EHang(EH) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were RMB 147.2 million, representing a 44% year-over-year increase and a significant sequential increase of 4.6 times compared to Q1 2025, primarily driven by increased sales volume of EH216 series products [7][35] - Gross profit for Q2 was RMB 92 million, with a gross margin of 62.6%, remaining stable compared to 62.4% in both Q2 2024 and Q1 2025, indicating sustained market competitiveness [35][36] - Adjusted net income was RMB 9.4 million, a 19.9% increase from RMB 1.2 million in 2024, marking a turnaround from an adjusted net loss of RMB 31.1 million in Q1 2025 [37][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully delivered 68 units of the EH216 series, with new orders exceeding 150 units for the EH216 series in Q2, reflecting strong market interest [7][20] - The EH216 S completed over 10,000 safe flights without incidents, underscoring its safety and reliability, which is crucial for scaling up commercial operations [8][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that 90% of new orders were from domestic clients, while 10% were from overseas customers, indicating a growing demand for pilotless vehicles in international markets [52][80] - The company has expanded its global presence, completing demo flights in 20 countries, including Mexico, Indonesia, and the Dominican Republic [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on establishing a proven scalable business model for pilotless eVTOL operations, emphasizing safety, regulatory compliance, and innovation as cornerstones for leadership in the market [18][34] - A strategic partnership with the Hefei municipal government aims to establish a VT35 series product hub, integrating R&D, manufacturing, and operations [13][76] - The company is pursuing a dual-engine revenue model combining vehicle manufacturing and operational services to support long-term sustainable growth [39][40] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized that the adjustment in revenue guidance is not due to weak demand but a commitment to safety and a more prudent development strategy [45][46] - The company is confident in achieving a full-year revenue target of RMB 500 million based on current order backlog [45] Other Important Information - The company has established partnerships with leading academic institutions and top-tier ecosystem allies to advance critical technologies and enhance operational capabilities [14][28] - The company is actively pursuing airworthiness certification for new models and solid-state battery technology, which has shown significant results in extending flight durations [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Reasons behind revenue guidance cuts - Management clarified that the adjustment is due to a strategic shift towards supporting existing clients in establishing regular operations, prioritizing safety over rapid expansion [45] Question: Update on operating certificates (OC) for clients - Management provided an update on the phased operational approach of the two operators who obtained OCs, highlighting their focus on optimizing processes and services [47][48] Question: Breakdown of order backlog - Management indicated that 90% of the 150 new orders are from domestic clients, with a growing trend of demand from overseas markets [52][54] Question: Plans for VT20 model airworthiness certification - Management confirmed that the VT20 series logistic aircraft does not require airworthiness certification, while larger models are progressing towards certification [56] Question: Future revenue growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in achieving significant revenue growth next year, supported by ongoing projects and commercial operations [61] Question: Production capacity expansion plans - Management confirmed that the production base expansion plan remains unchanged, with an annual capacity target of 1,000 units [68][69] Question: Business model as a UAV service provider - Management outlined the company's role as both an eVTOL producer and an operational service provider, focusing on sustainable long-term commercial operations [73][74]