ASML offers retention bonuses up to 20,000 euros

The retention push also highlights a broader shortage of highly trained chip workers. Semiconductor makers and suppliers across the industry are competing for the same pool of optics, software and precision-engineering talent, and the cost of losing that expertise is enormous when one company controls a chokepoint technology. For investors, that supports ASML’s moat and explains why customers and peers alike remain dependent on the Dutch group even as they expand spending elsewhere.

ASML’s financial position gives it room to spend aggressively to protect that edge. The company reported second-quarter net sales of 9.3 billion euros and net income of 2.9 billion euros on July 15, and raised its 2026 outlook to 43 billion-45 billion euros in sales with gross margin of 54% to 56%, signaling confidence that demand will stay strong enough to absorb higher staff costs.

The stock has been volatile despite the upbeat outlook, with shares recently trading at 1,629 euros, below the 50-day moving average of about 1,749 euros and well above the 200-day average near 1,388 euros. Standard technical indicators such as RSI and MACD point to a still-choppy trend, but the bigger investor question is whether ASML can keep its talent pipeline intact while defending its manufacturing lead in the most strategically important corner of the chip industry.

That will keep ASML’s retention spending, order momentum and guidance in focus heading into the next round of industry results and updates on advanced-chip capital spending.