Rumor
SK Hynix pays 15-20% premium to ASML for accelerated delivery of EUV equipment
Monday, March 9, 2026 at 02:22 AM
SK Hynix is reportedly paying a 15% to 20% premium over the standard price for ASML's Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines to secure faster delivery times for its production lines.
Context
The decision by SK Hynix to pay a 15-20% premium to ASML for accelerated delivery of EUV lithography equipment underscores the extreme urgency in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) race. By fast-tracking these tools, SK Hynix has pulled forward its High-NA EUV installation timeline by approximately six months, positioning it as the first memory manufacturer to deploy the Twinscan EXE:5200B for mass production. This move is designed to secure its lead in the HBM4 cycle, where it was recently selected as a primary supplier for Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin AI accelerators.
This aggressive spending reflects a broader shift in semiconductor power dynamics, as leading chipmakers transition to 1.4nm and 1nm nodes. To maintain its dominance, SK Hynix plans to acquire roughly 20 additional EUV units by 2027, effectively doubling its current fleet. For ASML, these premiums and the transition to High-NA systems—priced at approximately $380 million each—represent a high-margin revenue stream that solidifies its role as the sole gatekeeper for the next decade of AI hardware scaling.
Sources (9)
What 2026 Has In Store For ASML: High-NA EUV, DRAM - ForbesExclusive: U.S.-China tech war clouds SK Hynix's plans for a key chip factory | ReutersSK hynix secures High NA EUV machine, accelerating memory timeline
Samsung, SK Hynix win Vera Rubin HBM4 slots, widening lead over Micron - KED GlobalASML Orders Double Estimates at €13.2B: Why the AI Chip Boom Has Legs | Investing.comReport: SK Hynix to double EUV capacity with 20 new units in two years - Bits&ChipsScaling the Memory Wall: The Rise and Roadmap of HBMSamsung and SK hynix shorten memory contracts as pricing power shifts back to suppliers — both companies now at 40-50% operating margins | Tom's Hardware
Related Companies
SK Hynix
000660
ASML
ASML