Core Viewpoint - SBI Holdings has terminated its partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) for the construction of a semiconductor fab in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and is now seeking collaboration with United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) and SK Hynix for the same project [2]. Group 1: SBI Holdings and Semiconductor Factory Plans - SBI Holdings announced the cancellation of its collaboration with PSMC on September 27, 2024, but will continue with the plan to build the semiconductor factory in Miyagi [2]. - The Miyagi fab will be developed in two phases, with the first phase expected to start production in 2027, targeting a monthly capacity of 10,000 12-inch wafers for 40nm and 55nm chips [2]. - The second phase is projected to begin production in 2029, expanding the product range to include 28nm chips and utilizing Wafer-on-Wafer (WoW) technology, with a full capacity of 40,000 wafers per month [2]. Group 2: UMC's Financial Performance - UMC reported a consolidated revenue of NT$18.193 billion in February, a decrease of 8.15% month-over-month, marking the lowest level in nearly eight months, but still a year-on-year increase of 4.25% [4]. - The cumulative revenue for the first two months reached NT$38 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.21%, also the second-highest for the same period since 2022 [4]. - UMC anticipates that its wafer shipment volume will stabilize compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year, with a capacity utilization rate around 70% [4]. Group 3: Future Outlook for UMC - UMC has noted strong customer interest in upgrading to the 22nm special process platform, which offers significant advantages in power consumption and performance over the 28nm process, aimed at next-generation communication technologies and display driver ICs [5]. - The company is accelerating the production of 22nm products, expecting them to contribute significantly to revenue starting in 2025 [5]. - Key expansion projects are progressing as planned, including a third fab in Singapore to enhance supply chain resilience and a collaboration with U.S. partners to develop a 12nm process platform to meet customer demands for upgrades below 22nm [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the semiconductor industry [8] Core Insights - The global semiconductor sales are expected to grow by 11% year-on-year to reach $69.72 billion in 2025, driven by the recovery in consumer electronics demand and structural demand from AI technology [2][4] - The semiconductor equipment market is projected to grow by 7.7% year-on-year to $12.15 billion in 2025, with a significant contribution from the domestic market in China [2][5] - The report emphasizes the importance of advanced packaging technology in enhancing the performance of domestic chips, suggesting a focus on growth opportunities in upstream equipment and materials [5][6] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - The global semiconductor sales are estimated at approximately $62.69 billion in 2024, reflecting a 19% year-on-year increase, with further growth expected in 2025 [4] - The growth is primarily driven by the recovery in consumer electronics and the integration of AI technology [4][14] - The supply side shows high capacity utilization rates among leading foundries, with price improvements noted [4][29] Semiconductor Equipment - Global semiconductor equipment sales are expected to reach $112.8 billion in 2024, with a projected increase to $121.5 billion in 2025 [5][46] - The growth rates for wafer fabrication, packaging, and testing equipment are forecasted at 6.8%, 16.0%, and 14.6% respectively [5] - The domestic semiconductor equipment market in China is expected to account for 45% of the total market by the end of 2024 [5][51] Semiconductor Materials - The global semiconductor materials market revenue is projected to recover, with a growth rate of 7% expected in 2024 [6] - Advanced packaging technology is anticipated to create new demand for materials such as PSPI photoresists and bonding adhesives [6][19] Sector Valuation - As of February 27, 2025, the dynamic P/E ratios for semiconductor equipment and materials are 64x and 93x, respectively, indicating a favorable valuation environment [7] - The report suggests that the sector is poised for dual drivers of valuation and performance growth due to sustained demand and improved sentiment towards domestic capabilities [7]