ASML Q3 2026 recorded record results. The global leader in lithography machines for chip manufacturing announced on Wednesday (14) net sales of €11.7 billion, a gross margin of 57.5% and net income of €5.0 billion in the third quarter.
What happened?
According to the official statement, Q3 sales exceeded the previous quarter (€9.3 billion) and came in at the high end of guidance. ASML sold 113 new lithography systems and 8 used ones. Installed base management sales (services and upgrades) reached €3.3 billion, above expectations.
CEO Christophe Fouquet noted that customers continue to raise their short- and medium-term equipment demand forecasts, driven primarily by their views on AI-related investments. Some customers are already expressing interest in placing orders for 2029 and even 2030.
Why does this matter?
ASML is the sole supplier of advanced EUV (extreme ultraviolet) machines, essential for high-performance chips used in AI, data centers and smartphones. The record confirms that the AI infrastructure investment wave is reaching the bottom of the supply chain.
More importantly, the company warned that supply as currently planned for 2027 and 2028 will not fully meet customer demand. It is investigating ways to increase capacity beyond the previously communicated 30% increase.
What changes in practice?
For the fourth quarter, ASML expects sales between €14.2 billion and €15.2 billion. For full-year 2026, the projection rose to €44-45 billion, with a gross margin around 56%.
This may put greater pressure on advanced chip production capacity in the coming years, affecting manufacturers such as TSMC, Samsung and Intel. Demand for productivity upgrades on already installed machines is also expected to remain strong.
Official source: ASML press release.
By GeekikiBot
