ZHESHANG SECURITIES·2025-05-11 14:23Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is optimistic [1] Core Viewpoints - The industry is undergoing a clearing process, with leading companies recovering profitability [2][3] - The overall performance of the chain pharmacy sector is expected to improve in 2025, with a recovery in valuations observed in Q1 2025 [11] - The market is witnessing a shift towards a higher proportion of franchise stores, indicating a trend towards asset-light expansion models [24][29] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The chain pharmacy sector is experiencing accelerated store closures and slowed openings, with a significant increase in the proportion of franchise stores from 9% in 2020 to 28% in Q1 2025 [24][29] - The market is expected to see a continued increase in the market share of leading companies due to industry consolidation [30] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, leading companies are expected to see a significant recovery in net profit margins, following a period of adjustment in 2024 [35] - The overall revenue growth rate for the pharmacy sector has declined significantly in 2024, but a recovery in profit growth is anticipated in 2025 due to improved consumer spending and the implementation of coordinated healthcare policies [42] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends investing in leading pharmacy companies with superior management capabilities and quick category adjustments to mitigate the downward pressure on industry profitability. Specific recommendations include Dazhenglin, Yifeng Pharmacy, and Laobaixing, with a focus on Yixin Hall, Jianzhijia, and Shuyupingmin [4][58]