Core Viewpoint - Micron is significantly downsizing its operations in China, driven by regulatory challenges and declining revenue from the region, reflecting a broader strategic shift towards AI and data center markets [1][2][3]. Group 1: Revenue Decline in China - Micron's revenue share from the Chinese market has plummeted from 58% in 2018 (approximately $17.36 billion) to 10.8% in 2022 (around $3.23 billion), with further deterioration expected post-2023 regulatory actions [2]. - The company's revenue from China is projected to fall below $1 billion, constituting less than 5% of total revenue, despite a global revenue increase of 61.59% to $25.11 billion in fiscal 2024 [2]. Group 2: Strategic Shift Towards AI and Data Centers - Micron is undergoing a major business transformation, with data center revenue surging by 400% in Q1 of fiscal 2025, now accounting for over 50% of total revenue, while the Chinese market is becoming increasingly peripheral [3]. - The company plans to allocate 30% of its capital expenditures in fiscal 2025 to HBM production, with no new capacity planned for the Chinese region [3]. Group 3: Operational Challenges in China - The operational costs in China are significantly outweighing revenues, exacerbated by increased compliance costs following regulatory scrutiny, which exceeded $120 million in Q4 2023 alone [4]. - The recent layoffs are expected to save approximately $25 million annually, which is about 30% of the operational losses in China for 2023 [4]. Group 4: Competitive Pressures from Domestic Players - Micron's long-standing technology restrictions on Chinese storage companies have inadvertently accelerated the domestic industry's growth, with Yangtze Memory Technologies achieving mass production of 232-layer 3D NAND chips and improving DRAM yields [6]. - The company's market share in the consumer segment has dropped from 35% in 2021 to 18% in 2024, with NAND business gross margins at 19%, significantly lower than competitors [6].
突发!美光中国区启动裁员