ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook after reporting first-quarter results that exceeded expectations, supported by strong demand for AI-related semiconductor equipment. Shares, however, declined more than 3% intraday Wednesday amid concerns over export restrictions to China.
The company now expects 2026 net sales between €36 billion and €40 billion, up from its previous forecast of €34 billion to €39 billion and broadly surrounding the €37.68 billion consensus estimate.
For the second quarter, ASML projected revenue in the range of €8.4 billion to €9.0 billion, with the midpoint of €8.7 billion below the €9.04 billion analyst estimate.
First-quarter net income came in at €2.76 billion, exceeding the €2.54 billion estimate. Total net sales reached €8.77 billion, ahead of the €8.5 billion consensus.
Gross margin improved to 53%, up from 52.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025, while basic earnings per share were €7.15. The company shipped 67 new lithography systems during the quarter, compared to 94 in the previous quarter.
Memory chip customers accounted for 51% of new system sales, up from 30% in the prior quarter, as companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix increased capacity to meet AI-driven demand.
Geographically, South Korea represented 45% of first-quarter sales, while Taiwan accounted for 23%.
