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Thursday, February 6, 2025

China’s Chip Ambitions: Is Goldman Sachs Betting on the Right Play?

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China’s Tech Ambitions Drive Semiconductor Investment Surge

China’s recent policy pronouncements, particularly those emphasizing domestic tech development, have sparked a surge in investment in the country’s semiconductor sector. Analysts at Goldman Sachs have identified key catalysts for growth in Chinese semiconductor and AI stocks, including the launch of new smartphones, AI-powered personal computers, and the upcoming holiday season iPhone cycle. This renewed focus on self-sufficiency follows US restrictions on Nvidia’s exports and potential broader clampdowns on advanced chipmaking equipment exports to China.

Key Takeaways:

  • Semiconductor Investment: China’s push for domestic tech development has fueled significant investment in the semiconductor sector.
  • Growth Catalysts: New Chinese smartphones, AI PCs, and the upcoming holiday iPhone cycle are expected to drive demand for semiconductors.
  • Policy Shift: The Chinese government has outlined plans to accelerate the growth of "emerging and future industries," including tech, further emphasizing its self-sufficiency goals.
  • US Restrictions: US export restrictions on advanced chipmaking technology have solidified China’s commitment to developing its own domestic tech ecosystem.

China’s Semiconductor Play: A Focus on Maturity and Local Expertise

The Goldman Sachs report highlights the bank’s "positive" outlook on Chinese semiconductor production equipment stocks, anticipating "demand growth driven by continued expansion of China’s mature node capacity." The analysts favor companies with leading technologies within the local market and strong product portfolios to capture a larger share of growth.

H2: Two Chinese Semiconductor Companies In the Spotlight

Goldman Sachs specifically recommends two Chinese companies in the semiconductor production equipment space:

  • ACM Research (ACMR): The US-listed company, with a current price target of $39 a share, representing an estimated 90% upside.
  • AccoTest (688518.SS): Part of Beijing HuaFeng Test and Control, Ltd., with a price target of 135 yuan a share, indicating a potential 35% upside from its Friday close.

A Rise in Demand for Chinese Fabless Companies

The report also notes anticipated growth for "China fabless companies." These businesses specialize in chip design but outsource manufacturing. Goldman Sachs expects a significant increase in revenues for these companies in the third quarter of 2024, driven by seasonal demand for consumer electronics and recovering demand after inventory adjustments.

H2: Two Fabless Companies to Watch

Goldman Sachs favors two Shanghai-listed fabless companies:

  • Montage (688023.SS): The company generates almost all of its revenue from servers and is expected to witness a 27% price appreciation from its Friday close.
  • Will Semiconductor (688300.SS): With roughly half of its revenue derived from smartphones and one-third from automobiles, this company is projected to see a 19% price increase.

The Significance of Mature Nodes

Both the production equipment and fabless company investments center around "mature nodes" which are less susceptible to geopolitical risks. Mature nodes refer to earlier generations of semiconductor manufacturing processes, often used in products requiring less processing power. Unlike advanced nodes, which are subject to strict US export restrictions, mature nodes have a lower risk profile, making them attractive for companies seeking to avoid geopolitical tensions.

Emerging Tech Landscape

China’s focus on mature nodes, combined with its push to develop local expertise, paints a picture of a semiconductor industry focused on building a strong foundation for future growth. By targeting mature nodes, China can establish a solid base for its domestic tech sector, providing a platform for further innovation and advancement in less sensitive technology areas. This strategy allows for a gradual progression into more advanced semiconductor capabilities, while simultaneously reducing the risks associated with US export restrictions and geopolitical tensions.

The Future: A Balancing Act

The events of recent weeks underscore the importance of technological self-sufficiency for countries like China. The impact of US export controls highlights the vulnerability of relying on external sources for critical technologies. While China’s strategy emphasizes mature nodes, its ambitions extend far beyond. The country’s long-term goal is to achieve advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. This underscores the delicate balancing act China faces. It must build its domestic tech capabilities while simultaneously navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of global chip production. Ultimately, this dynamic will shape the future of the global semiconductor industry and its impact on the technological landscape.

Article Reference

Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in breaking news and current affairs.

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