Research Note

Xiaomi's EV business could have an intrinsic value of RMB 90 billion yuan if it scales up rapidly, Morgan Stanley said.

Nio has no new models in the first three quarters of 2024, sales growth is likely to be low, and it may need to offer price discounts for its existing models amid stiff competition, BofA said.

Morgan Stanley cut its price targets on Nio and Xpeng, while raising its price target on Li Auto and maintaining its Overweight rating on them.

Despite its early-mover advantage, Nio's growth momentum could remain soft on relatively fewer new model launches given its mature product portfolio vs. peers, Goldman Sachs said.

Pricing for the Xpeng X9 has been more aggressive than expected, and volume could go upside in the first half of 2024, said Deutsche Bank.

Xpeng believes that expanding volumes is critical, and will continue to prioritize volumes into 2024, as well as improving profitability through cost reductions.

Edison Yu's team believes that Nio can cut costs in five areas: battery cells, chip development, battery swap, dealer network, and phone.

Nio reported third-quarter results that were results largely as previewed and gave a better-than-feared outlook for the fourth quarter, said Edison Yu's team.

Steps being taken by Nio should bear fruit in the coming quarters, but a material improvement in the sales trajectory may take more time, Edison Yu's team said.

"Promotional activity appeared more aggressive than anticipated," Deutsche Bank said.