Strong Earnings but Cautious 2026 Outlook Shapes Analyst View on ASML

ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) is one of the 11 Best Annual Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Despite the management expressing concerns over the 2026 outlook, the stock gains a Buy rating from analysts.

Founded as a joint venture between the Dutch technology companies Philips and ASM International, ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) designs, manufactures, and services advanced lithography, metrology, and inspection systems for the semiconductor industry. The Netherlands-based company enables chipmakers to mass-produce the intricate patterns on silicon wafers that form integrated circuits.

ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) reported strong Q2 2025 results on July 16, 2025. The company’s net sales saw a 23.2% year-over-year growth, while the EPS surged by 47.1%. However, the company’s stock price plunged following the management’s recent commentary on its 2026 outlook. The company, initially confident in the rise of demand due to the artificial intelligence revolution, now stated that it cannot confirm growth in 2026 because of customer hesitation and ongoing market uncertainty. The commentary was part of the Q2 2025 earnings call on July 16, 2025.

Analysts’ opinion on the stock, though mixed, mostly leans towards the Buy rating. CNN, for instance, noted 68% of the 38 analysts sticking to a Buy rating for ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML). The stock remains attractive with an annual dividend of $7.39 and a sturdy investor confidence represented by 78 hedge funds.

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