Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating to the company, SMIC (688981.SH), with a target price of 146.45 CNY and a target market value of 1,171.597 billion CNY for 2025, based on a 7.6 times PB valuation [5][19]. Core Insights - SMIC is positioned as the leading wafer foundry in mainland China, with advanced process technology that is domestically leading. The company has a production capacity covering 350-7nm process nodes and has made breakthroughs equivalent to 5nm technology [5][19]. - The semiconductor market is expected to recover, driven by AI and a resurgence in consumer electronics demand, with global semiconductor market size projected to grow from 679 billion USD in 2025 to 1,061 billion USD by 2030, reflecting a 5-year CAGR of 9% [2][13]. - The company is focusing on expanding its advanced process capacity, particularly in the 7/5/3nm nodes, which are expected to significantly increase its market share and revenue potential [2][19]. Financial Projections - Revenue projections for SMIC from 2025 to 2027 are estimated at 699.24 billion CNY, 798.12 billion CNY, and 925.16 billion CNY, respectively. Corresponding net profits are projected at 59.67 billion CNY, 66.92 billion CNY, and 81.85 billion CNY [4][19]. - The company’s revenue growth rates are expected to be 21% in 2025, 14% in 2026, and 15.9% in 2027, indicating a strong recovery trajectory following a downturn in 2023 [4][19]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - SMIC is the largest wafer foundry in mainland China, with a global market share projected to increase from 5.3% in 2023 to 6% in 2024, moving up to the third position globally [5][19]. - The company has a significant capacity for mature processes, with over 90% of its production currently in this category, but it also has substantial room for expansion in advanced processes [36][19]. Industry Trends - The semiconductor industry is entering a new growth cycle driven by AI and technological innovation, with a notable increase in demand for advanced integrated circuits [2][13]. - The global market for 7nm and below processes is expected to be nearly double that of mature processes, highlighting the importance of advanced technology in future growth [2][19]. Operational Efficiency - SMIC has been increasing its capital expenditures significantly, from 140.22 billion CNY in 2019 to 539.13 billion CNY, which is expected to enhance its production capabilities and operational efficiency [15][42]. - The EBITDA margin has shown a stable upward trend, indicating improved core profitability despite fluctuations in gross and net margins due to rising depreciation costs [43][42].