China Automotive Systems (NASDAQ:CAAS) reported record first-half sales, gross profit and operating income for 2026, driven by growth in electric power steering products and gains across most of its operating units. Management also raised its full-year revenue guidance to $850 million from $810 million.
Net sales for the six months ended June 30 increased 20.1% year over year to $412.5 million, compared with $343.3 million in the prior-year period. The company said the increase reflected higher electric power steering, or EPS, sales and appreciation of the Chinese yuan against the U.S. dollar.
EPS Sales Gain Share of Revenue
EPS product sales rose 32.2% to $192.3 million in the first half, compared with $145.9 million in the same period of 2025. EPS represented 46.8% of total net sales, up from 42.5% a year earlier.
Sales of traditional steering products and parts increased 11.2% to $219.6 million. The company said higher sales volumes and a greater mix of relatively higher-margin products helped lift gross margin to 21.5%, from 17.2% in the prior-year period.
Among the company’s operating units, Henglong, its largest sales contributor, posted a 25.3% increase in sales to $205.7 million. Yulong’s sales to China’s commercial-vehicle market increased 42.9% to $61.7 million, while Wuhu subsidiary sales to Chery Automobile rose 40.3% to $22.7 million.
Sales to North American customers rose 3.5% to $59.2 million, which management attributed primarily to higher passenger-vehicle product demand from one customer. Brazilian sales declined 5.1% to $32.6 million.
Market Conditions and International Expansion
Kevin Theiss, manager of investor relations, said the company’s sales growth contrasted with softer conditions in China’s auto market. He cited China Association of Automobile Manufacturers data showing overall vehicle production and sales declined 4% and 4.1%, respectively, year over year during the period discussed on the call. Theiss also said passenger-vehicle sales declined by about 6%, while new-energy vehicle sales increased 7.3% and accounted for 49.6% of new vehicle sales.
The company highlighted several product and international-market initiatives. It said the first batch of its EPS steering systems was shipped to a global automaker’s European division for use in two new European vehicle models. Management expects annual volume for that program to reach 300,000 units.
During the question-and-answer session, Chief Financial Officer Jie Li said the company is preparing for EPS production in South America, with batch production expected to begin in 2028. The company is targeting approximately 300,000 units for that market. Li said the initiative could generate about $40 million in revenue and represent roughly a 50% increase from the company’s current South American revenue run rate.
China Automotive Systems also said it continues to develop a regional manufacturing and supply system in Malaysia through its strategic cooperation agreement with KYB-UMW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Investment, Cash Flow and Capital Plans
The company spent $20.8 million on research and development during the first half, up 23.6% from a year earlier. R&D programs include work on EPS and hydraulic steering systems, automotive intelligence and software technologies, electronics, materials and manufacturing technologies.
Capital expenditures totaled $30.4 million in the first half. Li said approximately $15.8 million was directed toward land and a facility for the company’s Mexico project, while roughly $15 million supported capacity and product-related investments involving EPS, electronic control units, eRCB products and electric motors.
Management expects full-year capital expenditures of about $50 million. Excluding the Mexico project, Li said planned spending would be roughly in line with 2025 levels and is expected to add approximately 1 million units of EPS capacity.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.8 million, and free cash flow was $14.3 million for the first six months. As of June 30, cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash totaled $155.6 million, while working capital was approximately $249.8 million.
Shareholder Returns and M&A
Asked about dividends and share repurchases, Li said the board is discussing potential shareholder-return options. However, he emphasized that the company is also increasing capital expenditures as it expands globally and invests in growth initiatives.
Li said the company is evaluating merger-and-acquisition opportunities that could broaden its product offering, particularly in chassis-related areas such as suspension and braking systems. He said such additions could complement the company’s steering products and support offerings related to autonomous-driving applications.
About China Automotive Systems (NASDAQ:CAAS)
China Automotive Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CAAS) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of power steering systems and related components primarily for the automotive industry in China. The company’s core business centers on hydraulic and electric power steering products, steering columns, steering gearboxes and electronic control units. By integrating research and development, manufacturing and sales, China Automotive Systems aims to deliver high-quality steering solutions that meet the performance and safety requirements of global automakers.
The company’s product portfolio includes traditional hydraulic power steering systems, which have long been favored for their reliability, as well as advanced electric power steering units that offer improved fuel efficiency and enhanced vehicle control.
