Core Viewpoint - Huazhi Securities initiates coverage on Hesai Technology (02525) with a "Buy" rating, highlighting its position as a global leader in the lidar industry, driven by proprietary ASIC technology and a platform architecture that balances performance, quality, and cost [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Hesai Technology, established in 2014, went public in the US in 2023 and plans to list in Hong Kong in 2025. Its products are widely used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as in autonomous vehicles and various robotic applications [1] - The company has secured partnerships with 22 major OEMs for 120 vehicle models in the ADAS sector, ranking first in production volume. In the robotics market, it achieved a monthly shipment of over 20,000 units and holds over 55% market share in the autonomous taxi sector [1][4] Group 2: Market Potential - The global lidar market is projected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2024 to $17.1 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 61.2% from 2024 to 2029 [1] - The ADAS lidar market is expected to expand from $1 billion in 2024 to $12 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 63.6% [2] - The robotics lidar market is forecasted to grow from $600 million in 2024 to $5.1 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 53.6% [2] Group 3: Technological and Product Advantages - Hesai is the only lidar company that has independently developed all key components, including lasers, detectors, and signal processors, enhancing product performance and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs [3] - The company’s proprietary technology allows for a comprehensive lidar product portfolio that meets automotive safety standards while balancing performance, quality, and cost [4] - Key products such as the AT128, ATX, XT series, and Pandar series demonstrate industry-leading specifications in detection range, point cloud frequency, angular resolution, power consumption, and size [4]