Core Viewpoint - The global camera module market is expected to grow from $36 billion in 2023 to $46 billion by 2029, driven by innovations in optics, the acceleration of automotive intelligence, and the increasing popularity of new consumer imaging devices [1] Group 1: Mobile Phones - The focus of competition in mobile phone configurations is shifting towards optical technology upgrades, with innovations such as periscope cameras and OIS optical stabilization penetrating mid-range models [2] - New technologies like variable apertures and hybrid lenses are expected to accelerate penetration into high-end models, driven by industry leaders [2] - Continuous attempts by mobile manufacturers to innovate in optical technology are likely to sustain steady growth in the mobile optical market [2] Group 2: Smart Imaging Devices - Optical systems are a crucial component of smart imaging devices, with professional drones typically equipped with around six cameras, and optical lenses accounting for nearly 60% of the BOM cost of handheld smart imaging devices [3] - Companies like DJI, Insta360, and GoPro are continuously innovating their products, and the demand for short video creation is driving the growth of drones and handheld smart imaging devices [3] - The increase in shipments of drones and handheld smart imaging devices is expected to accelerate the expansion of the related optical module market [3] Group 3: Automotive - The "intelligent driving equality" era is expected to begin in 2025, with companies like BYD leading the way, marking a turning point for high-level intelligent vehicles [4] - The number of cameras used in high-level intelligent vehicles is projected to increase from 3-8 to 8-12, with pixel requirements rising from 2M to 8M [4] - The growth in sales of high-level intelligent vehicles is anticipated to drive significant revenue growth for companies in the optical industry chain [4] Group 4: XR Devices and Robotics - Optical modules are essential for creating immersive experiences in XR devices, with major manufacturers pushing for technological upgrades and market maturity [5] - The global demand for VR/AR cameras is expected to rise from 60 million units in 2024 to 227 million units by 2029 [5] - Robotics companies like Tesla and UTree Technology are advancing humanoid robot technology, which is expected to open up consumer applications and growth potential in the optical industry chain [5]

Group 1 - CLSA's top stock picks include AAC Technologies (瑞声科技), Xiaomi, and SMIC [1] - The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro series is expected to feature a vapor chamber for enhanced thermal performance, with AAC Technologies supplying the thermal module [1] - AAC Technologies' optical business is projected to grow, contributing to a forecasted revenue of RMB 27.33 billion for 2024, a 33.8% year-on-year increase [1] Group 2 - AAC Technologies completed the acquisition of 80% of high-end audio system supplier "PSS" last February, leading to a revenue of RMB 3.52 billion from automotive and consumer acoustics products in 2024 [2] - The thermal business of AAC Technologies is expected to generate RMB 326 million in revenue for 2024, reflecting a 40.1% year-on-year growth [2] - AAC Technologies has become a major supplier of thermal modules for flagship smartphones in China, holding over 50% market share [2]

Core Viewpoint - Zhongrun Optical plans to acquire 51% of Hunan Dais Optical Co., Ltd. to enhance its optical technology research and product development platform, accelerating strategic implementation [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The total funding required for the acquisition is 158.10 million yuan, with part of the funds coming from over-raised capital and the rest from self-owned funds and acquisition loans [1] - Dais Optical's projected revenue and net profit for 2024 are 122 million yuan and 1.62 million yuan, respectively, while for Q1 2025, they are expected to be 28.61 million yuan and 1.07 million yuan [1] - The profit commitment for Dais Optical from 2025 to 2027 is a total of 90 million yuan, with specific annual commitments of 21 million yuan for 2025, 29 million yuan for 2026, and 40 million yuan for 2027 [1] Group 2: Dais Optical's Market Position - Dais Optical has established stable partnerships with well-known domestic and international clients across various sectors, including industrial lasers, optical communications, and biomedical applications [2] - The company’s products, such as high-power cylindrical lenses and polarization beam splitters, are widely used in industrial laser applications and automotive LiDAR markets, with major clients including Chuangxin Laser and KAPL [2] - Dais Optical collaborates with numerous research institutions, including Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in cutting-edge fields like quantum communication and biomedical applications [2] Group 3: Strategic Implications for Zhongrun Optical - The acquisition is expected to enhance Zhongrun Optical's technical capabilities and core competitiveness in the optical field, allowing for mutual support in product design and manufacturing [3] - The transaction aligns with the company's strategy to strengthen its supply chain and pursue external growth opportunities, which is in line with capital market trends [3] - Zhongrun Optical aims to leverage its platform and resources to seek complementary acquisition targets that can enhance operational efficiency and drive growth [4]

Investment Rating - Maintain "Buy" rating for the optical industry [5] Core Insights - The optical upgrade trend is clear, opening multiple growth opportunities across various sectors [12] - The smartphone market is experiencing a recovery, with camera hardware upgrades becoming a key innovation direction [12] - The automotive sector is entering an era of equal access to intelligent driving, with a significant increase in demand for cameras and Lidar [2] - AI smart glasses are becoming a focal point for AI interaction, with a projected significant increase in sales [3] - The robotics sector is expanding with the integration of multiple visual sensors, indicating new opportunities in the optical field [4] Summary by Sections Smartphones - The global smartphone shipment is expected to reach 1.22 billion units in 2024, a 7% year-on-year increase, marking a rebound after two years of decline [12][18] - The demand for periscope lenses in smartphones is projected to grow from 46 million units in 2024 to 80 million units by 2026 [12] - The high-end smartphone camera module market is showing strong growth, with a 16% increase in shipments for mid-to-high-end modules [12][13] Automotive - China's new energy vehicle sales are projected to reach approximately 13.8 million units in 2024, a 46% year-on-year increase [2][14] - The penetration rate of new energy vehicles is expected to exceed 55% by 2025, surpassing traditional fuel vehicles for the first time [2] - The demand for automotive cameras is increasing, with an average of 7 cameras per vehicle expected by 2025 [15] Smart Glasses - Global sales of AI smart glasses are projected to reach 5.5 million units in 2025, a 135% increase from 2024 [3][16] - The integration of cameras in AI smart glasses is crucial for providing intelligent interaction experiences [3] Robotics - The Chinese machine vision market is expected to grow to 39.5 billion yuan by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 17.5% from 2024 to 2028 [4][17] - The integration of multiple visual sensors in robotics is becoming increasingly important, with various companies adopting advanced visual systems [4][17]