ASML says AI demand means its 2027 and 2028 supply will fall short, after record €11.7 billion quarter
The chip-equipment maker raised its 2026 sales outlook to €44–45 billion and is looking at adding capacity beyond the 30% rise already planned. China’s share of its machine sales jumped to 23%.
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- Editor approvalMayank Sahu · 15 Oct, 12:24
- Published15 Oct, 12:24
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How this was made: researched, drafted and source-checked by AI (Claude, made by Anthropic), then published under the editor’s standing approval. A person did not read it line by line before it went live. AI policy
In short
ASML reported total net sales of €11.7 billion and net income of €5.0 billion for the third quarter of 2026 on 14 October. It expects 2026 sales of €44–45 billion and says its planned supply for 2027 and 2028 will not fully meet customer demand, driven mainly by AI investment.
The results
ASML, which makes the lithography machines used to produce advanced chips, reported third-quarter 2026 total net sales of €11.7 billion and net income of €5.0 billion on 14 October.1 Its gross margin was 57.5%.1 Investing.com reports sales were up from €9.33 billion and net income from €2.92 billion in the second quarter.3
ASML sold 113 new and 8 used lithography systems in the quarter.1
The outlook
For the fourth quarter, ASML expects total net sales of €14.2–15.2 billion and a gross margin of about 57%.1 For the full year 2026 it expects €44–45 billion and a gross margin of about 56%.1
Why AI matters here
ASML’s chief executive said customer demand is “driven primarily by their views on the size and duration of AI-related investments”.1 ASML says its planned supply for 2027 and 2028 will not fully meet demand, and that some customers want to order for 2029 and 2030.1
ASML plans to raise capacity for low-NA EUV and DUV immersion machines by 30% in 2027, and is “investigating ways to increase capacity for 2028 beyond the 30% increase”.13
China
The South China Morning Post reports that ASML’s sales to China rose 109% from the previous quarter, taking China to 23% of system sales, up from 14%.2 It reports ASML expects China to be about 20% of total sales this year, as the US presses the Netherlands to restrict more chipmaking machine exports.2
What is not known
ASML gave no financial guidance for 2027.1
Fact ledger
How labels workQuestions readers ask
What does ASML have to do with AI?
Its lithography machines are needed to make the advanced chips used in AI data centres. ASML says AI investment is the main driver of demand.
How much did ASML earn?
€5.0 billion net income on €11.7 billion sales in Q3 2026.
Will ASML make more machines?
It plans 30% more low-NA EUV and DUV immersion capacity in 2027 and is studying more for 2028.