ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet Reports Strong Guidance Fueled by Massive Demand for AI Chips
ASML raised its full-year sales guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results, signaling sustained demand for advanced semiconductor chips driven by the artificial intelligence boom. The Dutch semiconductor-equipment maker expects full-year sales between 43 billion and 45 billion euros. During a statement, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet confirmed that order intake remained "extremely strong" in the first half of the year. This high demand is forcing customers, such as TSMC, to accelerate capacity expansion plans. The company is the world's sole producer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, making its technology critical to modern chip production. While the market recognizes the vital role of advanced chip fabrication, some analysts noted caution regarding valuation, given the high expectations priced into the stock. Despite this, the underlying industrial commitment to building out advanced chip infrastructure continues to support ASML’s outlook. The company noted that South Korea remains its largest market, contributing 43% of second-quarter sales.