Core Viewpoint - The company has announced a share repurchase program, believing its current share price does not reflect its business performance and growth potential in the aesthetic-medical market [2][3]. Share Repurchase Program - The company will repurchase shares starting May 20, 2025, with a maximum aggregate amount of US$5 million, funded by surplus cash and future free cash flow [7]. - The repurchase will be conducted in the open market at prevailing prices, including through Rule 10b5-1 plans [2]. - The company plans to issue shares as future stock-based compensation in proportion to the number of repurchased shares [2]. Financial Strategy - The company aims to balance growth investment with shareholder returns, considering dividend distributions to enhance total shareholder return [3]. - To allocate funds for the repurchase, the company will defer further purchases under its Bitcoin purchase plan, which targeted JPY1 billion [3]. Acquisition Plans - The company is reviewing the acquisition of all shares of Risenet Co., Ltd., which provides management-support services to its clinics [4]. - The acquisition details, including price and impact on consolidated financials, are yet to be determined [4]. Company Overview - SBC Medical, headquartered in Irvine, California, and Tokyo, Japan, provides management services and products to cosmetic treatment centers, focusing on franchise clinics [5]. - Services include advertising, staff management, customer booking, facility rentals, medical equipment procurement, and IT solutions [5].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call on China Healthcare Equities Industry Overview - The conference focused on the **China Healthcare sector**, particularly the impact of US tariffs on the pharmaceutical supply chain and related industries [2][21]. Core Insights - **Tariff Impact Ranking**: The impact of tariffs is expected to be highest on medical consumables, followed by devices and drugs [2]. - **Timeline for Tariffs**: Tariffs on US pharmaceutical imports may commence within one to two months due to ongoing investigations [2]. - **Impact on Exporters**: Small and medium-sized exporters of low-end medical consumables are anticipated to be most affected, with major CDMOs like Wuxi AppTec, Pharmaron, and Genscript facing 30-50% revenue exposure to the US [2][21]. - **Risk Management**: Large companies are managing risks through planned production capacity shifts to ASEAN/Europe and maintaining high inventory levels (two to three years) [2]. - **API Exporters**: The risk for API exporters is considered manageable in the short term due to China's established supply chain role, despite having double-digit US revenue exposure [2]. Financial Projections - **Revenue and Profit Margin Erosion**: Scenario analysis indicates potential revenue and net profit margin erosion of approximately 5% and 1 percentage point across sub-sectors due to tariffs [3]. - **CDMO Impact**: CDMOs could see up to a 6% revenue impact and a 5-10% decrease in net profit margins [3]. - **Cost Inflation**: Import-dependent segments, such as IVD reagents, may experience around 1% cost inflation, slightly squeezing margins [3]. Market Dynamics - **Global Supply Chain Shifts**: The global supply chain is shifting, but short-term offsets are expected due to stockpiling [2]. - **Domestic Substitution**: There is an expectation of accelerating domestic substitution in the MedTech sector due to import weaknesses caused by tariffs [9]. - **Market Concentration**: A higher level of market concentration is anticipated in the MedTech subsector [9]. Company-Specific Insights - **Limited US Exposure**: Chinese innovative drugs are forecasted to have almost no sales exposure to the US, with limited impact from R&D cost increases due to higher export prices [7]. - **CDMO Resilience**: CDMOs are expected to manage tariff impacts effectively, with 80% of tariff expenses potentially passed through to US clients [8]. - **MedTech Companies**: Companies like Mindray and United Imaging are expected to face low single-digit cost impacts due to their low US exposure [9]. Export Data - **China Healthcare Exports**: Total exports from the China Healthcare sector reached **USD 107.99 billion** in 2024, marking a **5.8% year-on-year increase** [15]. - **Export Composition**: APIs accounted for approximately **40%** of total exports, while IVDs made up **21%** [15][18]. Conclusion - The China Healthcare sector is navigating potential tariff impacts with strategic adjustments and risk management practices. While certain sub-sectors may face challenges, the overall resilience of the industry, particularly in API production and innovative drug development, is expected to mitigate significant adverse effects.

Core Viewpoint - WORK Medical Technology Group LTD has announced a strategic partnership with Shanghai Chartwell Medical Device Co., Ltd to enhance growth and innovation in the healthcare sector [1][2]. Company Overview - WORK Medical Technology Group LTD is a supplier of Class I and II medical devices, with a diverse product portfolio of 21 products, including customized masks and medical consumables, sold in 34 provincial-level regions in China and over 30 countries globally [3]. - The company has received multiple quality-related manufacturing designations and has registered 17 products with the U.S. FDA, allowing entry into the U.S. market [3]. Partnership Details - The collaboration will involve Chartwell Medical's subsidiaries, including Fuying and Fufeng, focusing on mutual growth and unlocking new opportunities [2]. - The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency, market leadership, and international competitiveness, with a goal to advance high-end medical technologies [2]. - Specific cooperation projects are expected to enrich WORK Medical's product portfolio and increase the proportion of high-value-added products, leading to substantial growth in revenue and profits over the next three years [2]. Strategic Initiatives - The partnership will explore joint investment funds to align industrial and financial resources, including potential investments in Chartwell Medical or merging it into WORK Medical [6]. - Future co-investments are planned in key projects such as healthcare infrastructure, advanced technology R&D, and global acquisitions [6]. Chartwell Medical Overview - Shanghai Chartwell Medical Device Co., Ltd specializes in high-end medical devices and consumables, serving the Asia-Pacific region with a diverse portfolio across multiple categories [4]. - The company holds exclusive agency rights for several leading high-end medical brands from Japan, enhancing its market position [4].