
Core Viewpoint - The recent turmoil surrounding GAC Aion is primarily driven by employee concerns regarding the employee stock ownership plan, with the company actively working to dispel rumors and clarify its position on the matter [1][3][4]. Group 1: Company Response and Clarification - GAC Aion has publicly denied rumors about employees facing significant financial losses due to stock valuation drops, asserting that operations are normal and the employee stock incentive plan is proceeding as planned [3][4]. - The chairman of GAC Group, Feng Xingya, emphasized that no executives have withdrawn or refunded their investments, and the company is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the stock incentive agreements [4]. - GAC Group clarified that seeking capital operations is aimed at enhancing organizational vitality, not relying on capital markets for funding [6]. Group 2: Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Concerns - The employee stock ownership plan involved 679 employees and 115 researchers, with a total investment of 1.782 billion yuan, representing a 4.55% stake in GAC Aion, locked for five years [7]. - Employees were provided loans to purchase shares, raising concerns about their financial capacity and the risks associated with high leverage in stock purchases [7][9]. - The company acknowledged the situation where employees are worried about the potential inability to exit their investments, especially with the stock lock-up period extending until 2027 [10][12]. Group 3: Market Performance and Future Outlook - GAC Aion's sales peaked at 480,000 units in 2023 but are projected to decline to 374,900 units in 2024, a year-on-year decrease of 21.9% [9]. - The company is exploring various exit mechanisms for employees, including potential dividends and acquisitions, rather than solely relying on an IPO [12]. - The current market conditions and the cooling of the capital market have led GAC Group to believe that now is not the optimal time for an IPO, indicating a need for a more cautious approach to capital and investment strategies [12].