ASML Initiates Dividend Payments, Starting with EUR 0.25 Per Share over 2007

Business Wire, Feb 19, 2008

VELDHOVEN, Netherlands -- ASML Holding NV (ASML) today announces its intent to initiate dividend payments, starting with a pay-out proposal of EUR 0.25 per ordinary share over 2007, which will be put to a vote at ASML's annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders in Veldhoven, on April 3, 2008.

During our 24 year history, ASML has grown to become an efficient, cash generative company in the semiconductor industry, and this will now be reflected by regular dividend payments. However, share buybacks will remain a preferred way to return cash to ASML's shareholders, as we believe they deliver great long term value and allow us to be flexible with opportunities to reward our investors. We reiterate our commitment to return cash to shareholders when gross cash is above our target of between EUR 1.0 billion and EUR 1.5 billion.

The AGM agenda with all related documents, containing details and specifications on this and other topics, will be available on our website at www.asml.com on March 3, 2008.

ASML's Statutory Annual Report 2007 will be available online at www.asml.com/annualreport2007 on February 21, 2008.

About ASML

ASML is the world's leading provider of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, manufacturing complex machines that are critical to the production of integrated circuits or chips. Headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML. ASML has more than 6,500 employees, serving chip manufacturers in more than 60 locations in 16 countries. For more information, visit our website: www.asml.com

Forward Looking Statements

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: the matters discussed in this document may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: the Company's available cash and cash equivalents and its liquidity needs, changes in Dutch tax law, economic conditions, product demand and semiconductor equipment industry capacity, worldwide demand and manufacturing capacity utilization for semiconductors (the principal product of our customer base), competitive products and pricing, manufacturing efficiencies, new product development, ability to enforce patents, the outcome of intellectual property litigation, availability of raw materials and critical manufacturing equipment, trade environment, changes in exchange rates and other risks indicated in the risk factors included in ASML's Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.