ASML Shares Surge on AI-Driven Demand in Q3, Reaching New Highs

ASML Holding NV experienced a notable rally in its share price during the third quarter of 2025, closing the period with a 21% increase in market value. This surge was directly linked to heightened investor enthusiasm over the expanding role of artificial intelligence in driving demand for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The company reported a 35% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching €5.2 billion, with its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems accounting for over 70% of total sales. Orders in the quarter totaled €8.4 billion, a record high and signaling robust long-term demand from leading chipmakers, including TSMC and Samsung Electronics. The performance reflects broader industry momentum, as AI development accelerates globally, necessitating more powerful and energy-efficient chips. ASML's EUV technology remains the only commercially viable solution for producing advanced nodes below 5 nanometers, making the company a critical enabler of next-generation AI processors. The company’s capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to exceed €7 billion, with a focus on expanding production capacity for EUV systems to meet forecasted demand. Market analysts highlight that ASML’s position as the sole supplier of EUV tools provides a durable competitive advantage, especially amid increasing geopolitical tensions affecting semiconductor supply chains. The stock’s strong performance has also attracted significant inflows from institutional investors, with holdings increasing by 12% among major European and U.S. fund managers in Q3. This trend underscores confidence in the semiconductor supply chain’s resilience and the long-term trajectory of AI adoption across industries.