Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Viewpoints - The retail pharmacy sector has passed its low point and is gradually entering an industry consolidation phase, with performance recovery underway. The pressure on small and medium-sized pharmacies is increasing, leading to a rise in concentration among leading enterprises, supported by potential growth from policy recovery [4][10] - The pharmaceutical distribution market is expanding, and industry concentration is expected to increase, with a focus on improving the operational quality of leading companies. The implementation of the two-invoice system is shortening the drug distribution chain, benefiting leading enterprises with upstream and downstream resource advantages [4][10] Summary by Sections Retail Pharmacies - The number of retail pharmacies in China showed negative growth in Q4 2024, marking a turning point as the industry enters a "market consolidation phase." The number of closed pharmacies in 2024 was 6,778 in Q1, 8,791 in Q2, 9,545 in Q3, and 14,114 in Q4, with net additions of 9,257, 6,322, 2,847, and -3,395 respectively [10][11] - The performance of retail pharmacies is expected to stabilize and recover due to improved compliance operations and refined management practices, alongside seasonal disease outbreaks and new pricing policies [4][11] - Policies supporting the inclusion of retail pharmacies in outpatient management are expected to enhance their role in the healthcare system, facilitating prescription flow and increasing foot traffic to physical pharmacies [4][10][11] Pharmaceutical Distribution - The pharmaceutical distribution market is expected to grow, with leading companies benefiting from scale and operational quality improvements. The "4+N" competitive landscape is deepening, and the market size is expanding due to increased shares of retail pharmacies and grassroots medical terminals [4][10] - The use of AI technology and CSO services is expected to enhance the competitive edge of leading companies, reinforcing the trend of "the strong getting stronger" [4][10] Recommended and Beneficiary Stocks - Recommended stocks include Yifeng Pharmacy, Lao Bai Xing, and Jian Zhi Jia, while beneficiary stocks include Da Shen Lin, Yi Xin Tang, and Shu Yu Ping Min [4][15]