AI demand remains strong, ASML expects an average sales growth rate of 8%-14% over the next five years
ASML reiterated its long-term growth outlook, announcing that it will maintain its target of achieving sales of €44 billion to €60 billion by 2030, and committed to increasing dividends and share buybacks
On Thursday, Dutch company ASML reiterated its long-term growth prospects at its Investor Day, expecting global semiconductor sales to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of about 9% from 2025 to 2030.
At the same time, ASML has set its own targets: to maintain its sales target of €44 billion to €60 billion by 2030, with a gross margin of about 56% to 60%. It expects an average sales growth rate of 8% to 14% over the next five years and has committed to increasing dividends and share buybacks.
Benefiting from the booming development of artificial intelligence, the market has increased strong demand for the company's most advanced lithography machines.
As the world's only lithography machine manufacturer, ASML occupies an important position in the semiconductor supply chain. The lithography machines it produces are essential tools for manufacturing advanced chips, supporting AI accelerators for companies like Apple and NVIDIA.
Therefore, ASML's performance is often seen as a barometer for the entire semiconductor industry, and its long-term growth prospects reflect the growing global demand for advanced chips.
ASML's Chief Financial Officer Roger Dassen stated in a statement:
“We have confirmed our capital allocation strategy and expect to continue returning significant cash to shareholders through a combination of increased dividends and share buybacks.”
In October of this year, ASML reported a disastrous third-quarter performance, with orders only half of market expectations, leading to a 17% drop in stock price on that day. So far this year, the company's stock price has fallen over 5%.
The third-quarter financial report showed that sales in China were €2.79 billion, accounting for nearly half of ASML's total sales. The company expects that next year, sales in China will account for about 20% of total revenue.
Company CEO Christophe Fouquet stated in October that the slow recovery of the chip market is expected to continue "until 2025." However, the years 2025 and 2026 will be "overall growth years" for the industry and ASML