ASML, a crucial supplier for chipmakers, reported record fourth-quarter bookings of 13.2 billion euros, significantly exceeding expectations. This surge is primarily driven by robust demand for AI-related chips, with 7.4 billion euros coming from its advanced EUV systems. The company has raised its 2026 sales outlook to between 34 billion and 39 billion euros, reflecting customer confidence in sustainable AI demand. ASML also announced a new 12 billion euro share buyback program but plans to reduce its workforce by about 1,700 positions, mainly in the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, SoftBank Group Corp is reportedly discussing a substantial investment of up to 30 billion dollars in OpenAI, as part of a larger funding round aiming for 100 billion dollars. This potential deal would value OpenAI at approximately 830 billion dollars. OpenAI, known for its ChatGPT chatbot, intends to use these funds to build a global chip venture, positioning itself to compete with established players like Nvidia and Intel in chip development. Both SoftBank and OpenAI are also involved in the 500 billion dollar Stargate project for AI data centers.
Meta Platforms is also making massive AI investments, planning to spend between 115 billion and 135 billion dollars on capital expenditures in 2026, nearly doubling last year's 72 billion dollars. Most of this capital will fund AI computing facilities and research to develop advanced AI models, which are already improving ad targeting and user recommendations. In cybersecurity, Zscaler launched its AI Security Suite and released a report highlighting critical vulnerabilities in all tested enterprise AI systems, aiming to help organizations secure their AI models.
In other AI developments, Defined.ai saw 65 percent year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, driven by demand for ethical AI training data, and its marketplace experienced a 1,200 percent increase in partner data. Norway's 21 trillion kroner oil fund plans to integrate AI to boost trading efficiency and automate fixed-income trading. For investors seeking AI exposure, the Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF offers a diversified option, including top companies like Alphabet (Google), Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta Platforms. Apple also presents a stable investment in voice AI, utilizing Siri's local processing with Neural Engine chips for enhanced privacy and reduced cloud costs.
Key Takeaways
- ASML reported record fourth-quarter bookings of 13.2 billion euros, driven by strong AI chip demand.
- ASML forecasts 2026 net sales between 34 billion and 39 billion euros, raising its previous outlook.
- SoftBank is considering investing up to 30 billion dollars in OpenAI, potentially valuing the company at 830 billion dollars.
- OpenAI plans to raise 100 billion dollars for a global chip venture, aiming to compete with Nvidia and Intel.
- Meta Platforms plans to spend 115 billion to 135 billion dollars on AI infrastructure in 2026.
- Zscaler launched an AI Security Suite after its ThreatLabz report found critical vulnerabilities in enterprise AI systems.
- Defined.ai achieved 65 percent revenue growth in 2025 due to high demand for ethical AI training data.
- Norway's 21 trillion kroner oil fund plans to use AI to increase trading efficiency and automate algorithms.
- Apple's Siri processes voice commands locally using Neural Engine chips, enhancing privacy and reducing cloud costs.
- The Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF provides diversified exposure to AI stocks, including Alphabet, Nvidia, and Meta.
ASML sees record orders driven by AI chip demand
ASML's fourth-quarter bookings reached 13.2 billion euros, much higher than expected. This surge comes from chipmakers ordering more equipment due to strong AI-related demand. CEO Christophe Fouquet noted customers are more positive about the medium-term market. ASML also raised its 2026 sales outlook to 34 to 39 billion euros. However, the company will lay off 1,700 employees, mainly in the Netherlands and US.
ASML forecasts strong 2026 sales from AI chip boom
ASML reported record fourth-quarter bookings of 13.2 billion euros, driven by high demand for AI chips. The company expects 2026 net sales to be between 34 billion and 39 billion euros, higher than previous forecasts. CEO Christophe Fouquet stated that customers are more positive about the market due to sustainable AI demand. ASML also announced a new 12 billion euro share buyback program and a 17 percent increase in its 2025 dividend.
ASML predicts huge sales due to AI boom
ASML, Europe's largest company by market value, expects a significant increase in sales this year. This growth is driven by the soaring demand for artificial intelligence chips. CEO Peter Wennink noted a big rise in orders during the fourth quarter of last year. ASML plans to ship over 100 EUV machines in 2024, which are crucial for making advanced semiconductors. The company's shares rose 3.5 percent, reaching a record high.
ASML posts record orders and positive 2026 forecast
Chip giant ASML reported record bookings of 13.2 billion euros in the fourth quarter of 2025, largely due to the AI boom. The company expects 2026 total sales to reach between 34 billion and 39 billion euros. ASML also announced a 12 billion euro share buyback plan to be completed by the end of 2028. However, ASML will reduce its workforce by about 1,700 positions, mainly in the Netherlands. The company anticipates a significant increase in revenue from its advanced EUV machines in 2026.
ASML Q4 results boosted by strong AI demand
ASML reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results with bookings reaching 13.2 billion euros, more than double the previous quarter. This surge was mainly driven by high demand for AI-related chips, with 7.4 billion euros coming from EUV systems. CEO Christophe Fouquet noted that customers are more confident in the long-term outlook for AI. ASML raised its 2026 sales forecast to between 34 billion and 39 billion euros. The company expects first-quarter 2026 net sales to be between 8.2 billion and 8.9 billion euros.
ASML sees record orders as AI spending grows
ASML reported record fourth-quarter bookings of 13.2 billion euros, exceeding analyst expectations. This strong demand comes from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure. CEO Christophe Fouquet stated that customers now believe AI demand is sustainable and are aggressively building capacity. ASML also announced a new 12 billion euro share buyback program worth up to 12 billion euros. The company's shares rose 6 percent, reaching 1,291.20 euros in Amsterdam.
SoftBank may invest $30 billion more in OpenAI
SoftBank Group Corp is reportedly discussing investing up to an additional 30 billion dollars in OpenAI. This potential investment would be part of a larger funding round that could raise up to 100 billion dollars for OpenAI. The deal would value OpenAI at about 830 billion dollars. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son aims to improve his company's position in the artificial intelligence race. Both SoftBank and OpenAI are also investing in Stargate, a 500 billion dollar project to build AI data centers.
SoftBank considers huge investment in OpenAI
SoftBank Group Corp is in talks to invest up to 30 billion dollars more in OpenAI. This artificial intelligence startup aims to raise as much as 100 billion dollars to build a global chip venture. The potential investment would be the largest single investment in an AI company so far. OpenAI, known for its ChatGPT chatbot, plans to compete with companies like Nvidia and Intel in chip development. This move highlights the growing interest and significant opportunities in the AI sector.
Zscaler stock jumps after launching AI security tools
Zscaler's stock rose 6.5 percent after the company launched its new AI Security Suite and released the ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security Report. The suite offers tools to help businesses manage and protect their growing use of AI applications and models. The report revealed that all tested enterprise AI systems had critical vulnerabilities, which could be exploited quickly. These announcements boosted investor confidence in Zscaler's leadership in cloud security.
Zscaler launches AI security tools amid rising risks
Zscaler launched its AI Security Suite and released the ThreatLabz 2026 AI Threat Report, focusing on risks from enterprise AI adoption. The report found critical vulnerabilities in all tested enterprise AI systems, showing that many could be compromised very quickly. Zscaler's new suite aims to help organizations secure their AI models and tools, especially in sensitive workflows. This move connects Zscaler to the growing corporate interest in securing AI as part of digital transformation.
Defined.ai sees 65% revenue growth from AI data demand
Defined.ai reported strong financial performance in 2025 with 65 percent year-over-year revenue growth. The company, which provides ethical AI training data, also achieved a 143 percent Net Revenue Retention rate. CEO Daniela Braga noted that businesses are increasingly choosing compliant and high-quality data. Defined.ai's marketplace saw a 1,200 percent increase in partner data, showing its role as a core data infrastructure for Generative AI. The company also expanded its leadership team to support future growth.
Norway's oil fund focuses on AI and efficiency
Norges Bank Investment Management, Norway's 21 trillion kroner oil fund, announced a three-year plan focusing on performance, technology, and talent. CEO Nicolai Tangen aims for the fund to be the best and most respected globally. Key priorities include boosting trading efficiency, increasing securities lending, and improving real estate returns. The fund plans to use new technologies and AI to increase automated trading algorithms and strengthen active security selection. It will also automate fixed-income trading and invest in emerging market debt.
Apple offers safer voice AI investment than SoundHound
The article suggests Apple is a safer investment for voice AI than SoundHound AI. SoundHound AI, a developer of audio and speech recognition tools, has grown rapidly, serving companies like Stellantis and Chipotle. However, its business model is not yet proven sustainable. Apple, while known for hardware, uses Siri as a voice-activated gatekeeper to its services ecosystem. Siri processes commands locally using Apple's Neural Engine chips, ensuring privacy and reducing cloud costs. Apple's established ecosystem and consistent growth make it a more stable choice for profiting from voice AI.
Meta plans huge $115 billion AI spending in 2026
Meta announced plans to spend between 115 billion and 135 billion dollars on capital expenditures in 2026. This amount is nearly double the 72 billion dollars spent last year. Most of this investment will go towards building AI computing facilities and hiring researchers to develop advanced AI models. Meta's fourth-quarter revenue grew 24 percent to 59.89 billion dollars, with profit reaching 22.76 billion dollars. CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted that AI investments are already improving ad targeting and user recommendations.
Meta's AI spending takes center stage for Q4 results
Meta Platforms' fourth-quarter results are highly anticipated, with investors focusing on the company's ambitious AI infrastructure spending plans. Analysts from Bank of America expect Meta's capital expenditure for 2026 to be between 109 billion and 114 billion dollars, exceeding Wall Street's consensus. This spending is seen as crucial for the company's future growth in artificial intelligence. Meta will report its earnings after the market closes.
Roundhill ETF offers easy way to buy top AI stocks
The Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF provides a simple way for investors to gain exposure to the AI industry. This exchange-traded fund invests in a range of AI stocks, including top companies like Alphabet, Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta Platforms. A single share costs under 70 dollars, making it accessible for many investors. The ETF is actively managed and outperformed the S&P 500 last year. It is ideal for diversified portfolios seeking AI exposure without picking individual stocks.
Sources
- ASML Q4 bookings beat expectations as chipmakers order more to satisfy AI demand
- ASML forecasts up to 19% sales growth in 2026 on AI chip boom By Investing.com
- ASML forecasts bumper sales on back of AI boom
- Chip giant ASML posts record orders and upbeat 2026 guidance as AI boom continues
- ASML Earnings: Strong Bookings and AI Demand Drive Q4 Results, Lifts 2026 Sales Forecast
- ASML’s Record Orders Beat Estimates as AI Spending Spurs Demand
- SoftBank in talks to invest up to $30 billion more in OpenAI, WSJ reports
- Exclusive | SoftBank in Talks to Invest Up to $30 Billion More in OpenAI
- Zscaler (ZS) Is Up 6.5% After Unveiling Its AI Security Suite And 2026 Threat Report
- Zscaler AI Security Push Highlights Enterprise Risks And Potential Valuation Upside
- Defined.ai Reports 65% Revenue Growth as Global Demand for AI Training Data Accelerates
- NBIM prioritises trading efficiency, AI and culture in three year plan
- Forget SoundHound AI: This Walled‑Garden Superpower Is the Safer, Smarter Way to Profit From Voice AI
- Meta Forecasts Spending of at Least $115 Billion This Year
- Meta earnings updates: AI capex in focus ahead of Q4 results
- 1 No-Brainer Artificial Intelligence (AI) ETF to Confidently Buy With $70 in 2026
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.