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Stock Analysis & ValuationSichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (002422.SZ)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
$30.95
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, $Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)32.405
Intrinsic value (DCF)14.44-53
Graham-Dodd Method6.26-80
Graham Formula17.97-42

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer established in 1996 and headquartered in Chengdu. As a subsidiary of Sichuan Kelun Industry Group, the company specializes in the comprehensive research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical products serving the massive Chinese healthcare market. Kelun's core business segments include intravenous (IV) solutions, injectable powders, small volume parenteral products, oral preparations, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), intermediates, and peritoneal dialysis solutions. Operating in China's rapidly growing pharmaceutical sector, the company plays a vital role in the healthcare supply chain, particularly in hospital and clinical settings where injectable medications are essential. With a market capitalization exceeding 59 billion CNY, Kelun has established itself as a significant player in China's drug manufacturing industry, leveraging its integrated business model from API production to finished dosage forms. The company's strategic positioning in Chengdu, a major pharmaceutical hub in Western China, provides logistical advantages for serving both domestic and potential international markets.

Investment Summary

Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical presents a mixed investment profile with several attractive fundamentals offset by sector-specific challenges. The company demonstrates solid financial health with strong profitability (2.94 billion CNY net income on 21.81 billion CNY revenue), positive operating cash flow of 4.49 billion CNY, and a reasonable debt-to-equity structure. The dividend payment of 0.763 CNY per share provides income appeal. However, the negative beta of -0.095 suggests low correlation with broader market movements, which may appeal to defensive investors but could limit upside during bull markets. The Chinese pharmaceutical sector faces ongoing regulatory pressures, pricing reforms, and intensifying competition. Kelun's focus on injectables and IV solutions provides some insulation from generic oral solid competition but exposes it to hospital procurement policies. The company's scale and vertical integration from APIs to finished products represent key advantages, though investors should monitor regulatory developments and competitive dynamics in China's evolving healthcare landscape.

Competitive Analysis

Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical competes in China's highly fragmented but consolidating pharmaceutical market, where scale, regulatory compliance, and product diversification are critical success factors. The company's competitive positioning is strengthened by its vertical integration strategy, controlling production from APIs to finished dosage forms, particularly in injectables and IV solutions where manufacturing expertise and quality standards create significant barriers to entry. Kelun's extensive product portfolio across multiple therapeutic categories provides revenue diversification and reduces dependence on any single product line. The company's established distribution network and relationships with Chinese hospitals represent important competitive advantages in a market where institutional sales dominate. However, Kelun faces intense competition from both domestic pharmaceutical giants and multinational corporations operating in China. The company's regional focus in Western China provides logistical advantages but may limit national market penetration compared to competitors with broader geographic reach. Regulatory changes in China's healthcare system, including volume-based procurement policies, continue to pressure pricing across the industry, requiring competitors to compete increasingly on cost efficiency and scale. Kelun's R&D capabilities and pipeline development will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness as China shifts toward innovation-driven pharmaceutical growth. The company's intermediate position between large state-owned enterprises and smaller generic manufacturers creates both opportunities and challenges in a market undergoing significant consolidation.

Major Competitors

  • Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd. (600276.SS): Hengrui Medicine is one of China's largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies with strong R&D capabilities and a diversified product portfolio. The company has significant advantages in oncology drugs and has successfully transitioned toward innovative medicines. However, Hengrui faces pricing pressure from China's volume-based procurement program and increased competition in its core therapeutic areas. Compared to Kelun, Hengrui has stronger innovation capabilities but may be more exposed to pricing reforms.
  • Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (600196.SS): Fosun Pharma is a comprehensive healthcare group with businesses spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostic products, and healthcare services. The company benefits from global partnerships and a diversified business model. Fosun's strengths include its international presence and innovative pipeline, though it faces integration challenges across its diverse business units. Compared to Kelun's focus on pharmaceuticals, Fosun has broader healthcare exposure but may lack focus in specific therapeutic areas.
  • Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. (000538.SZ): Yunnan Baiyao is renowned for its traditional Chinese medicine products, particularly hemostatic agents and healthcare products. The company benefits from strong brand recognition and pricing power for its proprietary formulas. However, Yunnan Baiyao faces challenges in diversifying beyond its core products and adapting to modern pharmaceutical regulations. Unlike Kelun's focus on Western medicines and injectables, Yunnan Baiyao's TCM focus provides differentiation but limits overlap in competitive domains.
  • Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (600332.SS): Baiyunshan is a major pharmaceutical manufacturer with strengths in traditional Chinese medicine and over-the-counter products. The company has extensive distribution channels and strong brand portfolio. However, Baiyunshan faces challenges in pharmaceutical innovation and margin pressure in competitive OTC segments. Compared to Kelun's hospital-focused injectable business, Baiyunshan has stronger consumer healthcare presence but different customer focus.
  • China Resources Double-Crane Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (600062.SS): Double-Crane specializes in intravenous fluids and injectable medications, making it a direct competitor to Kelun's core business. The company benefits from state-backing and established hospital relationships. However, Double-Crane faces intense price competition in IV solutions and needs to diversify its product portfolio. The company competes directly with Kelun in hospital injectables but may have different regional strengths and cost structures.
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