瑞银：中国半导体设备-需求前景转趋乐观

Investment Rating - The report upgrades ACMR to Buy and identifies NAURA as the most preferred stock in the China wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) sector [4][7]. Core Viewpoints - The market has significantly underestimated the resilience of China WFE demand, forecasting a modest decline of 9.5% YoY in 2025, followed by a growth of 6.0% YoY in 2026, contrasting with the consensus expectation of a 20% decline [4][19][20]. - The report highlights that over 70% of survey respondents expect higher or flat capacity expansion in 2025, indicating stronger demand than previously anticipated [5][19]. - The top three Chinese vendors are expected to increase their market share to 25-30% by 2027, driven by localization and tighter US export controls [6][60]. Summary by Sections Market Demand Forecast - China WFE demand is projected to reach US$33.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a 9.5% YoY decline, and US$35.5 billion in 2026, indicating a 6.0% YoY increase [20][24]. - Domestic fabs' capacity expansion is identified as a major driver for sustained demand, with a projected CAGR of 9.0% from 2023 to 2027 [20][24]. Vendor Performance and Market Share - The combined revenue of the top three Chinese WFE suppliers is expected to reach US$10.8 billion by 2027, representing a significant increase in domestic market share from 13% in 2024 [60][61]. - The report emphasizes the narrowing technology gap and increasing willingness of domestic fabs to procure local equipment as key factors for market share gains [66][67]. Investment Dynamics - The report notes that 35% of foundry respondents and 29% of memory respondents indicated plans for higher capital expenditures in 2025, suggesting a positive outlook for the sector [28][41]. - The analysis of semiconductor production equipment imports indicates strong demand in Guangdong, which has not been fully reflected in prior forecasts [5][54]. Competitive Landscape - The report outlines that Chinese WFE companies have achieved higher revenue growth compared to the industry average, with a CAGR of 41%-82% from 2020 to 2024 [67][71]. - Tighter export controls are expected to expand the total addressable market for local vendors, as US companies face limitations in accessing the Chinese market [73][76].