TSMC(US:TSM) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-07-03 13:21Group 1: Samsung's Chip Manufacturing Delays - Samsung's second advanced process chip manufacturing plant in the U.S. has its production timeline pushed back from 2024 to 2026 due to insufficient local customer demand [1] - The company plans to invest over $37 billion in Texas over the coming years, with the Biden administration approving up to $4.7 billion in subsidies under the CHIPS and Science Act [1] - The delay in construction progress is attributed to a severe lack of large customer orders, making immediate production unfeasible even with equipment installation [1] Group 2: Challenges in Samsung's Foundry Business - Samsung's foundry division has postponed the mass production of 1.4nm semiconductors to 2029, two years later than previously planned, indicating a strategic retreat from direct competition with TSMC [2] - The foundry division recorded an operating loss of 2 trillion KRW in 2023, which doubled to 4 trillion KRW the previous year, with analysts predicting an additional loss of 3 trillion KRW by 2025 [2] - In contrast, TSMC continues to see revenue growth, with May revenues reaching NT$320.5 billion (approximately $10.7 billion), a year-on-year increase of 39.6% [2] Group 3: Quality and Yield Issues - Samsung's foundry business faces yield issues, a critical metric for chip manufacturing quality, leading to lost orders due to unstable yields [3] - Although recent improvements in yield have been noted, U.S. export restrictions on high-end chips to China have exacerbated the situation, resulting in lower capacity utilization compared to industry averages [3] - Despite potential short-term performance pressures, Samsung's stock reached a nine-month high, driven by low valuations and the U.S. lifting restrictions on chip design exports to China [3]