Core Viewpoint - 康臣药业 demonstrated strong performance in the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching 1.569 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 23.7% [1] Financial Performance - Group revenue for the first half of 2025 was 1.569 billion RMB, up 23.7% year-on-year [1] - Gross profit increased by approximately 27.6% to 1.209 billion RMB, with a gross margin of 77.1%, an increase of 2.4 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - Shareholder profit attributable to the company was approximately 498 million RMB, a year-on-year increase of 24.6% [1] - The board proposed an interim dividend of 0.33 HKD per share, with a payout ratio exceeding 51% [1] Business Segments - Sales revenue from nephrology drugs was approximately 1.131 billion RMB, a growth of about 28.0% compared to 2024 [1] - Sales revenue from pediatric and women's drugs was approximately 172 million RMB, up about 17.5% year-on-year [1] - Sales revenue from medical imaging contrast agents was approximately 95 million RMB, a year-on-year increase of about 22.0% [1] - The company has launched new CT contrast agents and has a rich pipeline of products under development [1] Market Position - 尿毒清颗粒 is the flagship product of 康臣药业, maintaining a leading position in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) market [1] - The product is the first Chinese traditional medicine to complete evidence-based medical research for CKD, with a significant target market due to the high prevalence of CKD in China [1] - Despite the expiration of its patent in 2024, the complexity of its formulation and strict drug approval processes are expected to maintain its market barrier [1] Investment Outlook - The target price is set at 25.20 HKD, reflecting a 59.50% upside potential based on a 19x P/E ratio for 2025 [1] - The company is expected to continue its stable growth, supported by high dividends and share buybacks, showcasing value and confidence [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 25.20, indicating a potential upside of 59.5% from the current price of HKD 15.80 [5]. Core Insights - The company has demonstrated strong performance with a revenue of RMB 1.569 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 23.7%. Gross profit increased by approximately 27.6% to RMB 1.209 billion, with a gross margin of 77.1%, up 2.4 percentage points from the same period in 2024 [2]. - The core product, Uremic Clear Granules, continues to drive growth, achieving sales of approximately RMB 1.131 billion, a 28.0% increase compared to 2024. This product holds a leading position in the modern Chinese medicine category for kidney disease [3][4]. - The company has a robust dividend policy, proposing an interim dividend of HKD 0.33 per share, resulting in a payout ratio exceeding 51% [2]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, the company reported revenues of RMB 2.590 billion, with a projected increase to RMB 3.477 billion in 2025, representing a growth rate of 17.2% [6]. - Net profit is expected to rise from RMB 784.5 million in 2023 to RMB 1.052 billion in 2025, with diluted earnings per share increasing from RMB 0.98 to RMB 1.23 during the same period [6]. Product and Market Position - Uremic Clear Granules is the company's flagship product, uniquely positioned in the market with a significant competitive advantage. It is the first kidney disease Chinese medicine to complete evidence-based medical research and has received strong recommendations in clinical guidelines [4]. - The company has expanded its product pipeline, with several new imaging contrast agents launched and ongoing research products awaiting approval, enhancing its market offerings [3]. Strategic Outlook - The company is focused on optimizing its operational structure and deepening strategic layouts, which is expected to sustain its growth trajectory. The kidney disease product segment is anticipated to maintain stable sales growth due to its unique market position and the absence of significant competing products [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - First Shanghai maintains a "buy" rating for Kangchen Pharmaceutical (01681) and adjusts the profit forecast for 2025-2027, setting a target price of HKD 25.20, indicating a potential upside of 59.50% from the current price [1] Financial Performance - Kangchen Pharmaceutical reported a revenue of RMB 1.569 billion for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 23.7% [2] - Gross profit increased by approximately 27.6% to RMB 1.209 billion, with a gross margin of 77.1%, up 2.4 percentage points from the same period in 2024, mainly due to a decrease in raw material prices [2] - Shareholders' profit attributable to the company was approximately RMB 498 million, a year-on-year increase of 24.6% [2] - The company continues its high dividend policy, proposing an interim dividend of HKD 0.33 per share, with a payout ratio exceeding 51% [2] Product and Business Development - The sales revenue of nephrology drugs reached approximately RMB 1.131 billion, a year-on-year increase of about 28.0%, driven by the core product, Uremia Qing granules, which maintains a leading position in the modern Chinese medicine category for kidney diseases [3] - Sales revenue from pediatric and women's drugs was approximately RMB 172 million, up about 17.5% year-on-year, with the unique oral iron supplement, Yuanlikang, entering the national essential drug and medical insurance catalog [3] - The medical imaging contrast agent series generated sales of approximately RMB 95 million, a year-on-year increase of about 22.0% [3] - The company has launched new CT contrast agents and has a rich pipeline of products under development [3] Market Position and Competitive Advantage - Uremia Qing granules are the flagship product of Kangchen Pharmaceutical, holding a leading position in the kidney disease Chinese medicine market, with a significant target market due to the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China [4] - The product is the first kidney disease Chinese medicine to complete evidence-based medical research and has received strong recommendations in multiple clinical guidelines [4] - Despite the expiration of the product's patent in 2024, the complexity of its compound formulation and stringent drug approval processes are expected to maintain high market barriers and a concentrated competitive landscape [5]

Core Viewpoint - First Shanghai maintains a "buy" rating for Kangchen Pharmaceutical (01681) and adjusts the profit forecast for 2025-2027, setting a target price of HKD 25.20, indicating a potential upside of 59.50% from the current price [1] Group 1: Overall Performance - Kangchen Pharmaceutical demonstrated strong performance in the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching RMB 1.569 billion, a year-on-year increase of 23.7% [1] - Gross profit grew approximately 27.6% to RMB 1.209 billion, with a gross margin of 77.1%, up 2.4 percentage points from the same period in 2024, attributed to lower raw material costs [1] - Shareholder profit attributable to the company was approximately RMB 498 million, a year-on-year increase of 24.6%, with a proposed interim dividend of HKD 0.33 per share, resulting in a payout ratio exceeding 51% [1] Group 2: Core Product Growth - Revenue from nephrology drugs reached approximately RMB 1.131 billion, a year-on-year increase of about 28.0%, driven by the core product, Uremia Qing granules, which maintains a leading position in the modern Chinese medicine category for kidney disease [2] - Revenue from pediatric and women's health drugs was approximately RMB 172 million, a year-on-year increase of about 17.5%, with the unique oral iron supplement, Yuanlikang, gaining market share after the removal of reimbursement restrictions [2] - Sales of medical imaging contrast agents reached approximately RMB 95 million, a year-on-year increase of about 22.0%, with multiple new products launched and a rich pipeline of products under development [2] Group 3: Leading Position in Nephrology - Uremia Qing granules are the flagship product of Kangchen Pharmaceutical, holding a leading position in the kidney disease Chinese medicine market, with a unique competitive advantage [3] - The product is primarily used for chronic kidney disease (CKD), effectively lowering serum creatinine levels and delaying the progression of CKD, with a high safety profile [3] - The prevalence of CKD in Chinese adults is as high as 8.2%, with an estimated patient population exceeding 120 million, indicating a substantial target market [3] Group 4: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - Uremia Qing granules have a broad range of indications and high clinical application frequency, supported by a strong sales and public relations team [4] - The product is included in the medical insurance directory, making it affordable, and the company has adopted a "price for volume" strategy to consolidate and enhance market share [4] - Despite the expiration of the product's patent in 2024, the complexity of its compound formulation and stringent drug approval processes are expected to maintain high market barriers and a concentrated competitive landscape [4]