EX-99.1 2 tm259135d1_ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 

Exhibit 99.1 

 

 

 

Li Auto Inc. Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

 

Quarterly total revenues reached RMB44.3 billion (US$6.1 billion)1

Quarterly deliveries reached 158,696 vehicles

Full year total revenues reached RMB144.5 billion (US$19.8 billion)

Full year deliveries were 500,508 vehicles

 

BEIJING, China, March 14, 2025 — 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, 2024.

 

Operating Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2024 and Full Year 2024

 

·Total deliveries for the fourth quarter of 2024 were 158,696 vehicles, representing a 20.4% year-over-year increase.

 

·Total deliveries for the full year 2024 reached 500,508 vehicles, representing an increase of 33.1% from 376,030 vehicles in 2023.

 

    FY 2024   2024 Q4   2024 Q3   2024 Q2   2024 Q1 
Deliveries    500,508    158,696    152,831    108,581    80,400 
                           
     FY 2023    2023 Q4    2023 Q3    2023 Q2    2023 Q1 
Deliveries    376,030    131,805    105,108    86,533    52,584 

 

·As of December 31, 2024, in China, the Company had 502 retail stores in 150 cities, 478 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 225 cities, and 1,727 super charging stations in operation equipped with 9,100 charging stalls.

 

Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2024

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB42.6 billion (US$5.8 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 5.6% from RMB40.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 3.2% from RMB41.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Vehicle margin2 was 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 22.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 20.9% in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Total revenues were RMB44.3 billion (US$6.1 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 6.1% from RMB41.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 3.3% from RMB42.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Gross profit was RMB9.0 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 8.3% from RMB9.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 2.8% from RMB9.2 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Gross margin was 20.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 23.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 21.5% in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Operating expenses were RMB5.3 billion (US$721.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 22.0% from RMB6.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 9.1% from RMB5.8 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

 

1 All translations from Renminbi (“RMB”) to U.S. dollars (“US$”) are made at a rate of RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on December 31, 2024 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

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

 

1 

 

 

·Income from operations was RMB3.7 billion (US$507.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 22.0% from RMB3.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 7.9% from RMB3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Operating margin was 8.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 8.0% in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Net income was RMB3.5 billion (US$484.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 38.6% from RMB5.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 25.3% from RMB2.8 billion in the third quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income3 was RMB4.0 billion (US$553.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 12.0% from RMB4.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 4.9% from RMB3.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Diluted net earnings per ADS4 attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB3.31 (US$0.45) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with RMB5.32 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and RMB2.66 in the third quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB3.79 (US$0.52) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with RMB4.23 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and RMB3.63 in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB8.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 49.8% from RMB17.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 21.3% from RMB11.0 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Free cash flow5 was RMB6.1 billion (US$830.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 58.6% from RMB14.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 33.1% from RMB9.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

 

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 U.S. GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

 

4 Each ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares.

 

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

 

2 

 

 

Key Financial Results

 

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

 

   For the Three Months Ended   % Change6 
  

December 31,
2023

  

September 30,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

   YoY   QoQ 
   RMB   RMB   RMB         
Vehicle sales   40,379.3    41,323.8    42,643.0    5.6%   3.2%
Vehicle margin   22.7%   20.9%   19.7%   (3.0)pts   (1.2)pts
                          
Total revenues   41,732.1    42,874.2    44,273.7    6.1%   3.3%
Gross profit   9,786.9    9,224.7    8,970.2    (8.3)%   (2.8)%
Gross margin   23.5%   21.5%   20.3%   (3.2)pts   (1.2)pts
                          
Operating expenses   (6,750.5)   (5,792.0)   (5,266.9)   (22.0)%   (9.1)%
Income from operations   3,036.4    3,432.7    3,703.3    22.0%   7.9%
Operating margin   7.3%   8.0%   8.4%   1.1pts   0.4pts
                          
Net income   5,752.3    2,820.5    3,532.7    (38.6)%   25.3%
Non-GAAP net income   4,588.7    3,851.0    4,039.7    (12.0)%   4.9%
                          
Diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   5.32    2.66    3.31    (37.8)%   24.4%
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   4.23    3.63    3.79    (10.4)%   4.4%
                          
Net cash provided by operating activities   17,294.2    11,024.6    8,680.3    (49.8)%   (21.3)%
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   14,638.1    9,051.8    6,059.3    (58.6)%   (33.1)%

 

 

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

 

3 

 

 

Financial Highlights for the Full Year 2024

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB138.5 billion (US$19.0 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 15.2% from RMB120.3 billion in 2023.

 

·Vehicle margin was 19.8% in 2024, compared with 21.5% in 2023.

 

·Total revenues were RMB144.5 billion (US$19.8 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 16.6% from RMB123.9 billion in 2023.

 

·Gross profit was RMB29.7 billion (US$4.1 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 7.9% from RMB27.5 billion in 2023.

 

·Gross margin was 20.5% in 2024, compared with 22.2% in 2023.

 

·Operating expenses were RMB22.6 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 12.7% from RMB20.1 billion in 2023.

 

·Income from operations was RMB7.0 billion (US$961.6 million) in 2024, representing a decrease of 5.2% from RMB7.4 billion in 2023.

 

·Operating margin was 4.9% in 2024, compared with 6.0% in 2023.

 

·Net income was RMB8.0 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 31.9% from RMB11.8 billion in 2023. Non-GAAP net income was RMB10.7 billion (US$1.5 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 12.5% from RMB12.2 billion in 2023.

 

·Diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB7.58 (US$1.04) in 2024, compared with RMB11.10 in 2023. Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB10.04 (US$1.38) in 2024, compared with RMB11.46 in 2023.

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB15.9 billion (US$2.2 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 68.6% from RMB50.7 billion in 2023.

 

·Free cash flow was RMB8.2 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 81.4% from RMB44.2 billion in 2023.

 

4 

 

 

Key Financial Results

 

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

   For the Year Ended   % Change 
   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024   YoY 
   RMB   RMB     
Vehicle sales   120,294.7    138,538.1    15.2%
Vehicle margin   21.5%   19.8%   (1.7)pts
                
Total revenues   123,851.3    144,459.9    16.6%
Gross profit   27,496.8    29,656.1    7.9%
Gross margin   22.2%   20.5%   (1.7)pts
                
Operating expenses   (20,089.9)   (22,637.0)   12.7%
Income from operations   7,406.9    7,019.1    (5.2)%
Operating margin   6.0%   4.9%   (1.1)pts
                
Net income   11,809.1    8,045.3    (31.9)%
Non-GAAP net income   12,197.6    10,670.1    (12.5)%
                
Diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   11.10    7.58    (31.7)%
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders   11.46    10.04    (12.4)%
                
Net cash provided by operating activities   50,693.5    15,933.2    (68.6)%
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   44,186.3    8,203.1    (81.4)%

 

5 

 

 

Recent Developments

 

Delivery Update

 

·In January and February 2025, the Company delivered 29,927 and 26,263 vehicles, respectively. As of February 28, 2025, in China, the Company had 500 retail stores in 150 cities, 488 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 224 cities, and 1,874 super charging stations in operation equipped with 10,008 charging stalls.

 

OTA Updates

 

·The Company continues to elevate user experience through OTA updates, with the most recent releases of OTA 6.5 in November 2024, OTA 7.0 in January 2025, and OTA 7.1 in February 2025. Available on the Li L series and Li MEGA, these updates introduced a wide array of new and enhanced autonomous driving, smart space, and smart electric features. Leveraging its full-stack, proprietary end-to-end (E2E) and vision-language model (VLM) technologies, the Company delivered a one-click point-to-point autonomous driving feature to all Li AD Max users via OTA 6.5 and upgraded its highway NOA via OTA 7.0 to enable seamless autonomous driving experiences across all driving scenarios. OTA 7.1 features an enhanced Li AD Max V13, offering smoother performance when navigating complex road conditions. These OTA updates also include upgrades to the Li Xiang Tong Xue smart assistant, the introduction of Sentry Mode High-Risk Video Remote Preview and Front Passenger Exit Alert features, and further enhancements to charging planning and efficiency.

 

Germany Research and Development Center

 

·In January 2025, the Company officially established its first overseas research and development center in Munich, Germany, which will drive its continued developments in technology pre-research, product development, and product strategy.

 

CEO and CFO Comments

 

Mr. Xiang Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Li Auto, commented, “Our record performance in the fourth quarter propelled our full-year deliveries to surpass the 500,000 milestone, making us the first among premium automotive brands in China. We also maintained our sales leadership position among Chinese automotive brands in the RMB200,000 and above NEV market. These achievements reflect our ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and value creation for users. Over the past year, we achieved a number of significant breakthroughs in intelligentization. Our autonomous driving solution now provides end-to-end functionality across all driving scenarios powered by our full-stack, proprietary E2E and VLM dual system architecture. Additionally, we significantly enhanced Li Xiang Tong Xue’s capabilities in memorization, planning, tool utilization, and expression, upgrading the interactive experience for users. Looking ahead to 2025, we will launch our next-generation autonomous driving architecture and new BEV models, bringing happiness to more families with enhanced intelligent features and a more diversified product portfolio.”

 

Mr. Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto, added, “We concluded 2024 with a robust financial performance. Strong vehicle deliveries drove fourth-quarter revenues to RMB44.3 billion, representing a new quarterly record high and 6.1% year-over-year growth. This brought our full-year revenues to RMB144.5 billion, increasing by 16.6% year over year. We also maintained robust profitability with a net income of RMB8.0 billion and operating cash flow of RMB15.9 billion for the full year of 2024. Our year-end cash reserve remained solid at RMB112.8 billion, laying a sound foundation for future growth. Moving forward, we remain committed to expanding our business and driving technological innovation while striving for financial excellence. By continuously enhancing our comprehensive capabilities, we aim to grow sustainably and steadily advance toward our long-term vision in this intelligent era, creating value for all our stakeholders.”

 

6 

 

 

Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2024

 

Revenues

 

·Total revenues were RMB44.3 billion (US$6.1 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 6.1% from RMB41.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 3.3% from RMB42.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB42.6 billion (US$5.8 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 5.6% from RMB40.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 3.2% from RMB41.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales over the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average selling price mainly due to different product mix. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales over the third quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average selling price due to interest subsidies provided to customers.

 

·Other sales and services were RMB1.6 billion (US$223.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 20.5% from RMB1.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 5.2% from RMB1.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in revenue from other sales and services over the fourth quarter of 2023 was mainly attributable to the increased provision of services and sales of accessories, which is in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales. The revenue from other sales and services remained relatively stable over the third quarter of 2024.

 

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

·Cost of sales was RMB35.3 billion (US$4.8 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 10.5% from RMB31.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 4.9% from RMB33.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in cost of sales over the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily attributable to increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average cost of sales due to different product mix. The increase in cost of sales over the third quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to increase in vehicle deliveries.

 

·Gross profit was RMB9.0 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 8.3% from RMB9.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 2.8% from RMB9.2 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Vehicle margin was 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 22.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 20.9% in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in vehicle margin over the fourth quarter of 2023 was mainly due to different product mix. The decrease in vehicle margin over the third quarter of 2024 was mainly due to losses on purchase commitment and lower average selling price due to interest subsidies provided to customers.

 

·Gross margin was 20.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 23.5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 21.5% in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in gross margin over the fourth quarter of 2023 and third quarter of 2024 was mainly due to the decrease in vehicle margin.

 

Operating Expenses

 

· Operating expenses were RMB5.3 billion (US$721.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 22.0% from RMB6.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 9.1% from RMB5.8 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Research and development expenses were RMB2.4 billion (US$329.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 31.0% from RMB3.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 6.9% from RMB2.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in research and development expenses over the fourth quarter of 2023 was mainly attributable to decreased expenses related to product portfolios and technologies, and decreased employee compensation. The decrease in research and development expenses over the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to decreased employee compensation.

 

·Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB3.1 billion (US$421.5 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 5.9% from RMB3.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 8.4% from RMB3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses over the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily due to decreased employee compensation and improved operational efficiency. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses over the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to decreased employee compensation associated with the recognition of the chief executive officer’s performance-based awards in the third quarter of 2024, partially offset by the increased marketing and promotional activities.

 

7 

 

 

Income from Operations

 

·Income from operations was RMB3.7 billion (US$507.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 22.0% from RMB3.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 7.9% from RMB3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2024. Operating margin was 8.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 8.0% in the third quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB4.2 billion (US$577.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 9.1% from RMB3.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 5.5% from RMB4.5 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

Net Income and Net Earnings Per Share

 

·Net income was RMB3.5 billion (US$484.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 38.6% from RMB5.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 25.3% from RMB2.8 billion in the third quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income was RMB4.0 billion (US$553.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 12.0% from RMB4.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and an increase of 4.9% from RMB3.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

·Basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB3.52 (US$0.48) and RMB3.31 (US$0.45) in the fourth quarter of 2024, respectively, compared with RMB5.72 and RMB5.32 in the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively, and RMB2.82 and RMB2.66 in the third quarter of 2024, respectively. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB4.03 (US$0.55) and RMB3.79 (US$0.52) in the fourth quarter of 2024, respectively, compared with RMB4.54 and RMB4.23 in the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively, and RMB3.85 and RMB3.63 in the third quarter of 2024, respectively.

 

Cash Position, Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

 

·Cash position7 was RMB112.8 billion (US$15.5 billion) as of December 31, 2024.

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB8.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 49.8% from RMB17.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 21.3% from RMB11.0 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The change in net cash provided by operating activities over the fourth quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024 was mainly due to increased payment related to inventory purchase, partially offset by the increase in cash received from customers.

 

·Free cash flow was RMB6.1 billion (US$830.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a decrease of 58.6% from RMB14.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a decrease of 33.1% from RMB9.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

 

 

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

 

8 

 

 

Financial Results for the Full Year 2024

 

Revenues

 

·Total revenues were RMB144.5 billion (US$19.8 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 16.6% from RMB123.9 billion in 2023.

 

·Vehicle sales were RMB138.5 billion (US$19.0 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 15.2% from RMB120.3 billion in 2023. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average selling price mainly due to different product mix and changes in pricing strategy.

 

·Other sales and services were RMB5.9 billion (US$811.3 million) in 2024, representing an increase of 66.5% from RMB3.6 billion in 2023. The increase in revenue from other sales and services was mainly attributable to the increased provision of services and sales of accessories, which is in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales.

 

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

·Cost of sales was RMB114.8 billion (US$15.7 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 19.1% from RMB96.4 billion in 2023. The increase in cost of sales was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries, partially offset by the lower average cost of sales due to different product mix and cost reduction.

 

·Gross profit was RMB29.7 billion (US$4.1 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 7.9% from RMB27.5 billion in 2023.

 

·Vehicle margin was 19.8% in 2024, compared with 21.5% in 2023. The decrease in vehicle margin was mainly due to different product mix, and changes in pricing strategy, partially offset by cost reduction.

 

·Gross margin was 20.5% in 2024, compared with 22.2% in 2023. The decrease in gross margin was mainly attributable to the decrease of vehicle margin.

 

Operating Expenses

 

·Operating expenses were RMB22.6 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 12.7% from RMB20.1 billion in 2023.

 

·Research and development expenses were RMB11.1 billion (US$1.5 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 4.6% from RMB10.6 billion in 2023. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to increased expenses to support our expanding product portfolios and technologies, and increased employee compensation.

 

·Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB12.2 billion (US$1.7 billion) in 2024, representing an increase of 25.2% from RMB9.8 billion in 2023. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased employee compensation associated with growth in number of staff and the recognition of share-based compensation expenses regarding the chief executive officer’s performance-based awards in 2024, as well as increased rental and other expenses associated with the expansion of sales and servicing network.

 

Income from Operations

 

·Income from operations was RMB7.0 billion (US$961.6 million) in 2024, representing a decrease of 5.2% from RMB7.4 billion in 2023. Operating margin was 4.9% in 2024, compared with 6.0% in 2023. Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB9.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 1.4% from RMB9.8 billion in 2023.

 

9 

 

 

Net Income and Net Earnings Per Share

 

·Net income was RMB8.0 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 31.9% from RMB11.8 billion in 2023. Non-GAAP net income was RMB10.7 billion (US$1.5 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 12.5% from RMB12.2 billion in 2023.

 

·Basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB8.06 (US$1.10) and RMB7.58 (US$1.04) in 2024, respectively, compared with RMB11.90 and RMB11.10 in 2023, respectively. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were RMB10.69 (US$1.47) and RMB10.04 (US$1.38) in 2024, respectively, compared with RMB12.29 and RMB11.46 in 2023, respectively.

 

Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

 

·Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB15.9 billion (US$2.2 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 68.6% from RMB50.7 billion in 2023. The change in net cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to increased payment related to inventory purchase, partially offset by the increase in cash received from customers.

 

·Free cash flow was RMB8.2 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2024, representing a decrease of 81.4% from RMB44.2 billion in 2023.

 

Employees

 

·As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a total of 32,248 employees.

 

Business Outlook

 

For the first quarter of 2025, the Company expects:

 

·Deliveries of vehicles to be between 88,000 and 93,000 vehicles, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.5% to 15.7%.

 

·Total revenues to be between RMB23.4 billion (US$3.2 billion) and RMB24.7 billion (US$3.4 billion), representing a year-over-year decrease of 8.7% to 3.5%.

 

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 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Friday, March 14, 2025 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on March 14, 2025) 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/10045528-e2gf3z.html

 

A replay of the conference call will be accessible through March 21, 2025, 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: 10045528

 

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.

 

10 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

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 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 U.S. 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 RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on December 31, 2024, 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 in successfully commercializing extended-range electric vehicles in China. While firmly advancing along this technological route, it builds platforms for battery electric vehicles in parallel. The Company leverages technology to create value for users. It concentrates its in-house development efforts on proprietary range extension systems, innovative electric vehicle technologies, and smart vehicle solutions. 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, Li L8, a six-seat premium family SUV, Li L7, a five-seat flagship family SUV, and Li L6, a five-seat premium family SUV. The Company will continue to expand its product lineup to target a broader user base.

 

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

 

11 

 

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

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

 

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

 

Li Auto Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: ir@lixiang.com

 

Christensen Advisory

Roger Hu

Tel: +86-10-5900-1548

Email: Li@christensencomms.com

 

12 

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive 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,
2023
   September 30,
2024
   December 31,
2024
   December 31,
2024
   December 31,
2023
   December 31,
2024
   December 31,
2024
 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Revenues:                                   
Vehicle sales   40,379,267    41,323,833    42,642,978    5,842,064    120,294,667    138,538,092    18,979,641 
Other sales and services   1,352,830    1,550,385    1,630,694    223,404    3,556,665    5,921,854    811,291 
Total revenues   41,732,097    42,874,218    44,273,672    6,065,468    123,851,332    144,459,946    19,790,932 
Cost of sales:                                   
Vehicle sales   (31,202,028)   (32,671,723)   (34,252,151)   (4,692,525)   (94,482,347)   (111,121,036)   (15,223,520)
Other sales and services   (743,186)   (977,822)   (1,051,303)   (144,028)   (1,872,234)   (3,682,772)   (504,538)
Total cost of sales   (31,945,214)   (33,649,545)   (35,303,454)   (4,836,553)   (96,354,581)   (114,803,808)   (15,728,058)
Gross profit   9,786,883    9,224,673    8,970,218    1,228,915    27,496,751    29,656,138    4,062,874 
Operating expenses:                                   
Research and development   (3,491,026)   (2,586,534)   (2,408,357)   (329,944)   (10,586,129)   (11,071,358)   (1,516,770)
Selling, general and administrative   (3,269,668)   (3,359,640)   (3,076,993)   (421,546)   (9,767,955)   (12,229,323)   (1,675,410)
Other operating income, net   10,237    154,174    218,446    29,927    264,210    663,657    90,921 
Total operating expenses   (6,750,457)   (5,792,000)   (5,266,904)   (721,563)   (20,089,874)   (22,637,024)   (3,101,259)
Income from operations   3,036,426    3,432,673    3,703,314    507,352    7,406,877    7,019,114    961,615 
Other (expense)/income:                                   
Interest expense   (13,675)   (54,167)   (61,759)   (8,461)   (86,251)   (187,755)   (25,722)
Interest income and investment income, net   794,355    (21,979)   403,021    55,214    2,082,948    1,819,964    249,334 
Others, net   358,825    43,752    17,128    2,347    1,048,189    664,301    91,009 
Income before income tax   4,175,931    3,400,279    4,061,704    556,452    10,451,763    9,315,624    1,276,236 
Income tax benefit/(expense)   1,576,385    (579,789)   (529,010)   (72,474)   1,357,362    (1,270,374)   (174,041)
Net income   5,752,316    2,820,490    3,532,694    483,978    11,809,125    8,045,250    1,102,195 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   94,235    6,228    9,757    1,337    104,992    12,900    1,767 
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   5,658,081    2,814,262    3,522,937    482,641    11,704,133    8,032,350    1,100,428 
                                    
Net income   5,752,316    2,820,490    3,532,694    483,978    11,809,125    8,045,250    1,102,195 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)                                   
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax   40,438    (136,283)   236,903    32,456    (30,766)   53,128    7,279 
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)   40,438    (136,283)   236,903    32,456    (30,766)   53,128    7,279 
Total comprehensive income   5,792,754    2,684,207    3,769,597    516,434    11,778,359    8,098,378    1,109,474 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   94,235    6,228    9,757    1,337    104,992    12,900    1,767 
Comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   5,698,519    2,677,979    3,759,840    515,097    11,673,367    8,085,478    1,107,707 
Weighted average number of ADSs                                   
Basic   989,909,259    997,934,606    1,000,250,311    1,000,250,311    983,931,880    996,595,976    996,595,976 
Diluted   1,064,538,392    1,062,727,888    1,066,897,163    1,066,897,163    1,057,688,196    1,064,636,715    1,064,636,715 
Net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders                                   
Basic   5.72    2.82    3.52    0.48    11.90    8.06    1.10 
Diluted   5.32    2.66    3.31    0.45    11.10    7.58    1.04 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares                                   
Basic   1,979,818,518    1,995,869,212    2,000,500,621    2,000,500,621    1,967,863,759    1,993,191,951    1,993,191,951 
Diluted   2,129,076,784    2,125,455,776    2,133,794,325    2,133,794,325    2,115,376,392    2,129,273,430    2,129,273,430 
Net earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders                                   
Basic   2.86    1.41    1.76    0.24    5.95    4.03    0.55 
Diluted   2.66    1.33    1.65    0.23    5.55    3.79    0.52 

 

13 

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

       As of     
   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024   December 31, 2024 
   RMB   RMB   US$ 
ASSETS               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents   91,329,030    65,901,123    9,028,417 
Restricted cash   479    6,849    938 
Time deposits and short-term investments   11,933,255    46,904,548    6,425,897 
Trade receivable   143,523    135,112    18,510 
Inventories   6,871,979    8,185,604    1,121,423 
Prepayments and other current assets   4,247,318    5,176,546    709,184 
Total current assets   114,525,584    126,309,782    17,304,369 
Non-current assets:               
Long-term investments   1,595,376    922,897    126,436 
Property, plant and equipment, net   15,745,018    21,140,933    2,896,296 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net   5,939,230    8,323,963    1,140,378 
Intangible assets, net   864,180    914,951    125,348 
Goodwill   5,484    5,484    751 
Deferred tax assets   1,990,245    2,542,180    348,277 
Other non-current assets   2,802,354    2,188,888    299,876 
Total non-current assets   28,941,887    36,039,296    4,937,362 
Total assets   143,467,471    162,349,078    22,241,731 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY               
Current liabilities:               
Short-term borrowings   6,975,399    281,102    38,511 
Trade and notes payable   51,870,097    53,596,194    7,342,648 
Amounts due to related parties   10,607    11,492    1,574 
Deferred revenue, current   1,525,543    1,396,489    191,318 
Operating lease liabilities, current   1,146,437    1,438,092    197,018 
Finance lease liabilities, current       95,205    13,043 
Accruals and other current liabilities   11,214,626    12,397,322    1,698,426 
Total current liabilities   72,742,709    69,215,896    9,482,538 
Non-current liabilities:               
Long-term borrowings   1,747,070    8,151,598    1,116,764 
Deferred revenue, non-current   812,218    720,531    98,712 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current   3,677,961    5,735,738    785,793 
Finance lease liabilities, non-current       642,984    88,088 
Deferred tax liabilities   200,877    864,999    118,504 
Other non-current liabilities   3,711,414    5,696,950    780,479 
Total non-current liabilities   10,149,540    21,812,800    2,988,340 
Total liabilities   82,892,249    91,028,696    12,470,878 
Total Li Auto Inc. shareholders’ equity   60,142,624    70,874,884    9,709,820 
Noncontrolling interests   432,598    445,498    61,033 
Total shareholders’ equity   60,575,222    71,320,382    9,770,853 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   143,467,471    162,349,078    22,241,731 

 

14 

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended 
  

December 31,
2023

  

September 30,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

  

December 31,
2023

  

December 31,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Net cash provided by operating activities   17,294,228    11,024,642    8,680,301    1,189,196    50,693,521    15,933,160    2,182,834 
Net cash used in investing activities   (469,104)   (14,212,597)   (19,987,058)   (2,738,216)   (12,068)   (41,137,169)   (5,635,769)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities   863,355    238,305    (734,467)   (100,622)   185,385    (415,648)   (56,944)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (48,180)   (245,692)   355,742    48,737    44,513    198,120    27,143 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   17,640,299    (3,195,342)   (11,685,482)   (1,600,905)   50,911,351    (25,421,537)   (3,482,736)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   73,689,210    80,788,796    77,593,454    10,630,260    40,418,158    91,329,509    12,512,091 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   91,329,509    77,593,454    65,907,972    9,029,355    91,329,509    65,907,972    9,029,355 
                                    
Net cash provided by operating activities   17,294,228    11,024,642    8,680,301    1,189,196    50,693,521    15,933,160    2,182,834 
Capital expenditures   (2,656,106)   (1,972,878)   (2,620,969)   (359,071)   (6,507,189)   (7,730,022)   (1,059,009)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   14,638,122    9,051,764    6,059,332    830,125    44,186,332    8,203,138    1,123,825 

 

15 

 

 

Li Auto Inc.

Unaudited Reconciliation of U.S. 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,
2023

  

September 30,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

  

December 31,
2023

  

December 31,
2024

  

December 31,
2024

 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$ 
Cost of sales   (31,945,214)   (33,649,545)   (35,303,454)   (4,836,553)   (96,354,581)   (114,803,808)   (15,728,058)
Share-based compensation expenses   15,334    8,213    10,394    1,424    46,631    39,728    5,443 
Non-GAAP cost of sales   (31,929,880)   (33,641,332)   (35,293,060)   (4,835,129)   (96,307,950)   (114,764,080)   (15,722,615)
                                    
Research and development expenses   (3,491,026)   (2,586,534)   (2,408,357)   (329,944)   (10,586,129)   (11,071,358)   (1,516,770)
Share-based compensation expenses   537,843    296,778    303,047    41,517    1,552,421    1,257,921    172,334 
Non-GAAP research and development expenses   (2,953,183)   (2,289,756)   (2,105,310)   (288,427)   (9,033,708)   (9,813,437)   (1,344,436)
                                    
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (3,269,668)   (3,359,640)   (3,076,993)   (421,546)   (9,767,955)   (12,229,323)   (1,675,410)
Share-based compensation expenses   273,443    725,500    199,633    27,350    779,637    1,333,256    182,655 
Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses   (2,996,225)   (2,634,140)   (2,877,360)   (394,196)   (8,988,318)   (10,896,067)   (1,492,755)
                                    
Income from operations   3,036,426    3,432,673    3,703,314    507,352    7,406,877    7,019,114    961,615 
Share-based compensation expenses   826,620    1,030,491    513,074    70,291    2,378,689    2,630,905    360,432 
Non-GAAP income from operations   3,863,046    4,463,164    4,216,388    577,643    9,785,566    9,650,019    1,322,047 
                                    
Net income   5,752,316    2,820,490    3,532,694    483,978    11,809,125    8,045,250    1,102,195 
Share-based compensation expenses   826,620    1,030,491    513,074    70,291    2,378,689    2,630,905    360,432 
Release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets   (1,990,245)       (6,085)   (834)   (1,990,245)   (6,085)   (834)
Non-GAAP net income8   4,588,691    3,850,981    4,039,683    553,435    12,197,569    10,670,070    1,461,793 
                                    
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   5,658,081    2,814,262    3,522,937    482,641    11,704,133    8,032,350    1,100,428 
Share-based compensation expenses   826,620    1,030,491    513,074    70,291    2,378,689    2,630,905    360,432 
Release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets   (1,990,245)       (6,085)   (834)   (1,990,245)   (6,085)   (834)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Li Auto Inc.   4,494,456    3,844,753    4,029,926    552,098    12,092,577    10,657,170    1,460,026 
                                    
Weighted average number of ADSs                                   
Basic   989,909,259    997,934,606    1,000,250,311    1,000,250,311    983,931,880    996,595,976    996,595,976 
Diluted   1,064,538,392    1,062,727,888    1,066,897,163    1,066,897,163    1,057,688,196    1,064,636,715    1,064,636,715 
Non-GAAP net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders                                   
Basic   4.54    3.85    4.03    0.55    12.29    10.69    1.47 
Diluted   4.23    3.63    3.79    0.52    11.46    10.04    1.38 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares                                   
Basic   1,979,818,518    1,995,869,212    2,000,500,621    2,000,500,621    1,967,863,759    1,993,191,951    1,993,191,951 
Diluted   2,129,076,784    2,125,455,776    2,133,794,325    2,133,794,325    2,115,376,392    2,129,273,430    2,129,273,430 
Non-GAAP net earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders9                                   
Basic   2.27    1.93    2.01    0.28    6.15    5.35    0.73 
Diluted   2.11    1.81    1.89    0.26    5.73    5.02    0.69 

 

 

8 Non-GAAP items have no tax impact for all the periods presented.

 

9 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 and dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding during the periods, including the dilutive effects of convertible senior notes as determined under the if-converted method and the dilutive effect of share-based awards as determined under the treasury stock method.

 

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