Core Insights - The Chinese ejiao industry has experienced significant fluctuations in retail terminal sales, with a notable increase in 2023 followed by a projected decline in 2024 [3][5] - Major ejiao manufacturers are rapidly expanding their online sales channels to adapt to the growing e-commerce landscape and changing consumer behaviors [6][9] Sales Performance - In 2023, the retail terminal sales of ejiao reached approximately 6.5 billion yuan, marking an 11.8% year-on-year increase, the highest growth rate in six years [3] - The retail terminal sales of compound ejiao paste in 2023 were 2.017 billion yuan, reflecting a 41.3% year-on-year growth, but are expected to decline to 1.7 billion yuan in 2024 [5] Sales Channels - The primary sales channels for ejiao products include hospitals, supermarkets, retail pharmacies, direct specialty stores, and online e-commerce platforms [1] - East Ejiao has focused on building and maintaining online sales channels, achieving over 30% year-on-year growth in sales GMV for its products in the first half of 2024 [1][9] - Other manufacturers, such as Fupai Ejiao, are also leveraging online sales strategies, including live streaming and community marketing, to enhance their market presence [9] Manufacturer Strategies - East Ejiao emphasizes a multi-channel approach, integrating online and offline sales to reach a broader consumer base, particularly younger demographics [9] - Fupai Ejiao has developed a comprehensive online and offline strategy, including partnerships with live streaming influencers and community marketing initiatives [9] - Tongrentang has expanded its offline presence with 1,270 stores across 190 cities and is actively engaging in online platforms like Tmall and JD Health [10] Market Outlook - The overall outlook for the ejiao market indicates a challenging environment in 2024, with expected declines in sales due to weaker consumer demand and a sluggish retail pharmacy sector [3][5]

Core Insights - The company achieved a revenue of 5.921 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 25.57% and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.557 billion yuan, up 35.29% [1] - The company is driven by a dual engine of pharmaceutical and health consumer products, with significant growth in its core product lines [2] - The company has introduced an employee stock incentive plan to enhance talent attraction and promote long-term high-quality development [2] Financial Performance - In 2024, the company reported a net operating cash flow of 2.171 billion yuan, reflecting an 11.13% increase year-on-year [1] - The basic earnings per share (EPS) for 2024 was 2.42 yuan, marking a 35.20% increase compared to the previous year [1] - The company maintained a strong financial structure with a debt-to-asset ratio of 21.05% and cash reserves of 5.015 billion yuan at the end of the year [2] Business Segments - Revenue from the company's Ejiao and related products reached 5.544 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 27.04%, with a gross margin of 73.61% [2] - Other pharmaceuticals and health products generated revenue of 236 million yuan, up 26.19% year-on-year [2] - The company experienced a decline in revenue from donkey breeding and sales, which amounted to 69 million yuan, down 28.92% [2] Growth Initiatives - The company launched a stock incentive plan, proposing to grant up to 124.72 million restricted shares, representing 0.19% of the total share capital, to 179 key personnel [2] - The performance targets for the incentive plan include a compound annual growth rate of net profit attributable to shareholders of no less than 15% from 2025 to 2027 [2] - The company has a history of high dividends, with a mid-year dividend of 737 million yuan in 2024, representing 99.77% of the net profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of the year [2] Investment Outlook - The company is expected to achieve EPS of 2.87 yuan, 3.40 yuan, and 4.02 yuan for the years 2025 to 2027, with corresponding dynamic P/E ratios of 21.91, 18.53, and 15.66 [3] - As a leader in the Ejiao industry, the company possesses strong brand barriers and is anticipated to achieve steady growth in performance [3]

Core Viewpoint - Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd. has shown strong financial performance in 2024, driven by dual growth in pharmaceutical and health consumer products, leading to a buy rating from Zhonghang Securities [1][5]. Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved operating revenue of 5.921 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 25.57% - The net profit attributable to shareholders reached 1.557 billion yuan, up 35.29% - The net profit after deducting non-recurring gains and losses was 1.442 billion yuan, an increase of 33.17% - Operating cash flow net amount was 2.171 billion yuan, growing by 11.13% - Basic earnings per share were 2.42 yuan, reflecting a growth of 35.20% [1][2]. Business Segments - Revenue from E-Jiao and related products was 5.544 billion yuan, up 27.04%, with a gross margin of 73.61% - Other pharmaceuticals and health products generated 236 million yuan, a growth of 26.19% - Revenue from donkey breeding and sales decreased by 28.92% to 69 million yuan - E-Jiao blocks saw double-digit growth, while compound E-Jiao syrup achieved over 50% growth, with the medical market outpacing retail - The core health consumer brand, Taohua Ji, expanded by over 10% through partnerships with leading health snack brands - E-Jiao powder experienced a remarkable growth of over 75% through focused branding and digital marketing strategies [2]. Incentive Plan - On January 10, 2025, the company announced a restricted stock incentive plan, proposing to grant up to 1.2472 million shares, accounting for 0.19% of total equity - The initial grant price is set at 37.22 yuan per share, targeting 179 individuals including directors and key personnel - Performance targets include a compound annual growth rate of net profit of no less than 15% from 2023 to 2025-2027, and net asset returns of at least 11.50%, 12.00%, and 12.50% for the respective years [3]. Dividend Policy - The company maintains a strong financial structure with a debt-to-asset ratio of 21.05% and cash reserves of 5.015 billion yuan - In September 2024, the company executed its first-ever interim dividend, distributing 737 million yuan, which is 99.77% of the net profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2024 - The annual dividend plan for 2024 is approximately 818 million yuan, representing 99.70% of the undistributed net profit for the year [4]. Investment Outlook - The company is expected to achieve earnings per share of 2.87 yuan, 3.40 yuan, and 4.02 yuan for 2025-2027, with corresponding dynamic price-to-earnings ratios of 21.91, 18.53, and 15.66 - As a leader in the E-Jiao industry, the company possesses strong brand barriers and is anticipated to achieve steady growth, leading to a buy rating [5].