Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the RMB or related assets Core Insights - The RMB is unlikely to appreciate significantly due to persistent deflationary pressures and the need for accommodative monetary policy [6][9] - Historical parallels between Japan's currency appreciation in the 1980s and the current situation in China are drawn, but the report argues that the RMB will not follow the same path [3][6] - Significant RMB appreciation would exacerbate deflation rather than alleviate it, and sustainable economic rebalancing requires more than just currency appreciation [6][10] Summary by Sections Currency Appreciation and Trade Tensions - Currency appreciation alone is insufficient to resolve complex trade tensions between the US and China, which involve multiple issues beyond currency [10][11] - Historical instances of RMB appreciation did not lead to a narrowing of China's trade surplus with the US [12][13] Deflationary Pressures - China is currently facing intense deflationary pressures, and significant currency appreciation would further harm corporate profits and aggregate demand [23][25] - The report highlights that exporters, particularly SMEs, would suffer from translation losses due to currency appreciation [24][25] Economic Rebalancing - Achieving sustainable economic rebalancing in China requires structural changes in growth models rather than just currency appreciation [41][42] - Policymakers in China prefer investment-driven growth, which complicates the shift towards consumption-led growth [41][42] Historical Context - Japan's experience with currency appreciation in the 1980s led to a loss of export competitiveness and did not result in sustainable economic rebalancing [32][46] - The report emphasizes that Japan's currency appreciation did not lead to a significant increase in private consumption as a share of GDP [54][53]

July 1, 2025 03:00 PM GMT Internet names rose +7% last week (SPX/NDX +3%/+4%) led by META/GOOGL/AMZN +8%/+7%/+6%. Markets reached all-time highs amid trade negotiation progress as we enter 2Q preview season. Fundamental focus ahead. AMZN/GOOGL/META 31X/18X/27X '26 EPS (+1%/-4%/+20% vs TTM avg). | M | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | Update | | July 1, 2025 03:00 PM GMT Internet North America | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | | | | Brian Nowak, CFA | | | | Equity Analyst | | | Where Are We Trading Now: | Brian.Nowak ...

June 30, 2025 07:55 AM GMT M Foundation Morgan Stanley Asia Limited+ Shawn Kim Equity Analyst Shawn.Kim@morganstanley.com +852 3963-1005 Duan Liu Equity Analyst Duan.Liu@morganstanley.com +852 2239-7357 Michelle Kim Research Associate Michelle.Kim1@morganstanley.com +852 3963-0183 S. Korea Technology Asia Pacific Industry View In-Line Morgan Stanley does and seeks to do business with companies covered in Morgan Stanley Research. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of int ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies covered [4][5]. Core Insights - The report highlights upcoming volatility events that could significantly impact equity markets, particularly for large-cap, highly liquid stocks in the Asia Pacific region [1][2]. - A tracker of key upcoming events for major companies in the region is compiled, focusing on those with substantial market capitalization and trading volume, as well as smaller stocks known for price volatility in sectors like Healthcare and Materials [2][4]. Summary by Relevant Sections Upcoming Events - Key macro catalysts for Japan are included, indicating a focus on significant market-moving events [2]. - Specific companies and their anticipated catalysts are listed, such as: - ANTA Sports Products (2020.HK) with an operational update expected in early to mid-July 2025, monitoring for faster-than-industry performance [11]. - Fast Retailing (9983.T) with FY8/25 Q4 results due in October 2025, assessing if the bottom of performance in China is confirmed [11]. - Pop Mart International (9992.HK) expected to issue a positive profit alert in early to mid-July 2025 [11]. Sector-Specific Insights - In the Materials sector, companies like Aluminum Corp. of China (2600.HK) are monitored for aluminum demand, particularly from solar applications, with developments expected in the second half of 2025 [23]. - The report also tracks developments in the Semiconductor sector, with companies like Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and TSMC (2330.TW) expected to provide updates on market outlook and revenue guidance in the second half of 2025 [25][26].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies Core Insights - Overall demand for US equities has declined, but there is no significant selling observed, with net flows feeling lower due to unusually high flows in the second half of 2024 [4][6] - Europe has emerged as the primary destination for equity fund flows, with a notable increase in flows to European equity funds while flows to US stocks have decreased [9][10][12] - European investors hold €2.6 trillion of US debt, representing over 10% of fixed income assets in the euro area, indicating a significant cross-border investment [21] - Strong inflows to European fixed income funds have been observed since 'Liberation Day', although this has not yet translated into increased demand for European debt securities [24][29] - The EUR/USD exchange rate is expected to rise to 1.27 by the end of 2026, driven by both fundamental and technical factors, with increased hedging incentives due to rising volatility [34][42] - European equities are projected to show a consensus EPS growth of 1.3% in local currency terms for 2025, but in USD terms, this growth is expected to be 7.6%, indicating a favorable outlook for European stocks [63][65] - The European securitized market, currently valued at approximately €550 billion, has potential for growth due to ongoing regulatory reforms, which could lead to substantial market expansion [69][81] Summary by Sections Fund Flows - Demand for US stocks has decreased, but there is no evidence of significant selling; net flows to US equities are lower due to high previous flows [4][6] - Europe is now the leading destination for equity fund flows, with minimal spillover to other regions [9][10][12] European Debt Holdings - Euro area investors own €2.6 trillion of US debt, which is over 10% of their fixed income assets [21] - Evidence of stronger inflows to European fixed income funds has emerged, but this has not yet impacted demand for European debt securities [24][29] Currency and Hedging - The EUR/USD exchange rate is forecasted to reach 1.27 by the end of 2026, influenced by fundamental and technical factors [34] - Increased volatility and uncertainty are raising hedging incentives, with approximately $4 trillion in unhedged US assets potentially needing hedging [42] European Equities - European consensus EPS growth for 2025 is projected at 1.3% in local currency, but 7.6% in USD terms, indicating a positive outlook for European stocks [63][65] Securitized Market - The European securitized market is valued at around €550 billion and has potential for growth due to regulatory reforms [69][81]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a continued expectation of USD weakness, suggesting a favorable environment for US multinational companies, particularly large caps, due to their foreign revenue exposure [5][82]. Core Insights - The report posits that the USD's weakening trend is at an intermission, with a projected net decline of 20% expected [3][8]. - A weaker USD is viewed as a significant, underappreciated tailwind for US equity earnings, especially for large-cap companies that derive a substantial portion of their revenue from foreign markets [5][82]. - The report highlights that the USD remains at the upper end of historical ranges, and pro-cyclicality from hedging and index rebalancing are important amplifying factors [5][7]. Summary by Sections USD Weakness and Economic Implications - The report forecasts that USD weakness will persist, driven by a convergence in US rates to global peers and increased risk premiums from FX hedging [5][6]. - Limited economic impact from recent USD weakness is noted, but further depreciation could push headline CPI and GDP, with an estimated increase of 5 basis points to CPI and GDP for every 1% depreciation [5][63]. FX Hedging and Corporate Exposure - FX hedges significantly impact a company's ultimate USD exposure, but limited disclosures complicate forecasting [5][96]. - The report emphasizes the importance of subjective data from earnings calls to understand corporate currency policies and hedging strategies [44][96]. Sector and Industry Analysis - The report identifies sectors with high foreign revenue exposure, including Tech, Materials, and Industrials, as key beneficiaries of dollar weakness [88][89]. - It highlights that larger companies, such as those in the S&P 500, earn approximately 40% of their revenue abroad, positioning them to benefit more from a weaker dollar [84][82]. Trade Ideas - Specific trade ideas are provided, including maintaining long positions in EUR/USD and short positions in USD/JPY and USD/TRY, reflecting the anticipated continued weakness of the USD [7].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is In-Line [7] Core Insights - Robust spending in China is expected to lift WFE (Wafer Fabrication Equipment) estimates, with government subsidies being a primary driver rather than immediate market demand [3][10] - AI-driven demand is strong but faces bottlenecks in back-end test capacity, while the current annual capex of TSMC is around $40 billion, which may sustain AI growth without significant increases in demand from smartphones and PCs [4] - The EDA (Electronic Design Automation) market remains resilient despite proposed export restrictions to China, with potential for EDA companies to resume some licensing deals [5][10] Summary by Sections WFE Equipment - China is aggressively expanding its semiconductor capacity, suggesting upside to FY25 revenue views for ASML and ASM, with China representing a mid-20s percentage of revenue [3] - WFE growth may moderate in the medium term due to bottlenecks in back-end test capacity, while litho intensity is expected to hit an asymptote in the next decade [4][10] EDA & IP - The EDA market is resilient despite export restrictions, with a wide range of potential outcomes regarding China and AI [5][10] - Local Chinese EDA solutions are perceived as limited in competitive threat due to incomplete tool-chains for advanced nodes [11] Power Segment - Power semiconductors are a clear growth area, but adoption of new technologies may remain niche due to cost and infrastructure readiness [12] - Infineon is recognized for its leadership and cautious market strategies, while Chinese firms are aggressively developing high-voltage solutions [12] Notable Highlights - Intel's transformation remains uncertain with significant execution risks under new leadership, while the PC and smartphone markets are subdued [13] - Memory markets are expected to strengthen in the second half of 2025, driven by AI and edge applications [13]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the semiconductor capital equipment industry is "In-Line" [4]. Core Insights - The 2025 China WFE (Wafer Fabrication Equipment) forecast has been revised from a decline of 12% year-over-year to a decline of 3%, with the 2025/2026 WFE forecast adjusted from $104 billion/$109 billion to $109 billion/$110 billion [1][10]. - China is expected to show stronger performance in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half, despite previous concerns about the sustainability of WFE demand due to low utilization rates outside major players [2][11]. - Equipment imports into China decreased by 4% year-over-year from January to May 2025, but are anticipated to pick up starting in July, mirroring the growth seen in the second half of 2024 [2][11]. Summary by Sections WFE Forecast - The WFE revenue forecast for 2025 has been increased to $109 billion (up 6% year-over-year) from $104 billion, while the 2026 forecast is slightly raised to $110 billion (up 1%) from $109 billion [1][4]. - The WFE revenue for 2025 is projected to be $109,058 million, with a year-over-year change of 6% [7]. Company-Specific Revisions - Revenue contributions from TSMC for KLA and AMAT have been revised upwards for 2025 and 2026, with KLA's contribution increasing from $2.65 billion/$2.96 billion to $2.76 billion/$3.05 billion, and AMAT's from $5.60 billion/$5.26 billion to $5.93 billion/$5.38 billion [3][22]. - The revenue forecast for KLA in 2025 has been adjusted from $12.1 billion to $12.3 billion, and for AMAT from $28.3 billion to $28.7 billion [22][27]. Market Dynamics - The semiconductor capital equipment market is expected to see a significant uptick in demand driven by logic customers in China, with the region remaining the largest for WFE demand despite challenges [10][15]. - The overall sentiment indicates that state-subsidy-induced spending in China will continue to support equipment purchases, even with low utilization rates among smaller players [21][19]. Regional Insights - The WFE by region shows that China will continue to dominate the market, with significant contributions expected from Taiwan and Korea as well [9][17]. - The forecast indicates that while Taiwan and Korea will drive growth, China remains the largest region for WFE demand [15][17].

Investment Rating - The industry view is rated as Attractive [6] Core Insights - Despite weaker May industrial profit growth, the incremental impact on industrial credit risks is considered small due to concentrated profit deterioration in a few sectors affected by US tariffs, a notable decline in US tariffs from their peak, and modest negative impacts on EBIT interest coverage [2][4] - More sectors are slowing capacity expansion, with ferrous metal processing showing a 1.6% year-on-year decline in fixed asset investment in May 2025, down from 5.4% growth in the first half of 2024, indicating continued capacity control [3] - Year-to-date industrial sector profit fell by 1.1% year-on-year in May compared to a 1.4% decline in April, primarily driven by mining, especially oil mining [4] - Risks associated with loans to the auto sector are emerging as a concern, representing 40% of sectors showing expanding capacity with deteriorating profits, which is the largest drag on year-on-year profit growth in manufacturing firms [5] - Overall manufacturing sector profit growth moderated to 5.4% year-on-year in January-May 2025 from 8.6% in January-April 2025, influenced by the peak in US tariffs [9] Summary by Sections - **Industrial Credit Risks**: The report indicates that the impact of weaker industrial profit growth on credit risks is limited, with specific sectors being more affected by US tariffs [2][4] - **Capacity Expansion**: A significant portion of sectors is reducing capacity expansion, with ferrous metals showing a decline in fixed asset investment, suggesting effective capacity control measures [3] - **Profit Trends**: The industrial sector's profit has seen a slight decline year-to-date, with mining being a major contributor to this trend, while the auto sector poses new risks due to its expanding capacity and declining profits [4][5] - **Manufacturing Sector Performance**: The overall profit growth in the manufacturing sector has slowed, reflecting the broader economic impacts of trade tensions and tariff fluctuations [9]

Investment Rating - The industry view for Semiconductor Production Equipment is rated as Attractive [6]. Core Insights - The report highlights a significant shift towards CoPoS (Chip-on-Panel-on-Substrate) technology, with TSMC investing in a pilot line for 310mm² substrates, indicating a growing trend in the industry [4][9]. - ASE Technology has introduced a 2.3D package technology using 300mm² substrates, suggesting a contraction in substrate sizes from the previously defined standards [5]. - The anticipated timeline for equipment deliveries to pilot lines for 310mm² PLP is set for mid-2026, with large-scale investment decisions expected by mid-2027 [10]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The WFE market (excluding lithography) is projected to grow by 5% YoY in 2025, driven by investments from Chinese manufacturers and improved yields for logic makers [22]. - The report indicates a potential contraction of the WFE market by 4% YoY in 2025 due to a slowdown in the Chinese market, although investments in flash memory are expected to resume in the latter half of the year [23]. Company Performance - SCREEN Holdings has raised its price target from ¥13,600 to ¥13,800, reflecting an optimistic outlook on earnings growth driven by the adoption of 310mm² substrates [6][11]. - The earnings forecast for SCREEN Holdings has been adjusted, with projected PLP-related sales increasing to ¥5 billion for F3/27 and ¥7 billion for F3/28 [11]. Financial Projections - Operating profit for SCREEN Holdings is expected to reach ¥135.7 billion in 2025, with a gross margin of 37.6% [29]. - EPS is forecasted to be ¥1,155.5 for the base year F3/28, which is anticipated to be the next earnings peak [18][22]. Market Dynamics - The report identifies key beneficiaries of the shift to smaller substrates, including Disco, Screen HD, and Ulvac, which are expected to see increased orders for CoPoS technology [9][11]. - The demand for cleaning systems remains strong, contributing positively to the overall market outlook for SCREEN Holdings [18].