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Hyundai's large order to ASML (from last fall) has been modified from DUV/i-line mix to all-DUV tools. Since the value of the order was not reduced, I read this to mean that the order for DUV tools was actually increased, -- meaning expanding orders for Cymer lasers for DUV tools used in S. Korea's Hyundai fabs. Check this out and see if you agree. Note also comments on ASML having overcome scarcity of lens material that was holding up production of DUV tools to meet the "insatiable demand"
sumnet.com
<<...ASML has provided "a compelling combination of technology and productivity" in its charge to the top of the lithography heap, Ms.
Billat said. Part of what has driven its growth--as well as that of
Nikon and Canon--is the semiconductor industry's now-insatiable demand for deep-UV lithography systems. DUV provides the "waterslide" for "faster and faster shrinks," she added.
Until recently, production of DUV equipment had been constrained by scarcity of DUV lens material, which had been handcrafted. Now
production of the lens material is automated, and the supply is
steadier.
Hyundai's huge order last fall hasn't been cancelled or cut back in light of the economic turmoil in South Korea, according to Ms. Billat. Most of the order had been for deep-UV equipment, and now it is apparently all for DUV, with the I-line equipment being "de-booked," she said. With Hyundai delaying its fab in Scotland, all resources are now being diverted to the company's fabs in Korea, with the shift to 64-megabit DRAM production taking priority an driving increased demand for DUV, rather than I-line. >>>>
Now recall the last CC wherein Akins expressed concern over Korea's orders. Perhaps that concern is resolved by the above, and we may be in for surprise upside revenue/earnings increase in the next Q.
Tulvio |
