生物安全法案大概率立法失败，看好估值修复

药明康德(603259)
    当地时间12月7日，美国参议院和众议院军事委员会对外公布了经两院委员会最终协商后的2025财年国防授权法案（National Defense Authorization Act，以下简称NDAA）文本。该法案有待美国总统签字后生效。生物安全法案（BiosecureAct，编号S.3558/H.R.8333）并没有被纳入2025财年NDAA的修正案中，这意味着生物安全法案试图通过加入NDAA的立法路径失败。生物安全法案仍可以推进单独立法，但考虑到仅剩两周窗口期，我们认为单独立法的成功率极低。长期来看，我们看好公司在全球医药研发产业链中将保持强大的竞争优势，维持稳定的市场份额。此外，我们预期随着全球生物医药融资复苏，公司的订单持续快速增长，多肽业务高速增长，驱动业绩修复。（药明康德深度报告链接）
    25财年NDAA不包含生物安全法案，生物安全法案大概率立法失败。12月7日，经参众院协商的最终版本NDAA公布，其中不包含生物安全法案。我们认为这反映出了生物安全法案在美国国会立法进程存在阻力。现为美国参议院国土安全委员会高级成员（ranking member）的Rand Paul是今年3月份该委员会对生物安全法案进行小范围投票时唯一投反对票的议员。Rand Paul将在明年担任参议院国土安全委员会主席。关于该方案的单独立法路径，众议院在9月9日投票通过了生物安全法案（H.R.8333），目前仍待参议院全体投票，以及总统签署才可完成立法流程。本届国会的会议期限仅剩余两周，我们认为窗口期很短，单独立法成功率极低。
    预计公司仍将在中长期保持全球化学药CDMO领先地位，海外同行较难超越。我们整理了30家位于欧洲、美国和印度的从事API和化学药CDMO业务的公司情况，发现这些公司在收入体量和产能投入上显著落后于药明康德。印度专门从事API和化学药CDMO的公司大多提供大宗和特色原料药，对于创新药领域的涉足相对有限。与药明康德相比，印度同行公司的研发团队规模很小。欧洲的制药工业基础较好，区域内有众多历史悠久的化学药CDMO公司。但欧洲的化学药CDMO企业偏重制剂业务。同时，他们的产能主要分布在中欧和西欧地区，导致人工成本高于药明康德。
    看好全球生物医药融资复苏，拉动订单快速增长。由于海外生物医药融资的复苏以及MNC药企研发投入的韧性，药明康德的订单已经反映了海外客户需求的增长。公司截至9月底的在手订单同比增长35%，其中TIDES订单同比增长196%。我们预计，随着美国降息周期持续，全球生物医药融资有望持续复苏，拉动公司订单快速增长。
    维持买入评级。上调药明康德目标价至78.51元（WACC：9.42%，永续增长率：2.0%），以反映法案的不确定性降低以及在手订单增长带来的业绩复苏。我们预计公司在2024E/25E/26E收入同比变化-3.6%/+11.4%/+13.6%，经调整non-IFRS净利润同比变化-3.9%/+11.9%/+15.5%

双靶点GLP1/GIP创新药未来可期；首予买入

博瑞医药(688166)
    原料药和制剂业务稳定增长。公司贯彻执行原料药与制剂一体，仿制药与创新药结合的策略，聚焦于首仿、难仿、特色原料药、复杂制剂和原创性新药。公司以特色原料药及医药中间体为起点，并不断向下游制剂领域延伸。随着原料药和制剂产品数量的增加，公司的收入体量呈现快速增长趋势。2023年，公司实现营业收入11.80亿元，同比增长15.9%。2024年前三季度，收入同比增长6.8%至9.77亿元。公司的制剂产品持续丰富。截至2024年9月公司累计有16款制剂获批上市。2024年上半年，公司实现制剂产品收入1.10亿元，同比增长30.4%；制剂产品收入占产品销售收入的比例进一步提升至17.9%。
    未来公司重点布局复杂制剂和创新药。公司重视产品研发，随着业务的增长，公司持续加大研发投入。2023年公司的研发费用为2.49亿元，同比增长20.1%，研发费用占营业收入的21.1%。公司未来业务的重点将投向吸入剂、GLP-1类药物等复杂制剂及原创性新药。2024年上半年，创新药及吸入制剂合计研发投入占公司研发费用的53.0%，同比增长105.3%。公司自主研发的多肽类降糖和减重用BGM0504注射液目前已经进入三期临床阶段，长效多肽靶向偶联药物BGC0228目前已完成临床一期试验。
    BGM0504减重和降糖数据优异，已启动减重三期临床。BGM0504是公司自主研发的GLP-1/GIP受体双重激动剂，在国产周制剂中处于第一梯队。BGM0504在减重二期临床中，15mg剂量组治疗24周呈现出18.5%的安慰剂调整后的体重下降，在主流GLP-1类品种中具有显著的竞争优势。公司已启动BGM0504的三期减重临床，BGM0504减重适应症在美国的IND已获批，现已完成首例入组。在针对糖尿病的二期临床中，BGM0504单药展现出十分亮眼的疗效数据和安全性，经过12周治疗，最高剂量15mg组患者HbA1c较基线的平均降幅达2.76%，跨研究比较显著优于其他竞品，如替尔泊肽、司美格鲁肽等。BGM0504针对糖尿病的三期临床预计待获得伦理批件后将很快启动。中国GLP-1药物的研发竞争激烈，双靶点创新药具有升级迭代的优势。BGM0504在国产GLP-1/GIP双激动剂中处于第一梯队，具有先发优势。我们看好该产品在肥胖和糖尿病适应症的潜力，期待三期临床的推进。
    首次覆盖给予买入评级，目标价44.21元。我们预测公司营业收入将保持稳定增长，2024-2026年收入分别同比增长9.6%/11.5%/14.5%至12.9亿/14.4亿/16.5亿元。公司的创新品种BGM0504于2027年获批上市后，公司的营业收入增长有望进一步加速。我们预测2024-2026年，公司将分别录得2.0亿/2.3亿/2.9亿元的净利润，同比增速分别为13.7%/16.3%/27.9%。基于折现现金流模型，我们给予公司目标价44.21元（WACC:13.2%，永续增长率:2.0%）。

投资者日要点：国之重器，扬帆出海

联影医疗(688271)
    联影医疗于11月8日举行投资者日，介绍了公司的全球化业务布局，包括海外业务拓展，全球科研合作以及海外运营体系打造等。公司首次展示了先进的自研超声平台及样机。公司的超声产线旨在实现临床场景的全覆盖，包括中端系列、超高端系列、便携系列和无线掌超，涵盖全身、心脏、妇产和介入等领域。公司的超声系列产品已临近上市，正与多所国内顶尖医院开展合作，目标走向全球市场。
    高举高打海外战略成效显著，持续突破海外高端市场。凭借强劲的创新能力、比肩全球一流水平的产品力，年初至今，公司的各类高端机型已成功在全球超40个国家签单或装机近300台，覆盖欧美及拉美、非洲、中东、亚太等市场，涉及产品包括uCT960+、uMR Omega、MI、RT等。截至第三季度末，公司销售渠道已覆盖超75个国家，海外装机总数约2,700台。我们预计2024年底，公司海外装机总数有望超过3,000台。
    科研合作驱动创新研发，助力拓展全球市场。科研合作是联影医疗全球化发展的独特名片。公司与全球顶级临床科研专家合作共创，研发行业的领先技术，并提升公司在国际市场的品牌形象和专业认知。例如，公司与耶鲁大学、UC Davis合作研发的全球首款数字化脑专用PET/CT NeuroEXPLORER(NX)，其扫描得到的大脑图像荣获美国核医学与分子影像学会“2024年度最佳影像”。公司与UTHealth合作，把传统基于二维的PET-CT心脏图像拓展到三维，并实现车载应用，不仅提高了心脏成像的分辨率，也助推公司在美国市场实现从高端学术研究机构到广泛地区的延展。全美最大的车载心脏PET集团CII已从公司采购超13台PET设备。我们认为，持续深入的全球科研合作是公司长期保持技术领先和产品创新的重要动力之一，也为公司贯彻高举高打的出海战略奠定坚实基础。
    全球化生产布局，锻造全球供应链韧性。公司打造了全面的核心零部件自主生产研发能力，具备显著的成本优势和技术壁垒，打破供应链“卡脖子”瓶颈。同时，公司加速全球生产布局和海外供应链网络建设，以应对地缘政治挑战。目前，公司在美国休斯敦的生产基地年产能可达超500台/套，并初步计划在2025-27年在东南亚和拉美等区域建设生产基地。公司持续优化全球物流交付和海外备件库网络，已建成29个海外备件库（含中国香港），在建海外备件库共6个。极具韧性的全球供应链和生产网络，高效的全球物流和售后服务能力是公司快速全球化发展的基石。
    维持买入评级。我们预期国内公立医院招标活动将从四季度开始强势复苏，公司海外收入持续快速增长，看好公司业绩修复弹性。我们认为，公司超声产品线即将推出，为长期业绩增长再添重要动力。基于9年的DCF模型，维持162.81元人民币的目标价（WACC：8.3%，永续增长率：4.0%）。

LT growth intact; D/G to HOLD as the company goes through business model transformation

卓胜微(300782)
    Maxscend released its3Q24results.Revenue declined by23%YoY/1%QoQto RMB1.1bn,driven by a weaker seasonality as smartphone demand is notshowing strong recovery.NP declined by84%YoY/55%QoQ to RMB71mn,mainly due to GPM erosion(down4.3ppts sequentially to37.1%)on1)fabramp-up,2)an unfavorable product mix towards higher module shipments,and3)USD/RMB FX impacts.NPM dropped to6.6%from14.3%/32.1%in2Q24/3Q23on lower GPM,higher R&D costs(up66%YoY)and assetimpairment loss.Although Maxscend’s LT growth prospects remain intact,wedowngrade the stock to HOLD on ST pain from business transformation(fabless to fab-lite)that weighs on profitability.TP adjusted to RMB86,corresponding to45x2025E P/E(vs.44.5x before).
    Unlike a usual peak season in3Q(40%QoQ growth pre-pandemic in3Q18/19and48%QoQ in3Q23),quarterly sales were flattishsequentially(-1%),showing a weak market demand.Although we haveexpected weakness would be a drag to3Q24sales,top-line growth was stillbelow our/BBG consensus by21%/24%.Therefore,we revise down our2024/25E revenue forecasts by8%/7%,with FY24/25E revenue growthadjusted to4.7%/23%YoY.
    Module business to be the key driver of future growth.In9M24,Maxscend saw module revenue contribution increase(43%est.of sales vs.36%in2023)to~RMB1.4bn.We expect module share to increase furtherto49%/55%in2024/25E,as we believe modulization in RFFE industry hasbecome a mainstream trend providing a more integrated solution.
    GPM is expected to recover to40%+in2H25.We expect margin to faceongoing challenges in the next2-3quarters,due to capacity ramp-up atXinzhuo and utilization not yet achieving the optimized level(slow recoveryin demand).The margin headwind may persist at least into1H25as thecompany continues to transfer products fabrication to its own production line(est.RMB137mn depreciation in4Q24E and a total of RMB550mn in2024Eper mgmt.).We cut GPM estimates by1.9ppt/1.1ppt for2024/25E.
    Downgrade to HOLD,with adj.TP at RMB86,based on45x2025E P/E(close to peers’avg.of~41x2025E P/E).We believe Maxscend mustendure the trials of transformative business model shift through challengesbefore shining bright again on the global stage.Key upside risks:1)faster-than-expected recovery in demand and share expansions and2)depreciation’s less severe impacts on margins;key downside risks:1)slower-than-expected capacity ramp-up,2)weak recovery in demand,and3)escalating geopolitical tensions.

Anticipating a rapid rebound in domestic business

联影医疗(688271)
    United Imaging’s 9M24 revenue declined by 6.4% YoY to RMB6,954mn, with 3Q24revenue down by 25.0% YoY to RMB1.6bn. This downturn was primarily due to achallenging domestic market environment, marked by stringent industry regulationsand delays in equipment renewal projects. Attributable net profit in 9M24 decreasedby 36.9% YoY to RMB671mn, with net profit margin falling by 4.7 ppts. Despitethese near-term challenges, United Imaging maintained its R&D expenditures andactively pursued expansion in international markets, which impacted profitability inthe third quarter. Looking forward, as the implementation of equipment renewalprojects has gradually picked up pace, United Imaging's revenue and net profitmargins are expected to significantly improve in 2025E, in our view.
    Robust overseas growth momentum. In 9M24, United Imaging’s overseasrevenue grew 36.5% YoY to RMB1,404mn, accounting for 20.2% (+6.35 ppts)of total revenue. This accelerated growth continued into the third quarter, withrevenues increasing by 51.7% YoY to RMB471mn. Strong performances werenoted across North America, the Asia-Pacific region, and emerging markets. AsUnited Imaging continues to enhance its overseas localization and servicecapabilities, we believe it is poised to strengthen its global competitiveness,better navigate geopolitical challenges, and sustain rapid growth internationally.
    Strong growth in recurring revenue. In 9M24, revenue from maintenanceservices increased by 27.3% YoY to RMB967mn, accounting for 13.9% (+3.7ppts) of the total revenue. With a global installed base now exceeding 31,000units, United Imaging's service revenue contribution remains lower comparedto global industry leaders like GE Healthcare (32.9% in 2023) and Philips(27.7% in 2023). However, with the expanding installed base and an enhancedglobal service network, we expect United Imaging’s recurring revenue tocontinue its rapid increase, offering resilience against industry fluctuations.
    Medical equipment renewal projects set to materialize. Mgmt. has notedthat medical equipment renewal projects began implementation in earlyOctober, with multiple procurement activities underway. Additionally, somepreviously delayed equipment procurements, halted due to policy uncertainties,have now restarted. These developments lay the foundation for a recovery inUnited Imaging’s domestic business in 4Q24 and 2025. However, due tostringent industry regulations, the procurement process has become moreprotracted. The installation and revenue recognition timelines for largeequipment are also relatively long. Consequently, the positive impact of thisprocurement rebound is expected to be primarily reflected in 2025, in our view.
    Maintain BUY. We expect hospital procurement to recover from 2025 and weare optimistic about the Company's long-term growth potential driven by thecontinued import substitution and strengthened global competitiveness.Therefore, we revise up the terminal growth rate forecast from 3.0% to 4.0%.Based on a 9-year DCF model, we adjust the target price to RMB162.81(WACC: 8.3%, terminal growth rate: 4.0%).

Expect domestic business to rebound from 2025

迈瑞医疗(300760)
    Mindray reported9M24revenue of RMB29.5bn,up by8.0%YoY.Attributable netprofit increased by8.2%YoY to RMB10.6bn.Revenue in3Q24grew by1.4%YoY to RMB9.0bn while attributable net profit decreased by9.3%YoY toRMB3.1bn.The slowdown in revenue growth can primarily be attributed tolackluster procurement activities in domestic public hospitals and weakeneddemand for IVD testing,particularly in lower-tier hospitals.Consequently,Mindray's domestic revenue fell by9.7%YoY in3Q24.Additionally,GPM in3Q24decreased by4.8pcts QoQ due to updates in accounting guidelines.
    Domestic market remained under pressure,although signs of recoveryin procurement are emerging.1)IVD:Domestic revenue grew by17%YoYin9M24.Nationwide DRG implementation had a negative impact on thediagnosis demand in lower-tier hospitals which were the main contributors toMindray's domestic IVD revenue.To counter act this,Mindray activelyexpanded its IVD business into top hospitals through its TLA and IT solutions.We expect Mindray to install over150TLAs in2024E.2)MIS:Domesticrevenue grew by over10%YoY in9M24driven by the strong volume ramp-up of ultra-high-end Resona A20ultrasound system.3)PMLS:Domesticrevenue decreased by28%YoY in9M24.The decline was influenced by
    environment.However,with accelerated issuance of special bonds,andstronger government support to address local debt issues,we expectdomestic equipment demand to recover in2025E.
    Healthy growth in overseas business.In3Q24,Mindray’s overseasrevenue increased by18.6%YoY with strong performances in Europe(+29%YoY),APAC(+32%YoY)and LatAm(+25%YoY),although there was someweakness in the US market.Driven by breakthroughs in medium-to-largevolume labs,Mindray’s overseas IVD revenue increased by32%YoY in9M24,accounting for28%of total overseas revenue.Mindray hasaccelerated its overseas localization efforts.As of3Q24,Mindray launchedlocal manufacturing in9countries,8of which are related to IVD.Additionally,emerging businesses such as minimally invasive surgery(+50+%YoY),AED(+50+%YoY)and animal medical(+30+%YoY)grew significantly in9M24.These emerging businesses contributed over10%to Mindray’s overseasrevenue.We expect IVD and emerging businesses to become the primarygrowth drivers for Mindray’s overseas businesses.
    Maintain BUY.We lowered our earnings forecasts with target price adjustedto RMB328.81(WACC:9.3%,terminal growth rate:3.0%).

Solid Q3 earnings signal intact growth trajectory

北方华创(002371)
    Naura announced 3Q24 results. Q3 revenue was RMB8.0bn, up 30.1% YoYand 23.8% QoQ, driven by significant growth in semiconductor equipment sales(up 47.0% in 9M24). NP was RMB1.7bn, up 55.0% YoY and 1.7% QoQ. GPMwas 42.3%, up 5.9ppts from 3Q23 but declined 5.1ppts sequentially, mainly dueto 1) higher photovoltaic (PV) equipment sales that had a lower GPM and 2)seasonal fluctuations in gross margins of semiconductor equipment business.Overall, Q3 was a solid quarter with robust revenue and net profit growth.Maintain BUY, with TP adjusted to RMB426, reflecting 30x rollover 2025EP/E (vs. prev. 35.8x).
    9M24 results showed Naura is on track with stellar growth. 9M24revenue grew 39.5% YoY, benefiting from continuously strong sales ofdomestic semiconductor equipment (up 47.0% YoY in 9M24) due to China’ssemi localization trend. 2025E bookings remain a key focus for mostinvestors but have not been announced yet (2024 bookings wereannounced in Jan, 2024). We maintain our sales growth forecasts for2024/25E at 39.7%/26.5% YoY.
    Margin decreased 5.1ppts QoQ in 3Q24, a similar seasonality observedin 3Q23 (down 7.0ppts) in addition to a negative impact from increased PVequipment sales. We revise down our 2024/25E GPM forecast by1.3ppts/1.1ppts to reflect the seasonality trend in 2024/25E, but we expectGPM to continue its upward trend (43.7%/44.3%) in 2024/25E on afavourable product mix. We slightly lower our NP forecasts by 3%/4% in24/25E considering continued investments in R&D.
    Maintain BUY with TP adjusted to RMB426, based on 30x rollover2025E P/E, close to its historical 2-year forward P/E. New TP also reflects1.0x PEG. Potential risks include 1) worsening China-US trade relations, 2)heightened geopolitical tensions, 3) slower-than-expected R&D.

3Q results review: Solid revenue growth with lower margin

深南电路(002916)
    Shennan Circuit released its 3Q24 results. Revenue went up 37.9% YoY/8.5%QoQ to RMB4.73bn, beating Bloomberg consensus by 19.7%. Net profit rose15.3% YoY but declined 17.6% QoQ. GPM declined to 25.4% QoQ in 3Q24from 27.1%/23.4% in 2Q24/3Q23. Mgmt. attributed this to 1) higher salescontribution from lower margin PCBA business (GPM at c.15%), 2) Guangzhoufactory ramp-up suppressed substrate margin, and 3) high copper price (avg.copper price in 3Q24 was ~US$9.9k/t), and increased auto sales weighed onPCB’s profitability. NPM declined 3.3ppts sequentially to 10.6%. MaintainHOLD on Shennan with TP adjusted to RMB115, reflecting 27x 2025E P/E(vs. prev. 30.8x), closed to its 3-yr avg. historical forward P/E.
    PCB GPM erosion on higher material costs and greater auto PCBsales. By end market, telecom remained the largest market with c.40% ofsegment sales in 3Q24. Aside from telecom, datacom/auto/industrial &medical/energy markets contributed ~20%/13%/10%/5% of PCB revenue.GPM declined QoQ due to 1) increasing material costs (i.e., FR4) and 2)auto PCB growth, which has a relatively lower margin than other products.Mgmt. highlighted relatively high utilization rate (~90%) from AI-related PCBproduction, while that of non-AI production remained at between 85-90%.Looking forward, we expect PCB revenue to grow at 11% in 2025E.
    Strong growth in PCBA sales offset substrate weakness. We think thebeat in 3Q revenue is mainly due to higher-than-expected PCBA sales,which weighed on margin (down 1.7% sequentially). Substrate businesscontinued to be weak in 3Q due to challenging demand, especially in theconsumer electronics market. Substrate (excl. Guangzhou factory)utilization rate maintained at level of c.70%. For Guangzhou factory, mgmt.mentioned mass production capability for sub-16 layered PCB products thathave been shipped to a few domestic clients. Looking forward, we expectsubstrate revenue to grow at 7% in 2025E.
    Maintain HOLD, with TP adjusted to RMB115, based on 27.0x rollover2025E P/E, closed to 3-yr avg. historical forward P/E. We revise up our2024/25E revenue forecasts by 9%/3%, reflecting higher-than-expectedPCBA sales. EPS was up by 7% for 2024E but remained unchanged for2025E, considering ongoing margin pressure. Potential risks include: 1)weaker-than-expected demand recovery, 2) slower product certification atclients, and 3) slower capacity ramp-up.

Earnings recovery underway

药明康德(603259)
    WuXi AppTec reported 3Q24 revenue of RMB10.46bn, slightly down 2.0% YoY,and attributable adjusted non-IFRS net profit of RMB2.97bn, down 3.2% YoY.Total non-COVID revenue and non-COVID Chemistry revenue growth reboundedto 14.6% YoY and 26.4% YoY, respectively, in 3Q24. Despite the challenginggeopolitical environment, mgmt. reiterated its revenue guidance of RMB38.3-40.5bn for 2024, indicating 2.7%~8.6% YoY non-COVID revenue growth.Additionally, mgmt. reiterated its commitment to maintaining an adjusted nonIFRS net profit margin consistent with the levels achieved in 2023.
    Strong global competitiveness led to fast order growth. As of 3Q24, WuXiAppTec's backlog climbed to RMB43.82bn, representing a YoY increase of35.3%, maintaining the encouraging momentum of 33.2% YoY growth(excluding COVID-19 commercial projects) in 1H24. The rapid backloggrowth signified the enduring trust that global clients place in WuXi AppTec'shigh-quality and efficient services. This is further evidenced by a robust 23.1%YoY rise in revenues from global Top 20 pharmaceutical companies in 9M24,a notable acceleration from the 11.9% growth observed in 1H24.Management has indicated that 80% of the backlog is expected to convertinto revenue within the next 12 to 18 months, providing strong earningsvisibility for WuXi AppTec in 4Q24 and throughout 2025, in our view.
    TIDES continues to exhibit strong growth. TIDES revenue grew by 71.0%YoY in 9M24, with the growth accelerating to 98.6% YoY in 3Q24. The TIDESbacklog as of 3Q24 saw a substantial YoY increase of 196%. In Jan 2024,WuXi AppTec expanded its peptide production capacity from 10k liters to 32kliters, with plans to expand to 41k liters by the end of 2024 and further to 100kliters by 2025. This ambitious expansion underscores WuXi AppTec'scommitment to meeting the rapidly growing global demand for peptideservices, positioning TIDES as the strongest growth driver for the Companythrough 2026.
    Overseas peers struggle to compete with Chinese chemical CDMOs inthe medium term. In our in-depth report published on 21 Oct 2024, weanalyzed the business fundamentals of 30 companies from Europe, the US,and India engaged in API and chemical CDMO services. The findings revealthat these companies significantly trail WuXi AppTec in terms of businessscale and capacity. Specifically, most Indian peers primarily offer bulk andspecialty APIs, with limited capabilities in supporting innovative drugs R&D.Meanwhile, European firms, despite having an established pharmaceuticalmanufacturing base with several well-known chemical CDMOs, tend to focusmore on formulation instead of API. Their manufacturing sites, primarilylocated in Central and Western Europe, face higher labor costs compared toWuXi AppTec, further disadvantaging them in the competitive market.
    Maintain BUY. Factoring in the positive trend of customer demand, we lift ourTP from RMB67.72 to RMB72.37 (based on a 10-year DCF model withWACC of 9.42% and terminal growth of 2.0%). We forecast revenue to growby -3.6%/ +11.4%/ +13.6% YoY and adjusted non-IFRS net income to growby -3.9%/ +11.9%/ +15.5% YoY in 2024E/ 25E/ 26E, respectively.

3Q24 net profit +38% YoY, beat expectations; US remains the most promising market

浙江鼎力(603338)
    Zhejiang Dingli’s (Dingli) EBIT in 3Q24 grew 20% YoY to RMB672mn, driven bya 38% revenue growth (YoY) that offset the 4.8ppt YoY decrease in gross margindue mainly to an exceptional high base in 3Q23. Reported net profit grew 38%YoY to RMB636mn, helped by an increase in net finance income (FX gains). Theresults suggest Dingli’s strong execution in expanding overseas. In the postresults call, management reiterated the strategy to focus on the US market, whereoutlook will remain the most promising in 2025E. In the near term, the antidumping (AD) results in the US (preliminary duties: down to 9.33% from 31.54%)and EU (from nil to 31.3%) could be released over the coming 1-2 months, whichshould help remove the overhang. We have left our earnings forecast unchanged.Maintain BUY with an unchanged TP of RMB75 (18x 2024E P/E, 1SD below thehistorical average of 31x).
    Full consolidation of CMEC in 3Q24. This is the first quarter with fullcontribution after the consolidation of CMEC, the major US subsidiary.Based on our understanding, revenue in the US was ~RMB1bn in 3Q24,with an estimated net margin of ~10%.
    US sales target unchanged. Dingli maintains the revenue target ofUS$500mn (~RMB3.5bn) in 2024E for the US market, which implies~RMB600mn potential sales in 4Q24E. Dingli believes that the incrementalimpact of a potential increase in tariffs in the case of Trump presidencyshould be manageable, as the reduction of anti-dumping duties couldmitigate the impact.
    Boom lift target overseas. Dingli targets to deliver a total of 6k units ofboom lifts overseas, including 2k units in the US (target unchanged).Overseas revenue from boom lifts will likely exceed scissors lifts for the fullyear, per our estimate.
    Product differentiation to mitigate the impact of AD duties in EU. Dingliexpects sales in Europe will be relatively stable this year. Dingli will continueto offer differentiated products to increase pricing power, which will enableit to partially pass through the AD duties to the downstream.
    Key risks: (1) Further intensified competition in China’s AWP market; (2) aslowdown of overseas demand; and (3) higher-than-expected anti-dumpingduties in the US and EU.

PCB outperformed CCL in 3Q; margin improved sequentially

生益科技(600183)
    Shengyi Tech announced3Q24results.Revenue was RMB5.1bn,up14.5%YoY but down1.7%QoQ,in-line with Bloomberg consensus.GPM was22.9%,up1.1ppts from2Q24,benefitting from favourable product mix and loweredmaterial costs.NP was RMB440mn,up27.8%YoY but down18.6%QoQ.NPMlowered to8.6%(vs.10.4%in2Q24).Bottom line missed Bloomberg consensusby26%,mainly due to SBC cost of RMB150mn(~2.9%of revenue).Lookingforward,we expect Shengyi’s revenue to grow at20%/16%YoY in2024/25E,with improved margin at22.1%/23.6%.Maintain BUY with adjusted TP atRMB28.75(vs.prev.RMB26.41),reflecting rollover25.5x2025E P/E,whichis closed to its3-yr historical forward P/E.
    PCB sales grew on strong AI demand.GPM recovered both YoY andQoQ.3Q24PCB revenue was RMB1.2bn,up49.3%YoY and10.8%QoQ.The growth was mainly driven by a significant rise(20.9%YoY in9M24)inserver revenue(42.5%of PCB sales).Overseas market outperformed with32.1%YoY sales increase.GPM recovered to24.9%from20.4%/14.2%in3Q23/2Q24,mainly on favourable revenue mix.NPM rose to7.5%vs.-3.4%/6.4%in3Q23/2Q24.We raise our projection for PCB sales by5%/1%for2024/25E,on quicker-than-expected ramp-up of related products for AIserver market.We expect the segment to grow at35%/20%in2024/25E.
    CCL revenue was up YoY but down QoQ(est.5-6%lower),likely onweaker-than-expected demand in non-AI market,which suppresses ASPrecovery.Margin slid sequentially,as copper price remained at its highs(avg.price in3Q24:~US$9.9k/t).But Shengyi managed to offset partialimpact of material cost headwinds with pre-procurement activities.However,this led to an8%QoQ increase(RMB365mn)in inventory.We cutour forecasts for CCL sales by8%/6%for2024/25E,on slower-than-expected market recovery.We expect the segment to grow at14%/15%in2024/25E.
    Maintain BUY with adjusted TP at RMB28.75.We slightly revised downour sales/NP estimates by4%/6%for2025E.New TP is based on25.5xrollover2025E P/E,which is close to its3-yr historical forward P/E.Potentialrisks include copper price volatility and weaker-than-expected demandrecovery.

3Q24 earnings below expectations due to margin contraction

恒立液压(601100)
    Hengli’s EBIT in 3Q24 dropped 6% YoY to RMB445mn, due to gross margincontraction of 1.9ppt YoY despite an 11% YoY increase in revenue. The margincontraction, which was due to lower utilisation rate based on our understanding,is slightly below our expectation. Reported net profit grew 6% YoY toRMB504mn, helped by increases in net finance income and other gains. We arestill positive on Hengli over the medium term, as (1) revenue contribution fromnon-excavator components continues to increase; (2) electric cylinders, ballscrews and linear motion will likely serve as new growth driver in 2025E. Thatsaid, we think the potential Trump presidency could be a risk in the near term,given the potential increase in tariff that might affect the upcoming exports fromthe new production base in Mexico to the US market. We therefore believebetter entry points may emerge after the election. We have left our earningsforecast unchanged. Our TP is also unchanged at RMB64, based on 31x 2024EP/E (historical average). Maintain BUY.
    Key highlights in 3Q24 results: Revenue in 3Q24 grew 11% YoY toRMB2.1bn. Gross margin contracted 1.9ppt YoY and 2.1ppt QoQ to 41%.Selling & distribution expense ratio was under good control (2.1%, -0.2pptYoY), while administrative and R&D expense ratio increased 2.9ppt YoY to17%. In 9M24, net profit slightly increased 2% YoY to RMB1.79bn,accounting for 65% of our full-year forecast (run rate in 9M23: 70%).
    Production plan in Oct: We understand that Hengli has scheduled aproduction volume of 42k units of hydraulic cylinders (for excavators) in Oct,down ~5% YoY. For non-standardized cylinders, the planned production inOct is expected to drop ~10% YoY to 17k units, due to the high base effect.On the positive side, scheduled production volume of small-sizepumps/valves has increased ~40%/~90% YoY in Oct.
    Risk factors: (1) further weakness in the demand for hydraulic componentsfor excavators; (2) slower-than-expected new business development; (3)potentially higher tariffs upon Trump presidency.

Both semi/ODM segments showed turnaround signals with sequential growth

闻泰科技(600745)
    Wingtech released3Q24results and we attended the mgmt.call.Q3revenue wasRMB19.6bn(a record quarterly revenue since2020),up28.7%YoY/12.9%QoQ,beating Bloomberg consensus by16%.GPM was11%vs.9.2%/9.7%in1Q/2Q24,beating consensus of10.5%.Net profit was RMB274mn,turningpositive after Q2loss(-RMB3mn).Both ODM and semiconductor segmentsachieved sequential growth in sales(15%/6%QoQ)and GPM(both up1.8ppt),suggesting the business gradually recovered from the cyclical trough.We reviseup EPS forecast for25/26E by22%/15%on further margin improvement.Maintain BUY with TP adjusted to RMB52,based on25x2025E P/E basedon0.5SD below1-yr historical forward P/E(previously23.5x reflecting1SDbelow)as we think the worst has passed for both segments and turningpoint is in near sight.
    Semiconductor sales grew on strong domestic auto demand andseasonal consumer electronics procurement;margin back to40%.3Qsemiconductor sales were RMB3.8bn(20%of3Q revenue),down4%YoYbut up6%QoQ.Revenue mix remained similar(vs.1H24),with autocontributing~60%.For3Q24,1)auto sales increased modestly,with mixedgrowth from domestic(strong)and overseas(weak);2)consumer electronicssales grew by double digits QoQ,driven by soaring computing demand andrecovering personal electronics restocking behaviour due to the upcomingholiday season;3)industrial/power/NE had weaker recovery with mild growthsequentially.Heading into Q4,we anticipate semiconductor sales to decline3%QoQ on seasonality,and Q4GPM to remain stable at40.5%.
    Legacy ODM grew with revenue structure improvement;net lossnarrowed.ODM sales was RMB15.7bn in3Q24(80%of3Q revenue),up46%YoY and15%QoQ.Within the segment,smartphone/tablet contributed~50%of revenue(vs.~100%previously).The rest came from homeappliances/auto/IoT sales.Smartphone/tablet business began to profit thisquarter,while home appliances profited for two consecutive quarters.GPMrose to3.8%(vs.2%in2Q24)due to higher ASP,lower BOM costs and betteroperating efficiency.Excluding FX impacts,net loss narrowed in Q3at lessthan RMB10mn vs.RMB42mn in Q2.We expect Q4ODM sales to slightlydecrease2%,a mixed impact from seasonality and platform transition.
    Maintain BUY,with TP adjusted to RMB52,based on25x2025E P/Ewhich is0.5SD below1-yr historical forward P/E as both segmentsindicate a turning point towards recovery.Potential risks include:slower-than-expected recovery in demand,heightened China-US trade relations,and unfavorable exchange rates.

3Q24 recovery on track; Poised to benefit from XR/TWS/gaming product launches in 2H24/FY25E

歌尔股份(002241)
    Goertek’s 3Q24 revenue/ net profit rose +2%/+138% YoY, exceeding previousmarket expectations. 3Q24 GPM lifted to 11.4% (-2.2 ppts QoQ/+1.2 ppts YoY),mainly due to improving efficiency and better scale effect. Looking into4Q24/FY25E, we expect Goertek’s earnings will continue to rebound givenimproving GPM YoY, prudent cost control and better AR/VR/gaming demandwith multiple product launches from major VR/AR players. We raised FY24-26EEPS estimates by 0-6% to reflect 3Q24 results, better operating leverage andexpense control. In the longer term, we believe Goertek is well-positioned tocapture opportunities in AR/VR product cycle from players such as Meta, Sony,Google, Samsung and Huawei. Maintain BUY with new TP of RMB27.39, basedon same 25x FY25E P/E.
    3Q24 above expectations on better efficiency and cost controls. 3Q24revenue/ net profit rose +2%/+138% YoY, beating market expectations,mainly driven by higher utilization, efficiency improvement and prudent costcontrols. We believe Goertek’s profitability recovery will continue into 4Q24Eand we estimate 4Q revenue/net profit will grow 36.3%/166.7% YoY,benefiting from the launch of Meta Quest 3S, AirPods 4 Series and otherARVR products.
    4Q24/2025 Outlook: Continued profitability recovery and sales growthfrom edge AI and wearable product launches. In addition to order recoveryof AirPods (after share loss in last two years) and product cycle of AirPods 4,we think Meta’s Quest 3S and upcoming Sony PS5 Pro will boost revenuegrowth in 4Q24/1H25E. Overall, we expect Goertek’s net profit to grow164%/30% YoY in FY24/25E.
    Maintain BUY. We think Goertek’s industry leadership and productroadmap in XR/acoustics/gaming segments will allow it to benefit fromindustry recovery and upcoming new XR/gaming console product cycle inFY24/25E. We lifted our FY25/26E EPS estimates by 6%/6% mainly forbetter wearable product revenue and operating efficiency. Our new TP ofRMB27.39 is based on same 25x FY25E P/E. Maintain BUY. Upcomingcatalysts include new XR/gaming product launches and continued marginrecovery.

Solid 3Q with intact near-term prospects; Maintain BUY

中际旭创(300308)
    Innolight released its3Q results.Revenue went up by115.2%YoY/9.4%QoQ,while net profit went up by104.4%YoY/3.3%QoQ,in-line with our expectations.Mgmt.attributed the slower sequential revenue growth(9.4%in3Q24vs.31.3%/23%in1Q/2Q24)to two main factors:1)supply chain bottlenecks of keycomponents(like DSPs&EMLs),and2)unfavorable fluctuations in the USD/RMBexchange rate during3Q.Excluding the impact of exchange rate movements,thecompany still achieved double-digit revenue growth in3Q.GPM remained steadyat33.3%in3Q24(vs.33.4%/33.5%in2Q24/3Q23),while NPM was21.4%(vs.22.7%/22.5%in2Q24/3Q23).We remain confident in the company’s growthtrajectory,driven by the ramp-up in400G/800G shipments and the upcomingproduction ramp-up of1.6T products.Maintain BUY,with an adjusted TP ofRMB186,reflecting26.9x rollover2025E P/E(previously30x2024E P/E).
    Sequential slowdown due to exchange rate and supply chain issues:The company highlighted that3Q performance was negatively impacted byunfavourable USD/RMB exchange rate fluctuations.Excluding this impact(~RMB100mn),the company still posted double-digit sequential growth,continuing the strong growth momentum seen in previous quarters.Additionally,supply chain challenges related to key components constrainedshipment growth,with mgmt.noting that order growth outpaced shipmentgrowth,contributing to the slower-than-expected sequential revenueincrease.
    Demand intact,400G/800G shipments to ramp through4Q24:Mgmt.reiterated strong demand for the company’s high-speed optical products,particularly400G&800G,which remain key growth drivers.Looking aheadto2025,the company expects faster adoption of800G products compared to400G as customers progress towards newer tech.Additionally,massshipments of1.6T products will begin in the coming months.Mgmt.emphasized strong demand from overseas hyperscalers,which contributedto over half of the company's400G/800G orders in2024..
    Price increases in the optical supply chain driven by AI demand:Therecent announcement(link)by Marvell(MRVL US,NR)of price hikes acrossits entire product line due to sustained AI-driven demand could lead to higherraw material costs for Innolight.However,we believe the company is well-positioned to mitigate these impacts by passing on price increases to itscustomers,given the strong demand for its products that gives company thebargaining power.
    Maintain BUY,with TP adjusted to RMB186,corresponding to rollover26.9x2025E P/E,the same as its5-year historical avg.The stock iscurrently trading at22.5x2025E P/E.Risks:1)China-US trade tensions,2)rising raw material costs,and3)weaker-than-expected ramp-up speed.

地缘政治扰动有限，业绩企稳复苏

药明康德(603259)
    美国众议院在当地时间2024年9月9日投票通过了《生物安全法案》（法案编号H.R.8333）。我们在9月12日发布报告，认为即使法案通过，可能仅影响极少部分政府资助的项目，公司的美国业务有望维持基本稳健。此外，我们认为药明康德相比印度和欧美的化学药CDMO公司积累了显著的产能优势，预计海外同行中期内不太可能承接中国化学药CDMO行业的产能。基于公司快速增长的在手订单，特别是多肽业务的强劲增长趋势，以及美联储降息趋势下医药融资的恢复，我们认为公司盈利有望复苏。
    生物安全法案预计影响有限。我们认为，众议院版本的议案限制美国政府机构以及接受美国政府补贴或者贷款的实体从相关中国公司采购商品或者服务，这大概率对药明康德的业务影响范围有限，并且议案内具有允许现有合同执行至2032年的“祖父条款”。虽然法案在众议院获得通过，但其中49%的民主党议员未投赞成票，包括36%的反对票，因此我们预计生物安全法案在民主党主导的参议院将面临更大的阻力。同时，参议院和众议院在年内剩余的投票窗口期很短，单独立法有一定概率无法完成。
    预计海外同行中期内无法承接中国化学药CDMO行业的产能。我们整理了30家位于欧洲、美国和印度的从事API和化学药CDMO业务的公司情况，发现这些公司在收入体量和产能投入上显著落后于药明康德。印度专门从事API和化学药CDMO的公司大多提供大宗和特色原料药，对于创新药领域的涉足相对有限。与药明康德相比，印度相关企业的研发团队规模很小。欧洲的制药工业基础较好，区域内有众多历史悠久的化学药CDMO公司。但欧洲的化学药CDMO企业偏重制剂业务。同时，他们的主要分布在中欧和西欧地区，导致人工成本高于药明康德。
    公司业务有望企稳复苏。药明康德管理层富有前瞻性地布局了多肽研发和生产业务。随着近几年司美格鲁肽和替尔泊肽等多肽类药物在代谢类疾病领域展现出重磅销售潜力，药明康德的多肽业务也随之快速增长，成为公司最重要的增长引擎。我们预计美联储进入利率下降通道后，医疗健康融资额将恢复增长，驱动全球早期医药研发需求的改善，药明康德早期业务也有望复苏。公司1H24的在手订单相比2023年底增长22.4%，复苏趋势已现。
    维持买入评级。上调药明康德目标价至67.72元（WACC：9.42%，永续增长率：2.0%），以反映法案的不确定性降低以及在手订单增长带来的业绩复苏。我们预计公司在2024E/25E/26E收入同比增长-4.4%/+10.9%/+13.2%，经调整non-IFRS净利润同比变化-8.4%/+11.5%/+14.4%。

Still positive, but wait for a better entry point after 3Q24E results

潍柴动力(000338)
    We trim our HDT engine sales volume forecast by 7%/7%2% in 2024E/25E/26E,after incorporating our new industry HDT sales forecast (for details, please referto our sector report “China Heavy-duty Truck – Headwinds in 4Q24 in bothChina & export; Eyes on policy-driven recovery in 2025”). In the near term, webelieve the narrowed LNG/diesel price spread will be unfavourable to Weichai’sgas engine segment. While our earnings forecast in 2024E-26E is only reviseddown by 1-3% due to a relatively solid margin outlook, our new forecastssuggest profit growth to decelerate from 51% in 1H24 to 7%/2% in2H24E/2025E. Our SOTP-based TP for A/H (rolled over to 2025E) is reviseddown to RMB17.9/HK$17.7 (from RMB18.0/HK$19.5). We still maintain BUYrating as valuation (10.7x 2025E P/E) is not excessive even under our newearnings forecast, but we see a better entry point after the upcomingannouncement of 3Q24E results (30 Oct).
    Risk factors: 1) weakness in engine exports; 2) lower-than-expectedreplacement demand in China; (3) further contraction of diesel/gas priceratio.