Investment Rating - The report rates the lithium battery equipment industry as "Overweight" due to its expected outperformance compared to the overall market [4]. Core Insights - Solid-state batteries are anticipated to drive increased equipment demand due to their multiple performance advantages, including high energy density, safety, and long cycle life. The market for semi-solid batteries is projected to reach 10GWh in shipments by 2024, with full solid-state batteries expected to enter the GWh application stage by 2028 [4]. - The application of lasers in solid-state batteries is more extensive than in traditional lithium batteries, leading to an expected increase in the value per GW. Key processes include laser insulation of electrode sheets, preheating of dry electrodes, ultra-fast laser cutting, online cleaning with lasers, and laser welding [4]. - Key companies in the sector include Lianying Laser, Delong Laser, Haimu Star, and Jieput. These companies are actively developing equipment suitable for solid-state battery production and have secured orders or partnerships with industry leaders [4]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - Solid-state batteries are gaining traction due to their superior characteristics, which are expected to accelerate equipment demand [4]. Technology Application - Laser technology is increasingly utilized in various stages of solid-state battery production, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs compared to traditional methods [4]. Key Companies - Lianying Laser has developed equipment for solid-state battery production and has increased its delivery of devices compared to previous years [4]. - Delong Laser focuses on key technologies such as laser insulation and has received orders for its equipment [4]. - Haimu Star is collaborating with leading firms in solid-state battery technology and has signed significant procurement contracts [4]. - Jieput continues to deliver laser products to battery clients, improving production efficiency and quality [4]. Financial Metrics - The report includes a valuation table for laser companies in the solid-state battery sector, highlighting market capitalization and projected net profits for the years 2024 to 2027 [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [7] Core Views - The company experienced a significant decline in performance in 2024, with revenue of 3.197 billion RMB (down 13.11% year-on-year) and a net profit of 134.27 million RMB (down 38.24% year-on-year) [1][4] - Despite the short-term pressure on performance, the expansion of laser applications is expected to drive growth in the laser industry, with the company positioned as a leader through continuous high R&D investment [1][3] - The company's gross margin for 2024 was 20.51%, a decrease of 5.49 percentage points year-on-year, primarily due to accounting policy adjustments and ongoing price pressures [2] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, the company achieved revenue of 848 million RMB (down 22.65% year-on-year, up 11.34% quarter-on-quarter) and a net profit of 14.27 million RMB (down 68.43% year-on-year, down 40.84% quarter-on-quarter) [1] - The net profit margin for 2024 was 4.41%, a decrease of 1.71 percentage points year-on-year [2] R&D and Product Development - The company has increased its R&D expense ratio to 11.10%, up 1.91 percentage points year-on-year, launching 13 new products to support future growth in niche application areas [2] Market Opportunities - The expansion of high-power laser applications in industries such as shipping and rail transport, along with advancements in high-end applications like renewable energy, is expected to support the company's performance [3] - Strategic collaborations with companies like Huazhu High-Tech and Aerospace Additive have been established to enhance competitive laser source products for high-precision 3D printing and advanced manufacturing [3] Profit Forecast and Valuation - Due to a sluggish macroeconomic recovery, the profit forecast for 2025-2027 has been adjusted, with expected net profits of 234 million RMB, 298 million RMB, and 327 million RMB respectively [4] - The target price for the company is set at 21.32 RMB, based on a 52 times PE ratio for 2025 [4][8]