NIO(NIO) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-25 13:02

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, total revenues reached RMB 21.8 billion, an increase of 16.7% year-over-year and 14.7% quarter-over-quarter [23] - Vehicle sales amounted to RMB 19.2 billion, up 15% year-over-year and 19% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher deliveries [24] - Overall gross margin improved to 13.9%, compared to 10.7% in Q3 last year and 10% last quarter, reflecting higher vehicle margins and better profitability in parts and services [25] - Non-GAAP operating loss narrowed by 30% quarter-over-quarter, with positive operating cash flow and free cash flow generated in Q3 [8][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 87,071 smart EVs in Q3 2025, representing a year-over-year growth of 40.8% [4] - The ONVO L90 delivered over 33,000 units in three months since its launch, leading the large battery electric SUV segment [11] - The All-New ES8 surpassed 10,000 deliveries within 41 days, becoming a top seller in the premium large three-row SUV segment [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In October, the company delivered 40,397 smart EVs, up 92.6% year-over-year, marking three consecutive months of record-high deliveries [6] - The penetration rate of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the premium segment increased from 12% last year to 18% in Q3 2025 [65] - The sales volume of BEVs in the large three-row SUV market ranked first for the first time in September and continued in October [67] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to a battery electric vehicle roadmap featuring chargeable, swappable, and upgradable batteries [9] - A multi-brand sales and service system is in place, with a focus on expanding the ONVO brand to cover a broader range of price segments [19][102] - The company plans to launch three new large models next year, aiming to achieve a monthly delivery rate of 50,000 units in the first half of next year [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving quarterly break-even in Q4 despite challenges from the phase-out of trade-in subsidies [30] - The company anticipates a vehicle gross margin of around 18% in Q4, with significant growth expected for the ES8 [34] - Management noted that the purchasing tax changes will have limited impact on the company due to the high percentage of users opting for battery subscriptions [49] Other Important Information - The company completed a total of $1.16 billion in equity financing in September, strengthening its balance sheet [17] - The global charging and swapping network now operates 3,641 power swap stations, providing over 92 million swaps [16] - The company has been supporting the NIO Cup Formula Student Electric China since 2015, cultivating young professionals for the industry [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Break-even target and delivery guidance - Management remains confident in achieving quarterly break-even in Q4 despite a lower delivery guidance of 120,000-125,000 units due to market challenges [30][32] Question: Volume targets and new model schedule - Management expects to achieve a monthly delivery rate of 50,000 units in the first half of next year, with three large models launching [42] Question: 2026 outlook and purchasing tax impact - The company anticipates limited impact from the purchasing tax changes, as most users subscribe to battery services, maintaining a competitive edge [47][49] Question: R&D expense allocation and efficiency - R&D expenses are expected to remain around RMB 2 billion per quarter, with a focus on improving efficiency without compromising competitiveness [52] Question: Margin drivers in Q3 - The vehicle gross margin improvement in Q3 was driven by cost reductions and the sales of high-margin products like the L90 [81] Question: Chip joint venture with Accelra - The joint venture aims to leverage chip design capabilities and sell solutions to other clients, with opportunities in both automotive and non-automotive industries [84] Question: Overseas expansion strategy - The company is shifting to a partnership-based model for global market entry, starting with the Firefly brand [98] Question: Future product launches under ONVO brand - The ONVO brand will expand its product range to cater to the mass market, targeting price segments from RMB 100,000 to 300,000 [102]