Nikon plans to undercut ASML on price for ArF lithography systems (tomshardware.com)

• Nikon to offer ArF lithography tools at lower prices than ASML to regain customers.
• New CEO Yasuhiro Ohmura cites cost advantage from in-house parts manufacturing.
• Nikon shipped no ArF systems in first three quarters of FY2025; ASML holds over 80% market share.
• New ArF immersion platform announced for FY2028, designed to be compatible with ASML tools.
• Nikon posted record net loss of 86 billion yen; plans to focus on cameras and chip tools.

"Nikon will try to win back lithography customers by selling argon fluoride (ArF) tools for less than market leader ASML, the company's new president and CEO Yasuhiro Ohmura told Nikkei Asia. Ohmura said Nikon is in talks with several large chipmakers in the U.S. and Asia, with discussions nearing purchase orders. Nikon shipped 11 ArF systems in its fiscal year ending March 2024 and none in the first three quarters of its 2025 fiscal year. ASML holds over 80% of the lithography market. Nikon announced a new ArF immersion platform for its 2028 fiscal year, compatible with ASML's installed tools. The company posted a net loss of 86 billion yen ($540 million) for the year ended March, its worst ever."