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ASML: The Secret Power Behind Your Tech
14 Dec
Summary
- ASML holds a near-monopoly on chip manufacturing lithography machines.
- Its EUV systems are essential for producing the world's most advanced chips.
- ASML reported over 7 billion euros in Q3 2025 revenue, indicating stability.
Netherlands-based ASML has quietly established a dominant position in the global technology supply chain, supplying the critical "picks and shovels" for chip manufacturing. The company produces advanced lithography machines, including EUV and DUV systems, which are indispensable for etching intricate patterns onto semiconductor wafers. These bus-sized machines, costing up to $400 million, are essential for producing the most sophisticated chips available today.
ASML commands a near-monopoly in this niche, holding an estimated 90% market share and a complete monopoly on EUV systems, as competitors like Nikon and Canon offer only older technologies. This technological advantage, honed over three decades, makes ASML's machines a necessity for any leading-edge semiconductor manufacturer. The company's unique position ensures its ongoing relevance in the foundational stages of the tech industry.
Financially, ASML demonstrates stability rather than rapid expansion. In Q3 2025, the company reported revenues exceeding 7 billion euros, with gross margins remaining consistent year-over-year. While net income and earnings per share saw modest increases, a substantial order backlog suggests sustained revenue streams for the foreseeable future, positioning ASML as a secure investment.
