Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-05-11 03:25Core Viewpoint - Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) reported disappointing earnings for Q1 2025, raising concerns about the future of "domestic chips" in the investment community [1][3]. Financial Report Analysis - SMIC's revenue for Q1 reached $2.247 billion, showing a slight sequential increase but falling short of previous projections and market expectations [4]. - The gross profit margin was better than expected at 22.5%, primarily due to increased shipment volumes of 8-inch wafers, which helped spread costs [5][6]. - However, the average product price declined due to a higher proportion of 8-inch wafer shipments, which are priced lower [4][5]. Guidance for Next Quarter - The guidance for the next quarter indicates a projected revenue decline of 4-6% and a gross margin drop to 18-20%, both below market expectations [5][6]. Core Indicators Analysis - Revenue growth in Q1 was driven by a 15.1% increase in shipment volume, while prices fell by 11.5% [5]. - The gross margin was supported by increased shipment volumes, but is expected to decline in the next quarter due to anticipated revenue drops [6]. - Capacity utilization rose to 89.6%, but this was mainly due to advance stocking of 8-inch wafers, with overall demand remaining weak [6]. Business Level Analysis - The consumer electronics sector remains the largest revenue contributor at 40.6%, supported by Chinese subsidy policies [7]. - The revenue share from 12-inch wafers was 78.1%, with a slight sequential decline, while 8-inch wafers saw a 14.9% revenue increase, highlighting their importance to SMIC [7]. - Domestic revenue accounted for 84.3% of total income, although this share has decreased, while revenue from the U.S. and Eurasia regions showed significant growth [8]. Operating Data Perspective - Operating expenses decreased to $196 million, primarily due to a reduction in R&D expenses [9]. - Inventory increased by 3% to $3.048 billion, while accounts receivable surged by 36.6% to $1.15 billion, indicating potential adjustments in operational strategy [10]. - EBITDA for the quarter was $1.29 billion, with a profit margin of 57.5%, but a significant portion of profits was consumed by depreciation and amortization [11].