1200亿灰飞烟灭，半导体鼻祖破产

Core Viewpoint - Wolfspeed, a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, has filed for bankruptcy due to overwhelming debt and inability to adapt to market changes, particularly the rise of Chinese competitors [3][22]. Group 1: Company Background - Wolfspeed was once the largest manufacturer of silicon carbide (SiC) substrates, with a peak market value of $16.5 billion (approximately 120 billion RMB) [3]. - The company originated from Cree Research, founded in 1987, and became a leader in the LED market before transitioning to SiC technology [8][12]. - Wolfspeed's market share in SiC substrates was as high as 80% in the past, but it has significantly declined to 33.7% by 2024 due to increased competition from Chinese firms [16]. Group 2: Financial Struggles - As of March, Wolfspeed had approximately $1.33 billion in cash reserves but faced $6.5 billion in debt, leading to severe liquidity issues [20]. - The company has reported net losses for ten consecutive years, with losses escalating from $280 million in FY 2018 to $864 million in FY 2024 [21]. - In May 2025, Wolfspeed's stock plummeted by 57%, resulting in a market value loss exceeding $1 billion [21]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The demand for SiC semiconductors surged in sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, with over 60% of the demand coming from the EV market [20]. - Despite the high demand, Wolfspeed's expansion efforts did not yield the expected orders, particularly as the EV market faced a slowdown [20]. - The company's strategy of aggressive capacity expansion did not align with market realities, leading to underutilization of its new facilities [22][23]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Chinese competitors have leveraged their mature manufacturing capabilities to challenge Wolfspeed, which failed to adequately address the Chinese market's dynamics [3][24]. - Other global players, such as STMicroelectronics and Infineon, have pursued vertical integration and partnerships with Chinese firms, further intensifying competition [17].