Key Highlights
- NIO (NIO) shares surged over 7% in Hong Kong trading following CEO William Li’s reaffirmation of a 40–50% yearly delivery expansion target for 2026
- The third-generation ES8 recorded 16,255 retail units in March, maintaining its leadership position in the premium 400,000+ yuan vehicle category for four consecutive months
- The automaker introduced pre-orders for its ES9 flagship SUV at 528,000 yuan — offering a 31% discount compared to the ET9 while featuring comparable technology
- Annual 2025 revenue increased 33% year-over-year to 87.49 billion yuan, while net losses decreased to 15.57 billion yuan from 22.66 billion yuan
- BOC International upgraded its NIO US stock price target to $14, maintaining its “Buy” recommendation
NIO (NIO) shares experienced a significant rally exceeding 7% during Monday’s Hong Kong trading session, extending a positive streak fueled by encouraging operational updates. CEO William Li’s remarks over the weekend at Beijing’s China EV 100 forum injected renewed optimism among shareholders as the week commenced.
During interviews at the industry gathering, Li announced that NIO has progressed into its “third developmental phase” beginning in the latter half of last year. He reinforced the company’s delivery expansion projection of 40% to 50% for 2026, citing Q1 results as validation of the company’s accelerating trajectory.
NIO’s first-quarter deliveries already demonstrated a robust 98.3% year-over-year surge, lending substantial credibility to the ambitious forecast.
The latest iteration of the ES8 achieved notable success in March, generating 16,255 retail transactions. This performance cemented the vehicle’s dominant position within the premium 400,000-yuan-plus category for a fourth consecutive month.
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 hit the 90,000 delivery milestone in merely 195 days, translating to more than 3,000 units weekly on average. To put this in perspective, the same model recorded only 514 sales in March 2025. The transformation has been dramatic.
ES9 Debut Strengthens Growth Trajectory
NIO unveiled pre-order availability for its premium ES9 SUV last Thursday, with pricing beginning at 528,000 yuan. This represents a 31% reduction compared to the ET9 sedan, despite incorporating similar advanced technology.
The pricing approach appears calculated — NIO aims to replicate the ES8’s market success within an even more elevated price segment. The ES9’s formal market debut is anticipated in late May, with customer deliveries commencing June 1.
BOC International projects consistent ES9 monthly volume between 3,000 and 4,000 units. The financial institution anticipates combined ES8 and ES9 monthly transactions will maintain levels above 10,000 units, with potential for additional expansion.
Financial Performance Supports Growth Narrative
NIO’s complete 2025 fiscal results, submitted Friday in Hong Kong, revealed revenue climbing 33% year-over-year to 87.49 billion yuan. The attributable deficit contracted to 15.57 billion yuan, declining from 22.66 billion yuan in 2024.
Per-share losses 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 investment firm increased its US stock valuation target to $14, preserving its “Buy” stance. It highlighted NIO’s expansion momentum, improved cash flow visibility, and what it characterized as an “inflection point” in business operations.
NIO’s US-listed shares advanced an additional 2% during Monday’s pre-market session, trading at $6.63.
Xpeng climbed 1.72% while Li Auto appreciated 0.88% in the concurrent Hong Kong trading period. BYD advanced 4.66%.
