18 Sep 2023
Global technology portfolio manager Richard Clode returns from a recent trip to China highly impressed by tech adoption and the advances companies are making towards a more sustainable world.
Key takeaways:
The JH Explorer series follows our investment teams across the globe and shares their on-the-ground research at a country and company level.
Beijing ring road traffic jams, bustling domestic airports and train stations were a reminder of thankfully how fast life has returned to normal since reopening about six months ago. The inexorable migration to Tencent’s Weixin (WeChat) ecosystem (like Facebook, Whatsapp, Paypal and Amazon rolled into one) continues as I discovered how hard it is to even order a coffee outside of a mini programme (sub-app within a larger app), pay with anything other than WePay, or communicate with companies outside of WeChat. My printed business cards were met with polite bemusement. Short video has become a global phenomenon but was pioneered in China by ByteDance’s Douyin (China’s TikTok) – the daily time spent watching there would give Western parents nightmares!
So far so predictable, but I was intrigued to find out after a four-year enforced absence, what in the technology sector had really changed. Certainly, China’s technology advancement has not stood still despite geopolitical challenges. Within hours of landing, I was being driven around by a Pony.ai robotaxi with no safety driver. It expertly navigated the large pilot zone in Beijing at speed despite heavy traffic, encountering a variety of people, bikes, mopeds, buses and even autonomous delivery vehicles, with some human drivers showing scant regard for local traffic laws.
My robotaxi experience in Beijing
Robotaxi zones have launched in four cities and Shenzhen has just issued a citywide permit as this technology finally moves forward globally after too many years of hype, In the US, robotaxis are also appearing in more cities and are now available on the Uber ride-hailing platform.
Ride hailing, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) are some of the sub-themes within our wider Sustainable Transport mega theme, making transportation safer, greener, connected and more accessible. These are all areas that are undoubtedly creating some exciting opportunities, but to deliver long-term returns for investors we believe it is essential to focus on those companies that have strong competitive moats and maintain valuation discipline. This is complemented by our approach to sustainable investing, which is thoughtful, practical, research-driven and forward-looking.
China has grand ambitions in silicon carbide (SiC) and renewable energy. The former is a key enabling technology for EVs, where Tesla was an early adopter, while for the latter, China has pledged to reach peak carbon by 2030, with around 25% of energy consumption from non-fossil fuels. Avoiding leading edge semiconductor manufacturing and with less sensitive end markets, this is a technology that appears to be at lower risk from geopolitical concerns. German semiconductor giant Infineon Technologies surprised investors in late 2022 by claiming it could source SiC wafers from China with comparable quality, but at a significant discount to current market prices. Infineon has since signed contracts with China semis TankeBlue and SICC, both of which I visited and came away highly impressed with their capabilities and ambitions.
.png)
TankeBlue, a leading manufacturer of SiC wafers.
Local capital markets and government subsidies are funding significant expansion plans for these local SiC wafer suppliers. This gives me confidence that current shortages will soon be alleviated, with analysts forecasting a six-fold increase in Chinese capacity from 2022 to 2025 to almost 45% of global SiC wafer supply.* STMicroelectronics recently signed a joint venture with Sanan, which I visited in Xiamen. Along with several other companies I visited, there are ambitions to move downstream into SiC devices. As this is technology with a much higher entry barrier it remains to be seen if they will be successful. With China being by far the largest electric vehicle (EV) market globally, with a rising share of local EV brands keen to source SiC domestically, there are many willing buyers if these companies can conquer the technology.
I also met with several Chinese analog and power semiconductor companies. Semiconductors are a key component to develop and deploy clean energy, as well as improving the energy efficiency of many electronic devices. Semiconductor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made the domestic market more willing to adopt local suppliers, and geopolitical concerns are helping to lock in those share gains aided by the rising technological capabilities of these companies. These are predominantly fabless companies (chip designers) reliant on domestic foundries that are manufacturing using lagging/trailing edge semiconductor equipment. Such companies are generally less affected by US export restrictions and so are consequently benefiting from unprecedented lagging edge semiconductor capital spending. This has been called out by every major semiconductor equipment globally and has been a key reason why this downcycle has been more muted despite the wider industry malaise.
Sustainability is the question as there are many companies expanding and not all of them will be successful. However, there is more opportunity for domestic equipment makers to take market share in the lagging edge semiconductors sector. NAURA, which I also visited, is by far the largest domestic player.
.png)
Machine vision tools are improving manufacturing yields and reducing wastage.
The advance of technology in China continues unabated despite some recent challenges. Geopolitics will create risks but also opportunities. We think it is important for investors to be on the ground, meeting face-to-face with companies and supply chains to understand these complexities and how best to invest for clients.
*Arete Research Company, FactSet as at June 2023. There is no guarantee that forecasts will be realised.
Important Information
The views presented are as of the date published. They are for information purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment, legal or tax advice or as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, investment strategy or market sector. Nothing in this material shall be deemed to be a direct or indirect provision of investment management services specific to any client requirements. Opinions and examples are meant as an illustration of broader themes, are not an indication of trading intent, are subject to change and may not reflect the views of others in the organization. It is not intended to indicate or imply that any illustration/example mentioned is now or was ever held in any portfolio. No forecasts can be guaranteed and there is no guarantee that the information supplied is complete or timely, nor are there any warranties with regard to the results obtained from its use. Janus Henderson Investors is the source of data unless otherwise indicated, and has reasonable belief to rely on information and data sourced from third parties. Past performance does not predict future returns. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal and fluctuation of value.
Not all products or services are available in all jurisdictions. This material or information contained in it may be restricted by law, may not be reproduced or referred to without express written permission or used in any jurisdiction or circumstance in which its use would be unlawful. Janus Henderson is not responsible for any unlawful distribution of this material to any third parties, in whole or in part. The contents of this material have not been approved or endorsed by any regulatory agency.
Janus Henderson Investors is the name under which investment products and services are provided by the entities identified in Europe by Janus Henderson Investors International Limited (reg no. 3594615), Janus Henderson Investors UK Limited (reg. no. 906355), Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited (reg. no. 2678531), (each registered in England and Wales at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) and Janus Henderson Investors Europe S.A. (reg no. B22848 at 2 Rue de Bitbourg, L-1273, Luxembourg and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier).
Outside of the U.S.: For use only by institutional, professional, qualified and sophisticated investors, qualified distributors, wholesale investors and wholesale clients as defined by the applicable jurisdiction. Not for public viewing or distribution. Marketing Communication.
Janus Henderson and Knowledge Shared are trademarks of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. © Janus Henderson Group plc.