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ASML (ASML) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?
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Shares of ASML Holding N.V. (ASML - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 10.4% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $655.84 in the previous session. ASML Holding N.V. has gained 26.5% since the start of the year compared to the 13.3% move for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the 39.3% 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 April 21, 2021, ASML reported EPS of $3.86 versus consensus estimate of $3.08 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 8.63%.
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 these give investors a variety of ways to comb 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors 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 C, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 49.2X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 59.6X versus its peer group's average of 32.2X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 2.17. 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 consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, ASML currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
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 still be poised for more gains ahead.
How Does ASML Stack Up to the Competition?
Shares of ASML have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also impressive, including Kulicke and Soffa Industries (KLIC - Free Report) , Ultra Clean Holdings (UCTT - Free Report) , and Entegris (ENTG - Free Report) , all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices.
The Zacks Industry Rank is in the top 12% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for ASML, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation.
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ASML (ASML) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?
Shares of ASML Holding N.V. (ASML - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 10.4% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $655.84 in the previous session. ASML Holding N.V. has gained 26.5% since the start of the year compared to the 13.3% move for the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the 39.3% 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 April 21, 2021, ASML reported EPS of $3.86 versus consensus estimate of $3.08 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 8.63%.
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 these give investors a variety of ways to comb 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. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors 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 C, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 49.2X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 59.6X versus its peer group's average of 32.2X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 2.17. 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 consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, ASML currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
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 still be poised for more gains ahead.
How Does ASML Stack Up to the Competition?
Shares of ASML have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also impressive, including Kulicke and Soffa Industries (KLIC - Free Report) , Ultra Clean Holdings (UCTT - Free Report) , and Entegris (ENTG - Free Report) , all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices.
The Zacks Industry Rank is in the top 12% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for ASML, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation.