August 4, 2025 04:01 AM GMT Cloud capex revisions overriding other concerns for now. Given the meaningful positive revisions we saw in cloud capex last week (now expecting +54% in 2025), enthusiasm for optical AI names has rereached highs from earlier this year (COHR 19%, LITE 17%, CIEN 11% over the last month, bringing names to +9%, +27%, +5% YTD). With multiples now hovering around 1 yr averages, we do think we have reached the limits of multiple expansion, particularly given longer term concerns for comp ...

Investment Rating - The report upgrades Aspeed Technology from Equal-weight to Overweight with a price target of NT$5,000 and raises Montage Technology's price target to Rmb100 from Rmb88 [6][35]. Core Insights - The report indicates a shift in perspective on cloud semiconductors, moving from a neutral stance to a positive outlook as a potential trough in cloud capital expenditures (capex) is anticipated in 4Q/1Q26, with US tariff impacts already priced in [2][33]. - Strong growth in US cloud capex is projected, with a year-over-year increase of 38% in 2025, marking it as the third strongest year of capex growth in the past decade [10][12]. - The report highlights that the market may be underestimating the upside risks associated with CPU and non-standard AI server demand, particularly with the ramp-up of GB racks and increased semi content in servers [9][4]. Summary by Sections Cloud Semiconductor Outlook - The report suggests that the cloud semiconductor cycle is likely to trough soon, with earnings revisions expected to bottom out and improvements in GB rack yield [2][3]. - General server demand has exceeded expectations in the first half of the year, driven by inference demand and alternative GPU solutions, indicating sustained demand into the second half [3][4]. Company-Specific Insights - Aspeed's earnings downgrades are believed to have reached a bottom, prompting an upgrade to Overweight due to anticipated earnings momentum [5][41]. - Montage is expected to benefit from the adoption of advanced interfaces by China server brands, with a projected earnings growth of 25% CAGR from 2024 to 2027 [5][33]. Financial Projections - The report raises earnings estimates for Aspeed by 9% for 2025, 8% for 2026, and 31% for 2027, while Montage's earnings are raised by 9% and 11% for 2026 and 2027, respectively [5][33]. - Montage's valuation appears attractive at 38x the estimated EPS for 2026, especially given the forecasted earnings growth [5][41]. Market Trends - The report notes that the cumulative capex from the top 11 global cloud players is expected to reach US$392 billion in 2025, representing 16.6% of their revenue, which is an all-time high [10][12]. - The anticipated increase in semi content in servers is linked to enhanced security functions, which will likely benefit companies with comprehensive product offerings [4][9].

Core Insights - Ciena Corp. reported a quarterly revenue growth of 23.6% to $1.13 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.09 billion, but the adjusted EPS of 42 cents fell short of the consensus estimate of 52 cents [1] - The adjusted gross margin decreased by 250 basis points to 41%, while the adjusted operating margin increased by 140 basis points to 8.2% [1] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Rosenblatt analyst Mike Genovese maintained a Neutral rating on Ciena and reduced the price target from $85 to $78, citing concerns over margins due to customer and product mix [2] - Needham analyst Ryan Koontz reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $90, expressing optimism about Ciena's technology and market position despite mixed fiscal second-quarter results [2][8] Revenue and Margin Insights - Genovese noted that the gross margin was impacted by a heavy sales mix of new line systems, which typically have lower margins initially [3] - Ciena's Cloud and Service Provider DCI markets are expected to drive multi-year growth above 8% to 11%, with potential revenue growth exceeding this range before the end of fiscal 2025 [4] Future Projections - Genovese projected fiscal 2025 revenue of $4.58 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.24, while Koontz projected revenue of $4.57 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.25 [6][9] - Both analysts highlighted that the fiscal second-half guidance indicates higher revenue growth but lower gross margin and EPS than previously expected [6] Market Dynamics - The strong performance in the Cloud segment, which grew 88% year-over-year, contributed to Ciena's outperformance, although new products with lower gross margins are increasing in mix faster than anticipated [7] - Increased tariff costs are expected to impact gross profit by approximately $10 million per quarter, raising concerns about potential worsening conditions [7] Competitive Landscape - The outlook for Datacom companies and Telecom- and DCI-exposed names remains positive, as Ciena's gross margin issues are considered company-specific [5] - Koontz views the stock pullback as a buying opportunity, anticipating continued share gains and emerging intra-data center opportunities in fiscal 2027 [8]