Li Auto stock is trying to recover after a volatile year. Li Auto (LI) and other China EV stocks are showing tremendous sales growth, and Li is starting to show profitability. After a rough 2022, production is rebounding with a new model on tap. Is Li Auto stock a buy now?
Founded in 2015, the Beijing-based company competes directly with Tesla (TSLA) and Nio (NIO) in the high-end EV market. The company debuted its first model, an electric hybrid SUV called the Li ONE, in December 2019. That vehicle carries a price tag ranging from $29,000 to $76,000 and was one of China's top-10 sellers across all fuel types in 2020.
Covid shutdowns hit production, logistics and demand for Li Auto and other EV makers last year. Production recovered as Shanghai largely ended its lockdowns on June 1.
Turning Profitable
Li Auto stock has yet to show investors it can be consistently profitable.
And even though Li is seeing strong vehicle deliveries, it's competing not only against Tesla and China EV peers, but also established U.S. automakers like Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) as well as Volkswagen (VW) as they enter the China EV market.
If you're thinking about buying shares of Li Auto stock, it's key to analyze the fundamental and technical picture first.
LI Stock Technical Analysis
LI stock is on the move after a rocky year. Shares shed roughly 70% of their value in the second half of 2022, falling from a June high of 41.49 to a low of 12.52 in mid-October.
Li Auto fell along with other Chinese stocks after being hit with a triple whammy of regulation fears, a Covid resurgence and concerns over Beijing's close relationship with Russia.
But since hitting bear market lows, Li Auto stock is making a comeback. The stock has gained nearly 30% so far in 2023 and has moved above its 10-week moving average. The next hurdle for LI stock would be a move about its 40-week line. That area has acted a level of resistance for the Chinese automaker.
LI Stock: A Buy Right Now?
Li Auto stock has been moving higher after a prolonged downtrend. As for fundamentals, Li Auto sales have seen strong growth over the last few quarters. Electric cars remain a compelling growth story.
Bottom line: Li Auto stock is not a buy.
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