By Kosaku Narioka


Lasertec Corp. shares rose sharply Thursday morning after ASML Holding NV results raised expectations for demand for Lasertec's products used in semiconductor production.

The shares were recently 5.9% higher at 19,160 yen ($149.82) after rising as much as 7.0% earlier.

ASML, a Dutch manufacturer of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, said Wednesday that demand remains higher than current production capacity and it is working to expand capacity with its supply-chain partners.

Jefferies analysts Masahiro Nakanomyo and Hisako Furusumi said in a research note that ASML is considering plans to increase supply capacity, with demand for extreme ultraviolet lithography strong, and that these conditions are positive for extreme ultraviolet lithography-related companies such as Lasertec.

Lasertec makes extreme ultraviolet mask inspection systems.

The Jefferies analysts said they expect steady growth in EUV-related demand for Lasertec through 2023.

The Topix subindex for electronics companies was recently up 1.5%, while the Nikkei Stock Average was 1.2% higher.


Write to Kosaku Narioka at kosaku.narioka@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-20-22 2250ET