ASML remains the sole global supplier of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems, commanding roughly 90% of the overall lithography market. Its low-NA EUV tools drive current high-volume production of advanced AI chips, while its high-NA EUV prototype systems are integral to research on next-generation semiconductors. Each EUV machine, featuring laser-powered plasma sources and ultra-precise mirror optics, can sell for between €320 million and €400 million, underscoring the extreme technical barriers that protect ASML’s market position and make competition virtually impossible.

In Q4 2025 ASML reported record bookings of €13.16 billion, more than twice the consensus estimate of €6.32 billion. This surge reflects strong order intake for its most advanced EUV platforms. Management forecast net sales of €34 billion to €39 billion for fiscal 2026, above previous guidance, as customers expand capacity for AI-driven chips. The board also approved a €12 billion share-buyback program extending through 2028 and increased the 2025 dividend by 17% to €7.50 per share, signaling confidence in cash flow generation.

During 2025 ASML achieved a record net profit of €9.6 billion on revenues of €32.7 billion, driven by robust AI-related demand. To enhance agility, the company announced plans to reduce approximately 1,700 positions—around 4% of its workforce—primarily in management and IT roles in the Netherlands and the U.S. Executives intend these cuts to simplify decision-making and allow R&D teams to focus on innovation, positioning ASML for sustained growth as semiconductor capital expenditures accelerate.