Managing Director, Zero One, Zero One

Vincent Fernando, CFA

Managing Director, Zero One

Zero One

Founded in 2015, Zero One produces independent investment research and provides corporate finance advisory services with a focus on both listed and private technology companies. Founder Vincent Fernando has over 20 years of experience in US and Asia capital markets.

Independent Investment Research

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>PC &amp; Server solutions names have fallen moderately from highs in June, however enterprise server company HPE soared 20% on AI strength.</li>
<li>Despite the market pullback from highs, we note that 2025E forward growth expectations have generally increased for the universe over the last month.</li>
<li>Latest Taiwan PC company revenues indicate healthy growth and HPE's management guided for Enterprise AI orders to accelerate.</li>
</ul>


PC &amp; Server solutions names have fallen moderately from highs in June, however enterprise server company HPE soared 20% on AI strength.
Despite the market pullback from highs, we note that 2025E forward growth expectations have generally increased for the universe over the last month.
Latest Taiwan PC company revenues indicate healthy growth and HPE's management guided for Enterprise AI orders to accelerate.


PC Monitor: Growth Expectations Have Increased Recently; HPE Signals Enterprise AI Acceleration

<ul>
<li>Branded PC makers' shares have been mostly lower in April, however Intel and Microsoft developments are providing strong signals for a future PC upgrade cycle into AI PCs.</li>
<li>Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are now using Microsoft's CoPilot AI assistant; Intel expects the industry to exceed its prior forecast for AI PC shipments in 2024E.</li>
<li>CoPilot is the killer app that will trigger a global enterprise PC upgrade cycle; The next generation of CoPilot will be an edge AI app that will require powerful hardware.</li>
</ul>


Branded PC makers' shares have been mostly lower in April, however Intel and Microsoft developments are providing strong signals for a future PC upgrade cycle into AI PCs.
Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are now using Microsoft's CoPilot AI assistant; Intel expects the industry to exceed its prior forecast for AI PC shipments in 2024E.
CoPilot is the killer app that will trigger a global enterprise PC upgrade cycle; The next generation of CoPilot will be an edge AI app that will require powerful hardware.


PC Monitor: The Next Version of MSFT CoPilot Will Be the Killer App for a Global AI PC Upgrade Cycle

<ul>
<li>Asus's 1Q24 earnings beat consensus by 46% thanks to major increase in operating margin driven by costs optimization. Adjusted Asus brand Op profit rose 227% YoY and 98% QoQ.</li>
<li>Asus will host a major AI PC launch event May 21st, with additional AI PCs launched at Computex in Taiwan June 4th. Will feature <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/qualcomm-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:969:1" rel="noopener">Qualcomm Inc (QCOM US)</a> Snapdragon processors.</li>
<li>Asus confident in an PC upgrade cycle and has guided for sales to rise and margins to expand in the coming quarters. We maintain our Structural Long rating for Asus.</li>
</ul>


Asus's 1Q24 earnings beat consensus by 46% thanks to major increase in operating margin driven by costs optimization. Adjusted Asus brand Op profit rose 227% YoY and 98% QoQ.
Asus will host a major AI PC launch event May 21st, with additional AI PCs launched at Computex in Taiwan June 4th. Will feature Qualcomm Inc (QCOM US) Snapdragon processors.
Asus confident in an PC upgrade cycle and has guided for sales to rise and margins to expand in the coming quarters. We maintain our Structural Long rating for Asus.


Asustek: Margin Beat, Guides More Upside; Qualcomm for AI PCs; Why Asus Confident in AI PC Up-Cycle

<ul>
<li>Dell has outperformed Acer and other Taiwan PC names Asus and MSI by a wide margin. Close Long Dell vs. Short Acer. Dell's value gap has dissipated.</li>
<li>Latest indications from Dell and HP highlight that the AI PC's will drive upgrades from customers, but the PC recovery remains soft. AI PC impact only in 2025E.</li>
<li>Dell and HPQ's recent results provide positive color for upcoming Asus, Acer, and MSI results. Trade: Long Asus into its upcoming earnings results.</li>
</ul>


Dell has outperformed Acer and other Taiwan PC names Asus and MSI by a wide margin. Close Long Dell vs. Short Acer. Dell's value gap has dissipated.
Latest indications from Dell and HP highlight that the AI PC's will drive upgrades from customers, but the PC recovery remains soft. AI PC impact only in 2025E.
Dell and HPQ's recent results provide positive color for upcoming Asus, Acer, and MSI results. Trade: Long Asus into its upcoming earnings results.


PC Monitor: Long Dell Vs. Short Acer Update; Dell & HPQ Results Indicate Opportunity in Asus

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asustek-computer-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13002:1" rel="noopener">Asustek Computer (2357 TT)</a> is one of the top three consumer notebook vendors and the number one manufacturer of award-winning motherboards in the world. After rallying around 140% during the March 2020-May 2021 period due to an acceleration in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s share price has come down by around 20% during the past four months due to fears of a nearing cycle peak in the PC market, supply shortage, and rising input costs.</li>
<li>We think the PC cycle has around 1.5-2.0 years to run before going into a down turn, and Asus has handled the supply shortage rather well through MOUs and long- term agreements for the supply of components. Thus, we think the recent price reaction is unwarranted.</li>
</ul>



Asustek Computer (2357 TT) is one of the top three consumer notebook vendors and the number one manufacturer of award-winning motherboards in the world. After rallying around 140% during the March 2020-May 2021 period due to an acceleration in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s share price has come down by around 20% during the past four months due to fears of a nearing cycle peak in the PC market, supply shortage, and rising input costs.
We think the PC cycle has around 1.5-2.0 years to run before going into a down turn, and Asus has handled the supply shortage rather well through MOUs and long- term agreements for the supply of components. Thus, we think the recent price reaction is unwarranted.


AsusTeK: Too Early to Worry About the PC Cycle Peak

Taiwan

Wistron Corporation manufactures and markets notebook computers, personal computers, and other related information products.

Advantech Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets embedded personal computers (PC), network computing products, industrial automation products, and panel PCs.

Pegatron Corp is a design, manufacturing and service company. The Company produces motherboards, desktop PCs, notebooks, broadband, wireless systems, game consoles, networking, multimedia, LCD TV, and more.

Lite-On Technology Corp. manufactures and markets a wide range of computer components and Peripheral equipment. The Company's products include computers, digital home products, consumer electronics, communications products, key components and sub-systems, and optoelectronic components. Power Supplies, Enclosures, and LEDs business are the core of Lite-On Technology's business.

Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.is a manufacturer of fan coolers for CPUs, laptops, and personal computers. The company also provides thermal products and peripherals, including heat sink, and thermal modules. Asia Vital Components sells its products worldwide.

Inventec Corporation manufactures and markets computers and electronic word processing products.  The Company's products include notebook computers, desktop computers, workstations, scientific graphic calculators, and electronic dictionaries.  Inventec markets its products under the brand name "Besta".

Wiwynn Corporation manufactures computer storage devices. The Company develops and sells servers, storage devices, network systems, and equipment room infrastructure products. Wiwynn markets its products throughout Taiwan.

Compal Electronics Inc. manufactures and markets notebook computers and color monitors.  The Company also produces liquid crystal displays and other computer related products.  Compal Electronics exports its products to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Catcher Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures aluminum and magnesium die casting products which are used in notebook computers, cellular phones, and hard disk drive bases.

Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets motherboards and video graphic accelerate (VGA) cards.  The Company exports its products to Europe, North America, and other Asian countries.

Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets computer servers, computer terminal products, electronic products, and telecommunication equipment.  The Company also develops computer software, provides system integration services, and operates in import and export trading.

Inspur Electronic Infmtn Indtry (000977 CH)

Lenovo Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, sells, and manufactures personal computers and handheld devices. The Company also provides Internet services and IT services, and contracting manufacturing business.

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. manufactures and markets office automation equipment, electronic devices, and photographic instruments.  The Company's diverse product line includes facsimiles, image scanners, printers, digital cameras, and personal computers, as well as a full range of analog, digital, and color copiers. Ricoh operates with a network of sales offices and tie-ups worldwide.

Ninestar Corporation provides printing and imaging products, output solutions, and managed print services. The Company researches, develops, and produces printer consumables chips, printers, and other products. Ninestar markets its products across worldwide.

Seiko Epson Corporation manufactures communications equipment, electronic devices, and precision products.  The Company's products include printers, scanners, Liquid Crystal Projectors, semiconductors, quartz devices, and watches.

Focus Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. engages in media network for advertisements including within cinemas, posters and advertising displays in commercial offices or buildings.

Focus Media Information Technology Co, Ltd. (002027 CH)

Focus Media Information Technology Co, Ltd.

Dawning Information Industry Co., Ltd researches, develops, and produces information products. The Company manufactures and markets high-end computers, storage products, and provides software development, system integration and technical services. Dawning Information Industry conducts businesses in China.

Dawning Information Industry C (603019 CH)

BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. manufactures display products. The Company produces display panels, sensor devices, and other products. BOE Technology Group supplies its products in mobile phones, tablets, notebooks, monitors, and other fields.

BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD. manufactures and markets communications and office equipment.  The Company's main products include facsimiles, digital copy machines, label printers, and word processors.  Brother Industries also manufactures and sells sewing machines and other tools.  The Company operates its business worldwide.

COSMOAM&T Co., Ltd. manufactures, sells, and exports blank video & audio recording tapes including back-coated tapes, high speed recordable tapes, and video head cleaners.  The Company also produces recordable and rewritable optical discs, such as compact discs (CD), mini discs (MD), and digital video discs (DVD).

Asustek Computer Inc. manufactures and markets computer motherboards, interface cards, notebook computers, and other related products.

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Asustek Computer (2357 TT)

PC Monitor: Growth Expectations Have Increased Recently; HPE Signals Enterprise AI Acceleration

PC & Server Solution share prices have dipped from recent highs, however forward growth expectations have increased over the last month and...

Vincent Fernando, CFA

PC Monitor: The Next Version of MSFT CoPilot Will Be the Killer App for a Global AI PC Upgrade Cycle

CoPilot, as an edge AI app, will drive a global PC upgrade cycle with its next-gen version requiring advanced hardware.

Vincent Fernando, CFA

Asustek: Margin Beat, Guides More Upside; Qualcomm for AI PCs; Why Asus Confident in AI PC Up-Cycle

Asus beats earnings expectations by 46% in 1Q24, plans major AI PC launch event with Qualcomm processors, confident in PC upgrade cycle and future...

Vincent Fernando, CFA

PC Monitor: Long Dell Vs. Short Acer Update; Dell & HPQ Results Indicate Opportunity in Asus

Dell has outperformed Acer and other Taiwan PC names. Positive results from Dell and HPQ remove risk of disappointment in upcoming results for...

Vincent Fernando, CFA

AsusTeK: Too Early to Worry About the PC Cycle Peak

We think the PC cycle has around 1.5-2.0 years to run before going into a down turn, and Asus has handled the supply shortage rather well through...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

PC Monitor: Growth Expectations Have Increased Recently; HPE Signals Enterprise AI Acceleration

​PC & Server Solution share prices have dipped from recent highs, however forward growth expectations have increased over the last month and...

Vincent Fernando, CFA

PC Monitor: The Next Version of MSFT CoPilot Will Be the Killer App for a Global AI PC Upgrade Cycle

​CoPilot, as an edge AI app, will drive a global PC upgrade cycle with its next-gen version requiring advanced hardware.

Vincent Fernando, CFA

Asustek: Margin Beat, Guides More Upside; Qualcomm for AI PCs; Why Asus Confident in AI PC Up-Cycle

​Asus beats earnings expectations by 46% in 1Q24, plans major AI PC launch event with Qualcomm processors, confident in PC upgrade cycle and future...

Vincent Fernando, CFA

PC Monitor: Long Dell Vs. Short Acer Update; Dell & HPQ Results Indicate Opportunity in Asus

​Dell has outperformed Acer and other Taiwan PC names. Positive results from Dell and HPQ remove risk of disappointment in upcoming results for...

Vincent Fernando, CFA

AsusTeK: Too Early to Worry About the PC Cycle Peak

We think the PC cycle has around 1.5-2.0 years to run before going into a down turn, and Asus has handled the supply shortage rather well through...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

PC & Server Solution share prices have dipped from recent highs, however forward growth expectations have increased over the last month and...

CoPilot, as an edge AI app, will drive a global PC upgrade cycle with its next-gen version requiring advanced hardware.

Asus beats earnings expectations by 46% in 1Q24, plans major AI PC launch event with Qualcomm processors, confident in PC upgrade cycle and future...

Dell has outperformed Acer and other Taiwan PC names. Positive results from Dell and HPQ remove risk of disappointment in upcoming results for...