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Disclosure: The author does not hold a position in ASML.
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ASML

Analysis as of: 2026-01-14
ASML Holding N.V.
ASML designs, manufactures, and services lithography systems that pattern advanced semiconductor chips for leading foundries and memory makers.
ai hardware semiconductors
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Summary

Scarcity hardware with services-driven durability
A premium-quality compounder where AI-driven lithography intensity and a growing service base can sustain steady growth. Upside exists, but valuation and geopolitics likely cap multiple expansion.

Analysis

Thesis
ASML stays the leading-edge compute choke-point; as AI raises lithography intensity and High-NA ramps, ASML can grow revenue while shifting mix toward higher-visibility services/software, supporting premium (but not expanding) multiples despite export-control drag.
Last Economy Alignment
Compute scarcity makes leading-edge chips the bottleneck; ASML’s lithography monopoly, ecosystem lock-in, and upgrade/service flywheel position it as a core enabler (with geopolitics as the main limiter).
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Opportunity Outlook

Average Implied 5-Year Multiple
1.8x (from 5 most recent analyses)
Reasoning
ASML already trades like a scarcity asset. The 5-year upside is mainly (1) AI-driven wafer demand pushing more critical layers (logic + advanced DRAM) and (2) mix quality improving via services/upgrades and selective software. However, geopolitics (China) and cycle volatility likely keep the terminal multiple from expanding; we underwrite modest multiple compression offset by strong revenue compounding.
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Risk Assessment

Overall Risk Summary
The main risks are (1) policy/export escalation that structurally reduces China demand and complicates service, (2) timing and economics of High-NA plus memory EUV layer adoption, and (3) concentration across a few mega-fabs and irreplaceable subsystem suppliers—creating sharp demand air-pockets that can compress the multiple even if long-run leadership holds.
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Third Party Analyst Consensus

12-Month Price Target
$1270.67
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