ASML Holding released its second-quarter 2026 results on July 15, and the numbers clearly indicate that the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure build-out isn’t going to slow down.
ASML not only crushed Wall Street’s expectations by delivering stronger-than-expected growth, but it also raised its 2026 guidance substantially
However, the Dutch semiconductor equipment giant also delivered terrific news for Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) investors, which suggests that the latter could deliver robust guidance when it releases its results on July 23. Let’s see what ASML said about Intel. Intel is using ASML’s advanced equipment for the mass production of cutting-edge chips ASML noted in a press release on July 15 that Intel Foundry is now using its high-NA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines to mass-produce Panther Lake client processors based on the Intel 18A process node.
It is worth noting that Intel found it difficult to meet demand for its client central processing units (CPUs) used in personal computers (PCs) and laptops in Q1. However, Intel CFO David Zinsner noted on the April earnings call that the volume of Panther Lake CPUs will “be up six or seven times in the second quarter relative to the first quarter.” Additionally, Zinsner noted that the gross margin of the Panther Lake platform will improve with each quarter. Intel started shipping Panther Lake CPUs late last year, and management’s comments on the Q1 earnings call suggested solid demand.