Core Viewpoint - Aux Electric Co., Ltd., led by entrepreneur Zheng Jianjiang, has successfully listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after seven years of preparation, marking a significant milestone for the company in the air conditioning industry [1][5] Company Overview - Aux Electric primarily focuses on air conditioning manufacturing and was officially listed on September 2, 2025, with an initial share price of HKD 17.42. However, the stock price fell by 7% on its first day, closing at HKD 16.73, giving the company a market capitalization of approximately HKD 257.27 billion [1] - Zheng Jianjiang, at 64 years old, has now taken his third company public, having previously listed SamSung Medical and Aux International [1] Industry Context - Aux has rapidly risen in the air conditioning sector through smart products and competitive pricing strategies, gaining positive consumer feedback, particularly for its mobile app remote control features [3] - The company has been embroiled in a long-standing patent dispute with Gree Electric, which has filed 27 lawsuits against Aux for patent infringement since 2013, winning all cases [3] - Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Aux has demonstrated strong financial growth, with revenue increasing from CNY 19.528 billion in 2022 to CNY 29.759 billion in 2024, and net profit rising from CNY 1.442 billion to CNY 2.91 billion during the same period [3] - In Q1 2025, Aux reported revenue of CNY 9.352 billion, a 27% year-on-year increase, and a net profit of CNY 0.925 billion, up 23% year-on-year [3] Market Positioning - Aux's journey to listing has been marked by several attempts, including a brief stint on the New Third Board in 2016 and an unsuccessful bid for A-share listing in 2023. The company finally turned to the Hong Kong market, submitting its application in January 2025 and successfully passing the hearing in August [5] - The competition between Aux and Gree represents a broader market struggle, with Gree maintaining a stronghold in first- and second-tier cities, while Aux has adopted a "rural encirclement of cities" strategy, leveraging low prices and e-commerce channels to capture market share [5] - Despite Aux's impressive growth, it still lags behind Gree, which reported revenue of CNY 190.038 billion in 2024 compared to Aux's CNY 29.759 billion. However, Aux's successful listing is expected to provide the necessary capital to enhance its competitive position and address ongoing patent disputes [5]

Group 1 - AUX Electric officially listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 2, with an IPO price of HKD 17.42 per share, resulting in a market capitalization of approximately HKD 27 billion [1] - The founder, Zheng Jianjiang, transitioned from a car repairman to the head of the world's fifth-largest air conditioning supplier, utilizing a low-price strategy to gain market share [1][2] - Since 2018, AUX has been preparing for its IPO, moving from the A-share market to the Hong Kong market, reflecting the current trend of companies seeking to list in Hong Kong [1][4] Group 2 - Zheng Jianjiang, born in 1961 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, started his entrepreneurial journey by taking over a struggling parts factory, eventually entering the air conditioning industry in 1994 [2] - AUX's pricing strategy involved setting prices 60% lower than imported products and 30% lower than domestic competitors, allowing the company to become the fourth largest in China within five years [2][3] - The company faced criticism for disrupting the market, particularly from competitors like Gree, leading to ongoing legal disputes over patents and trade secrets [3] Group 3 - According to the prospectus, AUX's revenue projections for 2022-2024 are CNY 19.528 billion, CNY 24.832 billion, and CNY 29.759 billion, with adjusted net profits of CNY 1.449 billion, CNY 2.511 billion, and CNY 2.935 billion respectively [3] - AUX's market share is projected to reach 7.1% by 2024, solidifying its position as a major player in the global air conditioning market [3] Group 4 - AUX has expanded its overseas market presence since 2015, with sales in over 150 countries, contributing nearly half of its revenue [5] - The company plans to use funds from the IPO to enhance global research and development, upgrade smart manufacturing systems, and strengthen sales channels [5] - The Hong Kong IPO is seen as a strategic move for global expansion, aligning with the trend of many Chinese companies seeking to establish a presence in international markets [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Company plans to globally offer approximately 207 million shares, with an estimated net proceeds of about HKD 3.287 billion based on a share price of HKD 16.71 [1][3][5] Group 1: Share Offering Details - The global offering includes 10.3582 million shares for Hong Kong and approximately 196.803 million shares for international sale, with a maximum offer price of HKD 17.42 per share [1][3] - The offering is expected to commence trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 2, 2025 [1] - The company has a 15% over-allotment option for additional shares [1] Group 2: Fund Utilization - 50% of the proceeds will be used to upgrade the company's smart manufacturing system and supply chain management [3] - Approximately 20% will be allocated for global research and development [3] - Another 20% will strengthen sales and distribution channels, while the remaining 10% will be used for general working capital [3] Group 3: Company Performance and Market Position - Company reported revenues of CNY 195.28 billion, CNY 248.32 billion, and CNY 297.59 billion for the years 2022 to 2024, with adjusted net profits of CNY 14.49 billion, CNY 25.11 billion, and CNY 29.35 billion respectively [5][6] - As of the first quarter of this year, the company achieved a revenue of CNY 73.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 27%, with profits rising 23% to CNY 9.2 billion [5] - The company is the fifth largest air conditioning provider globally, holding a market share of 7.1% as of 2024 [5] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The company's low-price strategy has significantly compressed profit margins, with gross margins of 21.3%, 21.8%, and 21.5% for 2022, 2023, and the first three quarters of 2024 respectively [6] - The company faces stiff competition from leading brands like Gree and Midea, which have significantly higher gross margins [6] - The company's market share in online air conditioning sales has dropped from 28.57% in 2018 to 5.02% in 2025, ranking sixth [6] Group 5: Financial Health and Liabilities - The company has a high debt ratio, with asset-liability ratios of 88.3%, 78.8%, 84.1%, and 82.5% from 2022 to the first quarter of 2025 [8] - Short-term debt pressure is notable, with current liabilities reaching CNY 172.84 billion against cash reserves of only CNY 28.96 billion [8] - The company has accumulated significant trade payables, with accounts payable and notes payable totaling CNY 97.5 billion, constituting 50% of total liabilities [8]

Core Viewpoint - Gree's air conditioning market share has significantly declined, particularly during the peak sales season in July, leading to increased competition from Xiaomi and the impending entry of Huawei into the air conditioning market [1][3][6]. Market Performance - In July, Gree's air conditioning sales dropped by 16.9% year-on-year, with its market share falling to 17.2% [1][3]. - Midea remains the market leader with a share of 26.8%, despite a 5.3% decline [3]. - Xiaomi's market share has surged to 13.7%, reflecting a remarkable year-on-year growth of 53.9% [3][6]. - Gree's market position is threatened as the gap between Gree and Xiaomi has narrowed to 3.5% [3][6]. Competitive Landscape - The entry of Huawei into the air conditioning sector is a significant concern for Gree, as Huawei plans to leverage its technology and ecosystem to compete effectively [6][10]. - Huawei's air conditioning products will follow a model similar to its automotive strategy, focusing on software and ecosystem integration rather than traditional manufacturing [8][10]. - The competition is shifting from product-based to ecosystem-based, with Xiaomi already demonstrating success in this area [10]. Strategic Implications - Gree has the potential to collaborate with Huawei to create a new air conditioning brand, although it remains uncertain whether Gree's leadership will consider such a partnership [12].

Core Viewpoint - Aux Electric Co., Ltd. is attempting to go public in Hong Kong after previous unsuccessful attempts in A-shares and New Third Board, highlighting a decade-long pursuit of listing amid high growth and significant financial risks [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - From 2022 to 2024, Aux's revenue is projected to grow from 19.53 billion to 29.76 billion RMB, a 52.8% increase, while net profit is expected to rise from 1.44 billion to 2.91 billion RMB, a 102% increase [2][3]. - The overseas market has been a significant contributor, with revenues from international sales increasing from 8.39 billion in 2022 to 14.68 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly half of total revenue [2][3]. - Despite high growth, the company faces challenges with accounts receivable increasing from 1.428 billion to 3 billion RMB over three years, indicating deteriorating collection efficiency [4]. Group 2: Dividend Controversy - Aux declared a substantial dividend of 3.794 billion RMB in 2024, exceeding its net profit of 2.91 billion RMB for the same year, raising concerns about financial prudence [5][6]. - The founder's family, holding 96.36% of the shares, stands to receive over 3.656 billion RMB from this dividend, which is 55% of the total net profit from 2022 to 2024 [6][7]. - The dividend was funded through cash reserves, leading to a reduction in liquid assets and increasing net current liabilities [8][11]. Group 3: Product Quality Issues - Aux has faced numerous consumer complaints, totaling 6,383, regarding product quality, including issues with air conditioners and other appliances [16][18]. - Reports of product malfunctions, including fires and electrical failures, have raised serious concerns about safety and reliability [19][21]. - The company's low-cost strategy has resulted in lower profit margins and less investment in research and development compared to competitors like Gree and Midea, which may hinder its ability to adapt to market changes [16][22].

Core Viewpoint - The company, AUX Electric Co., Ltd., has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the second time, facing challenges such as high debt, reliance on ODM, and shortcomings in R&D despite revenue growth and increased market share [1][2]. Company Development Path - AUX previously attempted to list on the New Third Board in 2016 but delisted in 2017 due to insufficient market liquidity. From 2018 to 2023, the company sought to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange but did not submit an application after completing advisory services [2]. Market Position - AUX has been in the air conditioning industry for over 30 years but remains a latecomer compared to established giants [3]. Competitive Strategy - Initially, AUX adopted a low-price strategy to compete with much larger rivals, which boosted sales and brand recognition but also led to backlash from competitors, particularly Gree Electric Appliances [4]. Legal Battles - AUX has faced multiple lawsuits from Gree, resulting in significant financial penalties. Despite these challenges, AUX's performance has exceeded market expectations [5][7]. Financial Performance - AUX's revenue for 2022, 2023, and projected 2024 is RMB 19.53 billion, RMB 24.83 billion, and RMB 29.76 billion, respectively, with net profits of RMB 1.44 billion, RMB 2.49 billion, and RMB 2.91 billion [8][10]. Growth Comparison - AUX's revenue growth of 52.39% and net profit growth of 101.80% from 2022 to 2024 contrasts sharply with larger competitors like Midea, Haier, and Gree, which have significantly higher revenue and profit figures [10]. Profitability Challenges - AUX's gross margins are lower than those of its competitors, with figures of 21.3%, 21.8%, and 21.0% from 2022 to 2024, indicating limited pricing power and vulnerability to cost fluctuations [10][11]. R&D Investment - AUX's cumulative R&D expenses from 2022 to 2024 are less than RMB 2 billion, with a 2024 R&D expense of RMB 710 million, significantly lower than its competitors [11]. Debt Levels - AUX's debt ratio remains high, with figures of 88.3%, 78.8%, 84.1%, and 82.5% from 2022 to 2025 Q1, alongside substantial dividend payouts that raise concerns about financial sustainability [12][14]. Revenue Sources - The majority of AUX's revenue comes from overseas markets, with overseas sales contributing 42.9%, 41.9%, and 49.3% of total revenue from 2022 to 2024, primarily from ODM business [15]. Market Share Decline - AUX has lost its leading position in online sales, now ranking fifth, while competitors like Midea and Gree dominate the online market [16].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Aux, is making a significant dividend payout of 3.79 billion yuan just before its IPO in Hong Kong, raising questions about its financial strategy and future prospects [1][4][27]. Financial Strategy - Aux's decision to distribute 3.79 billion yuan in dividends is unusual, especially as it reduces its cash reserves from 5.1 billion yuan to 2.9 billion yuan, nearly exhausting its profits from the past two years [3][4]. - The company's long-standing high debt ratio of 85% poses a risk to its cash flow, making the timing of the dividend payout questionable [6][12]. Ownership and Control - The company is tightly controlled by its founder, Zheng Jianjiang, and his family, who collectively hold 96.36% of the shares, ensuring unified decision-making [7][11]. - The substantial dividend payout primarily benefits the Zheng family, with 3.652 billion yuan flowing into their pockets [12]. Market Position and Challenges - Aux has faced increasing competition from industry giants like Gree and Midea, as well as new entrants like Xiaomi, which have eroded its market share despite attempts to lower prices [15][17]. - The company's low profit margins, approximately 21%, limit its ability to compete effectively in the market [17]. Reputation and Legal Issues - Aux has suffered reputational damage due to a series of legal battles with Gree, resulting in significant financial penalties and negative consumer perceptions [18]. - Complaints regarding product quality and service continue to plague the company, further impacting its brand image [18]. Technological and Operational Limitations - Aux's R&D investment has been insufficient, averaging less than 600 million yuan over the past three years, which is only a fraction of what industry leaders spend [21]. - The company relies heavily on external suppliers for key components, limiting its technological independence and innovation potential [21]. IPO Motivation - The upcoming IPO is seen as a dual strategy for self-rescue and cashing out, allowing the founder to secure past gains while transferring future risks to public investors [25][27]. - The significant dividend payout before the IPO is viewed as a way to lock in the company's accumulated value while offloading operational challenges to new shareholders [27][29].

Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the upcoming IPO of AUX Electric Co., a major player in the air conditioning market, which is seeking to capitalize on the current hot IPO environment in Hong Kong after a previous unsuccessful attempt in January 2025 [1][11]. Company Overview - AUX Electric Co. is recognized as the "fifth largest air conditioning supplier globally" and has a history dating back to the 1990s when it entered the burgeoning Chinese air conditioning market [1][11]. - The company was founded by Zheng Jianjiang, who aimed to disrupt the market dominated by high-priced competitors by initiating aggressive price wars, earning the nickname "air conditioning butcher" [1][6]. Market Position and Strategy - AUX has achieved significant revenue growth, with projected revenues of 195.28 billion yuan, 248.32 billion yuan, and 297.59 billion yuan for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively, alongside adjusted net profits of 14.49 billion yuan, 25.11 billion yuan, and 29.35 billion yuan [11]. - The company has successfully expanded its market presence internationally, operating in over 150 countries and regions, while focusing on lower-tier domestic markets to avoid competition with major players like Gree and Midea [2][9]. Competitive Landscape - The air conditioning market has seen a shift from a single dominant player to a more fragmented competitive landscape, with AUX's aggressive pricing strategy significantly impacting competitors like Spring Lan [1][8]. - Despite its growth, AUX still lags behind major competitors, with Midea's revenue reaching 407.2 billion yuan and Gree's at 190 billion yuan, indicating a substantial gap in market share and financial performance [2][11]. IPO Context - The recent surge in IPO activity in Hong Kong presents a strategic opportunity for AUX to secure funding and enhance its market position, especially after a significant pre-IPO dividend payout of 3.794 billion yuan [11]. - The company aims to leverage its global market share of 7.1% to attract investors and establish a stronger foothold in the competitive air conditioning industry [11].

Core Viewpoint - AUX Electric Co., Ltd. (AUX) has completed its listing application for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking a significant step for the company founded by grassroots entrepreneur Zheng Jianjiang, known for his aggressive pricing strategies in the air conditioning market [4][5][6]. Company Background - Zheng Jianjiang, born in 1961 in Ningbo, started his career as a car repairman and later ventured into the air conditioning industry by founding AUX in 1994, adopting a low-price strategy that earned him the nickname "price butcher" [7][9]. - AUX's market entry strategy involved pricing its air conditioners approximately 60% lower than imported brands and 30% lower than domestic competitors, allowing the company to quickly rise to the fourth position in the domestic market within five years [9][10]. Financial Performance - AUX's revenue for the years 2022 to 2024 is projected to be RMB 19.53 billion, RMB 24.83 billion, and RMB 29.76 billion, with adjusted net profits of RMB 1.45 billion, RMB 2.51 billion, and RMB 2.93 billion respectively [15][16]. - The company has seen significant growth in its air conditioning sales, with volumes increasing from 10.2 million units in 2021 to 17.1 million units in 2024, making it the fifth largest air conditioning provider globally with a market share of 7.1% [17]. Market Strategy - AUX has expanded its international presence, entering markets in Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam, with overseas sales contributing nearly half of its revenue by 2025 [17][20]. - The company plans to use the funds raised from its IPO to enhance global research and development, upgrade its smart manufacturing systems, and strengthen its sales and distribution channels [20][21]. Competitive Landscape - Despite AUX's growth, it still lags behind major competitors like Gree and Midea, which reported revenues of RMB 190.2 billion, RMB 205 billion, and RMB 345.7 billion, RMB 373.7 billion, respectively, during the same period [17]. - The company faces challenges such as rising raw material costs and ongoing patent disputes, which could impact its competitive pricing strategy [17][19].