LI AUTO(LI) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, total revenues reached RMB 44.3 billion (approximately US $6.1 billion), up 6.1% year-over-year and 3.3% quarter-over-quarter [27] - Full year total revenues amounted to RMB 144.5 billion [11] - Gross profit for Q4 was RMB 9 billion (approximately US$ 1.2 billion), down 8.3% year-over-year and 2.8% quarter-over-quarter [28] - Net income in Q4 was RMB 3.5 billion (approximately US $484 million), down 38.6% year-over-year but up 25.3% quarter-over-quarter [32] - Cash on hand as of December 31, 2024, was RMB 112.8 billion (approximately US$ 15.5 billion) [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vehicle sales in Q4 contributed RMB 42.6 billion (approximately US $5.8 billion), up 5.6% year-over-year and 3.2% quarter-over-quarter [27] - Vehicle margin in Q4 was 19.7%, compared to 22.7% in the same period last year [28] - R&D expenses in Q4 were RMB 2.4 billion (approximately US$ 329.9 million), down 31% year-over-year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, Li Auto delivered over 158,000 vehicles in Q4, setting a new quarterly record [9] - Full year deliveries exceeded 500,000 units, making Li Auto the first emerging NEV brand to reach this milestone [10] - The NEV penetration rate in China reached 45.9% for the full year, up 12 percentage points year-over-year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch two pure electric SUVs in 2025, the Li i8 in July and the Li i6 in the second half of the year [39] - Focus on enhancing R&D investments, particularly in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, with R&D investments exceeding RMB 11 billion in 2024 [13] - Expansion of the supercharging network, aiming for 2,500 stations by the launch of Li i8 and 4,000 by the end of 2025 [19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued growth in 2024, targeting 88,000 to 93,000 vehicle deliveries in Q1 [12] - The company anticipates a year-over-year increase in deliveries despite a challenging competitive landscape [46] - Management believes that the market will transition from competing for growth to competing for market share, emphasizing brand recognition [66] Other Important Information - The company has established an overseas expansion department and opened R&D centers in Munich, Germany [22][86] - Li MEGA has been a top seller in its segment, with expected annual sales between 10,000 and 15,000 units [81] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the latest launch timing and highlights of new BEV models? - The company plans to launch the Li i8 in July and the Li i6 in the second half of 2025, focusing on user experience and delivery [39] Question: How does the company view sales growth against competition? - The strategy includes product upgrades, expanding the sales network, and enhancing marketing practices [46] Question: What is the scale of AI-related investment in the coming years? - Investments in AI will see substantial growth, primarily funded by cash from operations, focusing on developing capabilities in autonomous driving [54] Question: What is the outlook for the auto and EV industry in 2026? - The NEV penetration rate is expected to increase, with competition shifting towards market share and brand recognition becoming crucial [66] Question: What is the first quarter gross margin guidance? - The expected Q1 vehicle gross margin is around 19% due to seasonal factors and sales promotions [75] Question: What is the long-term plan for internationalization? - The company aims to expand its overseas market presence, focusing on branding, marketing, and after-sales service [86]