Key Highlights
- NIO shares soared over 7% in Hong Kong trading following CEO William Li’s confirmation of 40–50% delivery growth objectives for 2026
- The third-generation ES8 achieved 16,255 retail units in March, maintaining its position as the top-selling vehicle in the 400,000+ yuan category for four consecutive months
- The company unveiled pre-order pricing for its upcoming ES9 SUV starting at 528,000 yuan — representing a 31% discount compared to the ET9 while offering comparable technology
- Annual 2025 revenue increased 33% reaching 87.49 billion yuan, while net losses improved to 15.57 billion yuan from the previous year’s 22.66 billion yuan
- BOC International upgraded its NIO US stock price target to $14 while maintaining its “Buy” recommendation
NIO shares experienced a significant rally, climbing more than 7% during Monday’s Hong Kong trading session, extending a positive streak fueled by encouraging operational developments. CEO William Li’s remarks over the weekend at Beijing’s China EV 100 forum provided investors with renewed optimism as the week commenced.
During the forum event, Li revealed that NIO has transitioned into its “third developmental phase” beginning in the latter half of the previous year. He reaffirmed delivery expansion targets ranging from 40% to 50% for 2026, citing the company’s first-quarter results as validation of this trajectory.
NIO’s Q1 performance demonstrated impressive momentum with a 98.3% year-over-year surge in deliveries, lending substantial credibility to the ambitious forecast.
The latest iteration of the ES8 demonstrated robust performance in March, achieving 16,255 retail unit sales. This milestone marked the fourth consecutive month the model has dominated the premium segment above 400,000 yuan in pricing.
The ES8 accomplished 90,000 total deliveries within a remarkable 195-day timeframe, translating to more than 3,000 units weekly on average. To put this in perspective, the model registered merely 514 units in March 2025. The reversal has been nothing short of dramatic.
New ES9 Flagship Builds on Success
NIO initiated pre-order sales for its premium ES9 SUV offering last Thursday, with starting prices set at 528,000 yuan. This represents a 31% reduction compared to the ET9 sedan, despite featuring comparable technological capabilities.
The pricing approach seems calculated — NIO aims to replicate the ES8’s success formula while targeting an even more premium market segment. The ES9’s formal introduction is anticipated in late May, with customer deliveries commencing June 1.
BOC International projects consistent ES9 monthly sales volumes between 3,000 and 4,000 units. The financial institution forecasts combined ES8 and ES9 monthly performance exceeding 10,000 units, with potential for additional expansion.
Financial Performance Supports Growth Narrative
NIO’s complete 2025 fiscal year results, submitted Friday through Hong Kong filings, revealed revenue climbing 33% year-over-year to reach 87.49 billion yuan. Attributable losses decreased to 15.57 billion yuan, improving from the previous year’s 22.66 billion yuan.
Per-share losses registered at 6.85 yuan compared to 11.03 yuan in the preceding period.
BOC International elevated its 2026 and 2027 revenue projections for NIO by 3% to 5% based on the updated sales expectations.
The institution increased its US stock valuation target to $14, preserving its “Buy” designation. The firm referenced NIO’s expansion trajectory, improved cash flow visibility, and what it characterized as an operational “inflection point.”
NIO’s US-traded shares advanced an additional 2% during Monday’s pre-market session, trading at $6.63.
Xpeng increased 1.72% while Li Auto advanced 0.88% during the same Hong Kong trading period. BYD climbed 4.66%.
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