UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of February 2024

 

Commission File Number: 001-39407

 

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

(Registrant’s Name)

 

 

 

11 Wenliang Street

Shunyi District, Beijing 101399

People’s Republic of China

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F x      Form 40-F o

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   Description
99.1   Press Release— Li Auto Inc. Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
99.2   Announcement—Annual Results Announcement for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Li Auto Inc.

 

  By   /s/ Tie Li
  Name : Tie Li
  Title : Director and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: February 26, 2024

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Li Auto Inc. Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

 

Quarterly total revenues reached RMB41.73 billion (US$5.88 billion)1

Quarterly deliveries reached 131,805 vehicles

Full year total revenues reached RMB123.85 billion (US$17.44 billion)

Full year deliveries were 376,030 vehicles

 

BEIJING, China, February 26, 2024 — Li Auto Inc. (“Li Auto” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LI; HKEX: 2015), a leader in China’s new energy vehicle market, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Operating Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2023 and Full Year 2023

 

·Total deliveries for the fourth quarter of 2023 were 131,805 vehicles, representing a 184.6% year-over-year increase.

 

·Total deliveries for the full year 2023 reached 376,030 vehicles, representing an increase of 182.2% from 133,246 vehicles in 2022.

Deliveries   FY 2023   2023 Q4   2023 Q3   2023 Q2   2023 Q1 
     376,030    131,805    105,108    86,533    52,584 
                           
Deliveries   FY 2022   2022 Q4   2022 Q3   2022 Q2   2022 Q1 
     133,246    46,319    26,524    28,687    31,716 

 

·As of December 31, 2023, the Company had 467 retail stores covering 140 cities, as well as 360 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 209 cities.

 

Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2023

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB40.38 billion (US$5.69 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 133.8% from RMB17.27 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 20.1% from RMB33.62 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Vehicle margin2 was 22.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 20.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 21.2% in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Total revenues were RMB41.73 billion (US$5.88 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 136.4% from RMB17.65 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 20.3% from RMB34.68 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Gross profit was RMB9.79 billion (US$1.38 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 174.4% from RMB3.57 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 28.0% from RMB7.64 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Gross margin was 23.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 20.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 22.0% in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Operating expenses were RMB6.75 billion (US$950.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 82.4% from RMB3.70 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 27.2% from RMB5.31 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

 

 

1 All translations from Renminbi (“RMB”) to U.S. dollars (“US$”) are made at a rate of RMB7.0999 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on December 29, 2023 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

2 Vehicle margin is the margin of vehicle sales, which is calculated based on revenues and cost of sales derived from vehicle sales only.

 

1

 

 

·Income from operations was RMB3.04 billion (US$427.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB133.6 million loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2022 and representing an increase of 29.8% from RMB2.34 billion income from operations in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Operating margin was 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 6.7% in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Net income was RMB5.75 billion (US$810.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 2,068.2% from RMB265.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 104.5% from RMB2.81 billion in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income3 was RMB4.59 billion (US$646.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 374.2% from RMB967.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 32.3% from RMB3.47 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Diluted net earnings per ADS4 attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB5.32 (US$0.75) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB0.25 in the fourth quarter of 2022 and RMB2.67 in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB4.23 (US$0.60) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB0.93 in the fourth quarter of 2022 and RMB3.29 in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB17.29 billion (US$2.44 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 251.1% from RMB4.93 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 19.2% from RMB14.51 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Free cash flow5 was RMB14.64 billion (US$2.06 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 349.4% from RMB3.26 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 10.7% from RMB13.22 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

 

 

3 The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures exclude share-based compensation expenses and release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. See “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

 

4 Each ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares.

 

5 Free cash flow represents operating cash flow less capital expenditures, which is considered a non-GAAP financial measure.

 

2

 

 

Key Financial Results

 

(in millions, except for percentages and per ADS data)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   % Change6 
  

December 31,

2022

  

September 30,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

   YoY   QoQ 
   RMB   RMB   RMB         
Vehicle sales   17,268.3    33,616.1    40,379.3    133.8%   20.1%
Vehicle margin   20.0%   21.2%   22.7%   2.7pts   1.5pts
                          
Total revenues   17,649.9    34,679.5    41,732.1    136.4%   20.3%
Gross profit   3,566.3    7,644.5    9,786.9    174.4%   28.0%
Gross margin   20.2%   22.0%   23.5%   3.3pts   1.5pts
                          
Operating expenses   (3,700.0)   (5,305.1)   (6,750.5)   82.4%   27.2%
(Loss)/Income from operations   (133.6)   2,339.4    3,036.4    N/A    29.8%
Operating margin   (0.8)%   6.7%   7.3%   8.1pts   0.6pts
                          
Net income   265.3    2,812.9    5,752.3    2,068.2%   104.5%
Non-GAAP net income   967.6    3,467.3    4,588.7    374.2%   32.3%
                          
Diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   0.25    2.67    5.32    2,028.0%   99.3%
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   0.93    3.29    4.23    354.8%   28.6%
                          
Net cash provided by operating activities   4,925.4    14,506.5    17,294.2    251.1%   19.2%
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   3,257.3    13,224.8    14,638.1    349.4%   10.7%

 

 

6 Except for vehicle margin, gross margin, and operating margin, where absolute changes instead of percentage changes are presented.

 

3

 

 

Financial Highlights for the Full Year 2023

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB120.29 billion (US$16.94 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 172.7% from RMB44.11 billion in 2022.

 

·Vehicle margin was 21.5% in 2023, compared with 19.1% in 2022.

 

·Total revenues were RMB123.85 billion (US$17.44 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 173.5% from RMB45.29 billion in 2022.

 

·Gross profit was RMB27.50 billion (US$3.87 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 212.8% from RMB8.79 billion in 2022.

 

·Gross margin was 22.2% in 2023, compared with 19.4% in 2022.

 

·Operating expenses were RMB20.09 billion (US$2.83 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 61.4% from RMB12.45 billion in 2022.

 

·Income from operations was RMB7.41 billion (US$1.04 billion) in 2023, compared with RMB3.65 billion loss from operations in 2022.

 

·Operating margin was 6.0% in 2023, compared with negative 8.1% in 2022.

 

·Net income was RMB11.81 billion (US$1.66 billion) in 2023, compared with RMB2.03 billion net loss in 2022. Non-GAAP net income was RMB12.20 billion (US$1.72 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 58,494.3% from RMB20.8 million in 2022.

 

·Diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB11.10 (US$1.56) in 2023, compared with RMB2.07 diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in 2022. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB11.46 (US$1.61) in 2023, compared with RMB0.04 in 2022.

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB50.69 billion (US$7.14 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 586.9% from RMB7.38 billion in 2022.

 

·Free cash flow was RMB44.19 billion (US$6.22 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 1,861.8% from RMB2.25 billion in 2022.

 

4

 

 

Key Financial Results

 

(in millions, except for percentages and per ADS data)

 

   For the Year Ended   % Change 
   December 31,
2022
   December 31,
2023
   YoY 
   RMB   RMB     
Vehicle sales   44,106.4    120,294.7    172.7%
Vehicle margin   19.1%   21.5%   2.4pts
                
Total revenues   45,286.8    123,851.3    173.5%
Gross profit   8,790.5    27,496.8    212.8%
Gross margin   19.4%   22.2%   2.8pts
                
Operating expenses   (12,445.3)   (20,089.9)   61.4%
(Loss)/Income from operations   (3,654.9)   7,406.9    N/A 
Operating margin   (8.1)%   6.0%   14.1pts
                
Net (loss)/income   (2,032.3)   11,809.1    N/A 
Non-GAAP net income   20.8    12,197.6    58,494.3%
                
Diluted net (loss)/earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   (2.07)   11.10    N/A 
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   0.04    11.46    28,550.0%
                
Net cash provided by operating activities   7,380.3    50,693.5    586.9%
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   2,252.4    44,186.3    1,861.8%

 

5

 

 

Recent Developments

 

Delivery Update

 

·In January 2024, the Company delivered 31,165 vehicles, representing an increase of 105.8% from January 2023. As of January 31, 2024, the Company had 474 retail stores covering 142 cities, in addition to 360 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 209 cities.

 

OTA 5.0 Upgrade

 

·In December 2023, the Company released the OTA version 5.0 upgrade for the Li L series, providing a comprehensive upgrade for autonomous driving and smart space. With this upgrade, the Company’s Li AD Max 3.0 provides full scenario autonomous driving (Navigation on ADAS) and assisted driving (lane centering control) functions, as well as the industry’s leading AEB active safety system and automated parking system. Additionally, Li Xiang Tong Xue, the upgraded smart in-car voice assistant built upon Mind GPT, the Company’s self-developed multimodal large language model, has significantly improved in understanding, generating, knowledge memorizing, and reasoning capabilities, further enhancing the interactive experience in the smart space.

 

Inclusion in the Hang Seng Index

 

·The Company has been included as a constituent stock in the Hang Seng Index, effective from December 4, 2023. This inclusion reflects the recognition of the Company’s business performance and investment value by investors.

 

CEO and CFO Comments

 

Mr. Xiang Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Li Auto, commented, “Undeterred by the fiercely competitive NEV market in 2023, Li Auto achieved an outstanding performance with its three Li L series models. Full-year deliveries grew by 182.2%, reaching 376,030 vehicles, making us the best-selling brand among NEVs priced above RMB300,000 in China. In December, we released the OTA version 5.0 for Li L series. With comprehensive enhancement in autonomous driving and smart space, we bring even more exceptional experience to family users. With our significantly increasing scale, continued research and development advancement, and consistently improving operating efficiency throughout the year, 2023 marks our best financial performance yet, setting a solid foundation for Li Auto’s growth to diversify its product matrix and cater to a broader range of user needs in 2024.”

 

Mr. Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto, added, “We ended the year with another robust performance in the fourth quarter, setting historical highs across multiple financial metrics. Record-high vehicle deliveries fueled the fourth-quarter revenue to a year-over-year increase of 136.4% to RMB41.73 billion, while full-year revenue surged by 173.5% year over year to RMB123.85 billion. With the expansion of business scale and the optimization of production, supply, and sales coordination, our gross margin reached 23.5% in the fourth quarter, and the annual gross margin was 22.2%. Notably, 2023 is our first year of profitability, with a healthy full-year net income reaching RMB11.81 billion. As of the end of 2023, our cash reserve reached RMB103.67 billion. In 2024, healthy profitability and capital strength will support Li Auto to further strengthen research and development, expand business scale, and lead the rapid transformation of China’s NEV market.”

 

6

 

 

Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2023

 

Revenues

 

·Total revenues were RMB41.73 billion (US$5.88 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 136.4% from RMB17.65 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 20.3% from RMB34.68 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB40.38 billion (US$5.69 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 133.8% from RMB17.27 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 20.1% from RMB33.62 billion in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales over the fourth quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average selling price due to different product mix between two quarters. The increase in vehicle sales over the third quarter of 2023 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries.

 

·Other sales and services were RMB1.35 billion (US$190.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 254.6% from RMB381.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 27.2% from RMB1.06 billion in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in revenue from other sales and services over the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023 was mainly attributable to the increased sales of charging stalls, which is in line with higher vehicle deliveries, and the increased sales of accessories and provision of services, which is in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales.

 

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

·Cost of sales was RMB31.95 billion (US$4.50 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 126.8% from RMB14.08 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 18.2% from RMB27.03 billion in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in cost of sales over the fourth quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average cost of sales due to different product mix between two quarters. The increase in cost of sales over the third quarter of 2023 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries.

 

·Gross profit was RMB9.79 billion (US$1.38 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 174.4% from RMB3.57 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 28.0% from RMB7.64 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Vehicle margin was 22.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 20.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 21.2% in the third quarter of 2023. Excluding the impact of inventory provision related to Li ONE in the fourth quarter of 2022 and true-up adjustments of warranty reserve in the fourth quarter of 2023 based on updated estimate of costs of future claims, the vehicle margin remained relatively stable over the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in vehicle margin over the third quarter of 2023 was mainly due to the aforementioned true-up adjustments of warranty reserve in the fourth quarter of 2023.

 

·Gross margin was 23.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 20.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 22.0% in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in gross margin over the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023 was mainly attributable to the increase of vehicle margin.

 

Operating Expenses

 

·Operating expenses were RMB6.75 billion (US$950.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 82.4% from RMB3.70 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 27.2% from RMB5.31 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Research and development expenses were RMB3.49 billion (US$491.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 68.6% from RMB2.07 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 23.9% from RMB2.82 billion in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in research and development expenses over the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023 was primarily driven by increased expenses to support the expanding product portfolios and technologies as well as increased employee compensation as a result of the growing number of staff.

 

·Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB3.27 billion (US$460.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 100.6% from RMB1.63 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 28.5% from RMB2.54 billion in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses over the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023 was primarily driven by increased employee compensation as a result of the growing number of staff as well as increased rental expenses associated with the expansion of sales and servicing network.

 

7

 

 

Income/(Loss) from Operations

 

·Income from operations was RMB3.04 billion (US$427.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB133.6 million loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2022 and representing an increase of 29.8% from RMB2.34 billion income from operations in the third quarter of 2023. Operating margin was 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 6.7% in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB3.86 billion (US$544.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 579.3% from RMB568.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 29.0% from RMB2.99 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

Net Income and Net Earnings Per Share

 

·Net income was RMB5.75 billion (US$810.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 2,068.2% from RMB265.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 104.5% from RMB2.81 billion in the third quarter of 2023. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was partially attributable to non-cash tax benefit of RMB1.99 billion (US$280.3 million) for the release of valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets. Non-GAAP net income was RMB4.59 billion (US$646.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 374.2% from RMB967.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 32.3% from RMB3.47 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB5.72 (US$0.81) and RMB5.32 (US$0.75) in the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively, compared with RMB0.26 and RMB0.25 in the fourth quarter of 2022, respectively, and RMB2.86 and RMB2.67 in the third quarter of 2023, respectively. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB4.54 (US$0.64) and RMB4.23 (US$0.60) in the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively, compared with RMB0.98 and RMB0.93 in the fourth quarter of 2022, respectively, and RMB3.53 and RMB3.29 in the third quarter of 2023, respectively.

 

Cash Position, Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

 

·Cash Position7 was RMB103.67 billion (US$14.60 billion) as of December 31, 2023.

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB17.29 billion (US$2.44 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 251.1% from RMB4.93 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 19.2% from RMB14.51 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

·Free cash flow was RMB14.64 billion (US$2.06 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 349.4% from RMB3.26 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of 10.7% from RMB13.22 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

 

 

7  Cash position includes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments, and long-term time deposits included in long-term investments.

 

8

 

 

Financial Results for the Full Year 2023

 

Revenues

 

·Total revenues were RMB123.85 billion (US$17.44 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 173.5% from RMB45.29 billion in 2022.

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB120.29 billion (US$16.94 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 172.7% from RMB44.11 billion in 2022. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries.

 

·Other sales and services were RMB3.56 billion (US$500.9 million) in 2023, representing an increase of 201.3% from RMB1.18 billion in 2022. The increase in revenue from other sales and services was mainly attributable to the increased sales of charging stalls, which is in line with higher vehicle deliveries, and the increased sales of accessories and provision of services, which is in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales.

 

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

·Cost of sales was RMB96.35 billion (US$13.57 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 164.0% from RMB36.50 billion in 2022. The increase in cost of sales was mainly driven by the increase in vehicle deliveries.

 

·Gross profit was RMB27.50 billion (US$3.87 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 212.8% from RMB8.79 billion in 2022.

 

·Vehicle margin was 21.5% in 2023, compared with 19.1% in 2022. The increase in vehicle margin was mainly due to the impact of inventory provision and losses on purchase commitments related to Li ONE in 2022 and true-up adjustments of warranty reserve in 2023 based on updated estimate of costs of future claims, partially offset by the lower average selling price in 2023.

 

·Gross margin was 22.2% in 2023, compared with 19.4% in 2022. The increase in gross margin was mainly attributable to the increase of vehicle margin.

 

Operating Expenses

 

·Operating expenses were RMB20.09 billion (US$2.83 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 61.4% from RMB12.45 billion in 2022.

 

·Research and development expenses were RMB10.59 billion (US$1.49 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 56.1% from RMB6.78 billion in 2022. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to increased employee compensation as a result of the growing number of staff as well as increased expenses to support the expanding product portfolios and technologies.

 

·Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB9.77 billion (US$1.38 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 72.4% from RMB5.67 billion in 2022. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by increased employee compensation as a result of the growing number of staff as well as increased rental expenses associated with the expansion of sales and servicing network.

 

Income/(Loss) from Operations

 

·Income from operations was RMB7.41 billion (US$1.04 billion) in 2023, compared with RMB3.65 billion loss from operations in 2022. Operating margin was 6.0% in 2023, compared with negative 8.1% in 2022. Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB9.79 billion (US$1.38 billion) in 2023, compared with RMB1.60 billion non-GAAP loss from operations in 2022.

 

9

 

 

Net Income/(Loss) and Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share

 

·Net income was RMB11.81 billion (US$1.66 billion) in 2023, compared with RMB2.03 billion net loss in 2022. Net income in 2023 was partially attributable to non-cash tax benefit of RMB1.99 billion (US$280.3 million) for the release of valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets. Non-GAAP net income was RMB12.20 billion (US$1.72 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 58,494.3% from RMB20.8 million in 2022.

 

·Basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB11.90 (US$1.68) and RMB11.10 (US$1.56) in 2023, respectively, compared with both RMB2.07 basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in 2022. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB12.29 (US$1.73) and RMB11.46 (US$1.61) in 2023, respectively, compared with both RMB0.04 in 2022.

 

Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB50.69 billion (US$7.14 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 586.9% from RMB7.38 billion in 2022.

 

·Free cash flow was RMB44.19 billion (US$6.22 billion) in 2023, representing an increase of 1,861.8% from RMB2.25 billion in 2022.

 

Employees

 

·As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a total of 31,591 employees.

 

Business Outlook

 

For the first quarter of 2024, the Company expects:

 

·Deliveries of vehicles to be between 100,000 and 103,000 vehicles, representing an increase of 90.2% to 95.9% from the first quarter of 2023.

 

·Total revenues to be between RMB31.25 billion (US$4.40 billion) and RMB32.19 billion (US$4.53 billion), representing an increase of 66.3% to 71.3% from the first quarter of 2023.

 

This business outlook reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views on its business situation and market conditions, which are subject to change.

 

Conference Call

 

Management will hold a conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Monday, February 26, 2024 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on February 26, 2024) to discuss financial results and answer questions from investors and analysts.

 

For participants who wish to join the call, please complete online registration using the link provided below prior to the scheduled call start time. Upon registration, participants will receive the conference call access information, including dial-in numbers, passcode, and a unique access PIN. To join the conference, please dial the number provided, enter the passcode followed by your PIN, and you will join the conference instantly.

 

Participant Online Registration: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10036557-1tqjis.html

 

A replay of the conference call will be accessible through March 4, 2024, by dialing the following numbers:

 

United States: +1-855-883-1031
Mainland China: +86-400-1209-216
Hong Kong, China: +852-800-930-639
International: +61-7-3107-6325
Replay PIN: 10036557

 

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.lixiang.com.

 

10

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

 

The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP cost of sales, non-GAAP research and development expenses, non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP income/loss from operations, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders and free cash flow, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. By excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses and release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business and enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company’s management in its financial and operational decision-making.

 

The non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and when assessing the Company’s operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

 

The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance.

 

For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

 

Exchange Rate Information

 

This press release contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi are made at a rate of RMB7.0999 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on December 29, 2023, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. dollars amounts referred could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

About Li Auto Inc.

 

Li Auto Inc. is a leader in China’s new energy vehicle market. The Company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells premium smart electric vehicles. Its mission is: Create a Mobile Home, Create Happiness (创造移动的家, 创造幸福的家). Through innovations in product, technology, and business model, the Company provides families with safe, convenient, and comfortable products and services. Li Auto is a pioneer to successfully commercialize extended-range electric vehicles in China. The Company started volume production in November 2019. Its current model lineup includes Li MEGA, a high-tech flagship family MPV, Li L9, a six-seat flagship family SUV, and Li L8, a six-seat premium family SUV, as well as Li L7, a five-seat flagship family SUV. The Company leverages technology to create value for its users. It concentrates its in-house development efforts on its proprietary range extension system, next-generation electric vehicle technology, and smart vehicle solutions while expanding its product line by developing new BEVs and EREVs to target a broader user base.

 

For more information, please visit: https://ir.lixiang.com.

 

11

 

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,” “likely to,” “challenges,” and similar statements. Li Auto may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “HKEX”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Li Auto’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Li Auto’s strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; Li Auto’s limited operating history; risks associated with extended-range electric vehicles and high-power charging battery electric vehicles; Li Auto’s ability to develop, manufacture, and deliver vehicles of high quality and appeal to customers; Li Auto’s ability to generate positive cash flow and profits; product defects or any other failure of vehicles to perform as expected; Li Auto’s ability to compete successfully; Li Auto’s ability to build its brand and withstand negative publicity; cancellation of orders for Li Auto’s vehicles; Li Auto’s ability to develop new vehicles; and changes in consumer demand and government incentives, subsidies, or other favorable government policies. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Li Auto’s filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Li Auto does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

 

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

 

Li Auto Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: ir@lixiang.com

 

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

+86-10-6508-0677

Email: Li@tpg-ir.com

 

12

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

 

(All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended 
   December 31,
2022
   September 30,
2023
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2022
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2023
 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Revenues:                            
Vehicle sales   17,268,330    33,616,140    40,379,267    5,687,301    44,106,434    120,294,667    16,943,150 
Other sales and services   381,544    1,063,315    1,352,830    190,542    1,180,382    3,556,665    500,946 
Total revenues   17,649,874    34,679,455    41,732,097    5,877,843    45,286,816    123,851,332    17,444,096 
Cost of sales:                                   
Vehicle sales   (13,818,255)   (26,491,089)   (31,202,028)   (4,394,714)   (35,688,343)   (94,482,347)   (13,307,560)
Other sales and services   (265,288)   (543,882)   (743,186)   (104,676)   (808,017)   (1,872,234)   (263,699)
Total cost of sales   (14,083,543)   (27,034,971)   (31,945,214)   (4,499,390)   (36,496,360)   (96,354,581)   (13,571,259)
Gross profit   3,566,331    7,644,484    9,786,883    1,378,453    8,790,456    27,496,751    3,872,837 
Operating expense:                                   
Research and development   (2,070,091)   (2,817,206)   (3,491,026)   (491,701)   (6,780,032)   (10,586,129)   (1,491,025)
Selling, general and administrative   (1,629,859)   (2,543,770)   (3,269,668)   (460,523)   (5,665,301)   (9,767,955)   (1,375,788)
Other operating income, net       55,870    10,237    1,442        264,210    37,213 
Total operating expenses   (3,699,950)   (5,305,106)   (6,750,457)   (950,782)   (12,445,333)   (20,089,874)   (2,829,600)
(Loss)/Income from operations   (133,619)   2,339,378    3,036,426    427,671    (3,654,877)   7,406,877    1,043,237 
Other (expense)/income:                                   
Interest expense   (38,393)   (11,698)   (13,675)   (1,926)   (106,340)   (86,251)   (12,148)
Interest income and investment income, net   255,772    439,800    794,355    111,883    976,229    2,082,948    293,377 
Others, net   84,706    183,585    358,825    50,539    625,633    1,048,189    147,634 
Income/(Loss) before income tax   168,466    2,951,065    4,175,931    588,167    (2,159,355)   10,451,763    1,472,100 
Income tax benefit/(expense)   96,836    (138,191)   1,576,385    222,029    127,007    1,357,362    191,180 
Net income/(loss)   265,302    2,812,874    5,752,316    810,196    (2,032,348)   11,809,125    1,663,280 
Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   8,364    (10,357)   94,235    13,273    (20,133)   104,992    14,788 
Net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   256,938    2,823,231    5,658,081    796,923    (2,012,215)   11,704,133    1,648,492 
                                    
Net income/(loss)   265,302    2,812,874    5,752,316    810,196    (2,032,348)   11,809,125    1,663,280 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)                                   
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax   42,097    21,998    40,438    5,696    1,327,761    (30,766)   (4,333)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)   42,097    21,998    40,438    5,696    1,327,761    (30,766)   (4,333)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)   307,399    2,834,872    5,792,754    815,892    (704,587)   11,778,359    1,658,947 
Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   8,364    (10,357)   94,235    13,273    (20,133)   104,992    14,788 
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   299,035    2,845,229    5,698,519    802,619    (684,454)   11,673,367    1,644,159 
Weighted average number of ADSs                                   
Basic   976,970,967    985,819,450    989,909,259    989,909,259    970,615,499    983,931,880    983,931,880 
Diluted   1,045,583,572    1,059,821,062    1,064,538,392    1,064,538,392    970,615,499    1,057,688,196    1,057,688,196 
Net earnings/(loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders                                   
Basic   0.26    2.86    5.72    0.81    (2.07)   11.90    1.68 
Diluted   0.25    2.67    5.32    0.75    (2.07)   11.10    1.56 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares                                   
Basic   1,953,941,934    1,971,638,899    1,979,818,518    1,979,818,518    1,941,230,998    1,967,863,759    1,967,863,759 
Diluted   2,091,167,144    2,119,642,125    2,129,076,784    2,129,076,784    1,941,230,998    2,115,376,392    2,115,376,392 
Net earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders                                   
Basic   0.13    1.43    2.86    0.40    (1.04)   5.95    0.84 
Diluted   0.13    1.34    2.66    0.37    (1.04)   5.55    0.78 

 

13

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

   As of 
   December 31,
2022
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2023
 
    RMB    RMB    US$ 
ASSETS               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents   38,478,016    91,329,030    12,863,425 
Restricted cash   1,940,142    479    67 
Time deposits and short-term investments   18,031,395    11,933,255    1,680,764 
Trade receivable   48,381    143,523    20,215 
Inventories   6,804,693    6,871,979    967,898 
Prepayments and other current assets   1,689,860    4,247,318    598,222 
Total current assets   66,992,487    114,525,584    16,130,591 
Non-current assets:               
Long-term investments   1,484,491    1,595,376    224,704 
Property, plant and equipment, net   11,187,898    15,745,018    2,217,639 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net   3,538,911    5,939,230    836,523 
Intangible assets, net   832,620    864,180    121,717 
Goodwill   5,484    5,484    772 
Deferred tax assets   74,767    1,990,245    280,320 
Other non-current assets   2,421,293    2,802,354    394,704 
Total non-current assets   19,545,464    28,941,887    4,076,379 
Total assets   86,537,951    143,467,471    20,206,970 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY               
Current liabilities:               
Short-term borrowings   390,750    6,975,399    982,464 
Trade and notes payable   20,024,329    51,870,097    7,305,750 
Amounts due to related parties   7,190    10,607    1,494 
Deferred revenue, current   569,234    1,525,543    214,868 
Operating lease liabilities, current   696,454    1,146,437    161,472 
Accruals and other current liabilities   5,684,644    11,214,626    1,579,547 
Total current liabilities   27,372,601    72,742,709    10,245,595 
Non-current liabilities:               
Long-term borrowings   9,230,807    1,747,070    246,070 
Deferred revenue, non-current   581,598    812,218    114,399 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current   1,946,367    3,677,961    518,030 
Deferred tax liabilities   77,809    200,877    28,293 
Other non-current liabilities   2,142,462    3,711,414    522,742 
Total non-current liabilities   13,979,043    10,149,540    1,429,534 
Total liabilities   41,351,644    82,892,249    11,675,129 
Total Li Auto Inc. shareholders’ equity   44,858,701    60,142,624    8,470,911 
Noncontrolling interests   327,606    432,598    60,930 
Total shareholders’ equity   45,186,307    60,575,222    8,531,841 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   86,537,951    143,467,471    20,206,970 

 

14

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended 
  

December 31,

2022

  

September 30,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Net cash provided by operating activities   4,925,350    14,506,532    17,294,228    2,435,841    7,380,266    50,693,521    7,140,033 
Net cash used in investing activities   (5,308,274)   (4,424,152)   (469,104)   (66,072)   (4,364,661)   (12,068)   (1,700)
Net cash provided by financing activities   251,024    1,371,433    863,355    121,601    5,639,392    185,385    26,111 
Effect of exchange rate changes   (19,686)   (20,252)   (48,180)   (6,786)   1,270,097    44,513    6,270 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (151,586)   11,433,561    17,640,299    2,484,584    9,925,094    50,911,351    7,170,714 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   40,569,744    62,255,649    73,689,210    10,378,908    30,493,064    40,418,158    5,692,778 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   40,418,158    73,689,210    91,329,509    12,863,492    40,418,158    91,329,509    12,863,492 
                                    
Net cash provided by operating activities   4,925,350    14,506,532    17,294,228    2,435,841    7,380,266    50,693,521    7,140,033 
Capital expenditures   (1,668,021)   (1,281,759)   (2,656,106)   (374,105)   (5,127,900)   (6,507,189)   (916,518)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   3,257,329    13,224,773    14,638,122    2,061,736    2,252,366    44,186,332    6,223,515 

 

15

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

 

(All amounts in thousands, except for ADS/ordinary share and per ADS/ordinary share data)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended 
  

December 31,

2022

  

September 30,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2023

  

December 31,

2023

 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Cost of sales   (14,083,543)   (27,034,971)   (31,945,214)   (4,499,390)   (36,496,360)   (96,354,581)   (13,571,259)
Share-based compensation expenses   16,644    10,662    15,334    2,160    44,845    46,631    6,568 
Non-GAAP cost of sales   (14,066,899)   (27,024,309)   (31,929,880)   (4,497,230)   (36,451,515)   (96,307,950)   (13,564,691)
                                    
Research and development expenses   (2,070,091)   (2,817,206)   (3,491,026)   (491,701)   (6,780,032)   (10,586,129)   (1,491,025)
Share-based compensation expenses   476,522    431,294    537,843    75,754    1,333,710    1,552,421    218,654 
Non-GAAP research and development expenses   (1,593,569)   (2,385,912)   (2,953,183)   (415,947)   (5,446,322)   (9,033,708)   (1,272,371)
                                    
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (1,629,859)   (2,543,770)   (3,269,668)   (460,523)   (5,665,301)   (9,767,955)   (1,375,788)
Share-based compensation expenses   209,135    212,443    273,443    38,514    674,610    779,637    109,810 
Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses   (1,420,724)   (2,331,327)   (2,996,225)   (422,009)   (4,990,691)   (8,988,318)   (1,265,978)
                                    
(Loss)/Income from operations   (133,619)   2,339,378    3,036,426    427,671    (3,654,877)   7,406,877    1,043,237 
Share-based compensation expenses   702,301    654,399    826,620    116,428    2,053,165    2,378,689    335,031 
Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations   568,682    2,993,777    3,863,046    544,099    (1,601,712)   9,785,566    1,378,268 
                                    
Net income/(loss)   265,302    2,812,874    5,752,316    810,196    (2,032,348)   11,809,125    1,663,280 
Share-based compensation expenses   702,301    654,399    826,620    116,428    2,053,165    2,378,689    335,031 
Release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets           (1,990,245)   (280,320)       (1,990,245)   (280,320)
Non-GAAP net income   967,603    3,467,273    4,588,691    646,304    20,817    12,197,569    1,717,991 
                                    
Net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   256,938    2,823,231    5,658,081    796,923    (2,012,215)   11,704,133    1,648,492 
Share-based compensation expenses   702,301    654,399    826,620    116,428    2,053,165    2,378,689    335,031 
Release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets           (1,990,245)   (280,320)       (1,990,245)   (280,320)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   959,239    3,477,630    4,494,456    633,031    40,950    12,092,577    1,703,203 
                                    
Weighted average number of ADSs                                   
Basic   976,970,967    985,819,450    989,909,259    989,909,259    970,615,499    983,931,880    983,931,880 
Diluted   1,045,583,572    1,059,821,062    1,064,538,392    1,064,538,392    1,016,365,275    1,057,688,196    1,057,688,196 
Non-GAAP net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders                                   
Basic   0.98    3.53    4.54    0.64    0.04    12.29    1.73 
Diluted   0.93    3.29    4.23    0.60    0.04    11.46    1.61 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares                                   
Basic   1,953,941,934    1,971,638,899    1,979,818,518    1,979,818,518    1,941,230,998    1,967,863,759    1,967,863,759 
Diluted   2,091,167,144    2,119,642,125    2,129,076,784    2,129,076,784    2,032,730,550    2,115,376,392    2,115,376,392 
Non-GAAP net earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders8                                   
Basic   0.49    1.76    2.27    0.32    0.02    6.15    0.87 
Diluted   0.46    1.64    2.11    0.30    0.02    5.73    0.81 

 

 

8 Non-GAAP basic net earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the periods. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding during the periods, including the dilutive effects of convertible senior notes as determined under the if-converted method and the dilutive effect of share-based awards as determined under the treasury stock method.

 

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