折掉近千亿，中国防水大王，大破防！

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Dongfang Yuhong, a leading waterproofing company in China, following a significant decline in its stock price and profitability due to the downturn in the real estate market. The founder, Li Weiguo, is attempting to navigate the company through these turbulent times while addressing employee concerns regarding a previously promised employee stock ownership plan [4][5][7]. Group 1: Company Background and Achievements - Dongfang Yuhong was founded 30 years ago by Li Weiguo, who initially started the business to address personal experiences with leaking roofs. The company has since become the world's largest producer of waterproofing materials, with sales of waterproofing membranes long enough to circle the Earth 400 times [5][7]. - The company went public in 2008, leveraging its reputation from major projects like the Water Cube and Bird's Nest during the Beijing Olympics, which helped establish a strong market presence [20][18]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Challenges - In 2024, Dongfang Yuhong reported a net profit of only 1.08 billion yuan, a staggering 95.24% decrease compared to previous years, leading to a significant loss in market capitalization [5][11]. - The company's stock price plummeted from over 60 yuan to around 25 yuan, prompting concerns among employees who participated in an employee stock ownership plan that promised returns [8][9]. Group 3: Employee Stock Ownership Plan - The employee stock ownership plan initiated by Li Weiguo involved 1,411 employees investing 13.77 billion yuan, with a total of 27.59 billion yuan raised through leverage. However, the subsequent decline in stock price has led to significant financial losses for employees [7][8]. - Li Weiguo is estimated to face a compensation liability of 1.8 billion yuan due to the promises made under the employee stock ownership plan [9][13]. Group 4: Strategic Responses - In response to the financial crisis, Li Weiguo has engaged in significant stock pledging and cashing out, selling over 40 million shares in 2024 alone, raising approximately 6.5 billion yuan [10][11]. - The company has also implemented aggressive dividend payouts, distributing 29.35 billion yuan in 2024, which exceeded its net profit for that year, raising concerns among shareholders about the sustainability of such practices [11][13]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - Dongfang Yuhong is attempting to pivot its strategy by focusing on consumer needs, expanding into non-waterproofing products, and enhancing its global presence through overseas factories and acquisitions [25][28]. - Despite these efforts, the company faces significant challenges, including high accounts receivable and a shrinking market for its core products, making recovery difficult [26][28].