Global Mobility/Transport, Equity Long-Short

Mohshin Aziz

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Share price under pressure due to industry challenges and transition of new product line-ups.  </li>
<li>2024 is a blip, things will normalise 2025 and deliver strong topline and bottomline growth. </li>
<li>LiAuto is trading at bargain levels for a company delivering 3-year earnings CAGR of 38%, net cash balance sheet and churns high free cash flow. </li>
</ul>


Share price under pressure due to industry challenges and transition of new product line-ups.  
2024 is a blip, things will normalise 2025 and deliver strong topline and bottomline growth. 
LiAuto is trading at bargain levels for a company delivering 3-year earnings CAGR of 38%, net cash balance sheet and churns high free cash flow. 


LiAuto (LI US, BUY, TP:USD25.0): High Growth + Deep Value Stock

Blue Lotus China New Economy Research, Blue Lotus Research Institute

Eric Wen

Blue Lotus China New Economy Research

China growth and global non-US Internet equities

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Blue Lotus Research is a Hong Kong Type 4 Licensed investment advisory firm focusing on Chinese growth equities and global non-US Internet equities

<ul>
<li>LI Auto’s decision to push out its BEV launch to 2025 is a delay of multi-faces at a time when China’s EV market is chaotically.</li>
<li>We keep rating @BUY because LI still possesses the SUV niche, enjoys a healthy margin and have ample cash. </li>
<li>We cut TP from US$40 to US$25 and maintain BUY.</li>
</ul>


LI Auto’s decision to push out its BEV launch to 2025 is a delay of multi-faces at a time when China’s EV market is chaotically.
We keep rating @BUY because LI still possesses the SUV niche, enjoys a healthy margin and have ample cash. 
We cut TP from US$40 to US$25 and maintain BUY.


[Li Auto (LI US, BUY, TP US$25) TP Change]: Delaying BEV Is the Wrong Approach to Competition

External broker reports(aggregated public sources), CMB International

CMB International

External broker reports(aggregated public sources)

Incorporated in Hong Kong, supported by the mainland and targeting in global market, CMB International Capital Corporation Limited (“CMBI”) is an integrated financial institution providing comprehensive and professional services. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Merchants Bank ("CMB"), by leveraging on the Group’s synergy and coordination in domestic and overseas markets, as well as CMB’s strong resources and outstanding social reputation, CMBI and its subsidiaries have been actively implementing diversified business strategies and set up an overall layout of main business segments including Corporate Finance, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Global Markets and Structured Finance, etc. Adhering to the philosophy of “being clients oriented and increasing our own values by the way of creating value for clients”, CMBI endeavors to provide quality and integrated financial services to institutional, corporate and individual customers both domestic and overseas including Hong Kong IPO sponsorship and underwriting, share placement and rights issue for listed companies, financial advisors, bonds issuance services, asset management, direct investment, wealth management, equity sales and trading, etc.

<ul><li>We are of the view that Li Auto has lowered priority for its FY24E profitability and the sell-off after the 1Q24 earnings call has largely priced in such management mentality.</li><li>We believe the key lies in its new BEV strategy, EREV sales recovery in 2H24 and FY25 sales growth with BEVs being postponed.</li><li>1Q24 GP in line; R&amp;D and SG&amp;A dragged NP. Li Auto’s 1Q24 revenue was about 3% higher than our prior forecast, largely due to its other sales and services.</li></ul><p><em>Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.</em></p>

We are of the view that Li Auto has lowered priority for its FY24E profitability and the sell-off after the 1Q24 earnings call has largely priced in such management mentality.We believe the key lies in its new BEV strategy, EREV sales recovery in 2H24 and FY25 sales growth with BEVs being postponed.1Q24 GP in line; R&amp;D and SG&amp;A dragged NP. Li Auto’s 1Q24 revenue was about 3% higher than our prior forecast, largely due to its other sales and services.Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.

Li Auto Inc. (LI US) - Is the Mega Lesson Worthwhile?

Overseas Chinese Equities, Aequitas Research

Ming Lu

Overseas Chinese Equities

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

<ul>
<li>Operating profit turned negative in 1Q24 compared to 1Q23 due to the price war and the failure of new model.</li>
<li>The company disappeared from the industry top-10 list of sales volume and revenue growth slowed down to zero in April.</li>
<li>All cross-sectional comparisons suggest a Sell rating for the stock.</li>
</ul>


Operating profit turned negative in 1Q24 compared to 1Q23 due to the price war and the failure of new model.
The company disappeared from the industry top-10 list of sales volume and revenue growth slowed down to zero in April.
All cross-sectional comparisons suggest a Sell rating for the stock.


Li Auto (LI US): 1Q24, A List of Bad News

<ul>
<li>LI Auto reported C4Q23 top line, non-GAAP operating profit and GAAP net income (6.2%), 13% and 81% vs. our estimates and 4.9%, 52% and 102% vs. consensus.</li>
<li>We believe LI can beat our delivery estimate on exports, but can also miss the consensus on gross margins if its 2024 volume target is met by sedans;</li>
<li>We raise our TP by US$5 to US$52 and reiterate BUY.</li>
</ul>


LI Auto reported C4Q23 top line, non-GAAP operating profit and GAAP net income (6.2%), 13% and 81% vs. our estimates and 4.9%, 52% and 102% vs. consensus.
We believe LI can beat our delivery estimate on exports, but can also miss the consensus on gross margins if its 2024 volume target is met by sedans;
We raise our TP by US$5 to US$52 and reiterate BUY.


[Li Auto Inc. (LI US, BUY, TP US$52) TP Change]: What Can Go Wrong & Go Right in LI Becoming BYD #2

China

Great Wall Motor Company Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells pick-up trucks and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) in China under branded names. The Company also researches and develops, and manufactures principal automotive parts and components for use in the assembly of pick-up trucks and SUVs.

BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology Co.,Ltd. operates as a passenger car manufacturer. The Company engages in research, development, and marketing of new energy vehicles and power battery system. BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology conducts businesses in China.

BAIC BluePark New Energy Techn (600733 CH)

Guangzhou Automobile Group Company, Ltd. manufactures, sells, and services automobiles. The Company is also involved in automobile parts and components, and auto finance and related services for both overseas and domestic markets.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company Limited develops, manufactures, and markets mini cars, mini sedans, full size sedans, and engines.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company (200625 CH)

SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd., through joint ventures, manufactures and markets automobiles and related parts and accessories.

NIO Inc. manufactures and sells automobiles. The Company offers electric vehicles and parts, as well as provides battery charging services. NIO serves customers worldwide.

FAW Jiefang Group Co., Ltd, through joint ventures, manufactures and markets cars and auto parts.  The Company produces automobiles, transmission systems, and engines.  FAW Car also provides auto repair and customizing services.

Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets bus and truck chassis, gear boxes, other auto parts, and business automobiles.

BAIC Motor Corporation Limited designs, researches, develops, manufactures and sells a variety of passenger vehicles in China.

Dongfeng Motor Group Company Limited, through joint ventures, designs, manufactures, and markets diesel engines, light trucks, automobiles, castings, and related spare parts.

PT Astra International Tbk assembles and distributes automobiles, motorcycles, and their related spare parts.  Through its subsidiaries, the Company also operates in the mining, development of plantations, financial and information technology.

NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. manufactures and distributes automobiles and related parts. It also provides financing services. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of products under various brands. The Company manufactures in Japan, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and many other countries.

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited operates as a passenger vehicles manufacturing company. The Company provides passenger vehicles development, manufacturing, sales, and other services. Geely Automobile Holdings also exports passenger vehicles.

Suzuki Motor Corporation manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, and their related parts. The Company has production facilities in USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hungary.

Hero MotoCorp Ltd. designs, manufactures and distributes motorcycles. The Company's products also include motorcycle parts and accessories.

Subaru Corp manufactures passenger cars, buses, motor vehicle parts, and industrial machinery.  The Company also produces aircraft parts and supplies it to defense agency and Boeing Co.  The Company sells its passenger cars under the Subaru brand name.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. manufactures motorcycles.  The Company also produces motor vehicle engines for Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co.  Yamaha Motor's specialty products include motor boats, snowmobiles, golf carts, and electric power generators.  Yamaha Motor sells products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Isuzu Motors Limited manufactures and markets trucks and automobile parts. The Company's products include pickup trucks, light/heavy duty trucks, medium and large-sized buses, recreational vehicles, and sport utility vehicles.

TVS Motor Company Limited manufactures motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. The Company provides spark ignition operated outboard motors, combustion spark ignition engines, critical engines, and transmission parts. TVS Motor Company serves customers in India.

Eicher Motors Ltd. manufactures light commercial vehicles which are sold domestically and are also exported to other countries. Eicher Motors also manufactures two-wheelers and automotive gears.

Li Auto Inc. manufactures automobiles. The Company designs, develops, and sells smart new energy electric sport utility vehicles. Li Auto conducts businesses in China.

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Li Auto (LI US)

LiAuto (LI US, BUY, TP:USD25.0): High Growth + Deep Value Stock

LiAuto's share price is trading at bargain levels. 2024 is a blip, but earnings growth will resume 2025 onwards with a 3-year earnings CAGR of 38%...

Mohshin Aziz

[Li Auto (LI US, BUY, TP US$25) TP Change]: Delaying BEV Is the Wrong Approach to Competition

LI Auto delays BEV launch to 2025 in chaotic Chinese EV market, but still rated as a buy due to SUV niche, healthy margin, and ample cash. Target...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Li Auto Inc. (LI US) - Is the Mega Lesson Worthwhile?

We are of the view that Li Auto has lowered priority for its FY24E profitability and the sell-off after the 1Q24 earnings call has largely priced...

CMB International

Li Auto (LI US): 1Q24, A List of Bad News

Operating profit turned negative due to the price war and the failure of new model. Sales volume disappeared from the industry top-10 list and...

Ming Lu

[Li Auto Inc. (LI US, BUY, TP US$52) TP Change]: What Can Go Wrong & Go Right in LI Becoming BYD #2

LI Auto exceeded expectations in top line, operating profit, and net income, with potential for increased exports but possible gross margin...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

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52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

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LiAuto (LI US, BUY, TP:USD25.0): High Growth + Deep Value Stock

​LiAuto's share price is trading at bargain levels. 2024 is a blip, but earnings growth will resume 2025 onwards with a 3-year earnings CAGR of 38%...

Mohshin Aziz

[Li Auto (LI US, BUY, TP US$25) TP Change]: Delaying BEV Is the Wrong Approach to Competition

​LI Auto delays BEV launch to 2025 in chaotic Chinese EV market, but still rated as a buy due to SUV niche, healthy margin, and ample cash. Target...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Li Auto Inc. (LI US) - Is the Mega Lesson Worthwhile?

We are of the view that Li Auto has lowered priority for its FY24E profitability and the sell-off after the 1Q24 earnings call has largely priced...

CMB International

Li Auto (LI US): 1Q24, A List of Bad News

Operating profit turned negative due to the price war and the failure of new model. Sales volume disappeared from the industry top-10 list and...

Ming Lu

[Li Auto Inc. (LI US, BUY, TP US$52) TP Change]: What Can Go Wrong & Go Right in LI Becoming BYD #2

​LI Auto exceeded expectations in top line, operating profit, and net income, with potential for increased exports but possible gross margin...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

LiAuto's share price is trading at bargain levels. 2024 is a blip, but earnings growth will resume 2025 onwards with a 3-year earnings CAGR of 38%...

LI Auto delays BEV launch to 2025 in chaotic Chinese EV market, but still rated as a buy due to SUV niche, healthy margin, and ample cash. Target...

LI Auto exceeded expectations in top line, operating profit, and net income, with potential for increased exports but possible gross margin...