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ASML's High-NA Progress Amazes: Can Early Trials Turn to Mass Demand?
ZACKS· 2025-06-30 13:36
Core 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]
Top Wide-Moat Stocks to Invest in for Long-Term Growth
ZACKS· 2025-05-05 13:25
An updated edition of the March 12, 2025, article.In the business world, the concept of a wide moat refers to companies with strong, durable competitive advantages that protect them from rivals, much like a moat defends a castle. First popularized by Warren Buffett, this strategy emphasizes investing in businesses that can sustain superior profitability over the long term due to their unique positioning, strong brand loyalty, cost advantages, network effects, or regulatory barriers. Among the companies that ...