ASML vs. AMAT: Which Semiconductor Equipment Leader Is a Better Buy?

Core Insights - ASML Holding and Applied Materials are key players in the semiconductor equipment industry, with ASML leading in lithography systems and Applied Materials excelling in deposition, etching, and process control [1][2] ASML Holding - ASML is crucial in the semiconductor value chain due to its monopoly in EUV lithography, essential for advanced chip manufacturing [2] - In Q2 2025, ASML reported a revenue growth of 23% and a 47% increase in earnings per share, but management expressed concerns about growth prospects for 2026 [3][4] - The company acknowledged that U.S.-China tariff discussions are negatively impacting customer capital spending, which may delay orders and revenue recognition [5] - ASML's guidance for Q3 indicates expected revenues between €7.4 billion and €7.9 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 14.6%, significantly lower than previous quarters [9] - The expected gross margin for Q3 is projected to be in the 50-52% range, down from 53.7% in Q2, primarily due to margin-dilutive revenues [10] Applied Materials - Applied Materials has a diversified portfolio across semiconductor manufacturing equipment, allowing it to better navigate industry fluctuations [11] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from AI-driven semiconductor technology, with revenues from advanced semiconductor nodes exceeding $2.5 billion in fiscal 2024 and expected to double in fiscal 2025 [12][13] - In Q2 of fiscal 2025, Applied Materials reported a 14.4% increase in non-GAAP EPS and a 6.8% rise in revenues, with guidance for Q3 indicating a 6.2% revenue growth and a 10.8% increase in non-GAAP EPS [14] Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, ASML shares have decreased by 0.5%, while Applied Materials shares have increased by 10.2% [17] - ASML is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 24.33, higher than Applied Materials' 18.14, suggesting that Applied Materials is more reasonably priced given its stronger near-term momentum [18] Conclusion - Applied Materials is currently viewed as the better investment option due to stronger near-term earnings stability, broader product exposure, and more attractive valuation compared to ASML [20] - AMAT holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), while ASML has a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [21]