Quarterly total revenues reached RMB17.65 billion (US$2.56 billion)1
Quarterly deliveries reached 46,319 vehicles
Full year total revenues reached RMB45.29 billion (US$6.57 billion)
Full year deliveries were 133,246 vehicles
BEIJING, China, Feb. 27, 2023 (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 fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022.
Operating Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2022 and Full Year 2022
- Total vehicle deliveries were 46,319 units in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing a 31.5% year-over-year increase.
- Total vehicle deliveries for the full year 2022 reached 133,246 units, representing an increase of 47.2% from 90,491 units in 2021.
| Deliveries | FY 2022 | 2022 Q4 | 2022 Q3 | 2022 Q2 | 2022 Q1 | ||||
| 133,246 | 46,319 | 26,524 | 28,687 | 31,716 | |||||
| Deliveries | FY 2021 | 2021 Q4 | 2021 Q3 | 2021 Q2 | 2021 Q1 | ||||
| 90,491 | 35,221 | 25,116 | 17,575 | 12,579 |
- As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 288 retail stores covering 121 cities, as well as 318 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 223 cities.
Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2022
- Vehicle sales were RMB17.27 billion (US$2.50 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 66.4% from RMB10.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 90.9% from RMB9.05 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
- Vehicle margin2 was 20.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 22.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 12.0% in the third quarter of 2022.
- Total revenues were RMB17.65 billion (US$2.56 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 66.2% from RMB10.62 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 88.9% from RMB9.34 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
- Gross profit was RMB3.57 billion (US$517.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 49.8% from RMB2.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 201.7% from RMB1.18 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
- Gross margin was 20.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 22.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 12.7% in the third quarter of 2022.
- Loss from operations was RMB133.6 million (US$19.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with RMB24.1 million income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, and representing a decrease of 93.7% from RMB2.13 billion loss from operations in the third quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP income from operations3 was RMB568.7 million (US$82.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 37.0% from RMB415.0 million non-GAAP income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB1.72 billion non-GAAP loss from operations3 in the third quarter of 2022.
- Net income was RMB265.3 million (US$38.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing a decrease of 10.2% from RMB295.5 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB1.65 billion net loss in the third quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP net income3 was RMB967.6 million (US$140.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 41.0% from RMB686.4 million non-GAAP net income in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB1.24 billion non-GAAP net loss3 in the third quarter of 2022.
- Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB4.93 billion (US$714.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 28.4% from RMB3.84 billion net cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB508.3 million net cash used in operating activities in the third quarter of 2022.
- Free cash flow4 was RMB3.26 billion (US$472.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 101.6% from RMB1.62 billion free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with negative RMB1.96 billion free cash flow in the third quarter of 2022.
Key Financial Results
(in millions, except for percentages)
| For the Three Months Ended | % Change5 | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | YoY | QoQ | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||||
| Vehicle sales | 10,375.7 | 9,045.9 | 17,268.3 | 66.4% | 90.9% | |||||||||
| Vehicle margin | 22.3% | 12.0% | 20.0% | (2.3)% | 8.0% | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 10,620.5 | 9,342.3 | 17,649.9 | 66.2% | 88.9% | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,380.0 | 1,182.0 | 3,566.3 | 49.8% | 201.7% | |||||||||
| Gross margin | 22.4% | 12.7% | 20.2% | (2.2)% | 7.5% | |||||||||
| Income/(Loss) from operations | 24.1 | (2,129.7) | (133.6) | N/A | (93.7)% | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations | 415.0 | (1,724.4) | 568.7 | 37.0% | N/A | |||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | 295.5 | (1,645.7) | 265.3 | (10.2)% | N/A | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income/(loss) | 686.4 | (1,240.4) | 967.6 | 41.0 % | N/A | |||||||||
| Operating cash flow | 3,836.9 | (508.3) | 4,925.4 | 28.4% | N/A | |||||||||
| Free cash flow (non-GAAP) | 1,615.4 | (1,958.6) | 3,257.3 | 101.6% | N/A | |||||||||
Financial Highlights for the Full Year 2022
- Vehicle sales were RMB44.11 billion (US$6.39 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 68.8% from RMB26.13 billion in 2021.
- Vehicle margin was 19.1% in 2022, compared with 20.6% in 2021.
- Total revenues were RMB45.29 billion (US$6.57 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 67.7% from RMB27.01 billion in 2021.
- Gross profit was RMB8.79 billion (US$1.27 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 52.6% from RMB5.76 billion in 2021.
- Gross margin was 19.4% in 2022, compared with 21.3% in 2021.
- Loss from operations was RMB3.65 billion (US$529.9 million) in 2022, representing an increase of 259.3% from RMB1.02 billion loss from operations in 2021. Non-GAAP loss from operations was RMB1.60 billion (US$232.2 million) in 2022, compared with RMB84.0 million non-GAAP income from operations in 2021.
- Net loss was RMB2.03 billion (US$294.7 million) in 2022, compared with RMB321.5 million net loss in 2021. Non-GAAP net income was RMB20.8 million (US$3.0 million) in 2022, representing a decrease of 97.3% from RMB779.9 million non-GAAP net income in 2021.
- Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB7.38 billion (US$1.07 billion) in 2022, representing a decrease of 11.5% from RMB8.34 billion net cash provided by operating activities in 2021.
- Free cash flow was RMB2.25 billion (US$326.6 million) in 2022, representing a decrease of 48.0% from RMB4.33 billion free cash flow in 2021.
Key Financial Results
(in millions, except for percentages)
| For the Year Ended | % Change | ||||
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2022 | YoY | |||
| RMB | RMB | ||||
| Vehicle sales | 26,128.5 | 44,106.4 | 68.8% | ||
| Vehicle margin | 20.6% | 19.1% | (1.5)% | ||
| Total revenues | 27,009.8 | 45,286.8 | 67.7% | ||
| Gross profit | 5,761.5 | 8,790.5 | 52.6% | ||
| Gross margin | 21.3% | 19.4% | (1.9)% | ||
| Loss from operations | (1,017.3) | (3,654.9) | 259.3% | ||
| Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations | 84.0 | (1,601.7) | N/A | ||
| Net loss | (321.5) | (2,032.3) | N/A | ||
| Non-GAAP net income | 779.9 | 20.8 | (97.3)% | ||
| Operating cash flow | 8,340.4 | 7,380.3 | (11.5)% | ||
| Free cash flow (non-GAAP) | 4,332.7 | 2,252.4 | (48.0)% | ||
Recent Developments
Delivery Update
- In January 2023, the Company delivered 15,141 vehicles, representing an increase of 23.4% from January 2022. As of January 31, 2023, the Company had 296 retail stores covering 123 cities, in addition to 320 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 222 cities.
Li L7
- On February 8, 2023, the Company officially launched Li L7, a five-seat flagship family SUV. Li L7 features a spacious second row and comfortable interior, as well as premium audio-visual equipment and many other flagship configurations. Supported by the Company's self-developed all-wheel drive range extension system, it boasts a CLTC range of 1,315 kilometers and a WLTC range of 1,100 kilometers, as well as an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. With evolving smart space and autonomous driving systems, Li L7 creates an increasingly intelligent home for users' families. Li L7 is available in three trims, Air, Pro, and Max, catering to the wide-ranging needs of users’ families. Li L7 Air comes standard with the autonomous driving system Li AD Pro and the smart space system SS Pro and is equipped with a continuous damping control system. Li L7 Pro and Li L7 Max employ Li Magic Carpet air suspension and are equipped with Li AD Pro and Li AD Max, and SS Pro and SS Max, respectively. Li L7’s three trims, Air, Pro, and Max, are priced at RMB319,800, RMB339,800, and RMB379,800, respectively.
At-The-Market Offering
- On June 28, 2022, the Company announced an at-the-market offering program (the “ATM Offering”) to sell up to US$2,000,000,000 of American depositary shares (“ADSs”), each representing two Class A ordinary shares of the Company.
As of the date of this press release, the Company has sold 9,431,282 ADSs representing 18,862,564 Class A ordinary shares of the Company under the ATM Offering, raising gross proceeds of US$366.5 million before deducting fees and commissions payable to the distribution agents of up to US$4.8 million and certain other offering expenses.
CEO and CFO Comments
Mr. Xiang Li, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Li Auto, commented, “We successfully executed our growth strategy in 2022, cementing our leadership in the family SUV segment while holistically strengthening our business across R&D, supply chain, direct sales and servicing network. We ended the year on a high note, with record deliveries of more than 20,000 vehicles in December, setting a new milestone for our company and emerging new energy automakers in China. While Li L9 continued to dominate the monthly full-size SUV sales chart in China, Li L8 proved to be another blockbuster and one of China’s best-selling large SUVs since its debut. The strong popularity of our vehicles reflects our relentless pursuit of product excellence and the outstanding experience we offer to our family users.”
“In February, we officially launched Li L7, expanding our model lineup to provide our users’ families with more choices in terms of price points and number of seats. Built to redefine five-seat SUVs for family users, and particularly families of three, Li L7 creates a deluxe, safe, and smart mobile home that is well integrated with design aesthetics. The growing number of blockbusters in our vehicle lineup has enabled us to further strengthen our brand. In 2023, with steadfast efforts to put user value first, we will continue to provide innovative products and services that exceed their needs, while remaining committed to investing in R&D and our business effectiveness and scale to accelerate our flywheel for company development.”
Mr. Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto, added, “We were pleased to conclude 2022 with strong performance in the fourth quarter despite ongoing macro uncertainties. Our revenues reached RMB17.65 billion for the fourth quarter and RMB45.29 billion for full-year 2022, up 66.2% and 67.7% year over year, respectively, driven by the strength of our vehicle deliveries. Our fourth quarter gross margin remained robust at 20.2% and our free cash flow was RMB3.26 billion, thanks to the strengths of our products, our disciplined cost management and focused execution. With sustained R&D investment and business expansion supported by our strong cashflow and ample cash reserves, we continue to be excited about our growth trajectory as a leader in China’s booming NEV market.”
Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2022
Revenues
- Total revenues were RMB17.65 billion (US$2.56 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 66.2% from RMB10.62 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 88.9% from RMB9.34 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
- Vehicle sales were RMB17.27 billion (US$2.50 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 66.4% from RMB10.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in vehicle sales over the fourth quarter of 2021 was mainly attributable to the higher average selling price due to our delivery of Li L9 starting in late August and Li L8 starting in November, as well as the increase in vehicle deliveries. The increase of 90.9% from RMB9.05 billion in the third quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries.
- Other sales and services were RMB381.5 million (US$55.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 55.9% from RMB244.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 28.7% from RMB296.4 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in revenue from other sales and services over the fourth quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to increased sales of accessories and services in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
- Cost of sales was RMB14.08 billion (US$2.04 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 70.9% from RMB8.24 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 72.6% from RMB8.16 billion in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in cost of sales over the fourth quarter of 2021 was mainly attributable to higher average cost of sales due to our delivery of Li L9 starting in late August and Li L8 starting in November, as well as the increase in vehicle deliveries. The increase in cost of sales over third quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries.
- Gross profit was RMB3.57 billion (US$517.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 49.8% from RMB2.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 201.7% from RMB1.18 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
- Vehicle margin was 20.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 22.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 12.0% in the third quarter of 2022. The decrease in vehicle margin over the fourth quarter of 2021 was mainly due to different product mix between two quarters. The increase in vehicle margin over the third quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to the losses on purchase commitments related to Li ONE in the third quarter of 2022.
- Gross margin was 20.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 22.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 12.7% in the third quarter of 2022. The decrease in gross margin over the fourth quarter of 2021 was mainly driven by the decrease of vehicle margin. The increase in gross margin over the third quarter of 2022 was mainly attributable to the increase of vehicle margin.
Operating Expenses
- Operating expenses were RMB3.70 billion (US$536.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 57.1% from RMB2.36 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 11.7% from RMB3.31 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
- Research and development expenses were RMB2.07 billion (US$300.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 68.3% from RMB1.23 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 14.7% from RMB1.80 billion in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in research and development expenses over the fourth quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2022 was primarily driven by increased expenses to support our expanding product portfolios as well as increased employee compensation as a result of our growing number of staff.
- Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB1.63 billion (US$236.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 44.8% from RMB1.13 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 8.1% from RMB1.51 billion in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses over the fourth quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2022 was primarily driven by increased employee compensation as a result of our growing number of staff as well as increased rental expenses associated with the expansion of the Company’s sales and servicing network.
Loss/Income from Operations
- Loss from operations was RMB133.6 million (US$19.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with RMB24.1 million income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, and representing a decrease of 93.7% from RMB2.13 billion loss from operation in the third quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB568.7 million (US$82.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 37.0% from RMB415.0 million non-GAAP income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB1.72 billion non-GAAP loss from operations in the third quarter of 2022.
Net Income/(Loss) and Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
- Net income was RMB265.3 million (US$38.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing a decrease of 10.2% from RMB295.5 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB1.65 billion net loss in the third quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP net income was RMB967.6 million (US$140.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 41.0% from RMB686.4 million non-GAAP net income in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB1.24 billion non-GAAP net loss in the third quarter of 2022.
- Basic and diluted net earnings per ADS6 attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB0.26 (US$0.04) and RMB0.25 (US$0.04) in the fourth quarter of 2022, respectively, compared with RMB0.31 and RMB0.29 basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2021, respectively, and RMB1.68 for both basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in the third quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders3 were RMB0.98 (US$0.14) and RMB0.93 (US$0.13) in the fourth quarter of 2022, respectively, compared with RMB0.71 and RMB0.68 non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2021, and RMB1.27 for both non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders3 in the third quarter of 2022.
Cash Position, Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
- Balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments was RMB58.45 billion (US$8.47 billion) as of December 31, 2022.
- Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB4.93 billion (US$714.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 28.4% from RMB3.84 billion net cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with RMB508.3 million net cash used in operating activities in the third quarter of 2022.
- Free cash flow was RMB3.26 billion (US$472.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 101.6% from RMB1.62 billion free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2021, and compared with negative RMB1.96 billion free cash flow in the third quarter of 2022.
Financial Results for the Full Year 2022
Revenues
- Total revenues were RMB45.29 billion (US$6.57 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 67.7% from RMB27.01 billion in 2021.
- Vehicle sales were RMB44.11 billion (US$6.39 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 68.8% from RMB26.13 billion in 2021. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, as well as higher average selling price due to our delivery of Li L-Series7 starting from the third quarter of 2022.
- Other sales and services were RMB1.18 billion (US$171.1 million) in 2022, representing an increase of 33.9% from RMB881.3 million in 2021. The increase in revenue from other sales and services was mainly attributable to increased sales of charging stalls, accessories and services in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales, partially offset by the sales of automotive regulatory credits in 2021, which did not recur in 2022.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
- Cost of sales was RMB36.50 billion (US$5.29 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 71.8% from RMB21.25 billion in 2021. The increase in cost of sales was mainly driven by the increase in vehicle deliveries, as well as the higher average cost of sales due to our delivery of Li L-Series starting from the third quarter of 2022.
- Gross profit was RMB8.79 billion (US$1.27 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 52.6% from RMB5.76 billion in 2021.
- Vehicle margin was 19.1% in 2022, compared with 20.6% in 2021. The decrease in vehicle margin was mainly driven by the inventory provision and losses on purchase commitments related to Li ONE in 2022, partially offset by higher vehicle margin realized on the Li L-Series with deliveries starting from the third quarter of 2022.
- Gross margin was 19.4% in 2022, compared with 21.3% in 2021. The decrease was mainly driven by the decrease of vehicle margin.
Operating Expenses
- Operating expenses were RMB12.45 billion (US$1.80 billion) in 2022, representing an increase of 83.6% from RMB6.78 billion in 2021.
- Research and development expenses were RMB6.78 billion (US$983.0 million) in 2022, representing an increase of 106.3% from RMB3.29 billion in 2021. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to increased employee compensation as a result of growing number of staff as well as increased costs associated with new products and technologies developments.
- Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB5.67 billion (US$821.4 million) in 2022, representing an increase of 62.2% from RMB3.49 billion in 2021. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by increased employee compensation as a result of growing number of staff as well as increased rental expenses associated with the expansion of the Company’s sales and servicing network.
Loss from Operations
- Loss from operations was RMB3.65 billion (US$529.9 million) in 2022, representing an increase of 259.3% from RMB1.02 billion in 2021. Non-GAAP loss from operations was RMB1.60 billion (US$232.2 million) in 2022, compared with RMB84.0 million non-GAAP income from operations in 2021.
Net Loss and Net Loss Per Share
- Net loss was RMB2.03 billion (US$294.7 million) in 2022, compared with RMB321.5 million net loss in 2021. Non-GAAP net income was RMB20.8 million (US$3.0 million) in 2022, representing a decrease of 97.3% from RMB779.9 million non-GAAP net income in 2021.
- Basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were both RMB2.07 (US$0.30) in 2022, compared with both RMB0.35 basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in 2021. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were both RMB0.04 (US$0.01) in 2022, compared with RMB0.84 and RMB0.81 non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in 2021. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 1,954,353,892 ordinary shares outstanding.
Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
- Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB7.38 billion (US$1.07 billion) in 2022, representing a decrease of 11.5% from RMB8.34 billion net cash provided by operating activities in 2021.
- Free cash flow was RMB2.25 billion (US$326.6 million) in 2022, representing a decrease of 48.0% from RMB4.33 billion free cash flow in 2021.
Employees
- As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a total of 19,396 employees.
Business Outlook
For the first quarter of 2023, the Company expects:
- Deliveries of vehicles to be between 52,000 and 55,000 vehicles, representing an increase of 64.0% to 73.4% from the first quarter of 2022.
- Total revenues to be between RMB17.45 billion (US$2.53 billion) and RMB18.45 billion (US$2.68 billion), representing an increase of 82.5% to 93.0% from the first quarter of 2022.
This business outlook reflects the Company’s current and preliminary view on the business situation and market condition, which is subject to change.
Conference Call
Management will hold a conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Monday, February 27, 2023 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on February 27, 2023) 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/10028920-g64ewg.html
A replay of the conference call will be accessible through March 6, 2023, 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: | 10028920 |
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.
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/loss, non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings/loss per ADS 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, 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 net loss or other consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data 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.
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 model lineup includes Li L9, a six-seat flagship family SUV, Li L8 and Li ONE, both of which are six-seat premium family SUVs, and 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: http://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,” “likely to,” 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, 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
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Yang Song
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: Li@tpg-ir.com
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: Li@tpg-ir.com
| Li Auto Inc. | |||||||||||||||
| Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income | |||||||||||||||
| (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, 2021 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
| Vehicle sales | 10,375,716 | 9,045,883 | 17,268,330 | 2,503,673 | 26,128,469 | 44,106,434 | 6,394,832 | ||||||||
| Other sales and services | 244,736 | 296,402 | 381,544 | 55,319 | 881,310 | 1,180,382 | 171,139 | ||||||||
| Total revenues | 10,620,452 | 9,342,285 | 17,649,874 | 2,558,992 | 27,009,779 | 45,286,816 | 6,565,971 | ||||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||||||
| Vehicle sales | (8,057,653) | (7,962,903) | (13,818,255) | (2,003,459) | (20,755,578) | (35,688,343) | (5,174,323) | ||||||||
| Other sales and services | (182,820) | (197,412) | (265,288) | (38,463) | (492,747) | (808,017) | (117,151) | ||||||||
| Total cost of sales | (8,240,473) | (8,160,315) | (14,083,543) | (2,041,922) | (21,248,325) | (36,496,360) | (5,291,474) | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,379,979 | 1,181,970 | 3,566,331 | 517,070 | 5,761,454 | 8,790,456 | 1,274,497 | ||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | (1,229,991) | (1,804,335) | (2,070,091) | (300,135) | (3,286,389) | (6,780,032) | (983,012) | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | (1,125,885) | (1,507,362) | (1,629,859) | (236,307) | (3,492,385) | (5,665,301) | (821,391) | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (2,355,876) | (3,311,697) | (3,699,950) | (536,442) | (6,778,774) | (12,445,333) | (1,804,403) | ||||||||
| Income/(Loss) from operations | 24,103 | (2,129,727) | (133,619) | (19,372) | (1,017,320) | (3,654,877) | (529,906) | ||||||||
| Other (expense)/income: | |||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (9,685) | (36,637) | (38,393) | (5,566) | (63,244) | (106,340) | (15,418) | ||||||||
| Interest income and investment income, net | 179,315 | 307,921 | 255,772 | 37,083 | 740,432 | 976,229 | 141,540 | ||||||||
| Others, net | 89,037 | 156,529 | 84,706 | 12,281 | 187,320 | 625,633 | 90,708 | ||||||||
| Income/(Loss) before income tax expense | 282,770 | (1,701,914) | 168,466 | 24,426 | (152,812) | (2,159,355) | (313,076) | ||||||||
| Income tax benefit/(expense) | 12,741 | 56,176 | 96,836 | 14,040 | (168,643) | 127,007 | 18,414 | ||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | 295,511 | (1,645,738) | 265,302 | 38,466 | (321,455) | (2,032,348) | (294,662) | ||||||||
| Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | (5,417) | 8,364 | 1,213 | — | (20,133) | (2,919) | ||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc. | 295,511 | (1,640,321) | 256,938 | 37,253 | (321,455) | (2,012,215) | (291,743) | ||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | 295,511 | (1,645,738) | 265,302 | 38,466 | (321,455) | (2,032,348) | (294,662) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss)/income | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax | (372,067) | 312,572 | 42,097 | 6,103 | (516,687) | 1,327,761 | 192,507 | ||||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss)/income | (372,067) | 312,572 | 42,097 | 6,103 | (516,687) | 1,327,761 | 192,507 | ||||||||
| Total comprehensive (loss)/income | (76,556) | (1,333,166) | 307,399 | 44,569 | (838,142) | (704,587) | (102,155) | ||||||||
| Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | (5,417) | 8,364 | 1,213 | — | (20,133) | (2,919) | ||||||||
| Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc. | (76,556) | (1,327,749) | 299,035 | 43,356 | (838,142) | (684,454) | (99,236) | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of ADSs | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 962,726,533 | 975,026,517 | 976,970,967 | 976,970,967 | 926,660,224 | 970,615,499 | 970,615,499 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 1,027,358,848 | 975,026,517 | 1,045,583,572 | 1,045,583,572 | 926,660,224 | 970,615,499 | 970,615,499 | ||||||||
| Net earnings/(loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 0.31 | (1.68) | 0.26 | 0.04 | (0.35) | (2.07) | (0.30) | ||||||||
| Diluted | 0.29 | (1.68) | 0.25 | 0.04 | (0.35) | (2.07) | (0.30) | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 1,925,453,066 | 1,950,053,033 | 1,953,941,934 | 1,953,941,934 | 1,853,320,448 | 1,941,230,998 | 1,941,230,998 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 2,054,717,696 | 1,950,053,033 | 2,091,167,144 | 2,091,167,144 | 1,853,320,448 | 1,941,230,998 | 1,941,230,998 | ||||||||
| Net earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 0.15 | (0.84) | 0.13 | 0.02 | (0.17) | (1.04) | (0.15) | ||||||||
| Diluted | 0.15 | (0.84) | 0.13 | 0.02 | (0.17) | (1.04) | (0.15) | ||||||||
| Li Auto Inc. | |||||||
| Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||
| (All amounts in thousands) | |||||||
| As of | |||||||
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 27,854,224 | 38,478,016 | 5,578,788 | ||||
| Restricted cash | 2,638,840 | 1,940,142 | 281,294 | ||||
| Time deposits and short-term investments | 19,668,239 | 18,031,395 | 2,614,307 | ||||
| Trade receivable | 120,541 | 48,381 | 7,015 | ||||
| Inventories | 1,617,890 | 6,804,693 | 986,588 | ||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 480,680 | 1,689,860 | 245,007 | ||||
| Total current assets | 52,380,414 | 66,992,487 | 9,712,999 | ||||
| Non-current assets: | |||||||
| Long-term investments | 156,306 | 1,484,491 | 215,231 | ||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 4,498,269 | 11,187,898 | 1,622,093 | ||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 2,061,492 | 3,538,911 | 513,094 | ||||
| Intangible assets, net | 751,460 | 832,620 | 120,719 | ||||
| Goodwill | – | 5,484 | 795 | ||||
| Deferred tax assets | 19,896 | 74,767 | 10,840 | ||||
| Other non-current assets | 1,981,076 | 2,421,293 | 351,054 | ||||
| Total non-current assets | 9,468,499 | 19,545,464 | 2,833,826 | ||||
| Total assets | 61,848,913 | 86,537,951 | 12,546,825 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Short‑term borrowings | 37,042 | 390,750 | 56,653 | ||||
| Trade and notes payable | 9,376,050 | 20,024,329 | 2,903,255 | ||||
| Amounts due to related parties | 37,455 | 7,190 | 1,042 | ||||
| Deferred revenue, current | 305,092 | 569,234 | 82,531 | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | 473,245 | 696,454 | 100,976 | ||||
| Accruals and other current liabilities | 1,879,368 | 5,684,644 | 824,198 | ||||
| Total current liabilities | 12,108,252 | 27,372,601 | 3,968,655 | ||||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||||||
| Long-term borrowings | 5,960,899 | 9,230,807 | 1,338,341 | ||||
| Deferred revenue, non-current | 389,653 | 581,598 | 84,324 | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 1,369,825 | 1,946,367 | 282,197 | ||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 153,723 | 77,809 | 11,281 | ||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 802,259 | 2,142,462 | 310,628 | ||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 8,676,359 | 13,979,043 | 2,026,771 | ||||
| Total liabilities | 20,784,611 | 41,351,644 | 5,995,426 | ||||
| Total Li Auto Inc. shareholders’ equity | 41,064,302 | 44,858,701 | 6,503,901 | ||||
| Noncontrolling interests | – | 327,606 | 47,498 | ||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 41,064,302 | 45,186,307 | 6,551,399 | ||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 61,848,913 | 86,537,951 | 12,546,825 | ||||
| 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, 2021 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | 3,836,898 | (508,260) | 4,925,350 | 714,109 | 8,340,385 | 7,380,266 | 1,070,038 | ||||||||
| Net cash (used in)/ provided by investing activities | (7,109,624) | 119,880 | (5,308,274) | (769,627) | (4,257,244) | (4,364,661) | (632,816) | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 165,030 | 3,458,522 | 251,024 | 36,395 | 16,709,533 | 5,639,392 | 817,635 | ||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | (360,431) | 404,582 | (19,686) | (2,855) | (472,129) | 1,270,097 | 184,146 | ||||||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (3,468,127) | 3,474,724 | (151,586) | (21,978) | 20,320,545 | 9,925,094 | 1,439,003 | ||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 33,961,191 | 37,095,020 | 40,569,744 | 5,882,060 | 10,172,519 | 30,493,064 | 4,421,079 | ||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | 30,493,064 | 40,569,744 | 40,418,158 | 5,860,082 | 30,493,064 | 40,418,158 | 5,860,082 | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | 3,836,898 | (508,260) | 4,925,350 | 714,109 | 8,340,385 | 7,380,266 | 1,070,038 | ||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (2,221,529) | (1,450,310) | (1,668,021) | (241,840) | (4,007,691) | (5,127,900) | (743,476) | ||||||||
| Free cash flow (non-GAAP) | 1,615,369 | (1,958,570) | 3,257,329 | 472,269 | 4,332,694 | 2,252,366 | 326,562 | ||||||||
| 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, 2021 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||
| Cost of sales | (8,240,473) | (8,160,315) | (14,083,543) | (2,041,922) | (21,248,325) | (36,496,360) | (5,291,474) | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 8,185 | 8,235 | 16,644 | 2,413 | 26,713 | 44,845 | 6,502 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP cost of sales | (8,232,288) | (8,152,080) | (14,066,899) | (2,039,509) | (21,221,612) | (36,451,515) | (5,284,972) | ||||||||
| Research and development expenses | (1,229,991) | (1,804,335) | (2,070,091) | (300,135) | (3,286,389) | (6,780,032) | (983,012) | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 270,065 | 231,207 | 476,522 | 69,089 | 741,793 | 1,333,710 | 193,370 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP research and development expenses | (959,926) | (1,573,128) | (1,593,569) | (231,046) | (2,544,596) | (5,446,322) | (789,642) | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (1,125,885) | (1,507,362) | (1,629,859) | (236,307) | (3,492,385) | (5,665,301) | (821,391) | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 112,606 | 165,863 | 209,135 | 30,322 | 332,850 | 674,610 | 97,809 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses | (1,013,279) | (1,341,499) | (1,420,724) | (205,985) | (3,159,535) | (4,990,691) | (723,582) | ||||||||
| Income/(Loss) from operations | 24,103 | (2,129,727) | (133,619) | (19,372) | (1,017,320) | (3,654,877) | (529,906) | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 390,856 | 405,305 | 702,301 | 101,824 | 1,101,356 | 2,053,165 | 297,681 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations | 414,959 | (1,724,422) | 568,682 | 82,452 | 84,036 | (1,601,712) | (232,225) | ||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | 295,511 | (1,645,738) | 265,302 | 38,466 | (321,455) | (2,032,348) | (294,662) | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 390,856 | 405,305 | 702,301 | 101,824 | 1,101,356 | 2,053,165 | 297,681 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income/(loss) | 686,367 | (1,240,433) | 967,603 | 140,290 | 779,901 | 20,817 | 3,019 | ||||||||
| Net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc. | 295,511 | (1,640,321) | 256,938 | 37,253 | (321,455) | (2,012,215) | (291,743) | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 390,856 | 405,305 | 702,301 | 101,824 | 1,101,356 | 2,053,165 | 297,681 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc. | 686,367 | (1,235,016) | 959,239 | 139,077 | 779,901 | 40,950 | 5,938 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of ADSs (non-GAAP) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 962,726,533 | 975,026,517 | 976,970,967 | 976,970,967 | 926,660,224 | 970,615,499 | 970,615,499 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 1,027,358,848 | 975,026,517 | 1,045,583,572 | 1,045,583,572 | 985,482,839 | 1,016,365,275 | 1,016,365,275 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP net earnings/(loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 0.71 | (1.27) | 0.98 | 0.14 | 0.84 | 0.04 | 0.01 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 0.68 | (1.27) | 0.93 | 0.13 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.01 | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares (non-GAAP) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 1,925,453,066 | 1,950,053,033 | 1,953,941,934 | 1,953,941,934 | 1,853,320,448 | 1,941,230,998 | 1,941,230,998 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 2,054,717,696 | 1,950,053,033 | 2,091,167,144 | 2,091,167,144 | 1,970,965,679 | 2,032,730,550 | 2,032,730,550 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP net earnings/(loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders8 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 0.36 | (0.63) | 0.49 | 0.07 | 0.42 | 0.02 | 0.00 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 0.34 | (0.63) | 0.46 | 0.07 | 0.41 | 0.02 | 0.00 | ||||||||
____________________
1 All translations from Renminbi (“RMB”) to U.S. dollar (“US$”) are made at a rate of RMB6.8972 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 30, 2022 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. See “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.
4 Free cash flow represents operating cash flow less capital expenditures, which is considered a non-GAAP financial measure.
5 Except for vehicle margin and gross margin, where absolute changes instead of percentage changes are presented.
6 Each ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares.
7 Li L-Series represents the products of Li L9 and Li L8.
8 Non-GAAP basic net earnings/loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the periods. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings/loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income/loss 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.
