August 22, 2025
TIP746: ASML: Europe's Tech Monopoly
We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast NetworkAbout this episode
In this episode, Clay unpacks the extraordinary rise of ASML — a little-known Dutch company that quietly became the most important player in global technology. Since its IPO in 1995, ASML has compounded at 20% annually. ASML holds one of the most powerful monopolies on earth as it’s the sole manufacturer of EUV lithography machines, which make the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips. Without ASML, companies like Apple, NVIDIA, and TSMC couldn’t power iPhones, AI data centers, or the modern digital economy. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: 00:00 - Intro 04:56 - How ASML grew from a Philips spinoff into Europe’s most important tech company. 13:31 - How ASML’s partnership with TSMC shaped the global semiconductor industry. 32:16 - Why ASML holds a near-monopoly on EUV lithography machines. 41:01 - Why the geopolitical tension between the US and China place ASML at the center of technology power struggles. 53:30 - How investors can view ASML’s growth, risks, and future opportunities. 01:00:23 - What makes ASML’s moat nearly impossible for competitors to replicate. 01:05:08 - The dual leadership that propelled ASML’s rise and built a culture of relentless focus. And so much more! Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences. BOOKS AND RESOURCES Join Clay and a select group of passionate value investors for a retreat in Big Sky, Montana. Learn more here . Join the exclusive TIP Mastermind Community to engage in meaningful stock investing discussions with Stig, Clay, Kyle, and the other community members. Marc Hijink’s book: Focus: The ASML Way . Related Episode TIP727: 7 Powers by Hamilton Helmer . Related Episode TIVP024: TSMC: The Most Important Business in the World?. Follow Clay on X and LinkedIn . Check out all the books mentioned and discussed in our podcast episodes here . Enjoy ad-free episodes when you subscribe to our Premium Feed . NEW TO THE SHOW? Get smarter about valuing businesses in just a few minutes each week through our newsletter, The Intrinsic Value Newsletter . Check out our We Study Billionaires Starter Packs . Follow our official social media accounts: X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok . Browse through all our episodes (complete with transcripts) here . Try our tool for picking stock winners and managing our portfolios: TIP Finance Tool . Enjoy exclusive perks from our favorite Apps and Services . Learn how to better start, manage, and grow your business with the best business podcasts . SPONSORS Support our free podcast by supporting our sponsors : SimpleMining HardBlock AnchorWatch Human Rights Foundation Cape Unchained Vanta Shopify Onramp Abundant Mines HELP US OUT! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review on Spotify ! It takes less than 30 seconds, and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it! Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://theinvestorspodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://theinvestorspodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm