Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor equipment sector is experiencing a high growth cycle driven by domestic controllability policies and AI technology, with a year-to-date index increase of 57.28% [1] Investment Framework - The investment framework is divided into three levels: industry prosperity cycle (40%-50% weight), company fundamentals (30%-40% weight), and valuation level [2][3] - The semiconductor equipment sector has completed its initial breakthrough and is entering a high growth phase, making it an ideal investment opportunity [2] Semiconductor Equipment Sector Outlook - The semiconductor equipment sector is in the early to mid-stage of a high growth cycle, supported by domestic policies and increasing demand from wafer fabs for mid-to-high-end equipment [4] - The dual drivers of domestic controllability policies and AI applications are expected to sustain the growth of the semiconductor equipment sector over the next three years [5] Investment Opportunities - The increase in domestic production rates and AI-driven demand are seen as key sources of excess returns, with companies successfully positioned in the AI supply chain expected to have significant growth potential [6] - The advanced packaging sector is also viewed positively, as it becomes crucial for enhancing chip performance amid the slowdown of Moore's Law [5][6] Market Dynamics - The storage chip sector is anticipated to experience a high growth cycle due to expansion, with expectations for acceleration in mid to late 2026 [6] - Caution is advised for stocks heavily reliant on price rebounds, particularly in the DRAM market, where prices have more than doubled since last year [7]

Core Insights - The 2025 Trilateral Economic Report highlights the resilience and opportunities of the East Asian economic circle amid global uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and South Korea [1][6]. Economic Scale and Trade - In 2024, the combined GDP of China, Japan, and South Korea reached USD 24.21 trillion, a 2.7% increase from 2023, accounting for over 24% of global GDP [2][40]. - The total population of these three countries is approximately 1.584 billion, representing nearly 20% of the global population, making it one of the most promising consumer markets [2][40]. - The goods trade volume among the three countries is estimated at USD 8.93 trillion in 2024, which is 18.8% of global trade, highlighting their role as stabilizers in global supply chains [2][40]. Demographic Challenges - The aging population is a significant challenge, with Japan having 30% of its population aged 65 and older, South Korea at 18%, and China nearing 14%, all exceeding the global average of 10% [3]. - Fertility rates are critically low, with South Korea at 0.7, Japan at 1.2, and China at 1.0, indicating potential long-term population decline [3]. Economic Outlook - The report predicts that the economic growth rate for the ASEAN+3 region may fall below 4% in 2025 due to global trade shocks, with growth for China, Japan, and South Korea expected to decrease from 4.1% in 2024 to 3.7% [3][40]. - Long-term projections suggest that potential economic growth for ASEAN+3 and the CJK economies could decline to 2.8% and 3.0% by 2050, respectively [3][40]. Regional Economic Integration - The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has shown positive impacts on trade and investment, with the trade volume reaching USD 13 trillion in 2023, accounting for 30% of global exports [4]. - However, challenges remain, such as small and micro enterprises struggling to benefit from RCEP, and the need for improved customs facilitation [4]. Semiconductor Industry Collaboration - The semiconductor industry is highlighted as a critical area for trilateral cooperation, with South Korea leading in memory chips, Japan dominating in manufacturing equipment, and China rapidly advancing [5]. - Recommendations include establishing a trilateral semiconductor supply chain dialogue platform and joint research initiatives to enhance regional supply chain resilience [5]. Future Cooperation Directions - The report emphasizes the need for accelerated negotiations on the China-Japan-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CJKFTA) and collaboration in emerging sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy [5]. - Strengthening regional cooperation is deemed essential to navigate uncertainties and promote sustainable growth across the region [6].

Core Viewpoint - Beijing Junzheng Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd. has submitted an IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on a fabless model in the semiconductor industry, with a strategic emphasis on "computing + storage + analog" across high-growth markets such as automotive electronics, industrial medical, AIoT, and smart security [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Founded in 2005 by Liu Qiang, Beijing Junzheng initially focused on embedded CPU development and has since evolved to become a leader in the automotive storage chip sector following a significant acquisition in 2020 [8][14][15]. - The company was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2011, becoming the first publicly traded company in the embedded CPU chip sector in China, with a current market capitalization of 39.679 billion [7][10]. Group 2: Product Lines - The core product lines include: - **Computing Chips**: These are the brain of devices, including self-developed CPUs and NPUs for AI tasks, used in smart security cameras and robotic devices [3][19]. - **Storage Chips**: Responsible for data storage and retrieval, focusing on high-quality DRAM, SRAM, and Flash chips for harsh environments like automotive and industrial applications [4][21]. - **Analog Chips**: These serve as the bridge between the digital and physical worlds, including LED drivers and combo chips for automotive and smart home applications [5][23]. Group 3: Market Position and Financial Performance - The company has seen significant revenue growth, with a notable increase from 340 million to 2.17 billion in revenue from 2019 to 2020, marking a 538% increase [16]. - Despite a decline in overall revenue from 54.1 billion in 2022 to 45.3 billion in 2023, the computing chip segment experienced a 43.9% growth, indicating resilience in the face of market challenges [26]. Group 4: Future Opportunities - The company identifies three major opportunities in the semiconductor industry: 1. **End-Device AI Explosion**: The market for AI devices is expected to grow from 24.8 million units in 2020 to 311 million units by 2024, with a CAGR of 88.1% [31]. 2. **Storage Revolution**: The shift from 2D to 3D storage technology is anticipated to drive significant market growth, with 3D DRAM expected to rise from $30-40 million in 2024 to over $700 million by 2029 [34]. 3. **Rise of RISC-V Architecture**: The open-source RISC-V architecture is set to lower design costs and enhance customization, providing strategic advantages for companies like Beijing Junzheng [36][39].