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Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) stock Li Auto Inc ((LI - Free Report) ) is an innovator and leader in China’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) market. Li Auto is a pioneer in the Chinese EV market, particularly regarding extended-range electric vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and “smart EVs.” Though Li Auto offers a premium product, it has a premium price tag. The Mega multi-purpose vehicle, the company’s first fully electric model, comes with a sticker price of nearly $80,000. Though it was once considered the “Chinese Tesla ((TSLA - Free Report) ),” other Chinese EV makers have taken off while Li’s fully electric model fell short of Wall Street’s delivery expectations by more than 50%.
Biden Hikes Tariffs on Chinese EVs
Until recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump was thought by investors as being a bigger stickler on China than current president Joe Biden. On both sides of the political aisle, U.S. politicians, auto manufacturers, and business people are growing concerned about China’s dominance in the EV market. Recently, the Biden administration shocked Wall Street and made headlines by quadrupling tariffs on Chinese EV imports to 100% while also taking aim at other EV-related products, such as lithium-ion batteries. Though Li Auto does not currently sell cars in the United States, investors have been hoping to eventually expand internationally. However, the dramatic EV hikes likely ended Li’s chances of accomplishing expansion any time soon.
Domestic Competition is Fiercein China
With international expansion unlikely, prospective Li Auto investors should evaluate the Chinese EV market. Elon Musk, the “Godfather” of the electric car and the world’s richest man, knows a thing or two about electric cars. In a recent talk, Musk called Chinese EV manufacturers “extremely good.” A great example of a Chinese EV maker firing on all cylinders is Warren Buffett–backed BYD Auto. Unfortunately for Li Auto, BYD’s cheapest model starts at a bargain basement price of $9,700, which should make Li’s expensive models a tough buy in the struggling Chinese economy. Meanwhile, Li Auto faces fierce competition from Tesla (who has cut prices dramatically in China) and other Chinese EV makers like Nio ((NIO - Free Report) ).
Relative Weakness
LI is a laggard, is down nearly 40% year-to-date, and is stuck below its moving averages.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Eps Falling
Last quarter, EPS plunged 68% year-over-year, illustrating that the company’s fundamentals mirror the poor price action.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Deteriorating fundamentals, relative weakness, and a cutthroat Chinese EV market spell danger for Li Auto shareholders.
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Bear of the Day: Li Auto (LI)
Company Overview
Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) stock Li Auto Inc ((LI - Free Report) ) is an innovator and leader in China’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) market. Li Auto is a pioneer in the Chinese EV market, particularly regarding extended-range electric vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and “smart EVs.” Though Li Auto offers a premium product, it has a premium price tag. The Mega multi-purpose vehicle, the company’s first fully electric model, comes with a sticker price of nearly $80,000. Though it was once considered the “Chinese Tesla ((TSLA - Free Report) ),” other Chinese EV makers have taken off while Li’s fully electric model fell short of Wall Street’s delivery expectations by more than 50%.
Biden Hikes Tariffs on Chinese EVs
Until recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump was thought by investors as being a bigger stickler on China than current president Joe Biden. On both sides of the political aisle, U.S. politicians, auto manufacturers, and business people are growing concerned about China’s dominance in the EV market. Recently, the Biden administration shocked Wall Street and made headlines by quadrupling tariffs on Chinese EV imports to 100% while also taking aim at other EV-related products, such as lithium-ion batteries. Though Li Auto does not currently sell cars in the United States, investors have been hoping to eventually expand internationally. However, the dramatic EV hikes likely ended Li’s chances of accomplishing expansion any time soon.
Domestic Competition is Fierce in China
With international expansion unlikely, prospective Li Auto investors should evaluate the Chinese EV market. Elon Musk, the “Godfather” of the electric car and the world’s richest man, knows a thing or two about electric cars. In a recent talk, Musk called Chinese EV manufacturers “extremely good.” A great example of a Chinese EV maker firing on all cylinders is Warren Buffett–backed BYD Auto. Unfortunately for Li Auto, BYD’s cheapest model starts at a bargain basement price of $9,700, which should make Li’s expensive models a tough buy in the struggling Chinese economy. Meanwhile, Li Auto faces fierce competition from Tesla (who has cut prices dramatically in China) and other Chinese EV makers like Nio ((NIO - Free Report) ).
Relative Weakness
LI is a laggard, is down nearly 40% year-to-date, and is stuck below its moving averages.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Eps Falling
Last quarter, EPS plunged 68% year-over-year, illustrating that the company’s fundamentals mirror the poor price action.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Deteriorating fundamentals, relative weakness, and a cutthroat Chinese EV market spell danger for Li Auto shareholders.