|
Analysts identified the likely buyer of the
lithography systems as Intel and said the deal would not only
boost ASML growth for years to come, but was also a big vote of
confidence in the technology.
The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) chip etching systems - which use
focused energy beams to trace out the circuitry of
semiconductors, making them smaller and faster than ever - have
a list price of 95 million euros ($102 million) each.
"In our view this is a clear sign of trust in the new
technology, which will be welcomed by the market," said ING
analyst Robin van den Broek, who rates shares a "hold".
"Moreover, it will also put pressure on other chip
manufacturers, especially logic clients, to also consider
bulking up orders for EUV," he wrote.
ASML shares were up 8.6 percent at 99.50 euros by 0644 EDT.
ASML spokesman Niclas Mika said the first two systems in
Wednesday's order would be delivered this year.
Intel declined to comment.
The world's largest chip makers all use ASML's machines, but
Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) are pushing hardest to
integrate the new machines into their manufacturing process.
TSMC has said it expects to have a machine in full-scale
commercial use by the end of next year.
Several leading chipmakers have invested in both ASML and the
EUV technology itself. Intel holds 14.37 percent of ASML, while
TSMC and Samsung Electronics have smaller stakes.
Separately, ASML said last week it expected to ship six EUV
systems this year. TSMC has confirmed it will take two. Now that
Intel is expected also to take two, analysts will be looking to
see whether Apple's major chip supplier Samsung will be
purchasing the final pair.
($1 = 0.9295 euros)
(Reporting by Toby Sterling, editing by Louise Heavens and Susan
Thomas)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
