Shares of NIO gained over 5% during Thursday’s U.S. premarket session following the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer’s impressive first-quarter performance and upbeat second-quarter outlook that surpassed Wall Street projections.
The stock reached $5.77 in early trading, reflecting a 3.2% increase at the time of observation. Prior to Thursday’s session, NIO shares had already gained 10% since the start of the year and posted a 42% advance over the trailing twelve-month period.
First quarter revenue registered at RMB 25.53 billion (approximately $3.8 billion), representing a 112.2% year-over-year jump. This figure came in essentially aligned with the Street’s consensus projection of RMB 25.57 billion.
$NIO | NIO Q1 Earnings Highlights
EPS: RMB0.02 / Est. (RMB0.34)
Q2’26 Guidance:
— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) May 21, 2026
Regarding profitability metrics, the company reported an adjusted earnings per share of RMB 0.02 — representing a modest profit — versus analyst forecasts calling for a RMB 0.34 loss. In the comparable year-ago period, NIO recorded a 42-cent per share loss on revenue of merely $1.7 billion.
The delivery figures emerged as the standout element of the report. The company delivered 83,465 vehicles throughout Q1, reflecting a 98.3% year-over-year expansion.
These delivery volumes spanned all three of NIO’s brand portfolio. The primary NIO brand represented 58,543 units, while ONVO added 13,339 vehicles, and the recently introduced Firefly brand contributed an additional 11,583 units.
The company’s gross margin climbed to 19.0% during the first quarter, advancing from 7.6% in the year-earlier period and 17.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. NIO attributed this improvement to enhanced operational efficiency and a more favorable product portfolio composition.
This margin expansion represents a significant development for an automaker that has historically grappled with profitability challenges.
Looking ahead to Q2, the company issued revenue guidance of RMB 32.78–34.44 billion, comfortably ahead of the analyst consensus estimate of RMB 31.83 billion.
Vehicle deliveries for the upcoming quarter are projected to range between 110,000 and 115,000 units, suggesting year-over-year expansion of approximately 53–60%.
This forecast indicates monthly delivery volumes exceeding 40,000 units throughout May and June. The company reported 29,356 vehicle deliveries during April alone.
Fresh product introductions are driving the acceleration. The company unveiled its new ES9 SUV alongside ONVO’s five-seat L80 SUV in April, initiating what CEO William Bin Li characterized as “an intensive new product launch and delivery cycle.”
According to Li, the NIO All-New ES8 has captured the top position in China’s large SUV category by sales volume.
These results arrive against a challenging industry environment. Overall Chinese new vehicle sales declined approximately 7% year-over-year, based on data from Citi analyst Jeff Chung.
NIO’s delivery expansion — approaching a 100% year-over-year increase — represents a notable achievement within this market context.
The Firefly brand, positioned to address more price-sensitive market segments, is contributing meaningfully to the company’s overall volume growth.
The automaker’s proprietary smart driving chip, NIO WorldModel, along with its comprehensive vehicle operating system, are scheduled to support major upgrades throughout ONVO’s new model lineup this year, management indicated.
Across its three-brand portfolio, NIO delivered 83,465 smart electric vehicles during the first quarter of 2026, achieving a 98.3% year-over-year increase.
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