Summary of PCB Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The PCB industry is experiencing significant growth driven by the surge in AI computing demand, with the market size exceeding $70 billion. The server-related segment is becoming the largest application market due to AI requirements, which has increased its share by 3% in 2024 [1][15][52]. Key Points and Arguments AI Computing Demand - The demand for AI computing PCBs, particularly in North America, remains strong, benefiting companies like Nvidia and Shenghong, which have significant market shares in computing and switching boards [1][5]. - The high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB manufacturers, such as Shenye Electronics and Gudian, are also performing well due to increased demand [1][5]. Capacity Expansion - Major PCB manufacturers are accelerating the expansion of high-end HDI and high-speed multilayer board capacities, primarily to serve overseas clients in the computing chain [1][3][6]. - The production capacity utilization rate is around 90% to 95%, with expectations for further increases in Q2 2025 [18]. Material Trends - The prices of high-end copper-clad laminate (CCL) materials are rising, driven by increased demand for high-density products [1][3][21]. - Domestic companies are making progress in the localization of high-frequency and high-speed materials, with Shengyi Technology achieving significant milestones in this area [7]. Market Dynamics - The ABF substrate market is expected to grow alongside the release of computing chips, with domestic leaders like Shenghong and Huidian actively increasing their capacities [1][9][10]. - The automotive sector is also seeing growth, with companies like Jingan and Shiyun Circuit making strides in smart vehicle PCB applications [14][47]. Investment Opportunities - The PCB industry is viewed as a key investment area, particularly in segments related to AI computing and domestic substitution [50][52]. - Companies like Shengyi Technology and Dongshan Precision are highlighted for their potential in the consumer electronics and automotive sectors [13][44]. Additional Important Insights - The overall PCB industry is maintaining a favorable outlook for 2025, with strong performance in AI-related circuit boards and materials [2][52]. - The supply chain is experiencing upward pressure on prices due to increased demand and limited supply of key materials like glass fiber cloth, which is expected to remain tight until 2026 [22][33]. - The Taiwanese PCB sector has shown robust growth, with a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue from January to April 2025, largely due to its strong ties to AI applications [24]. Conclusion - The PCB industry is poised for continued growth, driven by AI computing demands and capacity expansions. Companies that adapt to these trends and invest in high-end materials and technologies are likely to see significant benefits in the coming years.

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 a positive investment outlook for the PCB industry, suggesting active monitoring of investment opportunities in the sector [2]. Core Insights - The PCB and CCL industry is experiencing upward demand driven by AI computing needs, with high utilization rates and a favorable market outlook for 2025 [1][12]. - The report highlights that the overall demand is on an upward trend, particularly due to AI applications and the automotive industry's smart technology advancements [1][6]. - The PCB industry is entering a new expansion cycle, with significant capital expenditure expected to support high-end HDI and multilayer boards [26][27]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Sentiment Tracking - The PCB industry is in an expansion phase, with downstream AI innovations driving demand upward. The overall demand for consumer electronics and automotive applications is expected to improve [12][13]. - The global PCB market is projected to reach $73.57 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 5.8%, driven by various applications including consumer electronics and automotive electronics [13][19]. 2. AI Computing and Innovation - AI computing is expected to significantly boost the demand for high-end HDI and multilayer boards, with the server PCB market projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2024 to 2029, reaching $18.9 billion [1][6]. - The demand for CCL is also increasing, with domestic leading manufacturers likely to benefit from the rising need for high-frequency and high-speed materials [1][6]. 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on investment opportunities in the PCB supply chain, particularly in areas related to AI computing, CCL, and domestic replacements [6][12]. - Key companies to watch include Shenghong Technology, Huadian Co., and Shennan Circuit, among others, which are positioned to benefit from the ongoing demand surge [6][12].

Core Viewpoint - Recent US-China tariff negotiations have alleviated market concerns regarding the impact of tariffs on computing power chains, leading to a positive outlook for the demand for computing power in the short to medium term [2] Group 1: Company Performance - The company is expected to see an upward trend in Q2 due to strong order demand, structural optimization, and partial price increases in line with industry trends [2] - Orders remain at a high level with good visibility, indicating robust demand [2] - The company has begun to raise prices for some downstream customers due to full order loads and slight increases in upstream material costs, optimizing customer structure [2] - The rapid growth of S8/S9 materials in overseas markets is driving an increase in high-speed revenue share, improving overall product structure and profitability [2] Group 2: Industry Outlook - The demand for AI computing power is driving upgrades in CCL specifications, with a tight supply-demand situation for high-end CCL expected to persist for a considerable time [3] - The company’s S8/S9 high-speed CCL products are leading in performance compared to peers, and the company is actively developing new materials like PTFE [3] - The company has expanded its high-end CCL production capacity in recent years, ensuring sufficient supply despite tight upstream glass fabric availability [3] - The company is expected to gain more market share in high-speed materials within the N customer system, driven by its technological advantages and sufficient capacity [3] Group 3: Financial Projections - The company is projected to achieve rapid growth in both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter operating performance in Q2, with expectations for high-end material volume growth and continued order structure optimization in H2 2025 [4] - Revenue estimates for 2025-2027 have been adjusted upwards, reflecting a positive outlook for the company’s performance [4] - The company is expected to benefit from rising CCL prices due to an upward trend in raw material prices and increased industry utilization rates [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for the company, expecting it to outperform the benchmark index by over 20% in the next six months [1][22]. Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 5.611 billion yuan in Q1 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.86% and a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 0.57%. The net profit attributable to the parent company was 564 million yuan, up 43.76% year-on-year and up 53.82% quarter-on-quarter [1]. - The report highlights the dual growth drivers of high-speed CCL (Copper Clad Laminate) and high-end PCB (Printed Circuit Board) businesses, which are expected to resonate with cyclical growth opportunities [1][7]. - The company is positioned to benefit from the AI industry's growth, with its high-speed CCL products already certified by domestic and international clients, indicating strong future growth potential [7]. Financial Summary - The total revenue forecast for 2024 is 20.388 billion yuan, with a projected growth rate of 22.9%. By 2025, revenue is expected to reach 26.017 billion yuan, reflecting a growth rate of 27.6% [3][8]. - The net profit attributable to the parent company is projected to grow from 1.739 billion yuan in 2024 to 2.882 billion yuan in 2025, with a year-on-year growth rate of 65.8% [3][8]. - The earnings per share (EPS) is expected to increase from 0.72 yuan in 2024 to 1.19 yuan in 2025, indicating strong profitability growth [3][8]. Business Performance Insights - The company's CCL business showed resilience in Q1 2025, with a slight decline in revenue but an increase in gross profit margin, reaching 23%, up 1.5 percentage points from the previous quarter [7]. - The PCB business, primarily operated by the subsidiary, is expected to see significant growth driven by demand from AI servers and high-end products, with inventory levels indicating preparation for increased production [7]. - The report anticipates that the combination of high-speed CCL and high-end PCB will replicate the growth opportunities seen during the 5G cycle, leading to a potential revaluation of the company's worth [7].