Market Overview - The global semiconductor wafer market is projected to reach approximately $11.5 billion in sales in 2024, with a shipment area of 12,266 million square inches, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 2.7%, marking a recent low [2][3] - The domestic semiconductor wafer market in China is expected to be around 15 billion yuan in 2024, with significant growth in 300mm wafer shipments, particularly from companies like Shanghai Xinsheng, which saw over 70% year-on-year growth [2][3] Industry Trends - By 2027, the demand for silicon wafers is anticipated to grow robustly due to increasing needs related to artificial intelligence and advanced processes, with domestic companies like SMIC and Huahong Group planning clear capacity expansions [3][4] - The 300mm wafer segment is expected to dominate, with global sales projected at around $8.5 billion in 2024, accounting for over 70% of the market, and a domestic market size of approximately 7.5 billion yuan, with a growth rate exceeding 50% [4][5] Pricing Dynamics - In 2024, the pricing of semiconductor wafers is expected to show a divergence, with 300mm wafers remaining stable due to demand from AI and storage chips, while prices for 200mm and smaller wafers are under pressure, with 200mm epitaxial wafer prices dropping over 15% [5][6] - Major players like Shin-Etsu Chemical and SUMCO are controlling production to maintain high margins, while domestic companies are aggressively expanding capacity and pricing their products 10%-15% lower than international competitors [7][8] Financial Performance - In 2024, the total revenue of listed companies in the silicon wafer industry is projected to be approximately 13.453 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.58%, with an average gross margin of about 21.14% [10][11] - TCL Zhonghuan and Huahong Group are leading in revenue, with TCL Zhonghuan generating 4.687 billion yuan and Huahong Group 3.388 billion yuan [11] Stock Market Performance - The silicon wafer industry experienced a turbulent stock market in 2024, with an overall decline of 25.13% by year-end compared to the beginning of the year, and a maximum drawdown of 41.51% [14][16] - Huahong Group was the only company to see a slight increase in market value, while TCL Zhonghuan and Shen Gong Co. faced significant declines of 41.41% and 33.55%, respectively [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Super Silicon Semiconductor Co., Ltd. has received approval for its initial public offering (IPO) on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, aiming to raise funds for expanding production capacity of 300mm silicon epitaxial wafers and high-end semiconductor silicon material research and development, as well as to supplement working capital [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Shanghai Super Silicon focuses on the research and manufacturing of semiconductor silicon wafers, producing both 300mm and 200mm wafers, and is one of the few companies in China with complete manufacturing capabilities for 300mm wafers [2] - The company has established supply relationships with 18 of the top 20 integrated circuit manufacturers globally and has a strong customer base in China, including major clients like Huahong Microelectronics and Hejian Technology [3][4] Group 2: Market Potential - The semiconductor silicon wafer market in China has seen significant growth, with sales increasing from $691 million in 2017 to $2.215 billion in 2022, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.23%, which is much higher than the global CAGR of 9.50% during the same period [2] - The demand for high-quality silicon wafers is driven by advancements in downstream industries such as AI servers and electric vehicles, providing substantial opportunities for domestic manufacturers [3] Group 3: Financial Performance - Shanghai Super Silicon's revenue is projected to grow from 921.09 million yuan in 2022 to 1.327 billion yuan in 2024, with a CAGR of 20.57%, outpacing the 15.79% CAGR of its main business costs [4] - The company is experiencing a significant increase in product sales and is on the verge of a turning point in its operations due to improved capacity utilization and customer expansion [4] Group 4: Technological Strength - The company possesses a comprehensive manufacturing capability that integrates crystal growth equipment, software systems, and crystal growth process technology, achieving a level of independent design and integration that is rare globally [5] - Shanghai Super Silicon has been granted 98 patents, including 52 invention patents, and is the only mainland Chinese company participating in the SEMI standards committee for silicon wafer technology [6] Group 5: Fundraising and Future Strategy - The funds raised from the IPO will be primarily allocated to the expansion of 300mm silicon epitaxial wafer production and high-end semiconductor material R&D, focusing on high-tech barriers and low domestic production rates [7] - The company aims to enhance its production capacity, optimize product structure, and meet differentiated high-end customer demands, which is crucial for its sustainable development strategy [7][8]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the company [2] Core Views - The company is experiencing accelerated expansion in 300mm silicon wafer production, but its profitability is under pressure due to market conditions [5][7] - The company reported a total revenue of 802 million yuan in Q1 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.6%, while the net profit attributable to the parent company was a loss of 209 million yuan [7] - The silicon wafer market is currently facing price pressures, leading to a significant decline in profitability and necessitating adjustments in revenue forecasts for 2025 and 2026 [7][8] Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Total revenue projections for 2025 are adjusted to 4,610 million yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 36.1% [6] - The company is expected to incur a net loss of 189 million yuan in 2025, with a gradual recovery anticipated in subsequent years [6][8] - The gross margin is projected to improve to 8.6% in 2025, following a challenging period with negative margins in previous years [6][8] Market Context - The global semiconductor silicon wafer market has entered a cyclical inventory adjustment phase, with a notable decline in shipment areas in recent years [7] - The company has achieved a 72% increase in 300mm silicon wafer sales in 2024, indicating strong demand despite market challenges [7] - The company has developed over 150 new products in the high-end silicon wafer segment, showcasing its competitive strength in the market [7]