Stockchase Opinions

Kim Bolton ASML Holding ASML-Q BUY Apr 24, 2024

There are probably 4 in this category of semiconductor equipment suppliers. LRCX does design, manufactures the equipment, refurbishes and services the equipment. 12-month price target of $1069, decent runway. Reports soon. Very conservative, so we won't get surprised. 

ASML using ultraviolet to etch chips has become the cat's meow, carving out a nice niche for EUVs. It's a bit cheaper. Reported last week, positive on top and bottom lines but lowered guidance. It sees demand coming back very strong in second half. Semis are a big thing with the AI revolution. Opportunity to buy a fantastic company at a cheaper price. 12-month price target of $1070.

For new money, put half in each.

$891.070

Stock price when the opinion was issued

electrical electronic
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DON'T BUY

It makes equipment that is used by semi-conductor manufacturers. It is more cyclical than the semi-conductor sector, which outside of AI shifts is already facing a flat to downward cycle.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 15/24, Down 20%)

Fell below 200-day MA in summer, he got stopped out. Would revisit the name once the dust settles. 30x forward PE for 20% earnings growth. Trying to base. Long-term AI sector thesis very much intact. The leader in its niche.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 21/24, Down 16%)

Last October, warning shock for chip investors. Cut 2025 guidance. He got out of the way. Lithography is a cyclical business. If you're still holding, sell.

(Analysts’ price target is $885.00)
HOLD

Last year was rough, but is holding up better this year. Long term for her, though it may doing nothing in the near future as the Nasdaq stays under pressure.

DON'T BUY

The do a lot of business with China, and Trump refuses to help any Dutch company do business in China, a business ASML needs. (Biden felt the same.) ASML controls a crucial part in the entire semiconductor chain.

DON'T BUY

It reports Wednesday. Is afraid it will miss like last time. Not exactly opaque--a complicated company.

HOLD

His holding in the space instead of TSM.

SELL

Hardware makers are in a tricky spot. Sold, mainly because so many headlines involve the US trying to clamp down on China's access to everything related to semiconductors. Part of China's response to that was to buy up as much non-advanced-edge chip equipment as it could. An overhang going forward.

See his Past Top Picks for a name he likes a lot more.

COMMENT

They report Wednesday. If they report good numbers, it could spark a round of semis buying.

BUY

He bought into weakness (not strength). He bought it as an AI play. TSM is their biggest customer. They've had a problem with China for a while, though boasts over a 50% profit margin. They're turning a corner, because the AI conversation has shifted from laptops and PCs to going mobile. So, they will need to buy new equipment, and this benefits ASML.