Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hesai Group, with a 12-month price target of US$23.3, implying an upside of 8.6% from the current price of US$21.45 [34]. Core Insights - The report highlights that LiDAR adoption in the Chinese automotive market has exceeded expectations, leading to an increase in the forecasted automotive LiDAR volume for 2025 and 2026 by 23% and 37%, respectively, reaching 3.5 million and 6.0 million units [2][8]. - Hesai's gross margin improved to 41.7%, up 3.0 percentage points year-over-year, primarily due to higher engineering services revenue [1][33]. - The company is expected to achieve a GAAP net profit of Rmb200 million to Rmb350 million for the full year of 2025, driven by stable gross margins and operational leverage from new product cycles [32][33]. Financial Performance - In 1Q25, Hesai reported revenue of Rmb525 million, a 46% increase year-over-year, with a non-GAAP net profit of Rmb9 billion, contrasting with previous estimates of a net loss [1][7]. - The company ended 1Q25 with Rmb2.3 billion in net cash, indicating a slight decrease from previous quarters, while total debt to equity ratio improved to 14% [4][6]. - Revenue guidance for 2Q25 is set at Rmb680 million to Rmb720 million, reflecting a 53% year-over-year increase [32]. Market Dynamics - The report notes that premium automotive models are increasingly equipping LiDAR as a standard feature, which is expected to drive further adoption in mass-market vehicles [2][8]. - Hesai has secured design wins with 23 OEMs globally, indicating strong demand for its ADAS solutions [32]. - The company anticipates total shipments of 1.2 to 1.5 million units for 2025, representing a 169% year-over-year increase [32]. Product and Pricing Strategy - Hesai's ATX LiDARs, priced around US$200, are expected to contribute significantly to volume, with potential shipments reaching up to 1 million units [33]. - The company is also expanding its robotics segment, with total sales volume of 50,000 units for robotics LiDARs in 1Q25, and expects to ship 300,000 units over the next 12 months [32].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hesai, with a 12-month price target of US$23.3, implying an upside of approximately 9% from the current price of US$21.45 [3][32]. Core Insights - Hesai's 1Q25 results showed revenue in line with expectations and a net profit that exceeded forecasts, primarily due to a higher gross margin of 41.7% and lower operating expenses [1][3]. - The adoption of LiDAR technology in the Chinese automotive market has accelerated, leading to an increase in projected automotive LiDAR volumes for 2025 and 2026 by 23% and 37%, respectively [2][8]. - The company is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous mobility, with a significant market share of 37% in 2023 [33]. Financial Performance - In 1Q25, Hesai reported revenue of Rmb525 million, a 46% increase year-over-year, with a gross profit of Rmb219 million, reflecting a 57% increase year-over-year [7]. - The non-GAAP net profit for 1Q25 was Rmb9 billion, a significant improvement compared to previous estimates of a net loss [1][7]. - The company ended 1Q25 with Rmb2.3 billion in net cash, indicating a stable financial position despite longer receivable days [4][6]. Guidance and Future Outlook - For 2Q25, management expects revenue between Rmb680 million and Rmb720 million, representing a 53% year-over-year increase [30]. - Full-year guidance for 2025 remains unchanged, with projected revenue of Rmb3 billion to Rmb3.5 billion and total shipments of 1.2 million to 1.5 million units [30]. - The company anticipates maintaining a gross margin of around 40% and achieving GAAP net profit between Rmb200 million and Rmb350 million for 2025 [30][31]. Market Trends and Competitive Position - The report highlights the rapid adoption of LiDAR in premium and mass-market vehicle models, which is expected to drive further growth in the sector [2][8]. - Hesai has secured design wins with 23 OEMs globally, indicating strong demand for its products in the ADAS segment [30]. - The company is entering a new product cycle with its ATX series, which is expected to enhance revenue growth and profitability [33].

Group 1 - The article focuses on the Asia Value & Moat Stocks research service, which targets value investors looking for Asia-listed stocks with significant discrepancies between price and intrinsic value [1] - The service emphasizes deep value balance sheet bargains, such as net cash stocks and low price-to-book (P/B) stocks, as well as wide moat stocks that represent high-quality businesses [1] - The author provides a range of watch lists with monthly updates, specifically concentrating on investment opportunities in the Hong Kong market [1]

Core Insights - Hesai Group, a Chinese lidar company, is recognized as a key player in the autonomous vehicle sector, providing essential components for various applications including robotaxis and smart home devices [1] Company Overview - Hesai Group specializes in lidar technology, which is crucial for the development of autonomous systems [1] - The company has established itself as a preferred supplier in the competitive landscape of autonomous technology [1] Market Position - The firm is positioned as a significant contributor to the ongoing advancements in the autonomous arms race, indicating its strategic importance in the industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hesai Technology (NASDAQ: HSAI) reported significant growth in Q1 2025, with revenue reaching 530 million RMB, a year-on-year increase of 46.3%, and a GAAP net loss reduced by 84% to 17.5 million RMB [1] Financial Performance - The total delivery of LiDAR units in Q1 2025 was 195,000, representing a year-on-year growth of 231.3% - ADAS product deliveries reached 146,000 units, up 178.5% year-on-year, while deliveries in the robotics sector surged to 49,000 units, marking a 649.1% increase [1] Market Trends - The demand for LiDAR in the robotics sector is becoming a significant growth driver, supported by government policies focusing on "embodied intelligence" and "smart robotics" [1] - The average price of Hesai's products dropped from 35,869 RMB per unit in Q2 2022 to 3,242 RMB in Q4 2024, a decline of nearly 90% [2] Industry Insights - The robotics market is characterized by a focus on performance and reliability, allowing for differentiated high-end product development [2] - The market for robotics is expected to grow significantly, with predictions indicating that the shipment volume in this sector could exceed 100,000 units by 2025 [3] Future Projections - The LiDAR market for robotics is projected to reach 28 billion RMB by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 67.9% [3] - Concerns exist regarding the sustainability of profits in the LiDAR sector as advanced models from robotics companies may increase price sensitivity [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by 46% year over year, reaching RMB 525.3 million or USD 72.4 million [22] - Shipments more than tripled year over year to nearly 200,000 LiDAR units in Q1 [6][22] - Net loss narrowed by 84% year over year to RMB 70.5 million or USD 2.4 million, while remaining non-GAAP profitable for the quarter [7][24] - Gross margins stood at 42% in Q1, with operating expenses reduced by 9% year over year [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ADAS and robotics segments showed outstanding momentum, with ATX LiDAR shipments driving significant growth [6][23] - Robotics LiDAR shipments reached nearly 50,000 units in Q1, reflecting over 600% year over year growth [23] - ATX LiDAR entered mass production in Q1, with close to 40,000 units shipped in its first quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ranked number one in global automotive LiDAR market share with a 33% share [7] - The global autonomous mobility market in China is projected to grow from USD 54 million in 2025 to USD 47 billion by 2035 [16] - The company is the largest LiDAR supplier for robotaxis, holding a 61% share of the global robotaxi market [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to democratize intelligent driving with affordable, ultra-compact LiDAR solutions [8] - Strategic relationships with leading OEMs are being expanded, with significant design wins secured [9][10] - The launch of the Infinity Eye LiDAR solution and next-generation sensors is expected to enhance product offerings [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining full-year revenue guidance of RMB 3 billion to RMB 3.5 billion despite tariff challenges [30][70] - The company anticipates reaching GAAP breakeven in Q2 and is on track for full-year profitability targets [25][33] - Management highlighted the importance of operational efficiency and cost control in navigating external challenges [69] Other Important Information - The US District Court dismissed a patent infringement case against the company, reaffirming the integrity of its technology [20] - The company signed a lease for a new factory in Southeast Asia to mitigate geopolitical risks [26][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Full year guidance and LiDAR take rate - Management maintains 2025 revenue guidance at RMB 3 billion to RMB 3.5 billion, with total shipments expected to remain at 1.2 million to 1.5 million units [30][31] Question: ADAS LiDAR ASP trends - ASP for ATP LiDAR is expected to decline moderately, while ATX LiDAR is projected to achieve high shipment volumes, potentially reaching up to 1 million units in 2025 [38][39] Question: Capacity expansion and CapEx - The company is on track to expand production capacity to 2 million units by the end of the year, with CapEx expected to be around USD 30 million to USD 50 million [42][44] Question: Competition and market dynamics - Management emphasized the competitive nature of the LiDAR industry and the importance of maintaining quality partnerships with top-tier OEMs [52][53] Question: New product launches and Infinity Eye - The Infinity Eye solution has received positive feedback, with mass production expected to start soon, and the company aims to maintain stable gross margins despite new product introductions [60][63] Question: Impact of tariffs - The company has limited exposure to US tariffs, with only 10% of total revenue projected from the US market, and expects the impact on gross margins to be immaterial [68][70] Question: Dual listing rumors - Management did not comment on rumors regarding a dual listing in Hong Kong but stated that they evaluate all options to protect investor interests [92][93] Question: LiDAR industry development and AEB impact - Management noted that the adoption of AEB technology is accelerating the penetration of LiDAR in vehicles, making it a critical component for future automotive safety [101][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by 46% year over year, reaching RMB 525.3 million or USD 72.4 million [20] - Shipments more than tripled year over year to nearly 200,000 LiDAR units in Q1 [5][21] - Net loss narrowed by 84% year over year to RMB 70.5 million or USD 2.4 million, while remaining non-GAAP profitable for the quarter [22] - Gross margins stood at 42% in Q1, with operating expenses reduced by 9% year over year [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ADAS and robotics segments showed outstanding momentum, with ATX LiDAR shipments driving significant growth [5][21] - JT LiDAR shipments reached 45,000 units in Q1, contributing to nearly 50,000 units shipped in the robotics LiDAR segment, reflecting over 600% year over year growth [21] - ATX entered mass production in Q1, with close to 40,000 units shipped in its first quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company holds a 33% share of the global automotive LiDAR market and a 61% share of the global robotaxi market [6] - The autonomous mobility market in China is projected to grow from USD 54 million in 2025 to USD 47 billion by 2035 [14] - The company is the largest LiDAR supplier for robotaxis, powering fleets from major players like Baidu and Didi [14][84] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain its leadership in the automotive LiDAR market through innovation and strategic partnerships with leading OEMs [6][8] - Expansion into overseas manufacturing is prioritized to mitigate geopolitical risks and better serve global customers [24][42] - The launch of the Infinity Eye LiDAR solution aims to cater to various levels of autonomous driving, enhancing the product portfolio [11][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining full-year revenue guidance of RMB 3 billion to RMB 3.5 billion despite tariff challenges [28][72] - The company anticipates reaching GAAP breakeven in Q2 and is on track for full-year profitability targets [22][31] - Management highlighted the importance of operational efficiency and cost control in navigating external challenges [71] Other Important Information - The US District Court dismissed a patent infringement case against the company, reaffirming the integrity of its technology [18] - The company is actively driving five proof of concept programs with top global OEMs and Tier one suppliers across Europe and Japan [10][89] Q&A Session Summary Question: Full year guidance and ADAS LiDAR portion impact on gross margin - The company maintains its 2025 revenue guidance at RMB 3 billion to RMB 3.5 billion, with gross margin expected to remain around 40% [28][30] Question: Capacity expansion and CapEx for Southeast Asia - The company is on track to expand production capacity to 2 million units by the end of the year, with CapEx expected to be around USD 30 million to USD 50 million [41][44] Question: Competition and potential reshuffles in client orders - Management emphasized the competitive nature of the LiDAR industry and the importance of maintaining quality partnerships to ensure reasonable pricing [52][53] Question: New product launches and mass production timelines - The Infinity Eye LiDAR solution has secured design wins and is expected to support various autonomous driving capabilities [62][63] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing and supply chain - The company has limited direct exposure to tariffs, with only 10% of total revenue projected from the US market [70][72] Question: Differences between ATL and ATX products - ATL is a customized version of ATX for specific client needs, while ATX remains the mainstream solution for OEM customers [78][79] Question: Future of ADAS LiDAR in robotaxi applications - The company expects to see larger LiDAR orders for robotaxis as the market shifts from mechanical LiDAR to more cost-effective ADAS solutions [83][84] Question: Dual listing plans and regulatory compliance - The company is evaluating options for potential dual listings but remains compliant with all regulatory requirements for its current NASDAQ listing [94][95]

Core Viewpoint - Hesai Technology (NASDAQ: HSAI) is experiencing significant growth, with a projected revenue increase of 44% to 69% year-over-year for 2025, driven by strong performance in the ADAS and Robotaxi sectors [2][5]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Hesai achieved revenue of 530 million RMB, a year-over-year increase of 46.3%, and a GAAP net loss reduced by 84% to 17.5 million RMB (approximately 2.4 million USD) [5][10]. - The company also reported Non-GAAP profitability, indicating progress towards its annual profit goals [5][10]. Product Delivery and Market Position - Hesai delivered a total of 195,818 laser radars in Q1 2025, a remarkable year-over-year growth of 231.3%, with ADAS product deliveries at 146,087 units (up 178.5%) and Robotaxi deliveries at 49,731 units (up 649.1%) [7][9]. - The company maintains the leading global market share in automotive laser radar revenue for the fourth consecutive year, reinforcing its industry leadership [7]. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations - Hesai has secured partnerships with major domestic automakers such as Chery, Great Wall, and Geely, and has also made significant inroads in international markets, including a new validation development project with a top-tier Japanese company [9][10][13]. - The company is actively collaborating with four global Tier 1 suppliers in Europe and Japan on five validation development projects, with three already completed [11]. Product Innovations - In Q1 2025, Hesai launched new generation automotive-grade laser radar products, including the AT1440, ETX, and FTX, which are designed for various levels of autonomous driving [18][20]. - The "Qianliyan" perception solution was introduced, catering to L2 to L4 autonomous driving systems, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing technology in the sector [20]. Industry Impact and Future Outlook - Hesai's laser radar products are positioned as essential sensors for all robots, with the JT series gaining widespread acceptance among customers [22][25]. - The company is poised for further growth in the ADAS and Robotaxi markets, with expectations of expanding business scale and achieving stronger growth in the coming quarters [9][10].

Core Insights - Hesai Group reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with net revenues of RMB525.3 million (US$72.4 million), a 46.3% increase year-over-year [17][31] - The company shipped 195,818 lidar units in Q1 2025, representing a 231.3% increase from the same period in 2024 [16][15] - Hesai was ranked as the world's No.1 automotive lidar company by revenue market share for the fourth consecutive year in 2024 [3] Financial Performance - Net revenues for Q1 2025 were RMB525.3 million, up from RMB359.1 million in Q1 2024, driven by increased sales of ADAS lidar products [17][31] - Gross margin improved to 41.7% in Q1 2025 from 38.8% in Q1 2024, attributed to effective cost and scale optimization [17][31] - The net loss narrowed significantly by 83.6% year-over-year to RMB17.5 million (US$2.4 million) [22][31] Operational Highlights - ADAS lidar shipments reached 146,087 units in Q1 2025, a 178.5% increase from 52,462 units in Q1 2024 [16][15] - The company secured new design wins with 23 OEMs globally across over 120 vehicle models, including partnerships with Chery, Great Wall Motor, Zeekr, and Geely [5][15] - Hesai is the main lidar supplier for next-generation Robotaxi fleets from Baidu Apollo Go, DiDi, Pony.ai, and WeRide [14][15] Product Development - New products include the AT1440 lidar, which delivers ultra-high-definition point clouds, and the FTX solid-state lidar for blind spot detection [14] - The company announced the successful resolution of all IP-related litigation against it, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and R&D [8][10] Business Outlook - For Q2 2025, Hesai expects net revenues to be between RMB680 million (US$93.7 million) and RMB720 million (US$99.2 million), indicating a year-over-year increase of approximately 48% to 57% [19]

Investment Rating - Industry Rating: Recommended [5] Core Viewpoints - The automotive industry is accelerating its layout in humanoid robots, with the global humanoid robot market expected to reach USD 15.1 billion (approximately RMB 110.7 billion) by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 56% [10][14] - Major automotive companies such as GAC, SAIC, BYD, Xiaopeng, and Chery, along with supply chain firms like Huawei and Horizon Robotics, are entering the humanoid robot sector [10][14] - Xiaopeng plans to launch its fifth-generation humanoid robot by 2026, emphasizing the convergence of smart vehicles and robots, which could create synergistic effects [10][27] Summary by Sections 1. Automotive Companies Accelerating Robot Layout - Automotive companies are increasingly investing in humanoid robots, with 15 domestic firms already involved [10][14] - The establishment of Beijing Saihang Embodied Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. by Seres and Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics marks a significant step in humanoid robot development [10][17] - Xiaopeng's strategy includes the integration of smart vehicles and humanoid robots, aiming for a new industrial breakthrough [10][27] 2. Intelligent Driving Technology Upgrade - The shift towards humanoid robots is also seen in the autonomous driving sector, with companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, and NIO exploring low-speed autonomous robots for various applications [11][43] - The competition between pure vision and multi-sensor fusion approaches in intelligent driving technology is intensifying [30][41] 3. Investment Recommendations - Beneficial stocks in the robot sector include Xiangxin Technology, Qin'an Co., Xinzhi Group, Junsheng Electronics, and Seres [12][45] - For intelligent driving, recommended stocks include Desay SV, Zhongke Chuangda, and Jianghuai Automobile [12][45] 4. Market Performance Overview - The computer industry experienced a weekly decline of 3.02%, ranking 31st among major industries [46][50] - The overall market performance indicates a challenging environment for the computer sector, with a cumulative decline of 0.11% since the beginning of the year [50]