WallStSmart

ASML Holding NV ADR (ASML)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ASML Holding NV ADR generates 3976% more annual revenue ($35.33B vs $866.82M). ASML leads profitability with a 30.1% profit margin vs 19.1%. ASML appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. ASML earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

ASML

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.41

PLAB

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 6.58

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASML6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$658.69B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
48.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 49 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
30.1%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.3%8/10

Revenue surging 21.3% year-over-year

PLAB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.5810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Operating MarginProfitability
21.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
25.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 25.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

ASML2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
58.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
1427.1x2/10

Trading at 1427.1x book value

PLAB4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.7%4/10

2.7% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.67B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.642/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASML

The strongest argument for ASML centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.1% and operating margin at 37.1%. Revenue growth of 21.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PLAB

The strongest argument for PLAB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.1% and operating margin at 21.1%.

Bear Case : ASML

The primary concerns for ASML are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 58.1x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : PLAB

The primary concerns for PLAB are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASML profiles as a growth stock while PLAB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ASML carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.

ASML is growing revenue faster at 21.3% — sustainability is the question.

ASML generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ASML scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 30.1% margins and 21.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

ASML Holding NV ADR

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

ASML Holding NV develops, produces, markets, sells and services advanced semiconductor equipment systems consisting of lithography, metrology and inspection related systems for memory and logic chip manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.

Photronics Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.

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