High-Growth Profile of Optical Comm Supports Valuation
发布时间:2026-08-23 来源:华泰证券
Shenzhen MTC (MTC) reported 1H26 interim results: revenue rose +8.22% YoY to RMB9.18bn, attributable NP fell -40.86% YoY to RMB391mn, and net operating cash flow turned negative to -RMB653mn. In 2Q26, revenue and attributable NP grew +5% and fell -44.5% YoY, respectively. Top-line recovery was driven by growth in TV ODM terminals and smart home networking. However, upfront expenses from new overseas facilities alongside a non-cash FX loss of RMB111mn put pressure on the bottom line. Growth drivers continued to show positive developments: LED profitability expanded, capacity in high-speed optical transceivers grew, customer qualification of optical chips accelerated, and the Funshion AI content platform advanced its commercialization (generating revenue of RMB425mn and net profit of RMB64mn). Factoring in overseas capacity capex and slower margin recovery across legacy businesses, we lower our earnings forecasts and target price on MTC. However, as the optical communication segment continues to evolve into a third growth curve, we maintain BUY.
Smart terminals: Revenue recovers but margins pressured
In 1H26, multimedia audio-visual products and operating services generated revenue of RMB6.30bn (+10.95% YoY). However, gross margin contracted -4.54pp YoY to 6.94%, emerging as the primary drag on earnings. According to RUNTO data, global TV ODM shipments edged up +0.3% YoY in 1H26. The company shipped over 5.6mn TV ODM units (+7.8% YoY) to rank among the global top three, demonstrating solid competitiveness. With smart manufacturing upgrades completed at its Vietnam base, the company began construction on a Mexico facility with a planned investment of up to USD38.3mn, nearshoring production for North American clients and bolstering global delivery capabilities. Near term, however, upstream raw material cost inflation and start-up costs for the Mexico facility will continue to squeeze margins. We expect smart terminal margin recovery to lag top-line recovery.
LED: Profit anchor with mix upgrade driving margin expansion
In 1H26, LED value-chain revenue reached RMB2.88bn (+2.70% YoY), with gross margin expanding +1.34pp YoY to 29.0%, demonstrating resilience amid broader earnings headwinds. LED chip output reached 1.17mn wafers/month (4-inch equivalent), running at full capacity and full sell-through. Beyond Mini RGB and Mini BLU, high-value-added chips—such as infrared, horticulture lighting, automotive Micro LED, and silver-mirror flip-chip—are scaling. Monthly shipments of Mini/Micro LED display modules reached 30,000 sqm. Ramping PCB volume in 2H26 is poised to close the loop on the integrated "chip-PCB-module" supply chain. In our view, the LED growth thesis has transitioned from volume expansion toward mix upgrade, where steady profit contribution continues to provide an ample war chest for new ventures like optical communications.
Trim earnings & TP; growth profile of opticals backs premium
Factoring in lower-than-expected smart terminal profitability, startup expenses from overseas capacity ramp-up, and FX headwinds, we revise down our 2026-2028E EPS forecasts to RMB0.27/RMB0.36/RMB0.47 (from RMB0.43/RMB0.52/RMB0.58, down about 37%/31%/19%). As of August 20, 2026, peer companies traded at an average multiple of 37x 2026E PE (Wind consensus). Considering the company's solid competitive moat across the LED chain and the transition of optical communications from an investment phase into commercial revenue realization, we assign 38x 2026E PE (vs 36x previously), deriving a target price of RMB10.26 (from RMB15.48). Maintain BUY.
Risks: shifts in US tariff policy, volatility in TV ODM demand, slower-than-expected progress in optical communications, weaker-than-expected Mini LED demand.