Core Viewpoint - Zeekr Technology Group has demonstrated significant financial improvements in Q2 2025, with record high gross margins and revenue growth driven by strategic synergies with Lynk & Co [1][3]. Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Zeekr's revenue reached 27.431 billion yuan, a quarter-over-quarter increase of 24.6% and a year-over-year increase of 36.9% [1]. - The overall gross margin was 20.6%, marking a historical high, while the vehicle gross margin was 17.3%, up 5.8 percentage points year-over-year [1]. - For the first half of 2025, total revenue was 49.45 billion yuan, a year-over-year increase of 42.2%, with vehicle revenue at 42.012 billion yuan, up 8% [3]. Cost Management - R&D expense ratio decreased to 7.8%, down 5.8 percentage points year-over-year, while selling and administrative expense ratio was 12.3%, down 1.2 percentage points year-over-year [3]. Strategic Synergies - The merger with Lynk & Co has led to three strategic outcomes: a clear restructuring of the brand matrix, significant reductions in R&D and management costs due to scale effects, and a robust product cycle with new models and technologies set to drive sales and financial performance [3]. Privatization Progress - On July 15, 2025, Geely Holding Group announced a merger agreement to acquire Zeekr at $2.678 per share, with an estimated total cash requirement of approximately $2.4 billion [4][5]. - The merger is expected to be completed by the end of the year, pending approvals from shareholder meetings on September 5 and September 15 [5].

Core Insights - Zeekr Technology Group reported significant financial improvements in Q2 2025, achieving record high gross margins and revenue growth [2] - The merger with Lynk & Co has led to strategic synergies that are enhancing financial performance and operational efficiency [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Zeekr's revenue reached 27.431 billion yuan, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 24.6% and a year-on-year increase of 36.9% [2] - The overall gross margin was 20.6%, marking a historical high, while the vehicle gross margin was 17.3%, up 5.8 percentage points year-on-year [2] - For the first half of 2025, total revenue was 49.45 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 42.2%, with vehicle revenue at 42.012 billion yuan, up 8% [2] Strategic Synergies - The merger has resulted in three strategic outcomes: a clear restructuring of the brand matrix, significant reductions in R&D and management costs due to scale effects, and a robust product cycle with new models and technologies [3] - New models such as Zeekr 9X and Lynk & Co 10 EM-P, along with advanced technologies, are expected to drive sales and financial performance [3] Merger Progress - On July 15, 2025, Geely Holding Group announced a merger agreement to acquire Zeekr at $2.678 per share, with an estimated total cash requirement of around $2.4 billion [3] - The merger agreement involves a share exchange where most investors are expected to opt for stock rather than cash, limiting cash outflow to about 30% [3] - The completion of the merger is anticipated by the end of the year, pending approvals from shareholder meetings on September 5 and September 15 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Zeekr's flagship SUV, the Zeekr 9X, is positioned as a key product for the company over the next three years, aiming to elevate the brand and the broader Geely Group in the luxury electric vehicle market [2][6]. Group 1: Product Features and Technology - The Zeekr 9X is marketed as a "flagship SUV of the new energy era," featuring advanced technologies such as the Haohan-S hybrid architecture, which supports a 900V high-voltage system, 6C ultra-fast charging, and a maximum power output exceeding 1000 kW [2][3]. - The vehicle boasts the longest pure electric range for hybrid SUVs, achieving a CLTC range of 380 kilometers, enhancing the hybrid experience across performance, range, and charging [2][3]. - The 9X incorporates a self-developed AI digital chassis designed to provide both stability and comfort akin to luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and off-road capabilities similar to Land Rover [3][4]. Group 2: Market Positioning and Strategy - Zeekr aims to challenge the traditional luxury SUV market, which has been dominated by imported brands, by offering a competitive alternative in the high-end segment [6][8]. - The company has set an ambitious annual sales target of 790,000 units, with Zeekr responsible for 320,000 units, although it has only achieved 90,000 units in the first half of the year, falling short of expectations [7][8]. - The introduction of the 9X is seen as a critical move to demonstrate Zeekr's capabilities and attract attention in the competitive luxury SUV market [8][26]. Group 3: Consumer Engagement and Marketing - Zeekr emphasizes the importance of consumer interaction and feedback in its marketing strategy, moving away from traditional one-way communication to a more engaging approach [11][12]. - The company plans to leverage the advanced technologies of the 9X to enhance the overall driving experience for consumers, with the potential for these technologies to be integrated into more affordable models in the future [6][10][22]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Development - The Zeekr 9X is positioned as a pivotal model that will not only elevate the brand's image but also serve as a precursor for future models, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and luxury [6][24]. - The company is focused on long-term growth in the luxury market, aiming to establish itself as a top player in the segment while balancing product features to meet diverse consumer needs [24][26].