Core Viewpoint - The investment in Saint Nor Pharmaceutical is a strategic move for the company to enhance its position in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in innovative drug development and to leverage synergies in its core business areas [1][2]. Investment Strategy - The investment amount is approximately HKD 138 million, funded entirely from the company's own resources, and will be paid in installments as per the agreement [2]. - The company recognizes the long development cycles and high risks associated with small nucleic acid drug research and has established risk control and exit arrangements through the investment agreement [2]. Business Development - The company reported a steady increase in sales revenue from its innovative hyaluronic acid products and other bioactive substances, accounting for over 23% of total sales in the first half of 2025 [3]. - Six new bioactive raw material products have been launched, including Hyatrue® cross-linked sodium hyaluronate and BloomColla® recombinant type III humanized collagen [3]. Operational Adjustments - The company has undergone systematic adjustments in its operational philosophy and business direction since March 2025, leading to a significant reduction in sales expense ratio by 12.46 percentage points year-on-year in Q2 [4]. - The focus is on transforming consumer products based on long-term technological barriers and scientific assets, particularly in the fields of cell biology and glycoscience [5]. Organizational Changes - The company is shifting away from hiring external "professional operators" and is instead selecting and training entrepreneurial talents who align with the company's values for management positions [6]. - A one-time management expense of approximately CNY 29 million was incurred during this transition, aimed at laying a solid foundation for long-term development [6]. Scientific Communication - The company is committed to reshaping its scientific image and defending scientific values, aiming to establish a rigorous scientific communication system to counter misinformation in the industry [6].

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a "Buy" rating for Shuiyang Co., Ltd. [3][13] Core Insights - The cosmetics and medical beauty sector underperformed the market, with the Shenwan Beauty Care Index increasing by 0.2% from September 5 to September 12, 2025, lagging behind the Shenwan A Index by 2.7 percentage points [3][4] - Domestic cosmetics brands showed strong growth in August, with key brands under Shumei Co. achieving a 70% growth rate on Douyin and Taobao platforms, indicating a robust performance despite high base effects [3][9] - The report highlights the upcoming Double 11 shopping festival, suggesting that brands should prepare for promotional strategies [3][9] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - The cosmetics and medical beauty sector's performance was weaker than the market, with declines in the Shenwan Cosmetics Index by 0.5% and the Shenwan Personal Care Index by 0.8% during the specified period [3][4] Key Company Review - Shuiyang Co., Ltd. is positioned as a leading technology-driven beauty company in China, with stable revenue between 4 to 5 billion yuan from 2021 to 2024 and an expected gross margin of 63.01% in 2024, up by 10.94 percentage points from 2021 [3][10] - The company has a dual business model of proprietary brands and CP agency brands, with a strong focus on high-end and global market transformation [3][10][12] E-commerce Data - In August, key domestic brands on Douyin and Taobao platforms showed significant growth, with Shumei Co. brands achieving a 70% increase, and other brands like Maogeping and Runben also reporting substantial growth rates [3][14] Market Trends - The report notes that the overall retail sales of cosmetics in July 2025 grew by 4.5%, indicating a recovery in consumer spending [3][17] - The domestic skincare market is projected to reach 271.2 billion yuan in 2024, despite a slight decline of 3.7% year-on-year, with domestic brands gaining market share [3][26] Company Announcements - Shumei Co. has appointed Dr. Karl Lintner, a pioneer in peptide beauty, as the chief scientific advisor, aiming to enhance its global competitiveness in research and development [3][21]