LBX(SH:603883) 市值风云·2025-05-16 10:07Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing share reduction by the controlling shareholder of Lao Bai Xing (老百姓), indicating a potential lack of confidence in the company's future performance amidst declining revenues and profits in the retail pharmacy industry [2][4][7]. Group 1: Shareholder Actions - In September 2022, Lao Bai Xing's controlling shareholder, the Pharmaceutical Group, reduced its stake by 2%, raising approximately 344 million yuan [3]. - In May 2025, the Pharmaceutical Group announced plans to reduce its stake by up to 3%, potentially generating 451 million yuan based on the closing price of 19.80 yuan per share [4]. - Since its listing, the controlling shareholders have sold shares five times, cashing out over 1.3 billion yuan, with the latest reduction expected to push this figure even higher [5]. Group 2: Company Performance - In 2024, Lao Bai Xing reported revenues of 22.36 billion yuan, a slight decline of 0.4% year-on-year, with a more significant drop of 1.9% in Q1 2025 [7][9]. - Profit figures were even more concerning, with 2024 profits at 520 million yuan and Q1 2025 profits at 250 million yuan, reflecting year-on-year declines of 44.1% and 22%, respectively [9]. - Compared to peers, Lao Bai Xing is one of the few companies in the industry experiencing revenue decline, while most competitors have managed to maintain or grow their revenues [11][12]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The retail pharmacy industry is facing significant challenges, including tightened healthcare policies, reduced demand, and oversupply, leading to a decline in overall sales [16][18]. - In 2024, the total sales of retail pharmacies in China fell by 2.2%, marking the first negative growth in seven years [16]. - The number of pharmacies closing in 2024 reached 39,000, with a closure rate of 5.7%, indicating a severe contraction in the market [19]. Group 4: Business Model and Financial Health - Lao Bai Xing has expanded through various models, including direct operations, franchising, and alliances, with a notable increase in franchise stores, which now account for 34.67% of total stores [26][28]. - However, the revenue contribution from franchise stores is only 13.89%, and profit contribution is just 5.47%, indicating a mismatch in the business model [29]. - The company has accumulated a significant goodwill of 5.756 billion yuan, which poses a risk of impairment as operational efficiency declines [37][38].