LiveWire Group (NYSE:LVWR) and Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) Head to Head Comparison
by Jessica Moore · The Cerbat GemLi Auto (NASDAQ:LI – Get Free Report) and LiveWire Group (NYSE:LVWR – Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, risk, institutional ownership and valuation.
Risk and Volatility
Li Auto has a beta of 0.5, indicating that its share price is 50% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, LiveWire Group has a beta of 1.62, indicating that its share price is 62% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Profitability
This table compares Li Auto and LiveWire Group’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Li Auto | -4.44% | -6.58% | -3.14% |
| LiveWire Group | -234.48% | -198.18% | -60.98% |
Analyst Recommendations
This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Li Auto and LiveWire Group, as reported by MarketBeat.com.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Li Auto | 2 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1.85 |
| LiveWire Group | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 |
Li Auto presently has a consensus price target of $16.28, indicating a potential upside of 36.48%. Given Li Auto’s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Li Auto is more favorable than LiveWire Group.
Valuation and Earnings
This table compares Li Auto and LiveWire Group”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Li Auto | $16.06 billion | 0.77 | $160.79 million | ($0.67) | -17.81 |
| LiveWire Group | $25.67 million | 13.08 | -$75.11 million | ($0.37) | -4.42 |
Li Auto has higher revenue and earnings than LiveWire Group. Li Auto is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than LiveWire Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Insider and Institutional Ownership
9.9% of Li Auto shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.9% of LiveWire Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 48.5% of Li Auto shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.4% of LiveWire Group shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Summary
Li Auto beats LiveWire Group on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Li Auto
Li Auto Inc. operates in the energy vehicle market in the People's Republic of China. It designs, develops, manufactures, and sells premium smart electric vehicles. The company's product line comprises MPVs and sport utility vehicles. It offers sales and after sales management, and technology development and corporate management services, as well as purchases manufacturing equipment. The company offers its products through online and offline channels. The company was formerly known as Leading Ideal Inc. and changed its name to Li Auto Inc. in July 2020. Li Auto Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.
About LiveWire Group
LiveWire Group, Inc. manufactures electric motorcycles in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments Electric Motorcycles and STACYC. The company designs and sells electric motorcycles and parts, accessories, and apparel; and electric balance bikes for kids. It serves wholesalers, independent dealers, retailers, and through online. The company has strategic partnerships with Harley-Davidson, Inc. and the KYMCO Group. LiveWire Group, Inc. was founded in 2010 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. LiveWire Group, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc.