Core Viewpoint - The domestic medical beauty industry is undergoing significant changes, with major players experiencing a decline in performance due to market shifts and increased competition from new regenerative materials like collagen and "童颜针" (youthful needle) [4][7][14]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The three major companies in the medical beauty sector, including 华熙生物, 爱美客, and 昊海生科, reported substantial declines in revenue and net profit, with 爱美客's revenue dropping by 21.59% to 12.99 billion yuan and net profit decreasing by 29.57% to 7.89 billion yuan in the first half of 2024 [7][8]. - 爱美客's core products, including "嗨体" and "濡白天使," saw revenue declines of 23.79% and 23.99%, respectively, despite maintaining high gross margins of over 90% [6][7]. Group 2: Market Trends - The introduction of "童颜针," particularly the imported product 艾塑菲, has gained rapid popularity, with sales reaching 20,000 units and contributing over 800 million yuan in revenue within two months of its launch [5][17]. - The shift towards regenerative materials is evident, as "童颜针" offers longer-lasting effects and a different mechanism compared to traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, which are facing price declines due to increased competition [16][17]. Group 3: Strategic Moves - 爱美客's acquisition of REGEN, a Korean medical beauty company, for 1.386 billion yuan marks the largest cross-border acquisition in the domestic medical beauty industry, aiming to enhance its product portfolio and market presence [5][9]. - The ongoing dispute between 江苏吴中 and 爱美客 over the distribution rights of 艾塑菲 highlights the competitive landscape and the challenges of dependency on agency models in the medical beauty sector [19][20]. Group 4: R&D and Innovation - 爱美客 has increased its R&D investment to 1.57 billion yuan, representing 12.05% of its revenue, indicating a focus on enhancing its competitive edge through innovation [8]. - The company holds 182 valid patents, including 53 invention patents, showcasing its commitment to developing proprietary technologies [8].
2万一支的童颜针,爱美客的新摇钱树?