ASML

ASML Holding operates as the world's sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography systems essential for manufacturing the most advanced semiconductor chips powering smartphones, data centers, artificial intelligence systems, and high-performance computing. Headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands, ASML designs and manufactures photolithography equipment used by semiconductor manufacturers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Samsung, and Intel to pattern microscopic circuit features onto silicon wafers during chip production. The company's EUV lithography machines represent breakthrough technology enabling production of chips with transistor features measuring just 3-5 nanometers, impossible to achieve using previous deep ultraviolet lithography systems. Each EUV system costs approximately $200-350 million and incorporates over 100,000 components from 800 global suppliers, requiring years of development and precision engineering achieving nanometer-level accuracy. ASML reported annual revenues exceeding €27 billion with operating margins above 30%, reflecting its monopoly position in EUV technology protected by decades of research investment and thousands of patents. The company employs over 40,000 people across Europe, United States, and Asia providing installation, maintenance, and upgrade services essential for keeping semiconductor fabrication plants operational. ASML invests heavily in next-generation High-NA EUV systems capable of patterning even smaller features supporting future chip generations beyond current technological capabilities.