第一财经·2025-05-07 12:08Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of antitrust penalties on the financial performance of Xianju Pharmaceutical and other companies involved in price-fixing agreements for dexamethasone phosphate raw materials during the COVID-19 pandemic [1][3]. Group 1: Antitrust Penalties - Xianju Pharmaceutical was fined 195 million yuan for monopolistic practices, which accounts for 4.88% of its 2024 revenue and 49.17% of its net profit [1]. - Tianyao Pharmaceutical and Lianhuan Pharmaceutical were also penalized, with fines of 69.19 million yuan and 61.04 million yuan, respectively [1]. - The companies formed a price alliance, raising the price of dexamethasone phosphate from 0.35 yuan to a peak of 98.76 yuan, an increase of nearly 282 times [1]. Group 2: Financial Impact on Companies - In 2024, Xianju Pharmaceutical's net profit fell by 29.46% to 397 million yuan, largely due to the antitrust fine [2][4]. - The cash flow from operating activities for Xianju Pharmaceutical decreased by 33.05%, and cash reserves dropped by 16.76% [4]. - Tianyao Pharmaceutical's revenue in 2024 was 3.215 billion yuan, down 15%, but its net profit increased by 14% due to the fine being accounted for in 2025 [6][7]. Group 3: Market Adjustments and Strategies - Xianju Pharmaceutical is shifting its product structure and expanding into overseas markets to mitigate the impact of declining revenues from dexamethasone products [5]. - The company is focusing on high-margin areas such as respiratory and dermatological products, with sales in respiratory products growing by 31% in 2024 [5]. - Tianyao Pharmaceutical's steroid raw material business also saw a revenue decline of 16.9% in 2024, indicating broader market pressures [7]. Group 4: Ongoing Challenges - Tianyao Pharmaceutical has faced multiple antitrust penalties over the past four years, indicating a pattern of regulatory scrutiny [8]. - Lianhuan Pharmaceutical's future penalties remain uncertain as it plans to appeal the decision, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the industry [8].