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Update: ASML Raises 2026 Sales Outlook on Strong First-half Results

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Update: ASML Raises 2026 Sales Outlook on Strong First-half Results

(Updates to add investment plans)

ASML (ASML.AS) rose over 3% in early morning trading on Wednesday after it increased its outlook for full-year 2026 on the back of strong financial results in the first half.

The semiconductor equipment manufacturer now expects total net sales for the year to be between 43 billion euros and 45 billion euros, compared with an earlier forecast of between 36 billion euros and 40 billion euros. For the third quarter, total net sales are anticipated in the range of 11 billion euros to 12 billion euros.

Chief Executive Officer Christophe Fouquet attributed the improved outlook to strong customer demand. "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."

"Our customers, in turn, continue to accelerate their capacity expansion plans. This is translating into customer commitments across our product portfolio, providing ASML with increased visibility into longer-term demand," Fouquet added.

For the six months ended June 28, the company reported EU IFRS net income of 5.24 billion euros, an increase from 5.03 billion euros in the prior-year period. Total net sales also jumped year over year to 18.09 billion euros from 15.43 billion euros, thanks primarily to a better-than-expected contribution from the installed base business.

Sales from the installed base management business reached 2.8 billion euros in the second quarter, beating company expectations by 300 million euros. For the third quarter, the business' contribution is expected to reach 2.9 billion euros.

Fouquet said ASML plans to add 30% to its 2026 low NA EUV capacity of 65 units for 2027 and is looking into a further 30% increase for 2028. The company intends to make similar moves for its DUV immersion capacity for the next two years.

Meanwhile, the company's directors declared an interim dividend of 1.88 euros per share for the six months, payable on Aug. 5. In the previous year, the group made interim dividend payments of 1.60 euros per share.

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