Is the AI Boom Slowing Down? ASML Long-Term Orders Point to Growth
ASML reported strong third-quarter sales of EUR 11.7 billion and raised its full-year revenue outlook to EUR 44-45 billion, fueled by sustained AI chip demand. The Dutch semiconductor giant revealed customers are already placing equipment orders for 2029 and 2030, easing fears of an AI investment slowdown.
Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML has reported that international chipmakers are already seeking to place orders for its advanced lithography machines stretching into 2029 and 2030. The sustained long-term demand eases lingering market anxieties that capital expenditure toward artificial intelligence infrastructure might be nearing an immediate peak.
The strong multi-year commitment signals that major semiconductor foundries expect high-end chip demand to persist well into the next decade. As per a report by Reuters, the positive long-term outlook from Europe's largest technology firm by market valuation underscores continued capacity expansion across major global chip manufacturers. Kroger Layoffs: Retail Giant To Cut 3,000 Corporate Jobs in Massive 3-Year Overhaul.
Upgraded Sales Forecast and Financial Performance
ASML delivered strong financial metrics for its third quarter, posting a net profit of EUR 4.96 billion on net sales of EUR 11.7 billion. Looking ahead, the company forecasts fourth-quarter sales to reach between EUR 14.2 billion and EUR 15.2 billion (approximately USD 15.9 billion to USD 17 billion).
On the back of robust demand, ASML raised its full-year sales outlook to a range of EUR 44 billion to EUR 45 billion, up from its previous minimum projection of EUR 43 billion. Shares in the company rose 2% following the announcement, extending its year-to-date gains to nearly 70% as investors reacted positively to the upgraded projections.
Capacity Expansion and Pricing Strategy
To meet soaring customer demand, ASML is accelerating its global manufacturing scale. While the company previously planned to increase output capacity by 30% in 2027 and another 30% in 2028, Chief Executive Officer Christophe Fouquet stated that these measures would be insufficient, prompting the firm to explore additional expansion avenues before its new site in Eindhoven opens in 2029. Amazon Layoffs: Retail and Stores Division Cuts Under 1,000 Roles Across US, UK, and India.
Key customers driving the expansion include TSMC, Samsung, Intel, SK Hynix, Micron, and Elon Musk's TeraFab venture. To manage supply shortages and fund infrastructure buildouts, ASML confirmed plans to upgrade existing toolsets and implement price increases starting in 2027, with the full financial impact expected by 2028.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2026 08:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).