Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" indicating an expectation for the industry to outperform the overall market [13]. Core Insights - The demand for AI PCBs is driving a tight supply situation, leading to an acceleration in capacity expansion among downstream PCB manufacturers, which is positively impacting the upstream PCB equipment sector [3][4]. - Significant capital expenditure from overseas AI giants is sustaining high demand for high-end AI server PCBs, prompting downstream manufacturers to actively expand production [3][4]. - The current expansion cycle is expected to result in a notable increase in equipment order volumes and an upgrade in high-end PCB production lines, which will enhance the average selling price (ASP) of equipment [3][4]. Summary by Sections Industry Expansion - The PCB industry is entering a period of intensive capacity expansion, with several PCB manufacturers announcing new projects, including notable expansions by companies such as Huadian and Shenghong [4][10]. - Capital expenditures are increasing, with Pengding Holdings indicating a capital expenditure of 5 billion yuan in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 51.5% [4]. Supply Chain Dynamics - Some upstream PCB equipment suppliers are experiencing supply tightness due to the rapid growth in global AI computing demand, which is accelerating the technological upgrades and capacity expansions of high-layer PCBs and high-end HDI boards [5]. - Chip equipment manufacturers like Xinqi Microelectronics are reporting full capacity operations and optimistic business prospects, with order delivery schedules extending into the third quarter of 2025 [5]. Technological Upgrades - AI's requirements for PCB performance are driving upgrades in related equipment, necessitating advancements in layers, materials, and manufacturing processes [6]. - The complexity of structures in high-layer HDI boards is increasing, which is pushing equipment manufacturers to enhance their technology and precision [7]. Beneficiary Companies - Recommended beneficiaries in the PCB equipment market include Xinqi Microelectronics for exposure equipment, Dazhu CNC for drilling and testing equipment, Dongwei Technology for plating equipment, and Dingtai Gaoke for drilling needles [8][10].