高管减持与大额回购，贝壳站到新路口

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent stock sell-off by Beike's management and the company's significant share buyback efforts, indicating a pivotal moment for Beike amid industry challenges and strategic transformations [3][4][5]. Management Share Changes - Beike's co-founder and CEO Peng Yongdong plans to sell 1.4 million ADS, equivalent to 4.2 million Class A ordinary shares, valued at approximately $24.05 million (around 170 million RMB) to fulfill a previously announced donation plan of 9 million shares [4][6]. - This marks Peng's first share reduction since Beike's IPO in 2020, leading to a drop in Beike's stock prices on both Hong Kong and US markets [4][5]. Share Buyback Initiatives - Beike has accelerated its share buyback program, spending nearly $30 million in December alone, with a total buyback amount reaching $280 million in Q3 2023, a 38.3% year-on-year increase [5][18]. - Despite these buybacks, Beike's stock price remains significantly lower than its peak of nearly $80 per share at the time of its IPO [5]. Financial Performance Overview - Beike's financial performance has been under pressure, with a notable decline in net income and profitability in recent years. In 2021, net income grew by nearly 15%, but profits turned to losses [9]. - In 2022, net income decreased by 25%, with net losses widening from 500 million RMB to 1.4 billion RMB. However, in 2023, net income increased by 28%, but operating profit and net profit were adjusted downward for 2024 [9][12]. Business Segment Analysis - The core business segments, including existing and new housing, are under pressure, contributing to overall profitability challenges. The rental service segment is the only growth area, with a 45.3% increase in net income [12][16]. - The existing housing and new housing segments accounted for 55% of total revenue, but their declining performance is impacting Beike's overall profitability [13][16]. Strategic Adjustments - Beike has been diversifying its business strategy since 2021, introducing home decoration and rental services, and later adding residential development to mitigate reliance on traditional real estate brokerage [17]. - Despite these efforts, new business segments have not yet achieved significant scale or profitability, and the company is facing substantial operational pressures, including rumors of large-scale layoffs [17][18]. Management Response to Challenges - In response to performance pressures, Beike has initiated a share buyback program to restore investor confidence, with a total buyback amount of approximately $2.3 billion since the program's inception [18]. - The management's decision to sell shares for charitable purposes partially addresses previous controversies regarding executive compensation amid declining performance [19].