Core Viewpoint - The recent IPO of Cao Cao Mobility reflects the ongoing challenges and competitive dynamics within the ride-hailing industry, as the company faces significant operational losses despite revenue growth and a strategic push from its parent company, Geely [1][4][13]. Group 1: IPO and Market Position - Cao Cao Mobility plans to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with an estimated valuation of approximately HKD 22.8 billion, marking Geely's 10th IPO [1]. - The stock price of Cao Cao Mobility fell nearly 20% on its first trading day, indicating a lack of confidence from investors in the ride-hailing sector [1][2]. - The ride-hailing industry is experiencing a wave of IPOs, but companies like Dida Chuxing and Huqee have also faced significant stock price declines post-IPO, highlighting a broader market skepticism [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Cao Cao Mobility reported revenue growth from RMB 7.63 billion in 2022 to RMB 14.66 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 40% [4][12]. - Despite revenue increases, the company has accumulated losses exceeding RMB 5.2 billion over the past three years, indicating ongoing profitability challenges [4][13]. - The company's gross profit margin improved from 5.8% in 2023 to 8.1% in 2024, but it remains significantly lower than competitors like Didi, which reported a gross margin of 18.15% [13]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The ride-hailing market is characterized by intense competition, with Didi holding a dominant market share of 70.4%, while Cao Cao Mobility's share is only 5.4% [7][8]. - The influx of new drivers has led to a surplus in supply, causing a decline in driver earnings and increased pressure on ride-hailing platforms to offer subsidies [3][6]. - Cao Cao Mobility has increasingly relied on aggregation platforms for order fulfillment, with the proportion of orders processed through these platforms rising from 3.5% in 2018 to 30% in 2023 [8][14]. Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - The company is pursuing a heavy asset model by purchasing vehicles and employing dedicated drivers, which allows for greater control but also incurs higher operational costs [9][11]. - Cao Cao Mobility plans to invest in technology and autonomous driving, with a pilot Robotaxi project underway, aiming to enhance its competitive edge in the smart mobility sector [15][16]. - The collaboration with Geely provides Cao Cao Mobility with access to advanced vehicle technology and infrastructure, potentially improving its market position [9][16]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The reliance on aggregation platforms poses risks to brand recognition and user retention, as the company struggles to build a loyal customer base [14]. - The future success of Cao Cao Mobility hinges on its ability to leverage Geely's resources and technology to differentiate itself in the crowded ride-hailing market [17]. - The transition to autonomous driving is seen as a potential growth area, but significant challenges remain in terms of consumer trust and regulatory frameworks [15][17].
曹操出行“流血上市”，李书福“阳谋”受挫？