Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological is continuously downsizing its C-end functional skincare business, specifically shutting down the Runxiquan brand, which was not a major contributor to its revenue and profit [1][2]. Group 1: Business Strategy and Focus - The closure of Runxiquan is part of Huaxi Biological's strategy to focus on its core business and main brands, emphasizing that collagen is not a strategic focus for the company [1][2]. - The company has faced significant pressure from a sharp decline in the performance of its C-end functional skincare brands, with revenue from this segment dropping from over 70% to 40.36% of total revenue by mid-2025 [3]. - Huaxi Biological's chairman has publicly stated the need for corporate restructuring and a return to a startup mentality, highlighting issues with over-reliance on external marketing resources [3]. Group 2: Market Position and Challenges - The company positions itself as a "synthetic biotechnology company," differentiating itself from other domestic beauty brands that rely heavily on consumer sales [4]. - Despite the challenges in the C-end market, Huaxi Biological maintains a competitive edge through its B-end raw materials and medical terminal segments [4]. - The company has diversified its raw material offerings beyond hyaluronic acid, including ingredients like Ectoin and PDRN, but hyaluronic acid remains its core product [6]. Group 3: Brand Management and Market Perception - Huaxi Biological's main brands, including Runbaiyan and Kuadi, have overlapping market positions and unclear differentiation in consumer perception, which complicates their market strategies [9][10]. - The company has shifted from a strategy of aggressive brand expansion to a more focused approach, indicating a need to clarify which brands are core and which are experimental [10][11]. - The overall trend in the domestic beauty industry reflects a shift towards brand structure rebalancing, as companies seek to maintain main brand advantages while managing the performance of sub-brands [11].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological is accelerating its transformation by shutting down the Runxiquan brand, which has not significantly contributed to its revenue and profit, as part of a strategy to focus on its main business and key brands [2][5][6]. Brand Adjustment - The closure of the Runxiquan brand has been confirmed, with its official stores on platforms like Taobao no longer searchable and its products cleared from its Douyin flagship store [4][6]. - Huaxi Biological emphasized that Runxiquan was never a major brand for the company and its existence did not meaningfully impact revenue or profit [4][7]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Huaxi Biological's functional skincare business generated revenue of 2.569 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 31.62% [8]. - The revenue contributions from the four main brands—Runbaiyan (922 million yuan), Kuaidi (649 million yuan), Mibeier (290 million yuan), and BM Jihuo (279 million yuan)—showed significant declines, with year-on-year drops of 22.63%, 41.69%, 31.76%, and 52.06% respectively [8][9]. - Overall, Huaxi Biological's revenue and net profit decreased by 19.57% and 35.38% respectively in the first half of 2025, following an 11.61% and 70.59% decline in 2024 [8][9]. Market Challenges - The functional skincare sector is facing a development bottleneck, with increasing competition and a saturated market limiting growth opportunities for brands like Runxiquan [7][12]. - Huaxi Biological's past success was heavily reliant on "traffic operation," and rising traffic costs have led to a stagnation in performance growth [9][12]. Strategic Transformation - The company is undergoing a significant internal transformation, particularly in its core business of skin science innovation, which involves changes in operations, products, channels, organization, and branding [10][11]. - The shift from a traffic-driven sales model to a science-based brand communication strategy aims to provide scientifically validated skincare solutions [11]. - Huaxi Biological is focusing on optimizing team structures and improving operational efficiency to enhance overall business quality [11].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological's performance continues to decline, with significant drops in revenue and net profit in the first half of 2025, indicating ongoing pressure on the company's operations [2][5]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue for the first half of 2025 was 2.261 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 19.57% [2][4]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 220 million yuan, down 35.38% year-on-year [2]. - The skin science innovation transformation business, which accounts for 40.36% of total revenue, saw a revenue decline of 33.97% to 912 million yuan [5][6]. Business Segments - The skin science innovation transformation business is the most severely affected segment, with a significant drop in revenue [5]. - The raw material business generated 626 million yuan, with a slight decline of 0.58%, while the medical terminal business brought in 673 million yuan, down 9.44% [6]. - The medical products in the terminal business achieved 467 million yuan in revenue, a decrease of 1.8% [6]. Reform Measures - The company has implemented significant reforms, including the return of the general manager to frontline operations to drive change [7]. - Sales expenses decreased by 31.44% year-on-year, attributed to reduced promotional costs in the skin science innovation transformation business [7]. - Research and development investment increased to 10.22% of total revenue, up from 7.13% in the previous year, indicating a strong commitment to innovation despite poor performance [7]. Quarterly Insights - In the second quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of 1.183 billion yuan, a decline of 18.44% year-on-year, but net profit increased by 20.89% to 119 million yuan [8]. - The net profit margin rose for the first time since the first quarter of 2024, suggesting that reform measures may be starting to yield positive results [8].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Bio's performance in the first half of 2025 showed significant declines in revenue and profit, but there are signs of recovery in the second quarter, indicating potential for future growth [1][4][14]. Financial Performance Summary - In the first half of 2025, Huaxi Bio reported revenue of 2.26 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 19.57% [1][3]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 221 million yuan, down 35.38% year-on-year, while the net profit after deducting non-recurring gains and losses fell by 45% to 218 million yuan [1][3]. - Operating cash flow was 218 million yuan, a decline of 17.49% compared to the previous year [1][3]. - In the second quarter, revenue was 1.18 billion yuan, a decrease of 18.44% year-on-year, but net profit increased by 20.89% to 119 million yuan, marking a return to growth [4][14]. Operational Changes and Strategies - Founder Zhao Yan returned to the frontline in March 2025, implementing significant reforms including management restructuring and cost-cutting measures [4][8]. - Sales expenses decreased by 31.44% to 808 million yuan in the first half of 2025, with a sales expense ratio of 35.74%, the lowest in five years [10][12]. - The company is shifting its marketing strategy from a scale-oriented approach to an efficiency-oriented model, focusing on brand efficacy [12][13]. Inventory and Efficiency - The inventory turnover days improved from 391 days in the first quarter to 321 days in the second quarter, indicating enhanced operational efficiency [4][14]. - Despite a reduction in inventory balance to 1.168 billion yuan, it remains at historically high levels, suggesting further optimization is needed [4][14]. Business Segment Performance - The revenue from the raw materials segment was 626 million yuan, down 0.58%, while the medical terminal business generated 673 million yuan, down 9.44% [15]. - The skin science innovation segment saw a significant decline, with revenue of 912 million yuan, down 33.97%, while the nutrition science segment grew by 32.4% to 38 million yuan [15][16]. - The skin science segment remains the largest, accounting for 40.34% of total revenue, despite being the most affected by declines [16]. Company Culture and Market Position - The return of Zhao Yan has led to a shift in the company's culture, characterized by a more aggressive stance in addressing market challenges and public relations issues [17][18]. - The company has actively engaged in industry discussions, particularly regarding the comparison of its products with competitors, showcasing a strong commitment to market leadership [18][19].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Bio, once a star in the medical beauty sector, has seen a significant decline in stock price and market value since its peak in 2021, prompting the controlling shareholder to announce a share buyback plan for the first time since its IPO in 2019 [3][5][7]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Sentiment - Huaxi Bio's stock price peaked at approximately 312.99 yuan, but has since dropped about 82%, with a market value evaporating over 100 billion yuan [3][5]. - The controlling shareholder plans to buy back shares worth 200 million to 300 million yuan, with a maximum purchase price of 70 yuan per share, which is relatively small compared to the current market value of 25.3 billion yuan [5][7]. - Following the announcement, the stock experienced a brief increase of about 3% but closed with only a 0.71% gain, indicating limited market impact [7]. Group 2: Institutional Investor Behavior - Institutional funds have been steadily exiting Huaxi Bio, with the number of funds holding shares dropping from 421 at the end of 2022 to 158 by the end of 2024, and the total shareholding value decreasing significantly [10][12]. - The Hong Kong Central Clearing and Settlement System also reported a reduction in holdings, with shares decreasing from 816.1 million to 448.7 million over six months [12]. - The second-largest shareholder, a private equity fund under China Life, has also been reducing its stake, indicating a broader trend of capital flight from the company [12][16]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Strategic Challenges - Huaxi Bio's revenue and profit growth has sharply declined, with 2023 showing a revenue drop of 4.45% and a net profit decrease of 38.97%, followed by an even worse performance in 2024 [20][22]. - The company's strategic shift towards consumer products has not yielded the expected results, leading to increased marketing expenses and a decline in overall profitability [25][26]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with rivals gaining market share in both B-end and C-end markets, eroding Huaxi Bio's previous advantages [26][27]. Group 4: Management Issues and Allegations - Frequent changes in the management team have raised concerns about internal stability, with ten executive changes reported in 2024 alone [29]. - Allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced, with a former executive claiming to have evidence of financial fraud, although the company has denied these claims [33][35]. - Previous reports of shareholder grievances regarding the treatment of employee stock options have also surfaced, further complicating the company's reputation [35].

Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Biological's financial performance has significantly declined, with a notable drop in revenue and net profit for 2024, primarily due to poor sales in its skin science innovation transformation business [1][5][21] Financial Performance - In 2024, Huaxi Biological achieved operating revenue of 5.371 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 11.61%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 174 million yuan, down 70.59% year-on-year [1][3] - Revenue from the skin science innovation transformation business fell by 31.62% in 2024, contributing to 47.92% of the company's main business revenue [5] Brand Performance - The sales of four core skincare brands have continuously declined over the past two years, with significant drops in revenue: - Runbaiyan: 2023 down 13.86%, 2024 down 22.63% - Kuaidi: 2023 down 18.64%, 2024 down 41.69% - Mibeier: 2023 down 29.75%, 2024 down 31.76% - BM Ji Huo: 2023 down 35.19%, 2024 down 52.06% [1][8][5] Operational Efficiency - The company's operational capabilities are concerning, with multiple operational efficiency indicators, such as total asset turnover and inventory turnover, declining in 2024 [2][10] - Total asset turnover rates from 2022 to 2024 were 0.79, 0.71, and 0.63, indicating a decrease in asset utilization efficiency [10][12] - Inventory turnover days increased from 196.69 days in 2021 to 307.93 days in 2024, reflecting a weakening inventory turnover capability [12] Inventory Management - As of the end of 2024, the inventory balance for functional skincare products was 479 million yuan, with an average inventory age of 465.6 days, indicating potential issues with product turnover [14][17] - The company has made provisions for inventory depreciation, with a total of 77 million yuan, of which 43 million yuan is for functional skincare products, the highest proportion [17][18] Future Outlook - In the first quarter of 2025, Huaxi Biological's performance continued to decline, with operating revenue of 1.078 billion yuan, down 20.77% year-on-year, and a net profit of 102 million yuan, down 58.13% year-on-year, primarily due to the ongoing decline in the skin science innovation transformation business [21]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of Huaxi Tang'an Bio-Tech in Guangming Science City marks a significant strategic deployment for Huaxi Bio, expanding its diversification beyond hyaluronic acid and establishing a global non-animal heparin full industry chain platform in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [1][3]. Group 1: Company Development - Huaxi Bio focuses on synthetic biology, emphasizing glycomics and cell biology, and has developed four major business segments: bioactive raw materials, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, skin science innovation, and nutritional science innovation [1]. - Huaxi Tang'an has achieved multi-dimensional technological breakthroughs in the field of enzyme-synthesized heparin, with applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, particularly in preventing and treating thromboembolic diseases and cardiovascular surgeries [1][3]. Group 2: Industry Collaboration and Ecosystem - The signing ceremony involved partnerships with Guangming District, the National Bio-Manufacturing Industry Innovation Center, and private equity funds, leveraging policy and resource advantages to accelerate project development [3]. - Guangming District has attracted over 130 companies in the synthetic biology sector, with an estimated industry valuation of nearly 40 billion, establishing a comprehensive innovation ecosystem covering research, technology development, and talent support [3][4]. Group 3: Future Prospects - The establishment of Huaxi Tang'an is expected to attract more upstream and downstream enterprises in the medical beauty and cosmetics sectors, contributing to the creation of a distinctive industrial cluster in Guangming [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding Juzhi Biotechnology (巨子生物) and its admission of limitations in quality standards and testing methods, which has raised further questions about the integrity of its products and the broader implications for the industry [2][4][10]. Group 1: Company Response and Market Impact - Juzhi Biotechnology acknowledged its limitations in quality standards and testing methods, marking a significant shift from its previous defensive stance against accusations regarding its collagen products [4][10]. - Following the controversy, Juzhi's stock price fell from 87.1 HKD to 53.9 HKD, resulting in a market capitalization loss of over 330 billion HKD [10]. - The company's internal investor meeting indicated confidence in recovering from short-term impacts, despite the ongoing public skepticism [4][11]. Group 2: Industry Context and Competition - The controversy highlights a broader "ingredient war" between Juzhi Biotechnology and Huaxi Biotechnology (华熙生物), with both companies competing in the collagen and hyaluronic acid markets [14][15]. - Huaxi Biotechnology, a leader in the hyaluronic acid market, has criticized Juzhi's claims about collagen superiority, emphasizing the lack of scientific basis for such assertions [15][16]. - The article suggests that the current lack of unified testing standards in the collagen industry poses challenges for quality control and consumer trust [17][19]. Group 3: Consumer Trust and Market Dynamics - The incident has led to a decline in consumer trust, particularly among core users who prioritize ingredient efficacy, which could have long-term repercussions for Juzhi's brand reputation [12][13]. - The article notes a shift in consumer behavior towards more informed purchasing decisions, moving from concept-driven marketing to a focus on ingredient transparency and scientific validation [23][24]. - The controversy may catalyze regulatory changes and industry standards, potentially leading to a market reshuffle where companies lacking core R&D capabilities may struggle to survive [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing debate between hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen in the capital market highlights the challenges faced by companies like Huaxi Biological, which is experiencing a decline in revenue and net profit after reaching a peak in 2022 [2][6]. Group 1: Company Response and Market Dynamics - Huaxi Biological criticized the recent reports from several securities firms that favor recombinant collagen over hyaluronic acid, claiming these reports misrepresent the safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid [3][4]. - The company emphasized the importance of a healthy industry ecosystem, stating that without it, no company can achieve long-term success or maintain competitive advantages [5][6]. - Huaxi Biological is undergoing a comprehensive management transformation in 2024, including business process restructuring and digitalization, to address the challenges in the current operating environment [2][6]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In 2024, Huaxi Biological reported a revenue of 5.371 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 11.61%, and a net profit of 174 million yuan, down 70.59% [6]. - The skin science innovation business, which accounts for nearly half of the company's revenue, saw a significant decline of 31.62% in revenue, totaling 2.569 billion yuan [6]. - In contrast, the medical terminal business achieved a revenue of 1.44 billion yuan in 2024, marking a growth of 32.03% [7]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Competition - The medical aesthetics industry is witnessing a shift from hyaluronic acid to recombinant collagen and other regenerative products, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements [5][9]. - The market for recombinant collagen is growing rapidly, with companies like Jinbo Biological and Giant Bio achieving substantial revenue increases in 2024, indicating a competitive landscape with low market concentration [8][9]. - Huaxi Biological is also investing in recombinant collagen research and development, aiming to leverage synthetic biology for technological upgrades and high-quality applications [7][8].

Core Insights - Huaxi Bio reported a revenue of 1.078 billion and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 102 million for Q1 2025, showing an increase of approximately 290 million compared to Q4 2024. Excluding impairment losses, net profit increased by about 180 million compared to Q4 2024 [1] Business Performance - The company's bioactive substances and medical terminal businesses remained stable, with accelerated R&D, registration, and marketization of new raw materials and pipelines [1] - The skin science innovation transformation business, which has a significant revenue share, is undergoing an adjustment period. The decline is attributed not to intensified market competition but to a deviation from the company's core technological advantages in hyaluronic acid and glyco-biology [1][2] Management Changes - The chairman and general manager has begun to directly manage the skin science innovation transformation business, focusing on brand management and implementing technology and brand positioning based on global research advancements [2] - The company has renamed its "personal health consumer products business" to "skin science innovation transformation business" and is restructuring its management and operations team to enhance its competitive edge [2] Strategic Investments - The establishment of a "Frontier Insight Scientific Content Research Center" aims to integrate underlying technological innovations across various business lines to support brand communication [3] - The company is investing in supply chain transformation to enhance production efficiency and has made significant investments in strategic innovation businesses, including regenerative medicine and nutritional science [3] - The overall employee compensation has increased due to the implementation of a new compensation system, reflecting the company's commitment to long-term strategic investments [3]