Fujio Mitarai, Canon’s Chairman, President, and CEO, said that the product price of the semiconductor lithography system equipped with nanoimprint technology released in October is significantly lower than that of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment. He expressed his view.
In an interview last month at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo, Mr. Mitarai said of the features of the nanoimprint device, “It’s completely cheaper than EUV. Although he did not mention specific company names, he did say that among semiconductor manufacturers, “there are many companies that have high expectations for us.”
At present, ASML Holding of the Netherlands has a monopoly on the supply of EUV equipment, which is essential for the miniaturization of semiconductors. However, this equipment is expensive at around 20 billion yen per unit, and the number of companies that have introduced it is limited. The company’s customers include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, according to Bloomberg data.
On the other hand, nanoimprint equipment uses a method that forms circuits by pressing a mold with a circuit pattern engraved onto a resist on a wafer like a stamp. Since the circuit can be formed in one step, it also helps reduce manufacturing costs and power consumption.
Canon aims for sales of over 4.5 trillion yen and operating profit margin of over 12% in 2025. To this end, there is an urgent need to build a business portfolio that does not rely solely on printers and office machines, which are the breadwinners, and cameras, the original business.The industrial business, which includes nanoimprint equipment, is aiming to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% until 2025. aim.
In a report dated October 18, Jefferies Securities analyst Masahiro Nakano said that it is too early to consider the contribution of nanoimprint equipment to business results and its impact on ASML and Nikon, but it is an option for semiconductor manufacturers. He pointed out that they are expected to come in the future. Eiji Kinouchi, in charge of theme research at Daiwa Securities, said in a report on the 19th that if it is reported that TSMC is considering introducing the device, the market price will increase.
Mitarai assumes that Canon’s nanoimprint equipment will generate new demand from manufacturers who have been unable to afford expensive EUV equipment, but says, “I’m not thinking of anything major like turning ASML upside down.” said.
meritocracy
At the annual general meeting of shareholders held in March of this year, Mitarai’s approval rating plummeted to 50.59% from 75.28% the previous year. This appears to have been influenced by the fact that all five directors were male, and in September the company announced that former Consumer Affairs Agency Commissioner Akiko Ito would be nominated as a director candidate in an effort to further strengthen its management structure.
Regarding the movement to promote women, Mitarai said, “I understand why the nation is doing this.I also support the promotion of women.” On the other hand, Mr. Mitarai emphasizes meritocracy, and said that gender, nationality, educational background, etc. are “irrelevant.”
Mr. Mitarai, who turned 88 in September, has served as president for nearly 18 years, excluding periods when he temporarily retired. Regarding his own career progression, he said, “I always think about generational change because it is the president’s responsibility.If a proper successor emerges, then of course I would like to have a generational change, and I have to do it.” He declined to comment on the timing or the qualities he seeks in his successor.
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2023-11-05 21:00:00
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