Reversing from a loss in 2023 1H, but investors may demand more

Investment Rating - The report assigns a stock rating of NR (Not Rated) for CDOT (00334.HK) [27]. Core Insights - The company experienced a significant year-on-year revenue increase of 57.3% to RMB 931.7 million in 2024 Q1, driven by strong sales of tablet display modules and other display modules, which offset a decline in smartphone module sales [2]. - The gross margin for CDOT in FY 2023 dropped to 6.5%, primarily due to a change in product mix, which may continue to affect profitability [41]. - The company has seen a recovery in sales volume, particularly in the second half of 2023, with non-laminated and laminated module sales volumes reaching 4.1 million and 38.7 million respectively [7]. Summary by Relevant Sections Revenue and Profitability - CDOT reported RMB 2.6 billion in revenue for FY 2023, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 8.4% and a significant drop of 55.1% in the first half of 2023 [7]. - The company achieved a net profit of RMB 13.1 million and an operating profit of RMB 19.0 million in FY 2023, reversing from a loss in the first half of 2023 [20]. Sales Performance - The sales volume of tablet display modules and other display modules in 2024 Q1 reached 0.7 million and 1.1 million, representing increases of 22.7 times and 87.8 times compared to 2023 Q1 [11]. - The ASP (Average Selling Price) of non-laminated and laminated modules increased to RMB 28.5 and RMB 70.4 in 2023 Q4, marking a rebound from previous lows [15]. Market Dynamics - The order book from a major smartphone manufacturer remained stable, contributing significantly to revenue stability in 2024 Q1 [36]. - The company’s strategy includes leveraging support from CSOT to customize panel sizes, enhancing its ability to meet customer demands and expand into the tablet market [40]. Future Outlook - The report indicates that while there has been operational improvement, low gross margins remain a concern, limiting the company's ability to withstand market fluctuations [42]. - The company is expected to see further contributions from the tablet and smart home device segments, potentially driving ASP increases in 2024 [17][19].