Tuesday saw BNP Paribas (OTC:BNPQY) Exane reinstate coverage on ASM International NV (AS:ASMI) (ASM:NA) with a Neutral rating, setting the price target at €519.00. The firm acknowledged the semiconductor company's potential for robust revenue growth as it transitions to Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology. The analyst anticipates that ASM International's revenue will benefit from the adoption of this technology and foresees a second surge in growth towards the end of the next decade with the introduction of 3D DRAM.
Despite the positive outlook on the company's growth prospects, the analyst expressed caution, noting that the consensus estimates for ASM International's financial performance are already above the mid-point of the company's guidance. This observation suggests that market expectations may be high relative to what the company has forecasted for its financial results.
Additionally, the analyst pointed out that ASM International is trading at one of the highest multiples in the semiconductor capital equipment sector. This valuation metric, which compares a company's stock price to its earnings, indicates that ASM International's shares may be priced more richly than some of its peers in the industry.
While acknowledging the company's potential, BNP Paribas Exane prefers shares of ASML (AS:ASML), another player in the semiconductor space, over ASM International. This preference is based on the comparative analysis of the companies within the sector.
In summary, BNP Paribas Exane has resumed its analytical coverage of ASM International NV, offering a neutral stance on the stock and setting a price target that reflects both the company's growth potential and the current market expectations. The firm's position is informed by industry valuations and a comparative preference within the semiconductor sector.
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