熔断！暴跌72% 扫地机器人鼻祖破产！中资或接盘

Core Viewpoint - iRobot, the pioneer of robotic vacuum cleaners, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. due to declining sales, increased competition, and rising operational costs from new tariffs [1][10]. Company Overview - iRobot was founded in 1990 by MIT professors Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle, and Helen Greiner, and launched the first Roomba vacuum in 2002 [11]. - The company went public in 2005 and saw its stock peak at $197.4 in 2021, with a market cap exceeding $6 billion. However, its stock price fell to $4.3, resulting in a market cap of $140 million by the previous week [3][11]. Financial Performance - iRobot's revenue has been on a decline, dropping from $1.183 billion in 2022 to an estimated $682 million in 2024. The company reported a net profit of $286 million in 2022 but is projected to incur a loss of $146 million in 2024 [4][15]. - The company has faced a vicious cycle of rising costs and declining prices due to competition from Chinese brands, leading to shrinking profit margins [4][14]. Impact of Tariffs - The U.S. government's introduction of a 46% tariff on home appliances imported from Vietnam, where iRobot manufactures its products, is expected to add approximately $23 million to operational costs in 2025, further straining profit margins [4][14]. Acquisition Attempts - Amazon attempted to acquire iRobot for $1.7 billion in August 2022, but the deal was ultimately terminated in January 2024 due to regulatory hurdles, with the acquisition price dropping to $1.4 billion before cancellation [5][15]. - Following the termination of the acquisition, iRobot received $94 million in breakup fees, most of which went to pay consulting fees and repay a $200 million loan from Carlyle Group [15]. New Ownership - Shenzhen PICEA Robotics Co. and its subsidiary Santrum Hong Kong Co. will acquire all shares of iRobot, leading to its delisting from NASDAQ and privatization [16]. - This acquisition aims to significantly improve iRobot's balance sheet and ensure continued operations while maintaining its global business presence [18]. Market Trends - According to IDC, global shipments of smart robotic vacuums reached 17.424 million units in the first three quarters of 2025, marking an 18.7% year-over-year increase [18]. - Chinese companies dominate the market, with Roborock leading at 3.788 million units shipped, followed by Ecovacs with 2.453 million units, reflecting a 27.7% growth [9][18].