Core Viewpoint - The PCB/CCL industry is experiencing a positive demand trend driven by AI computing power, with high utilization rates and expectations for continued growth in the second quarter of 2025. The overall demand is expected to remain strong due to advancements in AI applications and the increasing need for high-end products in the market [2][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The industry is in an expansion phase, with downstream AI innovations driving demand upward. The overall demand for consumer electronics, automotive, and server upgrades is expected to improve [3][16]. - PCB manufacturers are operating at a capacity utilization rate of 90-95% in Q1 2025, with expectations for continued upward trends in Q2. The industry is entering a new capacity expansion phase, focusing on high-end HDI and multilayer boards [3][24][23]. - The global PCB market is projected to grow by 6.8% in 2025, with significant contributions from AI-related applications [33][35]. Group 2: Demand Drivers - AI computing power is driving rapid growth in high-end HDI and multilayer demand, with a tight supply-demand relationship expected to persist [4][43]. - The demand for CCL materials is increasing, particularly for high-frequency and high-speed applications, with leading domestic manufacturers poised to benefit significantly [5][29]. - The automotive sector is also seeing a trend towards smart technology, which is expected to drive demand for upgraded PCB specifications [6][20]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Investment opportunities are identified in the PCB supply chain, particularly in high-end boards, CCL, and domestic replacements. The ongoing AI-driven technological innovation cycle is expected to create broader market demand [8][9]. - Companies involved in high-end PCB production, such as those focusing on AI server applications, are recommended for investment due to the anticipated growth in this segment [8][9]. - The domestic PCB industry is expanding its high-end capacity and increasing its overseas presence, indicating a positive outlook for future performance [24][25].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the electronics industry for 2024 and Q1 2025 [1] Core Insights - The electronics industry is expected to perform well in 2024 and Q1 2025, driven by the recovery in terminal demand and innovations in AI [2][6] - Key segments such as consumer electronics, PCB/CCL, and panel manufacturing are showing strong performance [2][6] - The report highlights the importance of AI-driven hardware in sustaining growth, particularly in the PCB/CCL sector [2][6] Summary by Sections Overall Industry Performance - The electronics industry is projected to achieve a total revenue of CNY 28,036.40 billion in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 17.04% [6][15] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to reach CNY 957.03 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 24.10% [6][15] - For Q1 2025, the industry anticipates a revenue of CNY 6,949.32 billion, reflecting an 18.47% year-on-year growth [6][23] Segment Performance Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics sector is forecasted to grow by 21.32% in revenue to CNY 15,050.67 billion in 2024 [42] - Net profit for this segment is expected to increase by 15.60% [42] PCB Sector - The PCB sector is projected to see a revenue increase of 17.56% to CNY 2,015.90 billion in 2024 [97] - Net profit is expected to grow by 19.68% [97] CCL Sector - The CCL sector anticipates a revenue growth of 19.48% to CNY 316.63 billion in 2024 [122] - Net profit is expected to surge by 106.98% [122] Panel Manufacturing - The panel manufacturing sector is expected to achieve a revenue of CNY 3,632.03 billion in 2024, marking a 4.10% increase [142] - Net profit is projected to grow significantly by 44.62% [142]

Core Viewpoint - The market's perception of valuation levels for the PCB and CCL industries has become more rational, with fundamental changes becoming more critical drivers of stock prices rather than valuation and earnings growth [1][2]. PCB Industry - The PCB industry has shown significant improvement in fundamentals, with a year-on-year revenue growth of 24% and a net profit growth of 52% in Q1 2025 [3]. - The average gross margin for PCB companies has risen to 20.2%, and the net profit margin has increased to 6.1% [3]. - Export quantities for PCB remained stable, with a notable year-on-year growth of 14% in February, although March showed no significant increase due to high base effects [3]. CCL Industry - The CCL industry has also seen improvements, with all major manufacturers achieving profitability in Q1 2025, and average gross and net profit margins rising to 15% and 3%, respectively [4]. - CCL manufacturers experienced a year-on-year price increase of 17%, 23%, and 14% from January to March, indicating strong market demand [4][5]. - The monthly revenue growth for Taiwanese CCL manufacturers was 22%, 60%, and 34% from January to March, reflecting a strengthening market sentiment [5]. Investment Strategy - The PCB industry is expected to continue its growth momentum into 2025, with a confirmed upward trend in demand recovery [6]. - Despite concerns over long-term demand due to trade tensions, the current stock prices and valuations in the sector are believed to reflect the worst expectations, presenting opportunities for strong alpha companies [6].