Dutch chipmaking equipment manufacturer ASML reported €4.96 billion in net profit in the third quarter, more than doubling its earnings from a year earlier, as demand for AI-related technology drives record sales.
ASML recorded net sales of €11.7 billion in the third quarter of 2026, marking a record for the Veldhoven-based company. Net income reached €4.96 billion, supported by rising investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Chief executive Christophe Fouquet said customers were raising their short- and medium-term equipment demand forecasts, driven primarily by expectations for the scale and duration of AI investment. Some customers are already discussing orders for 2029 and 2030, he added.
Capacity expansion under consideration
ASML is the world’s only supplier of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which are essential for manufacturing the most advanced semiconductor chips used in AI applications. Demand for its equipment is currently exceeding the company’s production capacity.
Fouquet said ASML’s existing supply plans for 2027 and 2028 would not be sufficient to meet customer demand. The company is therefore exploring ways to expand its capacity for 2028 beyond the previously announced 30% increase.
He also pointed to strengthening order-book momentum throughout the year, reflecting customers’ growing confidence in long-term AI investment.
2026 sales outlook strengthened
ASML expects net sales of between €14.2 billion and €15.2 billion in the fourth quarter. This would bring its full-year 2026 revenue to between €44 billion and €45 billion.
Be First to Comment