2025-07-14 00:36Investment Rating - The report upgrades SMIC's H/A shares to Buy/Buy from Reduce/Hold, with target prices raised to HKD64.00/RMB148.00 from HKD35.00/RMB92.00, implying upside of approximately 46%/73% [4][8]. Core Insights - SMIC is positioned to benefit from the localization trend in China, emerging as a key player in the semiconductor industry despite facing near-term ASP headwinds due to specific equipment yield issues [1][3]. - The company is expected to maintain margin stability in advanced nodes through a balance of pricing power and yield improvements, with an anticipated ASP premium of 57% under conservative yield assumptions [2][49]. - SMIC's market share in the China Foundry Total Addressable Market (TAM) is projected to grow from 25% in 2024, supported by a 13% capacity expansion from Q2 2024 to Q4 2024 [3][41]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Revenue projections for SMIC are estimated at USD 8,030 million for 2024, increasing to USD 13,210 million by 2027, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 27% in 2024 and 15% in 2025 [9][10]. - The net profit is expected to rise from USD 493 million in 2024 to USD 1,918 million in 2027, with EPS estimates increasing from USD 0.06 to USD 0.25 over the same period [9][10]. Valuation Metrics - The report raises the target price-to-book (P/B) multiples for SMIC to 2.9x/7.2x, reflecting a premium due to its strategic positioning and expansion into advanced nodes [4][64]. - The expected EV/sales ratio is projected to decrease from 5.9 in 2024 to 3.5 by 2027, indicating improving valuation as revenue grows [11]. Market Dynamics - The ongoing geopolitical tensions are expected to reinforce China's push for self-sufficiency, benefiting SMIC as it becomes the preferred foundry in China [21][39]. - The report highlights that despite short-term ASP declines, SMIC is likely to emerge as a major beneficiary of the localization trend, with expectations for improved ASP conditions in the second half of 2025 [38][41]. Capacity and Utilization - SMIC's capacity in advanced nodes is projected to reach 25K-30K wafers per month by the end of 2025, with utilization rates expected to improve from 86% in FY24 to 91% in FY25 [49][50]. - The company is anticipated to maintain a high utilization rate compared to peers, reaching full capacity by the first half of 2026 [22][41].