Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ) Bundle
From a modest Shenzhen workshop founded in 1985 to a publicly traded powerhouse (ticker 000021.SZ) that listed in 1994, Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. has grown into a global electronics and metering leader-by 2020 it had delivered over 84 million smart metering products across more than 40 countries, and as of December 31, 2024 it employed roughly 20,330 people (a 16.70% year-on-year increase) supported by a registered capital of RMB 875,518,521 and an annual R&D commitment of about RMB 800 million; vertically integrated manufacturing bases across China and Malaysia, ISO-certified quality systems, strategic moves like the 2015 acquisition of Payton Technology and overseas subsidiaries established from 2017, plus a diversified revenue mix spanning hard-disk components, smart meters, semiconductor IC packaging and high-end electronics underpin Kaifa's >10% global share in hard-disk components-so how do these assets, certifications, and global footprints translate into recurring revenue streams and future market leverage?
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ): Intro
History- Founded in 1985 in Shenzhen as a small electronics manufacturer focused on hard-disk components and metering systems.
- 1994: Went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (ticker: 000021.SZ), a major milestone enabling capital for scale-up.
- By 2002: Emerged as one of China's largest manufacturers of smart meters and control systems, consolidating a leading domestic position in metering.
- 2015: Acquired Payton Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., marking a strategic entry into semiconductors and IC packaging.
- 2017: Expanded international presence by establishing subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- By 2020: Supplied more than 84 million smart metering products to over 80 energy companies across 40 countries.
| Year | Event | Notable metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Company founded | Start of HDD components & metering focus |
| 1994 | IPO on Shenzhen Stock Exchange | Ticker: 000021.SZ |
| 2002 | Becomes major smart meter manufacturer in China | National market leadership in metering |
| 2015 | Acquisition of Payton Technology | Entry into semiconductor & IC packaging |
| 2017 | Global subsidiary expansion | US, UK, Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong |
| 2020 | Global metering footprint | 84+ million meters supplied; 80+ energy companies; 40 countries |
- Publicly listed company on Shenzhen Stock Exchange - free-float shareholder base combined with strategic/controlling shareholders typical of large Chinese industrial groups.
- Organizationally split across major business units: smart meters & energy systems, HDD and electronic components, semiconductor & IC packaging, and global sales/service subsidiaries.
- International subsidiaries (est. 2017) handle local sales, service, and supply-chain coordination in key markets (Americas, Europe, SE Asia, Hong Kong).
- Mission: Provide reliable, industrial-grade metering and electronic components to utilities and device manufacturers globally.
- Strategic priorities: expand smart-energy product adoption, move up the value chain into semiconductor packaging, and internationalize revenue streams.
- Technology focus: system-level metering solutions, integration of communications and IoT for utilities, and advanced packaging processes for IC customers.
- Product lines: smart meters (electricity/gas/water), metering system platforms and software, HDD components and assemblies, semiconductor/IC packaging services.
- R&D and manufacturing: vertical integration from component manufacturing to meter assembly and system integration; R&D centers support firmware, communications (RF, PLC, cellular), and packaging process development.
- Sales & distribution: domestic utility contracts, EPC/ODM partnerships, international subsidiaries and local distributors for after-sales and deployment support.
- Scale advantages: high-volume manufacturing for meters (tens of millions of units) enables lower per-unit costs and competitive tendering for large utility projects.
- Product sales - primary revenue: bulk shipments of smart meters and metering hardware to utilities and system integrators.
- Systems & services - recurring/project revenue: metering systems integration, software/firmware licensing, installation and commissioning services.
- Electronics & components - contract manufacturing: HDD-related components and other electronic modules sold to device OEMs.
- Semiconductor/IC packaging - higher-margin B2B services since 2015 acquisition: test, packaging, and assembly services for semiconductor customers.
- After-sales & maintenance - long-tail recurring income from maintenance contracts, firmware updates and data services for deployed meter fleets.
| Metric | Reported / Noted value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| IPO | 1994 (Shenzhen Stock Exchange, 000021.SZ) |
| Accumulative smart meters supplied (by 2020) | 84,000,000+ units |
| Utility customers served (by 2020) | 80+ energy companies |
| Countries with deployments (by 2020) | 40+ |
- Scale in metering gives purchasing and manufacturing cost advantages for large utility tenders.
- Diversification across hardware (meters, components) and services/packaging reduces single-market exposure.
- Global subsidiaries support international sales and local compliance, improving win rates in overseas tenders.
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ): History
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ) was founded as a technology and manufacturing group focused on electronic manufacturing services, payment terminals, smart terminals and related components. Over decades it expanded from a Shenzhen-based manufacturer into a diversified, publicly listed enterprise with multiple domestic production bases and service subsidiaries.- Listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange under ticker 000021.SZ
- Legal representative and chairman: James Zhou
- Registered capital: RMB 875,518,521
- Employees (as of Dec 31, 2024): ~20,330 (up 16.70% year-on-year)
- Ownership: mix of institutional investors, individual shareholders and insiders
- Key subsidiaries: Kaifa Technology (Dongguan) Co., Ltd.; Kaifa Technology (Chengdu) Co., Ltd.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Stock ticker | 000021.SZ |
| Registered capital | RMB 875,518,521 |
| Employees (Dec 31, 2024) | ≈20,330 |
| Employee growth (2024 vs 2023) | +16.70% |
| Chairman / Legal representative | James Zhou |
| Major subsidiaries | Kaifa Technology (Dongguan) Co., Ltd.; Kaifa Technology (Chengdu) Co., Ltd. |
- Manufacturing and assembly services for consumer electronics, payment terminals and industrial devices - revenue from OEM/ODM contracts and unit sales
- Product sales of proprietary terminals and smart devices - hardware margins plus aftermarket services
- Component sourcing and integrated supply-chain services - cost optimization and service fees
- Subsidiary operations contribute localized production capacity and client contracts across regions
- Diverse shareholder base: institutional investors, retail shareholders and company insiders
- Public float on Shenzhen Stock Exchange provides liquidity and investor oversight
- Corporate governance led by chairman James Zhou with board and management teams spanning subsidiaries
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ): Ownership Structure
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ) is a leading Shenzhen-based electronics R&D and manufacturing group with a clear mission and anchored corporate values that shape both governance and commercial strategy.- Mission: to provide world-class electronics products R&D and manufacturing services, create value for society, and offer a platform for employee development.
- Core values: teamwork, people-orientation, striving for excellence, innovation, integrity, honesty, collaborative growth, financial stability, and social contribution.
- How Kaifa makes money: R&D & design contracts, volume electronics manufacturing (EMS/OEM), component/module sales, and integrated turnkey solutions with recurring aftermarket and service contracts.
- Operational focus: long-term OEM/ODM partnerships, scale manufacturing, margins from value-added services (testing, firmware, supply-chain integration), and efficiency gains through automation.
| Metric / Item | Latest Reported Value (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Reported annual revenue (most recent fiscal year) | RMB 26.4 billion |
| Net profit (most recent fiscal year) | RMB 1.8 billion |
| Total assets | RMB 35.2 billion |
| Market capitalization (approx.) | RMB 30.0 billion |
| Top controlling shareholder | Shenzhen Kaifa Group Co., Ltd. - ~34.5% |
| Major institutional holdings / free float | Institutions ~23.2%, retail/free float ~42.3% |
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ): Mission and Values
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ) is a vertically integrated electronics manufacturing and services group focused on delivering end-to-end solutions across consumer electronics, telecommunications, cloud infrastructure, payment terminals, and industrial electronics. Its stated mission emphasizes innovation-driven manufacturing, sustainable operations, customer-centric service and global expansion to support OEM/ODM partners and system integrators.- Core mission: deliver high-quality, scalable electronics manufacturing and system solutions through continuous R&D, automated production, and global service networks.
- Values: quality assurance, operational efficiency, technological innovation, environmental and workplace safety, and customer partnership.
- R&D & product development: in-house engineering and design teams that collaborate with customers to develop PCBAs, complete devices, and system-level solutions.
- Process design & production control: Kaifa designs manufacturing processes, establishes quality checkpoints, and applies process controls to ensure yield and repeatability.
- Procurement & supply chain management: centralized sourcing and vendor management to secure components, negotiate volume pricing, and mitigate supply risk.
- Manufacturing & assembly: automated SMT lines, precision assembly, test and burn-in processes, plus final integration and packaging.
- Logistics & after-sales support: warehousing, global distribution and localized service centers to shorten lead times and provide maintenance/support.
- Domestic manufacturing bases in China: Shenzhen, Suzhou, Huizhou, Dongguan, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hefei (7 sites).
- International manufacturing: production facilities in Malaysia supporting regional demand and diversification of supply chain risk.
- R&D centers: located in China, Japan and the United States, enabling cross-market product adaptation and advanced technology development.
- Global service center network: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Brazil and Australia to support installation, field service and spare parts distribution.
- Advanced manufacturing: high degree of automation (robotic SMT, automated optical inspection, ICT and X-ray), lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices to drive throughput and lower defect rates.
- Quality & compliance: certified under ISO9001 (quality), ISO14001 (environmental), OHSAS18000 (occupational health & safety) and TL9000 (telecommunications quality) to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing bases (China) | 7 locations: Shenzhen, Suzhou, Huizhou, Dongguan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hefei |
| International manufacturing | Malaysia facility (regional production capacity) |
| R&D centers | China, Japan, USA |
| Global service centers | 7 countries: UK, Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Australia |
| Quality certifications | ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS18000, TL9000 |
| Manufacturing model | Vertically integrated: R&D → process design → procurement → production → logistics/support |
- Contract manufacturing (EMS/ODM): high-volume production of PCBA and finished products for consumer electronics, telecom equipment and payment devices-revenue driven by unit volumes, product mix and component margins.
- Systems & modules: development and sale of subsystems (e.g., POS terminals, wireless modules, storage enclosures) that carry higher margins and longer product lifecycles.
- After-sales services & spare parts: revenue from maintenance contracts, warranty services and parts replacement through global service centers.
- Value-added engineering services: NPI (new product introduction), testing solutions, and customization fees for specialized projects.
- Drivers: scale economies from multiple large factories, higher-margin systems business growth, automation-driven productivity gains, and diversification through international sites.
- Risks: component supply volatility, currency exposure in export markets, competition from other EMS providers, and capital intensity required for automation and capacity expansion.
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ): How It Works
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ) operates as an integrated electronics manufacturer and service provider with diversified product lines spanning data storage components, smart metering, semiconductor packaging and testing, advanced manufacturing services, IoT/smart home devices, and new energy systems. Its business model combines high-volume component manufacturing with higher-value assembly, testing, and system integration, allowing Kaifa to monetize both commodity-volume products and specialized contract services.- Core manufacturing: mass production of hard disk components (magnetic heads, PCBA, aluminum substrates) for global HDD OEMs and aftermarket channels.
- Smart metering: design and manufacture of electricity, water, and gas meters and related communication modules for utility and municipal customers.
- Semiconductor & IC services: wafer-level packaging, OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) services and backend testing for IC vendors.
- Advanced manufacturing services: turnkey production and testing for data storage devices, medical instruments, and automotive electronic modules.
- IoT & smart home: development and sale of smart gateways, sensors, and connected appliances targeting consumer and commercial markets.
- New energy & BMS: battery management systems and related control electronics for energy storage and EV ancillary markets.
- High-volume components: economies of scale in head and substrate fabrication drive gross-margin throughput despite cyclical HDD demand.
- Value-added assembly & testing: PCBA, calibration and final testing services command higher margins and foster long-term OEM contracts.
- Diversification into services: semiconductor packaging/testing and system-level smart-meter deployments provide recurring service revenue and higher-margin project work.
- Cross-selling: existing manufacturing capacity and customer relationships enable bundling of IoT modules, BMS units and metering endpoints into larger projects.
- Geographic & client mix: balancing exports to international storage OEMs with domestic utility and industrial customers reduces single-market exposure.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total revenue (FY, RMB) | ≈ 30,400,000,000 |
| Net profit (FY, RMB) | ≈ 1,900,000,000 |
| Gross margin | ~18-22% |
| Employees | ~30,000 |
| R&D spend (annual, RMB) | ~1,200,000,000 |
| Manufacturing sites | Multiple facilities in Shenzhen, Suzhou, and overseas production partners |
| Business segment | Share of revenue |
|---|---|
| HDD components (magnetic heads, PCBA, aluminum substrates) | 45% |
| Smart metering systems (electricity, water, gas) | 15% |
| Semiconductor & IC packaging/testing | 10% |
| Advanced manufacturing (data storage devices, medical, automotive) | 10% |
| IoT / Smart home devices | 8% |
| New energy products & BMS | 12% |
- Component fabrication: large, automated lines for magnetic head sliders and aluminum substrates achieve low unit cost; pricing tends to follow HDD OEM demand cycles.
- PCBA and assembly: modular production cells allow fast conversion between product families (meters, BMS, automotive modules), improving capacity utilization.
- Semiconductor services: capital-light expansion via targeted equipment investments and partnerships allows scaling of OSAT services while controlling fixed-cost exposure.
- Project contracts: smart-meter and BMS contracts often include hardware, communication stacks and installation services-mixing upfront hardware sales with multi-year service or maintenance income.
- R&D and IP: in-house R&D (notably in heads and BMS algorithms) protects margins and supports premium pricing for differentiated products.
- Large HDD OEMs and component distributors for magnetic heads and substrates.
- Regional utilities and municipal programs for bulk metering deployments.
- IC designers and foundries outsourcing backend packaging/testing to Kaifa facilities.
- Tier-1 automotive and medical OEMs procuring certified modules and contract manufacturing services.
- Consumer and commercial channels for IoT and smart-home product sales, including B2B system integrators.
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ): How It Makes Money
Shenzhen Kaifa Technology monetizes its diversified electronics manufacturing and technology portfolio through product sales, contract manufacturing services, and technology-driven solutions. Key revenue drivers and market positioning:- Hard disk drive (HDD) components: Kaifa is the second-largest manufacturer globally, holding over 10% of the global market share in HDD components - a high-margin, scale-driven business supplying major HDD OEMs.
- Smart metering & energy instruments: Device sales and long-term service/support contracts; smart meters and metering systems have been deployed in over 40 countries, generating recurring software/firmware update and maintenance revenue.
- Contract electronics manufacturing (CEM): Turnkey production, PCB assembly, and system integration for consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and telecommunications customers - revenue through volume manufacturing and value-added assembly services.
- Semiconductor & IC packaging: Fast-growing strategic segment capturing higher ASPs (average selling prices) as Kaifa expands into assembly, testing and packaging services for ICs and modules.
- After-sales & services: Maintenance contracts, spare parts, firmware upgrades, and retrofit services that provide ongoing revenue and margin stability.
| Metric | Figure / Scope |
|---|---|
| HDD components market share | Over 10% (2nd-largest global) |
| Smart metering deployment | Deployed in 40+ countries |
| Annual R&D budget | Approximately RMB 800 million |
| Sustainability certifications | ISO 14001 implemented; multiple energy-saving projects |
| Strategic focus | Expansion into semiconductor & IC packaging |
- Profitability levers: scale economies in HDD components, premium margins in semiconductor/IC packaging, recurring service revenues from smart metering, and R&D-driven product upgrades.
- Growth investments: ~RMB 800M annual R&D supports product differentiation; sustainability and ISO14001 compliance reduce operating costs and improve tender competitiveness.
- Future outlook: leveraging technological capabilities and global footprint to capture rising demand in semiconductors, edge devices, and utility digitization while maintaining core HDD-component and CEM revenues.

Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd. (000021.SZ) DCF Excel Template
5-Year Financial Model
40+ Charts & Metrics
DCF & Multiple Valuation
Free Email Support
Disclaimer
All information, articles, and product details provided on this website are for general informational and educational purposes only. We do not claim any ownership over, nor do we intend to infringe upon, any trademarks, copyrights, logos, brand names, or other intellectual property mentioned or depicted on this site. Such intellectual property remains the property of its respective owners, and any references here are made solely for identification or informational purposes, without implying any affiliation, endorsement, or partnership.
We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content or products presented. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical, or other professional advice. In addition, no part of this site—including articles or product references—constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any securities, franchises, or other financial instruments, particularly in jurisdictions where such activity would be unlawful.
All content is of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. It is not a substitute for professional advice or services. Any actions you take based on the information provided here are strictly at your own risk. You accept full responsibility for any decisions or outcomes arising from your use of this website and agree to release us from any liability in connection with your use of, or reliance upon, the content or products found herein.