Data refreshed 10 July 2026 – ASML historical return
What Would $1,000 Invested in ASML Be Worth Now?
ASML is one of the most important companies that many investors have never heard of.
Invested on 2015-06-01.
Adjusted historical close from Yahoo Finance chart data.
Latest available adjusted close.
About 17.9x the original stake.
Quick Answer
If you had invested $1,000 in ASML on 1 June 2015, the investment would now be worth approximately $17,865.58, an estimated gain of $16,865.58 or 1,687%.
The Dutch technology company occupies a unique position in the global semiconductor industry. It manufactures the advanced lithography machines used to produce the world’s most sophisticated computer chips.
Without ASML, companies such as Nvidia, Apple, AMD, Broadcom and TSMC would struggle to manufacture the cutting-edge chips powering artificial intelligence, smartphones and modern computing.
The Investment Breakdown
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Asset | ASML (ASML) |
| Start date used | 2015-06-01 |
| Amount invested | $1,000 |
| Entry price used | $100.60 |
| Shares bought | 9.9401 |
| Latest close used | $1,797.32 |
| Estimated value now | $17,865.58 |
| Estimated gain | $16,865.58 (1,687%) |
Methodology: For consistency, WWIBWN standard 2015 scenarios use 1 June 2015 as the starting date unless otherwise stated. IPO and launch-based scenarios use the relevant IPO, direct listing, launch or earliest available trading date. Figures are updated weekly using the latest available market data. This scenario uses ASML’s adjusted historical close on 1 June 2015 and the latest available adjusted close from Yahoo Finance chart data. Figures exclude tax, fees, FX movement and slippage.
About the Asset
ASML is a Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer headquartered in the Netherlands.
The company specialises in lithography systems, machines that use light to print microscopic patterns onto silicon wafers. These machines are essential for producing modern semiconductor chips.
ASML’s customers include TSMC, Samsung, Intel, SK Hynix and Micron. Its most advanced Extreme Ultraviolet machines are among the most complex manufacturing systems ever built.
Each machine can cost more than $150 million and contains hundreds of thousands of components. Today, ASML effectively holds a monopoly on EUV lithography technology.
Why This Starting Date Matters
The last decade coincided with an explosion in semiconductor demand. Smartphones became increasingly powerful, cloud computing expanded globally, artificial intelligence emerged as a major technology trend, data centres grew rapidly and demand for advanced chips accelerated.
Every one of these trends required increasingly sophisticated semiconductors. To manufacture those chips, companies needed ASML’s equipment.
Unlike semiconductor designers that compete against one another, ASML benefits from growth across the entire industry. Whether Nvidia, AMD, Apple or another company wins, ASML often benefits.
The Investment Journey
2015-2019: Quiet Industry Leadership
ASML continued strengthening its position as the dominant supplier of advanced lithography systems. Many investors overlooked the company because it operated behind the scenes.
However, semiconductor manufacturers increasingly relied on ASML’s technology to produce smaller, faster and more efficient chips.
2020-2021: Digital Acceleration
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation across the economy. Demand increased for laptops, cloud services, data centres and consumer electronics.
The resulting semiconductor shortage highlighted how critical chip manufacturing had become. Investors began paying closer attention to companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain, including ASML.
2022-2023: Geopolitics and AI
The semiconductor industry became strategically important to governments around the world. Export restrictions, supply chain concerns and geopolitical tensions increased scrutiny of advanced chip technologies.
At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence drove demand for increasingly powerful semiconductors.
2024-2026: The AI Infrastructure Boom
As artificial intelligence investment accelerated, semiconductor manufacturers expanded production capacity. Companies building AI chips required the most advanced manufacturing processes available.
ASML remained one of the key beneficiaries because its machines sat at the centre of the semiconductor ecosystem.
What Drove Returns?
Semiconductor Demand
The world’s growing need for advanced chips created sustained demand for ASML’s products.
EUV Technology
ASML’s leadership in EUV lithography created a significant competitive advantage.
Artificial Intelligence
AI accelerated investment throughout the semiconductor industry.
Industry Position
ASML benefits regardless of which chip company becomes the market leader.
High Barriers to Entry
The complexity of ASML’s technology makes competition extremely difficult.
Could You Have Seen It Coming?
Partially. Investors could identify growing semiconductor demand, ASML’s market leadership, increasing digitalisation and strong industry fundamentals.
What was much harder to predict was the scale of the AI boom, the strategic importance governments would place on semiconductor manufacturing and the extent of ASML’s competitive moat.
Different Investment Amounts
| Initial Investment | Estimated Value Now |
|---|---|
| $100 | $1,786.56 |
| $1,000 | $17,865.58 |
| $5,000 | $89,327.90 |
| $10,000 | $178,655.80 |
Risks Along the Way
ASML investors faced semiconductor industry cycles, geopolitical tensions, export restrictions, economic slowdowns and customer concentration risk.
Despite these challenges, the company’s unique position helped support long-term growth.
Key Takeaways
- ASML is one of the most important companies in the semiconductor industry.
- The company effectively dominates advanced lithography technology.
- AI, cloud computing and digital transformation all increased demand for its products.
- ASML benefits from growth across the semiconductor sector rather than relying on a single winner.
- Critical infrastructure providers can be exceptional long-term investments.
Related Scenarios
FAQ
What does ASML do?
ASML manufactures lithography systems used to produce advanced semiconductor chips.
Why is ASML important?
Its technology is essential for manufacturing many of the world’s most advanced semiconductors.
Does ASML compete with Nvidia?
No. Nvidia designs chips, while ASML supplies equipment used to manufacture them.
Why has ASML performed so well?
The company benefited from growing semiconductor demand, technological leadership and increasing investment in AI infrastructure.
Does ASML have competitors?
ASML has competitors in some areas of semiconductor equipment, but it effectively dominates the market for advanced EUV lithography systems.
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Data and Editorial Information
This scenario is generated from market data and reviewed for calculation consistency before publication.
Historical entry and latest prices come from Yahoo Finance chart data. Adjusted close is used where available to reflect splits, distributions and other corporate actions.
The latest available adjusted market close is used for the calculation.
$1,000 divided by the entry price gives the units bought. Units bought multiplied by the latest price gives the estimated current value.
10 July 2026. Latest price used: $1,797.32 from 2026-07-10.
Prepared and reviewed by WWIBWN for educational and historical context. Calculations exclude tax, fees and personal circumstances.
Read more about WWIBWN or report a possible data issue.
Important: WWIBWN is for education and historical context only. This is not financial advice, and past performance does not predict future returns.