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Memory fab ramps give strong boost to ASML’s order intake |
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Sep 06, 2006 at 12:59 PM |
 ASML has announced that orders from both NAND Flash and DRAM chip manufacturers in the current quarter have significantly boosted the lithography tool supplier's unit bookings for its 3Q06 financial quarter than previously guided. ASML expects orders to come in at around 93 units, similar to the Q2 order intake level that had also been revised upwards from previous guidance.
"Q3 strong order entry underlines ASML's continued market share increase in both the leading edge and volume segments. It is indicative of the industry's fairly sustained need for capacity, as customers are building new fabs for 2007," said Eric Meurice, president and CEO. "As a result, we expect that our 2006 net sales will increase by approximately 40 percent year-on-year. Our focus on technology leadership and our commitment to operational excellence have been major drivers for ASML's sustained performance within the semiconductor cycles."
The orders are across the ASML product range, as a number of customers who have been using ASML's advanced ArF and KrF systems. However the company noted that its higher throughput redesigned i-line systems were also being ordered, which traditionally has not been a strong market for the company.
However, the company stated that about 75 percent of the new orders expected in Q3 2006 will be for shipments in 2007, rather than fast-turns for shipment in 2006. This is due to memory manufacturers having placed much of this years tool requirements and CapEx plans in the first half of the year. The new orders ASML stated where for new 300mm fabs that are expected to come on stream next year, indicating that memory manufacturers are scheduling tool orders far enough in advance to reduce potential backlog delays at a critical phase of production ramp next year.
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