负债率超8成仍分红38亿，格力“死对头”二次冲击港股IPO！

Core Viewpoint - The company, AUX Electric Co., Ltd., has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the second time, facing challenges such as high debt, reliance on ODM, and shortcomings in R&D despite revenue growth and increased market share [1][2]. Company Development Path - AUX previously attempted to list on the New Third Board in 2016 but delisted in 2017 due to insufficient market liquidity. From 2018 to 2023, the company sought to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange but did not submit an application after completing advisory services [2]. Market Position - AUX has been in the air conditioning industry for over 30 years but remains a latecomer compared to established giants [3]. Competitive Strategy - Initially, AUX adopted a low-price strategy to compete with much larger rivals, which boosted sales and brand recognition but also led to backlash from competitors, particularly Gree Electric Appliances [4]. Legal Battles - AUX has faced multiple lawsuits from Gree, resulting in significant financial penalties. Despite these challenges, AUX's performance has exceeded market expectations [5][7]. Financial Performance - AUX's revenue for 2022, 2023, and projected 2024 is RMB 19.53 billion, RMB 24.83 billion, and RMB 29.76 billion, respectively, with net profits of RMB 1.44 billion, RMB 2.49 billion, and RMB 2.91 billion [8][10]. Growth Comparison - AUX's revenue growth of 52.39% and net profit growth of 101.80% from 2022 to 2024 contrasts sharply with larger competitors like Midea, Haier, and Gree, which have significantly higher revenue and profit figures [10]. Profitability Challenges - AUX's gross margins are lower than those of its competitors, with figures of 21.3%, 21.8%, and 21.0% from 2022 to 2024, indicating limited pricing power and vulnerability to cost fluctuations [10][11]. R&D Investment - AUX's cumulative R&D expenses from 2022 to 2024 are less than RMB 2 billion, with a 2024 R&D expense of RMB 710 million, significantly lower than its competitors [11]. Debt Levels - AUX's debt ratio remains high, with figures of 88.3%, 78.8%, 84.1%, and 82.5% from 2022 to 2025 Q1, alongside substantial dividend payouts that raise concerns about financial sustainability [12][14]. Revenue Sources - The majority of AUX's revenue comes from overseas markets, with overseas sales contributing 42.9%, 41.9%, and 49.3% of total revenue from 2022 to 2024, primarily from ODM business [15]. Market Share Decline - AUX has lost its leading position in online sales, now ranking fifth, while competitors like Midea and Gree dominate the online market [16].