Chip machine maker ASML will award employees a one-off share package worth €20,000. The Veldhoven-based company says the scheme will allow staff to share in the success it is currently enjoying. Employees must remain with the company until 1 January 2030 to qualify.
A spokesperson confirmed the plan following a report by the Eindhovens Dagblad. According to the company, the award is intended as a “token of appreciation” for employees.
Earlier this week, ASML reported a multi-billion-euro profit for the latest quarter and raised its financial outlook for the year. The company also announced plans to further expand its production capacity in the coming years.
900 million euros
The share package will be offered to employees worldwide, although the final terms are still being determined. The shares are expected to be awarded from 1 January next year. However, they cannot be redeemed until three years later.
ASML currently employs around 44,000 people. If all employees qualify for the scheme, the total value would be close to €900 million.
Artificial intelligence
The company’s strong growth has been driven largely by heavy investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by technology firms. Companies are rapidly building new data centres to provide the computing power needed for AI applications. They rely on ASML’s advanced lithography systems, which the company is the only worldwide supplier of.
Earlier this year, ASML announced plans to cut 1,700 jobs as part of efforts to reduce bureaucracy within the organisation. It is not yet known how many positions will ultimately be affected. The company also said it cannot yet confirm whether employees whose jobs are eliminated will be eligible for the new share scheme.
@anp| NEWS BRAINPORT
