| RESEARCH 10 Feb, 2026 RoboSense | 02498.HK Breakeven milestone & path to profitability Acceleration in the sales of LiDAR for robotics: The key driver of Q4 upside was the robotics segment, where lawn mower robots were the primary contributor. Growth in this segment should be sustained by i) product upgrades and new product lines across the lawn mowers, and ii) incremental customer additions. Beyond lawn mowers, Gen-7 robotaxi becomes a driver. The Group has deepened cooperation with leading autonomous mo ...

Core Insights - The autonomous driving industry is experiencing a pivotal moment at CES 2026 after years of volatility, with significant technological advancements and a shift towards practical applications [2][54] - The competition is intensifying among major players, including Nvidia, Tesla, Qualcomm, Mobileye, and various Chinese companies, each pursuing different technological and business strategies [4][10][18] Group 1: Nvidia's Role - Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang introduced the open-source autonomous driving model Alpamayo, which is described as a "ChatGPT moment for physical AI," emphasizing the importance of sensor fusion in autonomous driving [4][7] - The competition between Nvidia and Tesla highlights a broader industry debate between vision-based and sensor-based approaches to autonomous driving [7][8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Qualcomm is collaborating with Leap Motor to create an integrated solution that combines cockpit, driving assistance, and vehicle control systems, showcasing a shift towards multi-domain control [10][14] - Mobileye is advancing its L3 solutions in partnership with Audi and is testing a prototype that allows drivers to close their eyes while driving, indicating significant progress in autonomous technology [16] Group 3: Chinese Companies' Innovations - Great Wall Motors is showcasing its ASL architecture, which aims to integrate AI capabilities into vehicles, with plans for ASL 1.0 to be implemented in the first half of the year [18][21] - Geely has announced its upgraded AI 2.0 technology system, which integrates driving, cockpit, and chassis systems, with plans to roll out L3 and L4 functionalities by the end of 2026 [27] Group 4: Market Trends and Business Models - The CES 2026 event indicates a lowering of entry barriers for new players in the autonomous driving sector, with a clear divergence in business models emerging [45][46] - Two primary paths are identified: one focusing on vertical market breakthroughs for profitability in closed environments, and the other targeting the Robotaxi market for broader expansion [51][54] Group 5: Future Outlook - The industry is moving beyond technical validation into commercial viability, with various applications like RoboBus and autonomous delivery vehicles beginning to emerge [51][54] - The next 12 months are critical for the autonomous driving sector, as it transitions into a phase where practical implementations will be tested and scaled [54]

Core Viewpoint - Guosheng Securities expresses optimism about SUTENG JUCHUANG's (02498) laser radar product order demand and commercialization potential, projecting total revenue of 2.3/3.5/4.4 billion from 2025 to 2027, with year-on-year growth rates of 37%/56%/24% [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - SUTENG JUCHUANG reported Q3 2025 shipment of 186,000 laser radars, a year-on-year increase of 34.0%, with ADAS laser radar shipments at approximately 150,000 units, up 14.3%, and robot laser radar shipments at about 36,000 units, up 393.1% [1] - The company's Q3 2025 revenue reached 410 million, with product/solution/service and other revenues at 390/10/8 million respectively, and a gross margin of approximately 23.9% [1] Group 2: ADAS Laser Radar Developments - In the domestic market, the EM platform set to launch in 2025 has secured orders from 13 automakers for a total of 56 models, with EMX receiving orders for 49 models expected to enter mass production in 2026 [2] - The EM4 model has been integrated into several vehicles from leading new energy automakers and is becoming a core component for L3 autonomous driving, with new model orders from major clients enhancing the customer and model diversity [2] Group 3: Robotics and Other Laser Radar Products - In the robotic lawnmower sector, the company introduced E1R and Airy products to address complex boundary recognition needs [3] - In urban delivery, the company has established partnerships with 90% of leading global clients using core products EMX, E1R, and Fairy, while also collaborating with Didi on a new generation of Robotaxi models [3] Group 4: Long-term Growth Potential - The company unveiled the Active Camera2 at the IROS conference, which is the industry's first integrated sensor system combining dTOF, RGB stereo, and IMU for enhanced 3D spatial perception and motion information, recognized by Yole Group as a representative case for humanoid robot perception solutions [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the L3 autonomous driving level in the automotive industry, emphasizing the critical role of perception capabilities, particularly through the use of digital lidar technology, as companies prepare for commercialization [2][9]. Group 1: L3 Autonomous Driving and Market Implications - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved two L3 autonomous driving products, indicating a substantial policy shift towards L3 vehicles [2]. - The transition to L3 vehicles will shift driving responsibility from the driver to the vehicle's system, necessitating enhanced perception capabilities [2]. Group 2: Speeding Technology and Product Features - Suoteng Juchuang's EM4 is the only mass-produced digital lidar with over 500 lines globally, featuring a detection range of 300 meters at 10% effectiveness and a maximum detection distance of 600 meters [3]. - The EM4 lidar improves system response time by up to 70%, enhancing decision-making and overall driving experience [4]. Group 3: Market Adoption and Partnerships - As of August 21, 2025, the EM4 has secured partnerships with multiple domestic and international automotive companies, including Geely and SAIC, and is being integrated into various models [6]. - The EM4, in combination with another product, E1, provides a new generation of perception solutions for leading Robotaxi companies, establishing a strong position in the L4 market [6]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - Suoteng Juchuang has developed a unique digital lidar matrix based on SPAD-SoC and VCSEL architectures, achieving full compliance with automotive standards for its self-developed chips [6]. - The company is currently developing the next generation of chips, with further advancements expected in the coming year [7].

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 407 million yuan in Q3 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 0.2% and a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 10.6% [1] - The net profit for Q3 2025 was -101 million yuan, compared to -51 million yuan in Q2 2025 and -82 million yuan in Q3 2024 [1] - The sales revenue from ADAS-related LiDAR products was 245 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 25.7% and a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 9.8% [1] - The revenue from robotics and other products was 142 million yuan, showing a year-on-year increase of 157.8% but a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 3.3% [1] - Total sales volume of LiDAR products reached 185,600 units, a year-on-year increase of 34.0% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 17.3% [1] - The gross margin improved by 6.5 percentage points year-on-year to 23.9%, while the net margin was -24.6%, a year-on-year decrease of 4.5 percentage points [1] Product Development and Market Position - The company has a strong order backlog benefiting from the rapid development of ADAS and high-level autonomous driving [2] - In 2025, the company’s self-developed SPAD-SoC and 2D VCSEL chips received AEC-Q series automotive certification, establishing a unique mass-producible digital LiDAR matrix [2] - The company has secured contracts with 13 automotive manufacturers for 56 vehicle models, and over 90% of global Robotaxi and Robotruck companies have partnered with the company [2] - The company has achieved contracts with 12 overseas and joint venture brands for 23 vehicle models, covering key markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America [2] - The company has a total of 32 automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers with contracts for 144 vehicle models [2] Technological Advancements - The company introduced the "Active Camera2" at the IROS conference in October 2025, which is the first industry product to integrate dTOF, RGB stereo, and IMU for enhanced robotic perception [3] - The AC2 system provides 3D spatial awareness and six degrees of freedom motion information for robotic operations [3] Financial Forecast Adjustments - The revenue forecast for 2025-2027 has been adjusted to 2.069 billion, 3.109 billion, and 4.313 billion yuan, down from previous estimates of 2.489 billion, 3.617 billion, and 5.275 billion yuan [3] - The net profit forecast for 2025-2027 has been revised to -250 million, 60 million, and 460 million yuan, up from previous estimates of -280 million, 60 million, and 460 million yuan [3] - The company maintains an outperform rating despite the adjustments due to anticipated fluctuations in downstream demand [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the company [4][6][72] Core Insights - The company aims to become a global leader in robotic technology platforms, leveraging its advancements in AI and laser radar technology [25][72] - The company has seen a significant increase in laser radar sales, with a 34% year-on-year growth in total sales volume for Q3 2025 [1][9] - The company has a robust order book, benefiting from the rapid development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and high-level autonomous driving [2][72] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of 407 million yuan, a slight decrease of 0.2% year-on-year and a 10.6% decrease quarter-on-quarter [1][8] - The net profit for Q3 2025 was -101 million yuan, compared to -51 million yuan in Q2 2025 and -82 million yuan in Q3 2024 [1][8] - The gross margin for Q3 2025 improved by 6.5 percentage points year-on-year, reaching 23.9% [1][16] Product Development - The company has developed a unique digital laser radar matrix, including products like EM4, EMX, and E1, which have passed automotive standards certification [2][35] - The company launched the "Active Camera 2," a pioneering sensor system that integrates multiple technologies for enhanced robotic perception [3][54] - The company is actively expanding its product offerings in the robotics sector, focusing on components that enhance robotic capabilities [39][43] Market Position - The company has secured partnerships with over 90% of key players in the Robotaxi and Robotruck sectors, indicating strong market penetration [2][65] - The company has received orders from 32 automotive manufacturers for a total of 144 vehicle models, showcasing its competitive position in the market [58][60] - The company is positioned to benefit from the growing demand for digital laser radar in various applications, including autonomous vehicles and robotics [72][65]

Core Viewpoint - The company is expected to achieve profitability in Q4 2025, with projected sales growth in the coming year, despite a revenue decline in Q3 2025 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue was 407 million yuan, showing a year-on-year stability but a quarter-on-quarter decline of 10.6% [1] - The revenue contributions from ADAS and robotics were 245 million yuan (down 25.7% year-on-year and down 9.8% quarter-on-quarter) and 142 million yuan (up 157.8% year-on-year and down 3.3% quarter-on-quarter) respectively [1] - The total sales volume of laser radars reached 186,000 units, with a year-on-year increase of 34.0% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 17.3% [1] - The average price of ADAS radars decreased to approximately 1,600 yuan, down from about 2,200 yuan in Q2 [1] - The overall gross margin was 23.9%, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.4 percentage points but a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 3.8 percentage points [1] - The adjusted net loss attributable to shareholders was 65 million yuan, representing a year-on-year reduction in loss of 7% [1] Group 2: Market Potential and Product Development - The EM series products have gained market recognition, with 56 models receiving approvals [2] - The company has established a strong technical barrier through its self-developed SPAD-SoC receiving chips and VCSEL emitting chips, which are expected to drive faster growth in ADAS radar sales by 2026 [2] - The Robotaxi market is projected to require 300,000 to 500,000 laser radars if the fleet size increases from approximately 4,000 to 100,000 vehicles over the next 3 to 5 years [2] Group 3: Investment Rating and Projections - The company maintains a "Buy" rating, with a target price set at 41.40 HKD [3] - Radar sales forecasts for 2026 and 2027 have been significantly raised to 2.3 million and 3.1 million units respectively, although average prices are expected to decline slightly due to scale [3] - The robotics segment is anticipated to surpass ADAS in radar sales, becoming the primary growth driver and improving overall gross margins [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HK$41.40, representing a potential upside of 27% from the current price of HK$32.58 [1][7][10]. Core Insights - The company is expected to achieve profitability in Q4 2025, with significant sales growth anticipated in the following year. The revenue for Q3 2025 was reported at RMB 407 million, with a decline of 10.6% quarter-on-quarter [5][8]. - The EM platform has gained market recognition, and the potential for Robotaxi is substantial, with expectations of increased demand for lidar units [6][10]. - The report projects a significant increase in radar sales, with estimates of 2.3 million units in 2026 and 3.1 million units in 2027, driven by the growth in the robotics sector [7][9]. Financial Summary - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: RMB 2,204 million in 2025, RMB 3,126 million in 2026, and RMB 4,038 million in 2027, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 33.6% in 2025 and 41.8% in 2026 [8][9]. - The adjusted net profit is expected to improve significantly, with estimates of RMB -83 million in 2025, RMB 230 million in 2026, and RMB 533 million in 2027 [9][10]. - The company anticipates a gross margin of 27.3% in 2025, increasing to 30.2% in 2026 and 31.2% in 2027 [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The report from CICC expresses optimism about Suton Ju Chuang (02498) benefiting from rapid growth in downstream demand due to its digital product advantages, maintaining an outperform rating and a target price of HKD 47.00, which corresponds to 10.9x and 7.1x P/S for 2025/2026, indicating a 43% upside from the current stock price [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, the company achieved revenue of CNY 407 million, aligning with CICC's previous expectations [2] - The gross margin improved year-on-year, increasing by 6.5 percentage points to 23.9% in Q3 2025 [2] - The robotics sector showed remarkable performance, with laser radar sales in this field growing by 393.1% year-on-year and revenue increasing by 157.8% [2] - The company aims to achieve profitability in Q4 2025 [2] Group 2: ADAS Business - The EM platform's digital products have gained customer recognition, with 13 automakers securing 56 model designations [3] - The EMX platform, targeting L2+, has received 49 model designations and is expected to enter mass production in 2026, potentially becoming a key support for the ADAS business [3] - The EM4 platform has been adopted in several models, including Zeekr 9X and Zhiji LS6/LS9, and is anticipated to be a core configuration for L3 vehicles [3] - The company has secured multiple model designations from 12 overseas and joint venture brands, including major European and North American electric vehicle manufacturers, with order volumes exceeding 500,000 units [3] Group 3: Robotics and Other Businesses - The company has partnered with Didi to equip its next-generation Robotaxi with 10 units of its automotive-grade digital laser radar [4] - The company is entering the lawn mowing robot market with E1R and Airy, having established partnerships with several top 5 industry clients, with large-scale production set to begin in Q4 2025 [4] - In urban delivery, the company collaborates with 90% of leading global clients, and the newly launched Fairy has been commercialized on the New Stone Unmanned Vehicle X3 [4] - In October, the company introduced Active Camera 2, enhancing its embodied intelligence layout [4]

Core Viewpoint - The company is expected to benefit from rapid growth in downstream demand due to its digital product advantages, maintaining an outperform rating and a target price of HKD 47.00, which implies a 43% upside potential from the current stock price [1] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, the company achieved revenue of CNY 407 million, aligning with previous expectations [2] - Gross margin improved year-on-year by 6.5 percentage points to 23.9% in Q3 2025 [2] - The robotics sector showed significant growth, with laser radar sales increasing by 393.1% year-on-year and revenue rising by 157.8% [2] - The company aims to achieve profitability in Q4 2025 [2] ADAS Business - The new EM platform digital products have gained recognition, with 13 automakers securing 56 model designations [3] - The EMX platform, targeting L2+ vehicles, has received 49 model designations and is expected to enter mass production in 2026 [3] - The EM4 platform is already integrated into several models, including Zeekr 9X and Zhiji LS6/LS9, positioning it as a core component for L3 vehicles [3] - The company has secured multiple model designations from 12 overseas and joint venture brands, including major European and North American electric vehicle manufacturers, indicating a new growth avenue [3] Robotics and Other Businesses - The company has partnered with Didi to equip its next-generation Robotaxi with 10 units of automotive-grade digital laser radar [4] - The company is entering the lawn mowing robot market with E1R and Airy, collaborating with several top 5 industry clients, with large-scale production set to begin in Q4 2025 [4] - In urban delivery, the company has partnered with 90% of leading global clients, and the newly launched Fairy has been commercialized with the New Stone Age unmanned vehicle X3 [4] - The introduction of Active Camera2 in October enhances the company's embodied intelligence layout [4]