ASML Holding NV (ASML.US) released its third-quarter earnings report on October 15th Eastern Time, with Q3 orders exceeding analyst expectations as hundreds of billions of dollars in artificial intelligence infrastructure investments drive robust demand for chip manufacturing equipment.

The Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer stated in its announcement that quarterly orders reached 5.4 billion euros (approximately $6.3 billion). According to data compiled by Bloomberg, analysts had previously expected orders of 4.9 billion euros.

Data shows ASML's Q3 sales reached 7.5 billion euros, surpassing expectations. Net sales totaled 7.5 billion euros (approximately $8.71 billion), with a gross margin of 51.6% and net profit of 2.1 billion euros (approximately $2.44 billion).

ASML forecasts fourth-quarter 2025 sales to range between 9.2 billion euros ($10.69 billion) and 9.8 billion euros ($11.39 billion), with gross margins of 51% to 53%. For the full year, the company expects sales to grow approximately 15% compared to 2024, with gross margins approaching 52%.

ASML is the world's only company capable of producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which are essential equipment for manufacturing the most advanced artificial intelligence chips, and is currently benefiting from the industry investment boom. OpenAI, which has become the world's highest-valued startup with its AI models, has secured multiple data center and chip-related deals totaling well over $1 trillion.

"We see continued positive momentum in AI investments, and this momentum is extending to a broader customer base," CEO Christophe Fouquet stated in the announcement.

Some of ASML's major customers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM.US) and Samsung Electronics, have recently benefited from strong demand for AI chips.

ASML's stock has risen 25% year-to-date, making it Europe's most valuable company. The chip equipment manufacturer plans to capitalize on the AI boom opportunities in the coming years, targeting annual revenue growth from last year's 28.3 billion euros to as much as 60 billion euros by 2030.

The company is advancing a project that could double its workforce near its headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands.

As global trade tensions escalate, the strategic importance of ASML's equipment has drawn it into geopolitical disputes. Affected by U.S. efforts to curb China's chip industry, ASML faces restrictions when selling equipment to China, one of its largest markets. According to sources, ASML is also responding to rare earth restrictions implemented by China last week, preparing for potential limitations.