ASML has lifted its 2026 sales forecast after reporting first-quarter results that came in ahead of expectations, signaling that demand tied to artificial intelligence remains strong across the semiconductor industry. The Dutch chip-equipment maker said it now expects 2026 net sales of between 36 billion and 40 billion euros, up from its earlier guidance of 34 billion to 39 billion euros.
For the first quarter, ASML posted net sales of about 8.8 billion euros and net profit of roughly 2.8 billion euros, both above market estimates. Chief executive Christophe Fouquet said the outlook for the chip sector continues to improve as investment in AI infrastructure expands and customer demand keeps running ahead of supply.
The company’s update is being closely watched because ASML sits at the center of the global semiconductor supply chain. Its lithography machines are essential for manufacturing advanced chips, making its results a key indicator of how aggressively companies such as TSMC, Samsung, and others are expanding capacity to meet AI-related demand. Reuters reported that customers are accelerating production plans for 2026 and beyond, supported by long-term commitments from their own buyers.
ASML also gave investors a longer-range signal, saying it could deliver as many as 80 low-NA EUV machines in 2027 if demand remains strong enough. At the same time, the company is managing headwinds tied to China, where export controls continue to limit access to its most advanced tools. Sales exposure to China fell in the first quarter, and the company has warned that further U.S. restrictions remain a risk.
Although ASML no longer reports quarterly order intake, management said demand remains very strong. That shift may leave some investors with fewer near-term data points, but the raised guidance and earnings beat sent a clear message: the AI buildout is still driving capital spending, and ASML expects to remain one of its main beneficiaries.
