Morningstar over Besi q3 2024:
"Shares of narrow-moat BE Semiconductor BESI were up 13% after a very strong third-quarter report and healthy guidance for the fourth quarter. We remain impressed by Besi’s ability to deliver industry-leading gross margins (64%-65%) in a year of cyclical contraction for semiconductors; quarterly revenue was down 27% year over year to EUR 123 million. As an example, wide-moat equipment peers Applied Materials, KLA, and ASML have delivered 46%, 60%, and 51% gross margins during 2023. Besi can achieve high gross margins thanks to a laser-focused product portfolio, high-margin service revenue, a flexible operating cost model, and excellent management of the supply chain. EBIT margin came in at 35% compared with 31% and 39% in the previous two quarters. We are raising our fair value estimate to EUR 86 per share from EUR 82 after slightly raising our medium- and long-term revenue and gross margin assumptions. The shares of this high-quality name appear overvalued, though, trading near EUR 100, so we recommend that investors be patient until a good opportunity arises. Our Capital Allocation Rating for Besi is Exemplary."