Summary of HG Tech Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: HG Tech (000988.SZ) - **Industry**: Communications and Electronics Devices Key Points Optical Transceiver Segment - **Strong Momentum**: Optical transceiver shipments are expected to ramp up to 800k-900k units per month in 3Q25, primarily consisting of 400G products [2] - **Revenue Contribution**: Datacom transceivers generated Rmb2.2 billion in revenue in 1H25, with expectations of Rmb1.7 billion to Rmb2 billion in sales for 3Q and 4Q25E respectively [2] - **Profitability Improvement**: The optical networking segment's net margin improved to 7.4% in 2Q25 from 5.3% in 1Q25, driven by a better product mix and scale benefits [3] Laser Equipment Segment - **Revenue Decline**: Laser equipment sales decreased by 3% YoY in 1H25, attributed to the lumpiness of revenue recognition, particularly in project-based sales [4] - **Shipbuilding Orders**: New orders from the shipbuilding industry reached Rmb1 billion year-to-date, indicating potential for future revenue growth despite current declines [4] Financial Performance - **Net Profit Estimates**: The networking segment's net profit is projected to reach approximately Rmb600 million and Rmb976 million in 2025 and 2026 respectively, compared to Rmb30 million in 2024 [3] - **Revenue Growth**: Revenue estimates for 2025E-2027E have been raised by 7%-12% due to stronger-than-expected performance in the networking segment [9] Investment Thesis - **Expansion into High-End Products**: HG Tech's focus on high-end optical transceivers (800G and 400G modules) is expected to drive margin improvement and accelerate net profit growth in 2025E-2026E [15] - **Valuation**: Current valuations are at the lower end of historical trading ranges, making it an attractive investment opportunity [15] - **Target Price**: The 12-month target price is set at Rmb62, based on a 24x 2026E P/E [16] Risks - **Key Risks Identified**: Potential risks include slower ramp-up in 400G/800G shipments, lower-than-expected margins, and geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains [16] Additional Insights - **Profit Mix by Segment**: In 1H25, the profit mix was 26% from laser tools, 29% from networking, and 45% from sensor/imaging [8] - **Future Outlook**: As customers transition to 800G technology in 2026, further profitability improvements are anticipated [3] This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call, highlighting HG Tech's current performance, future outlook, and investment considerations.

Core Insights - Celestica reported Q2 2025 earnings with GAAP revenue of $2.89 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.68 billion, and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) of $1.39, exceeding the $1.24 estimate, reflecting year-over-year growth of 21% in revenue and 54% in adjusted EPS [1][5][2] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $2.89 billion, a 21% increase from $2.39 billion in Q2 2024 [2] - Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) reached $1.39, up from $0.90 in the same quarter last year, marking a 54% increase [2] - Operating margin (GAAP) improved to 9.4%, up from 5.6% year-over-year, while adjusted operating margin (non-GAAP) was 7.4%, compared to 6.3% in Q2 2024 [2] - Free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $119.9 million, an 82.8% increase from $65.6 million in Q2 2024 [2][8] Segment Performance - The Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS) segment generated $2.07 billion in revenue, a 28% increase, with Hardware Platform Solutions (HPS) revenue reaching approximately $1.2 billion, up 82% year-over-year [6] - Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) reported revenue of $820 million, a 7% increase, with segment margin improving to 5.3% from 4.6% in Q2 2024 [7] Strategic Focus - Celestica is focusing on high-value programs, including data center hardware and next-generation networking equipment, emphasizing technological innovation and strong supply chain management [4][3] - The company is diversifying its customer base to mitigate risks associated with customer concentration, where the top ten customers accounted for 73% of revenue in 2024 [11] Future Outlook - Full-year 2025 guidance was raised to revenue of $11.55 billion and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) of $5.50, with an expected adjusted operating margin of 7.4% [13] - For Q3 2025, projected revenue ranges from $2.875 to $3.125 billion, with adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) between $1.37 and $1.53 [13]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for HG Tech is "Buy" with an updated 12-month target price of Rmb56, revised from Rmb53, based on a 22x 2026E P/E [1][2][14]. Core Insights - HG Tech pre-announced its 2Q net profit range of Rmb480 million to Rmb540 million, with a mid-point of Rmb510 million, representing a 52% year-over-year increase and exceeding expectations [1]. - The strong profit performance is expected to alleviate investor concerns regarding the profitability of optical transceivers, with key catalysts anticipated in the second half of 2025, including progress in penetrating US markets and domestic demand outlook [1][14]. - The company is positioned for robust long-term growth driven by the AI infrastructure cycle, overseas expansion, and new market penetration [1]. Revenue and Profit Estimates - Revenue estimates for 2025-2026 have been revised upward by 3% to 4.6%, leading to a net profit estimate increase of 4% to 8% [2]. - New revenue projections for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are Rmb15,815 million, Rmb19,233 million, and Rmb22,971 million respectively, reflecting a 4.6% increase for 2025 and 2026, and a 3.0% increase for 2027 compared to previous estimates [6]. - Net income estimates for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are Rmb1,830 million, Rmb2,579 million, and Rmb3,130 million respectively, with increases of 8%, 6%, and 4% compared to prior estimates [6]. Business Segments and Growth Drivers - HG Tech's business segments include optical transceivers, sensors, telecom equipment, and laser tools, with a focus on high-end optical transceivers (800G and 400G modules) expected to drive margin improvement and net profit growth [14]. - The revenue mix for 2024 is projected to be 34% from laser tools, 3% from networking, and 63% from sensors, with shifts expected in 2025 and 2026 [13][11]. - The company is expected to benefit from the increasing attach ratio of optical transceivers, supporting better growth sustainability [1].

Investment Rating - The report upgrades Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) to Buy from Neutral, and Furukawa Electric to Neutral from Sell [1][39] Core Insights - The industrial electronics sector is experiencing increased demand for optical products driven by generative AI and data centers, leading to significant capacity expansion investments [2] - The report highlights the shift towards medium-distance data center interconnections (DCI) due to land and power constraints, creating additional demand for optical fiber products [17] - SEI is expected to see a substantial increase in profit contribution from its infocommunications business, which is projected to rise from 6% in FY3/25 to approximately 20% in FY3/28 [41][43] Summary by Sections Market Trends - Demand for optical products is significantly exceeding supply, prompting companies to invest in capacity expansion [2] - The emergence of projects like Stargate in the US, Japan, and UAE is expected to sustain high levels of investment in data center construction [2] Company Performance - SEI's operating profit estimates for FY3/26-FY3/28 have been raised by 11%/11%/12% due to increased demand for optical products [51] - Furukawa Electric is expected to benefit from marginal profit growth due to rising demand for its products [1] Financial Estimates - New sales and operating profit estimates for SEI show a 4% increase in sales for FY3/26, FY3/27, and FY3/28 [11] - The target price for SEI has been raised to ¥4,300 from ¥2,800, reflecting the expected growth in the infocommunications segment [54][55] Competitive Landscape - SEI holds a significant market share in ultra-high density optical fiber cables, estimated at around 50% globally [48] - The report notes that Fujikura and SEI are leading in ultra-multi-core optical fiber cables and optical connectors, while Furukawa Electric is attempting to catch up through acquisitions [9]