Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:LI) is among the Goldman Sachs EV and Battery Stocks. On February 9, 2026, JPMorgan cut Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:LI) to Underweight from Neutral and reduced its price objective to $14 from $18. The corporation forecasts China’s auto industry to underperform in 2026 as passenger vehicle growth slows. JPMorgan downgraded Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:LI)’s profitability prediction for this year to a loss, noting lower sales volumes and margins, as well as a shortage of new models. Separately, the ...

Core Insights - China's vehicle sales and production reached record highs in 2025, with production at 34.5 million units (up 10.4% year over year) and sales at 34.4 million units (up 9.4% year over year), driven by strong demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) [2][4] Group 1: Market Performance - In 2025, China's passenger vehicle market also crossed the 30-million-unit mark, with production at 30.27 million units (up 10.2% year over year) and sales at 30.10 million units (up 9.2% year over year) [3] - The commercial vehicle segment saw production and sales rise to 4.26 million and 4.30 million units, both achieving double-digit growth [3] - China maintained its position as the world's largest auto market for the 17th consecutive year [4] Group 2: NEVs and Export Growth - China remained the largest NEV market globally for the 11th consecutive year in 2025, with NEV production and sales surpassing 16 million units [5] - NEV sales increased by 28% year over year to 16.5 million units, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) leading the growth at 10.6 million units (up 37.6%) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) reaching 5.8 million units (up 14%) [6] - Vehicle exports reached a record 7.1 million units, up 21% year over year, driven by improved product quality and competitive pricing [7] Group 3: Key Players - BYD led in volume with approximately 4.6 million vehicles delivered in 2025, marking a 7.7% year-over-year increase [9] - NIO delivered 326,028 vehicles, up nearly 47% year over year, while XPeng recorded the fastest growth with deliveries jumping 126% to 429,445 units [10] - Li Auto delivered 406,343 vehicles, reflecting a 19% year-over-year decrease, despite expanding its international presence [11] Group 4: Future Outlook - Growth in China's auto market is expected to moderate in 2026, with total vehicle sales forecasted to increase by just 1% to 34.8 million units, compared to a 9% rise in 2025 [17] - Passenger vehicle sales are projected to rise 0.5% to 30.3 million units, while commercial vehicle sales are expected to increase by 5% to 4.5 million units [18] - NEVs are anticipated to remain the main growth driver, with sales forecasted to rise 15% to 19 million units, albeit at a slower pace than in recent years [18]

Core Insights - NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto, major players in the China-based smart electric vehicle market, reported their delivery figures for December 2025 and Q4 2025, showcasing significant growth in vehicle deliveries [2][3][4][5]. Group 1: NIO Performance - NIO achieved a record 48,135 vehicle deliveries in December 2025, reflecting a 54.6% year-over-year increase [3]. - The fourth-quarter deliveries reached a new high of 124,807 vehicles, up 71.7% from the previous year [3]. - For the full year 2025, NIO delivered 326,028 vehicles, marking a 46.9% increase year-over-year, with cumulative deliveries totaling 997,592 units as of December 31, 2025 [3]. Group 2: XPeng Performance - XPeng delivered 37,508 vehicles in December 2025, representing a modest 2% year-over-year increase [4]. - Total deliveries for 2025 surged to 429,445 units, more than doubling from the previous year with a 126% increase [4]. - Overseas deliveries for XPeng totaled 45,008 vehicles in 2025, up 96% year-over-year, as the company expanded operations to 60 countries and regions by year-end [4]. Group 3: Li Auto Performance - Li Auto delivered 44,246 vehicles in December 2025, a decrease from 58,513 units in December 2024 [5]. - Fourth-quarter deliveries amounted to 109,194 vehicles, bringing cumulative deliveries to 1,540,215 units as of December 31, 2025 [5]. - Li Auto expanded its international presence by launching new models in Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, and operated 548 retail stores in 159 cities by year-end [6]. Group 4: Stock Performance - Over the past year, shares of NIO and XPeng have increased by 10.2% and 73.2%, respectively, while shares of Li Auto have decreased by 31.6% [7]. Group 5: Zacks Rank - NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto currently hold a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8].

Core Insights - NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto, three major Chinese smart electric vehicle manufacturers, reported their delivery figures for December 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025, showcasing varying performance levels among them [1]. NIO Performance - NIO achieved a record 48,135 vehicle deliveries in December 2025, reflecting a 54.6% year-over-year increase. The breakdown included 31,897 units from the premium NIO brand, 9,154 units from the ONVO brand, and 7,084 units from the FIREFLY brand [2]. - For the fourth quarter, NIO's deliveries reached a new high of 124,807 vehicles, marking a 71.7% increase from the previous year. The total deliveries for the full year 2025 were 326,028 vehicles, up 46.9% year-over-year, with cumulative deliveries reaching 997,592 units by December 31, 2025 [2]. XPeng Performance - XPeng delivered 37,508 vehicles in December 2025, which is a modest 2% year-over-year increase. The total deliveries for 2025 surged to 429,445 units, more than doubling from the previous year with a 126% increase [3]. - The company also reported overseas deliveries totaling 45,008 vehicles for the year, reflecting a 96% year-over-year increase as it expanded operations to 60 countries and regions by the end of 2025 [3]. Li Auto Performance - Li Auto delivered 44,246 vehicles in December 2025, a decrease from 58,513 units in the same month of 2024. The fourth-quarter deliveries amounted to 109,194 vehicles, with cumulative deliveries reaching 1,540,215 units as of December 31, 2025 [4]. - Throughout the year, Li Auto expanded its international presence by launching new models in Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, and operated 548 retail stores in 159 cities, along with 561 service centers across 224 cities. The company also established 3,907 supercharging stations in China, comprising 21,651 charging stalls [5]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, shares of NIO and XPeng have increased by 10.2% and 73.2%, respectively, while shares of Li Auto have declined by 31.6% [6]. Zacks Rank - Currently, NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto all carry a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8].

Core Insights - Li Auto Inc. delivered 44,246 vehicles in December 2025, bringing total fourth-quarter deliveries to 109,194 and cumulative deliveries to 1,540,215 as of December 31, 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Deliveries and Market Expansion - In December 2025, Li Auto surpassed 1.5 million cumulative vehicle deliveries [2] - The company expanded its global presence by introducing models Li L9, Li L7, and Li L6 to Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, marking its entry into Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Africa [2] Group 2: Retail and Service Infrastructure - As of December 31, 2025, Li Auto operated 548 retail stores across 159 cities and 561 servicing centers, along with authorized body and paint shops in 224 cities [3] - The company had 3,907 supercharging stations in operation, equipped with 21,651 charging stalls in China [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Li Auto is a leader in China's new energy vehicle market, focusing on designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling premium smart electric vehicles [4] - The company aims to create a mobile home and happiness through innovative products, technology, and business models, and is a pioneer in commercializing extended-range electric vehicles in China [4] - Li Auto's current model lineup includes a high-tech flagship family MPV, four Li L series extended-range electric SUVs, and two Li i series battery electric SUVs, with plans for further product expansion [4]

Core Viewpoint - Li Auto Inc. reported a significant decline in vehicle deliveries and financial performance for the third quarter of 2025, reflecting challenges in the new energy vehicle market and operational difficulties. Operating Highlights - Total deliveries for Q3 2025 were 93,211 vehicles, a 39.0% year-over-year decrease [2][3] - The company had 542 retail stores in 157 cities and 3,420 supercharging stations in operation as of September 30, 2025 [3] Financial Highlights - Vehicle sales amounted to RMB 25.9 billion (US$ 3.6 billion) in Q3 2025, down 37.4% from RMB 41.3 billion in Q3 2024 and down 10.4% from RMB 28.9 billion in Q2 2025 [4][13] - Total revenues were RMB 27.4 billion (US$ 3.8 billion), a decrease of 36.2% year-over-year [4][13] - Gross profit was RMB 4.5 billion (US$ 627.8 million), down 51.6% from RMB 9.2 billion in Q3 2024 [4][13] - Net loss was RMB 624.4 million (US$ 87.7 million), compared to a net income of RMB 2.8 billion in Q3 2024 [4][24] Cost and Margin Analysis - Cost of sales was RMB 22.9 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), a decrease of 32.0% from RMB 33.6 billion in Q3 2024 [18] - Vehicle margin was 15.5% in Q3 2025, down from 20.9% in Q3 2024 [4][18] - Gross margin was 16.3%, compared to 21.5% in Q3 2024 [4][18] Operating Expenses - Operating expenses were RMB 5.6 billion (US$ 793.1 million), a decrease of 2.5% from RMB 5.8 billion in Q3 2024 [4][18] - Research and development expenses increased by 15.0% year-over-year to RMB 3.0 billion (US$ 417.8 million) [18] Cash Flow and Financial Position - Net cash used in operating activities was RMB 7.4 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) in Q3 2025, compared to RMB 11.0 billion net cash provided in Q3 2024 [7][24] - Free cash flow was negative RMB 8.9 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in Q3 2025 [7][24] - Cash position was RMB 98.9 billion (US$ 13.9 billion) as of September 30, 2025 [24] Recent Developments - The company launched the Li i6, a new battery electric SUV, in September 2025 [9] - In October 2025, Li Auto opened its first overseas authorized retail store in Tashkent, Uzbekistan [10] - The Li i8 achieved the highest score in the China-Automobile Health Index assessment [11] Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted strong momentum in the BEV portfolio and confidence in achieving long-term strategic objectives despite market challenges [12] - The CFO noted operational resilience with a gross margin of 20.4% when excluding recall costs [12]

Core Insights - Li Auto Inc. delivered 31,767 vehicles in October 2025, bringing cumulative deliveries to 1,462,788 as of October 31, 2025 [1] - The Li i6 model has received over 70,000 orders since its launch, prompting the company to enhance delivery capabilities [2] - Li Auto is expanding globally, having opened its first overseas retail store in Uzbekistan and planning additional stores in Kazakhstan [2] Company Operations - As of October 31, 2025, Li Auto operates 551 retail stores across 157 cities, 554 servicing centers, and authorized body and paint shops in 225 cities [3] - The company has established 3,508 supercharging stations with 19,417 charging stalls in China [3] Product and Technology - Li Auto is a leader in China's new energy vehicle market, focusing on premium smart electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles [4] - The company aims to create a mobile home experience through innovative products and technology, with a current lineup that includes multiple models of extended-range electric SUVs and battery electric SUVs [4]

Core Viewpoint - Li Auto Inc. has revised its delivery outlook for Q2 2025, expecting to deliver approximately 108,000 vehicles, down from a previous estimate of 123,000 to 128,000 vehicles, due to a temporary impact from a sales system upgrade [1] Company Overview - Li Auto Inc. is a leader in China's new energy vehicle market, focusing on designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling premium smart electric vehicles [2] - The company's mission is to create a mobile home and happiness, providing families with safe, convenient, and comfortable products and services [2] - Li Auto is a pioneer in commercializing extended-range electric vehicles in China while also developing battery electric vehicle platforms [2] - The company began volume production in November 2019 and has a diverse model lineup, including Li MEGA, Li L9, Li L8, Li L7, and Li L6 [2]

Core Insights - Li Auto has submitted its second fully electric SUV, the Li i6, for regulatory approval in China, with an official launch expected in about three months [1] - The Li i6 is listed in the latest catalog of new models by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which is open for public feedback [1] Vehicle Specifications - The Li i6 appears in three versions: dual-motor variant (150 kW front motor and 250 kW rear motor) and two single-motor variants with a peak output of 250 kW [2] - All versions share similar dimensions: 4,950 mm in length, 1,935 mm in width, 1,655-1,670 mm in height, and a 3,000 mm wheelbase [2] Production and Performance - Production of the Li i6 will occur at Li Auto's facilities in Beijing and Changzhou, with a curb weight ranging from 2,380 kg to 2,515 kg [3] - The vehicle can reach speeds up to 180 km/h and will be powered by lithium-iron phosphate batteries sourced from CATL and Sunwoda [3] Market Positioning - The Li i6 is designed as a roomy two-row, five-seat electric SUV, targeting families considering premium models like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, or Audi Q5 [4] - The official release is slated for September, with images of the SUV's exterior shared on Weibo by Li Xiang, the founder and CEO of Li Auto [4] Company Background - Li Auto is recognized for its extended-range electric vehicles, including the Li L6, L7, L8, and L9, and recently launched its first battery electric vehicle, the Li Mega MPV, on March 1, 2024 [5] - The company is also preparing to launch the Li i8, its first pure electric SUV, later in July [5]

Company Performance - Li Auto delivered 40,856 vehicles in May 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 16.7% [1] - Cumulative deliveries reached 1,301,531 as of May 31, 2025 [1] Product Development - The company completed a comprehensive upgrade of its entire model lineup, with the new Li MEGA Home deliveries starting in late May [2] - The Li L series features significant enhancements, including dual-chamber air suspension and industry-leading safety capabilities with standard all-weather LiDAR [2] Technological Advancements - Li Auto rolled out OTA update version 7.4, enhancing the smart assistant Li Xiang Tong Xue with new animated avatars and improved intelligence [3] - The company plans to complete the deployment of its 2,500th super charging station in June, ahead of the launch of its first battery electric SUV, Li i8, in July [3] Infrastructure Expansion - As of May 31, 2025, Li Auto operated 506 retail stores in 152 cities and 502 servicing centers across 222 cities [4] - The company had 2,414 super charging stations in operation, equipped with 13,195 charging stalls in China [4] Company Overview - Li Auto is a leader in China's new energy vehicle market, focusing on premium smart electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles [5] - The current model lineup includes Li MEGA, Li L9, Li L8, Li L7, and Li L6, with plans for further expansion to target a broader user base [5]