半导体设备行业简评：存储周期持续上行，重点关注半导体设备投资机会

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the semiconductor equipment industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector's fundamentals and expected performance exceeding the benchmark index [3]. Core Insights - The global storage chip industry is entering a "super cycle" driven by AI demand, leading to significant price increases due to supply-demand mismatches. Domestic and international storage expansions are ongoing, with companies like Changxin and Changcun accelerating their IPO processes, highlighting investment opportunities in upstream semiconductor equipment [1][2]. - The semiconductor equipment industry is expected to benefit from the low domestic localization rate of semiconductor equipment in China, with a strong push for self-sufficiency due to geopolitical risks and export controls from countries like the US, Japan, and the Netherlands [6][20]. - The report emphasizes the anticipated growth in the semiconductor equipment sector, particularly in testing and advanced packaging equipment, as domestic companies increase their capital expenditures and improve localization rates [6][24]. Industry Overview - The semiconductor equipment industry consists of 475 listed companies with a total market capitalization of 5,331.6 billion and a circulating market capitalization of 4,603.0 billion [3]. - The semiconductor market is projected to reach a size of 728 billion USD in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 15.4% [11]. - The report forecasts a continued increase in storage product prices, with DRAM contract prices expected to rise by 55-60% in Q1 2026, and NAND Flash prices also projected to increase by 33-38% [20][25]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on companies with low localization rates in testing equipment, such as Jingce Electronics and Jiao Cheng Ultrasonic, as well as leading domestic high-end testing equipment firms like Changchuan Technology and those involved in advanced etching and ALD equipment [6][27]. - Specific companies highlighted for potential investment include North Huachuang, Zhongwei Company, and Tuo Jing Technology, among others, which are positioned to benefit from the industry's growth and localization efforts [27].