Summary of Storage Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The storage industry in China is experiencing a significant transformation driven by domestic substitution, with upstream manufacturers improving technology and downstream domestic brands rising, creating opportunities for local module manufacturers to enter the mid-to-high-end market [1][5][18]. Key Points Market Dynamics - The storage industry has faced cyclical fluctuations, with a significant loss in 2022 followed by price increases in 2023 due to upstream production cuts. However, demand weakened in Q2 2024, leading to a price decline [1][6]. - By the end of 2023, upstream manufacturers began reducing production again, resulting in a price recovery in March 2024, with NAND prices showing moderate recovery in May and DDR4 prices rising due to supply-side control [1][6][7]. Price Trends - The overall storage industry is currently in a healthy recovery phase, with controlled production rates from manufacturers and ongoing process iterations in NAND technology. DDR4 prices are rising quickly, indicating potential absorption phenomena [1][7]. - In Q2 2025, storage market prices are expected to exceed expectations, particularly in the DRAM sector, with NAND benefiting from cautious production and increased SSD demand from CSP manufacturers [9][12]. Demand Drivers - The main growth drivers for the Chinese storage industry include domestic opportunities, with upstream manufacturers gaining market share and technology improvements, and the rise of domestic brands responding to localization and national security needs [5][13]. - The enterprise storage market is seeing increased demand, particularly from major domestic clients like Tencent and Alibaba, with orders accelerating since late 2024 [8][15]. Product Performance - In Q2 2025, NAND wafer prices are expected to recover slightly, while DDR market prices are showing significant increases, especially for DDR4, while DDR5 remains stable [9][10]. - The embedded storage market for mobile devices is experiencing healthy growth, with LPDDR showing strong demand [9][10]. Profitability and Margins - The elasticity of gross margins for storage module manufacturers varies based on customer structure and downstream application demand. Companies focusing on the spot market tend to see more significant margin increases compared to those serving large brand clients [11][14]. - The enterprise storage market is expected to see revenue growth outpacing profit growth due to ongoing investments in R&D and capacity, with profitability expected to improve around 2027 [13][15]. Future Outlook - The storage market is projected to show moderate recovery throughout 2025, driven by supply-side constraints and gradual increases in consumer demand [12][18]. - Key companies to watch in the current storage industry trend include Demingli, Jiangbolong, Baiwei, and Zhaoyi Innovation, with Demingli and Baiwei expected to show more significant growth due to their smaller size [19]. Additional Insights - The mid-to-high-end mobile storage market is focusing on three main development directions: packaging technology, embedded main control chips, and optimizing human efficiency to enhance profitability [16][17]. - The overall performance of the storage module industry in Q2 2025 is expected to show a positive trend, driven by price recovery and increased demand from mid-to-high-end mobile and server markets [18].