Strong demand for AI systems boosted the performance of Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML, prompting the company to raise its full-year outlook after reporting better-than-expected quarterly results on Wednesday.
ASML is a critical cog in the global economy and a key bellwether for the tech sector, as everything from smartphones to missiles relies on the semiconductors crafted with its tools.
The Veldhoven, Netherlands-based company said it expects 2026 total net sales to be between €43 billion and €45 billion, with a gross margin between 54% and 56%. It previously predicted annual net sales of between €36bn and €40bn, and a gross margin between 51% and 53%.
"Ongoing AI-related investments and continued progress in AI technologies are driving demand for advanced Logic and Memory chips, further strengthening the semiconductor industry's growth outlook," said ASML President and Chief Executive Officer Christophe Fouquet in a statement.
For the three months between April and June, ASML had total net sales of €9.3bn, better than expected. This compares with €7.7bn in the same three months of last year. The gross margin was 54%. Net profits were also better than expected for the second quarter, coming in at €2.9bn, compared with €2.3bn in the same period last year.
