Summary of the Conference Call for BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. Industry Overview - **Global TV Sales**: In Q3 2025, global retail TV sales experienced a slight decline year-on-year, with average sizes remaining stable. Emerging market demand is strong, but sales in mainland China decreased due to diminishing effects of national subsidies. [2][5] - **LCD Market**: The LCD supply-demand relationship is expected to reach balance by 2027. LCD prices are showing differentiation, with TV panel prices slightly declining while IT panel prices remain stable. [2][5] - **OLED Market**: The second half of the year is typically a peak season for OLED, but the supply-demand ratio remains high. Low-end Remax products are growing, while high-end LTPO technology shows significant brand disparity. [2][3][5] Company Performance - **OLED Shipments**: In the first three quarters of 2025, BOE's OLED shipments reached approximately 40 million units, a year-on-year increase of 12%. The company expects double-digit growth for the entire year. [2][8] - **Revenue Structure**: The revenue structure is as follows: TV accounts for 28%, IT for 37%, and OLED for approximately 23%, with the latter experiencing a decline due to market pressures. [2][8] - **IT Product Demand**: IT products, particularly laptops and tablets, are driving significant growth in shipments, with a notable increase in demand due to a replacement cycle following the peak in 2021. [4][5] Strategic Initiatives - **AI Collaboration**: BOE has partnered with Intel to launch AI-enabled innovative display solutions, which are expected to drive growth in laptop replacements. [6][7] - **R&D Investment**: The company maintains high R&D expenditures to lay the groundwork for future technological advancements, despite a decrease in management and sales expenses as a percentage of revenue. [13] - **LCD Minority Stake Acquisition**: BOE plans to gradually reclaim minority stakes in its LCD operations, primarily in Hefei, Wuhan, and Chengdu, to enhance net profit attributable to shareholders. [12] Market Dynamics - **Emerging Markets**: Demand is strong in regions like East Africa and Latin America, while the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan and South Korea, shows relatively weaker performance. [5] - **Price Trends**: The OLED market is facing downward pressure on low-end product prices, but high-end products are expected to maintain profitability. [10][11] - **Future Outlook**: The introduction of foldable screen products by major brands in 2026 is anticipated to drive industry recovery, alongside the adoption of LTPO technology by North American clients. [3][9] Financial Insights - **Investment Income**: The increase in investment income in Q3 was attributed to the difference between the cost of investments in joint ventures and the fair value of identifiable net assets. [27] - **LED Shipment Goals**: BOE adjusted its LED shipment target for 2025 to 160 million units, reflecting challenges due to national subsidy impacts and intense competition in the low-end market. [20] Conclusion - **Long-term Strategy**: BOE is focused on high-end product development and maintaining competitive advantages in technology and product quality, while also adapting to market changes. The company is optimistic about future growth in the OLED and LCD markets, driven by technological advancements and strategic partnerships. [22][24][25]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has made a preliminary ruling against BOE, stating that the company has infringed on Samsung Display's OLED trade secrets, leading to a proposed import ban lasting 14 years and 8 months [1][3]. Summary by Sections ITC Ruling and Implications - BOE's OLED panels, modules, and related components will be banned from entering the U.S. market, with the ban expected to take effect after a final ruling in November 2024 [3]. - The ITC's preliminary ruling indicates that BOE illegally obtained Samsung's OLED manufacturing technology, violating Section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act [3]. - The ruling not only affects OLED panels but also includes end-device components that use these panels, potentially impacting Apple's iPhone 17 series models [3]. BOE's Response and Legal Actions - In response to the ITC ruling, BOE has initiated legal proceedings, seeking a review from the ITC and filing a patent lawsuit against Samsung in the U.S. [4]. - BOE claims that the initial ruling contains significant legal flaws and emphasizes that previous investigations found no violations of Section 337 [4]. Technological Developments and Market Impact - BOE is accelerating its development of next-generation display technologies, such as Micro LED, with plans for mass production by March 2025 [6]. - The company is also investing 2.02 billion yuan in a smart terminal base in Vietnam, aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S. market [6]. - The potential ban could significantly alter the global display industry landscape, with Korean companies like LG Display seeing stock price increases in anticipation of capturing BOE's U.S. market share [6]. Supply Chain and Cost Implications - BOE's dependence on the U.S. market is relatively low, with only 15% of its panel business exported to the U.S. [6]. - However, if the ban is enforced, Apple may face a 10%-15% increase in OLED procurement costs and heightened supply chain concentration risks [6]. Legal and Regulatory Context - The ruling marks a critical point in the ongoing legal battle between Samsung and BOE, which has spanned three years [8]. - The U.S. government has been tightening technology restrictions on China, with the display panel sector becoming a focal point [8]. Timeline of Events - October 2023: Samsung files a lawsuit against BOE for OLED trade secret infringement. - December 2024: ITC recommends an import ban on BOE. - July 2025: ITC makes a preliminary ruling confirming infringement. - November 2025: Final ruling expected, followed by a 60-day presidential review period. - January 2026: If not vetoed by the president, the ban will take effect until September 2040 [9]. Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that while BOE is pursuing legal avenues to mitigate the impact, the likelihood of overturning the ITC's preliminary ruling is low [10]. - The next six months will be crucial for both parties, as the ruling will influence BOE's global market strategy and set new boundaries in U.S.-China technology competition [10].