DSL(SH:603233) Xin Lang Zheng Quan·2025-11-28 07:54Core Viewpoint - Dazhonglin, a leading chain pharmacy, is facing compliance and growth challenges amid a recent scandal involving the misuse of medical insurance cards and a strategic shift towards cosmetics and personal care products [1][2]. Group 1: Compliance Crisis - A recent investigation revealed that some Dazhonglin stores misclassified everyday items as medical devices to bypass insurance restrictions, indicating significant internal control failures [2]. - The scandal has implications for Dazhonglin's strategy to expand its cosmetics and personal care product lines, as it raises concerns about compliance in a tightening regulatory environment [2]. Group 2: Growth Anxiety - Dazhonglin has expanded its store count to over 16,000, but the traditional growth model of opening new stores is being challenged by e-commerce competition and stricter insurance regulations [3]. - In the first half of 2024, Dazhonglin closed 285 stores while only opening 152 new ones, indicating a shift from quantity to quality in its growth strategy [3]. - Despite a 25.97% increase in net profit in the first three quarters of 2024, revenue growth was only 1.71%, suggesting reliance on franchise operations and new product categories for growth [3]. Group 3: Capital Setbacks and Model Dilemmas - Dazhonglin has faced capital challenges, including the termination of a planned private placement and withdrawal of a convertible bond issuance, reflecting market skepticism about its expansion strategy [4]. - The industry is experiencing a transition where old business models are failing while new ones are not yet stable, complicating Dazhonglin's restructuring efforts [4]. - Although Dazhonglin has developed a three-tier logistics network and is advancing its O2O (online-to-offline) business, uncertainties remain regarding the effectiveness of its transformation amid compliance and supply chain challenges [4]. Conclusion - Dazhonglin's difficulties mirror broader challenges in the chain pharmacy industry, where companies are forced to adapt to declining insurance benefits and online competition while grappling with compliance, supply chain, and capital issues [5]. - The management's ability to balance short-term growth with long-term compliance and establish sustainable models in new business areas will be critical for future success [5].