Key takeaways
- ASML reported a strong Q3 2026, with €11.66 billion in revenue and €4.96 billion in net income
- The company raised its full-year 2026 outlook again, now forecasting revenue of €44 billion to €45 billion
- ASML stock had a relatively muted initial reaction to the earnings despite the strong results
ASML reported a sharp jump in third-quarter revenue and profit on Wednesday, thanks to the booming demand for artificial intelligence chips that fueled spending on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
The Dutch chip-equipment giant posted Q3 2026 net sales of €11.66 billion, up from €9.33 billion in the previous quarter and €7.52 billion a year earlier. Net income surged to €4.96 billion from €2.13 billion in Q3 of 2025.
(Source: ASML)
Basic earnings per share reached €12.95, compared with €5.49 a year earlier, while ASML's gross margin climbed to 57.5%. The margin also topped the company's previous Q3 guidance range of 55% to 57%.
ASML Raises 2026 Outlook Again
The strong quarter prompted ASML to increase its full-year outlook for the third time this year. ASML now expects 2026 net sales of between €44 billion and €45 billion, narrowing and lifting the lower end of its previous €43 billion to €45 billion forecast. The company expects a full-year gross margin of around 56%.
For the fourth quarter, ASML forecast sales of €14.2 billion to €15.2 billion and a gross margin of approximately 57%.
The results sheds some light on just how ASML is benefiting from huge investments in AI infrastructure. Chipmakers are expanding production of advanced logic and memory chips, which increases demand for the company's lithography equipment.
ASML sold 113 new lithography systems during the third quarter, up from 86 in Q2. Installed Base Management sales also increased to €3.29 billion from €2.76 billion.
How Did ASML Stock React to Earnings?
The initial market reaction was relatively subdued despite the strong numbers. ASML's Amsterdam-listed shares were trading around €1,512.50 in early premarket trading. The stock fell 4.2% during Tuesday's session ahead of the earnings release.
ASML's US-listed shares closed Tuesday at $1,717.76 before the Q3 results were released.
The muted initial reaction suggests investors may have already priced in exceptionally strong growth. ASML shares have risen impressively in 2026 after investors bet that AI-related semiconductor spending will translate into years of demand for its advanced chipmaking machines.
