What happened
Nio (NIO +5.59%) shares have been hurt by uncertainty in China along with many other U.S-listed Chinese stocks recently. Nio's American depositary shares have dropped almost 6% this week. But they are bouncing back today, up almost 3% at the highs of the morning. As of noon EDT, Nio shares remain almost 2% above Tuesday's closing price.
So what
The saga surrounding companies being targeted by Chinese regulators has taken a toll on Nio shares. And most recently, the potential for real estate giant China Evergrande to default on its debt has continued to push down shares in many Chinese companies. But after Nio showcased its upcoming ET7 electric sedan in a video workshop in Germany last week, investors may be looking beyond China and to the launch of the luxury electric vehicle in its second European country next year.
Nio ES8 electric SUVs about to be shipped from China to Norway. Image source: Nio.
Now what
Nio has begun exporting products, with its flagship ES8 SUV going to Norway, to be followed next year by its new ET7 luxury sedan. And CEO William Li says, "Our target is to have ET7 in Germany by the end of 2022," according to online industry publication InsideEVs. The expansion outside of China is welcome news for investors, who hope growth will justify the company's lofty valuation. Even with the drop in value this week, Nio trades at a market cap of almost $60 billion.
Another potential catalyst may come soon, as a Chinese new energy vehicle industry publication reported today that Nio may be releasing a new 75kWh battery pack as soon as tomorrow. CnEVPost said the new hybrid battery is expected to be released at a a battery technology communication meeting being held by Nio tomorrow. It reported that the battery could cost less, and have a bigger range, than the current 70kWh version.
The company-specific reports coming out seem to have provided a reversal of the recent downtrend in Nio shares. Though investors should remember that an investment carries much risk, including Chinese government uncertainty, execution, and valuation.
