Shares of ASML Holding (ASML) are plunging in today’s trading after the semiconductor company released its second-quarter results and gave a cautious outlook. However, Evercore ISI, led by five-star analyst Mark Lipacis, sees this as a buying opportunity. Despite the short-term weakness, Evercore kept its Outperform rating and €803 price target on the firm’s European ticker (NL:ASML). Lipacis pointed out that ASML’s valuation has already dropped significantly, as its price-to-earnings ratio has compressed by about 35-40% over the past nine months.
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As a result, he believes that this decline already reflects negative news, therefore making the current dip a good entry point. He also noted that demand for AI-related chips continues to grow, especially in foundry logic and DRAM, which should help support ASML’s long-term growth story. While ASML beat both revenue and earnings expectations for Q2, its forecast for the next quarter came in below what analysts were expecting. Indeed, the company projected Q3 revenue between €7.4 billion and €7.9 billion, which missed market estimates of €8.3 billion.
It is also worth noting that Lipacis admitted that ASML’s gross margins could decline in the second half of 2025. This is due to how revenue is recognized from its High Numerical Aperture (High NA) technology, as well as a lower mix of high-margin upgrade sales. Still, Evercore believes ASML is on track to hit its 2025 goals and is confident in its long-term potential.
Is ASML Stock a Good Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on ASML stock based on two Buys, five Holds, and zero Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average ASML price target of $877.75 per share implies 17.3% upside potential.
