Front-end semiconductor stocks–those focused on wafer fabrication–deserve to trade at a premium, Jefferies analysts write in a research note. The U.S. bank expects ASML Holding, ASM and VAT Group to see significant growth in the next 12 to 15 months driven by the structural growth outlook from rising capital-expenditure intensity, a lack of meaningful competition, strong cyclical drivers into 2025 and healthy cash returns. “While investors are concerned on the sharp rerating that has already occurred for many front-end semicap equipment names, we predict all three stocks to trade above the previous peak multiples and–for the reasoning above–expect further rerating to occur,” Jefferies says. ASML shares are up 1.8% at EUR915.30; VAT shares are up 0.1% at CHF484.70; ASM shares are up 2.1% at EUR588.0.