Shares of ASML Holding declined roughly 0.9% in Amsterdam on Monday, closing at 1,182.60 euros. The drop followed the stock trading ex-dividend, meaning new buyers are no longer entitled to the upcoming payout.
Dividend Details
The Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer announced an interim dividend of 1.60 euros per share, scheduled for payment on February 18. The record date was set for February 10.
Major European Semiconductor Initiative
Separately, European research hub imec inaugurated a €2.5 billion "NanoIC" pilot line, a project supported by the EU Chips Act. The initiative aims to increase Europe's share of the global semiconductor market to 20% by 2030. ASML is the largest private investor in the project, contributing to a total private investment pool of 1.1 billion euros, alongside 1.4 billion euros in public funding.
Imec is scheduled to receive ASML's next-generation High-NA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tool in March. This advanced equipment is designed to enable chip production at scales below 2 nanometers, a critical step for future generations of semiconductors, particularly those powering artificial intelligence applications.
Broader Market Context
Investors are monitoring several key factors this week, including upcoming U.S. economic data on employment and inflation. Demand trends for AI-related chips also remain in focus, with market participants awaiting financial results from major industry players later this month.
ASML is set to release its annual report on February 25, followed by first-quarter financial results on April 15.
