Chip tool giant ASML nudges up outlook as AI-driven demand outruns supply
ASML•ASML raised its 2026 sales forecast to €44 billion-€45 billion and said it cannot fully meet demand for its chipmaking tools in 2027 or 2028. It expects fourth-quarter sales of €14.2 billion-€15.2 billion and a gross margin of about 57%.
1. Demand exceeds capacity
ASML said AI-driven demand for its chip-printing tools is so strong that it will not fully meet customer demand in 2027 or 2028. CEO Christophe Fouquet said discussions with customers are shifting beyond 2027, with some seeking orders for 2029 and 2030.
2. Outlook and capacity plans
The company forecast fourth-quarter 2026 sales of €14.2 billion to €15.2 billion, above analyst expectations, and a gross margin of around 57%. It lifted its full-year sales forecast slightly to €44 billion-€45 billion. ASML plans to address shortages by upgrading existing tools and selling higher-throughput versions, alongside expanding its Eindhoven site.
3. Quarterly results
For the third quarter, ASML reported net profit of €4.96 billion on net sales of €11.7 billion. In July, the company said it would increase capacity by 30% in 2027 and again by 30% in 2028; Fouquet said those increases would not be enough.
