Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing power struggle within Sinovac Biotech, highlighting the recent shareholder meeting where SAIF Partners successfully removed the current board and appointed its own nominees, indicating a significant shift in control and strategy within the company [2][4][5]. Group 1: Board Restructuring - On July 9, 2023, Sinovac Biotech held a special shareholder meeting where shareholders voted to dismiss the current board and elect ten new directors nominated by SAIF Partners, resulting in a board dominated by the Yin Weidong faction [2][4][5]. - The new board members include Simon Anderson, Fu Shan, Jiao Shuge, Li Jiaqiang, Lu Yulin, Qiu Yumin, Wang Yu, Xiao Ruiping, Yan Yan, and Yin Weidong [6]. - The previous board meeting was marked by controversy, as the current chairman Li Jiaqiang called for a recess, preventing shareholder participation, which led to further tensions [8][9]. Group 2: Dividend Strategy - Prior to the board reshuffle, Sinovac announced a total dividend plan of up to $7.5 billion, which is perceived as a strategy to gain shareholder support while potentially depleting cash reserves to weaken future control by opponents [2][10]. - The proposed dividends include a special cash dividend of $55 per share, a second special cash dividend of $19 per share, and a third special cash dividend ranging from $20 to $50 per share, which could result in shareholders receiving up to $124 per share in total dividends [10]. - The total dividend payout could reach $7.448 billion, while the company's total market value is reported to be less than $500 million, indicating a significant cash outflow relative to its market capitalization [10][25]. Group 3: Historical Context and Internal Conflict - The internal conflict at Sinovac has persisted for nearly a decade, primarily between co-founders Yin Weidong and Pan Aihua, leading to various aggressive tactics including attempts at privatization and shareholder dilution [12][16][17]. - The struggle intensified with actions such as seizing company seals and power outages, alongside the implementation of a "poison pill" strategy to dilute shares held by opponents [17][18]. - The company was forced to suspend trading on NASDAQ in February 2019 due to governance issues, reflecting the severity of the internal disputes [18]. Group 4: Financial Health and Future Outlook - Sinovac reportedly has $10.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents, but the proposed dividend payments could consume over 70% of this cash, leaving only $2 billion for operational needs [25]. - The company faces challenges with its core product, the "Kexing" vaccine, which is reportedly facing production halts, alongside a limited pipeline of revenue-generating products [26][27]. - The new board plans to reserve only $2 billion for operational funds post-dividend, raising concerns about the company's sustainability and future direction amidst ongoing shareholder disputes [28].