SERES(SH:601127) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-05-09 10:34Core Viewpoint - The company, Seres, has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking a significant step towards becoming a major player in the automotive industry with an "A+H" stock structure [2][5]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Seres achieved profitability, becoming the fourth global electric vehicle company to do so, with revenue soaring from RMB 358 billion in 2023 to RMB 1,451 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 305.5% [5]. - The gross margin improved from 7.2% in 2023 to 23.8% in 2024, reflecting a 16.6 percentage point increase, indicating strong sustainable development potential [5]. Sales and Market Position - Seres experienced explosive sales growth in 2024, with total vehicle sales nearing 500,000 units, and its flagship brand, AITO, delivering 387,100 units, a 268% year-on-year increase [7]. - The AITO M5 set a record for the fastest delivery of over 10,000 units for a new brand in its first year, while the M7 and M9 became bestsellers in their respective price segments [7][8]. Strategic Partnerships and Support - Seres benefits from strategic support from state-owned enterprises, with Dongfeng Group holding a 20% stake and providing various resources, including financial services and logistics support [9][10]. - The acquisition of Longsheng New Energy for RMB 8.164 billion, backed by state-owned assets, further solidifies Seres' position and operational capabilities [10][11]. Research and Development - The company is investing heavily in self-research, having spent nearly RMB 10 billion on the development of its modular platform, which supports multiple powertrain types [21][23]. - Seres aims to transition from relying on Huawei's technology to developing its own innovations to enhance brand value and consumer loyalty [23]. Market Challenges - Despite strong sales, Seres faces challenges, including a high asset-liability ratio of 87% and a declining sales trend in early 2025, with January sales down 51.39% year-on-year [17][19]. - The company relies heavily on the domestic market, with 97% of its revenue coming from China, which poses risks as competition intensifies [19]. Future Outlook - Seres plans to explore international markets and establish strategic alliances to enhance its global presence, particularly in Europe [23]. - The company is also preparing for potential challenges related to compliance and management costs associated with its dual listing strategy [25].