ASML lifts 2026 forecast as surging AI chip demand boosts new orders

ASML lifts 2026 forecast as surging AI chip demand boosts new orders

• ASML lifts 2026 revenue outlook to 36 billion-40 billion euros
• Chipmaking tool maker cites AI-driven demand
• CEO Christophe Fouquet says chip demand outpaces supply
• ASML to ship 60 low NA EUV tools in 2026, 25% more than 2025, CFO says
• New China export restrictions a potential negative, CFO says

AMSTERDAM, April 15 (Reuters) – ASML (ASML.AS), the world’s largest supplier of chipmaking tools, on Wednesday reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings and lifted its 2026 revenue outlook as artificial intelligence boosts demand for its equipment.

The stronger forecast underscores the rapid expansion of the global market for AI and a resulting data-centre boom that is straining supply chains and turbocharging chipmaker ​valuations.

CEO Christophe Fouquet said in a statement, flagging an influx of new orders to ASML in ​the past quarter,

Demand for chips is outpacing supply

“Our customers are accelerating their capacity expansion plans for 2026 and beyond.”

ASML LIFTS REVENUE FORECAST

The Veldhoven, ⁠Netherlands-based firm, Europe’s most valuable by market capitalisation, said 2026 revenue will now be between 36 billion and 40 billion euros ($42 billion-$47 billion), up ​from a previous forecast of 34 billion to 39 billion euros.

Analysts had forecast the figure at 37.7 billion euros, LSEG data show. Shares rose ​1.2% in early trading in Amsterdam, briefly touching a new record high above 1,300 euros ($1,532).

Investors say they view ASML as a “picks-and-shovels” play on AI, as it supplies key equipment to chipmakers such as TSMC (2330.TW), which in turn produces processors for Nvidia (NVDA.O),, and Apple (AAPL.O).

Other top ASML customers include memory chip makers Samsung (005930.KS), opens new tab and SK Hynix(000660.KS), of South Korea, ​and Micron (MU.O, and Intel (INTC.O), of the U.S.

ASML’s shares have risen 40% so far this year amid the rapid construction of data centres and a ​shortage of memory chips, both of which contribute to demand for ASML products.

However, there are physical limits to how quickly new chip plants can be built, ‌and analysts ⁠see ASML’s valuation as already high.

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ASML lifts 2026 forecast as surging AI chip demand boosts new orders, source