New York, Feb 6, 2026, 07:38 EST — Premarket.
- NIO shares climbed in premarket action, building on their gains from Thursday
- The EV maker reported its first quarterly adjusted operating profit for Q4 2025
- Investors await audited results and margin breakdowns for confirmation
NIO Inc (NIO) shares climbed roughly 4.5% to $4.91 in premarket trading Friday, building on Thursday’s 5.9% jump that pushed the stock to $4.70 by the close. Thursday’s volume surpassed 121 million shares.
The latest development is crucial as Nio’s stock hinges on one key issue: whether it can halt losses in China’s saturated EV market, where heavy discounting has turned into the norm to sustain sales.
The profit signal arrives just as investors sift through whether gains are driven by volume or prices. With margins still shaky, the rally risks sputtering quickly.
Nio forecasted adjusted profit from operations—a non-GAAP metric excluding share-based compensation—between 700 million yuan ($100 million) and 1.2 billion yuan ($172 million) for Q4 2025. On a GAAP basis, operating profit is projected to fall between 200 million yuan and 700 million yuan. The company cautioned these numbers remain preliminary and unaudited.
The company credited the jump to increased deliveries in the quarter, a better product mix, and cost reductions, Reuters reported. It delivered 124,807 vehicles in Q4, marking a 72% rise from the same period last year, according to the report.
Nomura maintained its Neutral rating on Nio’s U.S.-listed shares, setting a $8.4 price target. The firm highlighted that the profit result “exceed[ed] expectations” compared to previous break-even forecasts. They also flagged upcoming new models in 2026 as a key variable, assuming execution stays on track. Aastocks
Citi maintained its Buy rating on Nio’s Hong Kong shares but slashed its target price, citing slower order momentum at the start of 2026 and cutting its sales forecasts for 2026-27. The bank also downgraded its revenue and margin estimates.
That caution reflects a wider demand slump in China. Automakers are extending consumer loans—sometimes up to eight years—to lure hesitant buyers, Reuters found this week. It’s clear incentives remain crucial.
That said, the upside isn’t without complications. Nio’s profit figures remain unaudited and lean on “adjusted” accounting methods. Plus, the price pressure forcing competitors to extend financing deals could swiftly erode vehicle margins.
Investors now turn to the company’s full fourth-quarter and full-year results, seeking clarity on gross margin, cash flow, and guidance. On the macro front, eyes are set on the delayed U.S. January employment report, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, after a short government shutdown postponed it — a possible trigger for volatility in high-beta stocks.
