Core Viewpoint - In 2024, Tong Ren Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine company, reported a "revenue growth without profit increase" scenario, marking the first decline in net profit since 2020, breaking a four-year growth streak [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved an annual revenue of 18.597 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.12%, but the net profit attributable to shareholders fell by 8.54% to 1.526 billion yuan, with a non-recurring net profit decline of 10.55% [1] - The revenue from the pharmaceutical industry segment was 11.912 billion yuan, up 7.52%, while the pharmaceutical commerce segment revenue reached 11.23 billion yuan, growing by 9.60% [2] - Overall gross margin decreased from 47.29% in 2023 to 43.96% in 2024, the lowest in a decade [2] Cost and Pricing Pressure - The cost of key raw materials, particularly natural cow bile, surged from 570,000 yuan per kilogram at the beginning of 2023 to 1.7 million yuan per kilogram by the end of 2024, an increase of 198.25% [2] - The cost of cardiovascular products, which account for 27.67% of total revenue, increased by 40.24%, leading to a gross margin drop from 57.62% to 49.31%, falling below 50% for the first time in five years [2] Inventory and Cash Flow Issues - Inventory levels rose significantly, with the amount increasing from 6.694 billion yuan in 2022 to 10.73 billion yuan in 2024, a growth of over 60% [3] - The net cash flow from operating activities plummeted by 59.29% to 761 million yuan, the lowest in a decade [4] - Accounts receivable increased to 1.573 billion yuan, up 21.56%, while contract liabilities dropped to 314 million yuan, indicating reduced purchasing willingness from distributors [4] Brand Management and Quality Control - Despite being a well-known brand, Tong Ren Tang faces challenges in brand management, with reports of counterfeit products being sold through legitimate e-commerce channels [5][9] - Quality issues have arisen, including reports of excessive mercury levels in products sold abroad and contamination in popular foot bath products [10] - The dilution of brand value is exacerbated by the company's multiple listed entities and the lack of stringent control over brand usage [9]