Core Insights - MiMedia has announced a partnership with HTC to relaunch HTC's smartphone brand in Latin America, with smartphones shipping to Mexico starting this week [1][2] - The MiMedia platform will be integrated as the default media gallery on the smartphones shipped to the region, marking a significant step in HTC's rebranding efforts [2] - HTC was once the third largest smartphone manufacturer globally in 2011, with over 43 million units sold and a leading market share in the United States [3] Company Overview - MiMedia Holdings Inc. offers an AI and data-powered consumer cloud platform that secures personal media in the cloud, providing seamless access across devices and operating systems [4] - The platform is designed to enhance user experience with features like rich media engagement, organization tools, and private sharing capabilities, which help in customer retention and market differentiation [4] - MiMedia collaborates with smartphone manufacturers and telecom carriers worldwide, creating recurring revenue streams for its partners [4] Leadership Perspective - Chris Giordano, CEO of MiMedia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with HTC, highlighting the brand's historical reputation for high-quality Android smartphones and the potential for growth in the LATAM market [4] - The partnership is expected to contribute to revenue and cash flow growth for MiMedia as it integrates quickly with HTC's smartphone shipments [4]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report. 2. Core Views - The Chinese government is considering a stimulus package to revive the property market, which led to some recovery in Chinese property bonds [2]. - SJM's acquisition of the L'Arc Hotel and termination of the Ponte 16 acquisition could delay its de - leverage trajectory and may lead to negative rating action [7][8]. - Xiaomi's solid credit profiles and strong performance in the Smart EV segment support a buy recommendation on its 30 - 31s bonds [13]. 3. Summary by Relevant Sections Trading Desk Comments - Yesterday, new BBLTB 35s widened 1bp, new BBLTB 30s tightened 1bp, new SMBCAC 35s tightened 2 - 3bps, and there were better selling flows on existing SMBCAC 28s/34s [2]. - Asia IG space had some recoveries (1 - 2bps tighter) in TW lifers and KR/TH/SG T2s, but better selling on JP corps and some bank papers [2]. - JP AT1s and insurance subs struggled, while SOFTBK 31 - 65s were up 0.9 - 1.4pts, Yankee AT1s bounced back 0.3 - 0.5pt, and NWDEVL complex rose 0.2 - 1.0pt [2]. - In Chinese properties, VNKRLE 27 - 29 recovered 0.5 - 0.8pt, LNGFOR 27 - 32 increased 0.2 - 0.3pt, and in SEA, VLLPM 27 - 29 dropped 0.8 - 2.4pts [2]. - In AU, INFRAB 14.5 28 lost 0.5pt, and in LGFV space, HFs bought higher - yielding issues and RMs sourced AAA - guaranteed papers [2]. Analyst Comments - SJMHOL: SJM is acquiring the L'Arc Hotel for HKD1.75bn and terminating the Ponte 16 acquisition. The pro - forma net debt/LTM EBITDA may increase to 7.3x from 6.8x as of Sep'25 [7][8]. - XIAOMI: In 3Q25, Xiaomi's revenue increased 22% yoy to RMB113.1bn, mainly driven by the Smart EV segment. Smartphones revenue declined 3.1% yoy, while Smart EV segment revenue rose 199% yoy and achieved a quarterly operating profit of RMB0.7bn [13][14][15]. Macro News Recap - On Thursday, S&P was down 1.56%, Dow was down 0.84%, and Nasdaq was down 2.15%. US initial jobless claims were +220k, lower than expected, and Sep'25 non - farm payroll was +119k, higher than expected [6]. - The US Sep'25 unemployment rate was 4.4%, higher than expected, and UST yields were lower on Thursday [6]. Offshore Asia New Issues - Priced: Agricultural Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch issued USD300mn 3 - year bonds at SOFR + 43 with an issue rating of A1/-/- [21]. - Pipeline: First Abu Dhabi Bank is planning a PerpNC6 issuance with a coupon of 6.375 - 6.5% and an issue rating of Baa3/-/- [22]. Onshore Primary Issuances - Yesterday, 153 credit bonds were issued with an amount of RMB137bn. Month - to - date, 1,456 credit bonds were issued with a total amount of RMB1,561bn, a 34.3% yoy increase [25]. - There were also various corporate news such as China Great Wall's asset - backed special plan, IDASAL's possible investment, and others [25].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **smartphone sector**, particularly the impact of rising **memory prices** on **smartphone OEMs** (Original Equipment Manufacturers) such as **Xiaomi** and **Transsion**, as well as **camera component suppliers** [1][15]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Memory Price Trends**: - A strong demand from AI has led to a significant memory price increase, with mobile DRAM contract prices expected to rise by **30-40% QoQ** in **4QCY25** and potentially continue into **1HCY26** [2]. - NAND pricing is also expected to increase, albeit at a milder rate [2]. - **Impact on Smartphone OEMs**: - Rising memory prices affect low-to-mid-end smartphones more than flagship models. For example, memory accounts for **4%** of an iPhone's ASP, **7%** for a Xiaomi flagship, and over **10%** for a Redmi model [3][16]. - A **40% increase** in memory prices could reduce Xiaomi's smartphone gross margins by **2-3 percentage points**. Xiaomi may pass some costs to consumers, which could affect sales volume [3]. - **Xiaomi's Premiumization Strategy**: - Xiaomi's shift towards premium models is helping to offset some of the pressures from rising memory costs. The **Xiaomi 17 series** saw a **30% increase** in shipments compared to the previous generation, with **80%** of the mix being premium models [3]. - **Camera Component Suppliers**: - The correlation between memory pricing and camera lens margins is historically weak, with a delayed impact on camera modules. The camera lens market is more consolidated, leading to less margin impact from rising memory prices [3][42]. - The current memory upcycle is expected to negatively impact camera budgets for low-to-mid-end Android models, but high-end Android and Apple supply chains are less affected [44]. Additional Important Insights - **Sunny Optical's Outlook**: - Concerns regarding Sunny Optical's performance due to rising memory prices are considered overstated. The bear case suggests a **6%** revenue growth and **1%** EPS growth for 2026, which is below consensus estimates [4][66]. - The price target for Sunny Optical in the bear case is set at **HKD 82**, indicating a potential upside of **~25%** [4]. - **Market Dynamics**: - The smartphone market has been saturated since the late 2010s, with annual shipments fluctuating due to various factors, including the Huawei ban and COVID-19 [17][31]. - The transition from **memory downcycle** to **upcycle** is expected to stabilize the market, with both Xiaomi and Transsion gaining market share and improving ASPs [17]. - **Investment Ratings**: - Sunny Optical is rated **Outperform** with a price target of **HKD 110** [7]. - Xiaomi is also rated **Outperform** with a price target of **HKD 57** [9]. Conclusion - The rising memory prices present challenges for smartphone OEMs, particularly in the low-to-mid-end segments, while high-end models and Apple suppliers remain relatively insulated. The premiumization strategy of companies like Xiaomi may help mitigate some of these pressures. The outlook for camera component suppliers is mixed, with expectations of budget constraints for lower-end models but stability in high-end segments.

Xiaomi (1810 HK) Equity Research Summary Industry Overview - **Industry**: Electronic Equipment & Instruments - **Company**: Xiaomi Corporation Key Financial Highlights - **3Q25 Non-IFRS Net Profit**: RMB 11.3 billion, up 81% year-on-year, exceeding consensus by 13% due to higher than expected EV average selling price (ASP) which increased by 9% year-on-year and 2.5% quarter-on-quarter [3][29] - **EV Business**: Achieved its first quarterly operating profit of RMB 0.7 billion in 3Q25, with vehicle deliveries increasing by 34% quarter-on-quarter [3][11] - **Total Revenue**: RMB 113.1 billion in 3Q25, a 22.3% increase year-on-year [29] Segment Performance Smartphone Segment - **Revenue**: RMB 45.97 billion, a decrease of 3.1% year-on-year [29] - **ASP Decline**: From RMB 1,073 in 2Q25 to RMB 1,063 in 3Q25, with gross margin dropping from 11.5% to 11.1% [3][29] - **Profitability Pressure**: Expected due to rising memory costs; prioritizing ASP improvement over shipment growth [4][11] IoT and Lifestyle Products - **Revenue Growth**: Slowed to 5.7% year-on-year, impacted by reduced shipments of smart large home appliances due to subsidy cuts and increased competition [3][4] - **Gross Margin Recovery**: Increased by 1.4 percentage points sequentially [3] EV Segment - **Revenue**: RMB 29.01 billion, a significant increase of 199.2% year-on-year [29] - **Delivery Goal**: On track to meet 2025 vehicle delivery target of 350,000 units, with monthly deliveries expected to rise from approximately 30,000 in July to over 40,000 by October 2025 [4][11] Strategic Insights - **Premiumisation Strategy**: Aimed at alleviating cost pressures in the smartphone segment [4][11] - **Product Mix Optimization**: To mitigate the impact of subsidy reductions in the IoT segment [4] Valuation and Estimates - **Target Price**: Decreased to HKD 62.80 from HKD 65.40, implying a 54% upside from the current share price of HKD 40.78 [5][11] - **Net Profit Estimates**: Lowered by 3%, 6%, and 3% for 2025-2027, respectively, due to reduced revenue estimates [5][30] - **Valuation Method**: Sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) approach; applying a 25x target PE for legacy businesses and DCF for the EV business [5][32] Risks and Challenges - **Component Shortages**: Potential revenue caps due to shortages in key semiconductor components [40] - **Competition**: Increased competition in IoT and internet services from established players like Huawei and Lenovo [40] - **FX Volatility**: Risks associated with foreign exchange fluctuations as Xiaomi expands in overseas markets [40] Conclusion - Xiaomi is positioned for growth in its EV segment while facing challenges in its smartphone and IoT businesses. The company’s strategic focus on premiumisation and product mix optimization is crucial for navigating current market pressures. The revised target price reflects a cautious outlook amid anticipated cost pressures and competitive dynamics.

Core Insights - The Middle East smartphone market (excluding Turkey) is expected to rebound significantly in Q3 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 23%, reaching a shipment volume of 15.1 million units, driven by rising demand in the mass market as consumers upgrade from outdated or entry-level devices to mid-range 4G and budget 5G smartphones [1][3]. Market Performance - Saudi Arabia, the largest market in the region, experienced a slight decline of 2% in Q3 2025 due to prolonged summer holidays affecting retail activity and delaying consumer upgrade cycles [3]. - The UAE saw a year-on-year growth of 13%, benefiting from significant promotional activities by major retailers and seasonal demand [3]. - Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries continued strong growth, achieving increases of 41% and 70%, respectively, driven by enhanced manufacturer activities and stable replacement demand in the entry-level market [3]. Manufacturer Performance - Samsung maintained its leading position with a 22% year-on-year growth, driven by early launches of the Galaxy A17 4G/5G series and strong sales of the A series [3]. - Transsion achieved a notable rebound of 47%, attributed to TECNO's expanding influence in the low-price market [3]. - Xiaomi reported a 35% year-on-year growth, supported by restructuring channel relationships and increased regional investments [3]. - HONOR led the region with a remarkable 128% year-on-year increase, benefiting from an expanded product portfolio and closer partnerships with operators and retailers [3]. - Apple experienced a 14% growth after six quarters of volatility, bolstered by strong early sales of the new iPhone 17 series [3]. Future Outlook - Omdia forecasts that growth in the Middle East smartphone market will slow to a moderate 1% in 2026, down from 13% in 2025, due to rising component costs and supply constraints [5]. - The average selling price (ASP) remains weak as manufacturers prioritize entry-level product shipments [5]. - To maintain growth momentum, companies need to enhance channel interactions and implement targeted incentives in the mass market price segment [5].

Core Insights - The Middle East smartphone market (excluding Turkey) is expected to rebound significantly in Q3 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 23%, reaching a shipment volume of 15.1 million units, driven by rising demand in the mass market as consumers upgrade from outdated or entry-level devices to mid-range 4G and budget 5G smartphones [2][3]. Market Performance - Market performance varies across the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia experiencing a slight decline of 2% due to prolonged summer holidays affecting retail activity, while the UAE saw a 13% increase driven by major promotions from retailers like Sharaf DG and Carrefour, as well as seasonal demand and new product launches [3]. - Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries continued strong growth, achieving increases of 41% and 70%, respectively, due to intensified manufacturer activities, stronger channel incentives, and stable replacement demand in the entry-level market [3]. Manufacturer Performance - Samsung maintained its leading position with a 22% year-on-year growth, driven by early launches of the Galaxy A17 4G/5G series and strong sales of A series models [3]. - Transsion experienced a significant rebound of 47%, attributed to TECNO's expanding influence in the low-price market and its appeal to a large number of expatriates in the Gulf region [3]. - Xiaomi's performance improved with a 35% year-on-year growth after restructuring channel relationships and increasing regional investments, including the opening of its first flagship store in Dubai [3]. - HONOR led the region with a remarkable 128% year-on-year increase, benefiting from an expanded product portfolio and closer partnerships with operators and retailers [3]. - Apple achieved a 14% growth after six consecutive quarters of fluctuations, supported by strong early sales of the new iPhone 17 series, reinforcing its leadership in the high-end market [3]. Future Outlook - Omdia forecasts that growth in the Middle East smartphone market will slow to a moderate 1% in 2026, down from 13% in 2025, due to rising component costs and supply constraints, particularly affecting the low average selling price (ASP) market [5]. - To maintain growth momentum, manufacturers will need to enhance channel interactions and introduce targeted incentives in the mass market price segments, while the mid-to-high-end market is expected to remain resilient, with Apple and Samsung driving upgrade demand through stronger ecosystem value and brand loyalty [5].

2022年,ChatGPT掀起全球AI热潮,国内AI技术开始加速迭代,AI手机迅速成为行业热议的风口。各路厂商 纷纷入局,抢占市场先机。作为深耕智能硬件领域的参与者,酷赛智能没有急于追逐概念的狂欢,而是带着 一个朴素的疑问出发:如何让AI不止于冰冷的技术参数,真正"听懂"不同地域用户的语言、习惯与需求? 历时近一年的打磨,从模型选型的纠结到交互体验的反复优化,从零散的客户需求到系统化的定制方案,酷 赛智能的AI手机方案依托于dido OS17系统逐步成型,最终在海外新兴市场收获广泛认可。这背后,是酷赛 智能研发团队跨越昼夜的攻坚之旅,更是一段关于"倾听用户"与"突破边界"的从0到1探索。 一、破局之初:在"两难"中确定方向 布局AI手机的第一步,酷赛智能AI手机研发团队就陷入了棘手的两难——模型选择的核心决策。团队详 细筛选了多种主流AI大模型,深入剖析端侧模型与云端模型的核心利弊: 端侧模型虽响应直接,但对终端设备的硬件配置要求较高,若采用端侧部署,在新兴市场中低端机型占比极 高的现状下,极易出现运行卡顿、功能受限等问题,严重影响用户体验;而云端模型无需依赖终端硬件性 能,能稳定保障复杂功能的全面落地,更符 ...

Core Insights - The Middle East smartphone market (excluding Turkey) experienced a significant rebound in Q3 2025, with shipments increasing by 23% year-on-year to 15.1 million units [1] Market Dynamics - The growth in the smartphone market was primarily driven by rising demand in key mass-market segments, where consumers are upgrading from older or entry-level devices to more capable mid-tier 4G and affordable 5G smartphones [1] - Vendors have capitalized on this momentum by focusing on value-for-money portfolios and expanding their product ranges [1]

Core Insights - The visit of Saudi royal family members, including Princess Abeer Al Saud, to Honor's smart manufacturing factory in Shenzhen represents a new outbound strategy for Chinese manufacturers, aiming to showcase high manufacturing standards and counter the perception of Chinese products as low-end [1][2] - The Middle East is emerging as a competitive battleground for Chinese smartphone manufacturers, with a projected smartphone shipment volume of 13.2 million units by Q2 2025, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth [1][2] - Honor has achieved a 95% year-on-year increase in shipment volume, capturing a 10% market share in the Middle East, while the overall competition among leading manufacturers remains intense [1][3] Group 1 - The visit to the Shenzhen factory highlights a shift in strategy, focusing on high-end and technologically advanced products rather than entry-level models [1][2] - The factory is recognized as a national-level smart manufacturing demonstration site, with over 85% of its processes automated, showcasing China's manufacturing efficiency and standards [2][3] - The emphasis on AI-driven products and retail expansion aligns with the high internet penetration and affluent consumer base in the Gulf countries, indicating a move away from purely price-based competition [2][3] Group 2 - Honor's latest offerings, including the foldable flagship Magic V5 and AI features, cater to the growing demand for AI-enabled devices in the context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the upcoming China-Saudi cultural year [3] - Despite rapid growth, Chinese brands still face a significant gap compared to Samsung's 34% market share, which is supported by its Galaxy A series and financial strategies [3] - The ability of Chinese manufacturers to leverage technology and manufacturing capabilities to penetrate the high-end market will be a key focus in the latter half of the year [3]

Core Insights - Honor has successfully transformed from a mid-range smartphone brand to a leading player in the high-end smartphone market, focusing on AI terminal ecosystems and innovative technologies [1][2][4] Group 1: Market Position and Strategy - Honor's CEO announced the "Alpha Strategy" in March, aiming to transition from a smartphone manufacturer to a global AI terminal ecosystem company, with over $10 billion planned for ecosystem development over five years [2][4] - By Q3 2025, Honor's smartphone shipments in China reached approximately 9.9 million units, ranking fifth in the market, driven by the success of the Honor 400 and X70 series [2] - In the global smartphone market, Honor, along with Samsung, Apple, and Transsion, contributed to a 3% year-on-year increase in shipments, with each brand's shipments rising by over 2 million units compared to 2024 [2] Group 2: High-End Smartphone Market - The high-end smartphone segment, priced above $600, saw an 8% year-on-year increase in sales in the first half of 2025, marking a historical high [3] - The foldable smartphone market is maturing, with Honor capturing a 11.2% market share in China, ranking second, thanks to the performance of the Magic V5 and Magic V Flip series [3] Group 3: AI and Ecosystem Development - Honor's transition to an AI terminal ecosystem company is seen as a forward-looking strategy, with AI becoming a critical competitive factor in the industry [4][8] - The launch of the Magic8 series, which integrates AI capabilities across various scenarios, signifies Honor's commitment to enhancing user experience through AI [4] - Honor's "1×3×N" strategy aims to create a cross-brand, cross-scenario, and cross-device intelligent interconnected ecosystem, leveraging partnerships with companies like Alibaba and BYD [6][8] Group 4: Manufacturing and Global Expansion - Honor established a smart manufacturing production line in just 211 days, with over 85% of processes automated, showcasing high efficiency in smartphone production [9] - Honor's global expansion has accelerated, with operations in over 100 countries, and its foldable smartphones have gained significant recognition in the European market, achieving a 377% year-on-year sales increase in 2024 [9][10] - By December 2024, Honor's overseas sales surpassed domestic sales for the first time, with a 11% year-on-year growth in the European market despite an overall decline in smartphone shipments [10][11]