asml weathers volatility with strong backing from institutions

2025-07-10 asml

Amsterdam, Thursday, 10 July 2025.
despite market instability, asml holding n.v. demonstrates long-term potential. analysis of asml’s stock ownership structure indicates significant investment by major institutions and mutual funds. this backing suggests confidence in the semiconductor manufacturer. asml’s critical role in photolithography systems makes it an appealing, stable choice for large investment firms. this continued interest influences the company’s stock valuation and overall market perception.

Institutional ownership

Institutional investors’ holdings in ASML stock suggest confidence in the company’s prospects [1]. GuruFocus.com provides data on institutional and insider ownership of ASML Holding NV, which can give insights into market sentiment [8]. Peter Lynch prefers companies with low institutional ownership [8]. However, high institutional ownership can also indicate stability [GPT]. ASML’s stock is influenced by these large investment firms, affecting its valuation and market perception [GPT].

Market dynamics and stock splits

ASML’s stock performance is subject to market conditions and investor sentiment [3]. While ASML had not announced any stock split plans as of April 2024, such a move could increase liquidity and attract retail investors [3]. Historically, ASML’s stock has seen significant annual returns, such as 65.0% in 2020 and 62.4% in 2021, but also a decline of -31.4% in 2022 [3]. These fluctuations highlight the importance of monitoring market dynamics and ASML’s financial performance.

Q3 results and market reaction

ASML’s Q3 report revealed a lower-than-expected order intake, which impacted the broader market [4]. The company’s order intake fell to €2.6 billion, compared to €5.6 billion in the previous quarter [4]. This news led to a decline in ASML’s stock price and affected other companies in the semiconductor sector [4]. Ellinor Beckett, an analyst at EFN Finansmagasinet, noted that the order intake was significantly below analyst expectations [4].

Revised outlook and future expectations

ASML anticipates full-year sales for 2024 to be around €28 billion, with an increase to €30-35 billion in 2025 [4]. This forecast is at the lower end of the guidance provided during the company’s capital market day in 2022 [4]. The gross margin for Q3 was 50.8%, and the company projects a gross margin of 49-50% for Q4 of this year and 51-53% for the full year 2025 [4]. These figures are lower than previously guided, reflecting a more gradual market recovery [4].

Strategic considerations and indirect exposure

Some investment firms are seeking indirect exposure to certain markets through companies like ASML [7]. This strategy aims to mitigate risks associated with corporate governance in specific regions [7]. ASML’s technological leadership in photolithography systems positions it as a key player in the semiconductor industry [3]. The company’s role as a supplier to major chip manufacturers further solidifies its importance in the global technology supply chain [4].

Bronnen

institutional investors stock ownership