Should I Buy Li Auto Stock in 2025? NZ Guide & Analysis

What is Li Auto?

How much is the Li Auto stock?

The price of Li Auto stock is rising this week. As of now, Li Auto trades at $28.49 USD, up 2.11% over the last 24 hours, with a strong gain of 20.31% over the past six months. The company’s market capitalisation stands at $28.16 billion, and the average daily trading volume over the past three months is 5.65 million shares.

With low volatility and optimistic analyst sentiment, Li Auto is drawing increased interest in the NZ market as an innovative player in the EV sector.

Our full analysis on the Li Auto stock

After a rigorous review of Li Auto’s latest financial results and a comprehensive assessment of the stock’s performance over the past three years, our proprietary analysis—integrating key financial metrics, technical indicators, sector data and cross-comparisons with major competitors—yields a clear message for investors. Li Auto’s trajectory continues to reflect robust operational execution and resilient demand, substantiated by both superior fundamental trends and an increasingly favorable technical setup. So, why might Li Auto stock once again become a strategic entry point into the dynamic electric vehicle sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI, HKEX: 2015) has shown exceptional resilience and momentum against a backdrop of heightened global competition and macroeconomic uncertainty. As of 30 May 2025, the stock sits at $28.49 USD—a gain of 20.31% over six months and an impressive 41.32% year-on-year. This outperformance has materialized despite waves of sector consolidation, government policy shifts, and currency headwinds, underscoring Li Auto’s robust value proposition.

Several positive events have recently catalyzed renewed interest:

• Product Lineup Expansion: The launch of the refreshed Li MEGA Home, Li MEGA Ultra, and the all-new Li L series in April-May 2025 has reinvigorated market confidence in the brand’s capacity to sustain demand and appeal to premium customers.
• Technological Leadership: In April, Li Auto became the first global automaker to open-source its proprietary Li Halo OS, a move that elevates its industry standing and strengthens its innovation credentials.
• Strategic Partnerships: A March alliance with BASF Coatings on low-carbon materials demonstrates proactive ESG integration, resonating with institutional mandates.
• Solid Financial Delivery: Q1 2025 earnings exceeded consensus estimates, with a 15.5% year-on-year rise in deliveries (92,864 vehicles)—delivering both scale and stability.

The environment is further buttressed by a supportive macrotrend: the premium EV segment in China—the world’s largest auto market—remains structurally robust, driven by government incentives, consumer electrification, and advances in charging infrastructure. For New Zealand-based investors, Li Auto offers an avenue to access the structural tailwinds of this sector with relative portfolio diversification.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, Li Auto presents a notably bullish configuration entering the second half of 2025:

• Momentum Indicators: The Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14 days) stands at 56.40—firmly neutral but tilted toward positive territory, leaving significant upside potential before peak “overbought” thresholds are reached.
• MACD (12,26): A current value of 0.98 flashes a buy signal, indicating bullish momentum is gaining steam.
• Moving Averages: The price has decisively crossed above all major moving averages:
• 20-day MA: $27.43 (Buy Signal)
• 50-day MA: $25.56
• 100-day MA: $25.59
• 200-day MA: $24.45
• Support and Resistance: Robust support is established between $28.25 and $28.90, while the key resistance zone stands at $29.77—a breakout above which could unlock rapid appreciation toward the 52-week high of $33.12.
• The technical consensus currently points to “Buy,” with 11 bullish signals against just 5 bearish, reinforcing the view of favorable medium-term momentum.

This confluence of indicators, particularly the clustering of moving averages well below the current price, makes a strong case for a bullish structural phase and suggests that any short-term volatility may present attractive entry points for new positions.

Fundamental Analysis

Li Auto’s underlying business metrics demonstrate compelling fundamentals, supporting an optimistic outlook:

• Revenue Growth: Q1 2025 saw revenue surge to RMB 25.9 billion ($3.6 billion USD), with Q2 revenues expected to rise further—projected at RMB 32.5–33.8 billion, up 2.5–6.7% year-on-year. This reflects persistent demand for both existing and newly launched models.
• Strong Profitability: Li Auto delivered a 20.5% gross margin in Q1 and posted net profit of RMB 646.6 million ($89.1 million USD), underscoring superior cost control and operational efficiency, especially relative to many sector peers who remain in loss-making territory.
• Disciplined Financials: The company’s P/E ratio of 26.63 aligns attractively relative to sector averages, especially considering its growth trajectory, brand value and innovation profile.
• Balance Sheet Strength: With RMB 110.7 billion ($15.3 billion USD) in cash and a conservative debt/equity ratio of 22.92%, Li Auto is exceptionally well capitalized—positioned for continued investment in R&D, capacity, and strategic acquisitions if needed.
• Market Leadership: Dominance in the Chinese premium New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market (notably in the 200,000+ RMB segment) is reinforced by a retail footprint spanning 500 stores across 151 cities—building deep local brand equity and reducing execution risk.
• Innovation Edge: The introduction of the Li Halo OS, development of proprietary BEV platforms, and advances in extended-range EVs highlight a clear R&D edge that drives product differentiation and margin stability (~19.8% stable vehicle margin).

Relative to its closest competitors (BYD, NIO, XPeng), Li Auto is distinguished by consistently positive free cash flow trends (improving 49.9% YoY in Q1) and a demonstrably brand-loyal customer base. The absence of a dividend (current yield: 0%) also ensures that cash is reinvested for future growth.

Volume and Liquidity

Market participation in Li Auto is robust and shows no signs of diminishing:

• Strong Liquidity: An average daily trading volume of 5.65 million shares ensures highly efficient price discovery, limited bid-ask spreads, and attractive conditions for both retail and institutional investors.
• Dynamic Valuation Float: The company’s $28.16 billion USD market capitalization and listing on both NASDAQ and HKEX provide deep liquidity and reliable access for international investors, including those based in New Zealand.
• Low Beta Profile: With a beta of 0.94, Li Auto offers a moderately reduced volatility profile—stable enough for long-term holders, yet dynamic enough to capitalize on positive newsflow and upward market moves.

Sustained trading volume is frequently correlated with growing market confidence, as evidenced by analyst consensus now clustering around a $33.00 USD 12-month target—underscored by an “Overweight/Buy” sentiment.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Li Auto sits on the cusp of several high-impact catalysts, all poised to reinforce its growth story and upside trajectory:

• Model Launches: The highly anticipated launch of the Li i8 electric SUV in July 2025 could open a new customer segment and consolidate Li Auto’s presence on the BEV map;
• AI and ADAS Innovation: The ongoing development of the VLA Driver (Vision-Language-Action driver-assistance system) showcases a long-term pivot toward smart, autonomous features which historically drive valuation uplift in the EV sector;
• Charging Infrastructure Expansion: The company’s proprietary charging network now boasts 2,267 supercharging stations and 12,340 fast-charging piles—bolstering convenience and customer satisfaction;
• ESG Leadership: Transparent disclosures via the 2024 ESG report and the BASF partnership on low-carbon coatings elevate the brand’s attractiveness for sustainability-focused investors;
• Operational Targets: Guidance for Q2 deliveries (123,000–128,000 vehicles) signals further upward momentum, and if met or exceeded, would likely trigger further upgrades from the sell-side community;
• Favorable Sectoral Context: China’s ongoing policy support for NEVs, combined with global shifts toward electrification and premium mobility, constitutes a constructive demand environment. Regulatory stability and rising middle-class purchasing power only amplify this effect.

Taken together, these catalysts form a powerful argument for anticipating continued multiple expansion and upward revisions to consensus forecasts.

Investment Strategies

Given this backdrop, Li Auto stock appears to offer compelling entry points across multiple investment horizons:

• Short-Term: The proximity to support ($28.25–$28.90) and a technical consensus buy signal suggest that current levels represent a high-probability setup for swing trading, particularly ahead of product launch news and Q2 earnings.
• Medium-Term: Investors seeking trend continuation may consider building positions in anticipation of the Li i8 launch and delivery number releases in July/August. The established momentum and positive sentiment enhance the risk/reward profile for trades lasting several weeks to months.
• Long-Term: For those adopting a portfolio approach, Li Auto’s structural strengths—cash-rich balance sheet, market leadership, ongoing innovation, and strong management—favor a core allocation strategy. The stock’s undervalued-to-fair P/E, in the context of its high-growth sector, points to meaningful capital appreciation potential over a multi-year time frame.

Across all horizons, a disciplined entry near current support or following minor pullbacks may optimize long-term returns, while the clustering of upcoming catalysts further increases the appeal of early positioning.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Li Auto?

In summary, Li Auto’s confluence of robust financial health, operational outperformance, differentiated technology and compelling technical momentum present a particularly persuasive case for renewed portfolio consideration. The company’s dominant position in China’s premium EV sector, accelerating innovation and imminent product cycle underpin a fundamentally attractive thesis—reinforced by upbeat analyst targets and resilient trading volumes.

With several high-impact catalysts on the imminent horizon—in particular, the Li i8 launch, further advancements in intelligent driving, and ambitious delivery targets—the stock seems poised to enter a new bullish phase. For investors in New Zealand seeking diversified exposure to global technology trends and the dynamic transformation of mobility, Li Auto seems to represent an excellent opportunity at an inflection point in both its operational and financial journey.

Confidence is well justified: while competitive and macro headwinds should always be considered, the fundamentals and technical signals now unmistakably point toward Li Auto emerging as a standout performer in the months ahead. This stock may indeed offer timely portfolio enhancement, with both tactical and strategic entry points now aligning for the globally minded investor.

For those seeking transformative growth in the electric vehicle sector, Li Auto’s next chapter looks especially compelling.

How to buy Li Auto stock in New Zealand?

Buying Li Auto stock from New Zealand is straightforward and secure when using a regulated online broker. You have two main ways to invest: either by spot buying (owning the shares outright) or trading via CFDs (speculating on price movements without owning the shares). Spot buying is ideal for those looking for long-term exposure, while CFDs offer flexibility and leverage but also involve higher risk. Each method comes with its own fee structure, so it’s important to check which best fits your goals. For help choosing the right platform, see our detailed broker comparison further down the page.

Spot Buying

Spot buying, also known as cash purchase, means you’re buying actual Li Auto shares listed on the NASDAQ, becoming a direct shareholder. Most NZ brokers charge a fixed commission per trade, typically around NZ$5–$15. For example, with the current Li Auto share price at about US$28.49 (approx. NZ$46.30 as of May 2025), and a typical brokerage fee of NZ$8, you could invest NZ$1,000 and buy approximately 21 shares.

Example: Spot Buying Scenario

Gain scenario:
If the Li Auto share price rises by 10% in USD terms, your 21 shares are now worth NZ$1,100 (before fees and currency fluctuations).
Result: +NZ$100 gross profit, representing a +10% return on your initial NZ$1,000 investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading allows you to speculate on the price movement of Li Auto shares without owning the underlying stock. Instead, you enter a contract to exchange the difference in price from when you open and close your position. CFDs typically incur spreads (the broker’s margin between buy and sell prices), and if you hold positions overnight, you’ll pay a small financing fee. For example, let’s say you open a NZ$1,000 position on Li Auto CFDs with 5x leverage. This gives you market exposure worth NZ$5,000.

Example: CFD Gain Scenario

Gain scenario:
If the Li Auto share price rises by 8%, your position increases by 8% x 5 = 40%.
Result: +NZ$400 gain on your NZ$1,000 margin (excluding spreads and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, make sure you compare brokers’ fees, trading platforms, and features, as costs and services can differ significantly. Also, remember that your choice between cash buying and CFDs should align with your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk appetite. Explore the comprehensive broker comparison further down this page to find the best fit for your needs. Investing in Li Auto can be a compelling opportunity—choose the method that matches your goals.

Our 7 tips for buying Li Auto stock

The latest news about Li Auto

Li Auto shares rose 2.11% this week, supported by a strong global "Buy" technical consensus. This positive momentum is reflected in Li Auto’s robust technical profile: all major moving averages (20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day) remain in a clear buy signal, and the MACD indicator maintains an upward trajectory. With an RSI at 56.40, the stock is neither overbought nor oversold, suggesting sustainable interest. Notably, consensus among analysts—using a combination of 11 bullish signals and just 5 bearish—remains firmly optimistic, offering constructive signals to global investors, including those in New Zealand evaluating offshore exposure to growth-oriented EV makers.

First-quarter 2025 results exceeded expectations, with 15.5% annualized delivery growth and improved profitability. Li Auto delivered 92,864 vehicles and reported revenues of $3.6 billion USD, beating analyst estimates, while gross margin held at an impressive 20.5% and net income hit $89.1 million USD. These results underscore the group’s ability to scale operations efficiently and maintain robust vehicle margins, a positive indicator relevant for institutional investors in New Zealand seeking exposure to premium Asian EV market leaders without direct local representation, but who access global capital markets via NASDAQ or HKEX.

Innovative launches and open-sourcing of Li Halo OS reinforce Li Auto’s leadership in high-end EV tech. Recent weeks saw the unveiling of new models including Li MEGA Home, MEGA Ultra, and upgrades to the Li L series, attracting significant consumer and media attention in China and globally. Significantly, Li Auto became the world’s first automaker to open-source its proprietary operating system, Li Halo OS, a move which may accelerate third-party collaborations and foster a richer EV ecosystem. For New Zealand investors, this positions Li Auto as an innovation-driven brand with potential to impact the broader industry and increase its attractiveness as a portfolio diversifier.

The upcoming July 2025 launch of the Li i8 electric SUV and rapid charging infrastructure expansion support growth trajectory. Li Auto’s near-term growth catalysts—especially the introduction of its first all-electric SUV and ongoing rollout of over 12,000 proprietary superchargers—are set to drive accelerated adoption and revenue. Management’s Q2 guidance targets deliveries between 123,000–128,000 vehicles, with projected YoY revenue growth of up to 6.7%. This solid forward momentum, coupled with a healthy $15.3 billion USD cash position, strengthens the company’s outlook and the credibility of its global expansion, a constructive factor for New Zealand institutions interested in the mobility transition and green investment themes.

Long-term positive sentiment is reinforced by stable financials, strategic ESG progress, and expert analyst consensus. The release of the 2024 ESG report highlights Li Auto’s ongoing commitment to sustainability—including reduced carbon materials through strategic partner BASF—and leadership in extended-range electric vehicles, further entrenching its premium market position. With a price target consensus of $33.00 USD, upside remains; the company’s strong balance sheet and improving free cash flow reassure international investors of its resilience and capacity to weather global market volatility. This cumulative profile offers appealing characteristics for New Zealand-based analysts and asset managers seeking exposure to high-growth, ESG-aligned mobility disruptors in Asia.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.