SMTC(SH:600822) Zheng Quan Zhi Xing·2025-07-22 16:16Core Viewpoint - The company is facing significant challenges in the automotive sector, particularly due to the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) which has led to a decline in demand for traditional fuel vehicles, resulting in a substantial decrease in inventory value and increased inventory impairment provisions [1][5][11]. Inventory - As of the end of the reporting period, the company's inventory value was 235 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 80.41%, with an additional impairment provision of 8.1457 million yuan [1][2]. - The inventory composition by business segment includes: - Automotive complete vehicles: 202.68 million yuan - Automotive parts: 13.22 million yuan - Other: 1.22 million yuan - Total inventory value: 216.02 million yuan [3][4]. - The significant decrease in inventory value is primarily attributed to a 969.96 million yuan reduction in automotive complete vehicles, reflecting a major shift in market demand towards EVs [2][5]. - The company has adjusted its inventory management strategy to mitigate risks associated with inventory depreciation, leading to a reduction in procurement and inventory levels [5][11]. Financial Performance - The company's operating revenue for the reporting period was 4.517 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 42.59%, while accounts receivable increased by 40.12% [1][26]. - The increase in accounts receivable is linked to the automotive finance business model, which has seen a rise in service fees from banks, rather than a direct correlation with sales revenue [26][27]. - The company reported a decrease in the provision for bad debts, indicating a shift in the management of receivables despite the overall increase in accounts receivable [26][29]. Cash and Cash Equivalents - As of the end of 2024, the company's cash and cash equivalents amounted to 1.145 billion yuan, with a significant portion held in a financial company, which has seen a gradual increase in deposits over the years [13][19]. - The interest income growth was lower than the increase in cash balances, primarily due to a decline in market interest rates [14][19]. - The company has optimized its cash management strategy by utilizing a financial company for efficient fund management and payment processing, enhancing operational liquidity [19][21]. Market Trends - The automotive industry is undergoing a structural transformation, with over 84.4% of dealers experiencing negative gross margins on new car sales due to increased competition and the rise of EVs [26]. - The company is positioned in a highly competitive segment, facing direct impacts from the shift towards EVs, which has led to a significant reduction in sales of traditional fuel vehicles [11][26].