ASML HOLDING NV-NY REG SHS (NASDAQ:ASML) was identified as an affordable growth stock by our stock screener. ASML demonstrates strong growth potential while maintaining solid profitability and financial health, all at a reasonable valuation. Below, we examine why this semiconductor equipment leader stands out.
Growth Prospects
ASML has shown impressive growth in recent years, with key highlights including:
Earnings Per Share (EPS) grew by 22.60% over the past year.
Over the past five years, EPS has increased at an average annual rate of 25.62%.
Revenue has expanded by 19.05% annually on average, indicating strong demand for its semiconductor equipment.
Analysts expect EPS to grow by 19.86% and revenue by 12.02% annually in the coming years.
Valuation Considerations
While ASML is not the cheapest stock in its sector, its valuation remains reasonable relative to its growth and industry peers:
The Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio of 30.50 is slightly above the S&P 500 average but below the industry average.
The Forward P/E of 23.92 is in line with the sector, suggesting expectations of continued earnings growth.
The PEG ratio, which accounts for growth, indicates a fair valuation given ASML’s profitability and expansion prospects.
Profitability & Financial Health
ASML excels in profitability and financial stability:
Profitability Rating: 9/10 – The company boasts strong margins, including a 26.79% net profit margin and 31.92% operating margin, outperforming most peers.
Health Rating: 7/10 – ASML maintains a solid balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21 and strong cash flow generation.
Return on Equity (ROE) of 40.98% and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of 25.98% highlight efficient capital use.