9 January 2026 | 12:25AM HKT Equity Research Kematek (301611.SZ): CFO visit: Ceramic heater enhancing lifespan / yield rate; Electrostatic Chuck in qualification; Buy We hosted Kematek's CFO during our China Semis Tour in Shanghai on Jan 8. Management is positive on the supply/demand dynamics of semiconductor ceramic components, supported by the increasing demand for domestic suppliers of Chinese SPE and foundry customers. The company is the local leader in ceramic heaters, per management, with their first ...

Summary of Kematek (301611.SZ) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Kematek (301611.SZ) - **Industry**: Semiconductor materials and components manufacturing Key Points 1. Capacity Expansion and Demand - Kematek is expanding its capacity in the Suzhou factory to meet rising demand from local and global semiconductor clients for ceramic structural components and devices, including ceramic heaters [1][3] - Management is optimistic about the demand from both local and global clients, indicating a strong market outlook [1] 2. Vertically Integrated Manufacturing - The company employs a vertically integrated manufacturing process, covering all stages from material R&D to powder preparation, sintering, machining, cleaning, and inspection [2] - In-house tools such as ball mills and spray dryers are developed to ensure consistent processing and high performance of ceramic components [2] 3. Product Development and Client Engagement - Local semiconductor clients are diversifying their component suppliers to mitigate concentration risks amid geopolitical uncertainties, leading to increased collaboration with Kematek on new product development [4] - The ceramic components produced are primarily used in deposition and etching tools, with a broad product range that includes components for ion implantation and lithography tools [4] 4. Financial Strategy for Expansion - Kematek plans to raise RMB 750 million through the issuance of convertible bonds to fund its capacity expansion for ceramic heaters, electrostatic chucks (ESC), and ultra-high-purity silicon carbide (SiC) components [3] - The company has commenced mass production of ceramic heaters, with management expressing confidence in improving yield rates over time [3] 5. Market Position and Valuation - Kematek is positioned as a leader in the local semiconductor ceramic components market, with a market cap of RMB 43.5 billion (approximately $6.2 billion) [10] - The target price for Kematek is set at RMB 99.70, based on a target P/E multiple of 58.5x, reflecting the correlation between P/E and EPS growth among its peers [9] 6. Risks and Challenges - Key risks identified include slower-than-expected semiconductor capital expenditure expansion in China, delays in product line expansion, and challenges in supply chain diversification within the local market [9] 7. Financial Projections - Revenue projections for the upcoming years are as follows: - 2024: RMB 857.4 million - 2025: RMB 1,072.0 million - 2026: RMB 1,516.0 million - 2027: RMB 2,097.4 million [10] Additional Insights - The company’s differentiated offerings include high-purity and high-performance ceramic components, which are critical for semiconductor manufacturing [1] - Management's positive outlook on client penetration and gradual enhancement of product yield rates indicates a proactive approach to market challenges [3] This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call regarding Kematek's operations, market position, financial strategies, and future outlook.

Summary of Kematek (301611.SZ) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Kematek (301611.SZ) - **Industry**: Semiconductor manufacturing components, specifically ceramic heaters and electrostatic chucks Key Points Expansion Plans - Kematek plans to raise **Rmb750 million** through issuing convertible bonds to fund capacity expansion for ceramic heaters, electrostatic chucks, and ultra-high-purity SiC components [1][2] - Management intends to invest **Rmb603 million** to expand a new production line for electrostatic chucks and increase capacity for ceramic heaters, aiming for annual sales of **Rmb578 million** from the new production lines [2] - The construction of the new production line is expected to be completed in **3 years**, with a capacity ramp-up over the same period [2] Product Demand and Market Trends - There is a rising demand for SiC components driven by localization trends and growth in SPE end-markets, prompting Kematek to invest **Rmb65 million** to expand its SiC component capacity [3] - The company has existing SiC component plants in Suzhou and Anhui, with plans to enhance the Anhui plant's capacity to better respond to customer needs [3] Financial Projections - Revenue estimates for 2026-2030 have been revised upwards by **1-2%**, reflecting positive expectations for local customer penetration [4][7] - Gross margins (GMs) are expected to increase by **0.2 to 0.3 percentage points** due to a product mix upgrade towards more ceramic modules [7] - The updated earnings estimates lead to a **1-2%** increase in net income projections for 2026-2030 [7] Earnings Revision - The target price for Kematek has been raised to **Rmb87.7**, based on a target P/E multiple of **77.1x** for 2026E [8][14] - The earnings revision table shows projected revenues increasing from **Rmb1,072 million** in 2025 to **Rmb2,619 million** by 2030, with net income expected to rise from **Rmb327 million** to **Rmb1,129 million** over the same period [11] Risks - Key risks include slower-than-expected semiconductor capital expenditure expansion in China, delays in product line expansion, and challenges in supply chain diversification [14] Conclusion - Kematek is positioned to benefit from the expansion of its product lines and increasing demand in the semiconductor industry, with a positive outlook reflected in revised financial projections and target price [1][4][14]

Summary of Kematek (301611.SZ) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Kematek (301611.SZ) - **Industry**: Semiconductor equipment and materials, specifically focusing on high-end ceramic devices Key Points Revenue Performance - **3Q25 Revenue**: Flattish quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) at Rmb 274 million, with an 18% year-over-year (YoY) increase [3][8] - **4Q25 Revenue Outlook**: Expected to remain at a similar level as 3Q25, with management optimistic about growth in 2026 following production site integration [1][3] Product Mix and Growth Strategy - **Product Upgrade**: Transitioning from ceramic structure parts to high-end ceramic devices (ceramic heaters, electrostatic chucks, ultra-high-purity SiC components) [1][2] - **Market Demand**: Anticipated growth driven by increased spending in China’s wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) and low localization rates for SPE components [1][2] Capacity Expansion - **Funding**: Plans to raise Rmb 750 million (approximately US$105 million) via convertible bonds to expand capacity for high-end ceramic devices [2] - **High Entry Barriers**: The technology requirements for these devices create significant entry barriers, fostering healthier competition [2] Financial Metrics - **Gross Margin (GM)**: Decreased to 51.1% in 3Q25 from 53.9% in 2Q25, attributed to higher operating expenses (opex) and lower production efficiency [3][8] - **Operating Expenses**: Opex ratio increased to 21.3% in 3Q25, reflecting higher R&D and G&A spending during capacity expansion [3][8] - **Net Income**: Declined by 14% QoQ to Rmb 73 million in 3Q25 [8] Earnings Revision - **Net Income Estimates**: Revised down by 14% for 2025E due to lower revenue and GM, with 2026E-2030E estimates largely unchanged [10] - **Target Price**: Updated target price set at Rmb 77.1, based on a target P/E multiple of 56.5x for 2026E earnings [10][18] Risks and Challenges - **Market Risks**: Potential slower-than-expected semiconductor capital expenditure expansion in China and delays in product line expansion [10][18] Analyst Recommendation - **Rating**: Maintain "Buy" rating with a target price indicating a 45.3% upside from the current price [18] Additional Insights - **Long-term Growth**: Management remains positive about long-term growth prospects post-integration of production sites, which is expected to enhance delivery capabilities for ceramic heaters [1][3] - **Competitive Landscape**: The high-end ceramic devices market is characterized by stringent technology requirements, which may limit competition and support Kematek's market position [2] This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call regarding Kematek's current performance, strategic direction, and market outlook.