ASML shares surge to record after Intel chip breakthrough

ASML Holding N.V. reached a new record on the Amsterdam stock exchange, climbing over 3% to about €1.658 per share. The rally was sparked by Intel's announcement at the VLSI Symposium that its latest 18A‑P manufacturing process had entered the risk‑production phase, a key step toward mass production. Intel said the new process can deliver up to 9% higher performance at the same power level and reduce power consumption by up to 18%, while remaining compatible with existing 18A designs. As the sole supplier of EUV lithography machines, ASML stands to benefit from the renewed investment by chipmakers in advanced production facilities.

Investor activity also intensified. Hedge fund 71 West Capital Partners acquired 16,135 ASML shares worth roughly $17.3 million, representing about 0.8% of its portfolio. Other funds, including Cornerstone Financial Management and Binnacle Investments, reported new or increased stakes in the company. Analysts from Morgan Stanley, Zacks, Citigroup and Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed buy or overweight ratings on ASML, maintaining a consensus “moderate buy” stance with an average target price of around $1,589.