Core Viewpoint - Cathay Securities has initiated coverage on Botai Che Lian (02889) with a "Buy" rating and a target price of HKD 280.20, highlighting the company's growth potential in the accelerating automotive intelligence sector, particularly in smart cockpit technology [1] Group 1: Market Position and Growth - Botai Che Lian has established itself as the second-largest supplier of cockpit domain controllers in the Chinese market for new energy passenger vehicles, holding a 10.87% market share from January to September 2025 [1] - The penetration rate of smart cockpit domain controllers in China reached 41.1% in August 2025, indicating a significant shift from optional to standard features [1] - The company expects to achieve its first annual profit in 2026, driven by expanding revenue, improving gross margins, and enhanced operational efficiency [1][3] Group 2: Product Pricing and International Expansion - The average selling price of domain controllers has increased from CNY 990 in 2023 to CNY 2,141 in 2024, with further growth to CNY 2,257 in the first five months of 2025, supporting the company's profitability [2] - In September 2025, Botai Che Lian entered a strategic partnership with Porsche to develop next-generation in-car entertainment systems for the Chinese market, marking its entry into the global luxury car supply chain [2] - The company has also integrated into the supply chains of international brands like Hyundai and Kia, supporting Chinese brands' international expansion through a dual-track growth model [2] Group 3: Financial Performance and Projections - The company's gross margin fluctuated between 14.1% and 11.8% from 2022 to 2024 due to chip costs and R&D investments, but is expected to recover gradually, reaching 13.5% in 2026 and 13.8% in 2027 [3] - R&D expenses are projected to stabilize between CNY 1.9 billion and CNY 2.4 billion annually over the next three years, maintaining competitiveness while balancing investment and efficiency [3] - Revenue is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 40.5% from 2024 to 2027, primarily driven by smart cockpit solutions, with a projected net profit of CNY 45 million in 2026 and CNY 175 million in 2027 [3] Group 4: Valuation - Cathay Securities has set a valuation multiple of 7.0x for Botai Che Lian for the fiscal year 2026, reflecting a premium compared to peers, based on the company's advantages in customer structure, technological accumulation, and global partnerships [4]