ASML raises 2026 sales outlook on soaring AI demand, plans capacity expansion

Investing.com– ASML (AS:ASML) raised its full-year 2026 sales forecast on Wednesday after reporting record third-quarter sales, as soaring artificial intelligence investments boosted demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The Dutch chip equipment maker now expects full-year net sales of 44 billion euros to 45 billion euros, up from its previous forecast of 43 billion euros to 45 billion euros. It expects a gross margin of around 56%.

Chief Executive Christophe Fouquet said customers continued to raise their short- and medium-term equipment demand forecasts, driven primarily by expectations for the scale and duration of AI-related investments.

Some customers have expressed interest in placing orders for 2029 and 2030, Fouquet said, adding that ASML’s current supply plans for 2027 and 2028 would not fully meet expected demand.

The company is investigating ways to expand its 2028 production capacity beyond a previously communicated plan for a 30% increase.

The world’s largest supplier of chipmaking equipment reported third-quarter net sales of 11.66 billion euros, up from 9.33 billion euros in the previous quarter. Net income rose to 4.96 billion euros from 2.92 billion euros, while its gross margin improved to 57.5% from 54%.

The company expects fourth-quarter net sales of 14.2 billion euros to 15.2 billion euros, with a gross margin of around 57%.