On Sunday, iRobot filed for bankruptcy protection and said it will hand over its business to two Chinese companies and go private, marking the culmination of a years-long fall from grace. The company, which warned in March about its ability to remain a going concern, filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware bankruptcy court as it faces intensifying competition from lower-priced rivals and new U.S. tariffs.Shares of the consumer robotics company have struggled in 2025, weighed down by intense overseas com ...

Roomba maker iRobot has filed for bankruptcy – and customers are worried that their pricey vacuums could stop working.The 35-year-old, publicly held company will be taken over by its Chinese supplier, Shenzhen Picea Robotics, and become a privately held business, according to the Delaware bankruptcy filing on Sunday.The Massachusetts-based company — whose robot vacuums cost up to $1,300 — has been struggling since a deal for Amazon to acquire it for $1.7 billion fell apart in 2024.  3 Roomba cleaners firs ...

Core Viewpoint - iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, indicating significant financial distress and a plan to be acquired by Picea Robotics, its primary manufacturer [1][6]. Financial Performance - iRobot's revenue in the third quarter was $145.8 million, a decrease from $193.4 million year-over-year, reflecting a 24.6% decline [7]. - The company reported an operating loss of $17.7 million, contrasting with a profit of $7.3 million in the same quarter of the previous year [7]. Market Impact - Following the bankruptcy announcement, iRobot's stock price fell over 65% from $4.32, indicating a severe negative reaction from the market [4]. - The company faced challenges due to tariff policies, resulting in increased costs of $23 million and a 33% drop in U.S. sales in the third quarter compared to the previous year [5][6]. Strategic Outlook - CEO Gary Cohen emphasized that the transaction with Picea Robotics aims to secure iRobot's long-term future and maintain continuity for consumers and partners [2]. - iRobot plans to continue operations during the bankruptcy proceedings, including maintaining its app functionality and customer support [4].

Core Insights - iRobot, the company behind Roomba vacuum cleaners, has filed for bankruptcy protection, attributing its downfall to increased competition and rising costs from tariffs [1][2][3] Company Overview - iRobot was founded in 1990 by engineers from MIT, initially focusing on defense and space before shifting to consumer robotics with the launch of Roomba in 2002 [2] - The company achieved a market share of approximately 42% in the U.S. and 65% in Japan for its vacuum cleaners [2] Financial Performance - In the previous year, iRobot generated around $682 million in revenue but faced pressure to lower prices and increase development spending due to fierce competition from rivals like Ecovacs Robotics [3] - The company's valuation plummeted from $3.56 billion in 2021 to just $140 million at the time of the bankruptcy filing [4] Tariff Impact - iRobot's manufacturing in Vietnam was significantly affected by a 46% import duty imposed under President Trump's tariff regime, leading to an increase in costs by $23 million in the current year [2] Bankruptcy Details - iRobot owes $352 million to its main supplier, Shenzhen Picea Robotics, with $91 million of that amount being past due [5] - As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Shenzhen Picea Robotics will acquire 100% of iRobot's equity interest, allowing the company to continue operations [5]

The consumer robot developer has been struggling for years amid fierce competition from abroad. ...

iRobot, the maker of the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday, marking a dramatic reversal for a company that once defined the consumer robotics industry... ...

iRobot has filed for bankruptcy after reaching a restructuring support agreement that will hand control of the consumer robot maker to Shenzhen PICEA, its main supplier and lender, and Santrum Hong Kong https://t.co/GYNlWARZPI ...

Core Viewpoint - iRobot Corporation has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement with its secured lender and primary contract manufacturer, Picea, to facilitate its acquisition through a court-supervised chapter 11 process, aiming to strengthen its financial foundation and ensure long-term growth and innovation [1][3][4] Group 1: Transaction Details - iRobot and certain affiliates have voluntarily commenced a pre-packaged chapter 11 process in the District of Delaware, expecting to complete it by February 2026 [2] - Under the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement, Picea will acquire 100% of iRobot's equity interests, which will help deleverage the company's balance sheet and allow it to continue operations and product development [3][6] - The transaction is designed to enhance financial stability, reduce debt, and support continued innovation in iRobot's robotics and smart home device portfolio [3][6] Group 2: Operational Continuity - During the chapter 11 process, iRobot will continue its operations without disruption to app functionality, customer programs, or supply chain relationships, ensuring business continuity [5] - The company has filed customary motions with the Court to meet commitments to employees and make timely payments to vendors and creditors [5] Group 3: Future Outlook - Following court approval, iRobot expects to be better positioned for long-term innovation under Picea's ownership, transitioning to a private company wholly owned by Picea [6] - The transaction aims to provide a more stable balance sheet and renewed capacity for investment in next-generation robotics and smart home innovations [6] - Holders of iRobot's common stock are expected to experience a total loss of their investment, as all outstanding equity interests will be canceled if the chapter 11 plan is approved [7]

Core Viewpoint - iRobot has gained significant attention in the robotics stock market, with its stock price surging due to heavy trading volume and short interest, raising questions about its potential to reach $11 by 2026 [1] Company Overview - iRobot, founded in 1990, is a leader in consumer robotics, particularly known for its Roomba vacuum launched in 2002, and offers a variety of autonomous cleaning products globally [2] Stock Performance - iRobot's market cap is approximately $167 million, with the stock experiencing a 67% surge in the last five days, driven by speculation of a robotics-focused executive order from the Trump administration [3] - Despite the recent rally, iRobot's stock is down 34% year-to-date, facing challenges such as declining sales, increased costs, and pressures from tariffs and product delays [3] Financial Metrics - The company's EV-sales ratio stands at 0.7x, indicating a 50% discount compared to the sector, suggesting that the stock may be undervalued relative to its peers [4] Recent Financial Performance - iRobot reported revenue of $145.8 million in the latest quarter, which is 25% lower than the same period last year, with U.S. sales down 33%, EMEA down 13%, and Japan down 9% [5]

Company Overview - iRobot Corporation (IRBT) is based in Bedford, Massachusetts and was founded in 1990, specializing in consumer robots [1] - The company's most recognized product is the Roomba robotic vacuum, along with floor-mopping robots and other smart home devices [1] Investment Focus - The analysis primarily targets small- to mid-cap companies, which are often overlooked by many investors, while occasionally reviewing large-cap companies for a broader market perspective [1]