业绩亏损、资不抵债 扫地机器人鼻祖iRobot黯然退场

Core Viewpoint - iRobot has filed for bankruptcy protection and will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Chinese manufacturing company, following a series of financial struggles and a significant decline in market position [1][3][8]. Financial Performance - iRobot's third-quarter revenue for 2025 was only $146 million, a 24.6% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, with a net loss of $9.9 million, contrasting with a profit of $15.1 million in the previous year [5]. - The company owes over $350 million to its main creditor, Shenzhen-based Picea, while having only $24.8 million in cash and cash equivalents [4][6]. Market Position - iRobot's market share has plummeted from over 80% in the U.S. to 7.9% globally, with significant revenue declines in key regions: 43% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; 18% in the U.S.; and 6% in Japan [7][9]. - The company's stock price has drastically fallen from a peak of $197.4 in 2021 to around $4.3, leading to a market capitalization drop from over $6 billion to $140 million [7]. Competitive Landscape - iRobot faces intense competition from Chinese brands like Roborock and Ecovacs, which have adopted advanced technologies such as laser navigation, while iRobot has been slow to innovate [8][9]. - The introduction of a 46% tariff on home appliances imported from Vietnam by the U.S. government is expected to increase operational costs by approximately $23 million in 2025, further straining iRobot's financial situation [9]. Historical Context - Founded in 1990, iRobot was a pioneer in consumer robotics, launching the first Roomba vacuum in 2002. However, its performance deteriorated significantly in 2022, with a 24% revenue decline and a net loss of $286.3 million [6][8].