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☆ Exclusive: Applied Materials under US criminal probe for shipments to China's SMIC-sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Karen Freifeld | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A smartphone with a displayed Applied Materials logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken March 6, 2023. Shares in Applied Materials fell 7.3% after the news and the company reported quarterly results. Reuters could not determine whether Applied Materials violated the law, and it isn't clear whether the investigation will result in charges. SMIC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the shipments from Applied Materials. A spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington was not aware of the Applied Materials probe.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, SMIC, Liu Pengyu, Karen Freifeld, Anna Driver Organizations: REUTERS, Semiconductor, Applied, Justice Department, Reuters, Materials, Justice and Commerce, Attorney's, Prosecutors, National Security Unit, China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, U.S . Commerce Department, Commerce Department, Federal Register, Lam Research Corp, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Thomson Locations: U.S, South Korea, China, Santa Clara , California, Massachusetts, Boston, Gloucester, Washington

Domestic equipment manufacturers, such as toolmaker Naura (002371.SZ) and etching equipment maker AMEC, are winning a much higher proportion of tenders from Chinese foundries than in previous years, as chipmakers race to replace foreign-made equipment with domestically made alternatives, research showed. "There is definitely huge progress happening in the Chinese semiconductor equipment space, as reflected in the strong revenue growth metrics," he said. The Huatai Securities report revealed that for the first eight months of 2023, only one tender for lithography equipment was awarded to a Chinese company, out of many bids. "Local players still lack capability to supply a full set of equipment, such as EUV," said Nori Chiou, investment director at White Oak Capital, saying Chinese manufacturers are focused on covering mature node equipment. "It’s a long way to go to see advanced semiconductor equipment made in China."

Persons: Florence Lo, Xi Jinping, Biden, Hua Hong, SMIC, Nori, Fanny Potkin, Yelin, Ellen Zhang, Brenda Goh, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, Companies, Huatai Securities, Beijing, Reuters, HK, Hua Hong Semiconductor, CINNO Research, Analysts, Materials Inc, Lam Research Corp, U.S, Huawei Technologies, White Oak, Thomson Locations: China, SINGAPORE, BEIJING, Japan, Netherlands, U.S, ASML, Singapore, Yelin Mo, Beijing

May 18 (Reuters) - Semiconductor manufacturing tools maker Applied Materials Inc (AMAT.O) forecast third-quarter revenue above market estimates on Thursday, as governments around the world pour funding into chip factories. Chief Executive Officer Gary E. Dickerson said the company believes about $400 billion in government funding is supporting the chip industry. Applied Materials forecast third-quarter revenue of $6.15 billion, plus or minus $400 million, compared with analysts' estimates of $6.02 billion, according to Refinitiv IBES data. The company posted second-quarter revenue of $6.63 billion, compared with estimates of $6.38 billion. On an adjusted basis, the company earned $2 per share in the second quarter, beating estimates of $1.84 according to Refinitiv IBES data.

☆ Lam Research forecasts lower quarterly revenue as China export curbs weigh
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 19 (Reuters) - Chip-making equipment supplier Lam Research Corp (LRCX.O) forecast lesser-than-expected June-quarter revenue on Wednesday, as U.S. restrictions on sale of certain technology to China and weakness in the semiconductor market weigh on the business. Wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) makers Lam Research, KLA Corp (KLAC.O) and Applied Materials Inc (AMAT.O), have said their 2023 revenue projections are likely to be hit between $600 million and $2.5 billion due to the export restrictions. Lam Research, whose shares dropped 2.2% after-market, forecast June-quarter revenue at $3.1 billion, plus or minus $300 million, lower than analysts' projection of $3.47 billion, according to Refinitiv. Lam Research cut 7% of its workforce in January and had projected WEF spending is likely fall to mid-$70 billion range this year from mid-$90 billion in 2022. Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra EluriOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. seeks to prevent China from benefiting from $52 billion chips funding
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Flags of China and U.S. are displayed on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/IllustrationWASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday released proposed rules to prevent $52 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and research funding from being used by China and other countries deemed of concern. This measure covers chips "including current-generation and mature-node chips used for quantum computing, in radiation-intensive environments, and for other specialized military capabilities." The Commerce Department plans to begin accepting applications in late June for a $39-billion semiconductor manufacturing subsidy program. The Commerce Department on Tuesday said it would reinforce those controls by aligning prohibited technology thresholds for memory chips between export controls and CHIPS national security guardrails and include "a more restrictive threshold for logic chips than is used for export controls."

☆ These 74 stocks across 5 categories of AI are the top picks from the sector's leading fund managers.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Laila Maidan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

These 74 stocks are picked by AI ETF managers. What she believes is unique about her fund is its heavy focus on quantum computing technology, making up 41.22% of the fund. While big data is used for different technologies, it enables AI to work with massive data sets in its machine-learning process. TipRanks, a financial technology website that uses AI to analyze financial data, created a stock list for what they deem are the best AI stocks based on popularity. TipRanks' list of nine of the best AI stocks have large market caps and are likely to remain relevant for a long time.

☆ Factbox: Chinese chipmaking equipment manufacturers filling void left by U.S. export restrictions
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Naura's most advanced etching machine supports 55 nm and 28 nm chipmaking technology, well behind the leading edge of chip manufacturing. The firm also makes deposition machines, which apply chemicals and gases to silicon wafers throughout the chipmaking process. It produces machines that can service the 14 nm to 28 nm process nodes of its deposition machines. ADVANCED MICRO-FABRICATION EQUIPMENT INC CHINA (AMEC) (688012.SS)AMEC makes etching equipment used to remove excess material from the surface of silicon wafers. BEIJING E-TOWN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CO LTD (BEST)BEST produces degumming equipment used to remove photoresist chemicals during the lithography process.

☆ Analysis: China's chip sector needs more than state money to dull impact of US restrictions
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Josh Horwitz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The government has earmarked $140 billion that could include subsidising the purchase of domestically produced chipmaking equipment, Reuters reported in December, likely benefiting manufacturers such as China's sole semiconductor lithography specialist, Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment Group (SMEE). Just as in the aviation industry, chipmaking equipment manufacturers work closely with clients, offering long-term services including installation, calibration, maintenance and repair of machines that can cost over $100 million each. Another former top staffer at a Chinese chipmaking equipment manufacturer recounted how while working to master the etching procedure for 3D NAND Flash, the company could not perfect a critical element, namely the channel hole, or hole size. The situation could be worsened for Chinese companies should Japan and the Netherlands agree with the United States to also restrict exports of chipmaking equipment to China. "When the sanctions came out, all the American companies followed," an engineer at a Chinese memory chipmaker told Reuters.

☆ The AI craze has sent some stocks soaring up to 300%. This list of over 74 stocks across 5 categories features the top picks from the sector's leading fund managers.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Laila Maidan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Allstate, AT&T, IBM, Tesla and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Carmen Reinicke | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

AT&T – The telecom giant's stock jumped 7% after the company surpassed earnings and revenue estimates for the recent quarter. AT&T's wireless revenue rose 5.6%. Tesla – Shares of electric automaker Tesla fell 6% Thursday, a day after the company reported third-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street's expectations for revenue. Freeport McMoRan – Shares of Freeport McMoRan jumped more than 3% after the mining company reported earnings Thursday. The company reported third-quarter earnings per share of $2.36 versus the StreetAccount estimate of $2.19.

☆ Lam Research warns of up to $2.5 bln revenue hit from U.S. curbs on China exports
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 19 (Reuters) - Chip-making technology provider Lam Research Corp (LRCX.O) on Wednesday warned of a $2 billion to $2.5 billion revenue hit in 2023 from U.S. curbs on exports of high-end technology shipments to China. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterLam Research, which gets 30% of its business from China, is the latest company to flag a hit from the sales restrictions. read moreLam Research also reported strong first-quarter earnings on Wednesday and gave an upbeat revenue forecast for the current period. The company expects second-quarter revenue between $4.80 billion and $5.40 billion, the midpoint of which is higher than the $4.91 billion estimated by analysts, according to Refinitiv data. Shares of Lam Research had initially risen 4% in extended trading on the earnings report but pared most of the gains after the revenue warning.

Applied Materials became the first U.S. semiconductor company to put a dollar figure to the perceived impact. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterChina accounted for 29% of Applied Materials' total sales in 2021, according to Evercore ISI analyst C.J. Applied Materials said the restrictions would reduce its fourth-quarter net sales by about $400 million, plus or minus $150 million. Adjusted profit is expected to be $1.54 to $1.78 per share, down from an earlier forecast of $1.82 to $2.18. Applied Materials' warning comes as the global chip industry already faces major headwinds from tumbling demand post-COVID in computers, smartphones and other electronic devices.

☆ Applied Materials cuts quarterly revenue, profit estimates on new China export curbs
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 12 (Reuters) - Applied Materials Inc (AMAT.O) said on Wednesday export curbs related to China's chip industry would result in a net sales hit of $250 million-$550 million in the quarter ending Oct. 30, with a similar impact expected in the following three months. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterApplied Materials said the regulations would reduce its fourth-quarter net sales by about $400 million, plus or minus $150 million. Adjusted profit is expected to be $1.54 to $1.78 per share, down from an earlier forecast of $1.82 to $2.18. "Applied is pursuing additional export licenses and authorizations where needed," the company said in a statement. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Arunima Kumar and Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra EluriOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Exclusive: KLA to stop sales and service to China to comply with U.S. export curbs
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( Josh Horwitz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The move underscores huge business headwinds facing chipmakers and chip equipment makers around the world, as the Biden administration published a sweeping set of export controls on Friday aimed at slowing China's progress in advanced chip manufacturing. The source added that the company would also cease supplying China chip plants owned by Intel (INTC.O) and SK Hynix, the world's second-largest memory chipmaker. SK Hynix reiterated its stance that it would seek a license under new U.S. export control rules for equipment to keep operating its factories in China. Another source at an overseas chip equipment company told Reuters that all of the major suppliers to fabs were working round-the-clock to assess the long-term impact of the regulations. Shares in KLA tumbled nearly 5% on Monday, hit by the latest U.S. export control measures.

☆ China tech shares sink as U.S. export curbs raise chip sector hurdles
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

The most immediate impact is likely to be felt by Chinese chipmakers, they said. The new regulations will now pose major hurdles for the two Chinese memory chipmakers, analysts said. A steep decline in tech shares led China's market down on its first post-Golden Week holiday trading on Monday. An index measuring China's semiconductor firms (.CSIH30184) tumbled nearly 7%, and Shanghai's tech-focused board STAR Market (.STAR50) declined 4.5%. SMIC dropped 4%, chip equipment maker NAURA Technology Group Co (002371.SZ) sank 10% by the daily limit, and Hua Hong Semiconductor plunged 9.5%.

☆ U.S. aims to hobble China’s chip industry with sweeping new export rules
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-07 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

The raft of measures could amount to the biggest shift in U.S. policy toward shipping technology to China since the 1990s. If effective, they could set China’s chip manufacturing industry back years by forcing American and foreign companies that use U.S. technology to cut off support for some of China’s leading factories and chip designers. On Friday, the Biden administration applied the expanded restrictions to China’s IFLYTEK, Dahua Technology, and Megvii Technology, companies added to the entity list in 2019 over allegations they aided Beijing in the suppression of its Uigher minority group. The “unverified list” is a potential stepping stone to tougher economic blacklists, but companies that comply with U.S. inspection rules can come off the list. On Friday, U.S. officials removed nine such firms, including China’s Wuxi Biologics, which makes ingredients for AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine.

The raft of measures could amount to the biggest shift in U.S. policy toward shipping technology to China since the 1990s. If effective, they could hobble China's chip manufacturing industry by forcing American and foreign companies that use U.S. technology to cut off support for some of China's leading factories and chip designers. The rules published on Friday also block shipments of a broad array of chips for use in Chinese supercomputing systems. "The U.S. should stop the wrongdoings immediately and give fair treatment to companies from all over the world, including Chinese companies." On Saturday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called the move an abuse of trade measures designed to reinforce the United States' "technological hegemony".

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