Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for Time Interconnect (1729.HK) Core Insights - Time Interconnect is expected to experience revenue growth in 2025 driven by rising AI demand, production site diversification, and exposure to various end markets [1][8] - The company reported revenues of HK$7.4 billion in 2024, with a gross margin of 14.6% [3] - The revenue from server ODM business reached HK$3.2 billion in 2024, accounting for 43% of total revenue [7] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - Time Interconnect specializes in customized copper and optical fiber cables, as well as servers ODM, with production sites in mainland China, Japan, and Mexico [3] - Key applications include telecommunications, data centers, industrial equipment, medical equipment, and automotive wiring harnesses [3] Growth Drivers - AI demand is driving the adoption of high-speed cables, with a reported 208% year-over-year growth in high-speed cable revenues in 2024 [4] - 42% of cable assembly revenues were derived from data center clients in 2024, indicating strong demand from this sector [4] Business Outlook - Management is optimistic about revenue growth in 2025, supported by the expansion of the Mexican production site and increasing capex spending from Chinese CSP clients [8] - The planned acquisition of Leoni AG is expected to diversify the business into automotive cables and wiring harnesses [8]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a negative skew in economic data surprises across developed markets (DMs) [2][4]. Core Insights - The GS Macro Data Assessment (MAP) Surprise Indices have turned negative across DMs over the last several weeks, indicating a decline in economic performance relative to expectations [2][4]. - The Global Financial Conditions Index (FCI) has eased primarily due to movements in equities and credit spreads, suggesting tighter financial conditions impacting growth [9][30]. - The Current Activity Indicator (CAI) for June shows a global value of +1.9%, with emerging markets performing better than developed markets [49][46]. Summary by Sections Economic Indicators - The MAP surprise indices reflect a negative trend in economic indicators across multiple developed countries, suggesting a downturn in economic activity [2][4]. - The CAI for June indicates a +1.9% growth globally, with emerging markets like India and China showing stronger performance compared to developed markets [49][46]. Financial Conditions - The Global ex Russia FCI has eased, primarily influenced by equity markets and credit spreads, indicating a tightening of financial conditions that could affect GDP growth [9][30]. - The report highlights that the FCI levels across various countries have shown significant changes, with notable tightening in regions like China and Turkey [37][30]. GDP Forecasts - The report presents changes in GDP forecasts for 2025, with Vietnam projected to grow by 1.9%, while the US shows a downward adjustment [92][93]. - The GDP forecast adjustments reflect a broader trend of declining growth expectations across developed markets compared to emerging markets [92][93].

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to several companies in the clean energy sector, including Array Technologies Inc. ($7.79), First Solar Inc. ($185.03), Fluence Energy Inc. ($8.41), NextEra Energy Inc. ($73.88), Nextracker ($66.31), Shoals Technologies ($5.98), and Sunrun Inc. ($10.50) [20] Core Insights - The recent tax bill passed by the House is seen as incrementally positive for clean energy, particularly for utility-scale solar and storage stocks [10] - The timeline for 45X credits for solar and battery components has been preserved until 2031, which is viewed as better than expected [2] - The 25D tax credit will no longer apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, but residential solar via third-party ownership will still have access to tax credits until the end of 2027 [3] - The bill allows solar facilities that begin construction within 12 months of enactment to qualify for full tax credits, potentially accelerating bookings and orders [4] - The exemption of battery storage from certain tax credit revisions is expected to increase battery attach rates on residential solar installations [10] Summary by Sections Clean Tech Impact - The 45X credits for solar and battery components will terminate after 2031, but the timeline is better than previous iterations [2] - The 25D tax credit will not apply to expenditures after December 31, 2025, but residential solar via third-party ownership can access tax credits until the end of 2027 [3] - The 48E investment tax credit for solar facilities requires them to be placed into service by the end of 2027, with exemptions for those starting construction within 12 months [4] Utilities Impact - The provision allowing projects to receive credits if construction begins within a year of the bill's enactment could lead to a pull forward of safe harboring projects [11] - Companies with strong balance sheets and access to capital are expected to benefit from this provision [11] - Positive earnings growth trajectory is anticipated for NextEra Energy (NEE) post-bill passage, with most projects safe harbored through 2029 [12]

Investment Rating - The report upgrades Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) to Buy from Neutral, and Furukawa Electric to Neutral from Sell [1][39] Core Insights - The industrial electronics sector is experiencing increased demand for optical products driven by generative AI and data centers, leading to significant capacity expansion investments [2] - The report highlights the shift towards medium-distance data center interconnections (DCI) due to land and power constraints, creating additional demand for optical fiber products [17] - SEI is expected to see a substantial increase in profit contribution from its infocommunications business, which is projected to rise from 6% in FY3/25 to approximately 20% in FY3/28 [41][43] Summary by Sections Market Trends - Demand for optical products is significantly exceeding supply, prompting companies to invest in capacity expansion [2] - The emergence of projects like Stargate in the US, Japan, and UAE is expected to sustain high levels of investment in data center construction [2] Company Performance - SEI's operating profit estimates for FY3/26-FY3/28 have been raised by 11%/11%/12% due to increased demand for optical products [51] - Furukawa Electric is expected to benefit from marginal profit growth due to rising demand for its products [1] Financial Estimates - New sales and operating profit estimates for SEI show a 4% increase in sales for FY3/26, FY3/27, and FY3/28 [11] - The target price for SEI has been raised to ¥4,300 from ¥2,800, reflecting the expected growth in the infocommunications segment [54][55] Competitive Landscape - SEI holds a significant market share in ultra-high density optical fiber cables, estimated at around 50% globally [48] - The report notes that Fujikura and SEI are leading in ultra-multi-core optical fiber cables and optical connectors, while Furukawa Electric is attempting to catch up through acquisitions [9]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific assets. Core Insights - The report indicates a less urgent need for substantial policy easing in the near term, with June PMI surveys showing resilient economic momentum and Q2 real GDP growth tracking slightly above 5% [5] - The report suggests a gradual descent of the USD/CNY exchange rate, with a forecast of 6.90 for the USD/CNY spot in 12 months, implying limited total returns for long CNY positions against the USD [5] - The rates market is expected to continue short-term consolidation, with interest rates in China drifting lower over the medium term due to resilient economic growth and limited appetite for significant easing [6] Valuations and Policy Stance - The USD/CNY spot fell further in June, while the CNY depreciated modestly against the CFETS basket, indicating a shift in valuations [10] - The countercyclical factor widened in June, suggesting an appreciation bias in the USD/CNY fixing [17] Technicals - The carry-to-volatility ratio for USD/CNH and EUR/CNH remained largely unchanged in June, indicating stable market conditions [20] - Momentum to buy USD or EUR and sell CNH remained largely unchanged, reflecting consistent trading patterns [21] Fundamentals - China's trade balance rose in May, driven by a higher goods trade surplus, indicating strong export performance [32] - Long-term cash bond yields and NDIRS rates remained largely stable in June, suggesting a balanced outlook for bond markets [38] - The consensus forecast for CPI inflation edged down in June, while the forecast for real GDP growth edged up, reflecting a mixed economic outlook [56] Liquidity and Leverage - The PBOC injected liquidity into the interbank market in June primarily through pledged reverse repos, indicating active liquidity management [58] - Repo rates declined in early to mid-June before rising at the quarter-end due to seasonal liquidity demand, reflecting fluctuations in funding conditions [61] Bond Supply and Demand - Net issuance of central government bonds was around RMB 706 billion in June 2025, with the central government utilizing 51% of the annual issuance quota [69] - Local government general bond net issuance was around RMB 94 billion in June 2025, with local governments utilizing 56% of their general bond issuance quota [72]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a Neutral rating for Hua Hong, with a 12-month target price of HK$40.9, indicating a relatively lower upside potential from the current price of HK$35.65, which translates to an upside of 14.7% [1][12]. Core Insights - Hua Hong's management is optimistic about operations, reporting that utilization (UT) rates across major fabs are at 100% or above, driven by strong demand in power discrete, microcontrollers (MCUs), and power management integrated circuits (PMICs) [1][3]. - The company has begun to implement price increases for both 8-inch and 12-inch products, anticipating that this will enhance gross margins in the upcoming quarters [2][11]. - Capacity expansion is ongoing, with plans to ramp up the second 12-inch fab to 83,000 wafers per month (wpm) and potential future capacities at 28nm and 22nm [4][11]. Pricing Outlook - The pricing strategy is set to improve, with management confident in the ability to raise prices due to solid demand, which is expected to positively impact gross margins [2][11]. Utilization Rates - Management reports full loading across its fabs, except for the new fab that is in the ramp-up phase, with a noted recovery in demand for power discrete products and sustained demand for PMICs related to AI applications [3][11]. Capacity Expansion Plans - The second 12-inch fab is being ramped up, with expectations to achieve positive gross margins once it surpasses 50,000 wpm of loading, while the first 12-inch fab is already achieving positive gross margins [4][8]. Financial Projections - Revenue projections for the next few years indicate growth, with expected revenues of $2,004 million in 2024, increasing to $3,910.5 million by 2027 [12].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a Neutral rating for Desay SV with a 12-month target price of Rmb122, indicating a potential upside of 20.1% from the current price of Rmb101.62 [10][8]. Core Insights - Management is optimistic about the smart driving trend and the growth of domain controllers, with expectations for shipments of their latest chipset-powered domain controllers to begin in the second half of 2025 [2][4]. - Desay SV is focusing on full-stack solutions by investing in automotive software to develop customer-tailored algorithms, aiming to enhance the adoption of smart driving technologies [3][4]. - The company plans to expand its capacity in smart cockpit and smart driving solutions, with a private placement plan of Rmb4.5 billion approved for this purpose [4][10]. Summary by Sections Smart Driving Outlook - Management is positive about the smart driving trend and is collaborating closely with leading chipset suppliers, aiming to sustain gross margins through increased scale and improved cost control [2][4]. Full Stack Solutions - Desay SV is investing in automotive software to create algorithms for full-stack solutions, enhancing customer adoption of smart driving through integrated hardware-software offerings [3][4]. Capacity Expansion - The company announced a private placement plan for Rmb4.5 billion to support capacity expansion in smart driving solutions and automotive electronics, with specific allocations for production base construction and domain controller manufacturing [4][10].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for cash returns in the Chinese market, with expectations for aggregate dividends and buybacks to reach Rmb3.0tn and Rmb0.6tn respectively in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10% and 35% [1][11]. Core Insights - Chinese listed companies are experiencing record-high cash returns, driven by strong policy support and conservative cash return practices, with a significant increase in dividends and buybacks anticipated in the coming years [1][11]. - The report highlights a preference among investors for "Old China" companies that prioritize shareholder returns, with a correlation between cash spending on dividends/buybacks and increased company valuations [2][45]. - There is a growing appetite for cash return strategies among various types of Chinese investors, as these strategies are perceived as offering superior returns compared to bonds in a low-interest rate environment [3][53]. Summary by Sections Cash Returns Growth - Following the "Nine Measures" policy released in April 2024, over 4300 companies recorded Rmb2.7tn in dividends in 2024, with a dividend payout ratio of 39%, up from 37% in 2023 [11][12]. - The expectation for total dividends in 2025 is Rmb3.0tn, supported by high-single digit earnings growth and an increase in payout ratios [11][12]. Buybacks and Financial Incentives - A-share and offshore companies repurchased approximately Rmb160bn and Rmb300bn worth of shares in 2024, marking increases of 56% and 79% year-on-year [20][31]. - The re-lending program for corporate buybacks has seen strong adoption, with over 620 A-share firms announcing credit agreements totaling Rmb133bn [31][25]. Investment Strategies - The GS China Shareholder Returns Portfolio has been refreshed to include 30 GS-Buy rated companies, which are actively returning capital to shareholders [63][64]. - The GS Chinese Prominent 10 portfolio focuses on large-cap companies investing heavily in growth while also providing decent cash returns, appealing to investors seeking a mix of growth and income [64][65]. Sector Analysis - Companies in traditional sectors like Financials and Utilities tend to favor dividends, while those in New Economy sectors like TMT and Healthcare are more inclined towards buybacks [37][46]. - The report categorizes over 6700 Chinese listed companies into "New China" and "Old China," noting differing investor preferences for capital allocation between these groups [46][45].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Manufacturing PMIs in China showed improvement from May to June, with NBS manufacturing PMI rising from 49.5 to 49.7 and Caixin manufacturing PMI increasing from 48.3 to 50.4, indicating better manufacturing growth. Conversely, services PMIs declined, with NBS services PMI falling from 50.2 to 50.1 and Caixin services PMI decreasing from 51.1 to 50.6, suggesting weaker services growth in June [1][2] - Recent policy developments include a meeting chaired by President Xi on July 1, focusing on creating a unified national market to reduce local protectionism and implementing reforms to address overcapacity and deflation. Additionally, a nationwide childbirth subsidy program was announced, providing RMB3600 per child per year until the age of three, which may signal a shift in government fiscal spending priorities [3][8] - Foreign investors are currently seeking catalysts for investment in the Chinese market, with discussions revolving around US tariffs, property market conditions, and consumption weaknesses. Local investors are more focused on domestic policy implementations, while foreign investors express concerns about geopolitical risks, particularly regarding Taiwan [8] Summary by Sections - **Manufacturing and Services PMIs**: The report highlights a rise in manufacturing PMIs and a decline in services PMIs, indicating a shift in economic activity favoring manufacturing over services [1][2] - **Policy Developments**: Key policy initiatives aim to address local protectionism and overcapacity, with a new childbirth subsidy program reflecting a change in fiscal priorities [3][8] - **Investor Sentiment**: There is a notable divide in focus between local and foreign investors, with the former concentrating on domestic policies and the latter on macroeconomic catalysts and geopolitical risks [8]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry discussed Core Insights - Strengthening China's social safety net is crucial for rebalancing the economy towards consumption, as highlighted by recent policy discussions and government statements [3][4][5] - The current state of China's social safety net is characterized by significant gaps in coverage and benefits, particularly for unemployment, work-related injury, and maternity insurance [3][6][42] - The report emphasizes the need for the Chinese government to broaden coverage, reduce contribution rates, and increase expenditure on social security to ensure equitable access [3][6][60] Summary by Sections Overview of China's Social Safety Net - China's social security insurance includes five types: pension, medical, unemployment, work-related injury, and maternity insurance, with pension and medical insurance achieving near-universal coverage [3][6] - As of the end of 2024, basic medical insurance covered 1.33 billion people (94% of the total population) and pension insurance covered 1.07 billion people (92% of those aged 16 and above) [6][20] Challenges in the Current System - The unemployment, work-related injury, and maternity insurance programs have low coverage ratios, primarily affecting flexible workers who often do not participate [3][6][42] - The average monthly pension for urban retirees is significantly higher than that for rural residents, indicating disparities in benefits [20][22] Areas for Improvement - The report suggests that to enhance the social safety net, the government should consider increasing fiscal subsidies, reducing contribution rates, and integrating programs across cities to facilitate participation by flexible workers [60][61] - The aging population poses a significant challenge, with projections indicating a decline in the potential support ratio from 2.7 in 2025 to 1 in 2060, necessitating a shift in government spending priorities [61][62]