AMSTERDAM, January 15, 2026, 10:54 CET — Regular session
- ASML shares hit a record high of 1,167 euros, pushing the chip equipment maker’s market value beyond $500 billion
- TSMC’s robust earnings sparked a wider semiconductor rally across Europe
- Investors are eyeing ASML’s January 28 earnings for updates on bookings and guidance
ASML Holding’s shares surged to a new all-time peak on Thursday, pushing the Dutch chip equipment maker’s market cap beyond $500 billion. That keeps ASML firmly in the lead as Europe’s most valuable publicly traded company. (Reuters)
This is crucial since ASML occupies the bottleneck in advanced chip manufacturing. When major chipmakers mention increased demand and ramped-up spending, the ripple usually hits their equipment orders first.
This time, it wasn’t an ASML update that set things off. Instead, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s results brought some clarity to the ongoing debate: is AI demand enough to push chipmakers into ramping up factory investments again?
ASML shares climbed about 5% in Amsterdam, hitting 1,167 euros and pushing the company’s market value to roughly 443 billion euros ($515 billion) by late morning. This surge drove the stock deeper into record territory.
The broader market held steady as well. European tech shares surged, driven by the STOXX Europe technology index’s strong climb. Investors shifted focus back to chip-related stocks following TSMC’s latest update. (Reuters)
In Taipei, TSMC reported a 35% jump in fourth-quarter net profit, hitting a record high, and projected capital expenditures between $52 billion and $56 billion in 2026. The company pointed to strong demand fueled by the so-called “AI mega trend.” CEO C.C. Wei sounded cautious, saying, “We’re also very nervous about it,” during a press briefing. Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot, called the results “a very positive start,” noting TSMC’s position as the go-to manufacturer for top chip designers. (Reuters)
ASML’s outlook is clear-cut. With TSMC as a major client, the spending rhythm at foundries and memory producers directly influences demand for ASML’s cutting-edge equipment.
ASML manufactures lithography machines, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems—crucial for printing the smallest circuit patterns on silicon wafers used in advanced chips. Tool orders and service work usually benefit from ongoing investment cycles in both logic chips and high-end memory.
The situation can change quickly. Should demand tied to AI slow down or customers delay factory construction, equipment orders could drop sharply. With sky-high valuations in the sector, there’s minimal room for error. On top of that, export rules and geopolitical tensions continue to pose major risks for European chip-tool firms exposed to China.
ASML’s next major event is its quarterly earnings release. The company plans to report fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on January 28. Investors will zero in on bookings, margins, and any changes to the 2026 guidance. (ASML)
