Few companies' products are as critical to the modern world's technological infrastructure as those made by ASML (ASML 3.75%). Without the chipmaking equipment the Netherlands-based manufacturer provides, much of the world's most innovative technology wouldn't be possible.
UBS just upgraded Netherlands-based semiconductor equipment stock ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ:ASML) to "buy," with a price-target hike to €750 from €660, citing potential upside after the stock's recent underperformance.
ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ:ASML, ETR:ASME) has been upgraded to 'buy' by UBS, which sees the semiconductor equipment maker as poised to return to form as a “quality compounder” from 2027 onwards. The bank highlighted that the market has already priced in concerns over weakening lithography intensity and uncertainty in China, with the shares down 30% from all-time highs in the summer of 2024.
In the latest trading session, ASML (ASML) closed at $725.85, marking a -2.26% move from the previous day.
ASML Holding N.V.'s recent share price weakness is a buying opportunity for long-term investors, given its strong fundamentals and leading position in EUV technology. The company posted robust financial results, with 23% revenue growth and improving margins, driven by surging demand for EUV machines in AI and memory applications. Despite management's cautious 2026 outlook due to tariff and geopolitical risks, I believe these concerns are overblown and cyclical volatility is natural.
Current valuation is highly attractive, with forward P/E ratios at multi-year lows, reminiscent of the COVID-19 crash, despite strong growth prospects. Industry tailwinds from key customers like Intel, TSM, and Nvidia, plus secular demand, reinforce my conviction in ASML's long-term potential. Geopolitical risks and seasonal volatility exist, but as a long-term value investor, I see ASML as a massively undervalued, high-quality opportunity.
ASML Holding expects EUV sales to surge 30% in 2025 on AI and memory demand, but macro risks cloud the outlook for 2026.
ASML is the indispensable, monopolistic foundation of the global semiconductor industry, yet it trades at a significant and unjustified 'European discount' versus its tech clients. Geopolitical risks and export bans to China are overblown; global chip demand will simply shift to other ASML customers, preserving overall equipment demand. ASML's current dominance in EUV lithography ensures a strong moat and growth for the next 5-10 years, making the recent price decline a buying opportunity.
Key Points in This Article: The $1.7 trillion U.S.
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ASML (ASML) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.
ASML's stock underperformed the S&P 500 due to trade tensions and China-related order cancellations, but its technology leadership remains intact. Despite €1.4 billion in Chinese order cancellations, ASML delivered strong Q2 results with 31% revenue growth and EPS up 47% year-on-year. Guidance reflects uncertainty, especially regarding China, but ASML still expects 15% sales growth and robust margins for the full year.