Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic balance between change and stability that Chinese manufacturing, particularly Gree Electric Appliances, must navigate in an era of economic uncertainty and transformation [1][2]. Group 1: Gree's Stability - Gree Electric Appliances focuses on its core business of air conditioning, avoiding real estate and financial sectors, which has allowed it to build a strong competitive moat [4][5][6]. - The company has established a "strategic filtering mechanism" to evaluate new business opportunities, ensuring they align with its core competencies [6][8]. - Gree's commitment to quality is evident in its rigorous quality control measures, which have significantly reduced repair rates and enhanced brand reputation [7][9]. Group 2: Gree's Change - Gree is transitioning from a purely specialized approach to a related diversification strategy, leveraging its core technology in air conditioning to expand into home appliances and industrial products [14][15][16]. - The brand has undergone five iterations of its brand philosophy, evolving from a focus on product functionality to a global value-driven approach [17][18][19]. - Gree's channel strategy has shifted towards a more integrated and experiential model, enhancing customer engagement and sales efficiency [20][21][22]. Group 3: Industry Context - The Chinese home appliance industry is experiencing a significant reshuffle, driven by consumer upgrades and market challenges, necessitating strategic decisions from leading companies like Gree [2][24]. - The article emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term pain with long-term value in the face of rapid technological and market changes [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Gree Electric's financial performance in 2024, showcasing a shift from scale-driven growth to value creation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and technological innovation in a competitive market [1][3][8]. Financial Performance - Gree Electric reported a total revenue of 1900.38 billion yuan in 2024, a decrease of 148.16 billion yuan from 2039.79 billion yuan in 2023, while net profit increased by 31.67 billion yuan to 321.85 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.91% [1][3]. - The company announced a cash dividend of 20 yuan for every 10 shares, demonstrating its commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]. Market Strategy - Gree Electric's strategy focuses on maintaining profitability despite a declining revenue trend, with a gross margin of 34.91% in its consumer electronics segment, which remains among the highest in the industry [4]. - The company has transformed its marketing approach by controlling costs through channel reforms and investing in technology to achieve brand premium [4][6]. Technological Innovation - Gree Electric emphasizes long-term technological accumulation over short-term market share battles, with 48 research achievements recognized as "internationally leading" and over 130,000 patents filed [6][7]. - The company leads the global market in split air conditioning retail volume and has maintained its position in the central air conditioning market for 13 consecutive years [6]. Industry Positioning - Gree Electric's approach serves as a model for the industry, advocating for a shift from price competition to technology-driven differentiation, which is essential for the health of the market ecosystem [5][8]. - The company is expanding into high-value sectors such as industrial products and green energy, which accounted for 9.12% of its revenue in 2024, showing a 0.8% year-on-year growth [7]. Global Expansion - Gree Electric is actively pursuing international markets, with a 13.25% increase in overseas revenue in 2024, exporting to over 190 countries and regions, and achieving a 70% share of its export revenue from its own brands [7].