BEIJING, China, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 ended March 31, 2026.
Operating Highlights for the First Quarter of 2026
Total deliveries for the first quarter of 2026 were 95,142 vehicles, representing a 2.5% year-over-year increase.
2026 Q1
2025 Q4
2025 Q3
2025 Q2
Deliveries
95,142
109,194
93,211
111,074
2025 Q1
2024 Q4
2024 Q3
2024 Q2
Deliveries
92,864
158,696
152,831
108,581
As of March 31, 2026, in China, the Company had 517 retail stores in 160 cities, 552 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized servicing shops operating in 223 cities, and 4,057 super charging stations in operation equipped with 22,439 charging stalls.
Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of 2026
Vehicle sales were RMB21.5 billion (US$3.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 12.7% from RMB24.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 21.0% from RMB27.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Vehicle margin2 was 6.1% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 19.8% in the first quarter of 2025 and 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Total revenues were RMB23.0 billion (US$3.3 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 11.4% from RMB25.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 20.1% from RMB28.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Gross profit was RMB1.8 billion (US$262.1 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 66.0% from RMB5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 64.8% from RMB5.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Gross margin was 7.9% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 20.5% in the first quarter of 2025 and 17.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Operating expenses were RMB4.8 billion (US$696.8 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 4.8% from RMB5.0 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 13.8% from RMB5.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Loss from operations was RMB3.0 billion (US$434.7 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB271.7 million income from operations in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB442.6 million loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Operating margin was negative 13.0% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 1.0% in the first quarter of 2025 and negative 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Net loss was RMB2.3 billion (US$330.0 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with net income of RMB646.6 million in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB20.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP net loss3 was RMB2.1 billion (US$305.6 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB274.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Diluted net loss per ADS4 attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB2.26 (US$0.33) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB0.62 in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB0.01 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB2.09 (US$0.30) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with non-GAAP diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB0.96 in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB0.25 in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Net cash used in operating activities was RMB6.1 billion (US$883.0 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB1.7 billion net cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB3.5 billion net cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Free cash flow5 was negative RMB7.4 billion (US$1.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with negative RMB2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB2.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Key Financial Results(in millions, except for percentages and per ADS data)
For the Three Months Ended
% Change6
March 31,2025
December 31,2025
March 31,2026
YoY
QoQ
RMB
RMB
RMB
Vehicle sales
24,678.6
27,252.3
21,533.2
(12.7)%
(21.0)%
Vehicle margin
19.8%
16.8%
6.1%
(13.7)pts
(10.7)pts
Total revenues
25,926.8
28,775.4
22,982.9
(11.4)%
(20.1)%
Gross profit
5,318.5
5,130.6
1,808.0
(66.0)%
(64.8)%
Gross margin
20.5%
17.8%
7.9%
(12.6)pts
(9.9)pts
Operating expenses
(5,046.8)
(5,573.2)
(4,806.8)
(4.8)%
(13.8)%
Income/(Loss) from operations
271.7
(442.6)
(2,998.8)
N/A
577.6%
Operating margin
1.0%
(1.5)%
(13.0)%
(14.0)pts
(11.5)pts
Net income/(loss)
646.6
20.2
(2,276.0)
N/A
N/A
Non-GAAP net income/(loss)
1,014.3
274.4
(2,108.0)
N/A
N/A
Diluted net earnings/(loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders
0.62
0.01
(2.26)
N/A
N/A
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings/(loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders
0.96
0.25
(2.09)
N/A
N/A
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
(1,701.0)
3,521.4
(6,091.0)
258.1%
N/A
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)
(2,530.6)
2,467.6
(7,388.3)
192.0%
N/A
Recent Developments
Delivery Update
In April 2026, the Company delivered 34,085 vehicles. As of April 30, 2026, in China, the Company had 511 retail stores in 160 cities, 550 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized servicing shops operating in 223 cities, and 4,077 super charging stations in operation equipped with 22,509 charging stalls.
All-New Li L9
In May 2026, the Company launched and commenced deliveries of its all-new Li L9. This model is available in two trims: Ultra and Livis. The Li L9 Ultra comes standard with steer‑by‑wire, rear‑wheel steering, and Li Auto's third‑generation dual‑chamber, dual‑valve Magic Carpet Air Suspension. Its autonomous driving system is powered by a proprietary MAHE M100 chip, and the smart cockpit is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 Max chip. The Li L9 Livis features a proprietary 800V active suspension system and a fully drive‑by‑wire chassis. Its autonomous driving system is equipped with dual proprietary MAHE M100 chips and four LiDAR sensors, and the smart cockpit is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 Elite chip. Both trims come standard with a 72.7 kWh 5C battery and feature Li Auto's third-generation range extender, as well as the MindVLA large model and 3D ViT Encoder. The Li L9 Ultra and Li L9 Livis are priced at RMB459,800 and RMB509,800, respectively.
US$1.0 Billion Share Repurchase Program
Pursuant to its US$1.0 billion share repurchase program announced on March 24, 2026, the Company has repurchased a total of approximately 16.4 million Class A ordinary shares (including approximately 6.7 million ADSs) for an aggregate consideration of approximately US$139.7 million as of May 26, 2026.
Put Right Offer for Convertible Senior Notes due 2028
On April 30, 2026, the Company announced completion of the put right offer relating to its 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (CUSIP No. 50202M AB8) (the "Notes"). US$716,800,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes (the "Repurchase Price") was validly surrendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the put right offer. The Company has forwarded cash in payment of the Repurchase Price to the paying agent for distribution to the holders who had validly exercised their put right. Following settlement of the repurchase, US$145,700,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding and continues to be subject to the existing terms of the indenture and the Notes.
ESG
On April 10, 2026, the Company published its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report and its first Climate-Related Disclosures Report (https://ir.lixiang.com/esg), showcasing its strategic initiatives, measurable achievements, and ongoing dedication to sustainable development.
CEO and CFO Comments
Mr. Xiang Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Li Auto, commented, "Our organizational and supply chain optimizations delivered concrete results in the first quarter, enabling us to reclaim the top spot among domestic automotive brands in China's RMB200,000 and above NEV market. Meanwhile, the all-new Li L9, launched in mid-May, demonstrates the strength of our flagship products with its all-around technological leadership and product excellence, reinforcing our confidence in establishing a benchmark position in the flagship SUV market. The successful integrated deployment of our in-house MAHE M100 chip and MindVLA large model into the vehicle represents an industry-leading technological breakthrough, laying the foundation for efficient technology iterations in the future. We look forward to launching the all-new Li L8 at the end of June to meet broader market demand. As we advance our AI initiatives and strengthen our core competencies, we remain committed to transforming everyday life for more users through cutting-edge products and premium services."
Mr. Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto, added, "Our first-quarter gross margin reflected our user-centric measures related to Li i6 deliveries, as well as raw material price fluctuations and our model refresh cycle. As delivery rebounds drive economies of scale and our updated product portfolio gains traction, we expect a gradual improvement in profitability. While executing the US$1 billion share repurchase program with confidence in our long-term growth prospects, we continue to benefit from a solid cash position that provides ongoing flexibility for strategic investments. With substantial runway ahead, we remain confident in our ability to create lasting value for all stakeholders."
Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2026
Revenues
Total revenues were RMB23.0 billion (US$3.3 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 11.4% from RMB25.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 20.1% from RMB28.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Vehicle sales were RMB21.5 billion (US$3.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 12.7% from RMB24.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 21.0% from RMB27.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in revenue from vehicle sales over the first quarter of 2025 was primarily attributable to the lower average selling price due to different product mix. The decrease in revenue from vehicle sales over the fourth quarter of 2025 was primarily attributable to the decrease in vehicle deliveries due to seasonal factors related to the Chinese New Year holiday and a lower average selling price due to different product mix.
Other sales and services were RMB1.4 billion (US$210.2 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing an increase of 16.1% from RMB1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 4.8% from RMB1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in revenue from other sales and services over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to increased provision of services and sales of accessories, which was in line with higher accumulated vehicle sales. The revenue from other sales and services remained relatively stable over the fourth quarter of 2025.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin
Cost of sales was RMB21.2 billion (US$3.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, representing an increase of 2.7% from RMB20.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 10.4% from RMB23.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The cost of sales remained relatively stable over the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in cost of sales over the fourth quarter of 2025 was primarily attributable to the decrease in vehicle deliveries.
Gross profit was RMB1.8 billion (US$262.1 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 66.0% from RMB5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 64.8% from RMB5.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Vehicle margin was 6.1% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 19.8% in the first quarter of 2025 and 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in vehicle margin over the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025 was mainly attributable to different product mix.
Gross margin was 7.9% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 20.5% in the first quarter of 2025 and 17.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in gross margin over the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the decrease in vehicle margin.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses were RMB4.8 billion (US$696.8 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 4.8% from RMB5.0 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 13.8% from RMB5.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Research and development expenses were RMB2.7 billion (US$394.6 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing an increase of 8.3% from RMB2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 9.8% from RMB3.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. Research and development expenses remained relatively stable over the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB2.0 billion (US$297.1 million) in the first quarter of 2026, representing a decrease of 19.0% from RMB2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 22.6% from RMB2.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses over the first quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2025 was primarily due to decreased employee compensation and reduced expenses related to marketing and promotional activities.
Income/(Loss) from Operations
Loss from operations was RMB3.0 billion (US$434.7 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB271.7 million income from operations in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB442.6 million loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. Operating margin was negative 13.0% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 1.0% in the first quarter of 2025 and negative 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP loss from operations was RMB2.8 billion (US$410.4 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB639.3 million non-GAAP income from operations in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB188.4 million non-GAAP loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Net Income/(Loss) and Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
Net loss was RMB2.3 billion (US$330.0 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with net income of RMB646.6 million in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB20.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP net loss was RMB2.1 billion (US$305.6 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB274.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were both RMB2.26 (US$0.33) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB0.65 and RMB0.62 basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in the first quarter of 2025, respectively, and RMB0.01 and RMB0.01 basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2025, respectively. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders were both RMB2.09 (US$0.30) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB1.01 and RMB0.96 non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in the first quarter of 2025, respectively, and RMB0.26 and RMB0.25 non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2025, respectively.
Cash Position, Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
Cash position7 was RMB94.3 billion (US$13.7 billion) as of March 31, 2026.
Net cash used in operating activities was RMB6.1 billion (US$883.0 million) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with RMB1.7 billion net cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB3.5 billion net cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2025. The change in net cash used in operating activities over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the decrease in cash received from customers resulting from the lower average selling price. The change in net cash used in operating activities over the fourth quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the decrease in cash received from customers caused by a seasonal sequential decline in vehicle deliveries.
Free cash flow was negative RMB7.4 billion (US$1.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, compared with negative RMB2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB2.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Business Outlook
For the second quarter of 2026, the Company expects:
Deliveries of vehicles to be between 95,000 and 100,000 vehicles, representing a year-over-year decrease of 14.5% to 10.0%.
Total revenues to be between RMB24.1 billion (US$3.5 billion) and RMB25.4 billion (US$3.7 billion), representing a year-over-year decrease of 20.2% to 16.0%.
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 Thursday, May 28, 2026 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on May 28, 2026) 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/10054648-why786.html
A replay of the conference call will be accessible through June 4, 2026, by dialing the following numbers:
United States:
+1-855-883-1031
Chinese Mainland:
+86-400-1209-216
Hong Kong, China:
+852-800-930-639
International:
+61-7-3107-6325
Replay PIN:
10054648
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.
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/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings/(loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP basic and diluted net earnings/(loss) 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 ...
