2600亿晶圆代工厂，即将投产！

Core Insights - ASML has begun assembling a dedicated EUV team for Samsung Electronics' next-generation wafer foundry in Taylor, Texas, marking a critical phase in the factory's operational preparations, with production expected to commence next year [1] - The Taylor factory aims to utilize 2nm technology to produce AI semiconductors and high-performance chips, enhancing production capacity and reflecting Samsung's commitment to advanced process technology [1][3] - The factory's first phase is projected to achieve a monthly capacity of 16,000 to 17,000 12-inch wafers by the end of 2026 or early 2027, primarily for Tesla's AI6 chips [3] Production and Capacity - The production equipment at the Taylor factory includes critical process equipment such as lithography, etching, thin film deposition, and ion implantation, supplied by top global vendors [3] - Samsung initially planned to build two wafer fabs, each with two clean rooms, potentially reaching a total capacity of 60,000 to 70,000 12-inch wafers per month, but currently, only the first phase is underway [3] - The yield rate for Samsung's 2nm process is currently around 40%, requiring further optimization for stable mass production [3] Market Position and Contracts - Samsung's foundry market share decreased from 7.7% in Q1 to 7.3% in Q2, widening the gap with TSMC from 59.9 percentage points to 62.9 percentage points [4] - A significant contract worth approximately 23 trillion KRW was signed between Samsung and Tesla for the latest AI6 chips, showcasing Samsung's technological capabilities [4] - Samsung's foundry business is expected to recover fully as the Taylor factory begins normal operations next year, with anticipated improvements in profitability due to increased capacity and process efficiency [4][5] Financial Outlook - Samsung's foundry division has been experiencing substantial quarterly losses, which are considered a pain point for its digital solutions segment [3] - The company expects sales growth in Q4, driven by the mass production of new products using the first-generation 2nm process and strong demand for high-performance computing and automotive products [5] - Initial investment plans for the Taylor facility were reduced from $44 billion to $37 billion due to poor performance and customer development challenges, but there are indications that investments may increase to over $50 billion [5]