Shares of ASML Holding NV ADS (ASML. US), a component of the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, rose 1.38% on March 15 to close at US$214.44, setting a new record high. ASML ADS rose 54.92% last year, closing its eighth round in 9 years , It has increased by 23.37% so far this year.
ASML CEO Peter Wennink stated on January 17th that he would like to report on his Q4 results (Note: Some customers requested early shipments of chip lithography equipment plus advance recognition of two EUV revenues). Thanks to the strong growth, ASML's revenue in 2017, both net profit hit a record high.
Lam Research Corp., a maker of semiconductor etching machines, rose 0.20% to $223.08 on the 15th and the closing price on March 12 ($228.65) hit a record high. Lam Research announced on March 6 that the next five years Will return 50% (or higher) free cash flow to shareholders through stock repurchase and dividend distribution.