Core Insights - Dell Technologies is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from a traditional PC-centric business to a key player in the AI infrastructure market, attracting investor interest [3][16] - The company has reported substantial revenue growth, particularly in its Infrastructure Solutions Group, which includes servers and networking, driven by the demand for AI-optimized solutions [6][8] - Dell's earnings per share have increased nearly 40% year over year, reflecting improved pricing and a more profitable product mix, which is unusual for a company historically associated with office PCs [10][12] Revenue and Growth - In the latest fiscal year, Dell generated approximately $95–96 billion in revenue, with significant growth coming from servers and networking, indicating a robust demand for AI infrastructure [8] - The company has a multi-billion-dollar backlog of AI servers, suggesting strong future revenue potential as customers have already placed orders [9] Market Position and Valuation - Dell is benefiting from increased AI spending without being valued as a speculative tech stock, maintaining a valuation that reflects its traditional business model while transitioning to higher-value infrastructure [12] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, which is a rare combination in the tech hardware sector [13] Long-term Outlook - The current AI infrastructure spending cycle is expected to be a multi-year trend, with Dell positioned to provide comprehensive solutions at scale, making it a key player in this evolving market [14][15] - The PC business now serves to stabilize Dell's overall operations, while the real growth opportunities lie in infrastructure and enterprise services [15][16]

Core Insights - Meta Inc. is cutting 10% of its employees, which amounts to over 1,000 jobs, from its Reality Labs division as part of a strategic shift in investment focus away from metaverse products towards wearables [1][4] - The company plans to reinvest the savings from these job cuts to support the growth of wearables in the current year [1] - Reality Labs has incurred over $70 billion in losses since 2021, with a reported operating loss of $4.4 billion in the third fiscal quarter alone [4] Investment Strategy - The decision to reduce workforce in Reality Labs aligns with Meta's strategy to shift investment from metaverse initiatives to wearable technology [1][4] - Meta is in discussions with EssilorLuxottica SA to potentially double the capacity for AI-powered smart glasses by the end of the year, indicating a focus on expanding its wearables segment [6] Operational Impact - The layoffs will be communicated to affected employees, as noted in an internal message from Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth [2] - The Reality Labs division includes various hardware and futuristic product efforts, such as VR headsets and AI glasses, which have not performed well financially [4]

Core Insights - Celestica, Inc. and Corning Incorporated are significant players in the global tech hardware ecosystem, with Corning focusing on advanced glass technologies and optical connectivity, while Celestica provides electronics manufacturing services and supply chain solutions [1][7] Market Overview - The global AI infrastructure market was valued at $35.42 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $223.45 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 30.4%, driven by the expansion of AI workloads [2] Celestica's Performance - Celestica's Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment saw a 43% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by demand for advanced networking products like 400G and 800G switches, as well as enterprise-level data communications infrastructure [3][5] - The company is expanding its partnerships and launched the SC6110 storage controller, which is designed for AI infrastructure and high-performance computing [4] - Celestica's recent introduction of 1.6TbE data center switches indicates a focus on supporting high-bandwidth AI applications, which is expected to drive long-term growth [5] Corning's Performance - Corning is experiencing growth in its Optical Communications and Specialty Materials segments, benefiting from the increasing use of mobile and IoT devices and the demand for robust network architecture in AI data centers [7][8] - The company is innovating with advanced fiber and cable systems that enhance connectivity capacity in data centers without significant infrastructure changes [9] - Corning's consumer electronics segment is also a major growth driver, with collaborations with leading manufacturers and expansion into the automotive market [10] Competitive Landscape - Both companies face competition, with Corning competing against Amphenol Corporation in the communication components market, but its innovative product launches are expected to provide a competitive edge [12] - Celestica's revenue is significantly dependent on a few major customers, with 59% of its total revenues coming from three customers, posing a concentration risk [6][21] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celestica's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 26.31% and 52.06%, respectively, while Corning's sales are expected to grow by 12.99% with an EPS projected at $2.52 [13][15] - Over the past year, Celestica's stock has gained 205.3%, compared to Corning's 85.3% growth, but Corning appears more attractive from a valuation perspective with a lower price/earnings ratio [16] Investment Outlook - Celestica holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Corning has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable investment outlook for Corning [17][22] - Both companies are expected to benefit from margin expansion in the AI infrastructure domain, but Corning's broader market exposure reduces its risk compared to Celestica's reliance on AI infrastructure investments [18][21][22]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - Global equities have reached all-time highs, with notable performances in various sectors: - US Momentum Long index up 15% YTD - Pre-Profit Tech stocks up 12% YTD - Meme stocks increased by 5% in the past week - CSI1000 index has risen for 7 consecutive sessions - KOSPI up 9% YTD after a 76% increase last year - Gold prices continue to rise, and credit spreads are narrowing [2][3] Core Insights and Arguments - Market sentiment is positive, with a strong appetite for risk [4] - Global funds have reduced their exposure, leading to the fastest net selling of equities in over 8 months, particularly in the US and China [4] - The outlook for 2026 remains optimistic, driven by different growth factors compared to 2025, including AI capital expenditures and dovish Federal Reserve expectations [6][7] - Portfolio diversification is emphasized as a key strategy, with tactical hedges recommended due to the current macro conditions being perceived as too comfortable [11][13] Regional Equity Insights - The report suggests a modest pro-risk stance with an overweight (OW) position in equities across various regions: - OW in MSCI Asia Pacific ex Japan, S&P 500, TOPIX, and select commodities [18] - Emerging markets (EM) are viewed as having better risk-reward profiles compared to the S&P 500 [21] - European equities are trading at a significant discount compared to US peers, indicating potential alpha themes to watch [29] - Asia is expected to maintain a similar trajectory, with regional EPS growth projected at 19% for this year and 12% for 2027 [32] Specific Country Insights - China, Korea, and India are recommended for overweight positions, while Japan is downgraded to market weight due to valuation concerns [33][41] - India's market is anticipated to recover after a significant underperformance last year, with foreign institutional investors showing renewed interest [43] - Valuation premiums for China have narrowed significantly, indicating a potential shift in investment dynamics [45] Additional Considerations - The upcoming earnings season is expected to show a 7% growth, which is considered a low bar to surpass, with a focus on the acceleration of growth in subsequent quarters [22] - Retail investor enthusiasm is rising, with margin balances hitting new highs, suggesting a longer "Spring Stir" window due to the later-than-usual Chinese New Year [39] - The report highlights the importance of continued momentum in China for the overall Asian market outlook [36][37]

Core Viewpoint - The top-performing S&P 500 company in 2025 was Sandisk, which saw a stock gain of nearly 600%, highlighting a significant trend in the memory chip market driven by demand from AI data centers [3][4]. Group 1: Performance of Memory Chip Companies - In 2025, the three biggest stock gainers in the S&P 500 were Micron with around 250%, Western Digital with almost 300%, and Sandisk with nearly 600% [3][4]. - The memory storage market experienced a substantial surge, with Sandisk's stock gaining approximately 580%, indicating a strong year for memory makers [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - IDC reported an unprecedented memory chip shortage in December 2025, which is expected to impact device manufacturers and end users well into 2027 [5]. - NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang described the memory storage market as "completely unserved," suggesting significant growth potential, particularly for companies like Sandisk [6][7]. Group 3: Financial Performance of Sandisk - Sandisk's net revenue increased from $1.883 billion in Q3 2024 to $2.308 billion in Q3 2025, indicating strong revenue growth [9]. - However, Sandisk's net income decreased from $211 million to $112 million during the same period, highlighting a need for improved profitability [10]. Group 4: Investment Considerations - Despite the potential for continued stock rally, there are concerns regarding Sandisk's ability to grow net income alongside revenue, which is critical for sustaining investor confidence [11][13]. - Investors are advised to consider taking profits from Sandisk shares, especially given the stock's significant gains and the possibility that the memory storage shortage is already priced in [12][13].

Core Insights - Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses have experienced unprecedented demand, leading to waitlists extending into 2026 and a pause on international expansion plans [1][4] - The company is focused on fulfilling orders in the US while reassessing its approach to international availability [4] - The Display glasses, priced at $799, represent a significant advancement in AI eyewear technology compared to previous models [3] Demand and Supply - Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, acknowledged that demand has exceeded expectations, with products selling out as soon as they are available [2] - The company is actively working to produce more units to meet this high demand [2][3] Product Features - The Display glasses feature a built-in screen capable of displaying text messages, maps, and captions, marking a leap from earlier models that functioned more like traditional glasses [3] Market Strategy - Purchasing the Display glasses requires scheduling a demo appointment at select retailers, limiting immediate availability [4] - Meta has rolled out the glasses to a limited number of locations in the US, including Ray-Ban, Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, and Best Buy [4] Regulatory Challenges - The European market poses regulatory challenges for Meta, with strict compliance requirements under the EU's Digital Markets Act [6] - Meta has faced fines in the EU, including a €200 million penalty in April 2025 for not providing a version of its services that uses less personal data [7] - The company has indicated that regulatory hurdles may delay the introduction of AI innovations in Europe [8]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **Asia Tech Hardware** industry, highlighting trends and insights relevant for 2026 based on observations from 2025 [1] Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Investment Ratings**: - **Delta Electronics**: Rated Outperform with a price target (PT) of NT$1190, indicating strong growth potential [3] - **Chroma ATE**: Rated Outperform with a PT of NT$830, reflecting positive market sentiment [4] - **Quanta Computer**: Rated Underperform with a PT of NT$250, suggesting challenges ahead [5] - **Unimicron Technology**: Rated Outperform with a PT of NT$220, indicating favorable prospects [6] - **Luxshare Precision**: Rated Outperform with a PT of RMB74, highlighting its competitive position [7] - **Sunny Optical**: Rated Outperform with a PT of HK$110, suggesting strong market performance [8] - **Largan Precision**: Rated Market-Perform with a PT of NT$2,400, indicating stable performance [9] 2. **Market Trends**: - The **AI server market** is a significant focus, with discussions on how companies are adapting to AI advancements [2] - Insights from a **15-year balance sheet and cash flow analysis** in the AI server and Apple supply chain were shared, emphasizing the importance of financial health in tech hardware companies [2] 3. **Pricing Dynamics**: - Historical analysis of **memory pricing** impacts on the smartphone sector was discussed, indicating potential volatility in pricing strategies [2] 4. **Technological Innovations**: - The potential for a **foldable iPhone** was explored, drawing lessons from the Android foldable phone market, which could influence future product designs [2] 5. **Sector Performance**: - The **semiconductor sector** remains a driving force in the Asia Tech Hardware industry, with Taiwan's semiconductor industry highlighted for its critical role [2] Additional Important Information - The conference call included a review of **2025 performance**, summarizing hits, misses, and lessons learned, which are expected to inform strategies for 2026 [2] - The **investment implications** for various companies were discussed, providing a comprehensive outlook for investors [2] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, focusing on the Asia Tech Hardware industry and its major players, along with insights into market trends and investment opportunities.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Global Positioning in Stocks**: The report discusses the rotation of long-only funds from the US to Asia, highlighting significant shifts in investment patterns across various sectors and regions [1][20]. Core Insights - **Investment Trends**: In November, long-only funds purchased $18.8 billion in Asia Pacific excluding Japan while selling $42.5 billion in the US. Year-to-date, funds have added $89.3 billion to Asia Pacific excluding Japan and reduced US exposure by $223.2 billion [1]. - **Sector Performance**: The global Banks sector saw the largest inflow of $24.3 billion, followed by Utilities at $20.3 billion. Conversely, there was a reduction in exposure to Industrials (-$80.2 billion) and Health Care (-$57.7 billion) [1]. - **Top Stock Purchases**: The largest share purchases globally by long-only funds included TSMC, Rocket Companies, Apple, Tencent, and Robinhood Markets. In contrast, the largest sales were for Meta, Naspers, NVIDIA, SanDisk, and JPMorgan Chase [2]. - **Ownership Statistics**: TSMC is the most held stock globally by long-only funds at 91%, followed by SRM at 88%, and Microsoft at 84% [2]. Crowded Positions Analysis - **Crowded Positives**: Stocks with high ownership and positive momentum, such as Broadcom, TSMC, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Wells Fargo, are expected to outperform [3][4]. - **Crowded Negatives**: Stocks with high ownership but negative momentum, including Walmart, Costco, Meituan, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and Accenture, are likely to underperform [3]. Fund Ownership and Active Exposure - **Fund Ownership Calculation**: The report details how fund ownership is calculated based on the proportion of active long-only funds that own a stock, with examples illustrating the methodology [33]. - **Active Exposure**: The analysis compares stock holdings against benchmarks to establish relative overweight and underweight positions, providing insights into fund managers' strategies [21][57]. Equity Flow Insights - **Monthly Equity Flow**: The report introduces an analysis of the value of shares bought and sold by long-only funds, emphasizing the importance of understanding fund flows in relation to market movements [26][27]. - **Cumulative Equity Flow**: Long-only funds have consistently bought into passive funds while selling shares in active funds, indicating a shift in investment strategy [30]. Stock Screens and Performance - **Four Stock Screens**: The report outlines four stock screens based on fund ownership, active exposure, and Triple Momentum, which help identify investment opportunities and risks [37][42]. - **Performance Metrics**: Crowded Positives have outperformed the global combined universe by an average of 4.4% since January 2015, highlighting the effectiveness of the screening methodology [79][81]. Additional Considerations - **Methodology Changes**: The report notes updates to the methodology for analyzing fund positioning and performance, incorporating client feedback and enhancing the analysis of equity flows and stock screens [44][50]. - **Limitations**: The analysis acknowledges limitations, including the exclusion of funds that do not regularly declare holdings and the impact of currency fluctuations on results [77][78]. Conclusion - The report provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in global stock positioning, highlighting significant shifts in investment strategies, sector performance, and stock ownership dynamics. Investors are encouraged to consider these insights when making investment decisions.

Core Insights - JPMorgan Chase is launching a $1.5 trillion investment initiative aimed at enhancing national security and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers over the next decade [1][4] - The initiative is supported by a high-profile advisory panel including tech billionaires and former government officials, which will guide investment decisions [2][6] - Jamie Dimon has emphasized the importance of national resilience and the risks posed by foreign dependencies, particularly from China [3] Investment Strategy - The $1.5 trillion investment will encompass loans, underwriting, and various investments over the next ten years [4] - A new $10 billion fund will be established to support companies focused on sensitive technologies, including advanced chips, AI, and critical minerals [2] Advisory Panel Composition - The advisory panel is chaired by Jamie Dimon and includes notable figures such as Jeff Bezos, Condoleezza Rice, Michael Dell, and Robert Gates [2][6] - The panel will meet periodically to provide insights on investment strategies, although it holds no formal authority [5] Previous Initiatives - Dimon has previously set ambitious targets, including a $2.5 trillion climate-finance pledge, which has seen limited progress [5] - JPMorgan has already made an investment in Perpetua Resources, a mining firm focused on antimony production, highlighting the bank's commitment to securing critical resources [4]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The financial industry in Hong Kong is experiencing significant growth, being the largest economic sector in the region. This growth is expected to be supported by lower interest rates and a weaker dollar, potentially leading to a new reflationary cycle [5][2][3]. Market Outlook - The year-end target for MSCI HK (US$) for 2026 is set at 12,300, based on a forward P/E of 15.0x and an estimated EPS growth of 9% per annum for 2026 and 2027 [5][4]. - The upside scenario projects an index level of 13,700, while the downside scenario estimates a level of 9,800 [4]. Preferred Stocks - **Most Preferred Stocks**: - AIA Group: Market Cap of US$111 billion, current price of 82.1, target price of 88.0, rated as Buy with a potential upside of 7% [6]. - Futu: Market Cap of US$24 billion, current price of 169.6, target price of 231.0, rated as Buy with a potential upside of 36% [6]. - Galaxy Entertainment: Market Cap of US$22 billion, current price of 39.7, target price of 46.9, rated as Buy with a potential upside of 18% [6]. - **Least Preferred Stocks**: - MTRCL: Market Cap of US$25 billion, current price of 31.3, target price of 24.0, rated as Sell with a potential downside of 23% [6]. Performance Metrics - The MSCI HK index has shown a year-to-date return of 79%, with significant contributions from major players like HKEX and AIA [9][14]. - The performance of various sectors indicates that diversified financials, insurance, and banks are expected to benefit from increased exchange turnover and growing demands in asset and wealth management products [5][12]. Investment Trends - There is a notable trend of increased southbound flows into Hong Kong equities, indicating a growing interest from international investors [24][25]. - The financial sector's performance is expected to improve leasing demand for office spaces, benefiting landlords [5]. Valuation Insights - The current valuation multiples suggest a forward P/E of 15.0x for the MSCI HK, with an earnings yield of 6.7% and an assumed equity risk premium (ERP) of 2.7% [4][5]. - The analysis indicates that the financial sector is trading at a premium compared to other sectors, reflecting investor confidence in its growth potential [43][44]. Conclusion - The outlook for Hong Kong's financial sector remains positive, driven by macroeconomic factors and strong performance from key companies. Investors are encouraged to consider the preferred stocks listed, as they are positioned to capitalize on the anticipated growth in the industry [5][6][12].