Ge Long Hui A P P·2025-08-23 10:05Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor equipment industry is experiencing significant growth driven by domestic demand and geopolitical factors, positioning it as a critical area in the global competition for technology supremacy [2][4]. Group 1: Market Performance - The semiconductor equipment index in the A-share market has recently reached new highs, with leading companies like North Huachuang and Shengmei Shanghai breaking through previous resistance levels [2]. - In 2025, China's semiconductor equipment investment is projected to grow by 53.4%, contrasting with a 9.8% decline in total investment in the semiconductor industry [4][6]. Group 2: Company Performance - Key companies are showing strong financial results: - Zhongwei Company reported a 43.9% year-on-year revenue increase and a net profit growth of 31.6% to 41.3% [5]. - Shengmei Shanghai's revenue grew by 35.8% with a net profit increase of 57% [5]. - Tuo Jing Technology's revenue is expected to rise by 52% to 58%, with net profit growth of 101% to 108% [6]. Group 3: Policy and Government Support - The establishment of the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase III, with a registered capital of 344 billion yuan, focuses on semiconductor equipment and materials, providing substantial financial backing [7]. - Local governments in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing are implementing supportive policies for the semiconductor industry, enhancing funding stability for equipment manufacturers [8][10][11]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - Domestic equipment manufacturers are making significant strides in critical areas: - Zhongwei's 5nm CCP etching equipment has been validated by leading domestic storage manufacturers [13]. - Tuo Jing's 14nm SACVD equipment has successfully replaced similar products from Applied Materials at SMIC [14]. - Shengmei's single-wafer megasonic cleaning equipment is exclusively used in TSMC's CoWoS production line [15]. - The first domestically produced commercial electron beam lithography machine, "Xizhi," has announced application testing, signaling a major industry milestone [16]. Group 5: Geopolitical Factors - The U.S. has escalated export controls on semiconductor equipment, which has accelerated the shift towards domestic suppliers in China, creating unprecedented opportunities for local equipment manufacturers [17][18]. Group 6: Investment Strategies - The semiconductor equipment industry can be segmented into front-end (wafer manufacturing) and back-end (packaging and testing) equipment, with front-end equipment accounting for over 80% of the value [19]. - Investment strategies include focusing on leading equipment manufacturers for stable returns, identifying champions in niche markets for growth, and targeting undervalued back-end equipment firms for potential gains [20][21][22].