BOCI has released a research report indicating that for SMIC (00981), the bank believes its capacity expansion and price increases are relatively moderate. Expansion is primarily focused on Shenzhen and Lingang/Shanghai, and profit margin expansion will be cautious as it must balance yield improvements at advanced nodes (N+3, comparable to TSMC's N5/6).
BOCI has downgraded its rating for SMIC from "Buy" to "Hold" and reduced the target price from HK$98.6 to HK$80. The bank ranks the industry as TSMC > Hua Hong Grace > SMIC. Hua Hong benefits from higher exposure to the AI power analog field, a better profit margin expansion trajectory, and potential value from the injection of Huali Micro's assets, earning it a higher valuation multiple. In contrast, SMIC is being downgraded to "Hold" due to its more moderate growth trend and the ongoing pressure on its balance sheet from expansion and mergers.
Comments