Core Insights - The medical beauty industry in China is projected to grow, with a consumption penetration rate increasing from 3.2% in 2020 to 5.8% by 2025, indicating over 80 million people have undergone medical beauty procedures [1] - The brand "可复美" (Kefumei) under 巨子生物 (Giant Bio) is facing significant negative publicity due to allegations of product fraud related to its key ingredient, recombinant collagen [2][3] - The controversy has led to a substantial decline in Giant Bio's stock price, dropping nearly 30% from its peak of 87.1 HKD [3][25] Industry Overview - The medical beauty market is expanding rapidly, with a notable increase in consumer engagement and product usage [1] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, particularly with rival companies like 华熙生物 (Huaxi Bio) actively targeting Giant Bio amid the ongoing controversies [4][5] Company Performance - Giant Bio's revenue grew from 20 billion RMB in 2022 to 35.24 billion RMB in 2023, marking a 49.05% increase, and further to 55.39 billion RMB in 2024, with a 57.2% year-on-year growth [25] - Despite strong revenue growth, the company has faced challenges in maintaining investor confidence due to recent scandals, leading to a market capitalization drop of over 60 billion HKD [3][25] Product Controversies - The allegations against Kefumei include claims that the amount of recombinant collagen in its products is significantly lower than advertised, raising questions about product integrity [3][6] - Previous controversies involved undisclosed ingredients like epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is banned in cosmetic products, further complicating the brand's reputation [10][12][17] Market Dynamics - The ongoing disputes have prompted consumers to reconsider their loyalty to Kefumei, with potential shifts towards alternative brands like 修丽可 (Xiu Li Ke) and 敷尔佳 (Fu Er Jia) [27] - The company's reliance on sales and marketing over research and development is evident, with a stark contrast between sales expenses and R&D investment, which may impact long-term sustainability [28][29]