SK Hynix Orders $7.97B EUV Tools from ASML

South Korea’s chipmaker SK Hynix announced on Tuesday that it will purchase 11.95 trillion won ($7.97 billion) worth of EUV lithography tools from ASML, the largest single order ever publicly disclosed by an ASML customer.

The advanced machines will be used to manufacture high-end memory chips, including high bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced DRAM, for artificial intelligence applications. The tools are expected to support production at SK Hynix’s Yongin plant and the M15X Cheongju facility.

According to a regulatory filing, SK Hynix will complete the purchase by December 31, 2027. Earlier reports indicated that the company plans to accelerate the opening of the Yongin plant to February 2027 to meet growing global demand for memory chips.

Analyst Ryu Young-ho of NH Investment & Securities noted that the EUV machines will serve both HBM and advanced DRAM production. Analyst David Dao of Bernstein estimated that the order represents about 30 new EUV machines over the next two years, slightly more than previous forecasts of 26.

ASML, which reported a €38.8 billion order backlog at the end of 2025, declined to comment on specific customer plans. Following the news, ASML shares rose 0.9% to €1,185.60 in Amsterdam, while SK Hynix shares closed 5.7% higher, after reports suggested the company may raise up to $10 billion from a potential U.S. listing.

This massive investment underlines SK Hynix’s commitment to expanding its production of cutting-edge memory chips and staying competitive in the growing AI hardware market.