Core Viewpoint - Horizon faces significant challenges in business, profitability, and technology despite reporting a revenue increase in the first half of 2025 [1] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Horizon reported revenue of approximately 1.567 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 67.6%, while losses expanded to 5.233 billion yuan from 5.098 billion yuan in the same period last year [2] - Adjusted operating losses grew by 34.9% year-on-year to 1.111 billion yuan, primarily due to rising sales costs and R&D expenses [2] - Sales costs surged to 543 million yuan, a staggering increase of 177.13% compared to 196 million yuan in the previous year [2] - The automotive product solutions segment contributed 778 million yuan in revenue, a 250% increase from 222 million yuan year-on-year, with a gross margin improvement of 3.9 percentage points to 45.6% [3] - The automotive licensing and services business saw a 6.9% revenue increase to 738 million yuan, but its gross margin declined from 93% to 89.7% [3] - Overall gross margin decreased by 13.7 percentage points to 65.36% due to fluctuations in gross margins across different business segments [3] R&D and Operational Costs - R&D expenses reached 2.3 billion yuan, a 62% increase from 1.42 billion yuan year-on-year, driven by a strategic shift towards mid-to-high-end assisted driving solutions [5] - Administrative expenses rose by 26.33% to 307 million yuan, while sales and marketing expenses increased from 198 million yuan to 272 million yuan [6] Competitive Landscape - Despite significant R&D investments, Horizon's technology still lags behind international chip giants like Intel, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA, which are advancing to 4nm/5nm processes [7][8] - The self-research trend among automotive manufacturers is reducing Horizon's market space, as clients like BYD and Li Auto begin to develop their own chips and algorithms [9] Customer Dependency - Horizon's revenue is heavily reliant on a few major clients, with the top five clients accounting for 52.48% of revenue in the first half of 2025, and the largest client contributing 19.7% [10][11] - The instability of client business has become evident, with significant drops in revenue contribution from major clients compared to the previous year [12]

Core Viewpoint - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved a revenue of 1.57 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 67.1% [2][6][7] Revenue and Profitability - The company's net profit for the first half of 2025 was -5.23 billion yuan, slightly worse than -5.10 billion yuan in the first half of 2024 [2][7] - Adjusted operating loss was -1.11 billion yuan, compared to -820 million yuan in the same period last year [2][7] - The gross profit margin for the first half of 2025 was 65.36%, a decrease of 13.7 percentage points year-on-year [3][15] - The net profit margin improved by 209.6% year-on-year, reaching -334% [3][15] Business Segmentation - Revenue from automotive solutions was 1.516 billion yuan, an increase of 66.1% year-on-year [11] - Revenue from automotive product solutions surged by 250.0% to 778 million yuan, driven by the rapid growth in shipments of the Chengcheng 6 series hardware [11] - Revenue from licensing and service business was 738 million yuan, up 6.9% year-on-year, as more clients integrated the company's IP into their software stacks [11] - Non-automotive solutions revenue reached 50 million yuan, a significant increase of 134.5% [11] Market Position and Growth Drivers - The company maintained the leading market share in basic and overall assisted driving solutions in China, with shares of 45.8% and 32.4% respectively [20] - The shipment volume of the Chengcheng series hardware reached 1.98 million units, doubling year-on-year [3][22] - The number of new model approvals reached nearly 400, with over 100 models approved for highway-assisted driving and above [3][22] Product Development and Partnerships - The Chengcheng 6 series chips are accelerating in mass production, with abundant orders on hand [4][6] - The company is collaborating with Bosch to develop a new multifunctional camera platform based on the Chengcheng 6B, expected to enter mass production by mid-2026 [5][33] - The Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) system, based on the Chengcheng 6P, is set to become a benchmark for urban assisted driving solutions [30][35] Global Expansion and Future Outlook - The company is expanding its global business layout and deepening cooperation with leading international automotive manufacturers [47] - The expected cumulative shipment of the Chengcheng series processing hardware is projected to exceed 10 million units by 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company [32][40]

Summary of Horizon Robotics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Horizon Robotics - **Industry**: Automotive and AI Semiconductor Solutions - **Market Position**: Leading provider of intelligent driving SoC and solutions in China [doc id='13'][doc id='11'] Key Points and Arguments Revenue Growth Projections - **Revenue Growth Rate**: Expected to maintain approximately 50% revenue growth over the next five years [doc id='2'][doc id='28'] - **Driving Factors**: 1. Rapid increase in L2+/L3 autonomous driving penetration, expanding market reach within China [doc id='11'] 2. Accelerated domestic semiconductor replacement in the automotive and AI sectors [doc id='11'] 3. Growing demand for edge AI, contributing to AIoT and robotics SoC business growth [doc id='11'] Financial Performance Expectations - **EBIT Margin**: Anticipated to turn positive by 2027 and reach over 20% by 2029, aligning with industry peers [doc id='4'][doc id='60'] - **2024 Financials**: Projected EBIT loss of 2.36 billion RMB due to high R&D expenses (31.6 billion RMB, 132% of revenue) [doc id='4'][doc id='62'] - **Revenue Forecast**: Expected to reach 20.77 billion RMB by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 65% from 2024 to 2027 [doc id='6'][doc id='3'] Market Valuation - **Target Price**: Set at HK$10.50, based on a discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation with a WACC of 9.5% [doc id='5'] - **Current Valuation**: The stock is currently trading at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 16 times for 2026, slightly above competitors, but with a significantly higher revenue growth forecast [doc id='88'][doc id='95] Market Dynamics - **Automotive Market Size**: The ADAS/AD SoC market for major Chinese OEMs is projected to grow from US$783 million in 2024 to US$7.34 billion by 2029 [doc id='17'] - **Domestic Semiconductor Market**: Domestic suppliers are expected to capture a larger share of the automotive SoC market, with significant growth anticipated from 2025 onwards [doc id='17'] Non-Automotive Business Growth - **Non-Automotive Revenue**: Expected to grow at a CAGR of 125% from 2024 to 2028, reaching 1.5 billion RMB by 2028 [doc id='32'][doc id='33'] - **Key Drivers**: Increased demand for consumer AIoT products, drones, and humanoid robots [doc id='32'] R&D and Cost Structure - **R&D Investment**: High R&D costs are a significant factor in current losses, but expected to normalize as revenue scales [doc id='76'] - **Cost Efficiency**: Anticipated reduction in R&D expense ratio from 132% in 2024 to 29% by 2029, aligning with industry averages [doc id='76'] Competitive Advantages - **Technological Edge**: Horizon Robotics holds a competitive advantage in integrated hardware and software capabilities, positioning it favorably against domestic peers [doc id='21'] - **Client Base**: The company has established partnerships with major domestic and multinational automotive manufacturers [doc id='22'] Additional Important Insights - **Market Sentiment**: The stock has seen a 7% decline since February 2023, attributed to market concerns over the short-term trends in autonomous driving technology and regulatory challenges [doc id='87] - **Long-term Outlook**: Despite current challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive due to structural growth factors in the automotive and AI sectors [doc id='11'] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's growth potential, financial expectations, and market dynamics within the automotive and AI semiconductor industry.

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant growth of Horizon Robotics (地平线) in the first half of 2025, driven by increased sales and market share in the autonomous driving sector, with a strong emphasis on the adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the successful launch of new product lines [3][6][7]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Horizon reported revenue of 1.567 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 67.6%, with a gross profit of 1.024 billion yuan and a gross margin of 65.4% [5]. - The product and solution business achieved a revenue of 778 million yuan, a 3.5 times increase compared to the same period in 2024, with a shipment volume of 1.98 million units, doubling year-on-year [11]. Market Position and Growth - Horizon's market share in China's passenger car market exceeded 63%, with the penetration rate of ADAS rising from 51% at the end of 2024 to 59% in the first half of 2025 [7]. - The company became the first smart driving technology enterprise in China to reach a cumulative shipment of over 10 million units, solidifying its leading market position [12][18]. Product Development and Innovation - The introduction of the new generation product line, the Journey 6 series, has significantly optimized the product shipment structure, with high-end product solutions accounting for 49.5% of total shipments and contributing over 80% of the revenue from the product and solution business [11]. - Horizon's R&D expenditure reached 2.3 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a 62% increase year-on-year, focusing on enhancing urban driving assistance systems [24]. Strategic Partnerships and International Expansion - Horizon has established partnerships with major international suppliers like Bosch and Denso, aiming to build a global smart driving industry ecosystem [22]. - The company is actively expanding its international presence, securing model designations with foreign brands, including two overseas partnerships expected to deliver 7.5 million units over their lifecycle [21]. Future Outlook - The market for high-end ADAS is anticipated to grow, with vehicle prices for urban driving assistance solutions expected to drop to the 150,000 yuan range, indicating a shift towards higher-end features [24]. - With the successful rollout of the Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) system, the company is positioned to continue its momentum in revenue growth and market expansion [26].

Core Insights - The company, Horizon Robotics, reported a significant revenue increase of 67.6% year-on-year, reaching 1.567 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with a gross profit of 1.024 billion yuan and a gross margin of 65.4% [1] - The strong performance is attributed to the booming demand for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) in the Chinese automotive market, where the penetration rate of such features has risen from 51% at the end of 2024 to 59% in the first half of 2025 [2][3] - The company achieved a milestone of over 10 million units shipped, solidifying its leading position in the smart driving technology sector [4] Financial Performance - Revenue from the products and solutions segment surged 350% year-on-year to 778 million yuan, with a shipment volume of 1.98 million units, doubling compared to the previous year [2][3] - The average value per vehicle increased significantly, reaching 1.7 times that of the previous year, driven by a higher proportion of mid-to-high-end product solutions [3] Market Position - Horizon Robotics holds a 32.4% market share in the Chinese autonomous driving computing solutions market and a 45.8% share in the ADAS front-view integrated machine market, maintaining its leadership in both segments [4] - The company has established partnerships with 27 OEMs, including all top ten Chinese OEMs, and has secured nearly 400 model designations, with over 15 models featuring mid-to-high-end ADAS solutions launched in the first half of 2025 [4][5] International Expansion - Horizon Robotics is expanding its international presence, having established partnerships with nine joint venture car manufacturers in China and securing model designations with two foreign car manufacturers for overseas markets [5] - The company is collaborating with global suppliers like Bosch and Denso to build a global smart driving industry ecosystem [5] Technological Advancements - The company has increased its R&D spending to 2.3 billion yuan, a 62% year-on-year increase, focusing on cloud services and urban driving assistance systems [6] - The Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) system has been recognized for its advanced capabilities, with multiple car manufacturers already designating models to feature this technology [6][7] Future Outlook - With the continued growth in product shipments and the successful launch of the HSD system, Horizon Robotics is positioned for sustainable high-speed growth in the high-end ADAS market [7] - The company is gaining recognition in global indices, indicating a shift in its valuation logic from a local leader to a global hard-tech player [7]

Core Viewpoint - Horizon Robotics (地平线) reported a significant increase in revenue and performance for the first half of 2025, with a revenue of 1.567 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 67.6%, and a gross profit of 1.024 billion yuan, achieving a gross margin of 65.4% [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved a revenue of 1.567 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, marking a 67.6% increase year-on-year [1] - Gross profit reached 1.024 billion yuan, with a gross margin of 65.4% [1] - Cash reserves stood at 16.1 billion yuan [1] Product and Solutions Growth - The demand for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) is increasing, with the penetration rate rising from 51% at the end of 2024 to 59% in the first half of 2025 [2] - The revenue from products and solutions grew 3.5 times year-on-year to 778 million yuan, with a shipment volume of 1.98 million units, also doubling year-on-year [2][3] - High-end product solutions accounted for 49.5% of total shipments, contributing over 80% of the revenue from the products and solutions business [3] Market Position and Achievements - Horizon Robotics became the first smart driving technology company in China to achieve a cumulative shipment of over 10 million units [4] - The market share for the company's ADAS solutions increased to 32.4% in the Chinese market [4] - The company has established partnerships with 27 OEMs, including all top ten Chinese OEMs, serving 6 million car owners [4] International Expansion and Collaborations - Horizon is expanding its international presence, having established partnerships with nine joint venture car manufacturers in China and two foreign car manufacturers for overseas models [5] - The company is collaborating with global suppliers like Bosch and Denso to build a global smart driving ecosystem [5] Future Growth Potential - The company is increasing its R&D investment, with expenditures reaching 2.3 billion yuan, a 62% increase year-on-year [6] - The Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) system is expected to enhance the company's growth potential, with multiple car models already adopting this technology [6][7] - Horizon's valuation is transitioning from a local leader to a global hard-tech player, as recognized by major global indices [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total revenue for the first half of 2025 amounted to RMB 1.57 billion, representing an increase of 67.6% compared to the same period last year [21] - Revenue from automotive solutions surged by 67%, with product solutions revenue increasing by 250% to RMB 777.8 million [21][22] - The overall gross margin was 65.4%, maintaining a strong position compared to other automotive solution providers [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped approximately 2 million units of automotive-grade processing hardware, more than doubling year on year [10] - Shipments of mid to high-level intelligent driving solutions accounted for half of total shipments, with a sixfold increase compared to the same period last year [10][12] - The average selling price (ASP) of solutions increased by 70% compared to last year, driven by a higher mix of mid to high-end solutions [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The penetration rate of intelligent driver assistance in domestic brands rose from 51% in 2024 to 59% in 2025 [6] - The market share of the company in the ADAS basic assisted driving market was 45.8%, and 32.4% in the overall intelligent assisted driving computing solutions market among Chinese domestic brands [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance its position in the high-end intelligent driving market, focusing on the development of the Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) as a foundation for future robotaxi solutions [14][19] - Strategic investments in cloud services and R&D are expected to drive growth opportunities and enhance the company's competitive edge in the intelligent driving sector [15][63] - The company plans to expand its global footprint and deepen partnerships with leading international automakers [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sustained growth potential in the intelligent driving market, driven by rising volumes and prices [6][12] - The company anticipates achieving shipments of around 4 million units in 2025, with a significant portion coming from mid to high-end solutions [32][42] - The management highlighted the importance of adhering to strict standards for L2 intelligent driving, which will benefit the entire ecosystem [56] Other Important Information - The company recorded an adjusted operating loss of RMB 1.1 billion, reflecting increased R&D investments [24][25] - Cumulative shipments of the Journey series processing hardware exceeded 10 million units, setting a new benchmark for the industry [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can management elaborate on major customers for mid to high-end products in the first half of this year? - Major customers included BYD and Auto Li, with both being early adopters of the company's solutions [30][31] Question: What is the outlook for revenue contribution from Journey 6E and Horizon SuperDrive? - The ASP for Journey 6P and HSD is expected to be significantly higher, contributing to future revenue growth [35] Question: Can management provide guidance for volume and ASP for the second half of this year? - The company expects continued growth in shipments and ASP, driven by new product launches and market penetration [40][45] Question: What are the details about global customers and their chosen solutions? - The company is working with global automotive groups and joint ventures, providing ADAS and new generation solutions [48][50] Question: Does the company anticipate actual deployments of robotaxi within this year? - The company plans to launch robotaxi technologies within the next three to five years, collaborating with operators to validate data [59] Question: What are the plans regarding R&D expenditure? - The company will continue to invest heavily in R&D, particularly for HSD, to capture structural transformations in the intelligent driving industry [63]

Core Insights - The 15th China Automotive Forum will be held in Shanghai from July 10 to 12, 2025, focusing on the theme "Quality Improvement and New Directions for Intelligent Driving" [1] - Dr. Chen Liming, President of Horizon Robotics, delivered a keynote speech discussing the latest research and industry insights in the field of intelligent driving [1] Industry Trends - Intelligent driving is at a critical inflection point in China, driven by three main factors: its significant role in the national strategy for smart connected new energy vehicles, the industry's push for technology democratization, and increasing consumer demand for intelligent features in electric vehicles [3][7] - The functionality of Highway Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) is becoming more user-friendly, while urban NOA is still in a "usable" stage, facing challenges such as complex traffic conditions and system performance issues [7] Technological Innovations - Horizon Robotics has made significant advancements in visual perception algorithms, evolving from traditional methods to the new Vision Mamba algorithm, which improves computational efficiency and resource optimization [11] - The Senna architecture combines end-to-end models with Visual Language Models (VLM), demonstrating over 40% reduction in average planning displacement error and 45% decrease in average collision rates compared to traditional models [14] Chip Technology - The Journey 6 series chips from Horizon Robotics cover a full range of intelligent driving applications, with the Journey 6P chip innovating in areas such as function, floating-point operations, and memory management, effectively reducing system deployment costs [17] Data and Engineering Capabilities - Horizon Robotics has introduced a solution combining reinforcement learning with world models, enabling continuous interaction with the environment for autonomous learning and optimization [19] - The company has achieved ISO 8800 certification for road vehicle safety and AI, providing over 8 million solutions and aiming to exceed 10 million this year, supporting over 200 vehicle models [19] Product Launches - The Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) for urban driving utilizes a one-stage end-to-end model and is set to enter mass production this year, featuring a configuration of 11 cameras and 1 millimeter-wave radar [22] - Horizon Robotics emphasizes its commitment to serving both domestic and global markets, collaborating with major international companies like Bosch and Denso [22]