Goldman Sachs says SMIC reported Q2 revenue of $3.0bn, up 36% YoY and 20% QoQ,
above Goldman and market forecasts and exceeding management's QoQ guide of
14–16%. Gross margin was 25.3% versus Goldman/market expectations of 21%/21.4%
and management guidance of 20–22%. Goldman attributes the QoQ revenue lift to
higher wafer shipments and average selling prices; management links margin
improvement to better product mix and higher ASPs. Q3 guidance: revenue +2–4%
QoQ, in line with Goldman and the market; gross margin guide 26–28%, above
Goldman/market expectations. Goldman maintains a buy rating on SMIC, cites
long‑term growth from domestic fabless demand and AI‑related opportunities, and
sets a HK$135 target price.