M31 Technology: Strong Demand for 2nm IP Signals a Q4 Operational Recovery

November 7, 2024 -- M31 Technology Corporation (M31), a leading global provider of silicon intellectual property (IP), held its quarterly investor conference today (11/07). M31’s consolidated revenue for Q3 2024 was NT$382 million, down 11.1% QoQ, marking the first revenue decline for the quarter. Expansion in R&D personnel and overseas research centers continued to impact profit growth, and foreign exchange losses further affected earnings, with EPS at NT$0.67 for Q3. Revenue performance fell short of expectations due to setbacks in U.S.-based foundries and weaker non-AI consumer electronics demand. However, demand for IP in high-performance computing (HPC) and AI applications remained robust, with M31 securing new 2nm IP projects in Q3 and key clients launching projects as scheduled, keeping the company’s long-term business transformation on track.

Reflecting on the third quarter, M31 initiated custom IP collaboration with U.S.-based cloud service providers (CSPs). Apart from major high-end smartphone chip makers in the U.S., AI image recognition companies have also introduced the latest 2nm process IP in the field of deep learning video imaging applications. Notably, M31 was approved in the third quarter for the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ ‘IC Design Apex Subsidy Program,’ which affirms M31’s independent R&D capabilities in advanced processes, supporting the development of 3nm IP.

Looking ahead, new projects from overseas foundries using 5nm technology platforms are expected to contribute in the fourth quarter, and the momentum in advanced process projects will likely continue into next year. At the same time, the company is actively pursuing advanced process IP collaboration projects with multiple U.S.-based CSP companies. Additionally, with strong demand for automotive chips from China IC design companies this year, M31’s market share in the ADAS sector continues to expand, and it is expected to enter the world’s largest electric vehicle supply chain in the fourth quarter. This year, M31 also plans to collaborate with design service providers on advanced packaging Chiplet projects with mass production potential, further expanding IP’s market prospects. Additionally, royalties from mass production are expected to continue the upward trend seen each quarter this year, with overseas foundries injecting new momentum into royalty revenues. Currently, customers’ advanced process chips are still in the licensing phase, with mass production expected next year. Moreover, geopolitical factors present opportunities for M31, as its multi-process node IP across regional foundries supports large chip design companies in accelerating their global expansion.

Scott Chang, CEO of M31, stated that SOC design in advanced processes is becoming increasingly complex, any specification changes require a reallocation of R&D resources, causing delays in some projects, for which he apologized for October’s revenue dip. However, looking forward to Q4, demand for advanced processes below 8nm remains strong, and foundries are gradually resuming project momentum, allowing the company to fully push for revenue growth in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, current R&D resources are now able to meet most of the demand, and the India team has gone through a year of adjustment. Next year, the company will no longer engage in large-scale hiring but will instead allocate resources to AI tools that enhance R&D efficiency. Taiwan-based foundries remain M31’s most crucial partners, and as the IP layout below 7nm nears completion, the future development strategy will shift from single-point IP to providing customers with comprehensive advanced process platform solutions.