ASML bookings hit record €13.2B with 2026 sales target up to €39B

ASML raised its 2026 net sales forecast to €34–€39 billion, compared with €32.7 billion in 2025, pointing to stronger demand for extreme ultraviolet lithography systems used to make advanced chips for artificial intelligence. The Netherlands-based group reported fourth-quarter net bookings of €13.2 billion on Wednesday, above market estimates of €6.9 billion.

The company expects EUV system shipments to climb in 2026 as chipmakers add capacity for processors and memory used in AI data centers. Management pointed to the late-year order jump as support for the outlook.

Chief executive Christophe Fouquet described customers as having “a strong belief that the AI demand is real” and preparing “a major addition of capacity” in the near term. “This will start in 2026 and will last beyond that,” he added, citing a “huge appetite” for new tools.

ASML’s equipment is used to produce logic chips such as Nvidia graphics processors at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., and memory chips at Micron, SK Hynix and Samsung. The guidance implies up to 19% revenue growth in 2026, compared with market expectations of roughly 8% to about €35.3 billion.

Large customers have outlined expansion plans. TSMC plans to increase investment over the next three years. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang recently called the AI build-out “the largest infrastructure build-out in human history,” estimating that “trillions of dollars of infrastructure” are still needed.

ASML plans internal changes to support growth, including streamlining its technology and IT organizations to sharpen its focus on engineering and innovation. The board approved a 17% dividend increase and authorized a new €12 billion share repurchase program.

The company expects lower revenue from China due to export restrictions. Sales from China are projected to fall from nearly half of total revenue in 2025 to around 20% this year, reflecting limits by U.S. and Dutch authorities on shipments of its most advanced tools.

ASML shares are up more than 20% this year. EUV systems, used to etch the smallest features on advanced chips, remain in demand as semiconductor makers expand capacity for AI workloads.