TC Medical(SH:600763)2025-04-27 03:56Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage of Topchoice with an Underweight (UW) rating and a price target (PT) of Rmb34 for December 2025 [1][8][23]. Core Insights - The dental services industry in China is facing both short- and long-term challenges, leading to profitability pressure for Topchoice. The company's earnings per share (EPS) estimates for FY25 and FY26 are projected to be 8% and 10% below consensus, respectively [1][8][21]. - Topchoice's revenue is heavily reliant on Zhejiang Province, which accounts for 90% of its total revenue, raising concerns about geographical concentration and expansion momentum [5][8][21]. - The report highlights that the dental services market is fragmented, with only about 3% of dental institutions operating as chains, limiting pricing power and growth potential [5][28][33]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Topchoice operates 84 medical facilities and has approximately 3,100 dental chairs as of Q3 FY24 [1][8]. - The company has seen flat revenue growth from FY21 to FY24E, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from FY24 to FY27 [5][8]. Financial Performance - Revenue for FY23 was Rmb2,847 million, with projections of Rmb2,938 million for FY24 and Rmb3,125 million for FY25 [7]. - The adjusted net income for FY25 is estimated at Rmb538 million, reflecting a growth of 7% from FY24 [7]. Market Dynamics - The dental services market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2028, reaching Rmb193 billion, but has faced fluctuations in revenue growth due to the pandemic and economic conditions [30][28]. - The report notes that the average price of dental implants has decreased significantly due to government-led procurement policies, but the expected increase in demand has not materialized as anticipated [45][50]. Valuation - The report uses a discounted cash flow (DCF) model to arrive at the price target of Rmb34, assuming a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 12% and a terminal growth rate of 2.5% [9][23][25]. - Topchoice's current P/E ratio of 35.5x for FY25 is considered a premium compared to peers, which raises concerns about the sustainability of such valuations given the company's growth outlook [21][8]. Risks and Challenges - The report identifies several risks, including the company's reliance on a single geographic region, challenges in expanding outside Zhejiang, and the competitive landscape of the dental services market [5][21][28]. - The orthodontics segment is also under pressure, with declining treatment volumes and a shift towards more cost-effective options among consumers [54][61].