Key Highlights
- Shares of NIO surged more than 7% in Hong Kong trading following CEO William Li’s reaffirmation of a 40–50% delivery growth objective for 2026
- The third-generation ES8 recorded 16,255 retail units in March, maintaining its top position in the 400,000+ yuan vehicle segment for the fourth consecutive month
- Pre-orders opened for the ES9 SUV flagship with a starting price of 528,000 yuan — representing a 31% discount compared to the ET9 despite comparable technology
- Annual 2025 revenue increased 33% to reach 87.49 billion yuan, while net losses decreased to 15.57 billion yuan from 22.66 billion yuan
- BOC International upgraded its US-listed NIO price target to $14 while maintaining a “Buy” recommendation
Shares of NIO experienced a significant rally exceeding 7% during Monday’s Hong Kong trading session, capitalizing on a series of positive operational developments. CEO William Li’s remarks over the weekend at Beijing’s China EV 100 forum provided investors with renewed optimism entering the new trading week.
During comments made alongside the conference, Li revealed that NIO has transitioned into its “third development phase” beginning in the latter half of last year. He confirmed the company’s delivery expansion rate of 40% to 50% for 2026, citing Q1 results as evidence of sustained momentum.
With NIO having already achieved a 98.3% year-over-year delivery surge in Q1, the ambitious target carries substantial credibility.
The latest iteration of the ES8 demonstrated robust performance in March, achieving 16,255 retail sales. This accomplishment marked the fourth consecutive month the model has dominated sales within the 400,000-yuan-and-above vehicle category.
The all-new #NIO ES8 hit 16,255 domestic sales in March, securing the top sales spot for four consecutive months among full-size SUVs and models priced above 400k RMB.
Over its first six full months of delivery from October 2025 to March 2026, the all-new ES8 posted cumulative… https://t.co/tdlh9zSzoj pic.twitter.com/BUXT3ky6OX— ThinkerCar (@thinkercar) April 13, 2026
The ES8 achieved the milestone of 90,000 total deliveries in merely 195 days, translating to an average exceeding 3,000 units weekly. By comparison, the model registered only 514 units in March 2025. The reversal has been remarkably swift.
New ES9 Flagship Builds on Success
NIO initiated pre-order sales for its premium ES9 SUV last Thursday, with pricing beginning at 528,000 yuan. This represents a 31% reduction versus the ET9 sedan, despite featuring comparable technological specifications.
The pricing approach seems calculated — NIO aims to replicate the ES8’s success formula within an even more premium market segment. The ES9’s official market debut is anticipated in late May, with customer deliveries commencing June 1.
BOC International projects consistent ES9 monthly deliveries ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 units. The financial institution anticipates combined ES8 and ES9 monthly volumes maintaining levels above 10,000 units, with potential for additional expansion.
Financial Results Support Operational Progress
NIO’s complete 2025 fiscal year results, released Friday in Hong Kong, demonstrated revenue growth of 33% year-over-year reaching 87.49 billion yuan. The attributable net loss contracted to 15.57 billion yuan, declining from 22.66 billion yuan in 2024.
Loss per share measured 6.85 yuan compared to 11.03 yuan in the previous year.
BOC International elevated its 2026 and 2027 revenue projections for NIO by 3% to 5% based on the updated sales trajectory.
The institution increased its US-listed stock price target to $14, preserving its “Buy” recommendation. Analysts highlighted NIO’s growth trajectory, improved visibility toward positive cash flow, and what they characterized as an “inflection point” in business operations.
NIO’s US-traded shares advanced an additional 2% during Monday’s pre-market session, trading at $6.63.
Xpeng climbed 1.72% while Li Auto advanced 0.88% in the concurrent Hong Kong trading session. BYD increased 4.66%.
