ASML

Overview

ASML Holding N.V. is a Dutch company that designs and manufactures advanced lithography equipment used in the production of semiconductor chips. It was founded in 1984 as a joint venture between Philips and ASM International. The company has become one of the foremost suppliers of photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry and is headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands. ASML is known for its deep photolithography and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technologies. The company has played a crucial role in advancing the field of semiconductor manufacturing, significantly enhancing chip performance and reducing production costs. ASML is publicly traded and listed on multiple stock exchanges, including NASDAQ and Euronext Amsterdam. As of mid-2025, ASML reported a trailing 12-month revenue of approximately €34.9 billion.

Recent Developments

September 2025: ASML led a €1.7 billion Series C funding round for Mistral AI, making ASML the largest shareholder with a €1.3 billion stake. This investment is part of a strategy to reinforce European technological independence and lessen reliance on US and Chinese technologies.
September 2025: ASML showcased its holistic lithography solutions at SEMICON India 2025, indicating a commitment to supporting India's growing semiconductor market.
July 16, 2025: ASML reported strong Q2 financial results with total net sales of €7.7 billion and a net income of €2.3 billion. The company highlighted advancements in EUV technology and its strategic focus on AI applications.
April 2025: ASML held its Annual General Meeting and disclosed strong fiscal results for 2024. It also announced a total dividend for the year, reflecting continuous financial stability and shareholder confidence.
Early 2025: ASML continued to enhance its global presence, reinforcing its position as an industry leader amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly in relation to US-China trade tensions.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	April 1, 1984
Headquarters	Veldhoven, Netherlands
Founders	Philips, ASM International
Revenue	€34.9 billion (Trailing 12 months as of June 2025)
Key Investors	Various including Philips and ASM International (historically)
Industry	Semiconductor Equipment
Number of Employees	Over 44,000

Early History

ASML was originally established as a collaboration between two major electronics companies, Philips and ASM International, to develop photolithography systems essential for semiconductor manufacturing. Operations started in a modest setting—a leaky shed in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The company faced initial challenges typical of a startup entering a competitive industry dominated by established players. However, with critical support from both founding companies, ASML introduced its first product, the PAS 2000 stepper, within the year of its founding. The 1990s saw ASML gaining momentum with the introduction of the PAS 5500 platform, which helped position the company as a leader in photolithography technology. The 1995 IPO facilitated further growth and expansion, enabling ASML to solidify its position as a pivotal player in the semiconductor industry.

Company Profile and Achievements

ASML's core business revolves around providing sophisticated lithography systems that are critical to semiconductor manufacturing. The company is particularly renowned for its EUV lithography technology, which is indispensable in producing advanced microchips required for high-performance computing, AI, and communications technologies.

1995: ASML became publicly traded, securing capital to fuel its expansion.
2001: Introduced the TWINSCAN system, greatly improving productivity and accuracy in lithography processes.
2010: Delivered the first EUV lithography systems, marking a significant technological leap in semiconductor manufacturing.
2013: Acquired Cymer to bolster its EUV technology capabilities.
2023: Rolled out next-generation EUV systems further enhancing precision and efficiency.
2025: Reported substantial revenues and net income, asserting its financial resilience and technological leadership in the semiconductor sector.

Current Operations and Market Position

ASML holds a critical position in the semiconductor supply chain, supplying lithography machines that are crucial for producing the most advanced chips. The company operates globally with a customer base that includes leading chip manufacturers such as TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. ASML is the exclusive provider of EUV lithography machines which are crucial for current generation technology nodes. This monopoly in EUV technology provides ASML with a significant competitive advantage. In 2025, the company has emphasized its role in the growing AI and semiconductor markets, aiming to meet the increasing demand for AI chips. Despite economic fluctuations and geopolitical challenges, ASML continues to forecast stable growth, bolstered by strong product demand and strategic innovations.

Conclusion

ASML's trajectory in the semiconductor industry underscores its critical role in advancing chip technology globally. The company's innovations, particularly in EUV lithography, have revolutionized the production processes for cutting-edge chips, ensuring sustained demand for its products. As the industry leans increasingly towards AI and advanced computing capabilities, ASML's position as a technology leader, coupled with robust financial health, positions it well for future growth. Continued investments in R&D and strategic partnerships indicate ASML's intent to maintain its preeminent status, adapting to and shaping the dynamic semiconductor landscape.