Core Viewpoint - Kanghui Pharmaceutical, a traditional Chinese medicine company, reported a significant decline in both revenue and net profit for 2024, marking its third consecutive year of losses, raising concerns about its future viability and potential acquisition by a tech firm [1][4][17]. Financial Performance - In 2024, the company's revenue decreased by 16.54% to 562 million yuan, while the net profit attributable to shareholders expanded its loss by 242.6% to 89.63 million yuan, with a non-recurring net profit loss of 67.02 million yuan [1][5][8]. - For Q1 2025, the total revenue was 121 million yuan, down 4.72% year-on-year, with a net profit loss of 17.24 million yuan [8][9]. Business Segments - The pharmaceutical manufacturing segment saw a revenue decline of 19.65% to 278 million yuan, and the pharmaceutical distribution segment's revenue fell by 16.37% to 266 million yuan, indicating a simultaneous downturn in both core business areas [5][7]. Cost and Expense Management - The company's operating expenses for 2024 reached 237 million yuan, an increase of 40.82 million yuan from the previous year, with an expense ratio rising to 42.20% [7][8]. - Sales expenses grew by 15.32% to 140 million yuan, accounting for 24.98% of revenue, with marketing costs significantly higher than industry averages [7][8]. Operational Challenges - The company faced multiple operational pressures, including underutilization of new production capacity leading to increased fixed asset depreciation, which rose from 31.77 million yuan in 2023 to 54.55 million yuan in 2024 [11][12]. - The performance of subsidiaries has also negatively impacted overall results, with significant losses reported from high-premium acquisitions that failed to meet profit commitments [13][14]. Market Environment - The company is experiencing intense pricing pressure due to industry-wide price reductions, with average price drops of 58% for similar products in the centralized procurement process [15]. - Kanghui's core products have been on the market for over ten years, lacking new blockbuster drugs, which limits its ability to withstand competitive pressures [15]. Ownership Change and Strategic Direction - Kanghui Pharmaceutical is undergoing a change in control, with its major shareholder transferring a 22% stake to a tech firm, raising questions about potential strategic shifts and the future of its core business [17][21]. - The new controlling entity, Yuhua Zhichuang, operates in the tech sector, leading to speculation about whether Kanghui will pivot away from traditional pharmaceutical operations [21][22].