ASML Raises 2026 Outlook Again as AI Chip Demand Surges
The world’s leading chipmaking-equipment supplier now expects €43 billion–€45 billion in 2026 sales, driven by accelerating investment in AI chips and advanced semiconductor capacity.
ASML has raised its 2026 revenue outlook for the second time this year, highlighting the strength of demand for equipment used to manufacture advanced semiconductors. The Dutch company now expects full-year net sales of €43 billion to €45 billion, up from its previous range of €36 billion to €40 billion. ASML’s latest guidance reflects stronger-than-expected demand from chipmakers expanding capacity to support the rapidly growing artificial-intelligence industry.
The upgrade is closely connected to the massive expansion of AI infrastructure. Companies building advanced AI processors and memory chips are investing heavily in new manufacturing capacity, increasing demand for ASML’s sophisticated lithography systems. ASML says continued progress in AI technologies is driving demand for advanced logic and memory chips, while customers are accelerating their capacity-expansion plans.
ASML’s second-quarter performance also exceeded its own expectations. The company reported approximately €9.3 billion in Q2 net sales and €2.9 billion in net income, while gross margin reached 54%. For the third quarter, ASML expects sales between €11 billion and €12 billion, with a gross margin of 55% to 57%.
The company is also preparing to expand production capacity to meet future demand. ASML plans to increase its 2026 low-NA EUV capacity by about 30% for 2027, while investigating another 30% increase for 2028. Similar expansion plans are being considered for DUV immersion systems, demonstrating how strongly the company expects semiconductor demand to continue growing.
ASML’s stronger outlook underscores its central role in the global AI hardware supply chain. The company produces highly specialized lithography machines that chipmakers rely on to manufacture increasingly advanced processors. As AI companies continue building larger data centers and more powerful computing systems, demand for advanced chips is translating directly into greater demand for ASML’s equipment. The latest forecast therefore suggests that the AI infrastructure boom is continuing to create opportunities throughout the semiconductor supply chain.
