Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to several companies including NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC, indicating a positive outlook for these firms in the technology sector [33]. Core Insights - The resumption of NVIDIA's H20 GPU sales to China is expected to positively impact the APAC technology supply chain, particularly benefiting companies like Inventec and Wistron [2][4]. - AMD's MI308X license applications for export to China are moving forward, which could lead to a recovery in revenue after significant write-downs [3]. - The overall demand for NVIDIA's RTX GPU series may moderate due to the increased availability of H20 GPUs, suggesting a shift in market dynamics [4][6]. Summary by Sections NVIDIA and AMD Developments - NVIDIA is filing applications to resume sales of the H20 GPU, with government assurances for license approval, and has introduced a compliant RTX PRO GPU [2]. - AMD's license applications for MI308X are under review, with expectations of resuming shipments as approvals are granted, despite prior inventory write-downs of approximately US$800 million [3]. APAC Technology Supply Chain - Inventec is positioned to benefit significantly from the H20 server rack business, with 10% of shipments to China potentially generating over 20% of sales due to higher average selling prices (ASPs) [4]. - Other ODMs like Wistron and Hon Hai are also expected to gain from the H20 export relief, enhancing their revenue prospects [4]. Semiconductor and HBM Market - The relaxation of export controls on NVIDIA's AI GPUs is anticipated to benefit upstream suppliers like TSMC and KYEC, with projections of significant growth in CoWoS demand [8]. - Samsung is expected to be the main beneficiary in the HBM market due to the resumption of H20 sales, with forecasts indicating substantial quarter-over-quarter growth in HBM bit demand [10]. Price Dynamics and Market Trends - The report notes a potential moderation in RTX GPU sales due to cannibalization from H20, with expectations of price adjustments in the secondary market [6]. - The demand for HBM is projected to surge with the resumption of H20 shipments, despite ongoing localization efforts in China [9].

Investment Rating - Buy: Hon Hai, Wiwynn, Wistron, Gigabyte, ASUS, AVC; Neutral: Quanta, Inventec [8] Core Insights - The average year-over-year revenue growth for ten companies in the AI servers and AI PCs supply chain is expected to be +37% in June 2025, +27% in July 2025, and +18% in August 2025, driven by the ramp-up of AI servers and new product launches [1] - Rack-level AI servers are transitioning models, which may impact revenue growth in the second half of 2025 [1] - Geopolitical uncertainties are causing changes in end market demand, leading to a slower month-over-month growth forecast of -6% in June, -8% in July, and +2% in August 2025 [1] Company Summaries Hon Hai - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 17% YoY to NT$1,813 billion, driven by AI server demand and tariff-related consumption pull-ins [13] - May revenues were 6% below estimates, affected by slower customer pull-in momentum and negative exchange rate impacts [13] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$242 based on a 14.9x 2026E P/E multiple [15] Quanta - Anticipated 2Q25 revenues to grow 57% YoY to NT$488 billion, supported by AI server ramp-up [20] - May revenues were 13% below estimates, with a decline in notebook shipments [20] - Maintain Neutral rating with a target price of NT$273 based on a 12.8x 2026E P/E [23] Wiwynn - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 161% YoY to NT$202 billion, driven by strong demand for ASIC AI servers [38] - May revenues were 34% higher than estimates, reflecting continued strong demand [39] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$3,838 based on a 20.5x 2026E P/E [42] Wistron - Expected June revenues to grow 123% YoY to NT$198 billion, driven by AI server demand [47] - Strong revenue in May, up 162% YoY, supported by new product cycles [44] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$152 based on a 14.8x 2026E P/E [49] Gigabyte - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 32% YoY to NT$97 billion, supported by AI servers and VGAs [50] - May revenues were 79% above estimates, reflecting tariff-related pull-ins [51] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$344 based on a 14.0x 2026E P/E [55] AVC - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 67% YoY to NT$27 billion, driven by liquid cooling business [27] - May revenues were higher than estimates, reflecting the rising trend in liquid cooling [27] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$878 based on a 20.0x 2026E P/E [37] ASUS - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 21% YoY to NT$175 billion, supported by AI and gaming PCs [57] - May revenues were up 41% YoY, exceeding estimates [62] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$849 based on a 14.6x 2026E P/E [63] Inventec - Expected June revenues to be similar to May, supported by AI server ramp-up [65] - Maintain Neutral rating with a focus on AI server revenue contribution [65]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "In-Line" [8] Core Insights - Total server shipments grew by 22% year-over-year (y/y) in 1Q25, primarily driven by cloud demand for both AI and general servers [1][2] - AI server shipments are expected to continue growing sequentially throughout 2025 [1][15] - High-end server shipments saw significant growth, increasing by 491% y/y in 1Q25, indicating strong demand for AI servers [12][13] Summary by Sections Overall Market Performance - Global server shipments totaled 3.9 million units in 1Q25, reflecting a slight decrease of 1% quarter-over-quarter (q/q) but a robust increase of 22% y/y [2] - The US market outperformed other regions with a 43% y/y growth in shipments, while Western Europe experienced a decline of 7% y/y [11] Segment Analysis - High-end servers outperformed with a 491% y/y growth, followed by mid-range servers at 143% y/y and entry-level servers at 12% y/y [12] - In terms of value, high-end servers rose by 679% y/y, while mid-range and entry-level servers increased by 179% y/y and 12% y/y, respectively [13] Vendor Performance - ODM direct shipments increased by 50% y/y in 1Q25, with a market share of 47.4%, up 10 percentage points from the previous quarter [14][15] - Major vendors like Dell, HP, and Lenovo saw declines in market share, with Dell at 9.1% and Lenovo at 4.9% [15] Stock Implications - Preference for ODMs/OEMs over components, with specific companies highlighted for investment potential including Giga-Byte, Hon Hai, and Quanta [7]

Investment Rating - Industry view is rated as In-Line [1] Core Insights - The report expresses a bullish outlook on downstream rack output, anticipating approximately 30,000 rack builds for 2025 [3] - Monthly rack output is increasing for major ODMs, indicating a positive trend in production [3] - The PC market is expected to experience sub-seasonal demand in the second half of 2025, influenced by pull-forward demand in the first half [3] - PC OEMs are projecting a year-over-year shipment growth of 3-5% for 2025 [3] - General server momentum in the first half of 2025 is likely to decelerate as the year progresses [3] Company Summaries Key Stock Ideas - Preferred ODMs: Giga-Byte > Hon Hai > Quanta > Wistron > Wiwynn [3] - AI component plays: Gold Circuit [3] - Preference for enterprise PC exposure over consumer: Lenovo > Asustek > Acer [3] - Less bearish outlook on Unimicron [3] Valuation Comparisons - Lite-On Tech: Closing price of 108.50, rated E with a target of 96.50 [5] - Delta: Closing price of 398.00, rated O with a target of 485.00 [5] - Hon Hai: Closing price of 156.50, rated O with a target of 200.00 [5] - Foxconn Tech: Closing price of 64.30, rated U with a target of 47.50 [5] - Lenovo: Closing price of 9.15 HKD, rated O with a target of 11.40 [5]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is In-Line [8] Core Insights - Total server shipments grew 22% year-over-year (y/y) in 1Q25, primarily driven by cloud demand for both AI and general servers [1][2] - AI server shipments are expected to continue growing sequentially throughout 2025 [1][15] - High-end server shipments saw significant growth of 491% y/y in 1Q25, indicating strong demand for AI servers [12][13] Summary by Sections Overall Market Performance - Global server shipments totaled 3.9 million units in 1Q25, reflecting a slight decrease of 1% quarter-over-quarter (q/q) but a robust increase of 22% y/y [2] - The US market outperformed with shipments up 43% y/y, while Western Europe saw a decline of 7% y/y [11] Segment Analysis - High-end servers grew 491% y/y, mid-range servers increased 143% y/y, and entry-level servers rose 12% y/y [12] - The aggregate ODM direct shipments reached 1,857k units, marking a 50% y/y increase [4][14] Vendor Performance - ODM direct market share increased to 47.4% in 1Q25, up 10 percentage points from the previous quarter [15] - Major vendors like Dell, HP, and Lenovo experienced declines in market share, with Dell at 9.1% and Lenovo at 4.9% [15] Stock Implications - Preference for ODMs/OEMs over components, with specific recommendations for companies such as Giga-Byte, Hon Hai, and Quanta [7]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to several companies within the Taiwan Technology sector, including Wiwynn, Wistron, Hon Hai, Gigabyte, and various AI server components [25]. Core Insights - The Taiwan Technology sector is experiencing strong growth in ASIC AI servers and related components, with notable revenue increases reported by key players such as Wiwynn (+187% YoY) and Gigabyte (+108% YoY) [1][8]. - The report highlights a transition in server models expected in 3Q25, with a cautious outlook on rack-level AI server shipments due to macro uncertainties [9]. - The demand for components like liquid cooling, silicon photonics, rail kits, and chassis is anticipated to rise, driven by specification upgrades and the increasing adoption of AI technologies [9][10]. Summary by Sections ASIC AI Servers and Components - ASIC AI servers are showing robust growth, with Wiwynn's revenues up 187% YoY, significantly exceeding estimates [1][8]. - Baseboard-based AI servers also demonstrate strong performance, with Gigabyte achieving 108% YoY revenue growth [1][8]. - Liquid cooling solutions are gaining traction, with AVC reporting 87% YoY revenue growth [1][8]. Market Outlook - The report expresses caution regarding rack-level AI server shipments in the second half of 2025, while maintaining a positive outlook for ASIC and baseboard-based AI servers [9]. - The global market for AI servers is projected to reach 19,000 racks by 2025, indicating a significant growth opportunity [9]. Non-AI Sector Insights - The smartphone supply chain is expected to strengthen in 3Q25, with new high-end models being prepared for launch [10]. - AI PCs are anticipated to see continued penetration, with brands like ASUS and Lenovo leading the charge [10]. Investment Opportunities - Recommended investments include AI server ODMs and brands such as Wiwynn, Wistron, Hon Hai, and Gigabyte, as well as components like AVC, Fositek, and LandMark [11].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Company Overview - The conference is focused on the APAC market, particularly China, with significant participation from over 2800 attendees at JPM's China Summit [1] - The MSCI China index has shown a +19% increase over the past 12 months and +16% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P and MSCI Emerging Markets [1] Core Themes and Arguments 1. **Consumption as a Policy Priority** - The Chinese government has identified boosting domestic demand as the top policy goal, which is crucial given the unstable global trade backdrop [5] - There is an observed upturn in consumer corporate EPS trends, presenting an opportunity to invest in undervalued consumer leaders in sectors like Internet and Brands [5] 2. **Innovation through AI Implementation** - AI's real-world application is highlighted as a key growth theme, particularly in smart robotics and internet platforms [5] - The demand for AI-driven services is expected to grow, especially in cloud businesses [5] 3. **US-China Relations and Strategic Competition** - Recent improvements in US-China relations have been noted, but underlying tensions remain, particularly in technology and geopolitics [5] - The strategic decoupling between the two nations is ongoing, which may affect investment strategies [7] 4. **Market Positioning and Strategy Adjustments** - The positioning of hedge funds has returned to neutral, indicating a shift in market sentiment [10] - JPM's strategy report has upgraded Communication Services to Overweight (OW) while downgrading Technology to Neutral due to valuation concerns [7] 5. **Earnings Growth and Sector Outlook** - The consensus EPS growth for the MXCN market is projected at 8.3% for 2025, with AI adoption expected to drive further growth [18] - Caution is advised for sectors facing overcapacity and inventory downcycles, such as NEVs and renewable energy [18] 6. **Taiwan Tech Sector Insights** - There is a noted gap between upstream GPU module builds and downstream production, which may pose risks [19] - The forecast for AI GPU shipment growth has been trimmed due to recent US restrictions on China [19] Additional Important Insights - The sentiment at this year's summit is more optimistic compared to the previous year, which was characterized by hope for policy changes and growth stabilization [3] - The tactical desk view indicates that execution will be critical for continued market rallying, with EPS growth expectations needing to be lifted [1][3] - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring geopolitical developments as they could significantly impact market dynamics [5][7] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, providing insights into the current state of the APAC market, particularly in China, and the strategic considerations for investors.

Investment Rating - ASPEED: Overweight (O/W) with revised 2Q revenue guidance [3][4] - SHIFT: Upgraded to Overweight (O/W) with price target raised to Y1,900 [5] - Silicon Motion (SIMO): Gaining market share in client SSDs and mobile controllers [6] Core Insights - ASPEED has revised its 2Q revenue guidance upward to NT$1.9-2 billion from NT$1.7-1.8 billion, driven by robust demand in CSP across China and the US [4] - The company anticipates a slowdown in 2H due to limited visibility in 4Q, projecting a 15% revenue increase for FY25 [4] - SHIFT is making good progress in project assignments for newly hired talent, indicating strong operational momentum [5] - SIMO is breaking into enterprise and automotive sectors, with expectations of continued share gains in mobile controllers and SSDs [6] Detailed Highlights - ASPEED expects to regain market share from Intel's Oak Stream with the AST2700, supported by a shortened launch schedule and enhanced security features [4] - The company is targeting 3-4 million mini-BMC shipments for FY25, with a forecast of 300-400k PFR chips for Tier-2 customers [4] - SHIFT's enterprise controller is set to ramp in 2H25, with confirmed design wins from Tier-1 customers in the US and China [9] - SIMO aims to increase its client SSD market share from 30% to 40% over the next three years, driven by new product roadmaps [9] - The automotive sector is projected to contribute over 10% of revenue for FY26-27, with design wins from major automotive manufacturers [9] - NVDA's Computex keynote highlighted advancements in ASIC integration and the introduction of new products like CuLitho and GB200 [10]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the Taiwan Electronics and Semiconductors sector, particularly favoring TSMC as the most preferred stock in the semiconductor space [1][2]. Core Insights - April sales in the technology sector were robust, with TSMC reporting NT$349.6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 48% year-over-year increase and a 22% month-over-month increase [2][10]. - The semiconductor supply chain is expected to face challenges in the second half of 2025 due to early order pull-ins and tariff uncertainties, although supply constraints are easing [1][2]. - Companies like Gold Circuit and Quanta are highlighted for their strong sales momentum and improving product mix and margins, particularly in the AI ASIC and server supply chain segments [1][3]. Summary by Sections Semiconductor - TSMC's April revenue was significantly above expectations, driven by solid AI demand and a healthy order flow, with a year-over-year growth of 48% [2][10]. - UMC and other fabless companies are also showing steady recovery, with April revenues tracking positively [2]. Server and ODMs - Server sales in April increased by 167% year-over-year, with companies like Wiwynn and Accton outperforming expectations due to strong ASIC server demand [3][14]. - ODMs reported a 1% month-over-month increase and a 33% year-over-year increase in sales, indicating a positive trend in the server supply chain [3]. Component and PCB - Largan is noted for its 28% year-over-year growth, attributed to market share gains and resilient ASP trends [5]. - Gold Circuit is expected to benefit from rising AI ASIC demand, while Unimicron is projected to capture a significant market share in AI GPU applications [6][10]. Overall Market Trends - The overall revenue trend for the Taiwan technology supply chain shows a 24% year-over-year increase, with significant contributions from the semiconductor and server sectors [14]. - The report anticipates a decline in sales for May due to NTD appreciation, but the long-term outlook remains positive as demand for AI-related products continues to grow [2][3].

We spoke to Mr. Jun Seki today, the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Hon Hai EV busines, former president of Dongfeng Nissan/ deputy COO of Nissan). The CSO is positive on EV outsourcing opportunities with established car OEMs where car OEMs are facing growing competition, while EV outsourcing could accelerate car model developments and delivery, supporting car OEMs to provide timely competitive models to the market. We remain constructive on the EV contract manufacturing trend, and view Hon Hai as the key b ...