ASML raises 2026 guidance as AI chip demand stays strong
ASML raised its gross sales forecast for 2026 after it beat first-quarter income and revenue expectations, pushed by continued demand for chips associated to AI.
Here’s how ASML did versus LSEG consensus estimates for the primary quarter:
- Net gross sales: 8.8 billion euros ($10.4 billion) versus 8.5 billion euros anticipated
- Net revenue: 2.8 billion euros versus 2.5 billion euros anticipated
ASML previously forecast that its first-quarter gross sales could be between 8.2 billion euros and eight.9 billion euros.
The Dutch agency stated it now sees 2026 web gross sales to be between 36 billion euros and 40 billion euros, in comparison with a earlier forecast of 34 billion euros to 39 billion euros.
“The semiconductor industry’s growth outlook continues to solidify, driven by ongoing AI-related infrastructure investments,” ASML CEO Christophe Fouque stated in a press launch.
“Demand for chips is outpacing supply. In response, our customers are accelerating their capacity expansion plans for 2026 and beyond, supported by long-term agreements with their customers.”
The Dutch agency is commonly seen as a bellwether for chip demand as it makes the instruments required to fabricate essentially the most superior semiconductors.
One of its high clients, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), final week reported record first-quarter revenue as demand for AI chips continues to stay strong.
There is a continued scarcity of reminiscence chips which has pushed costs of that part to unprecedented highs. Memory is vital to AI programs and information facilities. As a end result, South Korean companies Samsung and SK Hynix are planning to ramp up manufacturing capability, which would require ASML equipment.
ASML stated 51% of web gross sales of its new instruments within the first quarter went towards reminiscence, versus 30% within the earlier quarter. Customers in South Korea accounted for 45% of gross sales, whereas these in Taiwan represented 23%.
However, ASML is going through its personal challenges, together with headwinds in China, the place it isn’t in a position to ship its most superior machines due to export restrictions. Earlier this month, a bunch of bipartisan US legislators introduced a law that may even ban ASML’s less-advanced machines for export to China. That legislation nonetheless must work its approach by the US legislative course of.
System gross sales to China fell to 19% of general gross sales within the first quarter, in comparison with 36% within the December quarter.
