Franklin Resources Inc. Has $675.68 Million Stock Holdings in ASML Holding N.V. $ASML

Key Points

• Franklin Resources Inc. cut its stake in ASML by 8.6% in Q3, selling 65,638 shares and retaining 697,952 shares worth about $675.68 million (roughly 0.18% of ASML).
• Several large managers boosted positions—most notably Capital International Investors (+17.3% to ~3.92M shares worth ~$3.79B)—and institutional investors collectively own 26.07% of ASML.
• ASML raised its quarterly dividend to $3.1771 (annualized $12.71, ~0.9% yield) and carries an average analyst rating of "Moderate Buy" with a $1,475 target amid positive news like EUV backlog strength and recent broker price-target upgrades.

Franklin Resources Inc. decreased its stake in ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML - Free Report) by 8.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 697,952 shares of the semiconductor company's stock after selling 65,638 shares during the quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. owned approximately 0.18% of ASML worth $675,680,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Capital International Investors increased its stake in shares of ASML by 17.3% in the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 3,919,154 shares of the semiconductor company's stock worth $3,791,982,000 after acquiring an additional 577,448 shares during the last quarter. Regents of The University of California purchased a new stake in shares of ASML during the third quarter worth $413,335,000. WCM Investment Management LLC boosted its position in ASML by 24.9% during the third quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 1,933,748 shares of the semiconductor company's stock valued at $1,861,445,000 after purchasing an additional 385,502 shares during the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in ASML by 16.6% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 2,148,506 shares of the semiconductor company's stock valued at $2,079,948,000 after purchasing an additional 305,435 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC grew its stake in ASML by 6.3% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 4,244,254 shares of the semiconductor company's stock valued at $3,401,304,000 after purchasing an additional 250,934 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.07% of the company's stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have weighed in on ASML shares. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a "neutral" rating on shares of ASML in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Barclays raised ASML from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Susquehanna restated a "positive" rating on shares of ASML in a report on Monday, January 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a "buy" rating on shares of ASML in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of ASML from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have assigned a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $1,475.00.

ASML Price Performance

NASDAQ ASML opened at $1,386.68 on Thursday. ASML Holding N.V. has a fifty-two week low of $578.51 and a fifty-two week high of $1,547.22. The stock's 50-day moving average is $1,371.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1,119.89. The firm has a market cap of $545.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.79.

ASML Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, May 5th. Investors of record on Monday, April 27th will be paid a $3.1771 dividend. This represents a $12.71 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 27th. This is a positive change from ASML's previous quarterly dividend of $1.88. ASML's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.83%.

Key Stories Impacting ASML

Here are the key news stories impacting ASML this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Company reports and analysis highlight a stronger AI-driven EUV backlog and rising share of revenue from EUV tools, supporting multi‑year performance obligations and reinforcing ASML’s near‑monopoly in advanced lithography. This is a direct demand indicator for future revenue. Is ASML’s AI‑Fueled EUV Backlog Reshaping The Investment Case For ASML Holding ENXTAM: ASML?
• Positive Sentiment: Bank of America raised its price target on ASML to $1,886 (from $1,868) and reiterated a Buy stance — a notable broker upgrade that can boost investor sentiment and buying interest. BofA Lifts PT on ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) to $1,886 from $1,868 – Here’s Why
• Positive Sentiment: Local permit approval for a large new ASML campus (projected to create ~20,000 jobs) signals long‑term capacity expansion and government support for the company’s industrial footprint. ASML gets green light for new campus creating 20,000 jobs
• Positive Sentiment: Outlets and analysts reiterate that China is unlikely to quickly replicate ASML’s technological lead in EUV, reducing a near‑term competitive threat and calming investor fears after prior volatility. Why ASML Investors Shouldn't Worry About Competition From China
• Neutral Sentiment: Company governance changes and a board reshuffle link strategy more explicitly to AI and packaging initiatives — could improve strategic focus but is more medium‑term in impact. ASML Board Shake Up Links Governance To AI And Packaging Push
• Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary and trade‑day recaps note ASML’s share advance vs. broader market weakness; useful as context but not a fundamental driver. ASML (ASML) Advances While Market Declines: Some Information for Investors
• Negative Sentiment: Macroeconomic and geopolitical risks remain: higher energy/logistics costs and ongoing export‑control uncertainty (especially concerning China) are cited as downside risks that could pressure margins or order flow if they worsen. ASML: Energy And Recession Fears Rise, But AI Semiconductor Demand Is Solid For Now

About ASML

ASML Holding N.V. NASDAQ: ASML is a Dutch company that develops, manufactures and services advanced photolithography systems used to produce semiconductor chips. Headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands, ASML supplies capital equipment and associated software and services that enable semiconductor manufacturers to pattern the intricate circuits on silicon wafers. The company is widely recognized for its leadership in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography as well as its deep ultraviolet (DUV) platforms used across multiple process nodes.

ASML's product portfolio includes EUV and DUV lithography machines, light sources, imaging optics and control software, together with spare parts, upgrades and field services.

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