Overview
- Major tech customers have proposed unprecedented deals to SK Hynix that include financing dedicated production lines and paying for ASML extreme ultraviolet lithography machines worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Reuters.
- Sources say the company’s available capacity is essentially zero right now, leaving no room to earmark output for any single buyer.
- SK Hynix said it is reviewing approaches that differ from conventional long-term agreements, signaling openness to new contract structures without disclosing terms.
- People familiar with the talks say the chipmaker is cautious about taking customer money because it could bind supply to specific buyers and force lower prices in exchange for revenue guarantees.
- Rivals Samsung and Micron are pursuing multi-year supply deals as AI data center demand outstrips supply, with options under discussion that include price bands and 30% to 40% upfront prepayments.