Summary of PCB Equipment and Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The PCB industry has experienced a significant boost since mid-October 2023 due to multiple catalysts, including enhanced expectations for the application of materials like Ruby, which is expected to be used in 2026, and increased GPU chip shipment forecasts from Nvidia [1][3][4]. Key Points and Arguments - **Material and Technology Advancements**: The introduction of new materials and technologies, such as orthogonal mechanical drilling and laser drilling, is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The market is also discussing potential replacements for mechanical drilling due to anticipated material upgrades in 2026 [3][11]. - **Price Trends**: Rising raw material costs are expected to lead to increased prices for drilling needles. The upcoming price negotiations are likely to cover these cost increases, with high-end drilling needles experiencing significant demand and supply constraints [5][8]. - **Capital Expenditure Growth**: Capital expenditures from downstream PCB manufacturers have been on the rise, with domestic listed PCB companies seeing nearly double year-on-year growth in Q2 2025 and approximately 95% growth in Q3 2025, indicating a robust market environment [6][13]. - **Market Performance**: The PCB equipment and consumables market, particularly for drilling needles and drilling equipment, has shown remarkable performance, with stock prices for drilling needles doubling from their lows [2][6]. Additional Important Insights - **Technological Upgrades**: The drilling equipment market is undergoing technological upgrades, with orthogonal backplane technology expected to be finalized by the end of 2025 and enter trial production in the second half of 2026 [7][8]. - **Supply and Demand Dynamics**: The supply side remains tight, particularly for high-end drilling needles, with domestic companies like DingTai and Zhongtung expected to benefit from price elasticity and increased production capacity [8][13]. - **Future Outlook**: The outlook for the PCB equipment and consumables sector remains optimistic, driven by rising raw material prices and increased capital expenditures. The market is also exploring new technologies, such as ultra-hard coating tools and the potential for laser technology to replace some mechanical applications [13][14]. Conclusion - The PCB industry is poised for growth, supported by technological advancements, increased capital expenditures, and favorable market conditions. Key players in the sector, such as DingTai and Zhongtung, are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, making them potential investment opportunities.

Core Viewpoint - The PCB industry is experiencing significant growth, with companies like Shengyi Electronics reporting substantial increases in net profit due to a focus on high-value products and market demand for advanced PCB technologies [2][5]. Group 1: Company Performance - Shengyi Electronics expects a net profit of 1.074 billion to 1.154 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 476% to 519% [2]. - Other companies in the PCB supply chain have also reported growth, with seven companies achieving increases in both revenue and net profit for the same period [5]. - Notable performers include China National Materials, Dazhu CNC, and Defu Technology, all of which reported over 130% growth in net profit [5][6]. Group 2: Market Trends - The demand for AI-related products is driving growth in the PCB sector, with companies like Dazhu CNC noting increased revenue from AI server high-layer boards and innovative equipment sales [5][8]. - The expansion trend in the PCB industry is evident, with companies like Defu Technology and Feilihua announcing significant investment plans for production capacity [7]. - The ongoing AI wave is expected to sustain growth in demand for PCBs, particularly in high-end applications such as AI servers and automotive electronics [8][9]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The PCB industry is undergoing a technological upgrade driven by the demand for high-speed communication and AI applications, necessitating advancements in materials and manufacturing processes [9]. - Key materials for achieving high-speed transmission include M9/PTFE resins and low-loss quartz fabrics, which are critical for the next generation of PCBs [9]. - The complexity of PCB production processes is increasing, particularly in exposure, drilling, and electroplating, which may enhance the value of related equipment manufacturers [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the PCB industry [5] Core Insights - The global PCB market is steadily growing, driven by the ongoing development of AI computing power and the rapid expansion of emerging fields such as robotics and automotive electronics. The demand for high-end PCBs, particularly multilayer and HDI boards, is expected to rise significantly, becoming a core driver of the global PCB market [1][2][3] Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - PCB is a critical interconnection component used in assembling electronic parts, with a wide range of applications across various sectors including communications, consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and more. It is often referred to as the "mother of electronic products" [10][13] 2. Market Growth - The global PCB market is projected to reach USD 73.6 billion in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 5.8%. By 2025, the market is expected to grow to USD 78.6 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 6.8%. The PCB industry in China is expected to grow at a rate of 8.5% in 2025, particularly in the high-end segments driven by AI computing demand [2][24][27] 3. Demand from Emerging Fields - Emerging sectors such as servers, storage, and automotive electronics are driving the demand for high-end PCBs. The performance of domestic PCB manufacturers is strong, with significant technological advancements and market positioning [3][34] 4. Production Expansion - Major PCB manufacturers are accelerating the expansion of high-end PCB production capacity, which is expected to benefit upstream equipment and materials. The cost of copper-clad laminates (CCL) is significant, and many domestic companies are actively investing in this area [3][4][20] 5. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on leading PCB manufacturers that are strategically positioned in the high-end PCB market, as well as those in the upstream equipment and materials sectors, such as copper-clad laminates and drilling and exposure equipment [4][6]

Summary of Dazhu CNC Conference Call Company Overview - Dazhu CNC is a leading supplier of PCB production equipment in China, particularly dominant in the mechanical drilling sector, and is actively expanding its full industry chain layout, including exposure, testing, and lamination processes [2][3][4] - The company is 84% owned by Dazhu Laser, indicating a stable shareholding structure [2][3] Industry Context - Dazhu CNC's performance is closely tied to the PCB industry's cyclical nature, with a peak in 2021 followed by profit pressure in 2022-2023 due to industry downturns [2][5] - Starting in 2024, the company is expected to benefit from increased demand for AI computing power and high-density interconnect (HDI) boards, leading to a significant recovery in net profit margins [2][5][6] Key Insights - The PCB industry is entering a new growth cycle driven by the demand for high-end HDI boards, particularly from AI computing servers [2][6] - Domestic PCB manufacturers are actively expanding production capacity to meet this demand, with Dazhu CNC positioned to benefit significantly from this expansion [2][6][8] - High-end HDI boards require more advanced drilling processes, leading to increased demand for drilling equipment, which Dazhu CNC is well-equipped to fulfill due to its technological advantages [2][6][10] Financial Performance - For the period from January to August 2025, Dazhu CNC secured nearly 4.5 billion yuan in orders, with 1 billion yuan in orders in July and August alone, indicating a high industry demand [4][20] - Revenue is projected to reach 6 billion yuan in 2025, with a net profit of 800 million yuan, and a potential market capitalization of 80 billion yuan [4][21] Competitive Landscape - Dazhu CNC is recognized as a top player in the mechanical drilling equipment market, with its products gaining traction due to their performance and cost-effectiveness [14][15] - The company has made significant progress in the CCD back drilling sector, achieving yield rates comparable to German competitors while maintaining a price advantage [15][18] Future Outlook - The company is expected to continue benefiting from the growth in demand for high-end HDI boards driven by AI computing needs, with a forecasted increase in orders and revenue [7][8][21] - Dazhu CNC's market position is strengthened by its comprehensive product offerings across the PCB production process, including exposure, lamination, and testing equipment [18][21] Additional Considerations - The PCB industry is characterized by a three-year cyclical investment period, currently in its early stages, suggesting significant growth potential for Dazhu CNC [21] - The company is well-positioned to capture market share through its full industry chain layout and competitive product offerings, indicating a strong future growth trajectory [21]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the mechanical equipment industry, specifically highlighting the potential in PCB equipment, solid-state battery equipment, and humanoid robots [1]. Core Insights - The demand for AI computing power is driving the high-end PCB market, with significant growth expected in the server market from 2024 onwards, leading to increased production capacity among domestic PCB manufacturers [2][29]. - Solid-state battery equipment is seeing steady industrialization, with key suppliers like Xian Dao Intelligent delivering critical production lines, indicating a growing market for solid-state batteries [4]. - The humanoid robot sector is poised for significant opportunities, particularly with upcoming product launches from Tesla and other companies, suggesting a favorable investment environment [5]. Summary by Sections PCB Equipment - Oracle's recent financial results indicate a substantial increase in remaining performance obligations (RPO), suggesting a strong demand for AI computing infrastructure [2]. - Leading PCB manufacturers in China are expanding their high-end HDI production capacity to capture quality orders in the server PCB market, which will significantly boost demand for drilling equipment [3]. - Key recommendations for PCB production include focusing on drilling, exposure, and electroplating processes, with specific companies highlighted for their roles in these areas [3][30]. Solid-State Battery Equipment - Leading equipment manufacturers are successfully delivering key solid-state battery production equipment, with significant energy savings and cost reductions reported [4]. - The solid-state battery sector is expected to enter a critical phase of pilot production by 2025-2026, with ongoing equipment optimization anticipated [4][22]. Humanoid Robots - The humanoid robot sector is experiencing a surge in interest, driven by new product releases and advancements in AI capabilities, with specific companies recommended for investment [5][44]. - The report emphasizes the importance of high-performance AI models for the development of humanoid robots, indicating a need for continued innovation in this area [44][45]. Industry Trends - The mechanical equipment industry is witnessing a strong upward trend, with significant sales growth in excavators and other machinery, driven by infrastructure projects and international demand [11][36]. - The report highlights the increasing importance of electric and unmanned machinery in high-altitude projects, suggesting a shift in industry dynamics towards more advanced technologies [37][38].

Group 1 - The global server market is entering a new growth cycle starting in 2024, driven by the increasing demand for AI computing power, with an expected CAGR of 18.8% from 2024 to 2029 [2] - The PCB industry is recovering from a phase of adjustment due to weak consumer electronics and inventory cycles, with emerging demands from AI servers and high-performance infrastructure expected to drive growth from 2024 [2][3] - Domestic PCB manufacturers are actively expanding production and increasing capital expenditures, focusing on high-end products such as HDI and multi-layer boards [2][3] Group 2 - The global PCB equipment market is projected to reach 51 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 9.0%, and a CAGR of 4.9% from 2020 to 2024 [3] - The demand for PCB equipment is significantly boosted by AI computing infrastructure, with the market expected to grow to 77.5 billion yuan by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2029 [3] - Drilling, exposure, and testing equipment represent the highest value segments in the PCB equipment market, accounting for 20.75%, 16.99%, and 15.00% respectively in 2024 [3] Group 3 - The drilling equipment segment is expected to benefit from increased demand for high-end HDI, with both mechanical and laser drilling seeing growth due to the rising complexity of HDI designs [3] - The exposure equipment market is currently dominated by foreign brands, with low domestic penetration, particularly in LDI technology which is more suited for HDI [4] - The demand for plating equipment is increasing due to the higher number of plating cycles required for advanced HDI, alongside quality control pressures [5] Group 4 - Major equipment manufacturers are showing a clear upward trend, with expectations for accelerated performance in the future [6] - Key players in the drilling segment include Dazhu CNC (301200), while the exposure segment is led by Xinqi Micro (688630) and Tianzhun Technology (688003) [7] - The plating segment is highlighted by Dongwei Technology (688700), with Keg Precision (301338) noted for its role in the solder paste printing segment [7]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for leading PCB manufacturers such as Shenghong Technology, Pengding Holdings, and Huadian Co., Ltd. [4][5] Core Viewpoints - The PCB industry is experiencing rapid advancements in packaging and high-density interconnect technologies, with traditional HDI and substrate technologies evolving into mSAP processes to meet the demands of high-speed signal transmission and large-scale integration [1][2] - The demand for PCB is driven by AI applications, leading to significant expansions in production capacity among leading companies, with total investments exceeding 30 billion RMB [2][20] - The core materials for PCB, including copper foil, electronic cloth, and resin, are undergoing upgrades to meet the high-frequency and high-speed requirements of AI applications [2][20][26] Summary by Sections 1. CoWoP and mSAP as Core Technologies - CoWoP (Chip-on-Wafer-on-PCB) is emerging as a future packaging route, enhancing interconnect density and reducing costs by directly using large-size PCBs [1][11] - mSAP (Modified Semi-Additive Process) is becoming the core process for achieving sub-10 µm line capabilities, essential for high-performance applications [1][14] 2. PCB Capacity Expansion and Material Upgrades - Leading PCB manufacturers are actively expanding production capacity, with significant investments announced by companies like Huadian Co., Ltd. and Shenghong Technology [2][20] - The upgrade of core materials includes the transition of copper foil from HVLP1 to HVLP5, electronic cloth to third-generation low-dielectric cloth, and resin to hydrocarbon and PTFE types [2][20][28] 3. Tight Supply of Core Equipment and Acceleration of Domestic Substitution - The supply of core PCB equipment, including drilling, plating, and etching imaging, is tight, with domestic manufacturers accelerating their layouts in advanced process equipment [2][49] - Companies like Dazhu CNC and Ding Tai High-Tech are focusing on high-layer boards and HDI equipment to meet the increasing demands of the industry [2][49] 4. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on leading PCB manufacturers such as Shenghong Technology, Pengding Holdings, and Huadian Co., Ltd., as well as material companies with core technologies like Honghe Technology and Zhongcai Technology [3][4] - Equipment manufacturers involved in domestic substitution, such as Dazhu CNC and Xinqi Microelectronics, are also highlighted as potential investment opportunities [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming unlocking of approximately 359 million restricted shares of Shenzhen Dazhu CNC Technology Co., Ltd. is expected to significantly impact the company's market capitalization, which could reach 31.743 billion yuan, representing a potential increase in the circulating share volume by over 579% [1][3]. Company Overview - Dazhu CNC, established in April 2002, specializes in PCB production equipment solutions and was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in February 2022, with plans to apply for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May 2025 [3]. - The company is the leading manufacturer of PCB production equipment globally, holding approximately 6.5% of the global market share and 10.1% of the domestic market share [6]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue from 2022 to 2024 was 2.786 billion yuan, 1.634 billion yuan, and 3.343 billion yuan, respectively, with a significant decline of 41.3% in 2023, followed by a recovery of 104.56% in 2024 due to increased demand from the AI industry and the recovery of the consumer electronics sector [6][7]. - Net profits for the same period were 432 million yuan, 136 million yuan, and 300 million yuan, with a notable increase of 120.82% in 2024 [7]. Market Dynamics - The global PCB equipment market is projected to grow from approximately 5.84 billion USD in 2020 to about 7.085 billion USD in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%, and is expected to reach around 10.765 billion USD by 2029 with a CAGR of 8.7% [6]. - The competitive landscape is fragmented, with the top five manufacturers holding about 20.9% of the total market share [6]. Shareholder Dynamics - The unlocking of shares involves major shareholders, including Dazhu Laser Technology Group Co., Ltd., which holds 356 million restricted shares, and Dazhu Holdings Group Co., Ltd., with 3.2319 million shares [3][4]. - The original lock-up period for these shares was 36 months, with potential extensions based on stock performance [3]. Valuation Metrics - As of August 18, the company's market capitalization was 38.13 billion yuan, with a TTM price-to-earnings ratio of 107.6, indicating high market expectations for future growth [8]. - Comparatively, peers in the industry have TTM price-to-earnings ratios of 102.9 and 262, suggesting that Dazhu CNC's valuation is relatively high [8]. Cash Flow and Operational Efficiency - The company's cash flow from operating activities has been declining, with net cash flows of 655 million yuan, 417 million yuan, and 155 million yuan from 2022 to 2024 [8]. - High levels of trade receivables and notes receivable, totaling 2.268 billion yuan, 1.756 billion yuan, and 2.846 billion yuan, indicate potential operational pressures and risks related to cash conversion efficiency [8].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming unlock of approximately 359 million restricted shares of Dazhu CNC Technology Co., Ltd. is expected to significantly impact its market capitalization, potentially reaching 31.743 billion yuan, which could lead to increased volatility in the stock price due to a more than 579% increase in the circulating shares [1][4][10]. Group 1: Company Overview - Dazhu CNC, established in April 2002, specializes in PCB production equipment solutions and was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in February 2022, with plans to apply for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May 2025 [4][8]. - The company is the leading manufacturer of PCB production equipment globally, holding approximately 6.5% of the global market share and 10.1% of the domestic market share [8][9]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Dazhu CNC's revenue from 2022 to 2024 was 2.786 billion yuan, 1.634 billion yuan, and 3.343 billion yuan, respectively, with a significant decline of 41.3% in 2023, followed by a recovery of 104.56% in 2024 due to increased demand from the AI industry and the recovery of the consumer electronics sector [8][9]. - The net profit for the same period was 432 million yuan, 136 million yuan, and 300 million yuan, with a notable increase of 120.82% in 2024 [9][10]. - The gross margin has been declining, with figures of approximately 34.02%, 29.18%, and 27.15% from 2022 to 2024, primarily due to increased competition and pricing strategies [9][10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The global PCB equipment market is projected to grow from approximately 5.84 billion USD in 2020 to about 7.085 billion USD in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%, and expected to reach around 10.765 billion USD by 2029 with a CAGR of 8.7% [8]. - The competitive landscape is fragmented, with the top five manufacturers holding about 20.9% of the total market share [8]. Group 4: Cash Flow and Valuation - Dazhu CNC has experienced a decline in cash flow from operating activities, with net cash from operations of 655 million yuan, 417 million yuan, and 155 million yuan from 2022 to 2024 [10]. - The company's trade receivables have remained high, with 2.268 billion yuan, 1.756 billion yuan, and 2.846 billion yuan reported at the end of each respective year, indicating potential liquidity issues [10]. - As of August 18, the company's market capitalization was 38.13 billion yuan, with a TTM price-to-earnings ratio of 107.6, suggesting high market expectations for future growth but also indicating a risk of overvaluation [10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the PCB industry [3][11]. Core Insights - The PCB industry is experiencing growth driven by strong demand from AI applications and technological upgrades, leading to increased capital expenditures in downstream sectors [8][21]. - The global PCB market is expected to see differentiated growth across product segments, with high-density interconnect (HDI) boards benefiting from AI server demand, projected to grow by 18.8% year-on-year to reach $12.5 billion in 2024 [11][12]. - The report highlights a trend towards high-density, high-performance PCB products, with the combined market share of HDI and packaging substrates exceeding 34% [11][12]. Summary by Sections PCB Product Overview - PCB products are categorized into rigid boards, flexible boards, rigid-flex boards, and packaging substrates, with HDI boards widely used in consumer electronics and high-frequency boards for 5G communication [8][9]. Market Segmentation and Growth - In 2024, the global PCB market is projected to reach $73.57 billion, with multilayer boards holding the largest share at 38.1% [11][12]. - The smartphone sector accounts for 19% of the PCB market, with a projected value of $13.89 billion, while the server/storage sector is expected to grow by 33.1% year-on-year to $10.92 billion [15][16]. Regional Market Dynamics - China is expected to dominate the PCB market, with its share increasing from 54.4% in 2023 to 56.0% in 2024, reflecting its significant role in global PCB production [22][23]. Technological Advancements - The report emphasizes the need for PCB manufacturers to adapt to higher complexity and performance requirements driven by AI and high-speed networking, necessitating advancements in design and manufacturing processes [21][24]. Equipment and Supply Chain - The report outlines the production processes and key equipment used in PCB manufacturing, highlighting the importance of drilling equipment, which holds the highest market share in the PCB production process [31][34]. - The global drilling equipment market is projected to grow from $1.17 billion in 2020 to $1.47 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% expected from 2024 to 2029 [38][43]. Market Trends and Future Outlook - The PCB industry is expected to continue evolving with the increasing demand for high-density and high-layer count boards, particularly in AI server applications, which are pushing the boundaries of PCB technology [27][28].