Nano Labs' Q4 2024: Navigating Contradictions in Blackwell Production, Margins, and Demand Dynamics

These are the key contradictions discussed in Nano Labs Ltd's latest 2024 Q4 earnings call, specifically including: Blackwell production and supply chain constraints, gross margin expectations, and issues with product roadmap execution and supply chain:



Bitcoin Investment and Strategic Reserve Asset:
- Nano Labs increased its holdings of 400 BTC, with a total purchase price of approximately $40 million.
- This strategic move was driven by the belief in Bitcoin's long-term value as a reserve asset, its potential as a hedge against inflation, and its role in the Web3.0 ecosystem.

Financial Performance Improvement:
- The company reported a gross profit of RMB11.57 million, $1.61 million for the second half of 2024, compared to a gross loss of RMB40.55 million in the same period of 2023.
- This improvement was primarily due to a decrease in the cost of revenue, mainly attributed to a decline in sales volume and inventory write-downs.

Operating Expense Reduction:
- Total operating expenses for the second half of fiscal year 2024 decreased by 38.7% to RMB51.39 million, $7.15 million.
- The reduction was largely due to decreases in selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses, primarily attributed to a decline in salary expenses.

Launch of Upgraded Machine and Expansion:
- Nano Labs launched an upgraded complete machine equipped with a Cuckoo 3.0 iteration chip, enhancing its performance to meet leading standards.
- This move provided the company with a competitive advantage and aimed to expand its market share, driven by the rapid evolution of AI and the potential of AI applications within the Web3.0 ecosystem.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:
- As of December 31, 2024, the company had RMB32.43 million, $4.51 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to RMB48.16 million as of December 31, 2023.
- The decline is attributed to the company's strategic investments, particularly in Bitcoin, and its ongoing business expansion initiatives.