投中网·2025-10-19 07:04Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend of semiconductor companies facing significant valuation corrections, as evidenced by recent acquisitions at prices much lower than previous valuations, indicating a shift in the investment landscape within the semiconductor industry [4][5][6]. Group 1: Acquisition Trends - Semiconductor companies are increasingly engaging in mergers and acquisitions, with 90 related transactions disclosed in the A-share market since January 1, 2025 [4]. - The acquisition of ZD Semiconductor by Chip Origin is highlighted, where the company was valued at $500 million (approximately 3.56 billion RMB) but was acquired for only 950 million RMB, representing 26.7% of its previous valuation [5][10]. - Another example includes the acquisition of Ruicheng Semiconductor by Gelaun Electronics, where the highest valuation was 4.878 billion RMB, but the transaction price was only 1.9 billion RMB, reflecting a significant discount [6]. Group 2: Transaction Structure - Chip Origin's acquisition of ZD Semiconductor involved the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Tian Sui Xin Yuan, where Chip Origin holds 40% of the shares, allowing it to control the acquisition while minimizing cash outlay [9][19]. - The acquisition price of 950 million RMB includes 930 million RMB in cash and transaction fees, with the deal structured to ensure that external investors could still participate and benefit from the transaction [9][19]. - The transaction structure allowed external investors to increase their ownership stakes, with Pixelworks reducing its stake from 78.14% to 49.49%, thereby compensating external investors and ensuring they would not incur significant losses [14][17]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Strategic Decisions - ZD Semiconductor's financial performance has been poor, with projected revenues of 385 million RMB and a net loss of 120 million RMB for 2024, raising concerns about its future viability [20]. - Pixelworks, the parent company, is also facing declining revenues and increasing losses, prompting a need to liquidate assets to stabilize its financial situation [20][22]. - The urgency for Pixelworks to divest its Chinese operations is compounded by geopolitical risks and the need for cash flow, making the sale of ZD Semiconductor a strategic necessity [22].