ASML Sees Order Interest Through 2030, Profit Beats Expectations
Semiconductor equipment maker ASML reported third-quarter earnings that surpassed expectations and indicated customer interest in placing orders for its critical tools through 2030.
ASML, the sole global producer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, announced on Wednesday that customers are expressing interest in placing orders for its essential semiconductor manufacturing tools extending through 2029 and 2030. The company's third-quarter financial results exceeded analyst expectations, signaling robust demand for its advanced equipment.
CEO Christophe Fouquet stated in a press release that customers are consistently revising their short- and medium-term equipment demand forecasts upward. He cited the scale and duration of artificial intelligence (AI) related investments as the primary driver for this trend. Fouquet noted that some customers are actively signaling interest in securing orders for 2029 and even 2030.
ASML's machines, particularly its EUV lithography systems, are indispensable for producing the world's most advanced semiconductor chips. Manufacturers like TSMC rely on these tools to fabricate the chips required for AI applications and other high-performance computing needs. Investors closely monitor ASML's earnings reports for insights into the long-term demand outlook for AI-driven chip production.
The company projects that its current planned capacity for 2027 and 2028 will not fully satisfy the anticipated customer demand. ASML is exploring avenues to increase its production capacity for 2028 beyond the previously forecast 30% expansion. The company also raised its full-year sales forecast, now expecting net sales between 44 billion and 45 billion euros for the full year.