Summary of Conference Call on Smart Glasses and Connect Optical's Mid-Year Performance Industry Overview - The smart glasses industry is viewed as part of the broader consumer electronics sector, akin to the evolution seen with products like 5G smartphones and TWS earbuds [1][2] - The industry is currently in an early stage, with many domestic and international manufacturers launching new products [15][24] Key Points on Smart Glasses - Smart glasses face several core challenges, including weight, functionality, and price [5][19] - A significant pain point is the weight of smart glasses, which increases with added functionalities like waveguide components [3][19] - The industry is seeing a variety of manufacturers, particularly startups, entering the market [4][15] Technological Developments - Advances in lens manufacturing, particularly high refractive index lenses (e.g., 1.74), are crucial for addressing the needs of high myopia users [6][7] - The integration of ultra-thin lenses with waveguide technology is seen as a potential breakthrough for smart glasses [10][11] - Companies like Connect Optical are noted for their strong manufacturing capabilities and market share in high refractive index lenses [8][12] Market Potential - The potential market for smart glasses is substantial, with projections suggesting sales could reach hundreds of millions of units in the coming years [13][14] - The global market for traditional eyewear is estimated to be around 1.5 to 1.6 billion units, indicating significant room for growth in the smart glasses segment [14][30] Connect Optical's Performance - Connect Optical reported a 30.7% increase in profits for the first half of the year, aligning with previous forecasts [25] - Revenue growth was noted at 11%, although there was a decline in sales in the Americas, impacting overall performance [25][26] - The company is focusing on cost control and improving profit margins, with expectations for order volume to increase in the following year [27][28] Future Outlook - The ASP (Average Selling Price) and profit margins for smart glasses are expected to be significantly higher than traditional eyewear [18][19] - The industry is anticipated to see a surge in demand as more products are launched and consumer acceptance grows [14][30] - Retailers will play a crucial role in the distribution and fitting of smart glasses, similar to traditional eyewear [21][23] Conclusion - The smart glasses market is poised for growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer interest, with companies like Connect Optical positioned to benefit from these trends [31]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, indicating a positive outlook for its stock performance relative to the market benchmark [8]. Core Insights - The company reported a solid performance in H1 2025, with revenue reaching 1.084 billion RMB, a year-on-year growth of 11.0%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was 273 million RMB, reflecting a 30.7% increase year-on-year [7]. - The company is focusing on optimizing its product structure and enhancing its domestic market presence, with significant growth in standard lens products and a strong emphasis on high-value products [7][8]. - The XR (Extended Reality) business is expanding successfully, with strategic partnerships enhancing growth opportunities, particularly in the smart glasses segment [8]. Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: 2023: 1.76 billion RMB, 2024: 2.061 billion RMB, 2025E: 2.403 billion RMB, 2026E: 2.786 billion RMB, and 2027E: 3.233 billion RMB, with growth rates of 13%, 17%, 17%, 16%, and 16% respectively [6]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders is forecasted to be 327 million RMB in 2023, increasing to 840 million RMB by 2027, with corresponding growth rates of 32%, 31%, 29%, 24%, and 23% [6]. - Earnings per share (EPS) are projected to grow from 0.77 RMB in 2023 to 1.75 RMB in 2027, reflecting the company's improving profitability [6]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - The company is recognized as a leading manufacturer in the lens industry, with a comprehensive product SKU matrix and strong upstream and downstream partnerships [8]. - The company is actively enhancing its domestic market and proprietary brand initiatives, which are expected to drive new growth momentum [8]. - The smart glasses market is experiencing rapid growth, with the company positioned to leverage its first-mover advantage and strategic collaborations to expand its market share [8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, indicating a strong performance relative to the market [5][6][16]. Core Insights - The company has released a positive profit forecast for the first half of 2025, expecting a year-on-year increase of no less than 30% in net profit attributable to shareholders, driven by strong sales growth of high-refractive index and functional products, which also enhances the average selling price [5][6]. - The company is focusing on product structure upgrades and has established strong manufacturing capabilities, which are expected to drive steady revenue growth and improved profitability [5][6]. - The XR business has a significant competitive advantage, with strategic partnerships, particularly with Goer, expected to unlock further business development opportunities [5][6]. Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: - 2023: 1,760 million RMB - 2024: 2,061 million RMB (13% YoY growth) - 2025E: 2,403 million RMB (17% YoY growth) - 2026E: 2,790 million RMB (16% YoY growth) - 2027E: 3,248 million RMB (16% YoY growth) [2][7] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is forecasted as: - 2023: 327 million RMB - 2024: 428 million RMB (32% YoY growth) - 2025E: 550 million RMB (31% YoY growth) - 2026E: 682 million RMB (29% YoY growth) - 2027E: 840 million RMB (24% YoY growth) [2][7]. - Earnings per share (EPS) are projected to increase from 0.77 RMB in 2023 to 1.75 RMB in 2027 [2][7]. Market Position and Competitive Landscape - The company is positioned as a leading manufacturer of optical lenses, with a comprehensive product SKU matrix and solid upstream and downstream partnerships [5][6]. - The smart glasses market is experiencing rapid growth, with significant sales increases expected for products like the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta, indicating a robust demand for innovative eyewear solutions [5][6]. - The company is actively expanding its domestic market presence and building its own brand, which is expected to contribute to new growth momentum [5][6].