Harel Increases Stake in Camtek as AI Chip Manufacturing Drives Demand for Semiconductor Inspection Equipment
Institutional investor raises Camtek holding by 38% as strong AI, advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory demand boosts outlook for semiconductor inspection and metrology systems.
Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services has expanded its holding in semiconductor inspection equipment supplier Camtek, reinforcing institutional confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects amid rising demand for advanced chip manufacturing technologies.
According to a recent regulatory filing, Harel increased its stake by 38.2% during the first quarter, acquiring an additional 636,773 shares. The investment brings its total holding to approximately 2.3 million shares, representing around 5.02% of Camtek's outstanding shares. The position was valued at roughly US$349 million at the end of the reporting period and ranks among Harel's largest equity investments.
Camtek develops inspection and metrology systems used in semiconductor manufacturing, with a growing focus on advanced packaging, high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The company has benefited from increasing investment in AI infrastructure, where demand for sophisticated inspection technologies continues to rise.
The company's recent financial performance has further supported investor sentiment. Camtek reported first-quarter revenue of US$121.7 million, exceeding market expectations, while adjusted earnings also came in ahead of analysts' forecasts. Management has projected a significant improvement in business during the second half of 2026, supported by a strong order backlog and robust customer demand.
Camtek has also strengthened its future revenue pipeline through AI-related equipment orders. Earlier this year, the company secured more than US$105 million in new orders for semiconductor inspection and metrology systems destined for advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory production, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.
The increase in Harel's investment reflects continued institutional interest in semiconductor equipment companies positioned to benefit from expanding AI-driven chip production. As semiconductor manufacturers continue investing in advanced packaging and next-generation memory technologies, demand for inspection and metrology solutions is expected to remain a key growth driver for Camtek.
