I worry about ASML. It's interesting that ASML is mentioned here when talking about an ailing Philips as it's a spinoff of the latter.
My concern is that in the European environment it stands alone—it stands out amongst European manufacturers like a pimple. It's IP is already under attack from China and the chances of it hanging out indefinately over the long-term I reckon are pretty slim (but I truly hope I'm wrong).
The trouble is that being the only standout in its environment (Europe) it becomes fair game, especially so when the cultural ethos isn't strong or is missing (NL and other European governments/EU should be doing more to protect it).
Also, ASML isn't helping itself by objecting about being blocked from selling to China, short-term gain will likely be its long-term loss.
To survive long-term, ASML needs to be amongst other like firms in a culturally similar environment and that's not the current situation.
My concern is that in the European environment it stands alone—it stands out amongst European manufacturers like a pimple. It's IP is already under attack from China and the chances of it hanging out indefinately over the long-term I reckon are pretty slim (but I truly hope I'm wrong).
The trouble is that being the only standout in its environment (Europe) it becomes fair game, especially so when the cultural ethos isn't strong or is missing (NL and other European governments/EU should be doing more to protect it).
Also, ASML isn't helping itself by objecting about being blocked from selling to China, short-term gain will likely be its long-term loss.
To survive long-term, ASML needs to be amongst other like firms in a culturally similar environment and that's not the current situation.