ASML Holding(US:ASML) ZACKSยท2025-06-30 13:36Core Insights - ASML Holding N.V. is advancing its High-NA EUV lithography systems, crucial for the future of advanced chipmaking, with the fifth NXE:5000 system shipped in Q1 2025 and deliveries of the NXE:5200 model starting in Q2 2025 [1][9] Group 1: Technology and Customer Feedback - The High-NA systems enable chipmakers to produce smaller and more complex features with fewer steps and improved yields, receiving positive feedback from major clients like Intel and Samsung [2] - Intel reported over 30,000 wafers exposed in a single quarter using the High-NA tool, reducing process steps from 40 to less than 10, while Samsung achieved a 60% reduction in cycle time on one layer [3] Group 2: Adoption Phases and Future Outlook - ASML's High-NA technology is currently in phase one, focused on research and development, with mass production expected to begin around 2026-2027, followed by full adoption in later phases [4][9] - The company is working to enhance tool productivity and reliability in real-world applications, positioning itself to lead the next phase of semiconductor innovation [5] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Applied Materials and KLA Corporation are also significant players in advanced chipmaking tools, focusing on complementary technologies that could benefit from ASML's High-NA rollout [6][7] Group 4: Financial Performance and Valuation - ASML's shares have increased approximately 14.8% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 6.1% gain [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASML's earnings indicates a year-over-year increase of about 31.6% for 2025 and 11.1% for 2026, with recent upward revisions for 2025 estimates [11] - ASML trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 8.2, higher than the sector average of 6.62 [13]