ASML Q3 Profit Climbs; Backs FY17 Sales Growth View - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding NV (ASML) reported Wednesday that its third-quarter net income, on US GAAP basis, climbed to 557.1 million euros from last year's 395.9 million euros. Earnings per share grew to 1.29 euros from 0.93 euro a year ago.

Net sales were 2.45 billion euros, higher than prior year's 1.81 billion euros. Net system sales grew to 1.82 billion euros from 1.26 billion euros last year.

Gross margin was 42.9 percent.

ASML said its net sales exceed guidance, partially due to the revenue recognition of an additional EUV system, showing strong demand across the entire product portfolio.

Looking ahead, ASML expects fourth-quarter net sales of around 2.1 billion euros and a gross margin around 44 percent.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Wennink said, "With our fourth-quarter guidance, we are confirming our view that 2017 net sales will be at least 25 percent higher than 2016 net sales. Our current view is that the positive business environment that we are seeing today will continue in 2018, supported by our strong backlog of 5.7 billion euros, which is driven by all product categories."