Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **humanoid robot industry**, particularly developments related to **Veichi Electric** and its collaborations with other companies in the sector [1][3]. Company Insights Veichi Electric (688698.SS) - Veichi Electric is a supplier of inverters, servo motors, and PLCs, and has recently expanded its offerings to include rotary joint modules, coreless motors, frameless motors, and dexterous hands for humanoid robots [1]. - The management expressed greater confidence in the production ramp of a leading **US humanoid robot maker** compared to its Chinese clients, citing rigorous product development progress [1]. - The US client's capacity requirement is projected to increase tenfold in 2027, from **1,000 units per week in 2026** to **10,000 units per week** [1]. Collaboration with Rongtai Electric (603119.SS) - Veichi is collaborating with Rongtai Electric to provide dexterous hand solutions for the US humanoid robot maker, establishing a joint venture in Thailand to meet the requirement of producing all components outside of China [3]. - The latest humanoid robot version requires **44 micro motors** for the hands, with a configuration of **22 Degrees of Freedom (DoF)** per hand [3]. Market Projections - The management indicated that the US client has requested Veichi to prepare its capacity by **1H26**, aligning with industry expectations [3]. - The initial capacity requirement is to support **1,000 units** of humanoid robot production per week, with potential growth to **10,000 units per week** by 2027 [3]. Investment Recommendations - Preference is given to component makers like **Hengli Hydraulic (601100.SS)** and **Leader Drive (688017.SS)**, with Hengli Hydraulic being highlighted for its strong market position [1]. Risks - Key risks identified for the humanoid robot industry include: - Weaker demand for excavator and non-excavator components [7]. - Profitability challenges in production plants due to economies of scale [7]. - Lower-than-expected gross profit margins due to product mix changes [7]. - For Leader Drive, risks include slower growth in the automation market, increased competition, higher raw material costs, and lower contributions from humanoid robots [9]. Valuation Insights - Target price for **Hengli Hydraulic** is set at **Rmb135.0**, based on a **52x 2026E P/E** [6]. - Target price for **Leader Drive** is set at **Rmb233**, reflecting a **233x 2026E P/E** due to stronger-than-expected earnings recovery [8]. Conclusion - The humanoid robot industry is poised for significant growth, particularly in the US market, with key players like Veichi Electric and its partners strategically positioned to capitalize on this trend. However, potential risks must be monitored closely to ensure investment stability and growth.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Companies Involved - **Industry**: Humanoid Robotics - **Companies Mentioned**: - Veichi Electric (688698.SS) - Hengli Hydraulic (601100.SS) - Leader Drive (688017.SS) - Rongtai Electric (603119.SS) Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Veichi Electric's Confidence**: Management expressed greater confidence in the production ramp of a leading US humanoid robot maker compared to Chinese clients, citing rigorous product development progress [1] 2. **Production Capacity Projections**: The US client's capacity requirement is projected to increase tenfold in 2027, from 1,000 units per week in 2026 to 10,000 units per week [1][3] 3. **Joint Venture in Thailand**: Veichi announced a joint venture with Rongtai Electric in Thailand to meet the US client's requirement for components produced outside of China [3] 4. **Micro Motor Requirements**: The latest version of the US humanoid robot requires 44 micro motors for dexterous hands, with a configuration of 22 degrees of freedom (DoF) per hand [3] 5. **Capacity Readiness Timeline**: The US client has requested Veichi to prepare its capacity by the first half of 2026, aligning with industry expectations [3] Additional Important Information 1. **Investment Preferences**: The report suggests a preference for component makers like Hengli Hydraulic and Leader Drive, which are positioned to benefit from the growth in the US humanoid robotics market [1] 2. **Valuation Metrics**: - Target price for Hengli Hydraulic is set at Rmb135.0 based on a P/E ratio of 52x for 2026E [6] - Target price for Leader Drive is Rmb233, reflecting a P/E of 233x for 2026E [8] 3. **Risks Identified**: - For Hengli Hydraulic: Risks include weaker demand for components and lower profitability due to production scale issues [7] - For Leader Drive: Risks include slower growth in the automation market and higher raw material costs [9] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the developments in the humanoid robotics industry and the strategic positioning of the companies involved.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the first quarter were up 0.7% year-over-year on an organic basis, or 2.3% on a daily organic basis, with strength in residential HVAC, aerospace, and energy markets [11][12] - Adjusted gross margin was 37.9%, up 50 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.8%, up 30 basis points [13][14] - Adjusted earnings per share in the quarter was $2.15, up 7.5% year-over-year, or approximately 10% adjusted for the impact of the Industrial Systems divestiture [14] - Free cash flow generated in the quarter was nearly $86 million, up 32% year-over-year, contributing to a debt reduction of $164 million [14][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automation and Motion Control (AMC) net sales were up 40 basis points year-over-year on an organic basis, driven by strength in aerospace and defense, and a return to growth in discrete automation [22] - Industrial Powertrain Solutions (IPS) net sales were down 3.4% year-over-year on an organic basis, reflecting weakness in the machinery off-highway market [25] - Power Efficiency Solutions (PES) net sales were up 8% year-over-year on an organic basis, largely due to strong growth in residential HVAC, which was up nearly 30% [28][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - IPS sales in North America were up low single digits, while sales in China, Europe, and the rest of the world experienced weakness [26] - Orders in IPS were up nearly 9% in the first quarter, reflecting further outgrowth in attractive markets [26] - Organic orders in April were down 1.8%, largely due to aerospace project timing in AMC and anticipated order rebalancing in PES [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing growth, synergy, and cash flow acceleration plans, while implementing robust tariff mitigation strategies [10][14] - The humanoid robot market is identified as a significant growth opportunity, with expectations of strong double-digit CAGRs for the next decade [15][19] - The company aims to leverage its automation portfolio to gain market share in the humanoid space, with recent wins worth over $20 million in annual sales [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improving growth prospects, noting three quarters of positive orders growth and a belief that most end markets are near trough levels of demand [7][9] - The company reaffirmed its earnings guidance for the year, despite macroeconomic uncertainties and tariff-related challenges [9][33] - Management emphasized confidence in achieving tariff-related cost and margin neutrality by mid-2026 [42][44] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of approximately $5.3 billion and net debt just below $5 billion [32] - The company plans to continue deploying the majority of its free cash flow to debt reduction in 2025 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics of long cycle versus short cycle orders - Management noted good momentum in winning longer cycle projects, especially in IPS, while short cycle orders remained stable [48][50] Question: Competitive positioning and share gains - Management highlighted a net advantageous position due to global manufacturing footprint and dual country sourcing strategies, expecting share opportunities to arise [53][54] Question: EBITDA margin outlook and drivers - Management expects a step-up in EBITDA margins in the second half, driven by mix, volume, and price synergies [58][59] Question: PES revenue outlook and conservatism in guidance - Management expressed caution regarding the second half outlook for PES due to macroeconomic factors, despite strong first quarter performance [63] Question: Mitigation of tariff impacts - Management outlined that supply chain realignments and production relocations are primary mitigation strategies, with pricing actions also contributing [69][70] Question: IPS margin guide and mix effects - Management confirmed that the margin guide for IPS is primarily affected by mix rather than tariff pressures [83] Question: Humanoid market opportunities - Management indicated that the $100 million opportunity funnel is global, with recent wins not primarily based in China [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Q1 2025 increased by 0.7% year-over-year on an organic basis, or 2.3% on a daily organic basis, with notable strength in residential HVAC, aerospace, and energy markets [10][12] - Adjusted gross margin was 37.9%, up 50 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.8%, up 30 basis points [12][13] - Adjusted earnings per share in the quarter was $2.15, reflecting a 7.5% increase year-over-year, or approximately 10% adjusted for the impact of the Industrial Systems divestiture [13] - Free cash flow generated in the quarter was nearly $86 million, up 32% year-over-year, contributing to a $164 million debt repayment [13][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automation and Motion Control (AMC) net sales were up 40 basis points year-over-year on an organic basis, driven by strength in aerospace and defense, with discrete automation returning to growth [22][23] - Industrial Powertrain Solutions (IPS) net sales decreased by 3.4% year-over-year on an organic basis, reflecting weakness in the machinery off-highway market, but orders were up nearly 9% [25][27] - Power Efficiency Solutions (PES) net sales increased by 8% year-over-year on an organic basis, primarily due to strong growth in residential HVAC, which was up nearly 30% [29][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - IPS sales in North America were up low single digits, while sales in China, Europe, and the rest of the world experienced declines [26] - Orders in IPS were up nearly 9% in Q1, indicating strong performance in metals and mining and marine markets [27] - Organic orders in April were down 1.8%, largely due to aerospace project timing in AMC and anticipated order rebalancing in PES [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing growth, synergy, and cash flow acceleration plans while implementing robust tariff mitigation strategies [8][10] - Regal Rexnord is well-positioned in the humanoid robot market, with expectations for significant growth opportunities in the coming years [14][19] - The company aims to achieve EBITDA margin neutrality by mid-2026 through effective tariff mitigation actions [40][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improving growth prospects, noting that most end markets are at or near trough levels of demand and starting to rebound [6][7] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, indicating confidence in its ability to manage through tariff-related uncertainties while maintaining a positive outlook on order momentum [34][45] - Management highlighted the potential for share gains due to tariff-related pricing and strategic opportunities [38][45] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of approximately $5.3 billion and net debt just below $5 billion, with plans to continue deploying free cash flow to debt reduction [33] - The company has a funnel of opportunities worth approximately $100 million in the humanoid robot market, with several recent wins worth over $20 million in annual sales [20][104] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics of long cycle vs short cycle orders - Management noted good momentum in winning longer cycle projects, particularly in IPS, while short cycle orders remained stable [49][50] Question: Competitive positioning and share gains - Management emphasized a net advantageous position due to global manufacturing footprint and dual country sourcing strategies, expecting share opportunities to arise [53][54] Question: EBITDA margin outlook and tariff impacts - Management expects a step-up in EBITDA margins in the second half of the year, primarily driven by mix and volume improvements, with confidence in achieving EBITDA neutrality by year-end [59][60] Question: PES revenue outlook and conservatism in guidance - Management indicated that while pleased with Q1 performance, they remain cautious about the second half due to macroeconomic factors [63] Question: Mitigation of tariff impacts - Management outlined that supply chain realignments and production relocations are primary mitigation strategies, with pricing actions also contributing [70][71] Question: Humanoid market opportunities - Management clarified that the $100 million opportunity funnel is global, with recent wins primarily not based in China [102][104]