Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several securities firms regarding the comparison of hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein, with Huaxi asserting that the notion of hyaluronic acid being outdated is a misleading narrative driven by "restless capital" [2][11]. Summary by Sections Company Background - Huaxi Biological, once a darling of the capital market, saw its stock peak at 313.1 yuan and market capitalization exceed 150 billion yuan, but has since experienced a significant decline, with its stock price dropping to 52.61 yuan and market cap to 25.3 billion yuan as of May 21 [3][12]. Market Dynamics - The rise of recombinant collagen protein companies like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological has shifted capital focus, with these companies achieving record highs in stock prices [4][14]. - Huaxi Biological's performance has been declining, particularly in its functional skincare segment, while the recombinant collagen protein sector is experiencing rapid growth [4][20]. Securities Firms' Reports - Huaxi Biological criticized reports from nine securities firms that favor recombinant collagen over hyaluronic acid, claiming these reports mislead the market [6][9]. - Specific reports from Huatai Securities, Guojin Securities, and others highlighted the advantages of recombinant collagen, such as its biological features and safety, which Huaxi disputes [7][8]. Industry Trends - The market for recombinant collagen products in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.93%, reaching 58.57 billion yuan by 2025 [12]. - Huaxi Biological's sales of hyaluronic acid accounted for 44% of the global market in 2021, but its revenue has been declining due to challenges in its functional skincare business [12][17]. Financial Performance - Huaxi Biological's revenue and net profit have been declining, with 2023 revenue at 6.08 billion yuan and a net profit of 593 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 4.45% and 38.97%, respectively [17][18]. - The company's functional skincare revenue peaked in 2022 but has since dropped, leading to overall performance issues [17][19]. Strategic Response - In response to declining performance, Huaxi Biological is restructuring its management and focusing on core competencies, including a shift in branding and operational strategies [19][20]. - The company has also made acquisitions to enter the collagen market, although its recent acquisition has not yet proven profitable [20]. Competitive Landscape - The article notes that both hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen have their respective advantages, with hyaluronic acid still holding a competitive edge in certain applications despite market challenges [21].

Core Viewpoint - 九州通 is actively expanding its strategic investments in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, particularly focusing on medical aesthetics and medical devices through various initiatives and partnerships [1][2][3]. Investment Initiatives - 九州通's wholly-owned subsidiary, 九州通孵化器, has partnered with 北京楚昌私募基金 to establish a new investment fund with a total contribution of 25 million yuan, targeting investments in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical aesthetics, and anti-aging sectors [2][3]. - The fund's contributions include 22.99 million yuan from 九州通孵化器, accounting for 91.96% of the total, while the remaining contributions come from other partners [2]. Medical Device Expansion - 九州通 has established a new medical device supply chain company in 湖北孝感 with a registered capital of 10 million yuan, further diversifying its business operations [3]. - In the past three months, 九州通 has launched at least six new medical device companies, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its presence in the medical device sector [3]. - The medical device segment accounted for 22.32% of 九州通's total business last year, with sales revenue reaching 33.887 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.26% [3]. Medical Aesthetics Investment - 九州通 plans to invest 673 million yuan in the restructuring of 奥园美谷, acquiring 360 million shares post-restructuring, which positions the company to become a major stakeholder in the medical aesthetics market [4][6]. - 奥园美谷 has faced financial difficulties but possesses a recognized brand and customer base in the medical aesthetics sector, which 九州通 aims to leverage for growth [4]. - 九州通's medical aesthetics business achieved sales revenue of 851 million yuan in 2024, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 120.47% [4][6]. Historical Context - 九州通 has a history of investing in the medical aesthetics sector, including an early investment in 爱美客 and partnerships with other key players in the industry [5][6]. - The establishment of a dedicated medical aesthetics division and collaboration with upstream manufacturers for product development further underscores 九州通's commitment to this sector [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several brokerage firms regarding the comparison of hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein, with Huaxi asserting that the notion of hyaluronic acid being outdated is a misleading narrative driven by "restless capital" [1][9]. Group 1: Company Performance - Huaxi Biological's stock price peaked at 313.1 yuan with a market value exceeding 150 billion yuan, but as of May 21, it has plummeted to 52.61 yuan, with a market value of only 25.3 billion yuan, representing a loss of over 120 billion yuan in market capitalization [2][10]. - The company's revenue for 2023 and 2024 was 6.076 billion yuan and 5.371 billion yuan, respectively, showing a year-on-year decline of 4.45% and 11.61% [14]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the same years was 593 million yuan and 174 million yuan, reflecting a significant decline of 38.97% and 70.59% [14]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The market is witnessing a shift in focus from hyaluronic acid to recombinant collagen protein, with companies like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological experiencing significant stock price increases and strong revenue growth [12][17]. - The recombinant collagen protein market in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.93%, reaching 58.57 billion yuan by 2025 [9]. Group 3: Industry Comparison - Huaxi Biological argues that the claims made by brokerage reports regarding the superiority of recombinant collagen protein over hyaluronic acid are misleading and lack scientific backing [5][18]. - Both hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein have their respective advantages in different applications, with hyaluronic acid still holding competitive strength due to its established market presence [18]. Group 4: Company Strategy - In response to declining performance, Huaxi Biological is restructuring its management and focusing on core competencies, including a renewed emphasis on its strengths in hyaluronic acid [16]. - The company has also made strategic acquisitions, such as a 51% stake in Beijing Yierkang Biological Engineering, to enter the animal-derived collagen protein market, although this subsidiary reported losses in 2024 [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between Huaxi Biological and several brokerage firms regarding the comparison of hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen protein, with Huaxi asserting that the notion of hyaluronic acid being outdated is misleading and driven by "restless capital" [1][7]. Company Overview - Huaxi Biological specializes in hyaluronic acid-related products and has faced significant stock price and market capitalization declines since reaching a peak in July 2021, with its stock price dropping from 313.1 yuan to 52.61 yuan as of May 21, 2023, resulting in a market cap reduction from over 1500 billion yuan to 253 billion yuan [2][8]. - The company has reported continuous revenue declines, with revenues of 60.76 billion yuan and 53.71 billion yuan for 2023 and 2024, respectively, representing year-on-year decreases of 4.45% and 11.61% [10]. Industry Dynamics - The market has seen a shift in focus towards recombinant collagen protein, with companies like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological experiencing significant stock price increases and revenue growth, contrasting with Huaxi's struggles [2][13]. - The recombinant collagen protein market in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 44.93%, reaching 585.7 billion yuan by 2025 [7]. Performance Comparison - Juzhi Biological's revenues for 2022, 2023, and 2024 were 23.75 billion yuan, 35.26 billion yuan, and 55.39 billion yuan, respectively, with year-on-year growth rates around 50% [13]. - Jinbo Biological's revenues during the same period were 3.9 billion yuan, 7.8 billion yuan, and 14.43 billion yuan, with growth rates of 67.15%, 99.97%, and 84.92% [13]. Regulatory and Market Response - Huaxi Biological has reported the brokerage firms to the China Securities Regulatory Commission for allegedly misleading reports that could distort market perceptions [1][3]. - The company has emphasized the need for a healthy industry ecosystem and has engaged with industry associations to advocate for a return to scientific principles in the market [5][7].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological has publicly criticized several securities firms for promoting collagen products and suggesting that hyaluronic acid is "outdated," indicating a defensive stance amid declining performance and market competition [1][2][3] Company Performance - Huaxi Biological started with hyaluronic acid and holds nearly 50% of the global market share, expanding into medical products, skincare, and functional foods [5][6] - Despite maintaining positive growth during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the company's revenue and profit have declined since 2021, with net profits projected to drop from 9.71 billion yuan in 2022 to 1.74 billion yuan in 2024 [10] - The company's market capitalization has plummeted from over 140 billion yuan in 2021 to 25.3 billion yuan as of May 21, 2025 [10] Market Comparison - In contrast, competitors like Juzhi Biological and Jinbo Biological have seen significant growth, with Juzhi's net profits increasing from 1 billion yuan in 2022 to 20.62 billion yuan in 2024, and Jinbo's from 1.09 billion yuan to 7.31 billion yuan in the same period [14] - Both companies have also achieved substantial stock price increases, with market capitalizations of 87.5 billion HKD and 51.1 billion yuan, respectively [14] Industry Dynamics - The rise of collagen products has created a competitive threat to hyaluronic acid, with market trends favoring new ingredients [15][18] - The demand for collagen is expected to exceed supply, with projections indicating a production of 200,000 tons against a demand of over 220,000 tons by 2025 [19] Challenges Ahead - Despite Huaxi's efforts to defend hyaluronic acid, the company faces challenges due to internal management issues and a tarnished brand image, which may hinder future sales growth [20][21] - The company's recent foray into collagen products has not yet shown significant revenue impact, suggesting ongoing struggles in adapting to market changes [21]

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological, once a giant in the hyaluronic acid market, is facing significant challenges as its stock price has plummeted over 80% since 2021, leading to a market capitalization drop from over 140 billion to around 20 billion [3][15]. Group 1: Company Performance - Huaxi Biological's revenue for 2024 is projected at 5.371 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 11.6%, with a net profit of 164 million, down 72.27% [15]. - The decline in performance is primarily attributed to the rapid downturn in its functional skincare segment, which generated 2.569 billion, accounting for 47.92% of total revenue [17]. - This segment has seen consecutive declines, with an 18.45% drop in 2023 and a further 31.62% decrease in 2024 [18]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The hyaluronic acid industry is experiencing overall growth pressure, with a general decline in the consumption medical sector, affecting major players like Haohai Biological [28][29]. - The market is characterized by intense price competition, with over 77 brands in the domestic hyaluronic acid market, leading to a lack of differentiation and pricing power [32][30]. - Despite the challenges, both Huaxi Biological and Haohai Biological maintain a gross margin above 70%, indicating that hyaluronic acid remains a profitable business [35]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The rise of recombinant collagen as a competing product has gained traction, with a projected market share surpassing hyaluronic acid by 2026, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 52.6% [39]. - The competition in the collagen sector is intensifying, with many companies entering the market, which may lead to a similar competitive environment as seen in the hyaluronic acid market [41][43]. - Huaxi Biological's struggles highlight the need for companies to innovate and establish strong brand identities to avoid falling into price wars and market saturation [48].

Core Viewpoint - Oriental Yanmei (Chengdu) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is pursuing an IPO in Hong Kong despite a high debt-to-asset ratio of 123% and significant financial challenges, including projected losses of nearly 70 million yuan in 2024 and cash reserves of only 33.19 million yuan by the end of 2024 [1][9]. Company Overview - Founded in 2016, Oriental Yanmei focuses on regenerative medical devices and special medical foods, targeting a medical market worth hundreds of billions of yuan [1]. - The company's core product, "Tongyan Needle" XH301, is expected to receive approval in the second half of 2025, while competitors have already established a strong presence in this segment [1][6]. Financial Performance - The company reported revenues of approximately 12.88 million yuan in 2023 and 14.52 million yuan in 2024, primarily from non-core products, with a projected loss of nearly 70 million yuan in 2024 [8][9]. - The gross margin for 2023 and 2024 was 11.4% and 2.6%, respectively, with net losses of 63.5 million yuan and 69.4 million yuan attributed to R&D and operational expenses [9]. Market Potential - The regenerative medical materials injection market has grown from 200 million yuan in 2019 to 2.9 billion yuan in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 96.6%, expected to reach 18.5 billion yuan by 2032 [6]. - The special medical food market has also expanded from 2.7 billion yuan in 2019 to 6 billion yuan in 2023, with a CAGR of 17.2%, projected to reach 23.8 billion yuan by 2032 [8]. Management Team - The founder, Zhang Xinming, and key executives have a history of collaboration dating back to their time at Zhi Yuan Pharmaceutical, indicating a strong entrepreneurial bond [2][3]. - Zhang Xinming has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having worked at various companies including China Resources Sanjiu and Zhi Yuan Pharmaceutical [3][4]. Product Development - Oriental Yanmei has 13 candidate products in the regenerative medical device sector, with XH301 and XH321 currently undergoing registration review [6]. - The company has also developed 7 candidate products in the medical dressing and patch category, with one product already approved [6]. Competitive Landscape - The "Tongyan Needle" market is competitive, with several established players already having products approved, indicating a challenging environment for new entrants [7]. - The average approval cycle for regenerative medical devices is 3 to 5 years, adding to the urgency for Oriental Yanmei to secure funding and expedite its product launch [6][9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a conflict in the biopharmaceutical industry regarding the competition between hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen, with Huaxi Biological criticizing the notion that hyaluronic acid is outdated, which they attribute to capital-driven speculation [1][4]. Company Performance - Huaxi Biological's performance has declined significantly, with projected revenue for 2024 expected to decrease by 11.61% and net profit to drop by 70.59%, resulting in a market capitalization loss of over 100 billion [1][6]. - In contrast, Juzhi Biological has experienced substantial growth, with a projected revenue increase of 57.2% and net profit growth of 42.4% for 2024, leading to a doubling of its market capitalization [1][6]. Market Dynamics - The article discusses the contrasting market performances of Huaxi Biological and Juzhi Biological, indicating a clear divide in the industry, with Huaxi's stock price falling over 80% from its peak of 309.43 yuan per share in July 2021 to 53.08 yuan per share as of May 20, 2025, resulting in a market cap of less than 25.6 billion [9][6]. - Juzhi Biological's stock has seen a significant increase, reaching a peak of 86.45 HKD, representing a cumulative rise of over 44% from approximately 60 HKD at the end of 2024 [8][6].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" (看好) [2] Core Insights - The report highlights a scientific revolution in the anti-aging field, emphasizing the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a key component in extracellular matrix (ECM) aging intervention [5][6] - Recent studies indicate that high molecular weight HA can extend healthy lifespan in mice, reduce cancer risk, and improve inflammatory responses, suggesting its potential beyond traditional moisturizing [5] - The report notes that the repositioning of HA in the scientific community opens new growth opportunities in the anti-aging market [5] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The report discusses the transition of anti-aging strategies from local interventions to systemic interventions, marking a new era in anti-aging research [5][6] Company Analysis - Huaxi Biological Technology has positioned itself at the forefront of ECM research, recently obtaining approvals for two Class III medical devices aimed at facial quality improvement [6] - The first product, "Runbaiyan·Glass," utilizes a non-crosslinked HA formula combined with lidocaine, achieving a treatment efficacy rate of 94% with effects lasting over three months [6] - The second product, "Runzhi·Titu," is the first compliant product in China to explicitly target facial quality improvement through kinetic factors, indicating a shift towards cellular-level anti-aging solutions [6] Market Dynamics - Huaxi Biological has undergone multiple industrial revolutions, transitioning from microbial fermentation to precise molecular weight control and exploring synthetic biology for HA production [6] - The company leads the industry with the largest synthetic biology pilot platform and the highest market share in HA and Class III medical device registrations [6] - The report identifies Huaxi Biological and Aimeike as beneficiaries of these advancements in the anti-aging sector [6]

Group 1: Consumer Market Trends - The consumer market is experiencing strong performance driven by favorable policies and industry recovery signals, with a 5.1% year-on-year increase in retail sales in April [1] - The "old-for-new" policy is expanding to include various consumer goods, stimulating demand for durable goods and promoting technological upgrades [1] - New consumption trends are emerging, focusing on emotional value and personalized experiences, reflecting a shift in consumer habits [3] Group 2: Policy and Events - The Ministry of Commerce and other departments have launched the "Buy in China" initiative, focusing on four key areas to enhance the consumer market [2] - The annual "618" shopping festival has shown impressive sales growth, with over 1.3 million brands doubling their sales in the first hour of the event [2] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Three key investment directions in the consumer sector include essential consumption with strong defensive value, the rapid rise of new consumption formats, and the growth potential in lower-tier markets [4] - Companies in the jewelry, retail, cosmetics, and medical beauty sectors are highlighted as having strong growth potential and brand competitiveness [4] Group 4: Company Performance - Mao Geping's revenue increased by 34.6% year-on-year, with a target price raised by 53% to HKD 127, reflecting strong growth potential [5] - Lao Pu Gold's brand value and market positioning are emphasized, with a target price of HKD 857 based on high performance growth certainty [6] - Pop Mart's target price has been raised by 9.8% to HKD 224, with sales and net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 also increased [7]