The demand for artificial intelligence chips drives ASML's second-quarter performance beyond expectations. The company has once again raised its performance guidance due to sustained strong demand.

ASML, the world's largest computer chip manufacturing equipment supplier, announced its second-quarter revenue and profit data on Wednesday, which outperformed expectations, thanks to the demand from artificial intelligence chip manufacturers. For the three months ending on June 30, the company's revenue was 9.33 billion euros, exceeding analysts' expectations of 8.8 billion euros based on LSEG median estimates. According to LSEG data, net profit was 2.92 billion euros, higher than the expected 2.62 billion euros. "Our customers continue to accelerate capacity expansion plans, allowing ASML to better anticipate long-term demand," said CEO Christophe Fouquet in a statement. The Dutch company is the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet lithography technology, essential for manufacturing cutting-edge chips. Customers including TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are ramping up production to meet the demand for artificial intelligence-related needs. In addition, ASML's CEO Christophe Fouquet announced that Intel will use ASML's new high numerical aperture equipment to produce some of its most advanced "Panther Lake" chips, marking the first application of this technology. ASML raised its annual performance expectations for the second time this year, indicating that as the competition to build artificial intelligence infrastructure turns chips into hot commodities, companies are scrambling to purchase their semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The Dutch group said it expects annual sales to be between 43 and 45 billion euros, up from the previous forecast of 36 to 40 billion euros. At the same time, its gross margin - a key indicator of pricing and profitability - is expected to increase from 51-53% to 54-56%. The CEO stated, "Continued investment in artificial intelligence and advancements in AI technology are driving demand for advanced logic chips and storage chips, further strengthening the growth prospects of the semiconductor industry."