Xi Niu Cai Jing·2025-09-12 09:53Core Viewpoint - Yihuatong (688339.SH; 02402.HK) announced the termination of its major asset restructuring plan with Xuyang Group (01907.HK), marking the end of a six-month effort to merge the two companies [2][4]. Group 1: Restructuring Failure - The valuation dispute between Yihuatong and Xuyang Group was a significant factor in the failure of the restructuring, with Yihuatong's peak market value in 2023 being unacceptable to Xuyang Group, while the latter's 2024 valuation was not acceptable to Yihuatong [4]. - Yihuatong's market value peaked at over 10 billion RMB during the hydrogen energy boom in 2023, but has since significantly declined, with a reported revenue drop of 54% in 2024 to 367 million RMB and a record net loss of 453 million RMB [4][5]. - Control disputes also contributed to the restructuring failure, as Xuyang Group demanded a majority of board seats, which Yihuatong's founding team refused to concede [6]. Group 2: Industry Context - The hydrogen fuel cell industry is experiencing a downturn, with a 47.2% decrease in fuel cell vehicle production in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year [11]. - The cost of hydrogen fuel cell systems remains high compared to traditional fuel engines, posing challenges for commercialization [11]. - Despite the restructuring failure, Yihuatong's strategy to extend upstream in the hydrogen supply chain remains valid, as Xuyang Group could have provided cost-effective hydrogen supply [12]. Group 3: Future Strategies - Yihuatong needs to focus on improving cash flow by accelerating accounts receivable collection, with a reported accounts receivable balance of 2.13 billion RMB, nearly 30 times its revenue for the first half of 2025 [13]. - Expanding application scenarios for fuel cell vehicles is crucial, as the market is diversifying beyond public transport to include logistics and other sectors [13]. - Cost control measures are being implemented, including a reduction in R&D personnel from 346 in 2024 to 128 in the first half of 2025 [13]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The failure of the restructuring is not the end for Yihuatong, as the hydrogen energy sector is expected to grow, with predictions that China will account for nearly 70% of global green hydrogen manufacturing capacity by 2025 [14][17]. - The company must maintain its energy and readiness for when the market conditions improve, as indicated by ongoing supportive policies from the government [17].