17 December 2025 | 12:25AM HKT Equity Research Greater China Semis: November: IC import/export value +13.9%/+34.2% YoY Oct-Nov data (Exhibits 1-4): IC import volume was +2.1% YoY in Nov 2025 (vs. +4.9% YoY in Oct 2025), and import value was +13.9% YoY (vs. +10.2% YoY in Oct 2025), implying an 11.5% YoY increase of IC import ASP in Nov 2025. IC (integrated circuits) production growth was +17.7% YoY in Oct 2025 (link) vs. +5.9% YoY in Sep 2025, with MoM decrease in production volume. On inventory, China's ele ...

Summary of Semiconductor Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the semiconductor industry in Greater China, highlighting the trends in integrated circuit (IC) production, imports, and exports during September and October 2025 [1][2][4]. Key Points IC Production and Import Trends - IC production in China showed a positive year-over-year (YoY) growth of **5.9%** in September 2025, compared to **3.2%** in August 2025, with a total production volume of **44 billion units** [4][13][20]. - The import value of ICs increased by **10.2%** YoY in October 2025, down from **14.1%** in September 2025, indicating a slight slowdown in growth [1][15]. - The import volume of ICs rose by **4.9%** YoY in October 2025, compared to **11.7%** in September 2025, suggesting a decrease in the growth rate of imports [1][18]. Export Performance - IC export value reached **US$16.7 billion** in October 2025, reflecting a **26.9%** YoY increase but a **12.3%** month-over-month (MoM) decline [10][28]. - Year-to-date (YTD) export value for 2025 reached **US$161.9 billion**, representing a **23.2%** YoY increase [10]. Semiconductor Revenue - Total semiconductor revenues in China were reported at **US$18.7 billion** in September 2025, marking a **16.5%** YoY increase and a **6.0%** MoM increase [5][22]. - Taiwan's semiconductor revenue growth was **12.5%** YoY in October 2025, with a **6.4%** MoM increase [5][31]. Inventory and Market Dynamics - The days of inventory (DOI) in China's electronics sector stood at **49 days** in September 2025, above the average levels of previous years [1][18]. - The ongoing demand for semiconductors is supported by advancements in generative AI and automotive technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) [2][4]. Investment Recommendations - Analysts recommended a "Buy" rating for several companies, including Kematek, SMIC, Hua Hong, and others, based on strong company-specific drivers and market trends [3][50]. Equipment Imports - The import value of semiconductor test equipment surged by **31.9%** YoY to **US$56.7 million** in September 2025, indicating robust demand for testing capabilities [9][36]. - The import value of semiconductor production equipment (SPE) increased by **35.3%** YoY to **US$5.8 billion** in September 2025 [9][26]. Bidding Activity - Continuous bidding activity from Chinese semiconductor manufacturers was noted, indicating a positive outlook for capital expenditures (capex) in the coming years [11][42]. Conclusion - The semiconductor industry in Greater China is experiencing solid growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand. The trends in production, imports, and exports reflect a dynamic market environment, with significant investment opportunities identified in key companies within the sector.

Summary of Semiconductor Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Semiconductor Industry in Greater China - **Key Metrics**: - IC import/export value increased by +14.1% YoY and +32.7% YoY respectively in September 2025 [1][10] - IC import volume rose by +11.7% YoY in September 2025, compared to +2.1% YoY in August 2025 [1] - IC production growth was +3.2% YoY in August 2025, down from +15.0% YoY in July 2025 [4][12] Core Insights - **Demand Trends**: - The semiconductor demand in the China market is increasing, supported by advancements in generative AI and automotive technologies [2][4] - Positive growth in IC production and import values indicates a recovery trend in the semiconductor sector [4][21] - **Production and Inventory**: - China's electronics sector had an average of 58 days of inventory in August 2025, lower than previous years (67/57/60 days in August 2024/2023/2022) [23] - The production volume of ICs was 43 billion units in August 2025, reflecting a month-over-month decline of -9.4% [4][12] Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: - Total semiconductor revenues in August 2025 were up 13.9% YoY to US$17.6 billion, compared to +12.0% YoY in July 2025 [5][21] - Taiwan's semiconductor revenue grew by +23.8% YoY in September 2025 [5][31] - **Investment Recommendations**: - Companies recommended for investment include Kematek, SMIC, Hua Hong, AMEC, and others, indicating a bullish outlook on these stocks [3] Additional Insights - **Equipment Imports**: - SPE (semiconductor production equipment) import value increased by +8.3% YoY in August 2025, while semiconductor test equipment imports saw a significant decline of -41.3% YoY [9][25][36] - Lithography machine imports showed a decrease in volume (-2% YoY) but an increase in average selling price (+57% YoY) [34][39] - **Bidding Activity**: - Continuous bidding activity from semiconductor manufacturers in China suggests an upward trend in capital expenditures, with several companies placing orders for advanced manufacturing equipment [11][42] Conclusion - The semiconductor industry in Greater China is experiencing a positive growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand. The financial performance of key players is robust, with significant year-over-year revenue growth. Investment in specific companies is recommended based on their strong market positions and growth potential.

Investment Rating - The report upgrades the investment rating for several companies in the semiconductor sector to "Buy," including Cambricon, SMIC, AMEC, and VeriSilicon [2][62]. Core Insights - The semiconductor industry in Greater China is experiencing a positive trend, driven by increased market demand, particularly in advanced technologies such as generative AI and ADAS [3][4]. - The report highlights a significant year-over-year growth in integrated circuit (IC) production and imports, indicating a recovery from previous weak seasons [1][3]. - The overall semiconductor revenue in China showed a 9% year-over-year increase in March 2025, reflecting a steady recovery from earlier months [4][27]. Summary by Sections IC Production and Imports - IC production volume in March 2025 increased by 9.2% year-over-year, reaching 42 billion units, compared to a 4.4% increase in January and February 2025 [1][25]. - IC import value rose by 11.1% year-over-year to US$35 billion in April 2025, while import volume increased by 7.6% year-over-year to 50 billion units [9][19]. - The average selling price (ASP) of IC imports increased by 3.3% year-over-year in April 2025 [1][21]. Market Demand and Revenue - The report indicates that the semiconductor market is benefiting from strong company-specific drivers, including new product launches and market share gains [2][3]. - Taiwan's semiconductor revenue grew by 34.1% year-over-year in April 2025, with foundry revenues up by 43.7% year-over-year [7][8]. - The total revenue for China's semiconductor sector reached US$15.4 billion in March 2025, marking a continued growth trend [4][27]. Inventory and Supply Chain - The days of inventory (DOI) for China's electronics sector was reported at 53 days in March 2025, consistent with historical averages [1][17]. - The report notes a healthy inventory level, suggesting stability in the supply chain for semiconductor manufacturers [4][17].