ASML (NASDAQ:ASML) Stock Price Down 1.7% - What You Need to Know

On Friday, ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML) experienced a decline in its stock price, dropping by 1.7% during mid-day trading. The stock traded as low as $724.07 and closed the day at $726.73. In total, 549,315 shares were exchanged, marking a significant reduction of 71% compared to its average trading volume of 1,902,472 shares. The previous day, ASML's stock had closed at $739.13.

Analyst Opinions on ASML

Several financial analysts have recently provided insights on ASML's potential. DZ Bank has upgraded ASML's rating from "hold" to "buy" as of January 30. Concurrently, Susquehanna revised its price target for ASML downward from $1,300.00 to $1,100.00 while maintaining a "positive" rating in their analysis published on October 11. Additionally, BNP Paribas initiated coverage with an "outperform" rating and set a price target of $858.00.

Wells Fargo also raised its price target from $790.00 to $860.00, giving ASML an "overweight" rating. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase & Co. adjusted its price target from $1,148.00 to $1,100.00 while keeping an "overweight" rating. In total, three analysts recommend holding shares, nine have assigned a buy rating, and one indicates a strong buy, leading to an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $937.00 according to MarketBeat.com.

ASML Stock Performance Metrics

Currently, ASML has a market capitalization of $286.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.01, a PEG ratio of 1.62, and a beta of 1.47. The stock's 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages stand at $724.31 and $769.45, respectively. The company reports a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.99, and a current ratio of 1.53.

Dividend Announcement

Recently, ASML announced an increase in its dividend, which is to be paid on February 19 to shareholders registered by February 11. The new dividend amount is $1.5855, up from the previous $1.08. This reflects a dividend payout ratio of 26.83%, indicating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Institutional Investors' Activity

Institutional investors have shown varied activity regarding ASML. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its ASML holdings by 26.3% in the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 17,187 shares, bringing their total to 82,646 shares valued at $57.28 million. Similarly, Daiwa Securities increased its stake by 4.4%, adding 286 shares to reach a total of 6,839 shares valued at $4.74 million. Other firms, like Simplicity Wealth LLC, SLT Holdings LLC, and Sound View Wealth Advisors Group, have also adjusted their positions in ASML during this period. About 26.07% of ASML’s shares are held by institutional investors.

About ASML

ASML Holding N.V. is a leading provider of advanced semiconductor equipment systems, supplying essential tools for chipmakers. They specialize in various technologically advanced systems, including lithography, metrology, and testing systems. The company is well-known for its extreme ultraviolet lithography systems and deep ultraviolet lithography solutions, necessary for manufacturing today's diverse semiconductor technologies.

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