The investment landscape is increasingly shaped by the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), which presents multiple avenues for investors to explore. According to Grand View Research, the AI market is projected to expand significantly from an estimated $279 billion in 2024 to an astounding $3.5 trillion by 2033. While U.S.-based firms dominate this surge, there are remarkable opportunities overseas, particularly with companies like Nebius Group and ASML from the Netherlands.
Nebius Group, formerly known as Yandex N.V., has undergone significant transformation following geopolitical tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company rebranded and returned to Nasdaq under its new identity in 2024 after divesting its Russian assets. Today, Nebius specializes in AI infrastructure, leveraging high-end Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) in purpose-built data centers. With an impressive $19.4 billion contract to supply cloud capacity to Microsoft for its Azure platform, Nebius is poised for rapid growth. Although currently operating at a loss due to the capital-intensive nature of data center development, Nebius expects its annual revenues to reach between $900 million and $1.1 billion by year-end and aims to have over 1 gigawatt of computing power online by 2026. The company’s stock has already surged over 257% in 2025, indicating strong investor interest.
On the other hand, ASML is a pivotal player in the semiconductor industry, known for its cutting-edge lithography machines essential for chip manufacturing. Notably, ASML is the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, which allows the production of smaller, more powerful chips crucial for AI applications. Major foundries like Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung, and Intel rely on ASML machines, ensuring a steady demand for their products. However, ASML faces challenges with declining sales in China due to export restrictions imposed by the Dutch government. CEO Christophe Fouquet anticipates a significant drop in demand from Chinese customers, though he remains optimistic that 2026 sales will not dip below the levels of 2025.
When comparing the two companies, the outlook for ASML appears stronger over the long term, with a stock increase of 45% this year. Conversely, investors seeking a quicker return might find Nebius Group more appealing, particularly as the company is expected to achieve profitability by 2026, despite ongoing capital expenditures.
Ultimately, both Nebius Group and ASML present compelling investment options, making the best choice dependent on the investor’s time horizon—whether seeking short-term gains or long-term growth prospects. With the continued expansion of the AI market, the landscape is ripe with potential for both of these firms, giving investors hope for significant returns in the years to come.