James Sullivan of JPMorgan advises investors to prioritize company-specific analysis over index investing in China. He highlights the need for bottom-up research due to the diverse nature of Chinese companies. Sullivan also discusses the challenges facing the Chinese electric vehicle industry.
NIO, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has been downgraded to “Strong Sell” due to its deteriorating fundamentals, market share loss, and unsustainable business model. Despite reporting revenue growth in 2023, NIO lagged behind the overall Chinese EV market, with its market share declining significantly. The company continues to burn cash, leading to concerns about its financial stability. Additionally, NIO’s revenue growth has not been accompanied by improved profitability, raising doubts about the long-term sustainability of its business model. While discounted cash flow analysis suggests the stock is undervalued, this discount is considered fair given the significant risks facing NIO.
