ASML vs. Intel: Which AI Chip Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Key Points ASML Holding maintains a near-monopoly on the extreme ultraviolet lithography machines essential for making advanced chips. Intel is pivoting hard toward a foundry model after selling a roughly 10% stake to the U.S. government. Will the dominance of the equipment provider or the turnaround of the chipmaker provide better returns for your portfolio? 10 stocks we like better than ASML › As AI reshapes the chip industry in 2026, semiconductor companies are redefining their roles. Choosing between ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML) and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) requires understanding the difference between the industry's essential toolkit and its manufacturing foundation.