Li Auto Inc. announces unaudited first quarter 2021 financial results

Li Auto Inc. (“Li Auto” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LI), an innovator in China’s new energy vehicle market, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Operating Highlights for the First Quarter of 2021

Deliveries of Li ONEs were 12,579 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021, representing a 334.4% year-over-year increase.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 65 retail stores covering 49 cities and 135 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 98 cities.

Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of 2021

Vehicle sales were RMB3.46 billion (US$528.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 311.8% from RMB841.1 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.6% from RMB4.06 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Vehicle margin2 was 16.9% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.4% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.1% in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Total revenues were RMB3.58 billion (US$545.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 319.8% from RMB851.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 13.8% from RMB4.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Gross profit was RMB616.7 million (US$94.1 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 802.9% from RMB68.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.9% from RMB724.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Gross margin was 17.3% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.0% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Loss from operations was RMB407.7 million (US$62.2 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 74.1% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 416.7% from RMB78.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP loss from operations3 was RMB224.8 million (US$34.3 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing a decrease of 4.0% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 216.2% from RMB71.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net loss was RMB360.0 million (US$54.9 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB77.1 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB107.5 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net loss3 was RMB177.0 million (US$27.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB253.4 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB115.4 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Operating cash flow was RMB926.3 million (US$141.4 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB989.3 million from negative net cash flow of RMB63.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 49.1% from RMB1.82 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Free cash flow4 was RMB570.2 million (US$87.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB755.4 million from negative net cash flow of RMB185.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 64.3% from RMB1.60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Key Financial Results

(in millions, except for percentages)

Recent Developments

Deliveries Update

In April 2021, the Company delivered 5,539 Li ONEs, representing a 111.3% increase compared to April 2020. As of April 30, 2021, the Company had 73 retail stores covering 53 cities, in addition to 143 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 105 cities.

Issuance of Convertible Senior Notes

In April 2021, the Company completed the offering of US$862.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 0.25% convertible senior notes due 2028 (the “Notes”), which included the exercise in full by the initial purchasers in the Notes offering of their option to purchase up to an additional US$112.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes.
The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes offering for (i) research and development of new vehicle models, including BEV models, (ii) research and development of leading technologies, and (iii) working capital and other general corporate purposes.

2021 Li ONE

On May 25, 2021, the Company officially released the 2021 Li ONE, the first vehicle with Navigation on ADAS (NOA) as a standard configuration in the world. It features comprehensive upgrades, including an enhanced NEDC range of 1,080 kilometers, optimized mobility comfort, and more intelligent cockpit, bringing premium features to users at a flat retail price of RMB338,000. Deliveries of the 2021 Li ONE will commence on June 1, 2021.

With software and hardware optimization and its integrated powertrain system, the 2021 Li ONE can achieve an NEDC range of 1,080 kilometers and a WLTC range of 890 kilometers. Its energy efficiency in fuel mode is 6.05 liter per 100 kilometers based on the NEDC standard operational condition, best in class among large-sized four-wheel drive SUVs.

In keeping with the Company’s core belief that “safety should be standard, not optional,” the 2021 Li ONE offers a full-stack self-developed ADAS in a standard configuration without subscription fee. All existing L2 ADAS functionalities have been redesigned and optimized in-house by our R&D team. We also launched the NOA system, making the Company the first OEM to implement full-stack self-developed NOA, as a standard configuration, based on domestic application processors. The 2021 Li ONE comes equipped with two Horizon Robotics Journey 3 AI acceleration processors for autonomous driving and 5 fifth-generation millimeter-wave radars made by Bosch. It is the first volume production model in the world equipped with an 8-megapixel front-view video camera providing 4K definition. Supported by rich sensors and redundant capable hardware along with full-stack self-developed software, the 2021 Li ONE can recognize traffic signals, traffic cones, road curbs, and other more complicated objects. It also supports a more efficient NOA feature for on and off ramp, automatic adaptive acceleration, and lane changes on certain limited access-roads, as well as Fully Automated Parking Assist (FAPA) feature, which is a vision-based automatic parking function. As the Company rolls out high-definition maps in cooperation with AutoNavi, the NOA will be made available to 2021 Li ONE users through OTA starting in the third quarter and will gradually cover more cities and areas in China.

With optimized and more luxurious interior space, the 2021 Li ONE caters to the needs of every family member. Leg room for its third row has been increased by 41mm, while its trunk can still hold a suitcase up to 28-inch or a large-sized stroller. Its front and second row seats are equipped with lumbar support and massage functions, providing a comfortable riding experience for every occupant in the vehicle. 

The 2021 Li ONE aims to be a smart electric vehicle bringing happiness to all families it serves: a powerful extended-range electric system that enables more pleasant road trips, ADAS in a standard configuration to ensure safe travel for everyone, and a spacious smart interior layout that enhances comfort for every occupant in the car.

CEO and CFO Comments

Mr. Xiang Li, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Li Auto, commented, “We delivered 12,579 Li ONEs during the quarter, up 334.4% year over year. Li ONE was the second best-selling new energy SUV in China in the first quarter as our compelling product offering and superior user experience continued to delight users and boost brand awareness, while the unwavering support of our direct sales and servicing network underpinned our growth.

“On May 25, we released our 2021 Li ONE. The model has elevated the extended range electric technology to a brand-new level, achieving an NEDC range of 1,080 kilometers and a WLTC range of 890 kilometers. Its energy efficiency in the fuel mode takes consumption as low as 6.05 liter per 100 kilometers based on the NEDC standard operational condition, a level that is unparalleled among large-sized four-wheel drive SUVs. I am very proud of our R&D team’s successful efforts to improve the range-extended technology.

“The 2021 Li ONE is the first model in the world offering Navigation on ADAS in a standard configuration. Combining our self-developed ADAS with dedicated dual Horizon Robotics Journey 3 processors, an 8-megapixel front-view camera, 5 latest millimeter-wave radars, and high-definition maps, the 2021 Li ONE delivers a safer, easier, and more convenient driving experience, echoing our belief that active safety should be standard, not optional features.

“Li ONE has been well loved by family users for its spacious six-seat interior layout. And the 2021 Li ONE enhances its excellence in space, comfort, and intelligence by equipping the front and second row seats with lumbar massage functions, increasing the leg room in the third row by 41 millimeters, while also featuring a smarter in-car voice assistant ‘Li Xiang Tong Xue (理想同学),’ providing a high caliber and overall more comfortable, roomier, and more intelligent space for more families.

“Is it possible to build a smart electric vehicle that makes families happier? With the 2021 Li ONE, we can confidently say yes, a resounding yes!” concluded Mr. Li.

Mr. Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto, added, “We are pleased with our healthy financial performance during the first quarter. Our total revenues reached RMB3.58 billion, more than quadrupling from the first quarter of 2020 and exceeding the top end of our revenue guidance by 11.2%, while our gross margin stayed robust at 17.3%. Amid our ongoing efforts to enhance investment in R&D as well as our direct sales and servicing network, operating expenses increased 27.5% quarter-over-quarter and 238.6% year-over-year. We also raised over US$840 million in net proceeds through our successful convertible senior notes offering, strengthening our capital base for future growth as we increase our R&D investments in leading technologies, prepare for new model launches, and gear up for further increases in demand.”

Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2021

Revenues

Total revenues were RMB3.58 billion (US$545.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 319.8% from RMB851.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 13.8% from RMB4.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Vehicle sales were RMB3.46 billion (US$528.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 311.8% from RMB841.1 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.6% from RMB4.06 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in revenue from vehicle sales over the first quarter of 2020 was mainly attributable to the increase in vehicle deliveries with the continuous expansion of our sales network. The decrease in revenue from vehicle sales from the fourth quarter of 2020 was mainly attributable to the decrease in vehicle deliveries, which were affected by seasonal factors related to the Chinese New Year holiday as well as the localized COVID-19 outbreaks in the northern China in February 2021.

Other sales and services were RMB111.5 million (US$17.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 951.9% from RMB10.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 25.0% from RMB89.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in revenue from other sales and services over the first and fourth quarter of 2020 was mainly attributable to increased sales of charging stalls, accessories and services in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

Cost of sales was RMB2.96 billion (US$451.6 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 277.6% from RMB783.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 13.5% from RMB3.42 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Gross profit was RMB616.7 million (US$94.1 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 802.9% from RMB 68.3 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 14.9% from RMB724.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Vehicle margin was 16.9% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.4% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.1% in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in vehicle margin over the first quarter of 2020 was primarily attributable to lower material cost and lower unit manufacturing overhead cost derived from the increased production volume. The slight decrease in vehicle margin from the fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily due to lower average selling price caused by promotional activities launched in the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by the decreased material cost.

Gross margin was 17.3% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 8.0% in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020, which was mainly driven by the change of vehicle margin.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were RMB1.02 billion (US$156.4 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 238.6% from RMB302.5 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 27.5% from RMB803.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Research and development expenses were RMB514.5 million (US$78.5 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 171.2% from RMB189.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 37.5% from RMB374.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP research and development expenses3 were RMB397.9 million (US$60.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 109.8% from RMB189.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 7.8% from RMB369.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in research and development expenses over the first and fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily attributable to (i) increased share-based compensation expenses derived from incremental share options granted with higher fair value in January 2021 while no share-based compensation expenses were recognized for stock options with service conditions and a performance condition related to our IPO in the first quarter of 2020, (ii) increased research and development activities for the Company’s next vehicle models, and (iii) increased headcount.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB509.9 million (US$77.8 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 352.0% from RMB112.8 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 18.8% from RMB429.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses3 were RMB449.8 million (US$68.7 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 298.8% from RMB112.8 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 5.4% from RMB426.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses over the first and fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by (i) increased marketing and promotional activities, (ii) increased headcount and rental expenses with the expansion of the Company’s sales network, and (iii) increased share-based compensation expenses.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations was RMB407.7 million (US$62.2 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of 74.1% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 416.7% from RMB78.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP loss from operations was RMB224.8 million (US$34.3 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing a decrease of 4.0% from RMB234.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 216.2% from RMB71.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net Loss and Earnings Per Share

Net loss was RMB360.0 million (US$54.9 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB77.1 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB107.5 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net loss was RMB177.0 million (US$27.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, compared with RMB253.4 million net loss in the first quarter of 2020 and RMB115.4 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Basic and diluted net loss per ADS6 attributable to ordinary shareholders were both RMB0.40 (US$0.06) in the first quarter of 2021. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders3 were both RMB0.20 (US$0.03) in the first quarter of 2021.

Cash position, Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

Balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments was RMB30.36 billion (US$4.63 billion) as of March 31, 2021.

Operating cash flow was RMB926.3 million (US$141.4 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB989.3 million from negative net cash flow of RMB63.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 49.1% from RMB1.82 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Free cash flow was RMB570.2 million (US$87.0 million) in the first quarter of 2021, representing an increase of RMB755.4 million from negative net cash flow of RMB185.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a decrease of 64.3% from RMB1.60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Business Outlook

For the second quarter of 2021, the Company expects:

Deliveries of vehicles to be between 14,500 and 15,500 vehicles, representing an increase of 119.6% to 134.7% from the second quarter of 2020.

Total revenues to be between RMB3.99 billion (US$609.0 million) and RMB4.27 billion (US$651.7 million), representing an increase of 104.6% to 119.0% from the second quarter of 2020.

This business outlook reflects the Company's current and preliminary view on the business situation and market condition, which is subject to change.