1200亿，一个半导体鼻祖破产

Core Viewpoint - Wolfspeed, a leading American silicon carbide wafer manufacturer, is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy, with its stock plummeting 60% in a single night, highlighting the challenges faced by the company in a competitive market dominated by Chinese counterparts [1][4]. Company History - Founded in 1987 as Cree, Wolfspeed pioneered silicon carbide technology, launching the first commercial silicon carbide wafer in 1991 and becoming a major player in the blue LED market [3][6]. - The company rebranded to Wolfspeed in October 2021, focusing on third-generation semiconductors, and saw its stock reach a peak of $139, with a market cap of $16.5 billion (approximately 120 billion RMB) [6][10]. Market Challenges - The decline in Wolfspeed's fortunes can be attributed to aggressive expansion strategies that overlooked market dynamics, particularly the slower-than-expected electrification of the automotive market in Europe and the U.S. [9][10]. - The company's flagship Mohawk Valley plant, which cost over $5 billion, generated only $7.8 million in revenue in the latest fiscal quarter, with a projected capacity utilization of just 25% by the end of 2024 [10][11]. Financial Situation - Wolfspeed's debt has reached approximately $6.5 billion, with annual interest payments of about $800 million, while cash reserves stand at only $1.3 billion [10][11]. - The company's stock has fallen 33% year-to-date, with an 85% decline projected for 2024, leading to a current share price of just over $1 [10][11]. Competitive Landscape - Despite holding a 33.7% market share in the global silicon carbide substrate market in 2024, Wolfspeed faces increasing competition from Chinese firms like Tankeblue and SICC, which have gained significant market shares of 17.3% and 17.1%, respectively [13][14]. - Chinese manufacturers have been able to reduce costs significantly, with 6-inch substrate prices dropping to 30% of international levels, further pressuring Wolfspeed's market position [13][14]. Industry Trends - The rise of Chinese companies in the third-generation semiconductor space reflects a broader trend of China's increasing dominance in advanced manufacturing, supported by a robust domestic market and a shift from a "demographic dividend" to an "engineer dividend" [15].