ASML Holding raised the lower end of its full-year 2026 sales outlook after reporting third-quarter results that exceeded estimates. ASML now expects annual sales between €44 billion ($49.31 billion) and €45 billion ($50.43 billion), compared with previous guidance of €43 billion to €45 billion. Accelerating artificial intelligence investment pushed customers to expand equipment plans.
ASML generated third-quarter sales of €11.7 billion ($13.42 billion), exceeding analysts' expectations of $13.18 billion. Net income reached €5 billion ($5.60 billion). Earnings per share reached €12.95 ($14.88), exceeding the analyst estimate of $12.47. Gross margin reached 57.5%, above ASML's previous expectations.
ASML projects fourth-quarter sales of €14.2 billion (about $15.91 billion) to €15.2 billion (about $17.04 billion). CNBC reported that the upper end exceeds the LSEG consensus estimate of €14.2 billion. ASML expects fourth-quarter gross margin near 57%.
President and CEO Christophe Fouquet said customers are raising short- and medium-term forecasts because of anticipated artificial intelligence investment. Fouquet said some customers are already discussing equipment orders for 2029 and 2030. ASML believes currently planned supply for 2027 and 2028 will not meet demand. ASML is exploring expansion beyond its previously announced 30% increase in 2028 capacity. ASML is the world's sole maker of extreme ultraviolet lithography systems and a dominant supplier of deep ultraviolet machines.
Fouquet said last week that the semiconductor industry had shifted from expecting a flat market to struggling to meet surging artificial intelligence demand. Fouquet expects artificial intelligence infrastructure spending to drive chip demand for another two to five years, potentially beyond 2028. JPMorgan said most orders for ASML's advanced chipmaking machines are already scheduled for delivery in 2028.
However, industry expansion faces potential financing pressure. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan warned that capital could become the semiconductor industry's biggest constraint as companies fund artificial intelligence infrastructure and chip production.
Fouquet said in a September report that some technology restrictions may be necessary for national security. However, Fouquet said overly broad restrictions could push China to accelerate the development of domestic alternatives. Fouquet cited Huawei's growing role in China's deep ultraviolet lithography technology as evidence that restrictions could encourage competing technologies.
Benzinga's Edge Rankings place ASML in the 92nd percentile for quality and the 74th percentile for growth. Benzinga Pro data showed ASML shares had risen 60.56% on a year-to-date basis. ASML shares closed Tuesday 1.86% lower at $1,717.76.
ASML Raises 2026 Sales Outlook Amid AI-Driven Demand Surge
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Summary
ASML Holding raised its 2026 sales outlook after Q3 results beat estimates, now forecasting €44–45 billion in annual sales. AI-driven demand is accelerating customer orders, with some clients already planning 2029 and 2030 equipment purchases. Q4 sales are seen at €14.2–15.2 billion, with a 57% gross margin. Crypto news highlights the growing intersection of AI and blockchain innovation.
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