25 August 2025 | 11:01AM HKT Hua Hong (1347.HK): Capacity expansion and ASP recovery on strong UT rates; 28nm as potential next driver; Neutral We are positive on Hua Hong's long-term potential, driven by the increasing local-for-local demand in China, the strong UT rate along with growing capacities, and its planned future migration from 40nm to 28nm. We expect the near-term drivers, including its continuous capacity expansion plans and ASP recovery supported by strong UT rates, to support the company's sh ...

Shares of Applied Materials plummeting double digits post earnings, hitting a host of other chip names today. Our Christina Parts and Neilos is here to break things down, talk about what happened in the quarter. Morning KP. >> Hi, good morning.It's quite a quarter for them. Applied materials earnings aren't just a company specific problem, though. They're really just a it's a warning sign for the entire semiconductor capital equipment sector.And what do I mean by that. The company said in the earnings call ...

Core Insights - ACM Research, Inc. has announced significant upgrades to its Ultra C wb cleaning tool, incorporating a patent-pending nitrogen bubbling technique to enhance wet etching uniformity and cleaning performance [1][2]. Group 1: Technology Enhancements - The upgraded Ultra C wb tool features nitrogen (N2) bubbling technology that addresses issues of poor wet etching uniformity and by-product regrowth commonly found in conventional wet bench processes [2]. - The N2 bubbling technique improves the transport efficiency of phosphoric acid and promotes uniformity in temperature, concentration, and flow velocity within the wet etching bath [2]. - This technology is particularly applicable in the manufacturing processes for 3D DRAM, 3D logic, and 500+ layer 3D NAND devices [2]. Group 2: Performance Improvements - The Ultra C wb platform enhances within-wafer and wafer-to-wafer wet etching uniformity by more than 50% compared to conventional batch processes [6]. - The advanced cleaning capabilities of the Ultra C wb platform have demonstrated effective removal of organic residues from special phosphoric acid additives in advanced-node processes [6]. - The upgraded tool is qualified for three layers of advanced-node processes, including stack silicon nitride removal and channel hole polysilicon etch back [6]. Group 3: Proprietary Technology - The nitrogen bubbling technology generates large-size bubbles with good uniformity, with bubble density being precisely controllable [6]. - The N2 bubbling core technology can also be applied to ACM's Ultra C Tahoe platform, addressing future process requirements for customers [6]. Group 4: Market Position - ACM Research, Inc. is a leading supplier of wafer and panel processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, committed to delivering high-performance, cost-effective process solutions [1][7].

Group 1 - The third-generation autonomous superconducting quantum computer "Benyuan Wukong" has been commercially deployed in multiple locations across China, with three different versions operating in supercomputing centers, universities, and relevant departments, supporting major national research projects and talent cultivation in quantum information [1] - A research team from Harbin Institute of Technology has made significant breakthroughs in laser technology, developing a new type of laser source that allows for free control of emitted wavefronts, enhancing applications in communication, computing, perception, and imaging [1] - India's first domestically manufactured chip is set to be launched this year, with six semiconductor factories accelerating construction to achieve mass production of "Make in India" chips [1] - The world's first 80,000-ton ocean farming vessel "Senhai Pioneer" has been delivered, marking a breakthrough in China's deep-sea intelligent and large-scale aquaculture equipment sector [1]

Core Insights - SkyWater Technology (SKYT) achieved a significant turnaround in profitability in Q1 2025, with non-GAAP gross profit increasing to $14.8 million from $13.4 million, resulting in a gross margin of 24.2%, a 730-basis-point improvement year over year [2][10] - The launch of ThermaView in January 2025 has driven a 70% sequential increase in Wafer Services revenues, reaching $7.5 million, indicating a shift in SkyWater's product mix towards new offerings [3][10] - Management anticipates continued growth in Wafer Services throughout 2025, supported by customer ramps and a growing innovation pipeline, alongside the recent acquisition of Fab 25 to expand manufacturing capacity [4][10] Financial Performance - SkyWater expects both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins to remain in the 23%-27% range for the full year 2025, with potential for further upside due to improved cost control and a more disciplined tools mix [5][10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is projected at $307.15 million, reflecting a 10.26% decline from 2024, while the estimated loss is pegged at 1 cent per share, indicating a sharp decline of 116.67% year-over-year [12] Competitive Landscape - GlobalFoundries (GFS) reported $1.6 billion in Q1 2025, significantly outpacing SkyWater, with strengths in strategic partnerships and AI-related semiconductor manufacturing [6] - ON Semiconductor (ON) focuses on intelligent power and sensing solutions, leveraging a vertically integrated model that provides cost advantages, particularly in the growing EV market [7] Share Price and Valuation - SkyWater shares have declined 23.3% year to date, contrasting with a 7% return in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and a 13.4% rise in the Electronics – Semiconductors industry [8] - Currently, SkyWater is trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 1.48X compared to the industry's 8.6X, with a Value Score of B [11]

Core Insights - The global Sulfolane market is projected to grow from USD 150-280 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.5%-5.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by demand in semiconductor and battery applications [3][9]. Industry Overview - Sulfolane is a polar organic solvent known for its high thermal stability and excellent solvency, widely used in semiconductor cleaning, electrolyte formulations, and aromatic hydrocarbon extraction [2]. - The industry focuses on high-purity solvents for advanced applications, driven by demand in electronics, energy storage, and petrochemicals [2]. Regional Analysis - North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3%-5.3%, led by the U.S. semiconductor and petrochemical sectors [8]. - Europe is projected to achieve a CAGR of 3.0%-5.0%, with Germany emphasizing sustainable solvents for battery applications [8]. - Asia Pacific is anticipated to record the highest growth at 4.0%-6.0%, driven by semiconductor and battery industries in China, Japan, and South Korea [8]. - The Rest of the World, particularly Brazil, is expected to grow at 2.8%-4.8%, focusing on petrochemical applications [8]. Application Analysis - Semiconductor cleaning solvent applications are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.0%-6.0%, driven by sulfolane's use in wafer cleaning [8]. - Electrolyte solvent applications are projected to expand at 3.8%-5.8%, supported by innovations in lithium-ion batteries [8]. - Solvent for removal of benzene/toluene/xylene applications are expected to grow at 3.5%-5.5%, as sulfolane extracts aromatics in refineries [8]. Key Market Players - Chevron Phillips Chemical is a leader in sulfolane production, known for advanced solvent technologies [8]. - Sumitomo Seika specializes in sulfolane for semiconductor cleaning, emphasizing high-purity formulations [8]. - Liaoyang Liaodong Fine Chemical Co. Ltd focuses on scalable production capabilities for electrolyte solvents [8]. - The Sulfolane Company provides specialized solvent solutions for battery applications [8]. - Liaoning Guanghua Chemical emphasizes cost-competitive solutions for aromatic extraction [8]. Market Opportunities and Challenges - Rising demand for semiconductors and advancements in lithium-ion battery electrolytes enhance market growth [9]. - Emerging markets in Asia Pacific offer expansion opportunities due to electronics growth [9]. - High production costs and regulatory scrutiny on chemical solvents present challenges to market scalability [9].

Group 1: Company Performance - Semiconductor foundries SMIC and Hua Hong reported their Q1 2025 financial results, with SMIC achieving revenue of 16.301 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 29.4%, and a net profit of 1.356 billion yuan, up 166.5% [1] - Hua Hong's Q1 revenue was $540.9 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 17.6% and a slight quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.3%. However, net profit dropped to $3.8 million from $31.8 million in the same period last year [4][6] Group 2: Financial Metrics - SMIC's Q1 revenue guidance for 2025 indicates a sequential increase, with a projected revenue of $2.247 billion for January 2025, showing a year-on-year growth of 1% [2] - Hua Hong's gross margin for Q1 was 9.2%, which is a year-on-year increase of 2.8 percentage points but a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 2.2 percentage points [4][5] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The semiconductor industry is experiencing a shift in orders towards domestic foundries due to new tariff policies, which impose a 125% tariff on chips fabricated in the U.S. [8] - The global foundry market is expected to see a significant increase in demand for mature process nodes (28nm and above), with domestic foundries like SMIC well-positioned to capture this growth [9][12] Group 4: Capacity and Production - SMIC has established seven fabs with a monthly production capacity of approximately 670,000 8-inch equivalent wafers, with plans for additional capacity in 12-inch fabs [10][11] - Hua Hong operates three 8-inch and one 12-inch fab, with a monthly capacity of 178,000 wafers for 8-inch and ongoing enhancements for 12-inch production [15] Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The competition in the mature process foundry market is intensifying, with Chinese foundries like SMIC and Hua Hong lowering prices to secure orders, impacting Taiwanese competitors [19] - The semiconductor industry is expected to see a 20% revenue growth in 2025, driven by strong demand for AI applications, although mature process nodes may experience slower recovery due to inventory adjustments in the automotive sector [25][26]

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor AI software sector is rapidly developing and presents numerous opportunities over the next five years, despite the current low adoption rate of AI in domestic semiconductor factories [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Trends and Opportunities - Currently, less than 10% of domestic semiconductor factories have successfully implemented AI, indicating significant room for growth [2]. - The demand for AI solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize production is continuously increasing due to advancements in technology and the complexity of manufacturing processes [3]. - The integration of AI into semiconductor manufacturing is likened to the early days of smartphones, where the potential was recognized but not yet fully realized [3]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Implementation - Zeta Technology has been involved in AI since its second year of establishment, aligning with industry trends [4]. - The company identified that engineers spend 80% of their time on data organization, leaving only 20% for decision-making, which AI can significantly improve [5]. - Zeta's AI solutions have been successfully applied in defect detection and yield prediction, leading to reduced costs and increased efficiency for clients [6][7]. Group 3: Product Development and Innovation - Zeta's approach combines industry know-how with advanced technologies like AI, Big Data, and Cloud, aiming to standardize complex problems and make implicit knowledge explicit [8]. - The company has developed a comprehensive AI product matrix that covers the entire semiconductor manufacturing process, enhancing decision-making accuracy [9]. - Zeta's AI-driven solutions have been validated by major semiconductor manufacturers, leading to high customer retention rates [11]. Group 4: Market Position and Competitive Advantage - Zeta Technology is positioned as the only semiconductor CIM vendor with full-process penetration, integrating data across chip design, manufacturing, and packaging [18]. - The company differentiates itself from competitors by leveraging big data and AI algorithms to reconstruct CIM software, addressing the limitations of existing solutions [17]. - Zeta's solutions have reportedly improved yield rates by several percentage points, translating to significant cost savings for large-scale semiconductor manufacturers [13]. Group 5: Challenges and Adaptations - Zeta has faced challenges in data quality and algorithm adaptation during the development of AI applications, necessitating a robust data quality monitoring system [22][23]. - The company has adjusted its strategies based on market feedback, ensuring that product development aligns with customer needs and pain points [26][27]. - Zeta plans to continue investing in R&D to enhance its AI capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the semiconductor industry [29].

Core Insights - Veeco Instruments Inc. has been selected by two leading-edge logic customers for its Laser Spike Annealing Platform as the Production Tool of Record for new applications at their gate-all-around nodes, indicating a strong demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing solutions [1][2] - The Laser Spike Annealing (LSA) system is recognized as the optimal solution for low thermal-budget applications, which is increasingly critical as device geometries and performance requirements evolve at advanced nodes [2] - Veeco's strategy focuses on expanding its Served Available Market by investing in leading-edge technologies, which is validated by the recent customer wins [2] Company Overview - Veeco is an innovative manufacturer of semiconductor process equipment, with technologies including laser annealing, ion beam, single wafer etch & clean, lithography, and metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) [3] - The company's equipment is designed to optimize performance, yield, and cost of ownership, positioning Veeco as a leader in the semiconductor manufacturing market [3] Technology Insights - Laser spike annealing is a millisecond annealing technology used in front-end semiconductor manufacturing to activate dopants and lower the resistance of key transistor structures [2] - Veeco's LSA system allows for high-temperature annealing while maintaining reduced thermal budgets, which is essential for advanced devices at leading-edge nodes [2] - The Laser Annealing portfolio also includes the NSA500 system, which extends capabilities to low thermal budget applications, crucial for various advanced node processes [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the March quarter was $4.72 billion, an increase of 8% from the prior quarter [25] - Gross margin for the March quarter was 49%, improving from 47.5% in the December quarter [34] - Operating margin in the March quarter was 32.8%, up from 30.7% in the December quarter [36] - Diluted earnings per share came in at $1.04, with a diluted share count of approximately 1.29 billion shares [39] - The company expects revenue for the June quarter to be $5 billion plus or minus $300 million [45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Memory systems revenue accounted for 43% of total systems revenue, down from 50% in the prior quarter [26] - Foundry systems revenue represented 48% of total systems revenue, up from 35% in the December quarter, marking a new record [29] - DRAM systems revenue was 23% of total systems revenue, down from 26% in the December quarter [28] - Logic and Other systems revenue was 9%, down from 15% in the prior quarter [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The China region accounted for 31% of total revenue, flat from the prior quarter [32] - Taiwan and Korea each represented 24% of revenue in the March quarter, with Taiwan achieving a new record in dollar terms [32] - The customer support business group generated approximately $1.7 billion in revenue for the March quarter, down slightly from the December quarter but up 21% year-over-year [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its served market faster than overall wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) growth, driven by increased semiconductor device complexity [11] - The company plans to gain market share with a strong product portfolio targeting billion-dollar technology inflections [12] - The focus remains on delivering new products, advanced services, and digital transformation initiatives to achieve growth and profitability goals [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the ability to outperform overall semiconductor industry growth in the coming years [22] - The company is closely monitoring the dynamic tariff and global economic environment but has not seen significant changes in customer plans [10] - Management expects gross margins to expand again in the June quarter [8] Other Important Information - The company allocated $347 million to open market share repurchases and paid $296 million in dividends during the March quarter [38] - Capital expenditures in the March quarter were $288 million, driven by investments in lab expansions and manufacturing growth [43] - The company ended the March quarter with approximately 18,600 full-time employees, an increase of about 300 from the prior quarter [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of NAND upgrades beyond June - Management sees a significant portion of the industry's bits still needing upgrades, indicating strong momentum for NAND upgrades [54][56] Question: Sustainability of Taiwan revenues - Management confirms that the strong performance in Taiwan is sustainable due to investments in new tooling and technology inflections [60][62] Question: Steps to limit tariff impacts - Management emphasizes the flexibility of their global manufacturing and supply chain operations to mitigate tariff impacts [68][71] Question: Second half revenue expectations - Management indicates that the second half is expected to be first-half weighted due to lost business from restricted Chinese customers [74][76] Question: Gross margin sustainability - Management acknowledges variability in gross margins based on customer and product mix, but does not provide specific guidance on future levels [92][94] Question: Impact of tariffs on gross margin guidance - Management confirms that the impact of tariffs is factored into the gross margin guidance but does not quantify it [155][156]