CICC: Raises SMIC's target price to HK$28; Fab 9 investment progresses smoothly.

Golden Ten Data reported on November 8, Morgan Stanley issued a research report pointing out that Hua Hong Semiconductor (01347. HK) revenue of US$526 million in the third quarter of this year, up 10% quarter-on-quarter and 7% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 12.2%, slightly better than guidance. In addition, Huahong’s overall utilization rate (UTR) reached 105%, significantly better than the 98% in the second quarter. Da Mo quoted Huahong’s management as saying that the demand for 12-inch wafers is still strong, and the average selling unit price (ASP) of 8-inch wafers will still face certain price pressure. Da Mo mentioned that Huahong’s wafer price pump in the second half of 2025 is weaker than expected, mainly due to the weak terminal demand environment. However, Huahong’s new 12-inch wafer fab (Fab 9) investment is progressing well, which may help improve the overall average selling price, and capacity expansion may continue to be its revenue driver in FY2025. Da Mo raised the target price of Hua Hong’s H shares from HK$26 to HK$28 and reiterated its “overweight” rating.