Opinions
Kim Bolton
ASML Holding
ASML-Q
BUY
Apr 24, 2024
Stock price when the opinion was issued
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He just re-bought it. Shares are rallying today because analysts raised earnings expectations. He continues to expect at the end of this year and into next increasing orders for their EUV, a large $250 device that can cram as many advanced features on a chip as possible. Also, the valuation of ASML has fallen to an attractive though not cheap level at 25x PE, no longer 40x.
Surprised when it lowered guidance, order book was way down, and the stock rolled over by 15% just like that. He didn't sell, as it's still a leader in lithography. The memory side of the business is very cyclical, though the AI side was very robust. What he did, though, was get rid of some of his memory chip stocks.
The company also talked about how China has built out facilities for memory chips. So, another supply of memory chips that will influence the cyclicality.
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.
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.