments is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum lease payments
Present value of
minimum lease payments
As of December 31
2014

2015

2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR


Not later than one year
198,803

285,966

196,087

280,523

Later than one year and not later than five years
57,900

125,688

55,261

124,036

 
256,703

411,654

251,348

404,559

Less: unearned interest
(5,355
)
(7,095
)
n/a

n/a

Present value of minimum lease payments receivable
251,348

404,559

251,348

404,559

 
 
 
 
 
We perform ongoing credit evaluations on our customers’ financial condition. We periodically review whether a provision for credit losses is needed by considering factors such as historical payment experience, credit quality, the aging of the finance receivables balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. In 2015 and 2014 we did not record any expected credit losses from finance receivables. As of December 31, 2015, the finance receivables were neither past due nor impaired.
16. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of the following:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Accounts receivable, gross
1,054,574

809,299

Allowance for doubtful receivables
(2,070
)
(5,603
)
Accounts receivable, net
1,052,504

803,696

 
 
 
The decrease in accounts receivable as of December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 was mainly caused by relatively high payments received from customers prior to year-end 2015.
The carrying amount of the accounts receivable approximates the fair value. We perform ongoing credit evaluations on our customers’ financial condition. We periodically review whether a provision for credit losses is needed by considering factors such as historical payment experience, credit quality, aging of the accounts receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.
The main part of the carrying value of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2015 consists of euro and Japanese yen balances.
Accounts receivable are impaired and provided for on an individual basis. As of December 31, 2015, accounts receivable of EUR 70.6 million (2014: EUR 67.1 million) were past due but not impaired. These balances are still considered to be recoverable because they relate to customers for whom there is no recent history of default and there has not been a significant change in credit quality. The table below shows the aging analysis of the accounts receivable that are up to three months past due and over three months past due. Accounts receivable are past due when the payment term has expired.
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Up to three months past due
54,350

45,047

Over three months past due
14,829

31,192

Total past due
69,179

76,239

 
 
 
We provided extended payment terms to some of our customers. The average days outstanding decreased to 47 days in 2015 from 66 days in 2014.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    80




Movements of the allowance for doubtful receivables are as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
(1,848
)
(2,070
)
Addition for the year 1
(133
)
(3,870
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
(98
)
(131
)
Utilization of the provision
9

468

Balance at end of year
(2,070
)
(5,603
)
 
 
 
1
The addition for the year is recorded in the cost of sales.
In 2015 and 2014, we did not record any expected credit losses for accounts receivable on system sales.
17. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2015 include deposits with financial institutions that have good credit ratings and with the Dutch government of EUR 1,423.0 million (2014: EUR 1,200.0 million), investments in money market funds that invest in debt securities of financial institutions that have good credit ratings and governments of EUR 659.3 million (2014: EUR 426.7 million) and interest-bearing bank accounts of EUR 376.4 million (2014: EUR 792.8 million). Our cash and cash equivalents are predominantly denominated in euros and partly in US dollars.
Cash and cash equivalents have insignificant interest rate risk and remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Except for an amount of EUR 5.3 million (2014: EUR 5.1 million), no restrictions on usage of cash and cash equivalents exist. The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.
Short-term investments have insignificant interest rate risk and remaining maturities longer than three months but less than one year at the date of acquisition.
Short-term investments (classified as available for sale securities) consist of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
Cost basis

Unrealized Gains

Unrealized Losses

Recorded Basis

(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Dutch Treasury Certificates




Deposits
950,000



950,000

Total
950,000



950,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Cost basis

Unrealized Gains

Unrealized Losses

Recorded Basis

(in thousands)
Dutch Treasury Certificates
334,864



334,864

Deposits




Total
334,864



334,864

 
 
 
 
 
18. Equity
Share Capital
ASML’s authorized share capital amounts to EUR 126.0 million and is divided into:
700,000,000 Cumulative Preference Shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.09 each;
699,999,000 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.09 each; and
9,000 Ordinary Shares B with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 each.
As at December 31, 2015, 433,332,573 ordinary shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.09 each were issued and fully paid up, this includes 5,345,891 treasury shares. No ordinary shares B and no cumulative preference shares have been issued.
Our BoM has the power to issue ordinary shares and cumulative preference shares insofar as the BoM has been authorized to do so by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The BoM requires approval of the SB for such an issue. The authorization by the General Meeting of Shareholders can only be granted for a certain period not exceeding five years and may be extended for no longer than five years on each occasion. In case the General Meeting of Shareholders has not authorized the BoM to issue shares, the General Meeting of Shareholders shall have the power to issue shares upon the proposal of the BoM, provided that the SB has approved such proposal.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    81





Shares Issued in Relation to Share-based Compensation
We have adopted various share and option plans for our employees. Whenever ordinary shares have to be delivered pursuant to these plans, we typically deliver treasury shares that we purchase in share buy-back programs for this purpose. Because these treasury shares were no longer available in the course of 2014, we issued new ordinary shares from time to time to meet our delivery obligations under the plans. In 2015, we issued 389,961 new ordinary shares with an aggregate fair value of EUR 36.9 million (2014: EUR 51.3 million) in relation to our ESOPs. Fair value is determined on the closing price of our ordinary shares at Amsterdam Euronext at the date of respective issuance.
Synthetic Share Buyback
At the EGM held on September 7, 2012, several changes in the Articles of Association of ASML were adopted, in connection with the synthetic share buyback effectuated in connection with the CCIP.
Consequently, on November 24, 2012, the Articles of Association were amended as follows. Upon the first amendment, the ordinary shares to be held for the benefit of the participants to the CCIP were converted into ordinary shares M and all other ordinary shares were converted into ordinary shares A. Upon the second amendment, the par value per ordinary share A was increased from EUR 0.09 to EUR 9.24 at the expense of the share premium reserve. Upon the third amendment, the nominal value per ordinary share A was reduced to an amount of EUR 0.06, by decreasing the nominal value per ordinary share A by an amount of EUR 9.18, which resulted in a repayment of the same amount per share to holders of ordinary shares into which the ordinary shares A were converted. The fourth amendment provided for the consolidation of the ordinary shares A through the exchange of each 100 ordinary shares for 77 ordinary shares, resulting in an increase of the nominal value per ordinary share from EUR 0.06 to EUR 0.09, whereby the aggregate difference was booked at the expense of the share premium reserve. The fifth and last amendment provided for the deletion of the share class M for participants to the CCIP and the share class A for the other shareholders. The ordinary shares M and A were converted thereafter into ordinary shares without a specific letter mark attached to it.
These amendments in substance constitute a synthetic share buyback in which we effectively repurchased 93,411,216 shares at an average price of EUR 39.91 for a total amount of EUR 3,728.3 million. The difference of EUR 125.6 million between the capital repayment of EUR 3,728.3 million and the net proceeds from issuance of shares of EUR 3,853.9 million relates to the capital repayment on ASML’s treasury shares which were part of the synthetic share buyback.
Shares Issued in Customer Co-Investment Program
In connection with the CCIP, on September 12, 2012, we issued 62,977,877 ordinary shares to the Stichting that holds shares on behalf of Intel and 12,595,575 ordinary shares to the Stichting that holds shares on behalf of Samsung and on October 31, 2012, ASML issued 20,992,625 ordinary shares to the Stichting that holds shares on behalf of TSMC. We received an amount of EUR 3,853.9 million in relation to the shares issued under the CCIP. The Stichting that held TSMC's shares in the CCIP has informed ASML that TSMC has sold all of those shares. For further details on our CCIP see Note 34.
Ordinary Shares
An ordinary share entitles the holder thereof to cast nine votes in the General Meeting of Shareholders. Each ordinary share consists of 900 fractional shares. Fractional shares entitle the holder thereof to a fractional dividend but do not entitle the holder thereof to voting rights. Only those persons who hold shares directly in the share register in the Netherlands, held by us at our address at 5504 DR Veldhoven, de Run 6501, the Netherlands, or in the New York share register, held by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., P.O. Box 64506, St. Paul, MN 55164-0506, United States, can hold fractional shares. Persons who hold ordinary shares through the deposit system under the Dutch Securities Bank Giro Transactions Act (Wet giraal effectenverkeer; the "Giro Act") maintained by the Dutch central securities depository Euroclear Nederland or through the DTC cannot hold fractional shares. At our 2015 AGM, the BoM was authorized from April 22, 2015 through October 22, 2016, subject to the approval of the SB, to issue shares and/or rights thereto representing up to a maximum of 5.0 percent of our issued share capital at April 22, 2015, plus an additional 5.0 percent of our issued share capital at April 22, 2015 that may be issued in connection with mergers, acquisitions and/or (strategic) alliances.
Holders of ASML’s ordinary shares have a preemptive right, in proportion to the aggregate nominal amount of the ordinary shares held by them. This preemptive right may be restricted or excluded. Holders of ordinary shares do not have preemptive right with respect to any ordinary shares issued for consideration other than cash or ordinary shares issued to employees. If authorized for this purpose by the General Meeting of Shareholders, the BoM has the power subject to approval of the SB, to restrict or exclude the preemptive rights of holders of ordinary shares. At our 2015 AGM, our shareholders authorized the BoM through October 22, 2016, subject to approval of the SB, to restrict or exclude preemptive rights of holders of ordinary shares up to a maximum of 10 percent of our issued share capital. At our 2016 AGM, our shareholders will be asked to extend this authority through October 29, 2017.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    82




Ordinary Shares B
The articles of association provide for 9,000 ordinary shares B with a nominal value of EUR 0.01. Each ordinary share B entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Holders of fractional shares had the opportunity, until July 31, 2013, to convert fractional shares into ordinary shares B to obtain voting rights with respect to those fractional shares. No ordinary shares B have been issued.
Cumulative Preference Shares
In 1998, we granted the Preference Share Option to the Foundation. This option was amended and extended in 2003 and 2007. A third amendment to the option agreement between the Foundation and ASML became effective on January 1, 2009, to clarify the procedure for the repurchase and cancellation of the preference shares when issued.
The nominal value of the cumulative preference shares amounts to EUR 0.09 and the number of cumulative preference shares included in the authorized share capital is 700,000,000. A cumulative preference share entitles the holder thereof to cast nine votes in the General Meeting of Shareholders.
The Foundation may exercise the Preference Share Option in situations where, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, ASML’s interests, ASML’s business or the interests of ASML’s stakeholders are at stake. This may be the case if a public bid for ASML’s shares has been announced or has been made, or the justified expectation exists that such a bid will be made without any agreement having been reached in relation to such a bid with ASML. The same may apply if one shareholder, or more shareholders acting in concert, hold a substantial percentage of ASML’s issued ordinary shares without making an offer or if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, the (attempted) exercise of the voting rights by one shareholder or more shareholders, acting in concert, is materially in conflict with ASML’s interests, ASML’s business or ASML’s stakeholders.
The objectives of the Foundation are to look after the interests of ASML and of the enterprises maintained by ASML and of the companies which are affiliated in a group with ASML, in such a way that the interests of ASML, of those enterprises and of all parties concerned are safeguarded in the best possible way, and influences in conflict with these interests which might affect the independence or the identity of ASML and those companies are deterred to the best of the Foundation’s ability, and everything related to the above or possibly conducive thereto. The Foundation seeks to realize its objects by the acquiring and holding of cumulative preference shares in the capital of ASML and by exercising the rights attached to these shares, particularly the voting rights attached to these shares.
The Preference Share Option gives the Foundation the right to acquire a number of cumulative preference shares as the Foundation will require, provided that the aggregate nominal value of such number of cumulative preference shares shall not exceed the aggregate nominal value of the ordinary shares that have been issued at the time of exercise of the Preference Share Option for a subscription price equal to their nominal value. Only one-fourth of the subscription price would be payable at the time of initial issuance of the cumulative preference shares, with the other three-fourths of the nominal value only being payable when we call up this amount. Exercise of the preference share option could effectively dilute the voting power of the outstanding ordinary shares by one-half.
Cancellation and repayment of the issued cumulative preference shares by ASML requires the authorization by the General Meeting of Shareholders of a proposal to do so by the BoM approved by the SB. If the Preference Share Option is exercised and as a result cumulative preference shares are issued, ASML, at the request of the Foundation, will initiate the repurchase or cancellation of all cumulative preference shares held by the Foundation. In that case ASML is obliged to effect the repurchase and cancellation respectively as soon as possible. A cancellation will have as a result a repayment of the amount paid and exemption from the obligation to pay up on the cumulative preference shares. A repurchase of the cumulative preference shares can only take place when such shares are fully paid up.
If the Foundation does not request ASML to repurchase or cancel all cumulative preference shares held by the Foundation within 20 months after issuance of these shares, we will be obliged to convene a General Meeting of Shareholders in order to decide on a repurchase or cancellation of these shares.
The Foundation is independent of ASML. The Board of Directors of the Foundation comprises four independent members from the Dutch business and academic communities. The members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation are: Mr. H. Bodt, Mr. M.W. den Boogert, Mr. J.M. de Jong and Mr. A.H. Lundqvist.
Other Reserves
ASML is a company incorporated under Dutch Law. In accordance with the Dutch Civil Code, other reserves consist of legal reserves that have to be established in certain circumstances. The legal reserves consist of the hedging reserve, the currency translation reserve and the reserve for capitalized development expenditures. Legal reserves are not available for distribution to our shareholders. If the currency translation reserve or the hedging reserve has a negative balance, distributions to our shareholders are restricted to the extent of the negative balance.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    83




Changes in other reserves during 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedging reserve

Currency translation reserve

Reserve for capitalized development expenditures

Total

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
(12,209
)
(213,951
)
677,938

451,778

Components of statement of comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation:
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation

254,459


254,459


Financial instruments, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) on derivative financial instruments
17,375



17,375

Transfers to net income
6,691



6,691


Development expenditures


246,743

246,743

Currency translation on development expenditures

(21,578
)
21,578


Balance at December 31, 2014
11,857

18,930

946,259

977,046


Components of statement of comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation:
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation

298,017


298,017


Financial instruments, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
9,872



9,872

Transfers to net income
(21,995
)


(21,995
)

Development expenditures


307,237

307,237

Currency translation on development expenditures

(26,848
)
26,848


Balance at December 31, 2015
(266
)
290,099

1,280,344

1,570,177

 
 
 
 
 
Exchange rate differences relating to the translation from our foreign subsidiaries into euro are recognized in the currency translation reserve. Gains and losses on hedging instruments that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations are included in the currency translation reserve.
Hedging reserve represents hedging gains and losses on the effective portion of cash flow hedges.
Appropriation of Net Income
As part of our financing policy, we aim to pay an annual dividend that will be stable or growing over time. Annually, the BoM will, upon prior approval from the SB, submit a proposal to the AGM with respect to the amount of dividend to be declared with respect to the prior year. The dividend proposal in any given year will be subject to the availability of distributable profits or retained earnings and may be affected by, among other factors, the BoM’s views on our potential future liquidity requirements, including for investments in production capacity, the funding of our R&D programs and for acquisition opportunities that may arise from time to time; and by future changes in applicable income tax and corporate laws. Accordingly, it may be decided to propose not to pay a dividend or to pay a lower dividend with respect to any particular year in the future.
For 2015, a proposal to declare a dividend of EUR 1.05 per ordinary share of EUR 0.09 nominal value will be submitted to the 2016 AGM.
Dividends on ordinary shares are payable out of net income or retained earnings as shown in our Financial Statements as adopted by our AGM, after payment first of (accumulated) dividends out of net income on any issued cumulative preference shares.
Share Buyback Programs
In addition to dividend payments, we intend to return cash to our shareholders on a regular basis through share buybacks or capital repayment, subject to our actual and anticipated level of liquidity requirements, our current share price, other market conditions and other relevant factors.
On January 21, 2015 we announced our intention to repurchase approximately EUR 1.0 billion of our own shares within the 2015-2016 timeframe. This program consisted of the intended purchase of (i) up to 3.3 million shares to cover ESOPs and (ii) up to EUR 750 million of shares for cancellation. On July 14, 2015, ASML completed the purchase of 3.3 million shares for ESOPs for a total amount of EUR 314.9 million. In addition, from July 16, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we have acquired 3.0 million shares which will be canceled for a total consideration of EUR 250.0 million. In total ASML has acquired 6.3 million shares under this program for a total consideration of EUR 564.9 million.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    84




The following tables provide a summary of shares repurchased by ASML in 2015 and a historic overview of previous share buyback programs, respectively: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
Total
number
of shares
purchased

Average
price paid
per Share
(EUR)

Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs

Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under program 1

Maximum value of shares that may yet be purchased under program 2 (EUR)

 
 
 
 
 
 
January 21 - 31, 2015
202,080

93.65

202,080

3,097,920

750,000,000

February 1 - 28, 2015
478,691

91.43

680,771

2,619,229

750,000,000

March 1 - 31, 2015
740,490

97.30

1,421,261

1,878,739

750,000,000

April 1 - 30, 2015
551,263

95.01

1,972,524

1,327,476

750,000,000

May 2 - 31, 2015
412,920

97.21

2,385,444

914,556

750,000,000

June 1 - 30, 2015
734,976

96.72

3,120,420

179,580

750,000,000

July 1 - 14, 2015
179,580

92.13

3,300,000


750,000,000

July 16 - 31, 2015
320,500

91.50

3,620,500


720,674,218

August 1 - 31, 2015
533,000

83.66

4,153,500


676,085,205

September 1 - 30, 2015
482,500

80.64

4,636,000


637,176,550

October 1 - 31, 2015
429,927

81.09

5,065,927


602,312,556

November 1 - 30, 2015
572,167

86.41

5,638,094


552,871,175

December 1 - 22, 2015
634,682

83.29

6,272,776


500,005,909

Total
6,272,776

90.05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
Year
Total
amount paid
   (in EUR millions)

Total
Number
of Shares
   Purchased

Average
Price Paid
per Share
(EUR)

 
 
 
 
 
Share Buybacks
2006
677.2

40,385,139

16.77

Synthetic Share Buyback
2007
1,011.9

55,093,409

18.37

Share Buybacks
2007
359.8

17,000,000

21.16

Share Buybacks
2008
87.6

5,000,000

17.52

Share Buybacks
2011
700.0

25,674,576

27.26

Synthetic Share Buyback
2012
3,728.3

93,411,216

39.91

Share Buybacks
2012
535.2

13,478,058

39.71

Share Buybacks
2013
300.0

4,614,179

65.02

Share Buybacks
2014
700.0

9,981,375

70.13

Share Buybacks
2015
564.9

6,272,776

90.05

 
 
 
 
 
Total / Average 1
 
4,936.6

177,499,512

27.81

1.    Totals and average are excluding the synthetic share buyback executed in 2012 as part of our CCIP.
19. Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
EUR 600 million 5.75 percent senior notes due 2017, carrying amount
264,085

254,339

EUR 750 million 3.375 percent senior notes due 2023, carrying amount
841,514

828,876

Loan headquarter building 1
29,507

28,078

Other
19,031

18,392

Long-term debt
1,154,137

1,129,685

Less: current portion of long-term debt
4,261

4,211

Non-current portion of long-term debt
 
1,149,876

1,125,474

 
 
 
1.    This loan relates to our SPE, see Note 8.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    85




Our obligations to make principal repayments under our Eurobonds and other borrowing arrangements excluding interest expense as of December 31, 2015, for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:
 
 
(in thousands)
EUR

 
 
2016
4,211

2017
242,361

2018
27,997

2019
1,762

2020
1,762

Thereafter
753,943

Long-term debt
1,032,036

Less: current portion of long-term debt
4,211

Non-current portion of long-term debt 
1,027,825

 
 
Eurobonds
The following table summarizes the carrying amount of our outstanding Eurobonds, including the fair value of interest rate swaps used to hedge the change in the fair value of the Eurobonds:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Amortized cost amount
978,242

979,620

Fair value interest rate swaps 1
127,357

103,595

Carrying amount
 
1,105,599

1,083,215

 
 
 
1.    The fair value of the interest rate swaps excludes accrued interest.
In June 2007, we completed an offering of our EUR 600 million 5.75 percent senior notes due 2017, with interest payable annually on June 13. The notes are redeemable at the option of ASML, in whole or in part, at any time by paying a make whole premium, and unless previously redeemed, will be redeemed at 100 percent of their principal amount on June 13, 2017. In September 2013, we repurchased a nominal amount of EUR 361.8 million of these notes in a tender offer for a cash amount of EUR 423.0 million including accrued interest.
In September 2013, we completed an offering of our EUR 750 million 3.375 percent senior notes due 2023, with interest payable annually on September 19. The notes are redeemable at the option of ASML, in whole or in part, at any time by paying a make whole premium, and unless previously redeemed, will be redeemed at 100 percent of their principal amount on September 19, 2023.
The Eurobonds serve as hedged items in fair value hedge relationships in which we hedge the variability of changes in the fair value of our Eurobonds due to changes in market interest rates with interest rate swaps. The fair value changes of these interest rate swaps are recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position under derivative financial instruments and the carrying amount of the Eurobonds is adjusted for these fair value changes only. Following the repurchase of part of our EUR 600 million 5.75 percent senior notes due 2017, the corresponding part of the interest rate swaps was simultaneously terminated in 2013.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of our Eurobonds:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Principal amount
988,153

988,153

Carrying amount
1,105,599

1,083,215

Fair value 1
 
1,139,628

1,100,849

 
 
 
1.    Source: Bloomberg Finance LP.
The fair value of our Eurobonds is estimated based on quoted market prices as of December 31, 2015. Due to changes in market interest rates and credit spreads since the issue of our Eurobonds which carry a fixed coupon interest rate, the fair value deviates from the principal amount.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    86




20. Lines of Credit
Our available credit facilities amount to EUR 700.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and as of December 31, 2014. No amounts were outstanding under these credit facilities at the end of 2015 and 2014. The amounts available at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of one EUR 700 million committed revolving credit facility with a group of banks. In 2015, the terms and conditions of the facility were amended by, among other things, removing the financial covenant and by extending the maturity until 2020. Outstanding amounts under this credit facility will bear interest at EURIBOR or LIBOR plus a margin that depends on our credit rating.
21. Accrued and Other Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities consist of the following:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Deferred revenue
1,268,633

1,737,391

Costs to be paid
411,725

333,597

Down payments from customers
647,317

606,804

Personnel related items
301,075

341,554

Standard warranty reserve
41,508

18,803

Other
21,441

30,953

Accrued and other liabilities
2,691,699

3,069,102

Less: non-current portion of accrued and other liabilities 1
408,847

412,491

Current portion of accrued and other liabilities
 
2,282,852

2,656,611

 
 
 
1.
The main part of the non-current portion of accrued and other liabilities relates to down payments received from customers regarding future shipments of EUV systems and deferred revenues with respect to services.
The increase in accrued and other liabilities mainly relates to an increase in deferred revenue which is partly offset by a decrease in costs to be paid.
Deferred revenue as of December 31, 2015 mainly consists of deferred revenue for system shipments and credits regarding free or discounted products or services as part of volume purchase agreements amounting to EUR 1,402.6 million (2014: EUR 925.2 million) and extended and enhanced (optic) warranty contracts amounting to EUR 303.3 million (2014: EUR 313.8 million). Both include deferred revenues with respect to our EUV systems, NXE:3300B and NXE:3350B. The total deferred revenue for these EUV systems is EUR 251.5 million (2014: EUR 102.5 million). The increase in deferred revenue for EUV systems is mainly caused by two NXE:3350B systems under installation at our customer.
Costs to be paid as of December 31, 2015 include an amount of EUR 92.7 million (2014: EUR 124.0 million) relating to the expected losses to upgrade the first 11 NXE:3300B sources in the field, which was assumed by ASML as a result of the acquisition of Cymer. In addition, costs to be paid include accrued costs for unbilled services provided by suppliers including contracted labor, outsourced services and consultancy.
Down payments from customers relate to advance payments received from customers for systems that will be shipped in future periods.
Personnel related items mainly consist of accrued profit sharing, accrued management bonuses, accrued vacation days, accrued pension premiums, accrued wage tax and accrued vacation allowance.
Changes in standard warranty reserve for the years 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
27,475

41,508

Additions for the year
42,420

23,067

Utilization of the reserve
(22,749
)
(37,006
)
Release of the reserve
(5,468
)
(11,837
)
Effect of exchange rates
(170
)
3,071

Balance at end of year
 
41,508

18,803

 
 
 
The decrease in the standard warranty reserve mainly relates to utilization for NXE:3300B systems and a lower addition as a result of less sales of NXE:3300B systems in 2015 compared to 2014.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    87




22. Employee Benefits
Our bonus expenses for the BoM, former BoM and senior management were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Bonus expenses
48,957

47,967

 
 
 
Bonus expenses include an amount of EUR 3.4 million (2014: EUR 3.5 million) in relation to the STI cash bonus for our BoM and former BoM (we refer to Note 29).
We have a performance related bonus plan for our senior management, who are not members of the BoM. Under this plan, the bonus amounts depend on actual performance against corporate and personal targets. Within ASML (excluding Cymer), the bonus for members of senior management can range between 0.0 percent and 75.0 percent of their annual salaries. Within Cymer, bonuses can range between 0.0 percent and 150.0 percent of their annual salary. The performance targets are set for a whole year. The bonuses over 2015 are accrued for in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2015 and are expected to be paid in the first quarter of 2016.
The bonus expenses under these plans were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Bonus expenses
45,462

44,562

 
 
 
Profit-sharing Plan
We have a profit-sharing plan covering all European and US non-sales employees who are not members of the BoM or senior management. Under the plan, eligible employees receive an annual profit-sharing, based on a percentage of net income relative to total net sales ranging from 0.0 to 20.0 percent of their annual salary. The profit sharing for the years 2015 and 2014 was 18.0 percent or EUR 95.1 million and 16.0 percent or EUR 71.3 million, respectively. Our profit is also one of the criteria for the individual variable pay programs for employees in Asia and employees eligible to the sales reward plan, expenses in relation to these plans amount to EUR 34.1 million for 2015 (including EUR 2.1 million for the sales reward plan) and EUR 28.0 million (including EUR 2.1 million for the sales reward plan) for 2014.
Share-based Compensation
In the past we have adopted various share and option plans for our employees. Starting January 1, 2014 the Employee Umbrella Share Plan has become effective, covering all grants made as of that date for our employees. The AGM approves each year the maximum number of shares that can be used by ASML to execute share-based incentives. Within this limit, the SB determines the maximum number of shares that is granted to the BoM in line with the Remuneration Policy and the BoM determines the total maximum of shares that can be granted in that year for eligible employees in line with existing policies. Our current share-based compensation plans do not provide for cash settlement of options and shares.
The total gross amount of recognized compensation expenses associated with share-based payments (including share-based payments to the BoM) was EUR 50.1 million in 2015 and EUR 55.7 million in 2014. The tax benefit recognized related to the recognized share-based compensation costs amounted to EUR 11.5 million in 2015 and EUR 11.7 million in 2014.
Total compensation costs to be recognized in future periods amount to EUR 65.0 million as of December 31, 2015 (2014: EUR 65.5 million). The weighted average period over which these costs are expected to be recognized is calculated at 1.7 years (2014: 1.6 years).
Employee Umbrella Share Plan
The Employee Umbrella Share Plan, effective as of January 1, 2014 covers all employees. Within this plan, we distinguish between performance and incentive shares. Within the incentive category, employees can choose, at inception, to convert the shares into options. All grants under the Employee Umbrella Share Plan typically have a three year vesting period.
Share Plans
Our current share plans typically include a three years service period and some plans have vesting conditions which are based on performance. The fair value of shares is determined on the closing trading price of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam on the grant date.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    88




Details with respect to shares granted and vested during the year are set out in the following table:
 
 
 
 
 
 
EUR-denominated
USD-denominated
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

2014

2015

 
 
 
 
 
Total fair value at vesting date of shares vested during the year (in thousands)
56,214

52,002

76,605

47,722

Weighted average fair value of shares granted
65.71

88.83

84.62

102.42

 
 
 
 
 
A summary of the status of conditionally outstanding shares as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2015, is presented below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
EUR-denominated
USD-denominated
 
Number of shares

Weighted average fair value at grant date
(EUR)

Number of shares

Weighted average fair value at grant date
(USD)

Conditional shares outstanding at January 1, 2015
1,093,178

53.96

921,215

82.16

Granted
326,601

88.83

418,705

102.42

Vested
(600,298
)
49.90

(474,363
)
81.53

Forfeited
(14,973
)
59.26

(62,511
)
90.31

Conditional shares outstanding at December 31, 2015
804,508

71.05

803,046

92.46

 
 
 
 
 
Option Plans
Our current option plans typically vest over a three year service period with any unexercised stock options expiring ten years after the grant date. Options granted have fixed exercise prices equal to the closing price of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam on grant date. The fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes option valuation model.
The Black-Scholes option valuation of our stock options granted during the year is based on the following assumptions:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

 
 
 
Weighted average share price (in EUR)
65.0

88.1

Volatility (in percentage)
23.5

28.7

Expected life (in years)
5.6

5.6

Risk free interest rate
0.5


Expected dividend yield (in EUR)
2.25

2.52

Forfeiture rate 1


 
 
 
1.
For the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, forfeitures are estimated to be nil.
When establishing the expected life assumption we annually take into account the contractual terms of the stock options as well as historical employee exercise behavior.
Details with respect to stock options are set out in the following table:
 
 
 
 
 
 
EUR-denominated
USD-denominated
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

2014

2015

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted
13.94

21.69

18.57

23.56

Weighted average share price at the exercise date of stock options
71.69

91.30

93.19

103.88

Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands)
12,098

12,880

9,497

6,202

Weighted average remaining contractual term of currently exercisable options
2.94

3.24

3.79

4.74

Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options (in thousands)
39,020

24,336

17,942

8,518

Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock options (in thousands)
40,428

24,611

19,171

8,709

 
 
 
 
 


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    89




The number and weighted average exercise prices of stock options as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year then ended are presented below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
EUR-denominated
USD-denominated
Number of options

Weighted average exercise price per ordinary share
(EUR)

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price per ordinary share
(USD)

 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2015
599,756

22.09

285,172

40.60

Granted
33,007

86.71

24,125

95.16

Exercised
(171,788
)
16.33

(71,793
)
17.50

Forfeited
(1,028
)
57.61

(1
)
34.66

Expired
(4,267
)
11.52

(498
)
14.93

Outstanding, December 31, 2015
455,680

28.97

237,005

53.21

Exercisable, December 31, 2015
432,295

26.70

212,179

49.75

 
 
 
 
 
Details with respect to the stock options outstanding are set out in the following table:
 
 
 
 
 
 
EUR-denominated
USD-denominated
Range of
exercise
prices (EUR)
Number of outstanding options at December 31, 2015

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life of
outstanding
options (years)

Range of
exercise
prices (USD)
Number of outstanding options at December 31, 2015

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
of outstanding
options (years)

0 - 10


0 - 10
6,074

0.69

10 - 15
118,480

2.69

10 - 15


15 - 20
109,685

1.40

15 - 20
3,911

2.80

20 - 25
113,230

1.86

20 - 25
59,506

2.10

25 - 40
13,561

5.78

25 - 40
53,352

2.88

40 - 50
20,042

6.80

40 - 50
959

5.62

50 - 60
11,627

7.93

50 - 60
6,923

6.72

60 - 70
25,844

7.93

60 - 70
801

7.07

70 - 80
21,639

9.32

70 - 80
43,753

7.14

80 - 90
8,107

9.30

80 - 90
21,571

8.74

90 - 100
13,465

9.27

90 - 100
29,204

8.33

100 - 110


100 - 110
10,951

9.32

Total
455,680

3.50

Total
237,005

5.05

 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee Purchase Plan
Every quarter, we offer our worldwide payroll employees the opportunity to buy our shares or our stock options against fair value using their net salary. The BoM is excluded from participation in this plan. The fair value for shares is based on the closing price of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam on grant date. Within the employee purchase plan employees can choose to convert the shares into options. The fair value of the stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. For the assumptions on which the Black-Scholes option valuation model is used, see the disclosure above under the caption "Option Plans". The maximum net amount for which employees can participate in the plan amounts to 10.0 percent of their annual gross base salary. When employees retain the shares and/or stock options for a minimum of 12 months, we will pay out a 20.0 percent cash bonus on the initial participation amount.
Deferred Compensation Plans
In July 2002, we adopted a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for our US employees that allows a select group of management or highly compensated employees to defer a portion of their salary, bonus, and commissions. The plan allows us to credit additional amounts to the participants’ account balances. The participants divide their funds among the investments available in the plan. Participants elect to receive their funds in future periods after the earlier of their employment termination or their withdrawal election, at least three years after deferral. There were minor expenses relating to this plan in 2015 and 2014. Cymer has a similar non-qualified deferred compensation plan for a selected group of management level employees in the US in which the employee may elect to defer receipt of current compensation in order to provide retirement and other benefits on behalf of such employee backed by Cymer owned life insurance policies.
As of December 31, 2015, our liability under deferred compensation plans was EUR 33.1 million (2014: EUR 29.4 million).


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    90




Pension Plans
We maintain various pension plans covering substantially all of our employees. There are 6,530 eligible employees in the Netherlands. These employees participate in a multi-employer union plan (PME) determined in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements effective for the industry in which we operate. This collective bargaining agreement has no expiration date. This multi-employer union plan, accounted for as a defined-contribution plan, covers approximately 1,282 companies and approximately 147,000 contributing members. Our contribution to the multi-employer union plan was 6.8 percent of the total contribution to the plan as per the Statutory Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2014. The plan monitors its risks on a global basis, not by participating company or employee, and is subject to regulation by Dutch governmental authorities. By law (the Dutch Pension Act), a multi-employer union plan must be monitored against specific criteria, including the coverage ratio of the plan’s assets to its obligations. As of January 1, 2015 new pension legislation has been enacted. This legislation results in amongst others, an increase of legally required coverage levels. The coverage percentage is calculated by dividing the funds capital by the total sum of pension liabilities and is based on actual market interest rates. The coverage ratio as per December 31, 2015 of 97.7 percent (December 31, 2014: 104.1 percent) is calculated giving consideration to the new pension legislation and is below the legally required level. We have however no obligation whatsoever to pay off any deficits the pension fund may incur, nor have we any claim to any potential surpluses.
Every company participating in the PME contributes a premium calculated as a percentage of its total pensionable salaries, with each company subject to the same contribution rate. Although the premium can fluctuate yearly based on the coverage ratio of the multi-employer union plan, for the 5-year period 2015-2019 the contribution percentage has been fixed at 23.6 percent (2014: 24.1 percent). The pension rights of each employee are based upon the employee’s average salary during employment.
Our net periodic pension cost for this multi-employer union plan for any period is the amount of the required employer contribution for that period.
We also participate in several other defined contribution pension plans (outside the Netherlands), with our expenses for these plans equaling the employer contributions made in the relevant period.
Our pension and retirement expenses for all employees for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Pension plan based on multi-employer union plan
46,542

50,808

Pension plans based on defined contribution
24,774

28,909

Pension and retirement expenses
71,316

79,717

 
 
 
23. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
We have various contractual obligations, some of which are required to be recorded as liabilities in our Financial Statements, including long- and short-term debt. Other contractual obligations, namely operating lease commitments, purchase obligations and guarantees, are generally not required to be recognized as liabilities on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position but are required to be disclosed.
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 can be summarized as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments due by period
Total

1 year

2 year

3 year

4 year

5 year

After
5 years

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt Obligations, including interest expense
1,266,151

44,908

283,058

54,155

27,075

27,075

829,880

Operating Lease Obligations
99,004

35,159

20,711

15,595

12,814

7,336

7,389

Purchase Obligations
2,121,418

1,841,942

133,637

113,277

6,171

11,328

15,063

Total Contractual Obligations
 
3,486,573

1,922,009

437,406

183,027

46,060

45,739

852,332

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt obligations mainly relate to interest payments and principal amounts of our Eurobonds. See Note 19.
Operating lease obligations include leases of equipment and facilities. Lease payments recognized as an expense were EUR 45.1 million and EUR 43.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    91




Several operating leases for our buildings contain purchase options, exercisable at the end of the lease, and in some cases, during the term of the lease. During 2015 we have exercised these options which will be effectuated in 2016, therefore no purchase options exists as per year end December 31, 2015. The related obligations are included under Purchase Obligations.
Purchase obligations exist of purchase commitments towards suppliers in the ordinary course of business. ASML expects that it will honor these purchase obligations to fulfill future sales, in line with the timing of those future sales. The general terms and conditions of the agreements relating to the major part of our purchase commitments as of December 31, 2015 contain clauses that enable us to delay or cancel delivery of ordered goods and services up to the dates specified in the corresponding purchase contracts. These terms and conditions that we typically agree with our supply chain partners give us additional flexibility to adapt our purchase obligations to our requirements in light of the inherent cyclicality of the industry in which we operate. We establish a provision for cancellation costs when it is probable that the liability has been incurred and the amount of cancellation fees is reasonably estimable.
We have a non-committed guarantee facility of EUR 15.0 million under which guarantees in the ordinary course of business can be provided to third parties.
ASML Holding N.V. forms a tax unity together with certain of its Dutch subsidiaries, for purposes of Dutch tax laws and are as such jointly and severally liable for the tax debts of the unity: The fiscal unity comprises as of December 31, 2015 of ASML Holding N.V., ASML Netherlands B.V. and ASML Systems B.V.
24. Legal Contingencies
ASML is party to various legal proceedings generally incidental to our business. ASML also faces exposures from other actual or potential claims and legal proceedings. In addition, ASML’s customers may be subject to claims of infringement from third parties alleging that the ASML equipment used by those customers in the manufacture of semiconductor products, and/or the methods relating to use of the ASML equipment, infringes one or more patents issued to those third parties. If these claims were successful, ASML could be required to indemnify such customers for some or all of the losses incurred or damages assessed against them as a result of that infringement.
We accrue for legal costs related to litigation and legal proceedings in our Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss at the time when the related legal services are actually provided to ASML. In 2015, EUR 0.1 million estimated losses were recorded as a charge to our Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss (2014: EUR 12.9 million).
From late 2001 through 2004, ASML was a party to a series of civil litigations and administrative proceedings in which Nikon alleged ASML’s infringement of Nikon patents relating to lithography. ASML in turn filed claims against Nikon. Pursuant to agreements executed on December 10, 2004, ASML and Nikon agreed to settle all pending worldwide patent litigation between the companies. The settlement included an exchange of releases, a patent cross-license agreement related to lithography equipment used to manufacture semiconductor devices, and payments to Nikon by ASML.
In 2004, the Nikon Cross-License Agreement was signed. Under the Nikon Cross-License Agreement, (i) ASML granted Nikon a non-exclusive license to manufacture and sell lithography equipment under patents owned or otherwise sublicensable by ASML and (ii) Nikon granted ASML a non-exclusive license to manufacture and sell lithography equipment under patents owned or otherwise sublicensable by Nikon. These license grants cover patents having an effective application date before or on December 31, 2002 ("Class A Patents"), as well as patents with an effective application date after December 31, 2002 that were issued worldwide before the end of 2009 ("Class B Patents"), but exclude certain specified patents set forth in the Nikon Cross-License Agreement. The license period is perpetual for Class A Patents, and the licenses for Class B Patents terminated at the end of 2009.
At any time until June 30, 2015 (which deadline has been extended through at least mid-March 2016) each of ASML and Nikon has a right to designate up to five Class B patents (or patents related to lithography issued from 2010 to 2015) of the other party as Class A patents. Any patents acquired after the date of the Nikon Cross-License Agreement are deemed Class B Patents. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Nikon Cross-License Agreement, the parties have agreed, from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014, not to bring suit for claims related to infringement of patents issued and not perpetually licensed, including the Class B Patents. Under the terms of the Nikon Cross-License Agreement, beginning on January 1, 2015, the parties may bring suit for infringement of certain patents subject to the agreement, including any infringement that occurred from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014. Damages resulting from claims for patent infringement occurring during the Cross-License Transition Period are limited to three percent of the net sales price of applicable licensed products including optical components.
Accordingly, from January 1, 2015, both Nikon and we are no longer prohibited under the agreement from bringing claims against each other on the basis of infringement of certain patents subject to the Nikon Cross-License Agreement.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    92




If Nikon files suit against us alleging patent infringement, we may incur substantial legal fees and expenses, and we may not prevail. Similarly, if we file suit against Nikon alleging patent infringement, we may incur substantial legal fees and expenses, and we may not prevail. Patent litigation is complex and may extend for a protracted period of time, giving rise to the potential for both substantial costs and diverting the attention of key management and technical personnel. Potential adverse outcomes from patent litigation may include, without limitation, payment of significant monetary damages, injunctive relief prohibiting the sale of products, and/or settlement involving significant costs to be paid by us, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. We are unable to predict at this time whether any such patent suit will in fact materialize, or, if so, what its outcome might be.
25. Income Taxes
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Current tax
(141,059
)
(113,672
)
Deferred tax
33,009

(122,915
)
Provision for income taxes
(108,050
)
(236,587
)
 
 
 
The Dutch statutory tax rate was 25.0 percent in 2015 and 2014. Tax amounts in other jurisdictions are calculated at the rates prevailing in the relevant jurisdictions.
The reconciliation of the provision for income taxes is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

 
2015

 
(in thousands)
EUR

% 1

EUR

% 1

 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
1,526,370

100.0
 %
1,856,076

100.0
 %
Income tax provision based on ASML's domestic rate
(381,593
)
25.0
 %
(464,019
)
25.0
 %
Effects of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
(13,452
)
0.9
 %
19,610

(1.1
)%
Adjustments in respect of tax exempt income
23,899

(1.6
)%
31,276

(1.7
)%
Adjustments in respect of tax incentives
181,585

(11.9
)%
205,555

(11.1
)%
Adjustments in respect of prior years' current taxes
(6,474
)
0.4
 %
(13,559
)
0.7
 %
Adjustments in respect of prior years' deferred taxes
1,325

(0.1
)%
6,001

(0.3
)%
Movements in the liability for uncertain tax positions
(7,946
)
0.5
 %
(6,476
)
0.3
 %
Tax effects in respect of Cymer acquisition related items
77,909

(5.1
)%

 %
Other credits and non-taxable items
16,697

(1.1
)%
(14,975
)
0.8
 %
Provision for income taxes
(108,050
)
7.1
 %
(236,587
)
12.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
1.
As a percentage of income before income taxes. 
Income tax provision based on ASML’s domestic rate
The provision for income taxes based on ASML’s domestic rate is based on the Dutch statutory income tax rate. It reflects the provision for income taxes that would have been applicable assuming that all of our income is taxable against the Dutch statutory tax rate and there were no permanent differences between taxable base and financial results and no Dutch tax incentives are applied.
Effects of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
A portion of our results is realized in countries other than the Netherlands where different tax rates are applicable.
Adjustments in respect of tax exempt income
In certain jurisdictions part of the income generated is tax exempted.
Adjustments in respect of tax incentives
Adjustments in respect of tax incentives relate to reduced tax rates in several jurisdictions, mainly consisting of the Dutch "Innovation Box" and the Dutch research and development deduction or "RDA". The Innovation box is a facility under Dutch corporate tax law pursuant to which qualified income associated with R&D is subject to a preferential tax rate of 5%. The RDA is a tax incentive providing for an additional tax deduction for qualified (non-labor) cost incurred for R&D activities performed in the Netherlands.
Adjustments in respect of prior years’ current taxes
The movement in the adjustments in respect of prior years' current taxes for the years 2014 and 2015 is considered to be limited.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    93




Adjustments in respect of prior years’ deferred taxes
The movement in the adjustments in respect of prior years' deferred taxes for the years disclosed are considered to be limited.
Movements in the liability for uncertain tax positions
In 2015, similar to 2014, the effective tax rate was impacted by limited movements in the liability for uncertain tax positions, including effects due to foreign exchange rate differences.
Tax effects in respect of Cymer acquisition related items
In 2014 the tax rate was favorably impacted by settling agreements entered into by ASML Netherlands B.V. and Cymer LLC. The agreements settled in 2014, were originally entered into by ASML Netherlands B.V. and Cymer LLC prior to our acquisition of Cymer in May 2013. The settlement amount was taxed at different tax rates.
Other credits and non-taxable items
Other credits and non-taxable items reflect the impact on statutory rates of permanent non-taxable items such as non-deductible taxes, non-deductible interest expense, and non-deductible meals and entertainment expenses, as well as the impact of (the reversal of) various tax credits on our provision for income taxes.
Income taxes recognized directly in equity
Income taxes recognized directly in equity (including OCI) are as follows:
 
 
 
Income tax recognized in equity
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Current tax
 
 
OCI (financial instruments)
2,977

(1,363
)
Issuance of shares
(3,972
)
(3,660
)
 
 
 
Deferred tax
 
 
Share-based payments
1,442

4,582

Income tax recognized in equity
447

(441
)
 
 
 
Liability for uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes
The liability for uncertain tax positions and total deferred tax position recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are as follows:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Liability for uncertain tax positions
(83,738
)
(96,458
)
Deferred tax position
(22,885
)
(140,468
)
Total deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(106,623
)
(236,926
)
 
 
 
Uncertain tax positions
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits
We have operations in multiple jurisdictions, where we are subject to the application of complex tax laws. Application of these complex tax laws may lead to uncertainties on tax positions. We aim to resolve these uncertainties in discussions with the tax authorities. We reserve for uncertain tax positions, which are unsolved, as liability for uncertain tax position in line with the requirements of IAS 12, which requires us to estimate the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position when disputed by the tax authorities. Our estimate for the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position is highly judgmental. We conclude that we have adequately provided for uncertain tax positions. However, settlement of these uncertain tax positions in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consistent with the requirements of IAS 12, as of December 31, 2015, the liability for uncertain tax positions amounts to EUR 96.5 million (2014: EUR 83.7 million) which is classified as non-current deferred and other tax liabilities.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    94




A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the liability for uncertain tax positions is as follows:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Balance, January 1
(74,069
)
(83,738
)
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period
(10,185
)
(8,145
)
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period
12,743

1,987

Gross increases - tax positions in current period
(12,227
)
(10,690
)
Lapse of statute of limitations

6,248

Effect of changes in exchange rates

(2,120
)
Total liability for uncertain tax positions
(83,738
)
(96,458
)
 
 
 
We conclude our allowances for tax contingencies to be appropriate. Based on the information currently available, we estimate that the liability for uncertain tax positions will decrease by EUR 20.4 million within the next 12 months, mainly as a result of expiration of statute of limitations.
We are subject to tax audits in certain of our major tax jurisdictions, for years from and including 2009 onwards in Korea and for years from and including 2011 onwards in the US. In the course of such audits, local tax authorities may challenge the positions taken by us.
The composition of total deferred tax assets and liabilities reconciled to the classification in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred taxes
January 1, 2015

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss

Equity

Effect of changes in exchange
rates

December 31, 2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized profits resulting from intercompany transactions
98,453

(16,854
)

11,119

92,718

R&D credits
43,361

(31,589
)

4,634

16,406

Inventories
63,012

8,160


4,355

75,527

Deferred revenue
21,249

12,115


2,056

35,420

Accrued and other liabilities
47,350

(5,391
)

5,267

47,226

Installation and warranty reserve
13,670

(4,319
)

1,691

11,042

Tax effect carry-forward losses
39,106

(20,215
)

2,002

20,893

Property, plant and equipment
6,295

360


516

7,171

Restructuring and impairment
2,283

(680
)

258

1,861

Alternative minimum tax credits 1
5,505



625

6,130

Share-based payments
19,059

(135
)
(4,582
)
2,049

16,391

Other temporary differences
26,398

(7,511
)

5,573

24,460

Total deferred tax assets 2
385,741

(66,059
)
(4,582
)
40,145

355,245

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalized R&D expenditures
(149,154
)
(66,195
)

(8,571
)
(223,920
)
Intangible fixed assets
(219,141
)
18,586


(24,895
)
(225,450
)
Property, plant and equipment
(29,435
)
(8,273
)

(2,578
)
(40,286
)
Borrowing costs
(1,887
)
(26
)


(1,913
)
Other temporary differences
(9,009
)
5,528


(663
)
(4,144
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(408,626
)
(50,380
)

(36,707
)
(495,713
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(22,885
)
(116,439
)
(4,582
)
3,438

(140,468
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Classified as:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets - non-current
142,746







139,622

Deferred tax liabilities - non-current
(165,631
)






(280,090
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(22,885
)






(140,468
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Alternative minimum tax credits relate to prepaid US taxes which are credited against future taxable profits after the carry-forward losses and other available tax attributes are used.
2
Unrecognized tax assets as at December 31, 2015 amounted to EUR 29.9 million (2014: EUR 25.4 million).


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    95




 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred taxes
January 1, 2014

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss

Equity

Effect of
changes
in exchange
rates

December 31, 2014

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized profits resulting from intercompany transactions
58,077

32,683


7,693

98,453

R&D credits
11,242

29,496


2,623

43,361

Inventories
46,661

10,639


5,712

63,012

Deferred revenue
16,409

3,061


1,779

21,249

Accrued and other liabilities
45,460

(3,630
)

5,520

47,350

Installation and warranty reserve
6,702

5,821


1,147

13,670

Tax effect carry-forward losses
67,282

(33,465
)

5,289

39,106

Property, plant and equipment
11,785

(6,102
)

612

6,295

Restructuring and impairment
3,361

(1,442
)

364

2,283

Alternative minimum tax credits 1
6,342

(1,467
)

630

5,505

Share-based payments
28,984

(12,330
)
(1,442
)
3,847

19,059

Other temporary differences
11,661

14,099


638

26,398

Total deferred tax assets 2
313,966

37,363

(1,442
)
35,854

385,741

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalized R&D expenditures
(82,938
)
(59,886
)

(6,330
)
(149,154
)
Intangible fixed assets
(261,905
)
68,719


(25,955
)
(219,141
)
Property, plant and equipment
(17,592
)
(9,232
)

(2,611
)
(29,435
)
Borrowing costs
(1,823
)
(64
)


(1,887
)
Other temporary differences
(12,800
)
4,055


(264
)
(9,009
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(377,058
)
3,592


(35,160
)
(408,626
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(63,092
)
40,955

(1,442
)
694

(22,885
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Classified as:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets - non-current
302,724







142,746

Deferred tax liabilities - non-current
(365,816
)






(165,631
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(63,092
)






(22,885
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Alternative minimum tax credits relate to prepaid US taxes which are credited against future taxable profits after the carry-forward losses and other available tax attributes are used.
2
Unrecognized tax assets as at December 31, 2014 amounted to EUR 25.4 million (2013: EUR 25.0 million).
Tax effect carry-forward losses
Deferred tax assets from carry-forward losses recognized as per December 31, 2015 result predominantly from net operating loss carry-forwards incurred relating to NID stock in Belgium and various qualifying state tax losses in the US.
NID stock in Belgium can generally be offset against future profits realized in the 7 years following the year in which the NID stock occurs. The total amount of NID stock is EUR 32.0 million (2014: EUR 37.5 million) taxable base and EUR 10.9 million (2014: EUR 12.7 million) tax effect.
Qualifying net operating losses, under US federal tax laws incurred by US group companies can in general be offset against future profits realized in 20 years following the year in which the losses are incurred. As of December 31, 2015 we fully utilized the amount of losses carried forward under US federal tax laws (2014: EUR 44.6 million tax basis; EUR 15.6 million tax effect). The total amount of losses carried forward under US state tax laws as of December 31, 2015, is EUR 90.4 million (2014: EUR 77.7 million) tax basis or EUR 4.3 million (2014: EUR 3.7 million) tax effect. Our ability to use US state tax loss carry forwards in existence at December 31, 2015, is subject to varying state statutes (providing for periods of between 5 and 20 years).



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    96




26. Subsidiaries
Details of our main subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
 
Legal Entity
Country of Incorporation
 
 
Main subsidiaries of ASML Holding N.V.1:
 
ASML Netherlands B.V.
Netherlands (Veldhoven)
ASML Systems B.V.
Netherlands (Veldhoven)
ASML Germany GmbH
Germany (Dresden)
ASML France S.a.r.l.
France (Bernin)
ASML (UK) Ltd.
UK (Edinburgh (Scotland))
ASML Israel (2001) Ltd.
Israel (Ramat-Gan)
ASML Ireland Ltd.
Ireland (Dublin)
ASML Italy S.r.l.
Italy (Avezzano)
ASML Hong Kong Ltd.
Hong Kong SAR
ASML Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
ASML Korea Co. Ltd.
Korea (Kyunggi-Do)
ASML Japan Co. Ltd.
Japan (Tokyo)
ASML (Shanghai) Lithography Facilities Science and Technology Co. Ltd.
China (Shanghai)
ASML Taiwan Ltd.
Taiwan (Hsinchu)
ASML Equipment Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Malaysia (Penang)
ASML Belgium BVBA
Belgium (Turnhout)
ASML Belgium Finance GCV
Belgium (Turnhout)
Brion Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd.
China (Shenzhen)
Brion Technologies, Inc.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
ASML US, Inc.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
ASML Capital US, Inc.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
ASML MaskTools, Inc.
US (Dover, Delaware)
ASML Participations US Inc.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
Lehrer Pearson, Inc.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
ASML Ventures 1, Inc.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
Cymer, LLC.
US (Reno, Nevada)
eLith LLC.
US (Wilmington, Delaware)
ASML Hong Kong Logistic Services Ltd.
Hong Kong SAR
Cymer B.V.
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Cymer Japan, Inc.
Japan (Tokyo)
Cymer Korea, Inc.
Korea (Kyunggi-Do)
Cymer Singapore Pte Ltd.
Singapore
Cymer Southeast Asia Ltd.
Taiwan (Hsinchu)
Cymer Semiconductor Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
China (Shanghai)
TCZ, LLC.
US (Reno, Nevada)
TCZ Pte Ltd.
Singapore
TCZ GmbH 2
Germany (Oberkochen)
 
 
1
All of our subsidiaries are (directly or indirectly) wholly-owned, with exception of eLith LLC, in which we hold an interest of 50 percent.
2
In liquidation.
27. Segment Disclosure
ASML has one reportable segment, for the development, production, marketing, sale and servicing of advanced semiconductor equipment systems exclusively consisting of lithography related systems. Its operating results are regularly reviewed by the CODM in order to make decisions about resource allocation and assess performance.
Management reporting includes net system sales figures of new and used systems and includes sales by technology.
Net system sales for new and used systems were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
New systems
4,127,433

4,109,439

Used systems
115,357

127,744

Net system sales
4,242,790

4,237,183

 
 
 


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    97




Net system sales per technology were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
Net system sales

Net system sales

(in thousands)
in units

in EUR

 
 
 
2015
 
 
EUV
1

70,473

ArFi
67

3,238,452

ArF dry
9

107,522

KrF
74

747,740

I-line
18

72,996

Total
169

4,237,183

 
 
 
2014
 
 
EUV
5

299,845

ArFi
76

3,477,718

ArF dry
3

32,611

KrF
38

381,436

I-line
14

51,180

Total
136

4,242,790

 
 
 
The decrease in net system sales of EUR 5.6 million, or 0.1 percent, to EUR 4,237.2 million in 2015 from EUR 4,242.8 million in 2014 is negligible.
Segment performance is evaluated by our CODM based on US GAAP net income which is measured differently from net income reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements based on IFRS-EU.
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Net system sales
4,242,790

4,237,183

Net service and field option sales
1,613,487

2,050,192

Total net sales
5,856,277

6,287,375

 
 
 
Cost of system sales
(2,335,512
)
(2,212,965
)
Cost of service and field option sales
(924,391
)
(1,178,666
)
Total cost of sales
(3,259,903
)
(3,391,631
)
 
 
 
Gross profit
2,596,374

2,895,744

 
 
 
Other income
81,006

83,200

Research and development costs
(1,074,035
)
(1,068,077
)
Selling, general and administrative costs
(321,110
)
(345,732
)
Income from operations
1,282,235

1,565,135

 
 
 
Interest and other, net
(8,600
)
(16,515
)
Income before income taxes
1,273,635

1,548,620

 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
(76,995
)
(161,446
)
Net income
1,196,640

1,387,174

 
 
 
Differences US GAAP and IFRS-EU
221,680

232,315

Net income based on IFRS-EU
1,418,320

1,619,489

 
 
 
Segment performance is also evaluated by our CODM based on US GAAP for total assets. The table below presents the measurements and the reconciliation to total assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

Total assets for management reporting purposes
12,203,945

13,295,031

Differences US GAAP and IFRS-EU
863,466

1,219,749

Total assets based on IFRS-EU
13,067,411

14,514,780

 
 
 


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    98




For geographical reporting, total net sales are attributed to the geographic location in which the customers’ facilities are located. Total non-current assets are attributed to the geographic location in which these assets are located and exclude deferred tax assets, financial instruments, post-employment benefit assets and rights arising under insurance contracts.
Total net sales and non-current assets by geographic region were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
Total net sales

Non-current assets

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
2015
 
 
Japan
668,381

3,957

Korea
1,971,650

28,122

Singapore
121,390

661

Taiwan
1,551,512

65,664

Rest of Asia
543,976

3,883

Netherlands
3,521

2,613,605

Rest of Europe
211,038

5,877

United States
1,215,907

3,893,553

Total
6,287,375

6,615,322

 
 
 
2014
 
 
Japan
477,110

3,990

Korea
1,624,059

18,021

Singapore
132,593

879

Taiwan
1,124,883

64,575

Rest of Asia
405,576

3,826

Netherlands
1,334

2,287,968

Rest of Europe
196,332

6,479

United States
1,894,390

3,403,907

Total
5,856,277

5,789,645

 
 
 
In 2015, net sales to the largest customer accounted for EUR 1,633.6 million, or 26.0 percent, of total net sales (2014: EUR 1,532.1 million, or 26.2 percent, of total net sales). Our three largest customers (based on total net sales) accounted for EUR 704.1 million, or 58.3 percent, of accounts receivable and finance receivables at December 31, 2015, compared with EUR 643.2 million, or 49.3 percent, at December 31, 2014.
Substantially all of our sales were export sales in 2015 and 2014.
28. Selected Operating Expenses and Additional Information
Personnel expenses for all payroll employees were:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Wages and salaries
985,883

1,165,433

Social security expenses
81,721

92,910

Pension and retirement expenses
71,316

79,717

Share-based payments
55,695

50,145

Personnel expenses
1,194,615

1,388,205

 
 
 
The average number of payroll employees in FTEs during 2015 and 2014 was 11,824 and 10,942, respectively.
The average number of payroll employees in FTEs in our operations in the Netherlands during 2015 and 2014 was 6,113 and 5,589, respectively. The increase in 2015 compared to 2014 in payroll employees (in FTEs) is in line with our net sales growth.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    99




The total number of payroll and temporary employees in FTEs per sector was:
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

 
 
 
Customer Support
3,289

3,607

SG&A
1,240

1,380

Manufacturing & Logistics
3,846

3,833

R&D
5,697

5,861

Total employees (in FTEs)
14,072

14,681

Less: Temporary employees (in FTEs)
2,754

2,513

Payroll employees (in FTEs)
11,318

12,168

 
 
 
29. Board of Management and Supervisory Board Remuneration
The remuneration of the BoM for the financial year 2015 is based upon the Remuneration Policy. The Supervisory Board ensures that the policy and its implementation are linked to the company's objectives.
Appointment of Mr. Nickl as new member of the Board of Management
ASML's CFO, Mr. Nickl, was first appointed as member of the BoM per the General Meeting of Shareholders on April 23, 2014 for a period of four years. The remuneration package of Mr. Nickl, which has been laid down in a management services agreement, is consistent with the Remuneration Policy and the applicable Corporate Governance standards. The management services agreement contains specific provisions regarding benefits upon termination of the agreement; a severance amount is restricted to one year base salary.
ASML compensated part of the shares and stock options that were forfeited when Mr. Nickl left his former company in the United States. This compensation takes the form of a maximum of 56,000 performance related shares awarded in 2014, subject to the performance conditions, a three year vesting period and a two year holding period as applicable under the Remuneration Policy.
Termination of the employment agreement with Mr. Meurice
The employment agreement with Mr. Meurice continued until March 31, 2014. The terms and conditions under the employment contract have been honored until that date, in accordance with the 2010 Remuneration Policy.
A pro-rated compensation (consisting of 2013 base salary and a short term incentive at target) has applied for the period from January through March 2014. In addition, for the services in the first quarter of 2014, the share-based compensation element of Mr. Meurice's remuneration has been settled in cash and calculated as 15,167.75 shares, multiplied by the share price effective as of the date of termination of the employment agreement. ASML has reimbursed reasonable repatriation and moving costs made. No severance payment has been given to Mr. Meurice.
2015 Remuneration Table - Board of Management and former Board of Management
Effective January 1, 2015, the base salary for all members of the BoM was increased with 2%, which is the same budget available for ASML management salary increases in the Netherlands.
In 2015, the STI resulted in a cash payout of 123.70% of the target payout. One out of five performance criteria was achieved at target, three performance criteria were achieved between target and maximum, and one criterion was achieved at maximum performance level. The outcome therefore results in a cash payout of EUR 2.81 million, representing 74.22% of the base salary of the BoM.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    100




Total Direct Compensation, Pension and Other Benefits
The remuneration of key management personnel, comprising of members of the BoM and former members of the BoM in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed

Short-term (variable)

 
Long-term (variable)

 
Total Direct Compensation

Other
 
Total Remuneration

Board of
Management
Financial
Year
 
Base salary


STI (Cash)

 
LTI (share awards)

1 
 
Pension

Other benefits
and expense reimbursement

 
 
 
EUR

EUR

 
EUR

 
EUR

EUR

EUR

 
EUR

P.T.F.M.
Wennink
2015

954,000

708,059


1,681,875

2 
3,343,934

163,098

50,575


3,557,607

2014

935,000

717,800


1,676,213

3 
3,329,013

161,271

49,462


3,539,747

 
2013

681,500

407,673


1,349,115

4 
2,438,288

106,033

45,848


2,590,169

M.A. van den
Brink
2015

954,000

708,059


1,727,752

2 
3,389,811

163,098

49,938


3,602,847

2014

935,000

717,800


1,752,299

3 
3,405,099

161,271

49,105


3,615,475

 
2013

697,000

416,945


1,429,197

4 
2,543,142

112,481

45,920


2,701,543

W.U. Nickl
2015

612,000

454,226


1,782,976

6 
2,849,202

60,992

46,031


2,956,225

 
2014

600,000

460,620


1,385,835

6 
2,446,455

44,578

145,346

9 
2,636,379

 
2013
7 
50,000

65,000

8 
-


115,000

4,547

12,936


132,483

F.J. van Hout
2015

640,000

475,008


1,286,902

2 
2,401,910

83,430

44,775


2,530,115

 
2014

627,000

481,348


1,388,070

3 
2,496,418

82,216

43,244


2,621,878

 
2013

458,000

273,976


1,182,907

4 
1,914,883

71,164

42,910


2,028,957

F.J.M.
Schneider-
Manoury
2015

623,000

462,391


1,253,164

2 
2,338,555

81,254

30,671


2,450,480

2014

611,000

469,065


1,351,343

3 
2,431,408

80,072

28,812


2,540,292

2013

446,000

266,797


1,150,392

4 
1,863,189

69,244

28,426


1,960,859

 
 
 
Fixed

Short-term
(variable)

 
Long-term
(variable)

 
Total Direct Compensation

Other
 
Total Remuneration

Former
Board of management
Financial Year
 
Base salary

STI (Cash)

 
LTI (share awards)

1 
 
Pension

Other benefits
and expense reimbursement

 
 
 
EUR

EUR

 
EUR

 
EUR

EUR

EUR

 
EUR

E. Meurice
2015











 
2014

210,750

1,177,790

10 


1,388,540

36,293

19,256


1,444,089

 
2013

843,000

630,353


5,837,399

4, 5 
7,310,752

172,593

107,500


7,590,845

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1
The remuneration reported as part of the LTI (share awards) is based on cost incurred under US GAAP and IFRS-EU. The costs of share awards are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss over the 3 year vesting period based on the maximum achievable number of share awards. Therefore the costs for e.g. the financial year 2015 include costs of the BoM performance share plan 2015, 2014 and 2013. Furthermore, the difference between the amount based on the maximum achievable number of shares awards and the amount based on the actual number of share awards that vest, is released to the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in the financial year in which the share awards vest.
2
The remuneration reported as part of the LTI (share awards) for the year 2015 includes an adjustment for the BoM performance share plan 2012 based on the actual number of share awards vested in 2015. The adjustment for Mr. Wennink, Mr. van den Brink, Mr. van Hout and Mr. Schneider-Maunoury amounts to EUR -39,229, EUR -41,543, EUR -34,376, EUR -33,443, respectively.
3
The remuneration reported as part of the LTI (share awards) for the year 2014 includes an adjustment for the BoM performance share plan 2011 based on the actual number of share awards vested in 2014. The adjustment for Mr. Wennink, Mr. van den Brink, Mr. van Hout and Mr. Schneider-Maunoury amounts to EUR -77,769, EUR -82,409, EUR -68,320, EUR -66,312, respectively.
4
The remuneration reported as part of the LTI (share awards) for the year 2013 includes an adjustment for the BoM performance share plan 2010 based on the actual number of share awards vested in 2013. The adjustment for Mr. Wennink, Mr. van den Brink, Mr. van Hout, Mr. Schneider-Maunoury and for Mr. Meurice amounts to EUR -63,035, EUR -66,795, EUR -55,376, EUR -53,748, EUR -101,740, respectively.
5
The remuneration reported as part of the LTI (share awards) for the year 2013 mainly includes costs related to the accelerated vesting of the share awards for the share plans 2011, 2012 and 2013.
6
The remuneration reported as part of the LTI (share awards) for the years 2014 and 2015 includes a compensation for Mr. Nickl for part of his shares and stock options that were forfeited when he left his former company in the United States. This compensation takes the form of a maximum of 56,000 performance related shares awarded in 2014, subject to performance conditions, a three year vesting period and a two year holding period as applicable under the Remuneration Policy.
7
Mr. Nickl was not part of Board of Management in 2013.
8
Mr. Nickl is partly compensated for his loss of 2013 variable income at his previous employer; he has received from ASML Euro 65,000 per month for every month in function in 2013.
9
In 2014, Mr. Nickl received an allowance of EUR 99,026 to cover relocation and housing costs (gross amount before taxes).
10
Mr. Meurice received a pro-rated compensation of the STI of 75% of his gross salary in 2014 which is equal to EUR 158,063. In addition, the share-based compensation element of Mr. Meurice's remuneration was calculated as 15,167.75 shares and has been settled in cash at a share price of EUR 67.23. Both have been paid in 2014.
Short-Term Incentive (STI)
The STI refers to the annual performance related cash incentive that is applicable to all members of the BoM. The target level of the STI is 60% of base salary. In case of excellent performance the maximum opportunity amounts to 90% of base salary.
In order to achieve alignment between the remuneration of the BoM and other ASML employees, the policy includes a modifier on the STI payout that is connected to the profit-sharing program for employees. This modifier enables the Supervisory Board to discretionary adjust the STI payout of the Board of Management upward with 10% of base salary or downward with 20% of base salary. In 2015, the Supervisory Board has not made adjustments to the STI payout based on this modifier.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    101




For the STI the following performance criteria were applied in 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
On target payout (as % of base salary)

 
 
 
 
Financial
Board of Management

1

Direct Material Margin on New Systems (excl. EUV)
12.0
%
2

Total Company Cost Base
12.0
%
3

Cash (Free Cash Flow and Cash Conversion Cycle)
12.0
%
 
Qualitative
 
4

Technology Leadership Index
12.0
%
5

Market Position
12.0
%
 
Total
60.0
%
 
 
 
These performance measures reflect the drivers for ASML in a balanced mix of qualitative measures based on technology objectives and the quality of our service to customers, and quantitative financial measures. The weighting is equally set for all five performance measures on 20%, being 12% of base salary.
For each of the performance criteria the Supervisory Board sets challenging, but realistic target levels. The target setting and performance review occur in principle on an annual basis. Direct Material Margin on New Systems, Total Company Cost Base and Free Cash Flow are set and reviewed semi-annually. All performance measures are set at the beginning of the year and do not change during the performance period. The overall payout is annual and will be executed in the next financial year. The cash incentive is accrued during the performance period.
The performance target setting and performance evaluation are conducted in cooperation with the relevant committees of the Supervisory Board. The technology target is set and evaluated in cooperation with the Technology and Strategy Committee, whereas financial targets are set and evaluated in cooperation with the Audit Committee. The Company’s external auditor is engaged to perform agreed upon procedures to verify the consistent application of the approved calculation method and the accuracy of the calculations of STI outcomes.
The payout levels are prorated upon the level of achievement of the five performance criteria. There is no payout below threshold performance. Meeting threshold performance will result in a payout of 50% of target payout. In case of excellent performance the maximum payout is capped at 150% of target payout.
Long-Term Incentive (LTI)
The LTI refers to the share-based incentive. All members of the BoM are eligible to receive performance-related shares. The target level of the LTI is set at 70% of base salary. In case of excellent performance the maximum opportunity amounts to 140% of base salary.
Each year, performance shares are conditionally granted to the members of the BoM. The shares will become unconditional depending on the achievement of predetermined performance targets during a three-year performance period. Each performance period starts on the first day of the year of the grant. The number of performance shares to be conditionally awarded is calculated at the beginning of the period, using the volume-weighted average price of ASML Holding's shares on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange during the last quarter of the year preceding the conditional award. Performance shares are granted in January of the year in which the three-year performance period starts, two days after the publication of ASML's annual financial results.
Two types of performance measures relate to the LTI: ASML's relative Return On Average Invested Capital (ROAIC) position compared to the performance Peer Group and long-term strategic qualitative targets to ensure ASML's ability to keep performing at high standards. For the performance period 2015-2017 the qualitative targets relate to the longer-term Technology Leadership Index and Sustainability. Like with the STI performance criteria, the LTI criteria reflect the drivers of ASML: push technology development, earn the money to enable this, and do it in a responsible way. Details of the Company's approach on sustainability are published in ASML's Corporate Responsibility Report.
The LTI performance measures have the following weights:
 
 
LTI performance measure
Weight

ROAIC
80
%
Technology Leadership Index
15
%
Sustainability
5
%
Total
100
%
 
 
The intention is to increase the weight of the qualitative LTI measures over time while reducing the weight of the ROAIC component.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    102




The maximum number of conditionally granted shares that the members of the BoM may receive if specific performance criteria are achieved, and provided that applicable employment conditions are met, is included in the table below. If the applicable performance criteria are not achieved, and/or applicable employment conditions are not met, no performance shares will become unconditional.
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of conditional share awards that are granted in the performance period and unconditional share awards that are included in the holding period or that have become freely tradable in 2015.
Details of performance shares granted to members of the BoM are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of
Management
Grant date
 
Full
control
Number of shares at grant date
Fair value at grant date

Vesting date
Number of shares at
vesting date

End of lock-up date
 
Status
 
P.T.F.M.
Wennink
1/23/2015
Conditional
No
16,710

 
94.43

1/23/2018

1/23/2020
 
1/24/2014
Conditional
No
19,280

 
64.39

1/24/2017

1/24/2019
 
 
4/19/2013
Conditional
No
35,035

 
55.47

4/19/2016

4/19/2018
 
 
4/18/2012
Unconditional
No
45,689

 
37.33

4/18/2015
44,638

4/18/2017
 
 
4/13/2011
Unconditional
No
54,974

 
28.29

4/13/2014
52,225

4/13/2016
 
 
2/1/2010
Unconditional
Yes
54,974

 
22.93

2/1/2013
52,225

2/1/2015
 
M.A. van
den Brink
1/23/2015
Conditional
No
16,710

 
94.43

1/23/2018

1/23/2020
 
1/24/2014
Conditional
No
19,280

 
64.39

1/24/2017

1/24/2019
 
 
4/19/2013
Conditional
No
37,111

 
55.47

4/19/2016

4/19/2018
 
 
4/18/2012
Unconditional
No
48,387

 
37.33

4/18/2015
47,274

4/18/2017
 
 
4/13/2011
Unconditional
No
58,256

 
28.29

4/13/2014
55,343

4/13/2016
 
 
2/1/2010
Unconditional
Yes
58,256

 
22.93

2/1/2013
55,343

2/1/2015
 
W.U. Nickl
1/23/2015
Conditional
No
10,720

 
94.43

1/23/2018

1/23/2020
 
 
1/24/2014
Conditional
No
12,373

 
64.39

1/24/2017

1/24/2019
 
 
1/24/2014
Conditional
No
56,000

1 
64.39

1/24/2017

1/24/2019
 
F.J. van Hout
1/23/2015
Conditional
No
11,210

 
94.43

1/23/2018

1/23/2020
 
 
1/24/2014
Conditional
No
12,929

 
64.39

1/24/2017

1/24/2019
 
 
4/19/2013
Conditional
No
30,681

 
55.47

4/19/2016

4/19/2018
 
 
4/18/2012
Unconditional
No
40,023

 
37.33

4/18/2015
39,102

4/18/2017
 
 
4/13/2011
Unconditional
No
48,293

 
28.29

4/13/2014
45,878

4/13/2016
 
 
2/1/2010
Unconditional
Yes
48,293

 
22.93

2/1/2013
45,878

2/1/2015
 
F.J.M.
Schneider-
Manoury
1/23/2015
Conditional
No
10,912

 
94.43

1/23/2018

1/23/2020
 
1/24/2014
Conditional
No
12,599

 
64.39

1/24/2017

1/24/2019
 
4/19/2013
Conditional
No
29,877

 
55.47

4/19/2016

4/19/2018
 
 
4/18/2012
Unconditional
No
38,944

 
37.33

4/18/2015
38,048

4/18/2017
 
 
4/13/2011
Unconditional
No
46,886

 
28.29

4/13/2014
44,542

4/13/2016
 
 
2/1/2010
Unconditional
Yes
46,886

 
22.93

2/1/2013
44,542

2/1/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares at grant date
Fair value at grant date

 
Number of shares at vesting date

 
 
Former Board of management
Grant date
Status
Full control
Vesting date
End of lock-up date
 
 
E. Meurice
4/19/2013
Unconditional
Yes
56,471

 
55.47

4/7/2014
53,647

4/7/2014
 
 
4/18/2012
Unconditional
Yes
73,570

 
37.33

4/7/2014
69,891

4/7/2014
 
 
4/13/2011
Unconditional
Yes
88,732

 
28.29

1/31/2014
84,295

1/31/2014
 
 
2/1/2010
Unconditional
Yes
29,578

 
22.93

2/1/2013
28,099

1/2/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
ASML compensated part of the shares and stock options that were forfeited when Mr. Nickl left his former company in the United States. This compensation takes the form of a maximum of 56,000 performance related shares awarded in 2014, subject to the performance conditions, a three year vesting period and a two year holding period a applicable under the Remuneration Policy.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    103




Pensions
The pension arrangement for the BoM is set at the median of executive pensions in the Netherlands. The arrangement is aligned with the supplementary pension arrangement for ASML employees in the Netherlands. The plan is a defined contribution opportunity as laid down in Dutch fiscal regulations. The total defined contribution is a percentage of the pensionable salary, which is equal to the base salary minus Witteveen threshold3, and depends on the participant's age at the beginning of the year. The total net contribution is according to the maximum level as allowed by Dutch fiscal legislation, of which the participant contributes 3.9% of his pensionable salary.
Dependants pension and disability pension are insured on a risk basis, the premium of which is paid by ASML.
In 2014, the pension arrangement for members of the BoM was adjusted to comply with changes in Dutch pension legislation. The pensionable age moved from 65 years to 67 years of age; the accrual rates and premiums for risk insurances have been adjusted accordingly.
In 2015, further changes have been implemented as a result of amendments in Dutch pension legislation. These amendments imply further restrictions of the annual pension growth, as well as the restriction of pension accrual for gross annual salary in excess of EUR 100,000. The pension arrangement for the BoM was adjusted accordingly, including offering an option to accrue additional pension for annual gross income in excess of EUR 100,000 through a "net pension" arrangement. This net pension arrangement in principle copies the former gross pension arrangement, but premiums will be deducted from the net salary, and any future payout is designed to be a net amount as well, subject to applicable Dutch tax regulations.
Term of appointment
Members of the Board of Management are appointed for a period of four years, after which reappointment is possible for consecutive terms of maximum four years.
Notice period
The members of the BoM have a termination notice period of three months. ASML would need to apply a notice period of six months for termination without cause under the applicable employment or management services agreements with the members of the BoM.
Severance agreement
Employment agreements or management services agreements of members of the BoM contain specific provisions regarding benefits upon termination of these agreements. If the company gives notice under the agreement for reasons which are not exclusively or mainly found in acts or omissions on the side of the member of the BoM, a severance amount equal to one year base salary will be made available upon the effective date of termination.
This severance payment will also be made available in the event the member of the BoM gives notice of termination of the employment agreement or management services agreement due to a substantial difference of opinion between the respective member of the BoM and the Supervisory Board regarding his employment/management services agreement, his function or the ASML strategy.
Change in control
BoM members are also entitled to the aforementioned severance payment in the event ASML or its legal successor gives notice of termination under the employment contract or management services agreement due to a change in control or if the member of the BoM gives notice of termination which is directly related to such change in control and such notice is given within twelve months from the date on which the change in control occurs.
The Change in control provision includes a limitation of the payout under the LTI. This entails that the share price will be fixed on the average of i) the average closing share price over a period of 15 trading days prior to the first public announcement of change in control negotiations and ii) the average closing share price over a period of 30 trading days prior to the closing of the transaction.
Supervisory Board
The remuneration of the Supervisory Board was approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders on April 23, 2014 and became effective per April 1, 2014.
In accordance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the Supervisory Board remuneration is not dependent on the financial results of the Company. No member of the Supervisory Board personally maintains a business relationship with the Company other than as a member of the Supervisory Board. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board does not receive benefits upon resignation.
3 In 2015, further changes have been implemented as a result of amendments in Dutch tax legislation. Dutch pension arrangements have a threshold in the buildup of pension entitlements. This threshold exists because all participants are assumed to be entitled to the Dutch state pension (AOW) and therefore do not need an additional pension over the first part of their pensionable income. The minimum level in the fiscal legislation for this threshold is related to the AOW allowance and is known as the Witteveen threshold. This threshold is calculated as the annual AOW allowance (including holiday allowance) for a married person times 10/7.5. The Witteveen threshold for 2015 is EUR 13,545.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    104




The following table sets forth an overview of the remuneration awarded to Supervisory Board Members in 2015 and 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
Total

Supervisory
Board

 
Audit
Committee

 
Remuneration
Committee

 
Selection and Nomination
 Committee

 
Technology and Strategy Committee

 
Other

 
Arthur P.M. van der Poel
121,000

95,000


10,000


-


12,000


4,000

2 
-


Fritz W. Fröhlich
22,000

15,000

2 
3,750

2 
-


2,000

2 
-


1,250

4 
Pauline F.M. van der Meer Mohr
78,000

60,000


10,000


2,000

2 
6,000

2 
-


-


Douglas A. Grose
103,750

80,000


-


-


8,000


12,000


3,750

4 
Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris1
70,000

60,000


-


6,000

2 
-


4,000

2 
-


Gerard J. Kleisterlee1
66,000

60,000


-


-


-


6,000

2 
-


Rolf-Dieter Schwalb1
76,000

60,000


10,000


6,000

2 
-


-


-


Clara (Carla) M.S. Smits-Nusteling
73,750

60,000


13,750

3 
-


-


-


-


Johannes (Hans) M.C. Stork
88,000

80,000


-


-


-


8,000


-


Wolfgang H. Ziebart
80,000

60,000


-


12,000


-


8,000


-


Total
778,500

630,000

 
47,500

 
26,000

 
28,000

 
42,000

 
5,000

 
Year ended December 31, 2014
Total

Supervisory
Board

 
Audit Committee

 
Remuneration Committee

 
Selection and
Nomination Committee

 
Technology
and Strategy Committee

 

Other

 
Arthur P.M. van der Poel
117,750

88,750

 
10,000

 

 
11,000

3 
8,000

 

 
OB Bilous
28,500

20,000

2 

 

 
3,000

2 
3,000

2 
2,500

7 
Fritz W. Fröhlich
85,500

57,500

 
15,000

 

 
8,000

 

 
5,000

 
Hendrika (Ieke) C.J. van den Burg5
52,500

42,500

2 

 
6,000

2 
4,000

2 

 

 
Pauline F.M. van der Meer Mohr
73,000

57,500

 
7,500

2 
8,000

 

 

 

 
Douglas A. Grose
99,000

80,000

 

 

 
8,000

 
11,000

3 

 
Clara (Carla) M.S. Smits-Nusteling
67,500

57,500

 
10,000

 

 

 

 

 
Johannes (Hans) M.C. Stork6
88,000

80,000

 

 

 

 
8,000

 
 
 
Wolfgang H. Ziebart
77,500

57,500

 

 
12,000

 

 
8,000

 

 
Total
689,250

541,250

 
42,500

 
26,000

 
34,000

 
38,000

 
7,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
During 2015 Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris, Gerard J. Kleisterlee and Rolf-Dieter Schwalb were appointed as member of the Supervisory Board and therefore received an observer fee in the first quarter.
2
Amount differs from the annual compensation as the member was not part of the Supervisory Board / committee for the full year.
3
Amount differs from the annual compensation due to a role change from member to chairman of the committee.
4
In addition to the annual fixed fee, the Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board receives EUR 5,000 per year to fulfill his role. This role changed from Fritz W. Fröhlich to Douglas A. Grose after the first quarter.
5
Ms. Hendrika (Ieke) C. J. van den Burg passed away on September 28, 2014.
6
During 2014 Johannes (Hans) M.C. Stork was appointed as member of the Supervisory Board and therefore received an observer fee in the first quarter.
7
To compensate for certain obligations ASML has towards the US. government as a result of the acquisition of Silicon Valley Group in 2001, one US member received an additional EUR 2,500 in 2014 to fulfill these obligations.
Additional reimbursements
In addition, ASML paid a net cost allowance amounting to EUR 1,800 in 2015 to each Supervisory Board member, and EUR 2,400 to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board in 2015.
Share ownership
Members of the Supervisory Board are free to acquire or dispose ASML shares or options for their own account, provided they comply with the applicable ASML Insider Trading Rules. Those securities are not part of their remuneration from the Company and are therefore not included. None of the members of the Supervisory Board currently owns shares or options on shares of the Company.
The annual remuneration for the members and former members of the BoM and SB members over 2015 amounts to EUR 15.9 million (2014: EUR 17.1 million).


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    105




30. Research and Development Costs
R&D costs (net of credits and excluding contributions under the NRE Funding Agreements from Participating Customers in the CCIP) decreased by EUR 25.7 million, or 3.5 percent, to EUR 710.2 million in 2015 from EUR 735.9 million in 2014. R&D costs for both 2015 and 2014 were primarily focused on programs supporting EUV, DUV immersion, and Holistic Lithography. In 2015, R&D activities mainly related to:
EUV - Further improving availability and productivity, and supporting the design of our NXE:3400B system;
DUV immersion - Focused on the final stages of development relating to our NXT:1980 systems, of which we shipped the first systems in 2015, as well as development of future DUV platforms; and
Holistic Lithography - Further development of Yieldstar and process window control solutions.
R&D costs include credits of EUR 20.4 million and EUR 15.1 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. R&D credits relate to worldwide (inter-)governmental funding for certain strategic development programs designed to stimulate qualifying research. The increase of R&D credits in 2015 relate to additional funding received for DUV immersion and EUV development programs.
31. Finance Income and Costs
Finance income of EUR 10.9 million (2014: EUR 14.5 million) mainly relates to interest income on deposits, short-term investments, money market funds, bank accounts and on finance receivables.
Finance costs of EUR 15.6 million (2014: EUR 11.9 million) mainly consists of net interest expense on our Eurobonds and related interest rate swaps, interest on lease obligations and amortized financing costs for a total of EUR 19.0 million (2014: EUR 19.9 million), partly offset by capitalized interest expenses of EUR 14.6 million (2014: EUR 11.6 million).
Interest on cash pools is reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss under both Finance income and Finance costs. From an economic and legal perspective, the interest on cash pools of EUR 1.5 million (2014: EUR 3.2 million) recorded in finance income nets off against the same amount recorded in finance costs.
32. Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations
We rely on outside vendors for components and subassemblies used in our systems including the design thereof, each of which is obtained from a single supplier or a limited number of suppliers. Our reliance on a limited group of suppliers involves several risks, including a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components, reduced control over pricing and the risk of untimely delivery of these components and subassemblies.
Zeiss is our single supplier, and we are their single customer, of optical components for lithography systems and is capable of producing these items only in limited numbers and only through the use of its manufacturing and testing facilities in Oberkochen and Wetzlar, Germany. During 2015, our production was not limited by the deliveries from Zeiss.
33. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Deloitte has served as our independent auditor for the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014. The following table sets out the aggregate fees for professional audit services and other services rendered by Deloitte and its member firms and/or affiliates in 2014 and 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Year ended December 31
(in thousands)
2014
2015
Deloitte Accountants B.V.
EUR

Deloitte Network
EUR

Total
EUR

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
EUR

Deloitte Network
EUR

Total
EUR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit fees in relation to annual reports
1,331


1,331

1,323


1,323

Other audit fees
61

298

359

68

359

427

Tax fees
128

81

209

157

2

159

Principal accountant fees and services
1,520

379

1,899

1,548

361

1,909

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit fees in relation to annual reports and other audit fees
Audit fees primarily relate to the audit of the Financial Statements as set out in our Annual Report on Form 20-F, this Statutory Annual Report, limited procedures on our quarterly results, agreed upon procedures related to our Remuneration Report and services related to our statutory and regulatory filings and our subsidiaries.
Tax fees
The tax fees include tax compliance services and tax advisory services.
The AC has approved the external audit plan and related audit fees for the year 2015.
The AC monitors compliance with the Dutch and US rules on non-audit services provided by an independent auditor, which outlines strict separation of audit and advisory services for Dutch public interest entities.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    106




34. Customer Co-Investment Program
Overview
On July 9, 2012, we announced our CCIP to accelerate our development of EUV technology beyond the current generation and our development of future 450mm silicon wafer technology. The Participating Customers collectively agreed to fund EUR 1.38 billion of our R&D projects from 2013 through 2017. This program created risk sharing with some of our largest customers while the results of our development programs will be available to every semiconductor manufacturer with no restrictions.
Development 450mm silicon wafer technology
As previously disclosed, in November 2013, ASML decided to pause the development of 450mm lithography systems until customer demand and the timing related to such demand is clear. We have agreed with Intel that the 450mm NRE funding will be applied to other lithography projects, including generic developments applicable to both 300mm and 450mm. We believe that our 450mm development activities can be restarted if and when the industry demands the introduction of 450mm.
In addition to the funding commitments described above, the Participating Customers have invested in 96,566,077 of our ordinary shares, the proceeds of which, totaling EUR 3.85 billion, were returned to the holders of ordinary shares (excluding the Participating Customers) through a synthetic share buyback executed in November 2012. For further information regarding the synthetic share buyback, see Note 18.
Description of Investment Agreements, Shareholder Agreements and NRE Funding Agreements
In connection with the CCIP, ASML entered into an investment agreement, a shareholder agreement and NRE Funding Agreements with each of the Participating Customers. Intel is the largest participant in the program, with an aggregate funding commitment of EUR 829 million and an investment in 62,977,877 of our ordinary shares. A description of the shareholders agreement and NRE Funding Agreements between ASML and Intel is set out below. The agreements between ASML and the other program participants – TSMC (which acquired 20,992,625 of our ordinary shares and made an EUR 276 million funding commitment) and Samsung (which acquired 12,595,575 of our ordinary shares and made an EUR 276 million funding commitment) are on substantially the same terms as those agreed with Intel. Shares were acquired by Dutch foundations ("Stichtingen") established for each participant.
Investment Agreements
Pursuant to the Intel Investment Agreement, dated July 9, 2012, ASML issued to Intel Stichting ordinary shares equal to 15 percent of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares with simultaneous issuance by the Intel Stichting to Intel of the corresponding depositary receipts.
Pursuant to the TSMC Investment Agreement, dated August 5, 2012, ASML issued to TSMC Stichting ordinary shares equal to 5 percent of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares with simultaneous issuance by the TSMC Stichting to TSMC of the corresponding depositary receipts.
Pursuant to the Samsung Investment Agreement, dated August 27, 2012 ASML issued to the Samsung Stichting ordinary shares equal to 3 percent of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares with simultaneous issuance by the Samsung Stichting to Samsung of the corresponding depositary receipts.
The subscription price for the ordinary shares under the investment agreements was EUR 39.91 per ordinary share, which is the average of the volume weighted average price of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam for the twenty trading days up to and including July 6, 2012.
Based upon the subscription price (EUR 39.91) included in the investment agreements, the equity participation of Intel (15 percent), TSMC (5 percent) and Samsung (3 percent) amount to EUR 2,513 million, EUR 838 million and EUR 503 million, respectively. On June 12, 2015, TSMC reported to the AFM that its interest in ASML had decreased below the 3 percent notification threshold. The TSMC Stichting holding the shares for TSMC has since informed us that all such shares have been sold and transferred.
Under the investment agreements, ASML has agreed to indemnify the Participating Customers and their affiliates for certain losses and expenses related to breaches of representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in the investment agreements and with respect to certain legal proceedings related thereto, subject to certain limitations.
Shareholder Agreements
In connection with the issuance of shares pursuant to the Intel Investment Agreement, on September 12, 2012 ASML, Intel and the Intel Stichting entered into a Shareholder Agreement which governs certain matters relating to the holding of and further investment by Intel in ordinary shares of ASML, directly and indirectly through the Intel Stichting, including the matters described below.
The Shareholder Agreements between ASML and the other program participants (TSMC and Samsung) are on substantially the same terms as those agreed with Intel.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    107




Voting Restrictions
Pursuant to the Intel Shareholder Agreement, Intel (and the Intel Stichting) will not be entitled to vote the ordinary shares that were acquired by the Intel Stichting as part of the CCIP or any other ordinary shares otherwise transferred to the Intel Stichting (under the circumstances described under "Standstill; Additional Purchases" below) prior to a shareholder agreement termination event (as defined below), except when a Suspension Event (as described below) occurs and is continuing or where the following matters are proposed at any General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Voting Restrictions"): (i) an issuance of ASML shares or grant of rights to subscribe for ASML shares representing 25 percent or more of the issued and outstanding share capital of ASML or the restriction or exclusion of pre-emption rights relating thereto (in each case, on an aggregate basis during the preceding 12 months) or the designation of the BoM as the authorized body to resolve on these matters; (ii) an authorization to repurchase 25 percent or more of ASML’s issued and outstanding share capital on an aggregate basis during the preceding 12 months; (iii) the approval of a significant change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business, including a transfer of all or substantially all business or assets of ASML and its subsidiaries to a third party, the establishment or cancellation of a long-lasting cooperation of essential importance with a third party and an acquisition or disposition of an interest in the capital or assets of a person with a value of at least one third of the assets of ASML (on a consolidated basis); (iv) an amendment to ASML’s Articles of Association that would materially affect the specific voting rights of Intel, would materially affect the identity or nature of ASML or its business, or would disproportionately (or uniquely) and adversely affect the rights or benefits attached to or derived from the ordinary shares held by Intel through the Intel Stichting as compared to the shareholders; (v) the dissolution of ASML; and (vi) any merger or demerger which would result in a material change in the identity or nature of ASML or its business.
Standstill, Lock-up and Orderly Market Arrangements
Standstill; Additional Purchases
Subject to certain exceptions, pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement, Intel (or its affiliates) may not, prior to the six-year anniversary of the date of the Intel Shareholder Agreement (the "Standstill Period"), acquire more than 19.9 percent of the outstanding share capital of ASML without ASML’s prior approval (the "Standstill Restriction"). There is an exception from the Standstill Restriction in the case of a ‘suspension event’, which includes certain circumstances where a third party has acquired or made an offer to acquire at least 20 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares, and the Standstill Restriction will terminate upon the occurrence of a shareholder agreement termination event.
The Shareholder Agreement permits Intel (and its affiliates) to acquire up to 4.99 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares (other than shares acquired through the CCIP) that may be held outside the Intel Stichting. For any additional ASML shares that Intel (or its affiliates) acquires in excess of 4.99 percent of the outstanding shares of ASML, Intel is required to deposit such shares with the Intel Stichting in exchange for Depositary Receipts. Shares held directly by Intel or its affiliates (and which not required to be deposited with the Intel Stichting) are not subject to the Voting Restrictions, or Lock-Up Restrictions (as defined below), but are subject to the Standstill Restriction.
The Intel Stichting will continue to hold ASML shares owned by Intel (notwithstanding termination of the Standstill Period) until the earlier of (i) such time as Intel owns (directly or through the Intel Stichting) less than 2 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares (the relevant percentage is 1 percent for the other Participating Customers) (ii) the date of notification to ASML by Participating Customers that the aggregate amount of ASML’s outstanding shares owned by Intel and the other Participating Customers represents less than 5 percent of ASML’s outstanding shares and (iii) a shareholder agreement termination event (as defined below), following which time depositary receipts will be exchanged for the underlying ASML shares. In case Intel would acquire ASML shares within 18 months after an event described under (i) or (ii) above, any ASML shares held by Intel in excess of 4.99 percent of the outstanding shares of ASML must be transferred to (and held by) the Intel Stichting.
Lock-up; Orderly Sell Down
Intel agreed not to, without prior written consent of ASML, transfer any ordinary shares or depositary receipts until the earliest of (i) two years and six months after the date of the Intel Shareholder Agreement, (ii) termination of the NRE Funding Agreements, and (iii) the occurrence of a shareholder agreement termination event ((i), (ii) and (iii) together, the "Lock-Up Restriction"). This Lock-Up Restriction has now expired. The TSMC Stichting that held TSMC's shares in the CCIP has informed ASML that TSMC has sold all of those shares.
In addition, Intel may not (even now after the Lock-Up Restriction has ended), without written consent of ASML, transfer on Euronext Amsterdam, NASDAQ or another securities exchange more than 4 percent of the outstanding shares of ASML during any six month period (the relevant percentage is 1.5 percent for Samsung); the foregoing restriction does not apply to block trades or underwritten offerings. There are also restrictions on Intel's ability to transfer ASML shares to certain competitors or customers of ASML.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    108




Termination
The Intel Shareholder Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of the following events (each a "shareholder agreement termination event") (i) certain change of control transactions where the shareholders of ASML prior to such a transaction are no longer entitled to exercise at least 50 percent of the votes in the General Meeting of Shareholders following such transaction, (ii) in the event of a delisting of our shares listed at Euronext Amsterdam or delisting of our shares listed at NASDAQ (except for certain voluntary delistings from NASDAQ), (iii) the winding up or liquidation of ASML, or (iv) in the event that all depositary receipts are exchanged for ASML shares and Intel does not acquire ASML shares in excess of 4.99 percent of the outstanding ASML shares within 18 months of such exchange (see "Standstill; Additional Purchases" above).
NRE Funding Agreements
On July 9, 2012, ASML and Intel entered into two NRE Funding Agreements pursuant to which Intel has agreed to fund certain of ASML’s R&D costs and project expenditures. One agreement relates to the Intel 450mm NRE Funding Agreement and the other relates to the Intel EUV NRE Funding Agreement (together the "Intel NRE Funding Agreements"). Intel has committed to provide funding in an aggregate amount of EUR 553 million under the Intel 450mm NRE Funding Agreement and funding in an aggregate amount of EUR 276 million under the Intel EUV NRE Funding Agreement, payable over the term of the relevant agreements (2013-2017).
On August 5, 2012, ASML and TSMC entered into the TSMC NRE Funding Agreement pursuant to which TSMC will support ASML’s R&D costs and project expenditures relating to the development of 450mm lithography equipment and EUV platforms. TSMC has committed to provide EUR 276 million in funding payable over the term (2013-2017) of the TSMC NRE Funding Agreement.
On August 27, 2012, ASML and Samsung entered into the Samsung NRE Funding Agreement pursuant to which Samsung will support ASML’s R&D costs and project expenditures relating to the development of 300mm/450mm and EUV platforms. Samsung has committed to provide EUR 276 million in funding payable over the term (2013-2017) of the Samsung NRE Funding Agreement.
Under the agreements, ASML retains sole control over the development of 450mm photo lithography equipment and EUV platforms and will own all intellectual property created by ASML in connection therewith. The NRE Funding Agreements provide that if ASML, in its reasonable discretion, determines to abandon either the 450mm or EUV development project, as a result of technical infeasibility or lack of sufficient industry demand, or if the then remaining funding exceeds the expenditure estimate for the development project (450mm or EUV), then the parties may agree on an alternative development project. If no alternative is agreed, ASML may invoice the Participating Customers for the remaining due portion of committed funding during each year of the remaining funding period in which ASML’s actual gross R&D expenditures exceed a minimum threshold specified in the NRE Funding Agreements.
The NRE Funding Agreements will terminate on December 31, 2017 or upon pre-payment by the Participating Customers of the aggregate amount of funding owed under its respective NRE Funding Agreement.
Commercial Agreement
On July 9, 2012, ASML and Intel entered into a commercial agreement, pursuant to which ASML and Intel established a contractual framework for Intel to purchase equipment related to the 450mm and EUV next-generation lithography equipment. Under this agreement, Intel has committed to purchase specified numbers of 450mm and EUV systems. In April of 2014, ASML and Intel amended the commercial agreement so that Intel would have an option of purchasing either 450mm systems or 300mm systems in addition to EUV systems. The agreement and amendment set forth pricing terms for the systems as well as milestones related to product deliveries, and provides for certain commercial discounts in the form of credits in exchange for Intel’s early purchase commitments and volume purchase commitments and for specified additional credits in the event that certain schedules are not met. In addition, subject to certain conditions, ASML has agreed to install sufficient capacity to meet Intel’s potential forecasted 450mm lithography equipment needs through 2022.
For further details regarding the share issuance to the Participating Customers and the synthetic share buyback conducted in connection with our CCIP, see Note 18.
35. Related Party Transactions
On July 9, 2012, we announced our CCIP to accelerate our development of EUV technology beyond the current generation and our development of future 450mm silicon wafer technology. One of the Participating Customers, Intel, agreed to fund EUR 829 million for our R&D projects. In addition Intel also agreed to invest in ordinary shares equal to 15 percent of our issued share capital (calculated giving effect to our synthetic share buyback in November 2012). Due to the equity investment, Intel is considered a related party of ASML as of July 9, 2012.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    109




The total net sales and the net outstanding liability to Intel (and its affiliates) were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Total net sales to Intel
1,007,603

618,069

Net outstanding liability to Intel
386,824

700,156

 
 
 
There have been no transactions during our most recent fiscal year, and there are currently no transactions, between ASML or any of its subsidiaries, and any other significant shareholder, and any director or officer or any relative or spouse thereof other than ordinary course compensation arrangements. During our most recent fiscal year, there has been no, and at present there is no, outstanding indebtedness to ASML owed by or owing to any director or officer of ASML or any associate thereof.
For our disclosures in relation to key management personnel, comprising of our BoM members, see Note 29.
36. Subsequent Events
Subsequent events were evaluated up to February 4, 2016, which is the date the Financial Statements included in this Annual Report were approved. There are no events to report.




Veldhoven, the Netherlands
February 4, 2016
Prepared by
The Board of Management:
Peter T.F.M. Wennink
Martin A. van den Brink
Frits J. van Hout
Frédéric J.M. Schneider-Maunoury
Wolfgang U. Nickl


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    110







Company Financial Statements


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    111







ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    112




Company Financial Statements


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    113







ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    114




Company Balance Sheet
(Before appropriation of net income)
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31
2014

2015

Notes

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
Non-current assets
 
 
3

Investments in subsidiaries
10,984,095

12,469,024

 
Loans to subsidiaries
11,112

419

4

Derivative financial instruments
115,546

81,777

 
Other non-current assets
2,011

1,574

 
Total non-current assets
11,112,764

12,552,794

 

Current assets
 
 
11

Amounts due from subsidiaries
519,861

362,125

4

Derivative financial instruments
92,695

49,094

 
Current tax assets

28

 
Other current assets
3,442

2,026

5

Short-term investments

600,000

 
Cash and cash equivalents
950,295

1,590,925

 
Total current assets
1,566,293

2,604,198

 

Total assets
12,679,057

15,156,992

 

Equity
 
 
 
Issued and outstanding shares
39,426

38,786

 
Share premium
3,456,556

3,515,913

 
Treasury shares at cost
(389,443
)
(476,922
)
 
Retained earnings
2,864,025

3,223,708

 
Legal reserves
977,046

1,570,177

 
Net income
1,418,320

1,619,489

6

Total equity
8,365,930

9,491,151

 

Non-current liabilities
 
 
7

Long-term debt
1,105,599

1,083,215

 
Deferred and other tax liabilities
113,709

141,736

 
Total non-current liabilities
1,219,308

1,224,951

 

Current liabilities
 
 
 
Loans from subsidiaries

45,577

11

Amounts due to subsidiaries
2,985,021

4,363,469

 
Accrued and other liabilities
15,253

15,142

 
Current tax liabilities
28,642


4

Derivative financial instruments
64,903

16,702

 
Total current liabilities
3,093,819

4,440,890

 

Total equity and liabilities
12,679,057

15,156,992

 
 
 
 



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    115




Abbreviated Company Statement of Profit or Loss
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31
2014

2015

Notes

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
 
3

Net income from subsidiaries
1,461,052

1,660,753

 
Gain (Loss) after taxes
(42,732
)
(41,264
)
 
Net income
1,418,320

1,619,489

 
 
 
 



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    116




Notes to the Company Financial Statements

1.
General Information
The description of our activities and our structure, as included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, also apply to the Company Financial Statements.
In accordance with article 362 sub 8 Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, we have prepared our Company Financial Statements in accordance with Dutch GAAP applying the accounting principles as adopted in the Consolidated Financial Statements, except for the accounting for investments in subsidiaries and our consolidated SPE. Investments in subsidiaries and consolidated SPE are stated at net asset value as we effectively exercise control over the operational and financial activities of these investments. The net asset value is determined on the basis of the IFRS accounting principles applied by ASML in its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In accordance with article 402 Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code the Company Statement of Profit or Loss is presented in abbreviated form.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company Financial Statements are the same as those used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements (in accordance with article 362 sub 8 Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code). See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to those accounting policies, the following accounting policy applies to the Company Financial Statements.
The accompanying Company Financial Statements are stated in thousands of EUR unless otherwise indicated.
Investments in Subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at net asset value as we effectively exercise influence of significance over the operational and financial activities of these investments. The net asset value is determined on the basis of the IFRS-EU as applied in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
3.
Investments in Subsidiaries
Changes in investments in subsidiaries during 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
2014

2015

(in thousands)
EUR

EUR

 
 
 
Balance, January 1
9,838,641

10,984,095

Capital contributions
6,733

80,540

Dividends received
(600,856
)
(542,258
)
Net income from subsidiaries
1,461,052

1,660,753

Effect of exchange rates
254,459

298,017

Derivative financial instruments
24,066

(12,123
)
Balance, December 31
10,984,095

12,469,024

 
 
 
4.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments for the management of foreign currency risks and interest rate risks. See Notes 5 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
5.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments have insignificant interest rate risk and remaining maturities longer than three months but less than one year at the date of acquisition. See Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    117




6.
Equity
Changes in equity during 2015 and 2014 were as follows (before appropriation of net income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issued and Outstanding Shares
 
Treasury Shares at Cost

 
 
 
 
 
 
Number2

Amount

Share Premium

Retained Earnings

Other Reserves3

Net Income

Total

Notes1
(in thousands)
 
EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

 
Balance at January 1, 2014
440,852

40,214

3,383,105

(365,782
)
2,841,636

451,778

1,193,844

7,544,795

 
Appropriation of net income




1,193,844


(1,193,844
)

 
Components of statement of comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income






1,418,320

1,418,320

18
Foreign currency translation





254,459


254,459

5, 18
Loss on financial instruments, net of taxes





24,066


24,066

 
Total comprehensive income





278,525

1,418,320

1,696,845

 
CCIP:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18, 34
Fair value differences 4


28,086





28,086

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

Purchase of treasury shares
(9,981
)


(700,000
)



(700,000
)
18
Cancellation of treasury shares

(852
)

610,698

(609,846
)



22, 28, 29
Share-based payments


48,601





48,601

22, 28
Issuance of shares shares
2,064

64

(3,236
)
65,641

(46,904
)


15,565

18
Dividend paid




(267,962
)


(267,962
)
18
Development expenditures




(246,743
)
246,743



 
Balance at December 31, 2014
432,935

39,426

3,456,556

(389,443
)
2,864,025

977,046

1,418,320

8,365,930

 
Appropriation of net income




1,418,320


(1,418,320
)

 
Components of statement of comprehensive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income






1,619,489

1,619,489

18
Foreign currency translation





298,017


298,017

5, 18
Gain on financial instruments, net of taxes





(12,123
)

(12,123
)
 
Total comprehensive income





285,894

1,619,489

1,905,383

 
CCIP:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18, 34
Fair value differences 4


17,888





17,888

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

Purchase of treasury shares
(6,273
)
(297
)

(564,590
)



(564,887
)
18
Cancellation of treasury shares

(462
)

389,302

(388,840
)



22, 28, 29
Share-based payments


50,145





50,145

22, 28
Issuance of shares
1,325

119

(8,676
)
87,809

(60,250
)


19,002

18
Dividend paid




(302,310
)


(302,310
)
18
Development expenditures




(307,237
)
307,237



 
Balance at December 31, 2015
427,987

38,786

3,515,913

(476,922
)
3,223,708

1,570,177

1,619,489

9,491,151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
Note reference numbers included below relate to the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
As of December 31, 2015, the number of issued shares was 433,332,573. This includes the number of issued and outstanding shares of 427,986,682 and the number of treasury shares of 5,345,891. As of December 31, 2014, the number of issued shares was 438,073,643. This includes the number of issued and outstanding shares of 432,935,288 and the number of treasury shares of 5,138,355. As of December 31, 2013, the number of issued shares was 446,822,452. This includes the number of issued and outstanding shares of 440,852,334 and the number of treasury shares of 5,970,118.
3
Other reserves consist of legal reserves that have to be established in certain circumstances in accordance with the Dutch Civil Code. The legal reserves consist of the hedging reserve, the currency translation reserve and the reserve for capitalized development expenditures. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
In 2015, EUR 17.9 million (2014: EUR 28.1 million) is recognized to increase equity to the fair value of the shares issued to the Participating Customers in the CCIP. The portion of the NRE funding allocable to the shares is recognized over the NRE Funding Agreements period (2013-2017).
For further information related to Equity, see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    118




7.
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of our Eurobonds. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
8.
Personnel
The average number of employees employed by ASML Holding N.V. at year-end 2015 was five (2014: five), who are all based in the Netherlands. For information regarding the remuneration of the (former) members of the BoM see Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Other benefits and expense reimbursement as disclosed in Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, include social security costs for an amount of EUR 24.1 thousand (2014: EUR 24.9 thousand).
9.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
For information regarding auditor's fees, see Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
10.
Commitments and Contingencies
ASML Holding N.V. has assumed joint and several liabilities in accordance with article 403 Part 9 of Book 2 of The Dutch Civil Code with respect to the following Dutch subsidiaries: ASML Netherlands B.V. and Cymer B.V. Furthermore, ASML Holding N.V. has guaranteed all liabilities outstanding at December 31, 2015, until all are satisfied in full, in accordance with section 479C of the UK Companies Act 2006 with respect to its overseas subsidiary ASML (UK) Ltd (registered number SC176574) and accordingly, under section 479A of that Act ASML (UK) Ltd is exempt from the requirement to have its financial statements audited.
From time to time, we provide guarantees to third parties in connection with transactions entered into by our Dutch subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
ASML Holding N.V. forms a tax unity together with certain of its Dutch subsidiaries, for purposes of Dutch tax laws and are as such jointly and severally liable for the tax debts of the unity. The fiscal unity comprises as of December 31, 2015 of ASML Holding N.V., ASML Netherlands B.V. and ASML Systems B.V. All tax positions attributable to the fiscal unity (current and deferred) are reported within ASML Holding N.V. due to the method of settlement within the fiscal unity. The tax positions are settled via the current account with the subsidiaries.
11.
Amounts due from / due to Subsidiaries
Interest on amounts due from subsidiaries is calculated based on monthly base rates plus a market-conform mark-up, interest on amounts due to subsidiaries is calculated based on monthly base rate, minus a small fee, with a minimum of 0 percent. All balances due from / due to subsidiaries are repayable on demand.




Veldhoven, the Netherlands
February 4, 2016
Prepared by
The Board of Management: Peter T.F.M. Wennink
Martin A. van den Brink
Frits J. van Hout
Frédéric J.M. Schneider-Maunoury
Wolfgang U. Nickl



ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    119




Other Information
The additional information below includes a brief summary of the most significant provisions of our Articles of Association. See Note 18 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Adoption of Financial Statements
The BoM will submit our statutory annual report, together with a certificate of the auditor in respect thereof, to the General Meeting of Shareholders for adoption.
Statements Appropriation and Determination of Net Income
Dividends may be payable out of net income or retained earnings shown in the Company Financial Statements as adopted by our General Meeting of Shareholders, after payment first of (accumulated) dividends on any outstanding cumulative preference shares. At its discretion, however, subject to statutory provisions, the BoM may, with the prior approval of the SB, distribute one or more interim dividends on the ordinary shares before the Financial Statements for any financial year have been adopted by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The BoM, with the approval of the SB, may decide that all or part of our net income should be retained and not be made available for distribution to shareholders, except for dividends on the cumulative preference shares. Those net incomes that are not retained may be distributed to shareholders pursuant to a shareholders' resolution, provided that the distribution does not reduce equity below the amount of reserves required by Dutch law. Existing reserves that are distributable in accordance with Dutch law may be made available to the General Meeting of Shareholders for distribution upon a proposal by the BoM, subject to prior approval of the SB. As regards cash payments, the rights to dividends and distributions shall lapse if such dividends or distributions are not claimed within five years following the day after the date on which they were made available.
Annually, the BoM will assess the amount of dividend that will be proposed to the AGM. For 2014, a dividend was declared of EUR 0.70 per ordinary share of EUR 0.09 nominal value which was paid in 2015.
A proposal will be submitted to the AGM on April 29, 2016 to declare a dividend for 2015 of EUR 1.05 per ordinary share of EUR 0.09 nominal value.
Voting Rights
We are subject to the relevant provisions of Dutch law applicable to large corporations (the "structuurregime"). These provisions have the effect of concentrating control over certain corporate decisions and transactions in the hands of the SB. Members of the BoM are appointed by the SB. The SB shall notify the General Meeting of Shareholders of intended appointments to the BoM. General Meetings of Shareholders will be held at least once a year. We do not solicit from or nominate proxies for our shareholders. However, shareholders and other persons entitled to attend General Meetings of Shareholders may be represented by proxies.
EGMs may be held as often as deemed necessary by the SB or BoM and must be held if one or more ordinary or cumulative preference shareholders jointly representing at least ten percent of the issued share capital make a written request to that effect to the SB and the BoM specifying in detail the business to be dealt with.
Resolutions are adopted at General Meetings of Shareholders by an absolute majority of the votes cast (except where a different proportion of votes are required by the Articles of Association or Dutch law) and there are generally no quorum requirements applicable to such meetings. In the General Meeting of Shareholders each share confers the right to cast one vote.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent events were evaluated up to February 4, 2016, which is the date the Financial Statements included in this Annual Report were approved. There are no events to report.





ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    120




Independent Auditor's Report
To: The shareholders and Supervisory Board of ASML Holding N.V.
Report on the audit of the financial statements 2015
Our opinion
We have audited the financial statements 2015 of ASML Holding N.V. ("ASML" or "the Company"), based in Veldhoven. The financial statements include the Consolidated financial statements and the Company financial statements.
In our opinion:
the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of ASML as of December 31, 2015, and of its result and its cash flows for 2015 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS-EU) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code;
the Company financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of ASML as of December 31, 2015, and of its result for 2015 in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
The consolidated financial statements comprise:
1.
the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2015;
2.
the following statements for 2015: consolidated statements of profit or loss and comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year then ended; and
3.
the notes comprising a summary of the significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
The Company financial statements comprise:
1.
the Company balance sheet as of December 31, 2015;
2.
the abbreviated Company statement of profit or loss account for 2015; and
3.
the notes comprising a summary of the significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Basis for our opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the "Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements" section as included in the appendix to our report.
We are independent of ASML in accordance with the Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assurance-opdrachten (ViO) and other relevant independence requirements in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we have complied with the Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants (VGBA).
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Audit approach
As part of our audit we have determined materiality and used it to assess the risks of material misstatement. We have specifically assessed accounts where subjectivity is high because of estimates regarding uncertain future developments. We have likewise specifically focused on the risk related to management override of controls and the risk of material misstatement due to fraud. In addition, our audit expressly included the continuity and reliability of the automated information systems.
Materiality
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified misstatements on our opinion.
Based on our professional judgment we determined the materiality for the financial statements as a whole at EUR 100 million. The materiality is based on 8% of the average of normalized profit before tax over a period of 6 years (1 industry cycle). We have also taken into account misstatements and/or possible misstatements that in our opinion are material for qualitative reasons for the users of the financial statements. We established a lower materiality for certain account balances and disclosures based on qualitative reasons.
We agreed with the Supervisory Board that misstatements in excess of EUR 5 million, which were identified during the audit, would be reported to them, as well as smaller misstatements that in our view must be reported on qualitative grounds.
Scope of the group audit
ASML is the head of a group of entities. The financial information of this group is included in the consolidated financial statements of ASML. Because we are ultimately responsible for the opinion, we are also responsible for directing, supervising and performing the group audit.


ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    121




A large part of the Company’s operations are based in the Netherlands. In addition, the financial administration for a significant number of group entities (also foreign entities) is centralized in the Netherlands. Consequently, we have centralized our audit approach and used other auditors in foreign locations only to a limited extent.
We have determined the nature and extent of the audit procedures to be carried out for each of the group entities. Decisive were the size and / or the risk profile of the group entities or operations. On this basis, we selected group entities for which an audit or review had to be carried out on the complete set of financial information or on specific items. We performed review procedures or specified audit procedures at the other (less significant) entities.
By performing the procedures we have been able to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence about the group’s financial information to provide an opinion about the consolidated financial statements.
Our key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements. We have communicated the key audit matters to the Supervisory Board. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive reflection of all matters discussed.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Revenue recognition for systems
Total net systems revenue for the year 2015 amounts to EUR 4,237 million. Sales of systems are usually concluded with customers under volume purchase agreements ("VPA’s"). These VPA’s also include agreements with customers involving various other products and services of the Company such as software, service and warranty. For revenue recognition purposes, the consideration received from customers is allocated to the various products and services contracted under the VPA’s based on the relative selling price of these elements (multiple element arrangement accounting). This revenue allocation requires significant judgment and determines the timing and amount of revenue recognized in each reporting period. Our audit procedures included, amongst others, assessing the effectiveness of key internal controls around the accounting evaluation of VPA’s and the revenue recognition of each transaction. In addition, we reviewed significant VPA’s to assess the identification of all relevant products and services sold. We also focused on the allocation of revenue to the various elements in the VPA’s, as well as, the timing of the revenue recognized.
From time to time, the Company introduces new technology systems to the market, for example the introduction of EUV. Revenue recognition for new technology systems requires a higher degree of judgment than proven technology systems, especially around the timing of revenue recognition. Our audit focused on the assessment of performance obligations related to new technology systems and whether revenue for such systems was recognized in the correct period.
Inventory excess & obsolete provision
The total gross inventory and related excess and obsolete provision as of December 31, 2015 amounts to EUR 2,989 million and EUR 415 million, respectively. The excess and obsolete provision mainly relates to raw materials and spare parts because finished products (and related work in process) are manufactured only when a client order is received.
We focused on this area because the gross inventory and related provision are material to the financial statements, involve a high level of judgment and are subject to uncertainty due to rapid technological changes. Our work included the evaluation of the effectiveness of key internal controls surrounding the recording, monitoring and valuation of inventories. We evaluated, amongst others, the analyses and assessments made by management with respect to slow moving and obsolete stock; the expected demand and market value related to service parts and raw materials; the provision for future purchase commitments; and the provision for lenses including anticipated repair costs.
Sensitivities in valuation of goodwill and other intangible fixed assets
The goodwill as of December 31, 2015 amounts to EUR 2,648 million and is allocated to Cash Generating Unit ("CGU") ASML for an amount of EUR 2,152 million and to CGU Cymer Light Source ("CLS") for an amount of EUR 496 million. The other intangible fixed assets as per December 31, 2015 amounts to EUR 2,019 million. The goodwill and other intangible fixed assets primarily relate to the 2013 acquisition of Cymer and capitalized development expenses. Under IFRS-EU, the Company is required to annually test goodwill for impairment and intangible fixed assets not yet available for use. For other intangible fixed assets with finite useful lives, the Company is required to assess whether impairment indicators exists.
We focused on this area because of the materiality of these assets the valuation of which involves complex and subjective judgements made by management about near and long term sales and operating margins. Our audit procedures included assessing the effectiveness of internal controls around the financial forecasting process and impairment testing. In performing this assessment, we involved internal valuation experts to assist us in evaluating the assumptions and methodologies used in these valuation models. Furthermore, we assessed management’s process in evaluating different market scenarios underlying the valuation models. These scenarios were, amongst others, used to analyse the sensitivity of the key assumptions used in the valuation models.


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Responsibilities of management and the Supervisory Board for the financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS-EU and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, and for the preparation of the management board report in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, management is responsible for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
As part of the preparation of the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on the financial reporting frameworks mentioned, management should prepare the financial statements using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Management should disclose events and circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in the financial statements.
The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objective is to plan and perform the audit assignment in a manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence for our opinion.
Our audit has been performed with a high, but not absolute, level of assurance, which means we may not have detected all errors and fraud.
For our responsibilities we refer to the appendix.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
Report on the management board report and the other information
Pursuant to legal requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code (concerning our obligation to report about the management board report and other information):
we have no deficiencies to report as a result of our examination whether the management board report, to the extent we can assess, has been prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, and whether the information as required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code has been annexed;
we report that the management board report, to the extent we can assess, is consistent with the financial statements.
Engagement
We were appointed as auditor of ASML Holding N.V. by the shareholders meeting as of the audit for the year 1984 and have operated as statutory auditor ever since that date.

Eindhoven, February 4, 2016
Deloitte Accountants B.V.
P.J.M.A. van de Goor


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Appendix to the independent auditor’s report: Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have exercised professional judgment and have maintained professional skepticism throughout the audit, in accordance with Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical requirements and independence requirements. Our audit included e.g.:
Identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, designing and performing audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.
Evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Concluding on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting, and based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company ceasing to continue as a going concern.
Evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures.
Evaluating whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with the Supervisory Board regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant findings in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We provide the Supervisory Board with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with the Supervisory Board, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or, in extremely rare circumstances, when non-mentioning is in the public interest.



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Information and Investor Relations
Financial Calendar
April 20, 2016
Announcement of First Quarter results for 2016
April 29, 2016
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
July 20, 2016
Announcement of Second Quarter results for 2016
October 19, 2016
Announcement of Third Quarter results for 2016
Fiscal Year
ASML’s fiscal year ends on December 31, 2016
Listing
Our ordinary shares are listed for trading in the form of registered ASML NASDAQ shares and in the form of registered ASML shares Euronext Amsterdam. The principal trading market of our ordinary shares is Euronext Amsterdam. Our ordinary shares also trade on NASDAQ.
Investor Relations
ASML Investor Relations supplies information regarding the company and its business opportunities to investors and financial analysts. Annual Reports, quarterly releases and other information are also available on our Website (www.asml.com).


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ASML Worldwide Contact Information
Corporate Headquarters
De Run 6501
5504 DR Veldhoven
The Netherlands
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 324
5500 AH Veldhoven
The Netherlands
United States Main Offices
2650 W Geronimo Place
Chandler, AZ 85224
U.S.A.
Asia Main Office
Suite 1702-3, 17F
100 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
Corporate Communications
email: corpcom@asml.com
Investor Relations
phone: +31 40 268 3938
email: investor.relations@asml.com
For more information please visit our Website (www.asml.com)



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Definitions
 
 
 
Name
 
Description
 
 
 
AC
 
Audit Committee of ASML
AFM
 
Autoriteit Financiële Markten; Authority for the Financial Markets of the Netherlands
AGM
 
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
Annual Reports
 
The Annual Report in accordance with IFRS-EU and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and the Annual Report in conformity with US GAAP
ArF
 
Argon Fluoride
ArFi
 
Argon Fluoride Immersion
ASML
 
ASML Holding N.V. and its subsidiaries
ASP
 
Average Selling Price
BoM
 
Board of Management of ASML
Brion
 
Brion Technologies, Inc.
Canon
 
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
CCIP
 
Customer Co-Investment Program
CEO
 
Chief Executive Officer
CFO
 
Chief Financial Officer
CGU
 
Cash Generating Unit
CGU ASML
 
Cash Generating Unit ASML (which is ASML consolidated excluding CGU CLS)
CGU CLS
 
Cash Generating Unit Cymer Light Sources
Class A Patents
 
Patents having an effective application date before December 31, 2002 in accordance with the Nikon Cross-License Agreement.
Class B Patents
 
Patents with an effective application date after December 31, 2002 that were issued worldwide before the end of 2009 in accordance with the Nikon Cross-License Agreement.
CMO
 
Chief Marketing Officer
Code
 
Dutch Corporate Governance Code
Code of Conduct
 
Code of ethics and conduct
CODM
 
Chief Operating Decision Maker
Company
 
ASML Holding N.V.
COSO
 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
CR
 
Corporate Responsibility
CRC
 
Corporate Risk Committee of ASML
CRMC
 
Capital Research & Management Company
Cross-License Transition Period
 
The period between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014
CTO
 
Chief Technology Officer
Customer Stichtingen
 
Intel Stichting and TSMC Stichting jointly referred. Shares held by Participating Customers in the CCIP, are held through Foundations that issued to the Participating Customers depository receipts representing shares held by these Foundations.
Cymer
 
Cymer Inc. and its subsidiaries
DC
 
Disclosure Committee
Deloitte
 
Deloitte Accountants B.V.
DTC
 
Depositary Trust Company
DUV
 
Deep Ultra Violet
Dutch Central Bank
 
The Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank), which is the supervisor of all pension companies in the Netherlands
Dutch GAAP
 
Accounting principles generally accepted in the Netherlands
EGM
 
Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders
EPS
 
Earnings per share
ESOP
 
Employee Stock and Stock Option Plans
EU
 
European Union
EURIBOR
 
Euro Interbank Offered Rate
Eurobonds
 
Our EUR 600 million 5.75 percent senior notes due 2017 and our EUR 750 million 3.375 percent senior notes due 2023
Euroclear Nederland
 
Nederlands Centraal Instituut voor Giraal Effectenverkeer B.V.
EUV
 
Extreme Ultraviolet
EVP
 
Executive Vice President
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FAT
 
Factory Acceptance Test
FIRPTA
 
Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act
FMSA
 
Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht (Wft))
Foreign Currency
 
Currency other than the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates


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Name
 
Description
Foundation
 
Stichting Preferente Aandelen ASML
Foundry
 
Contract Manufacturers of Logic Chips
FTEs
 
Full-time equivalents
Functional Currency
 
The currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates
Holistic Lithography
 
Optimize the scanner performance by taken into account the entire chip creation process, from design to volume manufacturing
i-line
 
Lithography system with a mercury lamp as light source
IAS
 
International Accounting Standards
IASB
 
International Accounting Standards Board
IC
 
Integrated Circuit
IDM
 
Integrated Device Manufacturer
IFRS
 
International Financial Reporting Standards
IFRS-EU
 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union
Intel
 
Intel Corporation
Intel 450mm NRE Funding Agreement
 
Agreement with Intel related to the development of 450mm lithography equipment
Intel EUV NRE Funding Agreement
 
Agreement with Intel related to the development of EUV lithography equipment
Intel Investment Agreement
 
The investment agreement between ASML and Intel
Intel NRE Funding Agreements
 
The Intel Funding Agreements related to the development of 450mm and EUV lithography equipment
Intel Stichting
 
Stichting Administratiekantoor MAKTSJAB
KrF
 
Krypton Fluoride
LIBOR
 
London Interbank Offered Rate
Logic
 
Integrated Device Manufacturers and Foundries
Memory
 
NAND-Flash Memory and DRAM Memory chip makers
mm
 
Millimeter (one thousandth of a meter)
MPT
 
Multiple Patterning Technology
NASDAQ
 
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
NID
 
Notional Interest Deduction
Nikon
 
Nikon Corporation
Nikon Cross-License Agreement
 
The patent Cross-License agreement between Nikon and ASML related to lithography equipment used to manufacture semiconductor devices
nm
 
Nanometer (one billionth of a meter)
NPV
 
Net Present Value
NRE
 
Non Recurring Engineering
NRE Funding Agreements
 
The Intel NRE Funding Agreements, the TSMC NRE Funding Agreement, and the Samsung NRE Funding Agreement
NWO
 
Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (‘Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk onderzoek’)
NXE
 
NXE platform; a new platform utilizing the concepts of the TWINSCAN platform with complete new technologies in three areas: light source, lens system, and vacuum body
NXT
 
TWINSCAN NXT systems; an improved version of the TWINSCAN systems, introducing new stages and stage position control technology, which enables improved imaging and overlay
OCI
 
Other Comprehensive Income
OECD
 
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
Participating Customers
 
The participants in the Customer Co-Investment Program: Intel, TSMC, and Samsung
PME
 
Bedrijfstakpensioenfonds Metalektro
Preference Share Option
 
An option to acquire cumulative preference shares in our capital
R&D
 
Research and Development
RC
 
Remuneration Committee of ASML
RDA
 
Research and Development Deduction ("Research and Development Aftrek")
Recoverable Amount
 
The higher amount of fair value less costs to sell and value in use
Remuneration Policy
 
Remuneration Policy applicable to the Board of Management of ASML Holding N.V.
Samsung
 
Samsung Electronics Corporation
Samsung Investment Agreement
 
The investment agreement between ASML and Samsung


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Name
 
Description
Samsung NRE Funding Agreement
 
The Samsung Funding Agreement related to the development of 300mm/450mm and EUV lithography equipment
Samsung Stichting
 
Stichting Administratiekantoor Samsung
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
SB
 
Supervisory Board of ASML
SEC
 
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SG&A
 
Selling, General and Administrative
Shareholder Agreement
 
In connection with the issuance of shares pursuant to the Intel Investment Agreement, on September 12, 2012 ASML, Intel and Intel Stichting entered into a shareholder agreement (we refer to page 43)
SNC
 
Selection and Nomination Committee of ASML
SOX 404
 
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
SPE
 
Special Purpose Entity
SPE Shareholders
 
Syndicate of three banks solely for the purpose of leasing the headquarter in Veldhoven
STI
 
Short-term incentive
TSC
 
Technology and Strategy Committee of ASML
TSMC
 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
TSMC Investment Agreement
 
The investment agreement between ASML and TSMC
TSMC NRE Funding Agreements
 
The TSMC Funding Agreements related to the development of 450mm and EUV lithography equipment
TSMC Stichting
 
Stichting Administratiekantoor TSMC
US GAAP
 
Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America
VAT
 
Value-added tax
VLSI Research
 
An independent industry research firm that surveyed customers representing 95.0 percent of the world’s total semiconductor market
WACC
 
Weighted Average Cost of Capital
Wavelength
 
The frequency of light going through projection lenses; the shorter the wavelength, the smaller the line-width and the finer the pattern on the IC
Website
 
www.asml.com
Works Council
 
Works Council of ASML Netherlands B.V.
YieldStar
 
Advanced wafer metrology system
Zeiss
 
Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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ASML STATUTORY REPORT 2015    130