ASML shares climb 2% as analysts lift price targets on AI chip surge

ASML Holding N.V. saw its stock rise about 2% on Thursday, trading up to $1,858.73 before settling at $1,804.25. Analysts upgraded their outlook: Bernstein increased its target to $2,623 and kept an Outperform rating, while Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating and raised its target, citing a strong semiconductor outlook and the company’s monopoly‑like position in advanced lithography.

The optimism is tied to a projected AI‑related chip spending cycle. ASML reported fourth‑quarter earnings of $8.28 per share on revenue of $10.15 billion, with a return on equity of 48.7% and a net margin of 27.7%. Institutional investors such as Arrowstreet Capital and AllianceBernstein added to their holdings, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

At the same time, European semiconductor stocks faced pressure, prompting analysts to stress that ASML must now demonstrate how quickly it can meet AI‑driven demand, not just rely on the sector’s structural growth.