Hesai(HSAI)2025-03-11 11:53Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company achieved record net revenues of RMB2 billion (USD285 million), marking the highest in the global LiDAR industry [39] - Shipments exceeded 500,000 units in 2024, more than doubling the total from 2023, with December alone setting an industry record of 100,000 monthly shipments [39] - The company reported a full-year non-GAAP net profit of RMB14 million (USD1.9 million), a significant improvement from a non-GAAP net loss of RMB241 million (USD34 million) in 2023 [41] - The blended gross margin for Q4 2024 was 39%, down from the previous quarter due to a shift in product mix [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped over 20,000 units to its robotics business in December 2024, indicating significant growth in this sector [40] - For 2025, the company projects total shipments of 1.2 million to 1.5 million units, with nearly 200,000 units expected to come from high-margin robotic LiDAR [8][9] - The ATX LiDAR, priced at approximately $200, is anticipated to contribute significantly to total shipments in 2025, with expectations of high adoption rates among OEMs [44][45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adoption of ADAS in China is projected to grow from 8% in 2023 to 70% by 2030, indicating a transformative decade ahead for the industry [10] - LiDAR integration in EVs in China is expected to surge from 8% in 2023 to 20% in 2025 and then to 56% by 2030 [13] - The company has secured design wins for 120 vehicle models across 22 OEMs worldwide, including 9 out of the top 10 largest automakers by market cap in China [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to solidify its leadership in the LiDAR market by focusing on the growing demand for ADAS and robotics applications [6][29] - The strategy includes launching new production lines in Q1 2025, with an expected annualized production capacity of 2 million units by the end of the year [29] - The company is committed to lowering barriers to LiDAR adoption and driving technological equality, with a focus on cost-effective solutions [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving GAAP profitability of RMB200 million to RMB350 million in 2025, with non-GAAP profits projected to soar to RMB350 million to RMB500 million [50] - The company anticipates a strong year in 2025, driven by increased demand from both ADAS and robotics sectors [42] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy gross margin of around 40% while continuing to invest in R&D [49][65] Other Important Information - The company has deepened collaborations with major clients such as BYD and Great Wall Motors, which are ramping up their strategic upgrades in intelligent driving technologies [24][25] - The JT Mini LiDAR is being positioned as a leading product in the robotics market, with significant orders expected in 2025 [31][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2025 and quarterly volume trajectory - Management provided revenue guidance of RMB520 million to RMB540 million for Q1 2025, with expectations of approximately 200,000 units shipped [55][56] - The ATX is expected to have an annual price decline, while gross profit margins are anticipated to remain close to 40% [58][59] Question: Long-term potential of the robotics LiDAR market - Management indicated that the robotics market could be several times larger than the passenger vehicle business, with high margins expected to persist [71][76] Question: Further cost reduction and technology advancements - Management noted limited room for further cost reductions on the ATX platform, emphasizing the importance of maintaining product reliability and performance [94][95] Question: ADAS LiDAR adoption in overseas markets - Management clarified that LiDAR is applicable to both EV and ICE vehicles, and the company is optimistic about growth prospects in overseas markets [130] Question: Long-term competitive landscape of ADAS LiDAR market - Management acknowledged that while exclusivity with OEMs is not guaranteed, the company's performance leadership and cost competitiveness are key advantages [140][141]