Back to top

Image: Bigstock

ASML (ASML) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Have you been paying attention to shares of ASML Holding N.V. (ASML - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 9% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $756.78 in the previous session. ASML Holding N.V. has gained 53.4% since the start of the year compared to the 21.1% move for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the 51.4% return for the Zacks Semiconductor Equipment - Wafer Fabrication industry.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on July 21, 2021, ASML reported EPS of $3.04 versus consensus estimate of $2.89.

For the current fiscal year, ASML is expected to post earnings of $15.91 per share on $22.27 billion in revenues. This represents a 64.19% change in EPS on a 38.75% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $19.65 per share on $25.68 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 23.51% and 15.3%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

ASML may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.

On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

ASML has a Value Score of F. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and B, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 47X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 68X versus its peer group's average of 32.5X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.58. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.

Zacks Rank

We also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, ASML currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to favorable earnings estimate revisions from covering analysts.

Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if ASML meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though ASML shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) - free report >>

Published in