Core Viewpoint - ASML's stock fell 8.3% following its Q2 2025 results despite beating analyst estimates, presenting a potential buying opportunity for long-term investors interested in AI growth stocks [1][12]. Group 1: Company Overview - ASML manufactures semiconductor lithography machines utilized by major chip foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Samsung Electronics, and Intel [3]. - The company offers deep ultraviolet (DUV) systems and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems, with EUV machines being significantly more expensive and advanced [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - ASML's Q2 2025 net sales reached 7.69 billion euros ($8.9 billion), with 2.1 billion euros ($2.43 billion) from servicing its installed base and 5.5 billion euros ($6.37 billion) in net bookings, of which 42% were EUVs [10]. - The average sales price for EUVs in the quarter was approximately 209 million euros ($242 million) [11]. Group 3: Future Growth and Guidance - The company anticipates a 15% sales growth compared to 2024, projecting total sales of 32.55 billion euros ($37.79 billion) and a gross margin of around 52% for the full year [7][8]. - ASML maintains a long-term revenue forecast of 44 billion to 60 billion euros ($51.08 billion to $69.65 billion) by 2030, with gross margins expected to rise to 56% to 60% [9]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Strategy - The demand for EUV technology is strong, driven by the increasing need for advanced microchips to support AI applications [5][12]. - ASML plans to continue stock repurchases and increase dividends, enhancing shareholder value despite a modest yield of 1.1% [14].

ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) shares have plunged 8.6% since it reported first-quarter 2025 results on April 15. The stock has fallen largely due to slower booking growth and concerns related to the escalating Chinese trade restrictions. With this, investors must be wondering whether to exit the investment or if it is a buy-the-dip opportunity. Why Did ASML Holding Struggle? Although ASML Holding's first-quarter bookings grew 9% year over year to €3.94 billion, it was down 44.5% sequentially, turning investors c ...

Core Viewpoint - ASML Holding N.V. has experienced a significant stock price decline of 25.1% over the past year, underperforming the broader market and major semiconductor companies, despite its strong market position and financial performance [1][3]. Company Performance - ASML's stock underperformance is attributed to macroeconomic pressures and company-specific challenges, including a broader tech sector sell-off and weakening semiconductor demand [4][5]. - The Dutch government's export restrictions on ASML's advanced lithography tools to China have hampered growth prospects, as China accounted for 41% of ASML's lithography shipments in 2024 [6]. - ASML's forward P/E ratio stands at 27.92, which is higher than the Zacks Computer and Technology sector average of 23.92, raising valuation concerns among investors [7]. Technological Leadership - ASML maintains a near-monopoly on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, essential for producing advanced chips at 3nm and below, positioning it as a key enabler in semiconductor manufacturing [9][11]. - The company's High-NA EUV technology, designed for sub-2nm nodes, represents significant long-term potential, despite slower-than-expected adoption [10]. Financial Performance - ASML reported €9.26 billion in net sales for Q4 2024, a 24% year-over-year increase, with net income rising 30% to €2.69 billion and EPS growing 30% to €6.85 [12]. - The gross margin expanded by 90 basis points year-over-year to 51.7%, reflecting strong cost management and productivity improvements [13]. - For 2025, ASML expects a 15% revenue growth, driven by rising demand for EUV and DUV lithography systems, along with anticipated margin expansions [14]. Order Backlog and Revenue Visibility - ASML has a record-high order backlog of €36 billion, providing strong revenue visibility, with €7.1 billion in new orders booked in Q4 2024 [15][16]. - The demand for ASML's lithography tools is driven by the AI boom and the need for next-generation chip production [17][18]. Conclusion - Despite facing near-term challenges, ASML's technological leadership, robust financials, and substantial order backlog indicate strong long-term growth potential, making it a compelling hold for investors [19][20].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales for Q3 2024 reached €7.5 billion, exceeding guidance due to increased DPV system sales and higher installed base management sales [6] - Net system sales amounted to €5.9 billion, comprising €2.1 billion from EUV sales and €3.8 billion from non-EUV sales [6] - Gross margin for the quarter was 50.8%, while net income was €2.1 billion, representing 27.8% of total net sales, resulting in an EPS of €5.28 [7][8] - Free cash flow improved to €534 million, although pressure remains due to low order intake and high inventory levels [8] - Q3 net system bookings totaled €2.6 billion, with a backlog exceeding €36 billion at the end of the quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Installed base management sales for Q3 were €1.54 billion, driven by higher service and upgrade revenue [7] - Net system bookings were balanced between memory (54%) and logic (46%) [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The recovery in traditional end markets is slow, with customers remaining cautious [10] - The company expects China business to normalize to about 20% of total revenue, reflecting a return to historical levels [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on advancing EUV technology, with significant improvements in throughput and performance expected from new models [14][16] - Long-term growth drivers in semiconductor markets remain strong, particularly in AI and energy transition applications [23][24] - The company plans to build capacity to meet future demand, despite current market softness [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while AI is a key driver for industry recovery, other segments are recovering more slowly than anticipated, extending recovery into 2025 [17][18] - The company has adjusted its 2025 revenue expectations to the lower half of the previously provided range, anticipating €30 billion to €35 billion [20][21] - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding customer demand, particularly in light of competitive dynamics and market uncertainties [60][61] Other Important Information - The company declared a second quarterly interim dividend of €1.52 per ordinary share, payable on November 7, 2024 [12] - R&D expenses for Q4 are expected to be around €1.09 billion, with SG&A expenses at approximately €300 million [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the normalization of China demand? - Management indicated that normalization is due to a combination of backlog adjustments and cautious views on export controls, expecting China to represent about 20% of total sales [27][28] Question: How does the 2025 gross margin guidance reflect changes in immersion shipments? - Management clarified that immersion expectations have not dramatically changed since the 2022 Investor Day, but the overall mix and volume of EUV units have significantly impacted gross margin expectations [31][34] Question: How much of the EUV shipment cuts will spill over to 2026? - Management noted that customer feedback indicates tools are being pushed out, which could mathematically lead to some orders moving into 2026 [38][39] Question: What is the outlook for installed base management growth in 2025? - Management expects healthy double-digit growth in installed base management, driven by service and upgrade revenues [45] Question: How is the company managing capacity targets in light of updated 2025 expectations? - The company is executing on long lead time items while slowing down short-term investments due to current market softness, preparing for future demand increases [52][53] Question: What is the expected impact of AI on future demand? - Management remains optimistic about AI driving demand, particularly in server markets, and anticipates developments in this area in the coming months [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2023 were €6.7 billion, aligning with guidance [6] - Gross margin for the quarter was 51.9%, exceeding guidance due to product mix and one-off cost effects [7] - Net income for Q3 was €1.9 billion, representing 28.4% of net sales, resulting in an EPS of €4.81 [8] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at the end of Q3 totaled €5 billion [8] - Q3 net system bookings were €2.6 billion, with a backlog exceeding €35 billion at the end of Q3 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from EUV systems was €1.9 billion from 10 systems shipped, while net system sales totaled €5.3 billion, driven primarily by logic at 76% [7] - Installed base management sales for the quarter were €1.4 billion, as guided [7] - The installed base business is expected to decline by around 5% year-over-year, a revision from previous flat growth expectations [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 bookings were primarily driven by logic at 80%, with memory accounting for 20% [8] - The company noted a moderation in orders as customers manage cash flows and delay purchases due to industry cycles [9] - China demand for DPV systems remains strong, with a significant portion of orders booked in 2022 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects significant growth in 2025, driven by new fab projects and increased capacity from existing fabs [15][22] - The company is preparing for a strong recovery in 2025, with expectations of a transition year in 2024 [24] - The geopolitical environment, particularly export controls, may impact regional shipment splits but not global demand [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, including inflation and geopolitical tensions, affecting customer behavior [13] - There are signs of improvement in end-market inventory levels, particularly in logic, while memory remains weak [14][60] - Management expects a recovery in memory to follow the logic recovery, although timing remains uncertain [60] Other Important Information - An interim dividend of €1.45 per ordinary share is scheduled for payment on November 10, 2023 [11] - The company plans to manage cash flows prudently due to ongoing pressure on free cash flow [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: How to think about gross margin expectations for 2024? - Management indicated that while they cannot provide specific guidance, factors such as ASP increases and service improvements will positively impact gross margin, while capacity expansion and high NA tool preparations may present headwinds [26][30] Question: Expectations for revenue not recognized by year-end? - Management confirmed expectations for revenue not recognized to be around €2.3 billion by year-end, with some catch-up anticipated in 2024 [31][33] Question: Unit expectations for EUV and DUV in 2024? - Management expects a reduction in DUV units due to previous high volumes in China and new export controls, while EUV units may also decline but with higher sales prices [38][40] Question: Sustainability of spending levels in China? - Management believes that spending levels in China will remain strong due to significant investments in renewable energy and industrial IoT, despite geopolitical tensions [44][46] Question: Percentage of shipments to China under new restrictions? - Management indicated that 10% to 15% of shipments this year may fall under the new restrictions, primarily affecting advanced semiconductor manufacturing [51] Question: Utilization levels and trends across memory versus logic? - Management noted that logic utilization is showing signs of improvement, while memory utilization remains low, with expectations that memory will follow logic's recovery [58][60] Question: Impact of 2025 guidance in light of current macro environment? - Management emphasized that despite current uncertainties, the cyclical nature of the industry suggests a strong recovery in 2025, supported by underlying demand trends [67][72]