News Article
ASML leapfrogs Nikon in lithography league
Dutch firm ASML will reclaim its position as the market leader in the $4.3 billion lithography market, according to a new report by Israeli market analyst The Information Network.
A strong performance by ASML in the fourth quarter of 2004 will boost the company's market share from 32.6% to 36.5% during the year, putting it ahead of its fierce rival Nikon with a market share of 35.1%.
ASML had been market leader in the lithography market in 2002, before Nikon stole its crown.
Both companies, however, are rapidly being caught up by Canon, which is predicted to increase its market share from 20.7% to 28.4%, helped by its dominance of the Japanese market, which accounts for 50% of its sales.
"We project that ASML will ship 206 new lithography tools in 2004 while Nikon will ship 198 tools," said The Information Network president Dr Robert Castellano. "The eight tool difference can be one order from a semiconductor company."
"Market share based on revenue will play itself out later as we get a clearer picture of the product mix of each company," added Castellano.
A strong performance by ASML in the fourth quarter of 2004 will boost the company's market share from 32.6% to 36.5% during the year, putting it ahead of its fierce rival Nikon with a market share of 35.1%.
ASML had been market leader in the lithography market in 2002, before Nikon stole its crown.
Both companies, however, are rapidly being caught up by Canon, which is predicted to increase its market share from 20.7% to 28.4%, helped by its dominance of the Japanese market, which accounts for 50% of its sales.
"We project that ASML will ship 206 new lithography tools in 2004 while Nikon will ship 198 tools," said The Information Network president Dr Robert Castellano. "The eight tool difference can be one order from a semiconductor company."
"Market share based on revenue will play itself out later as we get a clearer picture of the product mix of each company," added Castellano.
