Oppenheimer Reiterates Outperform Rating, $9 PT for BitAuto Holdings

In a company update published earlier today, Oppenheimer Holdings reiterated its Outperform rating and $9.00 price target for BitAuto Holdings Ltd.

. Oppenheimer went on to say “BITA reported 1Q12 revenues of $28.3M (up 69% y/y) above our and consensus estimates of $24.5M. 1Q non-GAAP EPADS of $0.07 were in line with our estimate of $0.07 but above consensus estimate of $0.04. Gross margin expanded modestly y/y and q/q driven by lower content distribution costs. Operating margin expanded y/y on better economies of scale, the near completion of its sales network expansion and easier comparisons. Management also guided to 2Q sales and EPADS that were above consensus estimates. We are encouraged by BITA's solid execution despite a relatively soft advertising market in China in 1H12. BITA's valuation is attractive, in our view, trading at only ~4.5x 2012E EV/EBITDA.” BitAuto Holdings Ltd. closed yesterday at $4.50