Summary of the Earnings Call Transcript Company Overview - The company discussed is **XTC**, a global leader in the CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization) sector, specifically focused on the ADC (Antibody-Drug Conjugate) market, covering all four components of ADCs: antibodies, linkers, payloads, and drug substances [1][2]. Key Financial Highlights - **Revenue Growth**: The company reported a revenue increase of approximately **91%** year-over-year, reaching **4.052 billion RMB** [2][14]. - **Net Profit**: Net profit surged by **277%**, exceeding **1.07 billion RMB** [2][14]. - **Active Projects**: The company has **194 active ICMC projects** and signed **53 new ICMC projects** in the past year [2][3]. - **Employee Growth**: The workforce exceeded **2000 employees** by the end of the previous year [2][12]. Operational Highlights - **Production Capacity**: The company delivered over **300 GMP batches** across various components, showcasing strong operational execution [4]. - **Client Base**: The client count approached **500**, with **32%** of revenue coming from **13 out of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies** globally [4][5]. - **Geographical Revenue Distribution**: North America accounted for nearly **50%** of revenue, with significant growth in China and Europe [6]. Technological Advancements - The company is actively investing in technology upgrades, including advancements in linker and payload technologies, with new products like **DARX** and **X-Link** introduced [6][7]. - The company synthesized over **14,000 different molecules**, indicating a robust pipeline in both traditional ADCs and newer XTC projects [8]. Future Outlook - **2025 Focus Areas**: The company aims to execute multiple PPQ projects, expand production capacity with the new **DP3** facility, and submit BLA projects to regulatory bodies in China and the U.S. [13][20]. - **Capital Expenditure**: Projected capital expenditure for 2024 is around **1.5 billion RMB**, primarily for capacity expansion in Singapore and Wuxi [18]. Market Dynamics - The company noted a strong demand for ADCs, with a backlog of orders growing by **87%** year-over-year, particularly in North America [17]. - The management expressed confidence in maintaining a high growth rate, projecting that the annual growth rate will exceed the industry average over the next five years [20]. Risks and Challenges - Profit margins may experience fluctuations due to new production line ramp-ups and external economic conditions [16][34]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying with new entrants from Japan and South Korea, but the company believes its expertise and established client relationships will mitigate risks [25][27]. Additional Insights - The company has a strong cash position, with **4 billion RMB** in cash reserves, supporting future capital expenditures [19]. - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining operational efficiency and cost control to sustain profit margins [15][34]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the earnings call, highlighting the company's performance, operational strategies, and future outlook in the ADC market.

Summary of WuXi XDC (2268.HK) Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: WuXi XDC (2268.HK) - **Market Cap**: HK$47.9 billion / $6.2 billion - **Industry**: Healthcare Services in China & Korea Key Financial Highlights - **FY25 Sales Guidance**: Maintained at over 35% growth, with expectations for stable margins [1][3] - **2H24 Revenue**: Rmb2,387 million, +111% year-over-year; Adjusted Net Profit: Rmb640 million, +227% year-over-year [2] - **Gross Margin**: 29.5% in 2H24, consistent with 2H23 but lower than 1H24 (32.1%) [3] - **Net Margin**: Expected to maintain at 29.0% for FY25 [3] - **Backlog**: Increased by 71% year-over-year to US$991 million [4][19] Growth Drivers - **ADC Outsourcing Market**: Significant growth in the ADC outsourcing market contributing to revenue [2] - **Project Phases**: More projects moving to later phases, with 15 Phase III projects and 194 iCMC projects as of YE24 [18] - **Customer Base**: Increased to 499 cumulative customers, with a notable increase in proposals requested (+38% year-over-year) [18] Geographic and Client Distribution - **Sales Distribution**: 52% from North America, 24% from China, 14% from Europe, and 10% from the rest of the world in 2H24 [18] - **Top Pharma Partnerships**: Partnered with 13 out of the top 20 global pharma companies, contributing 32% of total revenue in FY24 [18] Capital Expenditure and Capacity Expansion - **Capex for FY25**: Budgeted at Rmb1.4 billion, focusing on Singapore and drug product opportunities [22][23] - **Headcount**: Total headcount reached 2,041, with plans to add at least 500 more in FY25 [23] - **New Facilities**: Singapore site expected to be operational by YE25, with significant capacity for mAb and DS production [23] Market Performance - **Share Price Momentum**: Strong share price increase of +32% year-to-date [4] - **Investor Sentiment**: Neutral rating maintained by Goldman Sachs since March 11, 2024 [12][13] Risks and Considerations - **Order Booking Fluctuations**: Short-term fluctuations in order booking due to contract signing dynamics in a rapidly changing industry [4] - **Geopolitical Uncertainty**: Capacity expansion strategy aims to mitigate geopolitical risks by diversifying production locations [23] Conclusion WuXi XDC is positioned for robust growth driven by strong demand in the ADC outsourcing market, a growing customer base, and strategic capital investments. The company maintains a positive outlook for FY25 while navigating potential risks associated with order fluctuations and geopolitical factors.

Investment Rating - The investment rating for WuXi AppTec (02268.HK) is "Buy" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 4.052 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 86.82%, and a net profit of 1.070 billion yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 277.24% [4][8] - The total amount of unfulfilled orders reached 991 million USD, a year-on-year growth of approximately 71.2%, providing assurance for future performance growth [4] - The company is positioned as a leading CRDMO in the global antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) outsourcing service market, prompting an upward revision of profit forecasts for 2025-2027 [4][5] Financial Performance - Revenue and Profit Forecasts: - 2025: Revenue expected to be 5.471 billion yuan, net profit 1.433 billion yuan, EPS 1.2 yuan - 2026: Revenue expected to be 7.340 billion yuan, net profit 1.932 billion yuan, EPS 1.6 yuan - 2027: Revenue expected to be 9.849 billion yuan, net profit 2.781 billion yuan, EPS 2.3 yuan [4][8] - Financial Ratios: - Gross margin is projected to increase from 30.6% in 2024 to 35.5% in 2027 - Net profit margin is expected to rise from 26.4% in 2024 to 28.2% in 2027 [8][10] Operational Highlights - The company has established three operational bases in Wuxi, Changzhou, and Shanghai, enhancing its product development and supply chain system [6] - The Wuxi base has achieved a significant milestone in "one-stop" production for ADC, simplifying the supply chain and significantly shortening production cycles [6] - The Singapore production base is expected to commence operations by the end of 2025, further expanding global capacity [6] Client Engagement - By the end of 2024, the company served a total of 499 clients, including 13 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies, which contributed to 32% of total revenue [4][5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for WuXi AppTec (02268) [1][9] Core Views - WuXi AppTec demonstrated strong annual performance with a revenue of 4.052 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 91%, and a net profit of 1.069 billion RMB, reflecting a 277% growth [1][9] - The company's strategy of "Empower, Follow, and Win Molecules" has successfully driven project growth, with a total of 194 iCMC projects, including 53 new comprehensive projects signed in 2024 [2][4] - The ADC (Antibody-Drug Conjugate) market continues to show robust growth, with WuXi AppTec positioned as a leading CRDMO service provider, benefiting from a significant increase in client and project numbers [2][7] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For 2024, WuXi AppTec reported a gross profit of 1.239 billion RMB, up 122% year-on-year, and an adjusted net profit of 1.174 billion RMB, a 185% increase [1][9] - The gross margin improved by 4.3 percentage points to 30.6%, attributed to enhanced production efficiency and cost control [6][9] - The company has a backlog of 9.91 billion USD in orders, a 71% increase year-on-year, with North America showing over 100% growth in unfulfilled orders [6][9] Market Position and Strategy - WuXi AppTec has established itself as a key player in the ADC and XDC project markets, with approximately 700 ADC projects and 200 XDC projects completed [2][3] - The company has empowered clients to submit 85 IND applications, showcasing its strong client relationships and market presence [2][5] - The global ADC market is projected to grow, with WuXi AppTec's capabilities expected to meet increasing production demands, supported by new production facilities set to be operational by the end of 2025 [6][7] Future Projections - The report forecasts net profits for WuXi AppTec to reach 1.456 billion RMB in 2025, 1.997 billion RMB in 2026, and 2.704 billion RMB in 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.16% [9][10] - The projected price-to-earnings (PE) ratio for 2024 is 34.16, with an estimated market capitalization of 57 billion HKD [9][10]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "OUTPERFORM" rating for WuXi XDC Cayman, with a target price of HK$49.10, representing a potential upside of 47% from the current price of HK$41.90 [1][19]. Core Insights - WuXi XDC achieved robust growth in 2024, with revenue reaching RMB4.052 billion, a year-on-year increase of 90.8%. The gross margin improved to 30.6%, up 4.3 percentage points, and net profit attributable to shareholders surged 277.2% to RMB1.070 billion [4][12]. - The company secured 53 new integrated projects and 23 iCMC projects in 2024, supporting clients in submitting 30 IND applications and delivering over 300 GMP production batches [5][13]. - North America emerged as the fastest-growing region, with revenue from North American clients reaching RMB2.03 billion, a 138.3% increase year-on-year, accounting for 50.1% of total revenue [15]. Financial Performance - Revenue projections for WuXi XDC from 2025 to 2027 are RMB5.587 billion, RMB7.387 billion, and RMB9.462 billion, with year-on-year growth rates of 37.9%, 32.2%, and 28.1% respectively [7][18]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to be RMB1.342 billion, RMB1.818 billion, and RMB2.403 billion for the same period, with growth rates of 25%, 35%, and 32% respectively [10][18]. - The adjusted net profit is projected to be RMB1.550 billion, RMB2.010 billion, and RMB2.580 billion, with growth rates of 32%, 30%, and 28% [10][18]. Market Position and Strategy - By the end of 2024, WuXi XDC had a total backlog of RMB991 million, reflecting a 71% year-on-year growth, with new contract signings maintaining pace with this growth [16]. - The company plans to maintain high capital expenditures, with 2025 CAPEX projected to exceed RMB1.4 billion, focusing on expanding its global manufacturing footprint and technical capabilities [17].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for WuXi AppTec (2268.HK) [4] Core Views - WuXi AppTec reported strong annual performance for 2024, with revenue increasing by 91% year-on-year to 4.052 billion RMB and net profit attributable to shareholders rising by 277% to 1.070 billion RMB [1] - The company is experiencing robust growth in new projects and a diverse development in research projects, with 45 early discovery projects advancing to the iCMC stage and a total of 681 early discovery projects [1][2] - The company has a strong order backlog, with a total of 991 million USD in hand orders at the end of 2024, representing a 71% year-on-year increase [3] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Revenue for 2024 reached 4.052 billion RMB, with a growth rate of 90.8% [4] - Adjusted net profit for 2024 was 1.174 billion RMB, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 185% [1] - Gross margin improved by 4.3 percentage points to 30.6%, while adjusted net profit margin increased by 7.3 percentage points to 26.4% [1] Business Development - The company signed 53 new comprehensive projects in 2024, including 9 backend production projects [1] - The production capacity at the Wuxi base is operating at high/full load, with a delivery success rate exceeding 99% [2] - The company plans to expand its production capacity significantly, with new lines expected to come online in 2025 and 2027 [2] Market Position - WuXi AppTec serves a growing client base, with 499 cumulative clients, including 13 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies [3] - The company anticipates continued growth in inquiries for iCMC stage projects, particularly in the U.S. market, which saw a 43% year-on-year increase in inquiries [3] Future Projections - Revenue projections for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 5.554 billion RMB, 7.291 billion RMB, and 9.395 billion RMB, respectively, with expected growth rates of 37.1%, 31.3%, and 28.9% [4] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is projected to reach 1.342 billion RMB, 1.870 billion RMB, and 2.448 billion RMB for the same years, with growth rates of 25.4%, 39.4%, and 30.9% [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "OUTPERFORM" rating for WuXi XDC Cayman, with a target price of HK$49.10 based on a current price of HK$41.90 [1][19]. Core Insights - WuXi XDC reported robust growth in 2024, with revenue reaching RMB4.052 billion, a year-on-year increase of 90.8%. The gross margin improved to 30.6%, up 4.3 percentage points, and net profit attributable to shareholders surged 277.2% to RMB1.070 billion [4][12]. - The company secured 53 new integrated projects and 23 iCMC projects in 2024, supporting clients in submitting 30 IND applications and delivering over 300 GMP production batches [5][13]. - North America emerged as the fastest-growing region, with revenue from North American clients reaching RMB2.03 billion, a 138.3% increase year-on-year, accounting for 50.1% of total revenue [15]. - The total backlog of orders reached RMB991 million, reflecting a 71% year-on-year growth, with new contract signings maintaining pace with this growth [16]. Financial Summary - Revenue projections for WuXi XDC from 2025 to 2027 are RMB5.587 billion, RMB7.387 billion, and RMB9.461 billion, representing year-on-year growth rates of 37.9%, 32.2%, and 28.1% respectively [7][18]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to be RMB1.342 billion, RMB1.818 billion, and RMB2.403 billion for the same period, with growth rates of 25%, 35%, and 32% respectively [10][18]. - The adjusted net profit is projected to be RMB1.550 billion, RMB2.010 billion, and RMB2.580 billion, with year-on-year growth rates of 32%, 30%, and 28% [10][18].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for WuXi AppTec (2268.HK) with a target price of HKD 50, indicating a potential upside of 25% from the current price of HKD 40 [1][5][10]. Core Insights - WuXi AppTec's 2024 performance slightly exceeded previous positive earnings forecasts, with revenue reaching RMB 4.052 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 90.8%, and adjusted net profit of RMB 1.07 billion, up 277.2% year-on-year [5][7]. - The company expects to achieve a revenue growth rate of over 35% in 2025, supported by a strong order backlog of USD 990 million, which is a 71.2% increase year-on-year [5][7]. - North America is identified as a key growth driver, with revenue contribution from this region increasing to 50% in 2024, up from 40% in 2023 [5][7]. Financial Performance Summary - **Revenue Forecasts**: - 2023: RMB 2,124 million - 2024: RMB 4,052 million (90.8% YoY growth) - 2025E: RMB 5,569 million (37.4% YoY growth) - 2026E: RMB 7,618 million (36.8% YoY growth) - 2027E: RMB 9,987 million (31.1% YoY growth) [7][9]. - **Net Profit Forecasts**: - 2023: RMB 284 million - 2024: RMB 1,070 million (277.2% YoY growth) - 2025E: RMB 1,302 million (21.7% YoY growth) - 2026E: RMB 1,739 million (33.6% YoY growth) - 2027E: RMB 2,356 million (35.5% YoY growth) [7][9]. - **Profitability Metrics**: - Gross margin improved to 30.6% in 2024 from 26.3% in 2023, with adjusted net profit margin expected to remain stable [5][7]. Capital Expenditure and Growth Strategy - The company plans to invest approximately RMB 1.4 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, primarily for expanding production capacity in Singapore and Wuxi [5][7]. - WuXi AppTec aims to optimize operations to mitigate potential impacts on gross margins from new capacity coming online [5][7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for WuXi AppTec (2268.HK) with a target price of HKD 50, indicating a potential upside of 25% from the current price of HKD 40 [1][5][10]. Core Insights - WuXi AppTec's 2024 performance slightly exceeded previous positive earnings forecasts, with revenue reaching RMB 4.052 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 90.8%, surpassing the earlier guidance of 85% [5][7]. - The adjusted net profit for 2024 was RMB 1.07 billion, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase of 277.2%, also exceeding prior expectations of 170% growth [5][7]. - The company expects to maintain a revenue growth rate of over 35% for 2025, supported by a strong order backlog of USD 990 million, which is up 71.2% year-on-year [5][7]. - North America is identified as a key growth driver, with its revenue contribution increasing to 50% in 2024, up from 40% in 2023 [5][7]. Financial Performance and Forecast - Revenue and profit forecasts for WuXi AppTec are as follows: - 2023: Revenue of RMB 2.124 billion, net profit of RMB 284 million - 2024: Revenue of RMB 4.052 billion, net profit of RMB 1.07 billion - 2025E: Revenue of RMB 5.569 billion, net profit of RMB 1.302 billion - 2026E: Revenue of RMB 7.618 billion, net profit of RMB 1.739 billion - 2027E: Revenue of RMB 9.987 billion, net profit of RMB 2.356 billion [7][8][9]. - The report projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for revenue exceeding 40% over the next three years under optimistic scenarios [19]. Valuation Metrics - The report adjusts the 2025/2026 estimated net profit upwards by 28% and 24% respectively, primarily due to increased revenue forecasts [5][7]. - The target valuation multiple is set at 1.05x PEG, corresponding to a 31x PE for 2026E, leading to the target price of HKD 50 [5][7].

Core Viewpoint - WuXi AppTec (02268) has shown significant financial growth, with a 277% increase in net profit year-on-year, driven by strong order reserves and demand for ADC drugs [1][2] Financial Performance - For the year 2024, WuXi AppTec reported revenues of approximately 4.052 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 90.8% [1] - Gross profit reached about 1.24 billion yuan, up 121.6% compared to the previous year [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was approximately 1.07 billion yuan, marking a 277.2% increase year-on-year [1] - Adjusted net profit grew by 184.8% to 1.174 billion yuan [1] Order Reserves - As of the end of 2024, the total amount of unfulfilled orders reached 991 million USD, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 71% [1] - The new contract amount and the growth rate of unfulfilled orders are in sync, with unfulfilled orders in North America increasing by over 100% year-on-year [1] Market Outlook - Nomura anticipates continued strong growth in fiscal year 2025 due to robust global demand for ADC drugs [1] - Based on the strong performance in 2024 and management guidance, the adjusted net profit forecast for 2025-26 has been raised by 7-10% [2] - The DCF target price has been adjusted to 51 HKD, with a focus on the progress of commercial orders and BLA submissions [2] - The company signed 53 new orders in 2024, indicating rapid expansion in the North American market and highlighting the ongoing high demand in the ADC development outsourcing industry [2]