ASML Holding(US:ASML) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-28 08:11Core Insights - ASML reported record quarterly orders for its semiconductor manufacturing equipment, indicating strong customer spending to support the AI chip production despite market concerns about a potential bubble [1][6] - The company expects healthy sales growth for the year, with fourth-quarter new orders amounting to €13.16 billion (approximately $15.85 billion), significantly higher than €7.09 billion in the same period last year and exceeding analyst predictions of €6.95 billion [1][6] - ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography system orders reached €7.4 billion, far surpassing the forecast of €4.41 billion [1][6] Financial Performance - ASML's fourth-quarter sales were €9.72 billion, up from €9.26 billion year-on-year, and above analyst expectations, aligning with the upper end of the company's performance guidance [1][6] - The net profit increased from €2.69 billion to €2.84 billion, slightly below market expectations [2][7] - The gross profit was €5.07 billion, with a gross margin of 52.2%, exceeding market average expectations and within the company's performance guidance range [2][7] Future Outlook - For 2026, ASML anticipates sales between €34 billion and €39 billion, an increase from €32.67 billion in 2025, with a projected gross margin of 51% to 53% [1][6] - The company expects sales for the current fiscal quarter to be between €8.2 billion and €8.9 billion, with a gross margin in the range of 51% to 53% [8] Shareholder Returns - ASML announced a total dividend of €7.50 per share for 2025, representing a 17% increase year-on-year [2][7] - The company will initiate a share buyback program of up to €12 billion, set to be executed by December 31, 2028 [2][7]