ASML announced that several of its customers are expressing interest in ordering critical semiconductor manufacturing equipment for 2029 and 2030, according to statements made on Wednesday. The Dutch company also reported third-quarter financial results that surpassed analyst expectations. Chief Executive Christophe Fouquet attributed the rising order interest to customer confidence in the scale and duration of artificial intelligence-related capital investments.
The company raised its full-year sales forecast for 2026, now expecting net sales between 44 billion euros and 45 billion euros, up from a previous lower end of 43 billion euros. For the fourth quarter, ASML projects net sales between 14.2 billion euros and 15.2 billion euros, with the upper end exceeding consensus estimates. ASML has updated its guidance three times this year, including a second upward revision in July. The company’s stock gained approximately 2% in early European trading and has climbed 56% through the year.
Fouquet noted that currently planned supply for 2027 and 2028 will not fully satisfy customer demand. The company is examining methods to expand capacity for 2028 beyond the 30% increase previously anticipated. ASML holds an effective monopoly on extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, essential equipment used by major chipmakers including TSMC to manufacture the world’s most advanced semiconductors.
During the quarter, both Samsung and TSMC committed to adopting ASML’s High NA EUV lithography machines, ASML’s next-generation offering that analysts consider pivotal for future growth. The company anticipates China will represent 20% of total business, maintaining a prior forecast. While ASML faces export restrictions on certain advanced tools to China, industry observers have raised questions about competitors’ ability to rapidly develop alternative technologies.
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