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

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>XPeng C3Q23 top line, non-GAAP operating loss and GAAP net loss in line, 28% and 68% worse than our estimates, main reason is G3’s End-Of-Production charge to the gross margin</li>
<li>We expect XPEV to experience tough transition in 2024 since product line which spans across sedan and SUV, shall experience severe competition at a time when its differentiation is eroding.</li>
<li>We prefer to wait out this period; we cut TP of XPEV from US$18 to US$9 and downgrade to SELL.</li>
</ul>


XPeng C3Q23 top line, non-GAAP operating loss and GAAP net loss in line, 28% and 68% worse than our estimates, main reason is G3’s End-Of-Production charge to the gross margin
We expect XPEV to experience tough transition in 2024 since product line which spans across sedan and SUV, shall experience severe competition at a time when its differentiation is eroding.
We prefer to wait out this period; we cut TP of XPEV from US$18 to US$9 and downgrade to SELL.


[XPeng Inc. (XPEV US, SELL, TP US$9) Rating Change]: Strategic Options May Come Late and Uncertain

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>Maintain HOLD. Although we see upside potential for Xpeng’s FY24E sales volume and revise it up to 0.26mn units, its low GPM could persist until 1H24E</li><li>. We believe the new-model effect from the G6 has been priced in and its current valuation is fair. Its smart-EV brand image could be challenged by Huawei.</li><li>3Q23 GPM miss. Xpeng’s 3Q23 revenue was 2% lower than we had projected. Even excluding the higher-than-expected inventory write-down for the G3i, GPM in 3Q23 was still worse than our prior forecast, partially reflecting the fierce competition that Xpeng faces.</li></ul>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.

Maintain HOLD. Although we see upside potential for Xpeng’s FY24E sales volume and revise it up to 0.26mn units, its low GPM could persist until 1H24E. We believe the new-model effect from the G6 has been priced in and its current valuation is fair. Its smart-EV brand image could be challenged by Huawei.3Q23 GPM miss. Xpeng’s 3Q23 revenue was 2% lower than we had projected. Even excluding the higher-than-expected inventory write-down for the G3i, GPM in 3Q23 was still worse than our prior forecast, partially reflecting the fierce competition that Xpeng faces.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.

Xpeng Inc. (XPEV US) – GPM Pressure Persists Despite Possible Sales Beat

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

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.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/robosense-technology-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:39903:1" rel="noopener">Robosense Technology (2498 HK)</a> raised around US$126m in its Hong Kong IPO in Jan 2024. The lockup on its shareholders will expire soon.</li>
<li>The company provides LiDAR and perception solutions to its customers. As of March 2024, it had design wins for mass production of LiDAR products with 22 automotive OEMs and suppliers.</li>
<li>In this note, we talk about the upcoming lock-up expiry and possible deal dynamics.</li>
</ul>



Robosense Technology (2498 HK) raised around US$126m in its Hong Kong IPO in Jan 2024. The lockup on its shareholders will expire soon.
The company provides LiDAR and perception solutions to its customers. As of March 2024, it had design wins for mass production of LiDAR products with 22 automotive OEMs and suppliers.
In this note, we talk about the upcoming lock-up expiry and possible deal dynamics.


Robosense IPO Lock-Up Expiry - US$2.8bn Lockup Expiry for 99% of the Stock, CCASS Movement

<ul><li>Maintain HOLD. Although we revise up Xpeng’s FY24E sales volume forecast to 0.22mn units following the G6’s aggressive pricing, its low GPM could persist, especially with two new models next year likely to be priced below the G6.</li><li>We project single-digit GPM for FY24E and we believe its current valuation is fair.</li><li>2Q23 ASP and GPM miss. Xpeng’s 2Q23 revenue was 6% lower than we had expected, largely due to increased sales promotion, in our view.</li></ul>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.

Maintain HOLD. Although we revise up Xpeng’s FY24E sales volume forecast to 0.22mn units following the G6’s aggressive pricing, its low GPM could persist, especially with two new models next year likely to be priced below the G6.We project single-digit GPM for FY24E and we believe its current valuation is fair.2Q23 ASP and GPM miss. Xpeng’s 2Q23 revenue was 6% lower than we had expected, largely due to increased sales promotion, in our view.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.

Xpeng Inc. (XPEV US) – 2Q23 GPM Miss; Still a Long Way for Healthy GPM

China/Asia TMT

Shawn Yang

<ul>
<li>VW’s long-term software dilemma caused delays of new EV model launch. Thus, leveraging established software capability of Xpeng could help VW catch up and shorten its R&amp;D cycle.</li>
<li>We see two benefits for Xpeng: 1) a new revenue stream from tech licensing and potential reduction of supply chain costs; 2) VW’s endorsement  could help Xpeng’s overseas expansion.</li>
<li>We think the potential of Xpeng’s high-margin tech licensing being opened to more VW models and other OEMs. Our TP implies 2.5x 2024PS</li>
</ul>


VW’s long-term software dilemma caused delays of new EV model launch. Thus, leveraging established software capability of Xpeng could help VW catch up and shorten its R&amp;D cycle.
We see two benefits for Xpeng: 1) a new revenue stream from tech licensing and potential reduction of supply chain costs; 2) VW’s endorsement  could help Xpeng’s overseas expansion.
We think the potential of Xpeng’s high-margin tech licensing being opened to more VW models and other OEMs. Our TP implies 2.5x 2024PS


[XPeng(XPEV US, BUY, TP US$24.3)TP Change]: Potential of Tech Licensing and EV Sales Lifts Valuation

China

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.

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)

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

Chongqing Changan Automobile Company (200625 CH)

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

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

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

China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Company Limited develops, manufactures and sells automotive products, provides consulting, automotive testing and evaluation services. The Company's main products include dump trucks, concrete mixer trucks, and sanitation trucks.

China Automotive Engg Rsrch Inst (601965 CH)

Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. manufactures and markets automobiles and parts. The Company produces light trucks, medium trucks, heavy trucks, passenger cars, and engine parts. Beiqi Foton Motor also conducts automotive wholesale businesses domestically and internationally.

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.

Lifan Industry (Group) Company Limited develops, manufactures and sells motorcycles, cars and gasoline engines. The Company's major products include motorcycles, motorcycle engines, passenger cars, passenger car engines, gasoline engines and other terminal products such as generator sets, water pumps and lawn mowers.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION develops and manufactures passenger cars and its related parts.  The Company has production facilities in Japan, the US, and Thailand.  Mitsubishi Motors Corp provides vehicle-related financing and leasing service through its subsidiary.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells motorcycles.  The Company's products include heavyweight touring, custom, and performance motorcycles, as well as a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, and general merchandise.  Harley-Davidson also provides motorcycle floor planning and parts and accessories financing to its North American and European dealers.

Thor Industries, Inc. produces and sells a wide range of recreation vehicles.  The Company markets its products through independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada.  Thor's products are sold under the Airstream Classic, Dutchmen, Skamper, Infinity, Four Winds, Citation, Signature, and other names.

Mazda Motor Corporation manufactures and sells automobiles, trucks, auto parts, and its accessories.  The Company operates its business worldwide.

Yadea Group is a leading electric two wheeler brand in China. The company produces electric bikes and scooters.

Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS manufactures cars and automobile parts under license from Fiat.  The Group also imports Alfa Romeo and Fiat cars for domestic market and provides financing services.

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.

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes minibuses and sedans in the People's Republic of China.  The Company also manufactures and trades automotive components.

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.

XPeng Inc. designs, produces, and distributes electric vehicles. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets smart smart electric vehicles, as well as finance, parts, and maintenance services. XPeng serves customers in China.

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XPeng (XPEV US)

[XPeng Inc. (XPEV US, SELL, TP US$9) Rating Change]: Strategic Options May Come Late and Uncertain

XPeng reported Q3 2023 results with losses worse than expected due to an End-Of-Production charge, and faces tough competition and eroding...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Xpeng Inc. (XPEV US) – GPM Pressure Persists Despite Possible Sales Beat

Maintain HOLD. Although we see upside potential for Xpeng’s FY24E sales volume and revise it up to 0.26mn units, its low GPM could persist until 1H24E

CMB International

Robosense IPO Lock-Up Expiry - US$2.8bn Lockup Expiry for 99% of the Stock, CCASS Movement

The pre-IPO shareholders came out of lockup today, leading to a 67% drop in the share price with an accompanying spike in volumes.

Sumeet Singh

Xpeng Inc. (XPEV US) – 2Q23 GPM Miss; Still a Long Way for Healthy GPM

2Q23 ASP and GPM miss. Xpeng’s 2Q23 revenue was 6% lower than we had expected, largely due to increased sales promotion, in our view.

CMB International

[XPeng(XPEV US, BUY, TP US$24.3)TP Change]: Potential of Tech Licensing and EV Sales Lifts Valuation

VW’s long-term software dilemma caused delays of new EV model launch. Thus, leveraging established software capability of Xpeng could help VW catch...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

[XPeng Inc. (XPEV US, SELL, TP US$9) Rating Change]: Strategic Options May Come Late and Uncertain

​XPeng reported Q3 2023 results with losses worse than expected due to an End-Of-Production charge, and faces tough competition and eroding...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Xpeng Inc. (XPEV US) – GPM Pressure Persists Despite Possible Sales Beat

Maintain HOLD. Although we see upside potential for Xpeng’s FY24E sales volume and revise it up to 0.26mn units, its low GPM could persist until 1H24E

CMB International

Robosense IPO Lock-Up Expiry - US$2.8bn Lockup Expiry for 99% of the Stock, CCASS Movement

The pre-IPO shareholders came out of lockup today, leading to a 67% drop in the share price with an accompanying spike in volumes.

Sumeet Singh

Xpeng Inc. (XPEV US) – 2Q23 GPM Miss; Still a Long Way for Healthy GPM

2Q23 ASP and GPM miss. Xpeng’s 2Q23 revenue was 6% lower than we had expected, largely due to increased sales promotion, in our view.

CMB International

[XPeng(XPEV US, BUY, TP US$24.3)TP Change]: Potential of Tech Licensing and EV Sales Lifts Valuation

VW’s long-term software dilemma caused delays of new EV model launch. Thus, leveraging established software capability of Xpeng could help VW catch...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

XPeng reported Q3 2023 results with losses worse than expected due to an End-Of-Production charge, and faces tough competition and eroding...