Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several brokerage firms that support Juzi Biological, criticizing the notion that sodium hyaluronate is outdated and emphasizing the ongoing relevance of hyaluronic acid in the beauty and medical aesthetics industry [1][3]. Company Performance - Huaxi Biological's market capitalization has significantly decreased from over 140 billion yuan in 2021 to approximately 25 billion yuan currently, while Juzi Biological's stock has surged nearly 70% in 2024, elevating its founders to the status of the richest individuals in Shaanxi [2]. - In 2024, Huaxi Biological reported its worst performance since going public, with annual revenue of 5.371 billion yuan, a decline of 11.6% year-on-year, and a net profit of 164 million yuan, down 72.27% [2]. - Juzi Biological, in contrast, has shown robust growth since 2019, with 2024 revenue reaching 5.539 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 57.17%, and a net profit of 2.062 billion yuan, up 42.06% [2]. Market Trends - The market is increasingly favoring the field of recombinant collagen due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, with projections indicating that the collagen-based skincare market may surpass that of hyaluronic acid by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 52.6% [3]. - Despite the rise of recombinant collagen, hyaluronic acid remains irreplaceable in the medical aesthetics sector, particularly in filling procedures, and Huaxi Biological continues to hold a competitive edge in this area [3]. Industry Dynamics - Several brokerage firms, including Huafu Securities and Debon Securities, have retracted their reports that were criticized by Huaxi Biological, indicating the contentious nature of the market's perception of recombinant collagen [4]. - The development of recombinant collagen is still in its early stages, with high raw material costs and insufficient research on its applications, suggesting that both hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen may coexist in the market to meet diverse consumer needs [4].