CBAK Energy Reports Q4 2025 Gross Profit of $4.28M
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $4.28M, representing a gross margin of 7.3%, compared to a gross profit of $3.31M and a margin of 13.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The sharp margin compression in Q4 2025 was fundamentally driven by the intensive transitional period at both Dalian and Nanjing. The friction costs, sub-optimal yields, and disproportionately high fixed-cost absorption inherent to the initial ramp-up phase of the new Model 40135 and Phase II Model 32140 production lines heavily burdened the quarterly gross margin. Zhiguang Hu, CEO of CBAK Energy, commented, "The fiscal year 2025 was a definitive transitional period for CBAK Energy, characterized by a comprehensive structural upgrade of our product portfolio and a deliberate pivot toward next-generation form factors. At our Dalian facility, our customers are actively transitioning from our legacy 26-series batteries-a product line with over a decade of history-to our newly introduced, highly advanced Model 40135 cells. To support this, we successfully commissioned a new 40135 production line with a 2.3 GWh capacity at the end of 2025. The market reception has been unprecedented; demand for the 40135 cells currently far exceeds our available supply, and our order book heavily outpaces our current ramp-up trajectory. While the initial capacity ramp-up phase inherently carries higher unit costs that have temporarily suppressed our gross margins and short-term profitability, this is a necessary and highly strategic investment. As our customers complete their transition to the Model 40135 throughout 2026 and 2027, we anticipate a dramatic and sustained resurgence in both top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability. Importantly, we have proactively engineered a strategic response to the impending phase-out of the PRC's export tax rebate policy for lithium-ion batteries-which reduces rebates to 6% in 2026 and zeroes out by 2027. By officially establishing our Malaysian manufacturing subsidiary in April 2025, we are constructing an unassailable overseas supply chain firewall. This strategic maneuver ensures that our expanding international margins will remain completely insulated from domestic tariff dynamics, cementing our competitive superiority on the global stage."
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- Growing Market Demand: CBAK Energy showcased its 32140 and 40135 large cylindrical LFP cells at the 2026 Autoexpo Kenya, targeting Africa's expanding electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler markets, which is expected to enhance the company's market share in the region.
- Significant Technical Advantages: The 32140 FS series battery features ultra-low internal resistance (approximately 1.3mΩ) and long cycle life, supporting 2C fast charging and 3C continuous discharging to meet the demands of Africa's high-frequency commercial motorcycles, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
- Safety and Reliability: Built with stable LFP chemistry and a robust steel shell, the 32140 FS battery is designed to withstand Africa's hot climates and rough road conditions, ensuring long-term reliable operation and boosting local operators' confidence.
- Deepening Strategic Partnerships: Following the expo, CBAK Energy plans to deepen collaborations with local partners to support Africa's transition to cleaner mobility, with annual production capacity expected to expand from 8.3 GWh to 38 GWh to meet market demand.
- Battery Technology Innovation: CBAK Energy's 40135 FS2 cells showcased at the Vietnam exhibition maintain superior capacity retention over 2,500 cycles, with an expected lifespan of 8 to 10 years, significantly lowering Total Cost of Ownership and attracting strong interest from local fleet operators.
- Enhanced Thermal Safety: The new full-tab architecture reduces temperature rise by 50% during charge-discharge cycles, effectively mitigating thermal runaway risks and ensuring safe performance in high-temperature environments, sparking procurement discussions among local swapping network integrators.
- Leading Energy Density: With an impressive energy density of 172 Wh/kg, the 40135 FS2 cells significantly enhance electric vehicle range, reducing the frequency of swapping station visits and enabling commercial riders to maximize daily operational revenue.
- Market Expansion Plans: CBAK Energy will participate in Autoexpo Kenya from June 3-5, further supporting the African electric mobility market with its latest integrated cylindrical battery solutions, solidifying its position in the global market.
- Disappointing Earnings: CBAK Energy Technology reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$0.10, missing expectations by $0.05, indicating challenges in profitability that may affect investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Despite the EPS miss, CBAK's revenue reached $69.62 million, a 99.5% year-over-year increase, demonstrating strong sales growth amid robust market demand, reflecting the competitiveness of its products in the battery market.
- Future Sales Projections: CBAK Energy projects record sales by 2026, driven by global demand outpacing supply and ramping capacity, which could attract more investor interest in the company's long-term growth potential.
- Market Dynamics Analysis: The performance report of CBAK Energy is closely tied to the supply-demand relationship in the global battery market, and as electric vehicles and renewable energy gain traction, the company's growth potential may further enhance, although it faces profitability pressures in the short term.
- Significant Revenue Growth: CBAK Energy reported net revenues of $69.62 million for Q1 2026, marking a remarkable 99.3% year-over-year increase, primarily driven by the gradual release of new production capacity and the conversion of previously unfulfilled customer orders, indicating strong demand and growth potential in the battery market.
- Surge in LEV Business: Revenues from the Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) segment skyrocketed by 441.6% year-over-year to $15.41 million, reflecting the company's successful expansion in high-growth markets such as India, Vietnam, and Africa, further solidifying its international market position.
- Return to Profitability in Raw Materials: The Hitrans segment achieved $32.10 million in revenue, a 120.2% increase year-over-year, and turned profitable with a net income of $1.57 million, showcasing the company's strong pricing power and customer acquisition capabilities in the raw materials market.
- Increased R&D Investment: The company expanded its R&D expenses to $4.20 million in Q1, a 39.5% increase from the prior year, aimed at advancing next-generation battery technologies to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
- Conference Participation: CBAK Energy will present at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Virtual Conference on May 21, 2026, from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. ET, showcasing its latest advancements in lithium battery technology to attract investor interest and enhance market visibility.
- Management Interaction: The management team of CBAK Energy will participate in the conference and offer one-on-one virtual meetings with investors and analysts, which is expected to strengthen investor confidence and foster potential investment collaborations.
- Company Background: CBAK Energy is a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer in China, focusing on the development and production of new high-power lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, with applications in electric vehicles and energy storage, demonstrating its strong competitive position in the new energy market.
- Historical Milestone: Since becoming the first lithium battery manufacturer listed on Nasdaq in 2006, CBAK Energy has expanded its operations with subsidiaries in Dalian, Nanjing, Shaoxing, and Shangqiu, indicating its leadership in the industry and ongoing growth potential.
- Significant Revenue Growth: CBAK Energy reported consolidated net revenue of $58.80 million for Q4 2025, reflecting a remarkable 131.8% year-over-year increase, with full-year revenue reaching $195.19 million, up 11% from 2024, indicating strong market performance and growth potential.
- Capacity Expansion Strategy: The Dalian facility's transition to the new Model 40135 cells, with a fully sold-out capacity of 2.3 GWh and an order backlog exceeding ramp-up capabilities, marks a significant advancement in battery technology and strong market demand.
- International Market Expansion: The LEV segment saw a staggering 252% year-over-year revenue increase to $36.36 million, showcasing CBAK's successful international expansion, particularly through collaborations with new clients like Anker, further solidifying its market position.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management projects record sales in 2026, emphasizing that the ramp-up of new facilities will lead to sustained revenue growth, while localizing supply chains is expected to mitigate cost risks and enhance international competitiveness.







