Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - **Industry**: China PCB Sector - **Key Focus**: AI demand and its impact on PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and CCL (Copper Clad Laminate) sectors Core Insights 1. **AI Demand**: AI remains the most significant driver of demand in the PCB sector, particularly for High Density Interconnect (HDI) and High Layer Count (HLC) PCBs, with strong order visibility extending into Q3 and Q425 [2][3] 2. **Midplane Adoption**: Discussions indicate a potential shift towards midplane designs replacing copper cables in future AI systems, with clearer visibility expected by Q425 [2] 3. **Material Preferences**: M9-grade high-speed CCL is anticipated for midplane PCBs, while interest in PTFE is declining due to its thermal expansion issues and processing challenges [2] 4. **Capacity Expansion**: Chinese PCB manufacturers are experiencing extended lead times for critical equipment due to aggressive capacity expansions, which are reportedly on schedule as orders were placed in advance [2] Company-Specific Insights Shennan Circuit 1. **Growth Drivers**: AI has significantly contributed to Shennan's growth in 1H25, particularly in data and wire communication sectors [3] 2. **Capacity Management**: Shennan is cautious about capacity expansion, having resolved bottlenecks in drilling and electroplating, with new capacity expected to come online in late 2026 [3] 3. **Order Visibility**: Demand for BT substrates from domestic memory customers is strong, but Shennan is conservative about the sustainability of BT orders into 2026 due to potential double bookings [3] Dongshan 1. **Earnings Pressure**: Dongshan anticipates pressure on earnings for 2025 due to limited growth in smartphone FPC content and losses from a disposal of a loss-making LED business [4] 2. **Consolidation Benefits**: The consolidation of Source Photonics and GMD is expected to enhance profitability through debt restructuring and operational synergies, with benefits starting in 2026 [4] Victory Giant (VGT) 1. **Capacity Expansion**: VGT is aggressively expanding capacity with plans for 15k sqm/month HDI and 50k sqm/month HLC in Huizhou and Thailand, driven by demand from a major North American AI customer [5] 2. **Production Utilization**: Current capacity is fully allocated, but production utilization may be slightly affected as the company transitions to next-gen products [5] Risks and Considerations 1. **Global AI Deployment**: Risks include slower-than-expected AI deployment both globally and in China, which could impact demand [7] 2. **CAPEX Plans**: Weaker-than-expected capital expenditure plans from hyperscalers for IDCs and servers could pose risks to the PCB sector [7] 3. **Tariffs and Regulations**: Higher-than-expected tariffs and tightening environmental regulations in China could adversely affect demand for consumer electronics and automobiles [7] Valuation and Risk Statements - **Shennan Circuit**: Valuation based on sum-of-the-parts method; risks include slower server demand and pricing pressures [8] - **Dongshan**: Valuation based on target PE multiple; risks include ASP cuts and iPhone procurement challenges [8] Conclusion The China PCB sector is poised for growth driven by AI demand, with specific companies like Shennan and Dongshan navigating challenges and opportunities through strategic capacity management and consolidation efforts. However, external risks related to global deployment of AI and regulatory changes remain critical factors to monitor.