A semiconductor company that says it will pay 34 million won just for staying until 2030

[Financial News] ASML Holding N.V. (ASML), the world's largest semiconductor equipment maker based in the Netherlands, is pushing ahead with a plan to grant stock rewards worth about 20,000 euros, or roughly 34 million won, to long-term employees. As competition in artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors intensifies, the company is turning to an unusually bold compensation package to secure skilled workers, now seen as central to corporate competitiveness.
According to ASML on the 20th local time, the company plans to offer rewards in the form of 'conditional share grants' to employees who remain with the company from 2027 through 2030.
In an email statement, ASML said, "The detailed payment conditions are still being coordinated, but all employees who meet the eligibility requirements will be included." The program will take effect in January next year.
The move is seen as part of a broader race across the global semiconductor industry to secure talent. As the AI chip market grows rapidly and the value of experienced R&D personnel soars, major chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and TSMC are also expanding bonuses and long-term incentives to retain key employees.
ASML's performance also remains strong. The company posted revenue of 9.326 billion euros and net profit of 2.918 billion euros in the second quarter. Revenue rose 6.4% from the previous quarter, while net profit increased 5.8%, both beating market expectations.
ASML, Europe's most valuable company by market capitalization, currently employs about 44,500 people worldwide. More than half of them work in the Netherlands, while around 8,500 are based in the United States.
[email protected] Kim Kyung-min Reporter