Press Release

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, Feb. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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.

	FY 2023		2023 Q4		2023 Q3		2023 Q2		2023 Q1
Deliveries	376,030		131,805		105,108		86,533		52,584
	FY 2022		2022 Q4		2022 Q3		2022 Q2		2022 Q1
Deliveries	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.
   
• 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.

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%

 

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.

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%

 

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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 https://ir.lixiang.com.

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.

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
 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 ____________________

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.

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.

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

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 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.