The Dutch company ASML Holding NV, the world’s leading manufacturer of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, more than doubled its net profit in the third quarter of 2026, exceeding analysts’ forecasts; however, its revenue fell short of market expectations.
At the same time, the company has raised its revenue forecast for this year for the third time, due to strong demand for its products.
According to an ASML press release, net profit for the past quarter stood at EUR4.96 billion, compared with EUR2.12 billion for the same period the previous year. Revenue rose 1.6-fold to EUR11.66 billion from EUR7.52 billion a year earlier.
The consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha had predicted that ASML’s net profit would be EUR4.17 billion, with revenue of EUR11.71 billion.
Gross profit – a key indicator for companies in the semiconductor sector – rose 1.7-fold to EUR6.7 billion (forecast: EUR6.56 billion). The gross margin rose to 57.5 per cent from 51.6 per cent. ASML itself had expected this figure to be between 55 and 57 per cent.
From this year onwards, the company’s financial statements no longer include data on new orders. Last year, ASML warned that it would cease publishing this figure, which is characterised by high volatility.
The surge in demand for chips, fuelled by the rapid expansion of data centres worldwide, is driving the rapid growth of ASML’s business.
According to the company’s new forecast, its revenue this year will amount to EUR44–45 billion, with a gross margin of around 56 per cent. Previously, these figures were expected to be EUR43–45 billion and 54–56 per cent.
In the fourth quarter, the company expects to generate revenue of EUR14.2–15.2 billion and anticipates a gross margin of approximately 57 per cent.
In the third quarter, ASML bought back its own shares worth EUR4.1 billion; on 4 November, it will pay an interim dividend of EUR1.88 per share.
The company’s market capitalisation has increased 1.7-fold since the start of the year and stands at EUR576.6 billion. ASML is Europe’s largest company by market capitalisation.