CLSA raised its target for SMIC (00981.HK) to HK$97.5 (from HK$94.1) and its A‑share target to CNY180.2 (from CNY153.4), maintaining an Outperform rating. CLSA says SMIC’s Q2 revenue and gross margin beat the upper end of company guidance and Q3 guidance exceeded market expectations. Q2 shipment growth was driven by capacity ramp-up and AI-related chip orders; CLSA highlights demand support from AI, overseas order reshoring and domestic localization. SMIC expects wafer prices to remain at least

CLSA raised its target for SMIC (00981.HK) to HK$97.5 (from HK$94.1) and its A‑share target to CNY180.2 (from CNY153.4), maintaining an Outperform rating. CLSA says SMIC’s Q2 revenue and gross margin beat the upper end of company guidance and Q3 guidance exceeded market expectations. Q2 shipment growth was driven by capacity ramp-up and AI-related chip orders; CLSA highlights demand support from AI, overseas order reshoring and domestic localization. SMIC expects wafer prices to remain at least stable through 2026. CLSA lifted its 2026–28 earnings forecasts by 69%, 44% and 38%, respectively.