Core Viewpoint - Horizon Robotics has demonstrated impressive growth with a 67.6% year-on-year revenue increase to 1.567 billion yuan in the first half of the year, alongside a remarkable gross margin of 65.4% [2][4] Financial Performance - The company has two main revenue sources: products and solutions, and software and licensing services, with both categories contributing nearly equally to total revenue [4] - Revenue from products and solutions surged 3.5 times year-on-year to 778 million yuan, with a shipment of 1.98 million units, where mid-to-high-end product solutions accounted for 49.5% of total shipments and contributed over 80% of revenue [4] - Software and licensing services generated 738 million yuan, reflecting a 6.9% year-on-year growth, serving over 30 automotive companies [5] Product Development - The Journey 6E chip has entered mass production, with initial models covering popular brands such as MG, Roewe, and Chery, and nearly 400 new models have been designated, over 100 of which feature mid-to-high-level assisted driving capabilities [6] - Despite expanding business scale leading to increased losses (operating loss of 1.592 billion yuan, net loss of 1.333 billion yuan), R&D investment reached 2.3 billion yuan, a 62% increase year-on-year, focusing on urban intelligent driving and cloud services [6] Strategic Methodologies - The company follows two fundamental strategic methodologies: competing in areas with no competition and avoiding risky ventures [9][10] - The first strategy emphasizes focusing on edge computing applications, such as robotics and smart vehicles, rather than competing directly with dominant players like NVIDIA [9] - The second strategy involves a strong emphasis on cash flow management, ensuring financial stability even during restructuring phases [10] Iterative Development - Horizon Robotics has undergone three iterations in its business strategy, evolving from a broad vision of becoming a leader in edge AI chips to a focused approach on automotive applications [15][17] - The first phase was marked by a lack of clear direction, leading to challenges in identifying practical applications for AI chips [16] - The second phase saw a pivot towards automotive chips, aligning with the industry's rapid growth and recognizing vehicles as the next generation of smart terminals [17] - The third phase shifted focus from basic functionality to emotional value, aiming to create products that resonate with consumers [19] Future Outlook - The company envisions a future where robots assist humans in various tasks, aiming to become a significant player in the robotics era, akin to Microsoft and Intel in their respective domains [21] - Horizon Robotics acknowledges the complexities of the commercial landscape and emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs as a core principle of business design [23] - The journey over the past decade illustrates that successful companies can navigate through cycles by betting on unexplored territories while adhering to fundamental principles [24]

Core Viewpoint - Horizon has delivered an impressive performance in the intelligent driving competition, showcasing significant revenue growth and leading gross margins in the industry [1][2]. Revenue Growth and Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Horizon's revenue surged by 67.6% year-on-year to 1.567 billion yuan, with product solutions contributing a staggering 250% increase to 778 million yuan [2][4]. - The gross profit reached 1.024 billion yuan, with a comprehensive gross margin of 65.4%, leading the industry [2][12]. - The company achieved a milestone of over 10 million units shipped for its Journey series hardware, becoming the first intelligent driving technology company in China to reach this figure [2][12]. Product and Solution Breakdown - Horizon's revenue sources are divided into two categories: product solutions and software & licensing services, with both categories contributing approximately equally to the total revenue [4]. - The revenue from product solutions is 3.5 times that of the same period last year, attributed to both volume and price increases [8]. Market Trends and Future Outlook - The market for intelligent driving is rapidly evolving, with mid to high-level assisted driving features now present in 32% of new car sales, up from 20% at the end of last year [10]. - Horizon anticipates that high-level assisted driving (HSD) will become standard in vehicles priced between 100,000 to 150,000 yuan within the next 2 to 3 years, with an expected annual shipment of several million units [10][12]. - The company has secured nearly 400 new model designations, with over 100 models featuring mid to high-level assisted driving capabilities [10]. Research and Development Investment - Horizon's R&D expenses for the first half of the year reached 230 million yuan, a 62% increase year-on-year, primarily focused on urban assisted driving systems [12]. - The company emphasizes a "first invest, then yield" approach typical in the technology-intensive intelligent driving sector, aiming to enhance delivery capabilities [12]. Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion - Horizon is actively expanding its client base among foreign automotive companies, establishing strategic partnerships with top-tier suppliers like Bosch and Denso [17]. - The company has secured model designations with nine joint venture automakers in China and is working with two Japanese automakers for overseas market models [17]. Methodological Approach and Company Philosophy - Horizon's success is attributed to its commitment to continuous R&D investment and adherence to fundamental methodologies, such as competing in areas with less competition and maintaining a cautious approach to risk [18][20]. - The company has maintained a strong cash position, ensuring stability even during challenging periods, and focuses on long-term strategic goals rather than short-term visibility [21][22].