ASML Shatters Q2 Predictions, Elevates 2026 Forecast Amidst AI Chip Boom
Dutch semiconductor equipment leader ASML delivered a powerful earnings beat on Wednesday, July 15, raising its full-year 2026 revenue outlook for the second time this year as relentless AI-driven chip demand continues to fuel record orders. The company reported Q2 net sales of €9.33 billion — well above analyst estimates of €8.80 billion — and net income of €2.92 billion, surpassing expectations of €2.62 billion.
ASML now expects full-year 2026 net revenue of €43 billion to €45 billion ($49–$51 billion), a significant 16% increase at the midpoint from its prior forecast range of €36–€40 billion. CEO Christophe Fouquet described order intake as “extremely strong” in the first half of the year, with customers accelerating their capacity expansion plans. To keep pace, ASML plans to expand production capacity by 30% in each of the next two years for both its flagship EUV and DUV tools.
ASML is the world’s sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which are critical to producing the most advanced AI semiconductors. Its customers include:
- TSMC
- Samsung
- SK Hynix
- Micron
- Intel
Amsterdam-listed shares rose nearly 4% on the results, and are up 75% year-to-date.
Source: CNBC – ASML hikes sales forecast for second time this year on strong AI chip demand