ASML lifts 2026 sales forecast as AI demand pushes profits to €5 billion
ASML raised the lower end of its 2026 sales forecast to €44 billion, from €43 billion, after third-quarter net sales reached a record €11.7 billion and net income rose to €5.0 billion from €2.1 billion a year earlier. CEO Christophe Fouquet said customers’ equipment forecasts were increasing on expectations for AI investment, and some were interested in placing orders for 2029 and 2030.
Bottom line — ASML says planned supply for 2027 and 2028 will not meet customer demand, and it is exploring further capacity increases for 2028.
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ASML expects fourth-quarter sales of €14.2 billion to €15.2 billion and a gross margin around 57%, according to its results release.
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The company reported a third-quarter gross margin of 57.5%, above its guidance, citing strong demand for productivity upgrades.
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ASML is considering increasing 2028 capacity beyond the 30% increase it had previously communicated, the company said.
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Some customers are interested in placing equipment orders for 2029 and 2030, Fouquet said; interest is not the same as confirmed orders.
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ASML bought around €4.1 billion of its shares under its 2026–2028 buyback programme in the third quarter.
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The company plans to pay an interim dividend of €1.88 per ordinary share on 4 November 2026.