Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-05-11 10:04Core Viewpoint - The company, Haohai Biological Technology (昊海生科), is facing significant challenges due to insider trading investigations involving its major shareholder, Jiang Wei, and a sharp decline in revenue growth and profitability in its core business segments, particularly in the medical aesthetics sector [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Haohai's revenue growth plummeted to 1.64%, with net profit only slightly increasing by 1.04%. In Q1 2025, both revenue and net profit further declined, with revenue decreasing by 4.25% and net profit dropping by 7.41% [1]. - The company announced a cash dividend of 231 million yuan in 2024, which accounted for 54.92% of its net profit, raising concerns about its financial sustainability amid declining performance [1][8]. Business Segments - The medical aesthetics segment, particularly the hyaluronic acid business, saw revenue of 742 million yuan in 2024, a significant slowdown from a 95.54% growth in 2023 to just 23.23% [5][6]. - The ophthalmology segment, as the second-largest supplier of artificial lenses in China, experienced a revenue decline of 7.60% in 2024, with specific product lines like artificial lenses and ophthalmic viscoelastic devices seeing drops of 14.06% and 19.53%, respectively [7][8]. Market Challenges - The hyaluronic acid market is facing intense competition, with over 400 brands and more than 50 approved Class III medical devices, leading to market saturation [5][6]. - The rise of alternative materials, such as collagen-based products, is impacting the demand for hyaluronic acid, with the retail market for collagen products projected to reach 173.8 billion yuan by 2027 [6]. - Regulatory changes have also affected the radiofrequency and laser equipment business, with new classifications requiring re-approval, leading to a 6.97% revenue decline in this segment [6]. Governance and Control - Jiang Wei and his wife, You Jie, control approximately 45.82% of the company’s shares, allowing them significant influence over corporate decisions despite Jiang not holding an official position [5][1]. - Concerns about corporate governance have been heightened due to the ongoing investigation into Jiang Wei, which may reflect deeper issues within the company's management practices [1][2].