The expansion of the AI chip is still advancing, and the lead for the semiconductor equipment continues to be projected upwards throughout the year. ASML indicated on 15 July that, as clients expanded their AI chip capacity, the company ' s second upward sales and profit-rate guidelines during the year showed that demand for high-end equipment remained strong.
The year-round sales guidelines rose to 43 billion to 45 billion euros.
ASML's latest forecast is that sales will reach 43 billion to 45 billion euros throughout 2026, with a Maori rate of 54 to 56 per cent. In contrast, the company's previous sales were expected to be between 36 billion and 40 billion euros, with a Māori rate of 51 to 53 per cent.
This is also an increase in the year-round outlook after the last quarter. Prior to that, the firm had revised its performance expectations upwards due to the continued strong demand for high-end EUVs.
EUV equipment remains the key to AI chip manufacturing
ASML is a small global manufacturer of advanced optical equipment, of which EUV optical carvings are used to make state-of-the-art chips and are important for current AI chip production. As chip manufacturers continue to expand their capacity, the demand for such equipment remains high.
This increase in the company ' s guidance reflects the continued investment of clients in advanced programming and the AI chip production line. The focus of market attention has also shifted from short-term order volatility to the sustainability of the second half of the year.
The build-up programme provides side support.
As disclosed earlier this week by one of the main clients of ASML, sales increased by 68 per cent in June, indicating that the demand for AI chips continued to drive upstream orders. Reuters had also previously reported that two new advanced chip containment plants were planned for the Kaiye Science Park in Taiwan.
In a report from July 10th, the Swiss Bank analyst indicated that the roll-on project and the AI-led demand for advanced chips are expected to help ASML achieve stronger performance in the second half of the year.
However, the market is not without concern. Recently, the semiconductor plate was under pressure, and some investors began to question the long-term sustainability of AI-related large capital expenditures. At the same time, ASML also faces external pressures for tighter export restrictions on advanced chip equipment.