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On Tuesday, DA Davidson analyst Thomas Diffely adjusted the price target for Axcelis Technologies (NASDAQ:ACLS) shares, reducing it to $100 from the previous $125, while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The revision follows Axcelis Technologies’ first-quarter outlook, which did not meet the expectations of Wall Street, subsequently exerting significant pressure on the company’s stock. According to InvestingPro data, the stock is currently trading near its 52-week low of $63.08, having declined nearly 40% over the past six months. Despite recent pressure, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be undervalued at current levels.
Diffely noted that an industry slowdown is anticipated in Axcelis Technologies’ key mainstream markets, which may result in subdued business activity over the next several quarters. Additionally, the company is expected to increase operating expenses as it seeks to engage more closely with clients on upcoming programs. These factors are likely to lead to a considerable decrease in earnings projections for 2025. However, InvestingPro data shows the company maintains strong financial health with a current ratio of 5.41 and more cash than debt on its balance sheet. Discover more insights with InvestingPro’s comprehensive research report, available along with 12+ additional ProTips.
The updated financial model reflects these changes, prompting the analyst to revise the price target. Despite the near-term challenges, the Buy rating suggests a positive long-term view, with recovery in end markets and potential new opportunities, such as Advanced Logic and expansion into Japan, expected to drive future growth for Axcelis Technologies.
The company’s stock reacted to the news of the lowered first-quarter outlook and the forecasted increase in operating expenses, which are seen as potential headwinds for the short-term financial performance. Nevertheless, DA Davidson’s maintained Buy rating indicates an expectation that the company will navigate through these challenges and capitalize on forthcoming opportunities.
In other recent news, Axcelis Technologies announced impressive fourth quarter results, exceeding analyst estimates with adjusted earnings per share of $1.54 and revenue of $252.4 million. Despite this, the company’s outlook for the first quarter of 2025 fell short, guiding for earnings per share of approximately $0.38 on revenue of $185 million, compared to analyst projections of $1.02 EPS and $221.6 million in revenue. CEO Russell Low anticipates a near-term cyclical digestion period, particularly in China. For the full year 2024, Axcelis reported revenue of $1.02 billion and net income of $201 million, with diluted EPS of $6.15. The company also improved its gross margin to 44.7% in 2024, up from 43.5% in 2023, and ended the year with $123.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. These are the recent developments concerning Axcelis Technologies.
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