ASML’s strong Q2 lifts expectations ahead of TSMC earnings Thursday

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ↘ 3.34% is set to report its second-quarter 2026 results on Thursday, July 16, with analysts expecting a fifth consecutive quarter of record earnings driven by relentless demand for artificial intelligence chips.

The Numbers in Focus

TSMC's already-disclosed monthly revenue figures paint a strong picture. The company reported June revenue of NT$442.68 billion, bringing its second-quarter total to NT$1.27 trillion — up roughly 36% from NT$933.79 billion a year earlier. Analysts expect earnings per American depositary receipt of NT$120.75 ($3.76), representing a 55% gain over the prior-year quarter's $2.47, according to Visible Alpha estimates cited by Investopedia.cnbc+2

For the first half of 2026, TSMC's total revenue reached NT$2.4 trillion ($74.99 billion), a 35.6% increase year-over-year, according to CNBC. GF Securities expects the company to raise its full-year revenue guidance and announce increased capital investments for 2027 at its analyst meeting. The current guidance, set in April after a record first quarter, calls for revenue growth of more than 30% in U.S. dollar terms for 2026.cnbc+2

ASML Results Boost Confidence

ASML ↘ 3.30%, the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker whose lithography machines are essential to TSMC's advanced chip production, reported Q2 2026 results on Wednesday that beat its own guidance. ASML posted net sales of €9.3 billion and a gross margin of 54%, above its guided range of €8.4 billion to €9.0 billion at a 51% to 52% margin. The strong performance was seen as a positive signal for the broader chip supply chain ahead of TSMC's Thursday report.stockhouse+2

What Investors Are Watching

Beyond the headline numbers, investors will focus on whether TSMC upgrades its full-year revenue growth forecast from "above 30%" closer to 35% or higher, a move that would reflect the company's first-half momentum. Capital expenditure plans for 2027 are also under scrutiny as TSMC expands advanced manufacturing capacity to meet AI demand. The chipmaker commands a 73% share of the global pure-foundry market, according to Counterpoint Research data, and its earnings conference is scheduled for 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.seekingalpha+2