Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-03-31 13:05Core Viewpoint - The performance certainty of Midea Group has been highlighted amidst fluctuating market sentiments, with the company achieving record high revenues and profits in 2024, alongside significant shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Midea Group reported a revenue of 409.1 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 9.5%, and a net profit of 38.5 billion yuan, up 14.3%, both reaching historical highs [2][3]. - The company's gross margin improved from 25.5% to 26.2%, and net margin increased from 9% to 9.5%, attributed to high-end product strategies and supply chain optimization [3]. - Operating cash flow for the year remained robust at 60.5 billion yuan, marking a historical peak [3]. Shareholder Returns - Midea announced a cash dividend of 35 yuan per 10 shares, totaling 26.7 billion yuan, which is nearly 30% higher than the previous year, with a payout ratio of approximately 70% of net profit [4]. - The company plans to repurchase shares worth 5 to 10 billion yuan, with over 70% intended for cancellation, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder value [4]. Business Segments - The smart home segment generated 269.5 billion yuan in revenue, accounting for 66.2% of total revenue, with a growth rate of 9.4% [3][7]. - The new energy and industrial technology segment saw the fastest growth, with revenue reaching 33.6 billion yuan, up 20.6% [3][8]. - B2B revenue surpassed 100 billion yuan for the first time, contributing 25.5% to total revenue, reflecting a significant increase from 18.5% in 2020 [8]. Strategic Moves - Midea has fully divested its holdings in Xiaomi, cashing out nearly 2 billion yuan, which reflects a strategic shift in response to increasing competition in the smart appliance sector [11][12]. - The company is focusing on a dual-driven strategy of "ToB + ToC" and enhancing its core business through increased R&D investment, which reached 16.2 billion yuan in 2024, up 11.31% [12][16]. Market Position - Midea has become the top global brand in smart home appliance sales in 2024, with significant market shares in various countries for its product lines [7][10]. - The company is leveraging its strong manufacturing capabilities and international partnerships to maintain high growth rates in exports [10]. Future Outlook - Midea's management emphasizes the need for "self-disruption" to face challenges, indicating a commitment to innovation and adaptation in a rapidly evolving market landscape [12][16]. - The company aims to continue its transformation from a traditional appliance manufacturer to a technology-driven enterprise, focusing on sustainable growth and competitive advantage [16][17].