ASML Holding(US:ASML) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-07-17 08:03Core Viewpoint - ASML reported a strong Q2 2025 performance with net orders of €5.5 billion, a 41% increase quarter-over-quarter, but the stock price plummeted due to management's cut in growth expectations [1][6] Financial Performance: Surprising Results with Conservative Guidance - UBS reported ASML's Q2 net sales reached €7.7 billion, with EBIT exceeding consensus by 12%; net orders were €5.5 billion (up 41% year-over-year, flat quarter-over-quarter), with EUV orders accounting for 42% [2] - ASML's Q2 sales were €7.6 billion, with a gross margin of 53.7% (exceeding guidance of 51.5% and consensus of 51.9%); diluted EPS was €5.9 [2] - JPMorgan highlighted that Q2 orders exceeded expectations by 32%, but Q3 sales guidance was 6.8% lower than consensus, reflecting a dilution effect on gross margin from high NA tool revenue recognition [2] Chinese Market: Declining Revenue Share but Strategic Importance Remains - ASML's Q2 revenue from China decreased by 3% quarter-over-quarter and 35% year-over-year, accounting for 27% of total sales, but is still expected to exceed 25% for the year [3] - Both UBS and JPMorgan noted that ASML's order performance serves as a bellwether for the semiconductor equipment industry, with long-term demand in China supporting ASML's revenue base despite geopolitical risks [3] Technological Upgrades: High NA Tools Driving Future Growth - ASML confirmed revenue from high NA tools (e.g., NXE:3800s) in Q2, with both UBS and JPMorgan mentioning the impact of such orders on gross margin [4] - UBS indicated that revenue recognition from high NA tools will dilute gross margin in the second half of 2025, while JPMorgan emphasized that upgrade revenue positively contributed to Q2 gross margin [4] Capital Operations: Buyback Plan Demonstrates Confidence - JPMorgan noted that ASML repurchased €1.4 billion in stock during Q2, while UBS did not mention any buyback plans, reflecting differing focuses between the two institutions [5] 2026 Outlook: Cautious Language Sparks Market Divergence - Management expressed a "reserved" attitude towards growth in 2026, stating readiness for growth but unable to confirm it, leading to differing interpretations from the two institutions [6] - UBS warned that growth preparations for 2026 face "high macroeconomic uncertainty," potentially leading to a 5%-10% EPS downgrade; JPMorgan believes ASML's high market share and U.S. semiconductor manufacturing policies will mitigate some cyclical risks [6] Conclusion: Cautious Optimism Amidst Stability - Both UBS and JPMorgan's reports outline ASML's current situation: Q2 performance exceeded expectations, but Q3 guidance is conservative; revenue from the Chinese market is declining, yet its strategic position remains solid [7] - High NA tools present short-term gross margin pressure but are crucial for technological upgrades; ASML is viewed as one of the most resilient equipment manufacturers in the semiconductor industry, balancing short-term volatility with long-term value [7]