SharkNinja Debuts on Stock Exchange Amidst Challenges
SharkNinja, a home appliance and vacuum cleaner company, made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange after being spun off from Hong Kong’s JS Global Lifestyle. Despite a strong start, with shares soaring 40% on the first day, the stock’s performance declined in the following days.
Challenges for SharkNinja and China-Linked Companies
SharkNinja faces challenges due to mounting geopolitical tensions between the US and China, as well as the high costs associated with navigating a strained trade relationship. However, the company has established itself in the US market, generating $3.7 billion in revenue last year, with 70% of its revenue coming from North America.
Competition and Market Share
SharkNinja holds a significant market share in the US for upright vacuums and electric grills. Its robot vacuum market share has also grown from 15% to 25% from 2019 to 2022. However, its rival iRobot, which Amazon plans to acquire, has faced challenges and a loss of market share.
China Connection and Financial Dependence
SharkNinja’s finances remain closely tied to China. The company has paid over $3.3 billion to JS Global subsidiaries for merchandise and goods made in China. It also relies on JS Global for certain supply chain services. Tariff exemptions and intellectual property issues pose additional risks for SharkNinja.
Regulatory and Market Concerns
National security and regulatory concerns related to investing in advanced Chinese technology pose risks for SharkNinja. The Federal Trade Commission is scrutinizing the Amazon-iRobot deal, and the market for tech IPOs has slowed significantly. SharkNinja’s debut on the stock exchange reflects these challenges.