Is ASML Stock a Buy Before Oct. 15?

Core Viewpoint - ASML, the leading producer of lithography systems, faces near-term challenges despite a strong performance in 2023, with a significant slowdown in 2024 due to various market pressures and geopolitical factors [3][4][10] Group 1: Company Performance - In 2023, ASML's net sales surged by 30% driven by increased shipments of DUV and EUV systems and a rise in service revenues as chipmakers ramped up AI chip production [3] - For 2024, ASML's net sales growth is projected at only 3%, with gross margins flatlining and EPS declining by 3% due to tough comparisons and reduced demand for non-AI chips [4] - Despite the slowdown in the first half of 2024, ASML's net sales and EPS showed double-digit growth over the past four quarters, largely supported by AI demand in the DRAM memory chip market [5] Group 2: Financial Metrics - ASML's financial metrics for upcoming quarters indicate a mixed outlook: Q2 2024 shows a net sales decline of 9.5%, while Q3 and Q4 are expected to rebound with growth rates of 11.9% and 28%, respectively [6] - Gross margins are projected to fluctuate around 51.5% to 54% from Q2 2024 to Q1 2025, with EPS growth expected to recover significantly in Q1 2025 at 92.9% [6] Group 3: Market Outlook - Analysts forecast ASML's revenue and EPS to rise by 14% and 25%, respectively, in the current year, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% for revenue and 16% for EPS from 2024 to 2027 [7] - The company anticipates a 15% increase in net sales for the full year, with gross margins expected to rise from 51.3% to approximately 52% [6] Group 4: Challenges and Risks - ASML faces significant near-term challenges, including tightened export controls from the Chinese government and potential new tariffs from the U.S. government, which could impact sales forecasts [9][10] - The stock is currently valued at 34 times next year's earnings, raising concerns about whether the current valuation reflects too much optimism regarding AI growth [8]