-- ASML Holding (ASML.AS) upgraded its full-year 2026 total net sales outlook following a strong first-quarter performance driven by heightened demand for artificial intelligence-related infrastructure.
The Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer said Wednesday it is targeting total net sales of between 36 billion euros and 40 billion euros, up from the previously guided range of 34 billion euros to 39 billion euros. Meanwhile, the company retained its gross margin guidance of between 51% and 53%.
For the second quarter, ASML anticipates total net sales of between 8.4 billion euros and 9 billion euros, with a projected gross margin of 51% to 52%.
"The semiconductor industry's growth outlook continues to solidify, driven by ongoing AI-related infrastructure investments. 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," President and Chief Executive Officer Christophe Fouquet said, adding that ASML's order intake continues to be very strong due to rising customer demand.
The upgraded outlook comes as ASML reported that US GAAP total net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2026, were 8.77 billion euros, against the 7.74 billion euros in the three months ended March 30, 2025. Net system sales contributed 6.28 billion euros to the total amount, while gross profit as a percentage of net sales stood at 53%, compared with the year-ago 54%.
Additionally, net income for the three-month period was 2.76 billion euros, against the 2.36 billion euros previously, and EPS moved to 7.15 euros from 6 euros.
In the first quarter, ASML reported that it repurchased 1.1 billion euros worth of shares, marking the start of its 12 billion-euro buyback program scheduled through 2028.
By Wednesday midday, the Amsterdam-listed stock declined almost 1%.