BofAS Maintains Underperform Rating on HUA HONG SEMI; Management Expresses Cautious Optimism for Next Year
3Q25 Sales Performance: HUA HONG SEMI reported a 21% year-over-year and 12% quarter-over-quarter increase in sales for 3Q25, reaching USD 635 million, slightly below the broker's forecast of USD 636 million, with a gross profit margin (GPM) of 13.5%.
4Q25 Sales Outlook: The company anticipates a 2-4% quarter-over-quarter sales growth for 4Q25, projecting sales between USD 650-660 million and a GPM of 12-14%, while expecting further improvements in semiconductor wafer prices.
Cautious Price Outlook: HUA HONG SEMI's management expresses cautious optimism for next year's pricing due to intense competition, despite potential support from product mix improvements and technological upgrades.
Broker Rating: BofA Securities maintains an Underperform rating on HUA HONG SEMI, setting a target price of HKD 59 amidst the current market conditions.
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Company Performance: Hua Hong Semiconductor reported a record revenue of USD660 million for 4Q25, up 22.4% YoY, although net profit fell 53.4% QoQ to USD17 million due to rising labor costs.
Annual Results: For FY25, revenue grew by 20% YoY to USD2.4 billion, with a gross margin of 11.8%, aligning with market expectations despite higher depreciation expenses.
Future Guidance: Management anticipates 1Q26 revenue between USD650 million and USD660 million, with a gross margin forecast of 13% to 15%.
Analyst Ratings: CMBI maintained a Hold rating on the stock, raising the target price from HKD68 to HKD80, citing price hikes and capacity expansion as growth drivers.

Company Performance: HUA HONG SEMI reported a record 4Q25 revenue of US$660 million, a 22.4% increase year-over-year, driven by domestic demand recovery and AI-related applications.
Market Outlook: DBS Group Research anticipates that stricter US export controls will boost China's localization in semiconductor production, projecting a rise in self-sufficiency from 18.3% in 2022 to approximately 26.6% by 2027.
Analyst Ratings: DBS maintained a Hold rating for HUA HONG SEMI and raised its target price from HKD 75 to HKD 88, reflecting optimism about the semiconductor sector's recovery.
Short Selling Data: The stock experienced a short selling of $153.11 million, with a ratio of 29.702%, indicating significant market activity.

Sales Performance: HUA HONG SEMI reported a 4% QoQ increase in 4Q25 sales to approximately US$660 million, meeting the high end of its guidance due to higher wafer shipments and average selling prices.
Gross Margin and Costs: The company's gross margin decreased by 57 bps QoQ to 13%, slightly below market expectations, primarily due to rising labor costs.
Analyst Ratings: BofAS noted that HUA HONG SEMI continues to experience operating losses and maintained an underperform rating, while UBS raised its 2026 EPS forecast by 57% and increased the target price from $80 to $104, keeping a Neutral rating.
Short Selling Data: The short selling amount for HUA HONG SEMI was reported at $363.02 million, with a short selling ratio of 12.91%.

Company Growth: HUA HONG SEMI is entering a fast-growth phase, with a 22.4% year-over-year increase in sales revenue for 4Q25, reaching USD 659.9 million.
Target Price Adjustment: Huatai Securities has raised its target price for HUA HONG SEMI from HKD 120 to HKD 121 while maintaining a Buy rating.
Short Selling Data: The company has a short selling amount of $363.02 million, with a ratio of 12.910%.
Market Analysis: Citi has also raised target prices for HUA HONG SEMI and SMIC to HKD 115 and HKD 75, respectively.

Research Report Overview: CLSA's report on HUA HONG SEMI indicates that 4Q25 results and 1Q26 guidance are in line with expectations, driven by growth in AI-related products despite challenges in consumer electronics due to memory shortages.
Capacity and Capital Expenditure: The company's Fab9A is expected to reach peak capacity through 2026, while Fab9B's capacity will ramp up. Capital expenditure for 2026 is projected to decrease year-over-year, with a significant increase anticipated in 2027.
Target Price Adjustment: CLSA has raised its target price for HUA HONG SEMI to HKD129.5 and maintains an Outperform rating, reflecting confidence in the company's growth prospects.
Short Selling Data: As of February 13, 2026, HUA HONG SEMI has a short selling volume of $363.02 million, with a short selling ratio of 12.91%.

Company Performance: HUA HONG SEMI reported 4Q25 sales of USD660 million, reflecting a 4% quarter-over-quarter increase and a 22% year-over-year increase, aligning with expectations despite ongoing operating losses.
Financial Outlook: BofA Securities raised the company's target price from HKD59 to HKD61 while maintaining an Underperform rating, anticipating a resumption of dividends in 2026.





