ASML vs. Applied Materials: Which Chip-Equipment Stock Is the Better Buy?

With semiconductor manufacturers expanding production capacity to meet AI chip demand, both ASML and Applied Materials are positioned for strong growth. ASML dominates lithography equipment with ~90% market share and premium pricing power, while Applied Materials offers a diversified portfolio with opportunities to gain market share through integrated solutions. Despite similar forward P/E ratios around 40x, Applied Materials appears the better long-term buy, trading at 21x 2028 earnings versus ASML's 23x, given its potential for sustained higher growth rates post-investment cycle.