When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Recently, Zacks.com users have been paying close attention to ASML (ASML). This makes it worthwhile to examine what the stock has in store.
The results from these two companies further underscore just how fierce the AI landscape remains, with each posting blockbuster numbers while also raising their sales outlooks.
ASML Holding N.V. remains a Strong Buy after a 77% rally, driven by robust Q2 results and a substantial 2026 guidance raise. Q2 revenue rose 21% to €9.3B, net income grew 26% to €2.9B, and gross margin expanded to 54%, with service upgrades fueling margin strength. Management raised 2026 revenue guidance by €6B to €43–45B, citing accelerating AI-driven demand for advanced logic and memory chips.
The global artificial intelligence boom has propelled ASML to the top of Europe's stock market, as soaring demand for AI computer chips flows to the Dutch company that dominates the market for the equipment needed to make them.
ASML raised its 2026 sales outlook for the second time this year, to a range of 43 billion to 45 billion euros. The company plans to expand capacity for its flagship machines by 30% in 2027 and is studying another 30% increase for 2028.
ASML delivered another beat-and-raise quarter, with Q2 revenue, EPS and gross margin all coming in above expectations. Advanced logic demand remains strong across 3 nm, 2 nm and early 1.4 nm investments, while memory system sales are set to benefit from major DRAM and HBM capacity additions. Installed Base Management, system mix, pricing and controlled operating expenses create several paths for further margin expansion.
ASML Holding N.V. delivered strong Q2 2026 results, raising full-year sales guidance to €43–45 billion and gross margin to 54–56%. Volume growth across advanced logic, DRAM, immersion systems, and installed-base upgrades underpins the upgraded outlook, with capacity expansions planned through 2028. EBITDA and free cash flow estimates for 2026–2028 were lifted by 24% and 28%, respectively, supporting a bullish price target of $2,259 (30% upside).
ASML Holding N.V. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited both raised 2026 revenue and capex outlooks, reflecting surging AI-driven demand for advanced semiconductor capacity. ASML's installed-base management revenue is growing over 30%, with memory-related system sales expected to rise more than 75% this year amid a 'perfect storm' in DRAM. TSMC's advanced node demand is robust, driving its 2026 revenue growth outlook above 40% and capex guidance to $60–64 billion, confirming ASML's expansion plans.
ASML Holding faces valuation pressure despite stable sales and net income growth, as forward risks remain unresolved. Sales to China have sharply declined from nearly half to under 20%, with future performance hinging on evolving US export restrictions. ASML's updated guidance targets €43–45 billion in sales and 54–56% gross margin, driven by EUV and DUV capacity expansions.
China will contribute around 20% of ASML's revenue across the whole of 2026, the company's CFO said. While that figure is a sizable drop from previous years, political headwinds in the U.S. are pushing for stricter export controls on sales of chipmaking hardware to Beijing.
ASML's strong Q2 growth, expanding margins and AI-driven demand support its outlook, but a premium valuation and muted estimates cloud its appeal.