Core Viewpoint - The company is facing uncertainty in the second half of the year due to fluctuating tariffs and geopolitical risks, but emphasizes the importance of its collaboration with Intel on the 12nm project as a strategic necessity [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Outlook - The company’s CFO noted that visibility for the second half of the year is limited, with clients adopting a wait-and-see approach and reducing inventory levels [1]. - The appreciation of the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) is expected to significantly impact the company's performance, with a 1% increase in NTD eroding approximately 0.4% of the gross margin [1]. - The average exchange rate has shifted from around 32.5-33 NTD per USD to approximately 30 NTD per USD, which poses challenges for revenue [1]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - The collaboration with Intel is structured around a division of labor, with manufacturing taking place at Intel's facilities in the U.S. and a focus on joint research and development [2]. - The company aims to maintain a competitive edge by offering customized processes that competitors cannot provide, particularly as it transitions from 28nm to 22nm processes [2]. - The trend of "China for China, Non-China for Non-China" is becoming more pronounced, with an increasing proportion of local customers in the company's factories in China, indicating a rise in domestic demand [2].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is maintained as "Buy" for both H-shares and A-shares [8]. Core Views - The report emphasizes that the short-term fluctuations in ASP (Average Selling Price) do not affect the long-term logic of domestic production [1]. - The company is expected to benefit from strong domestic demand, particularly in the simulation and other sectors, despite a temporary decline in ASP due to one-time operational issues [2][3]. - The report maintains target prices of HKD 63 for H-shares and RMB 119 for A-shares, reflecting a premium of 103% for A-shares over H-shares [5][28]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, the company reported revenues of USD 2.25 billion, a 1.8% increase quarter-on-quarter, but below the previous guidance of 6%-8% [1][17]. - The ASP decreased by 9% quarter-on-quarter, attributed to one-time operational issues and equipment validation problems [2][19]. - The gross margin remained stable at 22.5% [17]. Production and Capacity - The company experienced a 15% increase in wafer shipments quarter-on-quarter, with capacity utilization rising by 4.1 percentage points to 89.6% [1][19]. - The main 8-inch and 12-inch factories are nearing full capacity, indicating robust demand for domestic production [3]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates a 4%-6% decline in revenue for Q2 2025, with a gross margin forecast of 18%-20% [21]. - The report highlights limited impact from tariffs on overall revenue, estimating the effect to be less than 1% [4]. Valuation Adjustments - Revenue forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 have been adjusted downwards by 7.4%, 2.7%, and 0.2% respectively, due to the Q1 operational issues [5][22]. - The projected revenues for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are USD 9.02 billion, USD 11.20 billion, and USD 13.15 billion respectively [23]. Investment Thesis - The company is viewed as a major beneficiary of the global supply chain restructuring, with a focus on localization and opportunities in the DeepSeek sector [28]. - The report suggests that the company will continue to capture market share in the domestic semiconductor industry, driven by increasing demand [3][28].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of 43.0 HKD [7][8]. Core Views - The company achieved Q1 2025 revenue of 541 million USD, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 17.6% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 0.3%, primarily driven by increased wafer shipments [16][20]. - The gross margin for Q1 2025 was 9.2%, up 2.8 percentage points year-over-year but down 2.2 percentage points quarter-over-quarter due to depreciation from new production lines [16][20]. - For Q2 2025, the company guides revenue between 550-570 million USD, with a gross margin forecast of 7-9%, mainly impacted by depreciation [21]. Summary by Sections Revenue and Profitability - Q1 2025 revenue reached 541 million USD, with wafer shipments of 1.231 million pieces, a year-over-year increase of 20.0% [16][20]. - The company expects full-year revenue growth driven by sustained capacity utilization and an increase in 12-inch capacity [16][18]. Capacity and Production - The production capacity utilization rate was 102.7% in Q1 2025, with the second 12-inch production line expected to ramp up steadily [2][21]. - The company aims to shorten ramp-up time and increase shipment volumes to stabilize gross margins [2]. Pricing and ASP - The average selling price (ASP) in Q1 2025 decreased by 0.9% quarter-over-quarter, but the company anticipates stable pricing for the year, with potential increases in 12-inch prices [3][5]. - The company believes that 2024 will be the price low point, with opportunities for price increases if supply-demand conditions tighten [3]. Segment Performance - Q1 2025 revenue from analog and power management grew by 12% quarter-over-quarter, benefiting from increased demand for power management chips [4][26]. - The 12-inch wafer revenue reached 310 million USD in Q1 2025, a year-over-year increase of 40.8% [24]. Financial Forecast - The report maintains revenue forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 at 2.168 billion USD, 2.453 billion USD, and 2.739 billion USD respectively, with net profit estimates of 52.31 million USD, 82.49 million USD, and 97.02 million USD [5][18][19]. - The target price of 43.0 HKD is based on a 1.5 times price-to-book ratio for 2025 [5][29].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent tariff adjustments between the US and China, highlighting a temporary compromise in the ongoing tech rivalry, particularly in the semiconductor sector, which presents both short-term benefits and long-term challenges for the industry [2][19]. Policy Framework and Execution Mechanism - The US has reduced tariffs on semiconductor-related imports from a maximum of 145% to 30%, while China has lowered its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10%, with a 90-day negotiation buffer until August 12, 2025 [2]. - Sensitive areas like semiconductor equipment and AI chips remain excluded from tariff reductions, and the US continues to enforce technology restrictions through an "entity list" [2][7]. Industry Chain Cost Restructuring and Market Segmentation Short-term Cost Improvement and Supply Chain Recovery - Equipment procurement costs have decreased by approximately 18%-22% for companies like SMIC, facilitating expansion plans for advanced processes [4]. - The utilization rate for automotive chips at SMIC's Tianjin facility has increased from 65% to 82% due to reduced costs for mature process chips [5]. - US companies like Qualcomm and Intel are expected to see a 12%-15% increase in sales in China by the second half of 2025, potentially impacting domestic competitors [6]. Long-term Competition and Structural Challenges - Despite tariff reductions, technology access remains restricted, with delays in SMIC's expansion due to equipment export limitations [7]. - Domestic semiconductor equipment and materials are gaining market share, with the bidding rate for domestic 28nm etching machines increasing from 22% to 37% [9]. - The global semiconductor supply chain is undergoing regional restructuring, with increased compliance costs for companies adapting to new trade rules [10]. Differentiated Impact and Strategic Choices in Sub-sectors Semiconductor Equipment and Materials - The cost of exporting lithography and etching machines to China has decreased, but key technologies like EUV lithography remain restricted [11]. - Domestic companies are focusing on technological breakthroughs to reduce costs in semiconductor materials, with current profit margins significantly lower than international competitors [11]. Chip Design and Manufacturing - The import cost of high-end AI chips has decreased by 24%, but US policies may restrict sales to China [12]. - SMIC and Huahong Semiconductor are enhancing their competitiveness in automotive chips, but face pricing pressures from international competitors [12]. Packaging and Testing - SMIC's advancements in advanced packaging technologies may attract more AI chip orders, but competition from US subsidies for TSMC could divert high-end demand [13]. Corporate Response Strategies and Market Outlook Short-term Strategies - Companies are diversifying their supply chains, with SMIC shifting 20% of its equipment procurement to Japan and Europe [14]. - Inventory management strategies are being implemented to mitigate risks from fluctuating tariff policies [15]. Long-term Strategies - Investments in domestic technology are being prioritized, with significant funding directed towards local semiconductor manufacturers [16]. - Companies like Huawei are expanding their market presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with overseas revenue expected to rise [16]. Future Trends - The tariff adjustments represent a temporary easing in US-China tech tensions, but core issues like technology restrictions and industrial subsidies remain unresolved [19]. - The semiconductor industry is expected to experience short-term cost improvements alongside long-term competitive pressures, with key negotiations in the next 90 days being critical for future stability [19].

Key Points Summary Core Viewpoint - The reduction in holdings by major funds in SMIC and Huahong reflects a strategic exit aligned with investment cycles, amidst pressures from industry cycles and geopolitical factors impacting the semiconductor sector [3][12]. Group 1: Company Performance and Financial Data - SMIC's net profit surged by 166.5% year-on-year to 1.356 billion yuan, driven by an increase in capacity utilization to 89.6% and product mix optimization, despite a projected revenue decline of 4%-6% in Q2 [1][2]. - Huahong's revenue grew by 18.66%, but net profit plummeted by 89.73% to 22.76 million yuan, with Q2 gross margin expected to drop to 7%-9% [1][2]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Investor Sentiment - The market reacted negatively to the reduction in holdings, with SMIC's stock dropping over 10% and Huahong's by 9.33% on the same day [1][7]. - Concerns over capital withdrawal and the potential impact on the semiconductor sector were evident, with a collective decline in the semiconductor sector following the news [7]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is tightening with international giants like TSMC and UMC ramping up their mature process capabilities, posing risks of price wars for domestic foundries [4]. - Geopolitical tensions, particularly U.S. export restrictions, are creating uncertainties for SMIC's advanced process equipment procurement, while Huahong's focus on power devices is less affected [4]. Group 4: Strategic Responses and Future Outlook - SMIC plans to increase the share of its mature process capacity (28nm and above) to 70% by 2025 and is focusing on partnerships with domestic clients to reduce reliance on foreign brands [8]. - Huahong is concentrating on niche markets with its 55nm BCD process and IGBT technology, aiming to ramp up production at its new facility to support growth in automotive chip business [9]. Group 5: Long-term Opportunities and Risks - The domestic semiconductor industry is expected to see a rise in localization, with the potential for domestic equipment and materials to increase from 20% to 40% by 2027 [11]. - Emerging markets, particularly in electric vehicles and photovoltaics, are anticipated to drive demand for power devices, with Huahong's automotive chip revenue share projected to grow from 28% in 2024 to 40% in 2026 [11].

联电4月销售额204.5亿元台币，同比增长3.61％。 ...

Market Overview - The main board saw significant gains with Tianyu Digital Science rising by 10.04%, Aerospace Changfeng by 10.03%, and Huasheng Tiancai by 10.00% [1] - The ChiNext board led with Dineike increasing by 20.02% and AVIC Chengfei by 17.05% [1] - The Sci-Tech Innovation board also performed well, with Weide Information and New Light Optoelectronics both increasing by over 20% [1] - Active sub-industries included SW Military Electronics III with a rise of 3.59% and SW Other Communication Equipment up by 1.94% [1] Domestic News - Beijing Zhijing Unknown Technology Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Xingchuang Shijie, launching a dual-brand product aimed at outdoor sports enthusiasts [1] - United Microelectronics Corporation reported progress on its N12 FinFET process technology platform in collaboration with Intel, expected to be completed by 2026 [1] - Hongshi Intelligent announced the successful production of a 120Wnits full-color MicroLED chip sample, with plans for mass production of 200Wnits chips by the second half of 2026 [1] - Hongmeng Zhixing reported a significant increase in pre-orders during the May Day holiday, achieving over 22,000 units compared to 11,000 units last year [1] Company Announcements - Megmeet Smart announced the repurchase of 568,500 shares, accounting for 0.22% of its total share capital [2] - Meixinsheng reported a total repurchase of 1,188,036 shares, representing 1.0652% of its total share capital [2] - Yuanjie Technology signed a significant sales order for high-power laser chips, valued at 61.8716 million RMB [2] - Longqi Technology has repurchased 5,607,208 shares, which is 1.21% of its total share capital [2] Semiconductor Industry Updates - A U.S. legislator plans to propose legislation to monitor the sale of AI chips by companies like NVIDIA, supported by bipartisan backing [3] - The Semiconductor Industry Association announced global semiconductor sales of $167.7 billion in Q1 2025, an 18.8% increase year-over-year [3] - Tata Electronics is negotiating with NXP Semiconductors to become a foundry supplier, with chip manufacturing expected to start in 2026 [3] - Japan's RIKEN announced plans to significantly enhance production capacity for phase difference film used in large LCD TVs [3]

国芯网[原:中国半导体论坛] 振兴国产半导体产业！ 不拘中国、 放眼世界 ！ 关注 世界半导体论坛 ↓ ↓ ↓ 4月25日消息，近日联电财务长刘启东在回应美国加征关税影响时表示，联电当前订单动能没有受到影 响，联电除了在中国台湾之外，在日本、新加坡及中国大陆等地都设有厂区，加上客户群丰富，后续又 有与英特尔合作的12nm制程开发案，代表后续又有美国生产基地加入运营行列，公司将能有效应对未 来运营变化。 刘启东强调，现阶段市场不确定性相当高，因此对于下半年运营能见度仍相当有限，后续亦将视市场需 求状况，调整未来运营预测。 刘启东预计，全球整体成熟制程市场产值将年增个位数水准，由于新加坡第三期新厂即将进入试产阶 段，以及已经量产的南科12AP6厂产能加持，研判联电全年增长动能可望超越整体市场平均水准。 半导体论坛百万微信群 加群步骤： 第一步：扫描下方二维码，关注国芯网微信公众号。 第二步：在公众号里面回复"加群"，按照提示操作即可。 爆料｜投稿｜合作｜社群 文章内容整理自网络，如有侵权请联系沟通 另外，刘启东在回应联电与格罗方德合并传言时称，目前没有任何并购案进行中，合作形式并不一定是 并购，公司可通过多种合作 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of tariff policies on the semiconductor industry, particularly focusing on the import of integrated circuits into China and the implications of new origin rules for chip manufacturers [2][6]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Chip Imports - In 2024, China's integrated circuit import value reached $38.579 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.5% [2] - The new origin rules state that the origin of integrated circuits will be determined by the location of the wafer fabrication plant, which means chips fabricated outside the U.S. may avoid tariff impacts [2][3] - Major suppliers for domestic smartphone manufacturers include Qualcomm and MediaTek, with their wafer fabs primarily located in Taiwan and South Korea, thus not affected by tariffs [3] Group 2: Effects on U.S. Chip Manufacturers - U.S. companies like Intel, Texas Instruments, and Micron, which have significant manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., are expected to face tariff impacts on their products imported into China [4] - The extent of the impact varies by company; for instance, Intel has a diversified production base, while Texas Instruments is more reliant on U.S. production [4] Group 3: Global Semiconductor Landscape - The top ten global foundries include TSMC, Samsung, and SMIC, with TSMC holding over 60% market share, allowing many chip designers to avoid tariffs by using TSMC for fabrication [5] - The article suggests that the current origin determination method reflects a flexible approach to the ongoing trade conflict, potentially leading to a shift of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing outside the U.S. [5] Group 4: Domestic Semiconductor Industry Developments - China's dependence on U.S. semiconductor imports has decreased from 4.4% in 2019 to 2.4% in 2023, indicating a growing self-sufficiency in the semiconductor supply chain [6] - Recent developments in mature process technologies, particularly in analog chips and MCUs, have shown significant progress, with domestic competitors gaining market share as U.S. firms face tariff challenges [6][7] Group 5: Market Reactions and Future Trends - Following the announcement of the new origin rules, domestic analog chip manufacturers saw significant stock price increases, while Texas Instruments' stock fell by 7.61%, reaching a new low for 2024 [6] - Analysts predict that the tariff situation will benefit domestic manufacturers of mature process products, allowing them to capture a larger market share as U.S. competitors face pricing pressures [7]

Key Points - The Federal Reserve's Goolsbee expressed concerns that tariffs may reignite inflation fears among businesses [2] - U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen stated that President Trump will personally engage in trade negotiations [2] - Reports indicate that President Trump will sign an executive order on Tuesday to support the coal industry [2] Company News - Broadcom (AVGO.O) announced a $10 billion stock buyback plan [2] - United Microelectronics Corp (UMC.N) reported a 9.31% year-over-year revenue increase to NT$198.6 billion for March [2] - Moomoo Inc. has received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for its IPO in the U.S., planning to issue approximately 64.22 million shares [2] - Eli Lilly (LLY.N) has had its application for a new drug, imlunestrant tablets, accepted in China for breast cancer treatment [2] - Apple (AAPL.O) staff reported a surge in panic buying of Apple products over the past weekend [2] - General Motors (GM.N) unveiled a new electric Corvette concept car, reaffirming its commitment to the European market [2] - Micron Technology (MU.O) informed U.S. customers that it will impose additional fees related to tariffs on certain products starting April 9 [2] - UnitedHealth Group (UNH.N) saw a 5% increase in after-hours trading, as the Trump administration plans to significantly raise Medicare payment rates next year [2]