Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the special medical purpose formula food industry, driven by policy support and clinical demand, suggesting a potential for rapid market expansion [3][10]. Core Insights - Special medical purpose formula foods (medical foods) are designed to meet the nutritional needs of specific populations and must be consumed under medical supervision. The market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing product diversity, enhanced policy support, and improved clinical nutrition practices [3][4][10]. - The industry is characterized by a growing number of approved products, a significant advantage for domestic brands, and a diverse range of entering companies [11][12][40]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - Special medical purpose formula foods cater to individuals with restricted diets, absorption disorders, or specific medical conditions, and are becoming a vital part of treatment strategies for various diseases in China [4][6]. - The market currently has a low penetration rate due to insufficient awareness and regulatory standards, but it is poised for growth as recognition and product availability increase [32][33]. Regulatory Environment - The "Special Medical Purpose Formula Food Registration Management Measures (2024)" aims to standardize registration processes, ensuring product quality and safety while encouraging innovation [9][10][39]. - As of September 30, 2024, a total of 206 special medical foods have been registered, with 174 being domestic products, indicating a strong growth trend for local brands [11][12]. Market Dynamics - The industry is witnessing a diversification of companies entering the market, with 58 companies having obtained registration, and Nestlé leading in the number of approved products [12][40]. - The distribution channels for medical foods face challenges, particularly in offline retail, where awareness and proper categorization are lacking. However, online sales are expected to grow as regulations become clearer [22][33]. Product Analysis - Among the registered products, 58 are special medical infant formula foods, accounting for 28.2% of the total, while 82 are non-full nutritional formula foods, and 65 are full nutritional formula foods [21]. - The report highlights a trend towards convenience in product forms, with a majority being powder-based [11]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape shows that domestic products outnumber imports, but there is a noted lack of product diversity among local companies, which may impact future growth [40][41]. - Companies are encouraged to pursue differentiated product strategies to enhance their market positions, with a focus on both infant and non-infant medical foods [42].

Core Viewpoint - The first listed company in the special medical purpose formula food sector in China is expected to emerge, with Saintong Special Medical (Qingdao) Nutrition and Health Technology Co., Ltd. filing for an IPO in Hong Kong [1] Group 1: Market Position and Competition - Saintong Special Medical holds a 6.3% market share, ranking fourth in the Chinese market, and is the only domestic brand among the top five [2] - The company has achieved a breakthrough with two special medical foods for rare diseases approved in early 2025, marking a significant milestone for domestic brands [2] - The competition in the special medical food sector is intensifying as more formulas are approved, posing a challenge for Saintong Special Medical to maintain its competitive edge [2][12] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and Industry Development - The approval of the Special Medical Purpose Formula Food Registration Management Measures in 2016 initiated a period of standardized development for the industry [3] - The high entry barriers due to stringent registration requirements and long approval cycles (1-3 years) create a challenging environment for new entrants [3] Group 3: Product Portfolio and Financial Performance - Saintong Special Medical holds six infant special medical food registration certificates, the highest among domestic brands [4] - The company achieved revenue of 834 million yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.3% over the past three years [5] - The average selling price of the allergy prevention product series is 332 yuan per kilogram, with a gross margin of 72%, significantly higher than that of its discontinued non-special medical milk powder [5] - The adjusted net profit for 2024 is close to 200 million yuan, with an adjusted net profit margin of 23.9%, surpassing that of high-end milk powder brands like Feihe [5] Group 4: Production and Operational Efficiency - Approximately 40% of the company's products have yet to complete domestic registration [6] - The company has outsourced production to its controlling shareholder's subsidiary in South Korea, optimizing capital return efficiency [7] - The return on equity (ROE) reached an impressive 75% after excluding the impact of financial liabilities [8] - The adjusted asset-liability ratio is 1.6% in 2024, with minimal leasing liabilities and bank loans [11] Group 5: Future Growth and Strategic Direction - The special medical food market is still considered a niche sector, with a total market size of 23.2 billion yuan in 2024, and the infant special medical food market reaching 13.5 billion yuan [26] - Saintong Special Medical plans to shift its focus towards non-infant special medical foods, aiming to commercialize 12 new products within five years [27] - The company is developing specific full-nutrition formula foods for diseases, with a longer registration cycle of 3-5 years due to stricter standards [29][30] - The increasing approval speed of formulas is expected to heighten competition in the sector [32]