Summary of Huawei's AI Roadmap and Implications for the Semiconductor Industry Industry Overview - The focus is on the **semiconductor industry** in China, particularly regarding **Huawei's AI ambitions** and its impact on the local semiconductor ecosystem [1][2][3]. Key Points and Arguments Huawei's AI Roadmap - Huawei unveiled its AI roadmap on **September 18, 2025**, which includes: - Next-generation **Ascend AI chip roadmap** - Open-source **UnifiedBus (UB) protocol** for connecting numerous chips in a **SuperPoD** - Development of the most powerful **SuperPoDs and SuperClusters** globally [1]. - The roadmap indicates a need for **16 times more chips**, which is expected to be inflationary for **Foundry/WFE** and benefits the entire semiconductor value chain [1]. Confidence in Local Foundry Supply - Huawei's public articulation of its AI roadmap signals confidence in the resilience of its local foundry supply, contrasting its previous cautious approach post-U.S. sanctions [2]. - The company appears to have secured reliable manufacturing capabilities, marking a significant milestone in building a robust local semiconductor ecosystem [2]. Demand for Advanced Logic Capacity - The ambitious scale of Huawei's AI SuperPoDs and SuperClusters indicates a **surge in demand** for local advanced logic capacity [3]. - Huawei's **Ascend 950 chip** has only **6%** of the performance of Nvidia's **VR200**, but through innovative networking protocols, Huawei can deploy **114 times more chips** than Nvidia in a single SuperPoD, achieving **6.8 times higher total computing power** [3]. Positive Impacts on Local Semiconductor Companies - The developments are positive for the entire local AI supply chain, benefiting: - **Foundries** like **SMIC**, which is expanding its **7nm capacity** to support Huawei's production [4]. - **Semicap vendors** such as **NAURA**, **AMEC**, and **Piotech**, which are expected to see substantial benefits from capacity expansion plans [4]. - **Hygon**, a leading domestic x86 server CPU provider, may face increased competition from Huawei but remains a necessary alternative [4]. Investment Implications - **SMIC** is rated **Outperform** with a price target of **HKD 30** for H-shares and **CNY 110** for A-shares, based on a valuation of **1.5x NTM P/B multiple** [6]. - **Hua Hong** is also rated **Outperform** with a price target of **HKD 60** for H-shares and **CNY 85** for A-shares, driven by its acquisition of Fab 5 [7]. - **NAURA**, **AMEC**, and **Piotech** are rated **Outperform**, benefiting from domestic WFE substitution in China [8][9][10]. - **Hygon** is rated **Outperform** with a price target of **CNY 220**, leveraging its AI accelerator for growth [11]. - **Cambricon**, while a leading AI accelerator ASIC chip provider, is rated **Market-Perform** due to high valuation concerns [12]. Additional Important Insights - The local AI production capacity is projected to **triple by 2026**, indicating strong capital expenditure trends in China [3]. - The developments create a **virtuous cycle of innovation and investment** that will strengthen China's AI ecosystem for years to come [4]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from Huawei's AI roadmap and its implications for the semiconductor industry, highlighting the potential for growth and investment opportunities within the local ecosystem.