Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The analysis focuses on the **Asia Tech Hardware** sector, particularly the **AI server** and **Apple supply chain** industries, over a 15-year horizon, examining business models, profitability, solvency, and operational efficiency [1] Core Insights Profitability Metrics - **Return on Equity (ROE)** for ODMs and equipment suppliers is projected to be between **20-30%** in 2024, with **Chroma** and **Delta** expected to show significant increases [2] - **Chroma's ROE** has improved from **12% in 2010 to 25% in 2024**, with expectations to reach **31% in 1H25** due to its focus on niche markets and divestment from low-margin segments [15] - **Largan** and **Sunny Optical** have shown fluctuating ROE due to market conditions, with signs of recovery noted since last year [15] Operational Efficiency - **Chroma** has the longest cash conversion cycle at **209 days** due to its industry characteristics, yet maintains a strong free cash flow margin [77] - **Luxshare** has achieved an almost zero cash conversion cycle, indicating high operational efficiency [78] - **Quanta's** cash conversion cycle is longer due to logistical complexities in its supply chain [78] Debt and Solvency - Most companies maintain healthy debt levels, with **Quanta's** net debt-to-equity ratio expected to rise significantly from **15% in 2024 to over 60% in 2025-26** due to AI server business expansion [4][69] - **Largan** has a notably low net debt-to-equity ratio, reflecting its strong cash position [69] Capital Expenditure and Free Cash Flow - **Unimicron** is identified as the most capex-intensive company with a capex-to-revenue ratio averaging **21%** over the past five years [5] - **Chroma** and **Largan** exhibit free cash flow margins between **20-40%**, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [5] Investment Ratings and Price Targets - **Delta Electronics**: Rated Outperform, Price Target (PT) of **NT$630** [8] - **Chroma ATE**: Rated Outperform, PT of **NT$570** [9] - **Quanta Computer**: Rated Underperform, PT of **NT$240** [10] - **Unimicron Technology**: Rated Outperform, PT of **NT$170** [11] - **Luxshare Precision**: Rated Outperform, PT of **RMB47** [12] - **Sunny Optical**: Rated Outperform, PT of **HK$97** [13] - **Largan Precision**: Rated Market-Perform, PT of **NT$2,400** [14] Additional Observations - The **camera and PCB sectors** show that CIS and lens suppliers achieve higher ROIC compared to module players, with higher technological barriers enhancing supplier concentration [3] - **Quanta's** financial performance is heavily reliant on the PC market, which has seen fluctuations impacting its ROE [15] - The **PCB market** is characterized by cyclical demand, with companies needing substantial capital investments to expand capacities [54] This comprehensive analysis highlights the competitive landscape and financial health of key players in the Asia Tech Hardware sector, providing insights into potential investment opportunities and risks.

Summary of Conference Call on ABF Substrate Industry Industry Overview - The ABF (Ajinomoto Build-up Film) substrate market is expected to experience oversupply conditions until the second half of 2026, with a projected 7% oversupply in 2025 [1][11][25]. - The total addressable market (TAM) for ABF substrates has been revised down by 12% and 10% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, due to lower-than-expected AI server GPU substrate shipments and increased pricing pressure [2][22]. Key Insights - **Demand Dynamics**: The demand for AI server substrates has been cut by approximately 50% for 2025, reflecting a significant decrease in AI server rack shipments, which are expected to decline by 35% [2][60]. - **Pricing Pressure**: The average selling price (ASP) for AI GPU substrates has decreased from over US$120 earlier in the year to US$100, indicating a challenging pricing environment [2][60]. - **Impact on Suppliers**: Tier-2 suppliers like Unimicron and Kinsus are expected to face significant challenges due to their exposure to legacy ABF products and weaker-than-expected spillover orders from tier-1 suppliers [2][9][24]. Supplier Performance - **Unimicron**: Downgraded to Neutral from Buy due to weaker AI spillover orders and a slow PC demand outlook. Target price revised from NT$170 to NT$90 [9][10]. - **Kinsus**: Downgraded to Sell from Neutral, with a new target price of NT$63, reflecting less favorable growth in the mid-to-low-end ABF substrate market [9][10]. - **Ibiden**: Maintained Buy rating with a target price of ¥6200, benefiting from its leading position in the high-end substrate market [10][22]. - **Zhen Ding Technology (ZDT)**: Initiated with a Buy rating, expected to benefit from ABF demand expansion from Chinese IC design houses [8]. Future Catalysts - The mid-to-long-term outlook for Taiwan ABF suppliers is expected to improve with the localization of AI IC production in China, projected to grow at a CAGR of 53% from 2025 to 2027 [3][4]. - Adoption of CPO (Chip-on-Package) technology is anticipated to double the consumption of switch IC ABF substrates compared to general 2.5D packaging substrates [3]. Capacity and Utilization - The overall industry capacity is expected to increase by approximately 40% from 2024 to 2027, with a significant portion of new capacity planned before 2024 [29][53]. - Utilization rates for ABF substrate suppliers are projected to improve in 2025, but overall industry utilization will remain below 80% [27][24]. Risks and Challenges - Potential risks include higher electricity costs in Taiwan and the impact of tariffs, which could increase costs as a percentage of revenue significantly [46][45]. - The overall cash margins for ABF substrate suppliers are expected to remain under pressure until at least the second half of 2025, with a potential recovery starting in 2026 [44][59]. Conclusion - The ABF substrate industry is currently facing a challenging environment with oversupply and pricing pressures, particularly affecting tier-2 suppliers. However, long-term growth opportunities exist through technological advancements and increased demand from AI-related applications. The market is expected to stabilize post-2026, with significant growth driven by AI and server upgrades.