Li Auto EPS beats by $0.01, beats on revenue

(May 26) Li Auto Inc. (Nasdaq: LI), an innovator in China’s new energy vehicle market, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

• Li Q1 Non-GAAP EPS of -$0.03 beats by $0.01; GAAP EPS of -$0.06 misses by $0.05.
• Revenue of $545.7M (+319.8% Y/Y) beats by $42.26M.
• Quarterly total revenues reached RMB3.58 billion (US$545.7 million)1Quarterly deliveries were 12,579 vehicles
• Quarterly gross margin reached 17.3%.
• Q2 Outlook: Total revenues to be between RMB3.99B ($609M) and RMB4.27B ($651.7M), consensus $663.51, representing an increase of 104.6% to 119.0% from Q2 2020.
• Deliveries of vehicles to be between 14,500 and 15,500 vehicles, representing an increase of 119.6% to 134.7% from Q2 2020.

Operating Highlights for the First Quarter of 2021

• Deliveries of Li ONEs were 12,579 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021, representing a 334.4% year-over-year increase.

• As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 65 retail stores covering 49 cities and 135 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 98 cities.

Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of 2021

• Vehicle sales were RMB3.46 billion (US$528.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 311.8% from RMB841.1 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.6% from RMB4.06 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Vehicle margin2was 16.9% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.4% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.1% in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Total revenues were RMB3.58 billion (US$545.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 319.8% from RMB851.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 13.8% from RMB4.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Gross profit was RMB616.7 million (US$94.1 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 802.9% from RMB68.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.9% from RMB724.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Gross margin was 17.3% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.0% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Loss from operations was RMB407.7 million (US$62.2 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 74.1% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 416.7% from RMB78.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP loss from operations3was RMB224.8 million (US$34.3 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing a decrease of 4.0% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 216.2% from RMB71.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Net loss was RMB360.0 million (US$54.9 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB77.1 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB107.5 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net loss3was RMB177.0 million (US$27.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB253.4 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB115.4 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Operating cash flow was RMB926.3 million (US$141.4 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB989.3 million from negative net cash flow of RMB63.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 49.1% from RMB1.82 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Free cash flow4was RMB570.2 million (US$87.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB755.4 million from negative net cash flow of RMB185.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 64.3% from RMB1.60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Deliveries Update

• In April 2021, the Company delivered 5,539 Li ONEs, representing a 111.3% increase compared to April 2020. As of April 30, 2021, the Company had 73 retail stores covering 53 cities, in addition to 143 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 105 cities.

Issuance of Convertible Senior Notes

• In April 2021, the Company completed the offering of US$862.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 0.25% convertible senior notes due 2028 (the “Notes”), which included the exercise in full by the initial purchasers in the Notes offering of their option to purchase up to an additional US$112.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes.
• The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes offering for (i) research and development of new vehicle models, including BEV models, (ii) research and development of leading technologies, and (iii) working capital and other general corporate purposes.

2021 Li ONE

• On May 25, 2021, the Company officially released the 2021 Li ONE, the first vehicle with Navigation on ADAS (NOA) as a standard configuration in the world. It features comprehensive upgrades, including an enhanced NEDC range of 1,080 kilometers, optimized mobility comfort, and more intelligent cockpit, bringing premium features to users at a flat retail price of RMB338,000. Deliveries of the 2021 Li ONE will commence on June 1, 2021.
• With software and hardware optimization and its integrated powertrain system, the 2021 Li ONE can achieve an NEDC range of 1,080 kilometers and a WLTC range of 890 kilometers. Its energy efficiency in fuel mode is 6.05 liter per 100 kilometers based on the NEDC standard operational condition, best in class among large-sized four-wheel drive SUVs.

CEO and CFO Comments

Mr.Xiang Li, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Li Auto, commented, “We delivered 12,579 Li ONEs during the quarter, up 334.4% year over year. Li ONE was the second best-selling new energy SUV inChinain the first quarter as our compelling product offering and superior user experience continued to delight users and boost brand awareness, while the unwavering support of our direct sales and servicing network underpinned our growth.

“On May 25, we released our 2021 Li ONE. The model has elevated the extended range electric technology to a brand-new level, achieving an NEDC range of 1,080 kilometers and a WLTC range of 890 kilometers. Its energy efficiency in the fuel mode takes consumption as low as 6.05 liter per 100 kilometers based on the NEDC standard operational condition, a level that is unparalleled among large-sized four-wheel drive SUVs. I am very proud of our R&D team’s successful efforts to improve the range-extended technology.

“The 2021 Li ONE is the first model in the world offering Navigation on ADAS in a standard configuration. Combining our self-developed ADAS with dedicated dual Horizon Robotics Journey 3 processors, an 8-megapixel front-view camera, 5 latest millimeter-wave radars, and high-definition maps, the 2021 Li ONE delivers a safer, easier, and more convenient driving experience, echoing our belief that active safety should be standard, not optional features.

“Li ONE has been well loved by family users for its spacious six-seat interior layout. And the 2021 Li ONE enhances its excellence in space, comfort, and intelligence by equipping the front and second row seats with lumbar massage functions, increasing the leg room in the third row by 41 millimeters, while also featuring a smarter in-car voice assistant ‘LiXiang Tong Xue(理想同学),’ providing a high caliber and overall more comfortable, roomier, and more intelligent space for more families.

“Is it possible to build a smart electric vehicle that makes families happier? With the 2021 Li ONE, we can confidently say yes, a resounding yes!” concludedMr. Li.

Mr.Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto, added, “We are pleased with our healthy financial performance during the first quarter. Our total revenues reached RMB3.58 billion, more than quadrupling from the first quarter of 2020 and exceeding the top end of our revenue guidance by 11.2%, while our gross margin stayed robust at 17.3%. Amid our ongoing efforts to enhance investment in R&D as well as our direct sales and servicing network, operating expenses increased 27.5% quarter-over-quarter and 238.6% year-over-year. We also raised over US$840 million in net proceeds through our successful convertible senior notes offering, strengthening our capital base for future growth as we increase our R&D investments in leading technologies, prepare for new model launches, and gear up for further increases in demand.”

Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2021

Revenues

• Total revenueswere RMB3.58 billion (US$545.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 319.8% from RMB851.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 13.8% from RMB4.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Vehicle saleswere RMB3.46 billion (US$528.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 311.8% from RMB841.1 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.6% from RMB4.06 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales over the first quarter of 2020 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries with the continuous expansion of our sales network. The decrease in revenue from vehicle sales from the fourth quarter of 2020 was mainly attributable to the decrease in vehicle deliveries, which were affected by seasonal factors related to the Chinese New Year holiday as well as the localized COVID-19 outbreaks in the northern China in February 2021.
• Other sales and serviceswere RMB111.5 million (US$17.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 951.9% from RMB10.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 25.0% from RMB89.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in revenue from other sales and services over the first and fourth quarter of 2020 was mainly attributable to increased sales of charging stalls, accessories and services in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

• Cost of saleswas RMB2.96 billion (US$451.6 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 277.6% from RMB783.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 13.5% from RMB3.42 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Gross profitwas RMB616.7 million (US$94.1 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 802.9% from RMB 68.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.9% from RMB724.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Vehicle marginwas 16.9% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.4% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.1% in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in vehicle margin over the first quarter of 2020 was primarily attributable to lower material cost and lower unit manufacturing overhead cost derived from the increased production volume. The slight decrease in vehicle margin from the fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily due to lower average selling price caused by promotional activities launched in the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by the decreased material cost.
• Gross marginwas 17.3% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.0% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020, which was mainly driven by the change of vehicle margin.

Operating Expenses

• Operating expenseswere RMB1.02 billion (US$156.4 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 238.6% from RMB302.5 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 27.5% from RMB803.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Research and development expenseswere RMB514.5 million (US$78.5 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 171.2% from RMB189.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 37.5% from RMB374.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.Non-GAAP research and development expenses3were RMB397.9 million (US$60.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 109.8% from RMB189.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 7.8% from RMB369.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in research and development expenses over the first and fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily attributable to (i) increased share-based compensation expenses derived from incremental share options granted with higher fair value in January 2021 while no share-based compensation expenses were recognized for stock options with service conditions and a performance condition related to our IPO in the first quarter of 2020, (ii) increased research and development activities for the Company’s next vehicle models, and (iii) increased headcount.
• Selling, general and administrative expenseswere RMB509.9 million (US$77.8 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 352.0% from RMB112.8 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 18.8% from RMB429.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses3were RMB449.8 million (US$68.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 298.8% from RMB112.8 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 5.4% from RMB426.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses over the first and fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by (i) increased marketing and promotional activities, (ii) increased headcount and rental expenses with the expansion of the Company’s sales network, and (iii) increased share-based compensation expenses.

Loss from Operations

• Loss from operationswas RMB407.7 million (US$62.2 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 74.1% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 416.7% from RMB78.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.Non-GAAP loss from operationswas RMB224.8 million (US$34.3 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing a decrease of 4.0% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 216.2% from RMB71.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net Loss and Earnings Per Share

• Net losswas RMB360.0 million (US$54.9 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB77.1 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB107.5 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020.Non-GAAP net losswas RMB177.0 million (US$27.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB253.4 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB115.4 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Basic and diluted net loss per ADS6attributable to ordinary shareholderswere both RMB0.40 (US$0.06) in the first quarter of 2021.Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders3were both RMB0.20 (US$0.03) in the first quarter of 2021.

Cash position, Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

• Balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investmentswas RMB30.36 billion (US$4.63 billion) as of March 31, 2021.
• Operating cash flowwas RMB926.3 million (US$141.4 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB989.3 million from negative net cash flow of RMB63.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 49.1% from RMB1.82 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Free cash flowwas RMB570.2 million (US$87.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB755.4 million from negative net cash flow of RMB185.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 64.3% from RMB1.60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Business Outlook

For the second quarter of 2021, the Company expects:

• Deliveries of vehiclesto be between 14,500 and 15,500 vehicles, representing an increase of 119.6% to 134.7% from the second quarter of 2020.
• Total revenuesto be between RMB3.99 billion (US$609.0 million) and RMB4.27 billion (US$651.7 million), representing an increase of 104.6% to 119.0% from the second quarter of 2020.

This business outlook reflects the Company’s current and preliminary view on the business situation and market condition, which is subject to change.