Summary of Conference Call Records Company and Industry Overview - **Companies Involved**: Weichai Power and China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) - **Industry**: Diesel and gas generator manufacturing, heavy-duty truck export market Key Points and Arguments Weichai Power - **Diesel Generator Business**: - Benefiting from demand growth in North America and China, with global demand expected to reach 44,000 units by 2028 - Anticipated market share of 11%-16%, translating to 5,000-7,000 units shipped - Projected profit from data center sector could reach 3.5-5 billion CNY, with total profit estimated at 4.5-6 billion CNY [1][3] - **Gas Generator Business**: - Strong growth prospects due to power shortages in North America - Estimated new power demand in the U.S. for AIDC is about 40-50 GW by 2028-2030 - If Weichai captures 20%-30% of the primary power market, total power could reach 1.6 GW by 2030, contributing approximately 3 billion CNY in revenue and 1-1.5 billion CNY in net profit, with a potential market value of 30 billion CNY [4] - **SOFC Business**: - Rapid development since 2018, with plans to reach 1 GW capacity by 2030 - Expected revenue of 10 billion CNY and net profit of about 2 billion CNY, corresponding to a potential market value of 50 billion CNY [5] - **Overall Financial Outlook**: - By 2025, non-electric energy business expected to contribute around 9.5 billion CNY in net profit, with heavy-duty truck industry accounting for 50%-60% - Overall net profit projected at 14-15 billion CNY, with energy sector contributing 20%-25% [6] China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) - **Export Performance**: - Leading heavy-duty truck exporter, with a projected export share of 45% in 2025 - Total exports expected to reach 365,000 units in 2025, a year-on-year increase of approximately 11%, with non-Russian exports growing by 46% [7][8] - **Profit Structure**: - Expected profit of 6.5-6.6 billion CNY in 2025, primarily from exports, followed by domestic parts and aftermarket services - Export profits estimated at 2,000-4,000 CNY per unit, contributing around 2.9 billion CNY to total profits [9] - **2026 Performance Outlook**: - If exports reach 180,000 units, total profit could exceed 8 billion CNY - Positive trends in export orders with a year-on-year growth of 20%-30% expected [10] - **Future Market Valuation**: - Anticipated market value for CNHTC to exceed 100 billion CNY in 2026, with a current valuation of 12-13 times PE [11] Industry Trends - **Heavy-Duty Truck Market**: - Positive outlook for 2026, with expectations of sustained performance in non-Russian regions - Anticipated recovery in domestic demand, leading to stable or slightly increased sales [12] Additional Important Insights - Weichai Power's expansion plans and market share projections indicate a strong competitive position in both diesel and gas generator markets - CNHTC's export growth reflects a robust recovery and increasing demand in international markets, particularly outside of Russia - Both companies are positioned to benefit from macroeconomic trends, including energy shortages and infrastructure investments in their respective sectors

Summary of Weiming Environmental Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Weiming Environmental - **Industry**: Waste-to-energy and new materials Key Points Expansion into Indonesian Waste-to-Energy Market - Weiming Environmental is actively expanding into the Indonesian waste incineration market, benefiting from a presidential decree that clarifies the business model, including investments from the national sovereign fund, acquisition of electricity by power companies, and local government guarantees for waste supply, ensuring project scale effects and reducing payment risks [2][5] - The electricity price is locked at $0.2 per kWh for a 30-year period, with no waste disposal fees, leading to stable cash flow [2][5] - The first batch of waste incineration projects in Indonesia has an investment of approximately 1-1.4 billion RMB, higher than domestic projects, with the sovereign fund holding 30%-51% [2][6] - The projects are expected to start in Q1 2026, with bid results anticipated by the end of January or early February [2][6] Profitability and Market Potential - Indonesia's waste-to-energy potential is significant, with electricity generation per ton and grid electricity both exceeding levels in China, generating revenue of approximately 612-758 RMB per ton, far surpassing China's 170-280 RMB [2][8] - The market size is substantial, with annual operating revenue potentially reaching 30-40 billion RMB [2][8] - In 2023, Indonesia's waste generation is estimated at 56.63 million tons, with less than 40% managed through landfilling, highlighting the urgent need for waste incineration [7][8] New Materials Business Development - Weiming Environmental has initiated a new materials business, currently operating a 20,000-ton high-nickel production capacity, with plans to add another 20,000 tons in H1 2026 [2][9] - The company is collaborating with Bangpu to supply 24,000 to 48,000 tons of ternary precursor materials annually [2][9] Nickel Price and Profitability - The profitability of Weiming's high-nickel business is linked to nickel prices, with a current LME price of $18,000 per ton leading to a profit of approximately $2,760 per ton after costs [4][10] - Nickel prices have recently increased due to the Indonesian government's tightening of quotas, benefiting Weiming's smelting operations [4][11] - The company’s domestic waste incineration business has a stable capacity of 37,300 tons per day, contributing over 1.7 billion RMB in annual operating net profit [4][12] Financial Health and Valuation - Weiming Environmental has an overall debt-to-asset ratio of approximately 45%, indicating strong risk control capabilities [4][13] - The company's PE ratio is below 14 times based on 2026 earnings, suggesting it is undervalued, especially with upcoming contributions from new projects [4][14] Conclusion - Weiming Environmental is positioned for growth in both the Indonesian waste-to-energy market and its new materials business, with strong financial health and favorable market conditions supporting its expansion and profitability prospects [3][14]

Summary of Delton (001389.SZ) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Delton (001389.SZ) - **Industry**: PCB (Printed Circuit Board) - **Focus Areas**: Data centers, cloud computing, 5G communication, automotive, AI Key Points 1. Capacity Expansion - Delton is committed to expanding its capacity in mainland China and Thailand - The third factory in Guangzhou began construction in August 2025, focusing on Multi-layer PCB (MLPCB) and HDI, with mass production expected in Q4 2026 and revenue contributions in 2027 [3] - The Thailand factory started mass production in June 2025, projected to turn profitable by December 2025, and aims to fully ramp up phase 1 by the end of 2026, with the second stage contributing revenues in 2027 [3] 2. General Servers Outlook - Delton is a leading PCB supplier for general servers, serving major server brands and ODMs globally - General servers are currently the major revenue contributor, with an expected increase in AI PCB contributions - Global shipments of general servers are typically 3-5% YoY, but Delton anticipates double-digit shipment growth in 2026 due to strong orders and specification upgrades (e.g., from PCIE 5.0 to 6.0) [4] 3. AI Servers Outlook - Management is optimistic about expanding into AI servers, with the gross margin for AI server PCBs projected to be 5-6 percentage points higher than that for general servers - Delton aims to leverage its experience with Taiwan ODMs to penetrate the AI server PCB market, targeting leading US cloud service providers [8] 4. Market Growth Projections - The global AI server PCB total addressable market (TAM) is expected to grow at a 140% CAGR from 2025 to 2027, reaching approximately US$27 billion by 2027 [1] - This growth is driven by strong demand for high-end AI servers, PCB specification upgrades, and increased capital expenditure for accelerated expansion [1] Additional Insights - Delton's strategy includes enhancing its product mix to improve blended gross margins, indicating a focus on higher-value products in the AI segment [8] - The company is positioning itself to capture rising demand in the AI PCB market, which is becoming increasingly significant in the overall PCB landscape [2]

Summary of Weichuang Electric's Conference Call Company Overview - Weichuang Electric has established a strong position in the supply chain for Tesla by collaborating with Zhejiang Rongtai, securing its first four-cylinder order, and extending its reach into key module assembly and zero sales through joint ventures [2][3][11]. Core Industry Insights - The company specializes in control motors, demonstrating superior performance in heat dissipation and responsiveness, which has been validated through multiple iterations of testing with Tesla [2][3]. - Over the past five years, Weichuang Electric's industrial control business has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 30%, maintaining growth even during industry downturns due to overseas market expansion and product diversification [2][3][5]. - The industrial automation segment accounts for nearly 95% of the company's revenue, positioning it as a leading domestic enterprise capable of providing comprehensive industry solutions [2][5]. Key Developments and Strategies - Weichuang Electric has a comprehensive product layout covering control, drive, and execution, gradually evolving into a domestic leader in the industry [2][5]. - The company has been proactive in overseas market expansion, filling the market void left by Western brands in Russia during the Ukraine conflict and exploring emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America [2][6][7]. - Significant investments in R&D, with a spending rate exceeding 10%, have positioned the company as an industry leader in innovation [7]. Tesla Project Impact - The Tesla robot project is crucial for Weichuang Electric, as it supplies hand-related motors valued between 200 to 300 RMB each, with a total requirement of approximately 44 motors per robot, translating to a total value of around 8,000 to 10,000 RMB per unit [3][11]. - The company aims to expand its offerings to include joints, motors, and drivers, potentially increasing its average selling price (ASP) [3][11]. Market Conditions and Future Outlook - The industrial control market is showing signs of moderate recovery, with OEM markets improving and significant growth in renewable energy-related demand [3][15]. - The global market for industrial control products is expected to accelerate, particularly in high-end manufacturing sectors such as electronics and battery production [20]. - Weichuang Electric's integrated business is projected to generate revenues of 20 to 30 million RMB by 2025, with expectations of reaching close to 100 million RMB by 2026 [14]. Financial Projections and Investment Recommendations - Forecasted earnings for Weichuang Electric are expected to reach 280 million, 330 million, and 400 million RMB for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively [23]. - Given the company's strong industrial control business and advancements in the robotics sector, a target market capitalization of approximately 30 billion RMB is suggested based on a 2026 price-to-earnings ratio of 85 [23].

Summary of Conference Call on China Healthcare Services: Drug Chains Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the **pharmaceutical retail industry** in China, particularly focusing on **drug chains** and retail pharmacies [1][4]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Policy Support**: - Nine departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, issued opinions to promote high-quality development in the pharmaceutical retail industry, supporting consolidation and restructuring of retail pharmacies [1][2]. - This policy is expected to benefit leading players with scale and digital competence, allowing them to expand market shares through organic growth and M&A [1]. 2. **Implementation Timeline**: - The transition from policy announcement to actual implementation typically takes about one year, which may delay adjustments in earnings forecasts for pharmacy companies [2]. 3. **Market Recovery Indicators**: - The retail pharmacy sector is showing signs of recovery, with the total number of pharmacies increasing by **0.1% month-on-month in November 2025** and **2.5% in December 2025**, ending a 15-month contraction [3][8]. - Same-store sales growth (SSSG) has been positive year-on-year since May 2025, indicating a rebound in consumer spending [3][10]. 4. **Future Growth Expectations**: - For 2026, a combination of favorable policies and improving fundamentals is expected to drive leading pharmacy chains to outperform the broader industry in revenue growth [4]. - Buy ratings are reiterated for **Yifeng**, **Dashenlin**, and **LBX**, with projected earnings growth rates of **11.3%**, **13.9%**, and **21.2%** respectively [4]. Company-Specific Insights 1. **Yifeng Pharmacy**: - Target price set at **Rmb 34** based on a two-stage DCF valuation with a WACC of **8.5%** [33]. - Key risks include competition from e-commerce and regulatory changes [34]. 2. **LBX Pharmacy**: - Target price set at **Rmb 21** with similar valuation methodology as Yifeng [35]. - Risks include lower-than-expected store expansion and margin pressures [36]. 3. **Dashenlin**: - Target price set at **Rmb 24**, also based on a two-stage DCF valuation [37]. - Risks include competition from e-commerce and challenges in expanding market share outside Guangdong province [38]. Additional Important Information - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring the implementation of new policies and their impact on the market, as well as the potential for M&A activity in the sector [2][4]. - The data from Pharmcube indicates stable revenues in mass-market products, while premium TCM products and healthcare supplements are experiencing revenue declines [12]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and projections regarding the pharmaceutical retail industry in China, highlighting the potential for growth and the associated risks for leading pharmacy chains.

Summary of Victory Giant (300476.SZ) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Victory Giant (300476.SZ) - **Industry**: PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing, specifically for AI servers Key Points 1. Industry Demand and Competition - Management expresses a positive outlook on the competition landscape, noting that rising end demand for PCBs is significantly stronger than for AI chips due to the increasing complexity of AI server architectures, which require more capacity [2][1] - The entry of new competitors is anticipated; however, the rising barriers to entry and strong demand are expected to mitigate any adverse effects on pricing or gross margins [2][1] 2. Capacity Expansion Plans - Victory Giant is committed to expanding its production capacity, aiming for a tripling of overall production value by 2026 and at least mid-double-digit growth in 2027 [3][1] - The recognition of revenue from increased capacity may take 4-5 quarters due to the need for equipment adjustments and ramping up production [3][1] - The main production sites will remain in mainland China, with a new facility in Thailand expected to start production in 2026, ahead of a facility in Vietnam [3][1] 3. Client Base Diversification - The company is expanding its client base to include multiple AI ASIC server clients, leveraging its leading position with global GPU AI server clients [8][1] - Clients are increasingly favoring technology leaders with strong R&D capabilities for co-designing products to meet specific requirements [8][1] 4. Market Growth Projections - The global PCB and CCL (Copper Clad Laminate) market for AI servers is projected to reach USD 27 billion and USD 19 billion by 2027, respectively, indicating CAGRs of 140% and 178% from 2025 to 2027 [1][1] - PCB shipments are expected to grow by 69% CAGR to 2.5 million square meters by 2027, while CCL shipments are projected to increase by 72% CAGR to 78 million sheets [1][1] - Average Selling Prices (ASPs) for PCBs and CCLs are anticipated to rise by 42% and 62% CAGRs, respectively, supporting overall market growth [1][1] 5. Financial Projections and Valuation - A 12-month price target of RMB 550 is set, based on a target P/E multiple of 26.3x 2027E EPS [9][1] - Key risks include slower-than-expected ramp-up in AI server shipments, delays in PCB specification upgrades, and intensified market competition [9][1] 6. Financial Metrics - Projected revenues for 2026 are expected to reach RMB 36.8 billion, with EBITDA of RMB 12.9 billion [10][1] - The company maintains a strong financial position with a net debt to EBITDA ratio expected to improve significantly by 2027 [10][1] Additional Insights - The management's focus on high-efficiency production sites is crucial for meeting the latest model delivery requirements, particularly in the context of AI server specifications [3][1] - The strategic emphasis on R&D and technology leadership is likely to enhance client relationships and secure competitive advantages in the evolving market landscape [8][1]

Summary of Haoshi Electromechanical Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Haoshi Electromechanical - **Industry**: Electromechanical and Robotics Key Points and Arguments Revenue and Growth Projections - Haoshi Electromechanical expects total revenue to reach **2.6 billion yuan** in 2026, with various business segments contributing to this growth: - PCB business is projected to grow by **300 million yuan** - Linear guide rail business will increase by **100 million yuan** due to the new factory in Hunan - Turntable business will benefit from Apple’s dual-foldable screen demand, adding **100 million yuan** - Industrial robots and harmonic reducers are expected to contribute an additional **150 million yuan** - The industrial mother machine sector is anticipated to grow by **1 billion yuan**, maintaining a net profit margin of **13%-15%** and a net profit of approximately **300 million yuan**, achieving a doubling of performance compared to 2025 [2][15] Equipment Investment and Capacity Expansion - In the second half of 2025, Haoshi Electromechanical will procure equipment worth over **100 million yuan**, expected to be operational by **February to March 2026**, increasing PCB production capacity from **300 million yuan** to **600 million yuan** [5] Market Demand and Pricing Strategy - Due to strong demand in the PCB sector, the company has received full-year orders and implemented a price increase policy of approximately **5%-10%** [7] - The limited number of companies capable of rapid bulk delivery globally supports this pricing strategy [7] Direct Supply to Major Clients - Haoshi Electromechanical supplies turntables directly to clients such as **BOWEN Optics**, **Lens Technology**, **Kovision**, **Genesis**, and **Qiu Feng Intelligent**, rather than through OEMs, indicating a direct supply position in the industry chain [9] Commercial Aerospace Developments - The company is developing a liquid pressurization motor, expected to be delivered in the first half of 2026, valued at approximately **3 million yuan** per unit [10] - Collaboration with clients on a servo motor guidance system is anticipated to launch in **2027**, with a value of about **3 million yuan** per set, potentially reaching a total value of **10 million yuan** per rocket [10] Competitive Advantages - Haoshi Electromechanical has a **30%** price advantage over previous suppliers in the liquid pressurization motor and traditional motor valve sectors, enhancing its competitive position [11] Potential Client Expansion - The company is actively pursuing new clients, including **Zhongke Yihang**, with ongoing discussions and progress, although specific orders are not yet confirmed [12] Robotics Sector Progress - Significant breakthroughs in the harmonic reducer sector have positioned Haoshi Electromechanical as the only company in the APP industry chain, achieving small-scale sales exceeding **1 million yuan** [13] - Collaborations with companies like **New Thinker**, **Ruisheng**, and **GAC** are expected to drive sales growth in the robotics field [13] Satellite Business Strategy - The company has been providing satellite control systems and propulsion system components, generating stable annual revenue of around **20 million yuan**, with expectations to double this to **40 million yuan** in 2026 due to the growth of commercial aerospace [14] Overall Performance Expectations - For 2026, Haoshi Electromechanical anticipates overall revenue of approximately **2.6 billion yuan**, with a net profit of around **300 million yuan**, reflecting a significant increase from 2025 [15] Future Directions and Projects - The company is focusing on commercial aerospace as a key development direction and is considering capital operations to extend its business [17] - A new linear guide rail factory in Hunan is set to commence production in **March to April 2026**, marking a significant step in expanding production capacity [18]

Summary of Longking Environmental Conference Call Company Overview - Longking Environmental maintains a leading position in the flue gas treatment sector with a market share of approximately 30% [2][4] - The company is expanding into non-electric industries, benefiting from increased demand in thermal power, leading to a rise in order volume [2] Key Developments - Zijin Mining increased its stake in Longking Environmental to 33.76%, enhancing the company's long-term growth certainty and supporting its valuation [2][5] - The green energy business is the fastest-growing segment, with projects like the Lagocuo project showing good profitability and others expected to contribute significantly to EPS and ROE by 2026 and 2029 [2][6] Financial Performance - The company expects overall performance to exceed 1.7 billion RMB by 2027, achieving a compound growth rate of around 26% [3][16] - Core business in flue gas treatment shows stable performance with order volumes consistently above 10 billion RMB, holding nearly 20% market share in desulfurization and denitrification, and about 50% in dust removal [4] Emerging Business Areas - In the energy storage sector, the company has laid out 8.5 GWh of battery cells and a 2 GWh PAK system, expecting to turn losses into profits in the future [2][6] - Development of electric mining trucks is underway, with a significant agreement signed with Zijin Mining [7][12] - The company is also exploring new areas like wall-climbing robots, which could become potential growth points [7][14] Waste Management - The waste incineration business is being gradually divested, while hazardous waste treatment is improving through a commissioned operation model, which is expected to reduce losses and goodwill impairment risks [8][9] Future Outlook - Longking Environmental is well-positioned for future growth due to its stable core business, rapid expansion in green energy and storage, and the support from Zijin Mining's increased stake [10] - The company anticipates significant contributions from green energy projects to EPS and ROE, supporting valuation levels [10][16] - The financial outlook remains strong, with expected revenue growth and improved profitability driven by green energy initiatives [15][16] Investment Value - The company has a PEG ratio significantly below 1, indicating a high degree of investment certainty, making it an attractive option for new capital [3][17] - Despite a temporary decline in Q1 2025 due to order confirmation timing, the company is expected to recover and achieve substantial growth in subsequent quarters [17]

Summary of Luoyang Molybdenum Co., Ltd. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Luoyang Molybdenum Co., Ltd. (洛阳钼业) - **Industry**: Mining, specifically focusing on gold and copper production Key Points and Arguments Strategic Goals - **Gold Production Target**: The company aims to double its gold production capacity by 2030 through acquisitions, including the Odin Gold Mine in Ecuador and a gold mine in Brazil, which are expected to contribute over 20 tons of gold annually [2][3] - **Market Outlook**: The company is optimistic about gold prices and believes that the timing for acquisitions is favorable, as they are currently at a relative low point [2][5] Operational Improvements - **Management Enhancements**: Since the new management team took over, there has been a significant improvement in internal operations, particularly in cost control [2][6] - **Cost Management**: The current cost for the Brazilian gold project is approximately $2,200 to $2,400 per ounce, which the company considers competitive. They plan to implement cost-reduction measures to enhance project returns [4][9] Regional Advantages - **Brazil and Ecuador**: Both countries are supportive of mining investments, with favorable tax policies and efficient regulatory environments. This has facilitated quick project completions, such as the rapid acquisition of the Brazilian project [8][9] Resource Acquisition Strategy - **Copper and Gold Focus**: The company maintains a dual strategy focusing on both copper and gold resources, with ongoing evaluations of potential acquisitions in South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia [4][12][16] - **Long-term Planning**: The company aims to keep costs below 50% of the industry cost curve for all new acquisitions, ensuring sustainable cash flow regardless of market price fluctuations [18][19] Financial Strategies - **CDR Issuance**: The issuance of Chinese Depository Receipts (CDRs) is intended to capitalize on favorable market conditions and strong stock performance, with proceeds aimed at supporting new project developments and acquisitions [15] Challenges and Opportunities - **Global Market Dynamics**: The company acknowledges challenges posed by geopolitical factors, such as the U.S. re-engagement in the Western Hemisphere and increased competition for critical minerals. However, they believe these dynamics also present opportunities to maximize value during commodity cycles [14] Future Outlook - **Project Updates**: While the focus is currently on the Brazilian project, updates on the Ecuadorian gold project will be provided in future reports [11] - **Copper Resource Plans**: The company is actively seeking world-class copper assets to expand its project portfolio and long-term reserves [19] Additional Important Information - **Management Structure**: The new management team is working on a stock incentive plan, which is still in development but expected to be implemented soon [13] - **Operational Synergies**: The integration of the seller's Brazilian regional headquarters with Luoyang Molybdenum's existing team is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs [7]

Summary of TaxFriend Co., Ltd. Conference Call Company Overview - TaxFriend Co., Ltd. focuses on the B-end market, providing tax and financial SaaS products to small and micro enterprises and accounting agencies, enhancing efficiency through AI technology [2][3] - The company offers services such as intelligent invoice management and tax calculation to meet diverse enterprise needs [2] Core Business and Development - TaxFriend has three main business segments: 1. Traditional government (G-end) projects, including significant tax bureau projects 2. B-end SaaS services for small enterprises and accounting agencies 3. High-value tax compliance projects for executives, combining AI agents with expert guidance [3] - The company has seen a stable growth in revenue from 2021 to 2024, although AI investments have caused profit fluctuations [7] Market Demand and AI Integration - There is a strong demand for tax services among small and micro enterprises, which often struggle with compliance and cost [9] - TaxFriend's AI technology automates processes like voucher entry and report generation, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs [9][12] - The AI agent's operational efficiency is over 10 times that of traditional accounting, with an accuracy rate exceeding 90% and a 60% reduction in labor costs [12][13] User Growth and Financial Projections - As of the end of 2024, TaxFriend has over 112,741 basic compliance users and approximately 2,000 advanced compliance users, with the latter receiving more comprehensive tax planning services [11] - The company forecasts revenues of approximately 2.256 billion, 2.9 billion, and 3.5 billion for 2025-2027, with net profits of 175 million, 363 million, and 559 million respectively [4][18] Competitive Advantages - TaxFriend has a unique advantage in the tax field, particularly in its focus on tax SaaS products compared to competitors like Yonyou and Kingdee [15] - The high switching costs for clients contribute to a strong customer retention rate [15] Challenges and Future Directions - SaaS companies face challenges of high gross margins alongside high expenses; however, AI can help mitigate these costs [16] - The company plans to continue optimizing AI technology and expanding innovative business areas to meet diverse customer needs while controlling R&D expense growth [10] Market Outlook - The small and micro enterprise market is expected to reach 390.7 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of approximately 74.9% from 2023 to 2028 [17] - The G-end business shows potential for growth due to increasing regulatory scrutiny, leveraging the company's extensive data accumulation over 20 years [17] Investment Considerations - Investors should focus on growth opportunities in the B-end market, particularly among small enterprises and innovative business clients, while being mindful of risks such as market competition and technology updates [18][19]