0943 GMT - ASML Holding's decision to upgrade its gross margin projections for the year was the biggest surprise in its second-quarter update, Berenberg's Tammy Qiu writes in a note to clients. The Dutch supplier of semiconductor-making equipment raised its sales guidance for the second time, but it also boosted its gross margin outlook this time. ASML's gross margin--a closely watched metric of pricing power and profitability--should come in between 55% and 57% this year, above a prior range of 51% to 53%. "Based on our investor feedback, the gross margin guidance was a positive surprise," Qiu says. ASML shares trade 1.3% higher at 1,569.60 euros. (mauro.orru@wsj.com)

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July 16, 2026 05:43 ET (09:43 GMT)

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