Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Can ASML's Tie-Up With TSM to Advance High NA EUV Drive Growth?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • ASML and TSM aim to establish a 12-inch photomask pilot line by 2031 for advanced-node production readiness.
  • The shift to 12-inch masks could boost productivity, cut costs and remove stitching constraints.
  • High NA EUV could support complex chip designs for high-performance computing and AI.

ASML Holding N.V. (ASML - Free Report) is advancing next-generation semiconductor manufacturing through a collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM - Free Report) to support the future development of High Numerical Aperture Extreme Ultraviolet (NA EUV) technology. The initiative aims to improve manufacturing efficiency and help the semiconductor industry fully use the capabilities of this advanced technology.

The partnership plans to establish a 12-inch photomask pilot line by 2031, supporting the broader lithography ecosystem's readiness for advanced-node production by 2033. The transition from existing 6-inch masks to larger 12-inch masks is expected to enhance the value of ASML’s High NA EUV technology by improving fab productivity, lowering chipmaking costs and removing stitching constraints for increasingly complex semiconductor designs.

ASML’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing systems are expected to play an important role as chip designs become more complex, particularly to support artificial intelligence (AI) applications. High-NA EUV adopters and other major suppliers have expressed interest in joining the initiative, supporting the development of a broader ecosystem around the platform.

The transition to larger-format photomasks could extend the technological and economic advantages of ASML’s lithography tools and reinforce the company’s role in developing technologies for future high-performance computing and AI processors.

How Are Competitors Faring?

ASML faces competition from Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AEIS - Free Report) and Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT - Free Report) . Advanced Energy Industries is growing in the semiconductor market through its advanced power and control technologies. The company is benefiting from growing demand for semiconductor equipment and AI-related data-center infrastructure. Advanced Energy Industries is expanding its manufacturing capacity and ramping new products to support continued growth across its key markets.

Applied Materials is strengthening its semiconductor equipment portfolio to support the production of increasingly advanced chips. The company is investing in technologies such as advanced packaging, deposition and materials engineering to address growing demand for AI and high-performance computing. Applied Materials continues to reinforce its position in the semiconductor manufacturing industry through innovative products and collaborations.

ASML’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

ASML shares have skyrocketed 122.5% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 120.8%.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, ASML trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 11.85, above the industry tally of 10.99.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Earnings estimates for 2026 have increased 22.9% to $44.99 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2027 have risen 20% to $59.36.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ASML currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Published in