China Automotive Systems Record Earnings Per Share Rose 98% in the First Half of 2026

WUHAN, China, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first six months ended June 30, 2026.

First Six Months of 2026 Highlights

• Net sales grew by 20.1% year-over-year to a record $412.5 million, compared to $343.3 million in the first six months of 2025.
• Gross profit increased by 49.7% year-over-year to $88.5 million, compared to $59.1 million in the first six months of 2025; gross profit margin increased to 21.5% in the first six months of 2026.
• Income from operations rose by 100.4% year-over-year to $43.3 million compared to income from operations of $21.6 million in the first six months of 2025.
• Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders increased by 98.8% to $29.3 million from $14.7 million in the first six months of 2025.
• Diluted earnings per share attributable to parent company's common shareholders increased by 98.0% to $0.97 compared with $0.49 in the first six months of 2025.
• Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash were $155.6 million, or approximately $5.16 per share, as of June 30, 2026.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, "Our profit growth accelerated in the first half of 2026 with strong net sales in an overall sluggish economy in China.  We had growth across the board in our major operating units, except for our Brazilian subsidiary, with three operations achieving net sales growth exceeding 40% in the first six months of 2026.  Net sales of our electric power steering ("EPS") products grew by 32.2% year-over-year and now represent 46.8% of total net sales in the first half of 2026.  Our Henglong KYB subsidiary, which is mainly engaged in providing passenger EPS products, has grown into the second largest contributor to net sales.  In addition to the growth in our passenger vehicle steering systems, our net sales of commercial vehicle steering systems continued to improve with an even stronger sales growth of over 40% year-over-year in the first half of 2026."

"Our growth contrasts with Chinese automotive vehicle performance as data from the China Association of Automotive Manufacturers ("CAAM") disclosed that vehicle production and sales fell 4.0% and 4.1% year-on-year, respectively, in the first half of 2026.  Passenger vehicle sales fell by approximately 6.0% in the first half of 2026.  Retail sales of ICE vehicles fell while NEV sales reached 49.6% of all new-vehicle sales and battery EVs represented approximately 67% of total NEV sales.  Higher fuel costs and a reduction in EV subsidies in China impacted vehicle demand."

"Our investment into research and development increased by 23.6% as we accelerate our transition into higher technology products.  A growing number of our steering products are capable of autonomous driving functions such as automatic parking, lane keep assist ("LKA") and lane follow assist ("LFA") as well as rear-wheel active steering.  These features are driving higher demand, presenting stronger growth opportunities for the future."

"International sales continue to grow as our customer base has expanded and more vehicle models are now powered by our products.  After over 30 years' relentless pursuit for high quality, advanced technologies and superior value, we have become a tier-1 supplier to large global OEM customers in North America, Europe, Asia and South America.  In late 2025, we won a contract for our C-EPS (column-assist electric power steering) for a new vehicle platform from a leading South American-based automotive manufacturer.  This contract highlights the first large-scale entry of our EPS systems into the South American automotive supply chain.  Planned annual sales volume is over 300,000 units with mass production expected in early 2028.  This contract partially resulted from the successful launch of similar C-EPS products for the European markets."

"Subsequently, in 2026, the first batch of EPS steering was shipped to a global automaker's European division. This particular EPS steering model is featured in two new European vehicle models with more vehicles targeted.  Annual sales volume is expected to reach approximately 300,000 units."

"This project achieved a number of strict technical and quality innovations, including new testing methods, software upgrades, a state-of-the-art production line powered by eight modern manufacturing technologies including seamless integration of manufacturing execution system ("MES") with automated guided vehicles ("AGV"), computer vision Poka-Yoke, and 100% autonomous robotic inspection."

"In 2026, we announced a new 2026-2030 'Strategic Plan' committing to a new growth trajectory.  The main pillars are focused on deepening local presence in global markets, and developing additional cutting-edge steering technologies, new product markets, and "zero-defect" quality with platform-based, lean, automated manufacturing systems.  We believe this strategy will lead to increased volume among large vehicle OEMs and capture greater market share in the global automotive marketplace."

Mr. Jie Li, Chief Financial Officer of CAAS, commented, "We continue to focus on maintaining our financial strength buoyed by net cash provided by operating activities of $47.8 million in the first half of 2026.  Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash were $155.6 million, and working capital was nearly $249.8 million.  We grew our free cashflow to $14.3 million.  Our capital investments in property, plant and equipment were $30.4 million in the first half of 2026 as we continue to invest in our future."

First Six Months of 2026

Net sales increased by 20.1% year-over-year to $412.5 million, compared to $343.3 million in the first half of 2025.  The net sales increase was mainly due to higher sales of electric power steering and the appreciation of the RMB against the USD. Net sales of traditional steering products and parts increased 11.2% year-over-year to $219.6 million in the first half of 2026.  Net sales of EPS products rose 32.2% year-over-year to $192.9 million from $145.9 million for the same period in 2025.  EPS product sales grew to 46.8% of the total net sales for the first half of 2026, compared to 42.5% for the same period in 2025. Net sales in our Henglong subsidiary, the largest contributor to sales, rose by 25.3% to $205.7 million, compared with $164.2 million for the first half of 2025.  Sales to North American customers increased by 3.5% to $59.2 million, compared to $57.2 million in the first half of 2025, primarily due to higher demand for passenger vehicle products by one customer.  Sales in Brazil declined by 5.1% in the first half of 2026 to $32.6 million from $34.4 million in the first half of 2025. Jiulong's net sales to the Chinese commercial vehicle market increased 42.9% year-over-year to $61.7 million and our Wuhu subsidiary's net sales to Chery Automotive Co., Ltd. rose by 40.3% year-over-year to $22.7 million in the first half of 2026.

Gross profit grew by 49.7% year-over-year to $88.5 million from $59.1 million in the first half of 2025.  Gross profit margin increased to 21.5% in the first half of 2026 from 17.2% in the first half of 2025.  The increase in gross profit was mainly due to product volume gains and greater sales of relatively higher-margin products.

Net gain on other sales increased to $2.1 million in the first half of 2026, compared to $1.6 million in the first half of 2025.

Selling expenses grew by 28.0% to $11.9 million in the first six months of 2026 compared with $9.3 million in the same period last year.  Higher selling expenses were a result of the sales and volume gains achieved in the first half of 2026.  Selling expenses represented 2.9% of net sales in the first half of 2026 compared with 2.7% in the first half of 2025.  

General and administrative expenses ("G&A expenses") increased by 12.6% to $14.6 million, compared to $13.0 million in the first half of 2025 primarily due to higher office expenses.  G&A expenses represented 3.5% of net sales in the first six months of 2026, compared to 3.8% of net sales in the same period in 2025.    

Research and development expenses ("R&D expenses") increased by 23.6% to $20.8 million in the first six months of 2026, compared with $16.8 million in the first half of 2025.  R&D expenses represented 5.0% of net sales, compared to 4.9% in the first six months of 2025.  Research and development programs include upgrades to enhance the performance and quality of current products, customizing products for specific customers, as well as further developing EPS and hydraulic steering systems, automotive intelligence and software technologies, automobile electronics, high-polymer materials, and manufacturing technologies.

Other income, net was $6.9 million in the first half of 2026, compared to $3.0 million in the same period last year. The increase was mainly due to the decrease in the loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment.

Income from operations climbed 100.4% to $43.3 million in the first six months of 2026 from $21.6 million in the first six months of 2025.  This gain reflected greater sales, higher gross profit and margins, and effective cost controls.  

Interest expense was stable at $0.8 million in the first half of 2026 and 2025.  

Net financial expense was $2.9 million in the first half of 2026, compared to net financial income of $3.3 million in the first half in 2025.  This change in net financial income was primarily due to foreign exchange volatility. 

Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies increased by 71.3% to $46.5 million in the first half of 2026, compared to $27.2 million in the same period in 2025.  The change in income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was mainly due to higher income from operations and higher other income, net in the first half of 2026.

Income tax expense was $9.9 million in the first half of 2026, compared to $7.0 million in the first half of 2025. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to a higher income before income tax expenses in the first half of 2026.  The effective tax rate was 21.3% in the first six months of 2026, compared with 25.7% in the same period last year.

Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders increased by 98.8% to $29.3 million in the first six months of 2026, compared to net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders of $14.7 million in the first half of 2025.  Diluted earnings per share were $0.97 in the first half of 2026, compared to $0.49 per share in the same period in 2025.

The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding was 30,170,702 in each of the 2026 and 2025 six-month periods.

Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents and pledged cash were $155.6 million, or approximately $5.16 per share, as of June 30, 2026.  Net working capital was $249.8 million.  Total accounts receivable including notes receivable were $362.4 million, accounts payable including notes payable were $361.5 million and short-term loans were $75.0 million.  Total parent company stockholders' equity was $443.8 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $401.3 million as of December 31, 2025.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.8 million with payments to acquire property, plant and equipment of $30.4 million.

Business Outlook

Management has raised revenue guidance for the fiscal year 2026 to $850.0 million.  This target is based on the Company's current views on operating and market conditions, which are subject to change.

Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call on August 13^th, 2026 at 8:00 A.M. EDT/8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss these results.  A question-and-answer session will follow management's presentation. To participate, please call the following numbers 10 minutes before the call start time and ask to be connected to the "China Automotive Systems" conference call with pin 763912:

Toll Free: 888-506-0062
International: 973-528-0011
China Toll Free: 86 400 120 3199

A replay of the call will be available on the Company's website in the investor relations section.

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People's Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through its sixteen Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 8 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Stellantis N.V. and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: https://www.caasauto.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties.  As a result, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2026, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict, and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.  A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue.  We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
[email protected]

Kevin Theiss
Awaken Advisors
+1-212-510-8922
[email protected] 

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SOURCE China Automotive Systems