Core Viewpoint - Betaini (300957.SZ), known as the "first stock in functional skincare," is intensifying its capital market strategy by investing in a new healthcare fund, aiming to diversify its business beyond its core beauty segment [1]. Investment Strategy - On October 13, Betaini announced plans to invest as a limited partner in the Wuxi Jinyu Maowu Medical Health Industry Investment Partnership (referred to as "Jinyu Fund"), with a total fund size of 1 billion CNY, focusing on consumer healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and AI drug development [1][4]. - Betaini will contribute 50 million CNY, acquiring a 5% stake in the Jinyu Fund, which is part of a broader strategy to deepen cooperation with professional funds and enhance its presence in the health ecosystem [4]. Historical Investments - Over the past three years, Betaini has invested approximately 280 million CNY in various funds, including the Sequoia Fund and the San Zheng Fund, indicating a strategic shift towards capital investments to seek growth opportunities [3][9]. - The company has made several notable investments: 100 million CNY in the Sequoia Fund in June 2022, another 100 million CNY in the San Zheng Fund in April 2023, and 30 million CNY in the Jinguo Fund in October 2023 [5][9]. Financial Performance - Betaini's revenue growth has been declining, with reported revenues of 4.022 billion CNY in 2021, 5.014 billion CNY in 2022, 5.522 billion CNY in 2023, and 5.736 billion CNY in 2024, showing a decreasing growth rate from 52.57% to 3.87% [9]. - The net profit has also seen a downward trend, with figures of 863 million CNY in 2021, 1.051 billion CNY in 2022, 757 million CNY in 2023, and 503 million CNY in 2024, reflecting a significant decline in profitability [9]. Market Position and Competition - Betaini's core brand, Winona, has been a major revenue driver, contributing approximately 97% of total revenue in 2022, which decreased to around 86% in 2024, indicating a heavy reliance on a single brand [9]. - Other beauty brands, such as Proya and Marubi, are also increasing their capital investments to seek growth, highlighting a trend among leading beauty companies to diversify and enhance their market positions [10][11].
业绩不佳，194亿护肤品龙头盯上产业基金