ASML Continues Share Repurchases Amid European Expansion Push

ASML USN070592100

ASML Holding NV, the Dutch semiconductor equipment giant, is proceeding with its share buyback initiative, having acquired approximately €127 million worth of its own stock in a single week. This financial activity coincides with significant advancements in Europe's strategic semiconductor infrastructure, highlighted by preparations to install the company's cutting-edge lithography technology at a key Belgian research hub.

On February 16, 2026, ASML provided a detailed breakdown of transactions conducted under its share repurchase program, which was initially announced on January 28 of the same year. Between February 9 and February 13, the company purchased a total of 105,800 of its own shares.

The daily transactions, executed in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (No. 596/2014), were as follows:

• February 9: 20,923 shares at an average price of €1,192.93 (total €24.96 million)
• February 10: 20,847 shares at €1,201.12 (total €25.04 million)
• February 11: 20,877 shares at €1,197.41 (total €25.00 million)
• February 12: 20,699 shares at €1,207.88 (total €25.00 million)
• February 13: 22,454 shares at €1,194.06 (total €26.81 million)

European Chip Ambitions Materialize

Parallel to its capital return activities, ASML is deeply involved in Europe's push to bolster its semiconductor sovereignty. On February 9, 2026, the Belgian research center imec inaugurated a 2,000-square-meter cleanroom expansion at its Leuven facility. This space is specifically designed to house ASML's latest High-NA EUV scanner, the most advanced lithography system currently available for chip manufacturing, with installation slated to begin in mid-March 2026.

The opening ceremony underscored the project's high-level political and industrial support, attended by ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet, EU Vice President Henna Virkkunen, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele. The €2.5 billion NanoIC pilot line is a cornerstone of the European Chips Act, which aims to double the EU's share of global chip production to 20% by 2030.

"Since announcing in May 2024 that imec would host the NanoIC pilot line, we have moved at maximum speed—accelerating equipment procurement and launching a comprehensive recruitment program," stated imec CEO Luc Van den hove.

This pilot line will operate on an open-access model, allowing startups, research institutions, SMEs, and large corporations to test new chip designs and processes at a near-industrial scale before committing to full mass production.

Strong Financial Backdrop

The company's ongoing buybacks and strategic investments are supported by a robust financial position. ASML reported record quarterly orders worth €13.2 billion in Q4 2025. For the full year 2025, total revenue reached €32.7 billion, with a gross margin of 52.8%.

Looking ahead, management has provided guidance for 2026, forecasting revenue in the range of €34 to €39 billion and expecting gross margins to remain strong, between 51% and 53%.