“缺钱”的马可波罗，上市救急

Core Viewpoint - The IPO journey of Marco Polo, a leading player in the ceramic tile industry, has faced significant challenges despite its strong market position, raising concerns among investors about its future performance and the overall market conditions [1][2][4]. Group 1: IPO Progress and Challenges - Marco Polo submitted its IPO application to the China Securities Regulatory Commission in May 2022, but faced delays due to regulatory changes and market conditions, eventually moving to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange for review in March 2023 [2][4]. - The company was initially approved for listing but faced a suspension of its IPO review in May 2024, leading to a request for a review halt in July 2024, reflecting the unfavorable market environment for traditional consumer goods companies [4][5]. - The company has been criticized for its cash dividends totaling 823 million yuan before going public, raising suspicions about its intentions and financial health [5][6]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Conditions - Marco Polo reported a revenue of 8.925 billion yuan in 2023, a slight increase of 3.05% year-on-year, but projected a decline in revenue for 2024 by 16.75% to 18.99% due to intensified market competition [6][8]. - The company's net profit has also been declining, with figures of 1.514 billion yuan, 1.353 billion yuan, and 1.327 billion yuan from 2022 to 2024, indicating a downward trend in profitability [8][9]. - The ceramic tile industry is facing significant challenges due to a cooling real estate market, with actual production expected to drop by 12.18% in 2024 compared to 2023, further impacting demand for ceramic products [8][9]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments and Market Position - Marco Polo is attempting to adapt to market changes by exploring new retail strategies and enhancing its product offerings, including a focus on smart home solutions and partnerships with other companies [10][12]. - The company has shifted its sales strategy to focus on retail and engineering channels, reducing reliance on real estate clients, which have historically posed risks [9][10]. - Despite these efforts, the competitive landscape remains intense, with price competition leading to a decline in gross margins from 47.11% in 2019 to 38.46% in 2024, raising concerns about long-term sustainability [12][13].