Policy Developments - Guangzhou's "Sui Xin Bao" has added 60 innovative drugs and 6 hospitals, enhancing its coverage to include local innovative drugs and those not covered by medical insurance [1] - Shandong Province has implemented a funding management method to support the consistency evaluation of generic drug quality and efficacy, offering up to 2 million yuan for qualifying products [2] Drug Approvals - Sanofi's covalent inhibitor Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) has been approved by the FDA for treating adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) [3] - Heng Rui Medicine's new drug Zemeituosita tablets has been approved, marking it as the first domestic EZH2 inhibitor for treating relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma [4] Financial Reports - Shanghai Laishi reported a revenue of 3.952 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, a decrease of 7.06%, with a net profit of 1.03 billion yuan, down 17% [5] - Beijing Tongrentang achieved a revenue of 9.769 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with a net profit of 945 million yuan, a decrease of 7.39% [6][8] - Shapuaisi turned a profit with a net profit of 21.86 million yuan, recovering from a loss in the previous year [7] - Yixin Hall reported a revenue of 8.914 billion yuan, down 4.20%, with a net profit of 250 million yuan, down 11.44% [9] - Changchun High-tech reported a revenue of 6.603 billion yuan, down 0.54%, with a net profit of 983 million yuan, down 42.85% [10] Corporate Actions - Maiwei Biotech has re-submitted its application for H-share listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [11] - Olin Biotech plans to acquire a 15% stake in its subsidiary Xin Nuo Ming Biotech to enhance control and management efficiency [12] - Meinian Health signed a cooperation framework agreement with Guofu Quantum and Jingbeifang to explore digital asset business in the health sector [13] Industry Events - Hainan Lecheng signed cooperation agreements with 13 leading biopharmaceutical companies, with expected total investments of no less than 3 billion yuan [14] - Novo Nordisk has invested up to $5.5 billion in a partnership with Replicate Bioscience to develop new therapies for metabolic diseases [15]

Core Insights - The A-share listed companies' 2025 semi-annual reports reveal a robust "innovation map," showcasing significant innovation achievements that bolster market confidence [1] - Technological innovation is identified as the core driver for high-quality development, with companies increasingly focusing on R&D to enhance their competitive edge [1] R&D Innovation Driving Business Growth - R&D is recognized as the long-term sustainable development engine for companies, crucial for value creation and core competitiveness [2] - In the first half of the year, listed companies accelerated innovation momentum with R&D investments exceeding 810 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.27% [2] - The overall R&D intensity reached 2.33%, with notable figures for different boards: 4.89% for the ChiNext, 11.78% for the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, and 4.63% for the Beijing Stock Exchange [2] - 113 companies invested over 1 billion yuan in R&D, while 926 companies had an R&D intensity exceeding 10% [2] Leading Companies in R&D Investment - BYD topped the list with a semi-annual R&D investment of 30.88 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 53.05% [3] - Hikvision is advancing in AI and big data technologies, enhancing product innovation and efficiency in R&D [3] - Shenyang Chemical achieved a net profit of 62.42 million yuan, transitioning from loss to profit, and is focusing on customized high-end product development [4] Industry Leaders as Innovation Benchmarks - Industry leaders play a crucial role in driving innovation and technological breakthroughs, particularly in sectors like new energy and innovative pharmaceuticals [6] - CATL, a prominent player in the new energy sector, has established multiple R&D centers and manufacturing bases globally, launching innovative products in various applications [6] Pharmaceutical Sector Growth - The pharmaceutical sector, led by companies like Heng Rui Medicine, has shown remarkable growth, with Heng Rui achieving a revenue of 15.76 billion yuan and a net profit of 4.45 billion yuan in the first half of the year [7] - Heng Rui's R&D investment reached 3.87 billion yuan, focusing on unmet medical needs and high-growth potential areas [7] AI Empowering Business Development - AI technologies are becoming focal points for R&D innovation among listed companies, with significant revenue growth in AI-related sectors [8] - Gree Electric's AI dynamic energy-saving products saw a sales increase of 360% in the first half of the year, reflecting strong market demand [9] - Companies are leveraging AI to enhance operational and R&D efficiency, with applications across various sectors [10]

J P M O R G A N Asia Pacific Equity Research 25 August 2025 This material is neither intended to be distributed to Mainland China investors nor to provide securities investment consultancy services within the territory of Mainland China. This material or any portion hereof may not be reprinted, sold or redistributed without the written consent of J.P. Morgan. Hengrui - A 1H25 print continuing to suggest strong fundamentals; Maintain Neutral on valuation Hengrui delivered a solid print for 1H25 (our first ta ...

Group 1: Overall Market Trends - In the first half of 2025, A-share listed companies accelerated innovation efforts with R&D investment exceeding 810 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.27% [1] - The overall R&D intensity reached 2.33%, showing a slight year-on-year increase [1] - The ChiNext, Sci-Tech Innovation Board, and Beijing Stock Exchange exhibited R&D intensities of 4.89%, 11.78%, and 4.63% respectively, highlighting the growing technological attributes [1] Group 2: Leading Companies in R&D Investment - BYD topped the A-share listed companies in R&D investment with 30.88 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 53.05% [2] - Other companies such as China State Construction, ZTE, China Mobile, CATL, and Hikvision also reported R&D investments exceeding 5 billion yuan [2] - BYD's innovations include the launch of the world's first mass-produced passenger vehicle with a high-voltage architecture and plans for building megawatt charging stations [2] Group 3: Industry Leaders and Innovation - Industry leaders play a crucial role in driving innovation and technological advancements, particularly in sectors like new energy and innovative pharmaceuticals [4] - CATL introduced several new battery technologies and solutions for both passenger and commercial vehicles, showcasing its leadership in the new energy sector [4] - In the pharmaceutical sector, companies like Heng Rui Medicine reported significant revenue growth and increased R&D investment, with 3.871 billion yuan allocated to R&D in the first half of the year [5] Group 4: AI and Technological Integration - AI has become a focal point for R&D innovation among listed companies, with significant mentions in half-year reports [6] - Industrial Fulian reported over 50% growth in overall server revenue, with AI server revenue increasing by over 60% year-on-year [6] - Gree Electric's AI dynamic energy-saving technology products saw a sales increase of 360% in the first half of the year, demonstrating the impact of AI on business development [7]

Core Viewpoint - The performance of innovative pharmaceutical companies in China for the first half of 2025 has been impressive, with significant revenue and profit growth driven by innovative drug sales, indicating a potential recovery in the pharmaceutical industry [1][6][15]. Group 1: Company Performance - Heng Rui Pharmaceutical achieved a revenue of 15.76 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.88%, with a net profit of 4.45 billion yuan, up 29.67%. Innovative drug sales accounted for 60.66% of total revenue [3][9]. - BeiGene reported total revenue of 17.52 billion yuan, a 46.0% increase year-on-year, with a net profit of 450 million yuan, marking a turnaround from losses [3][6]. - China Biopharmaceutical's revenue reached 17.57 billion yuan, a 10.7% increase, with innovative product revenue of 7.8 billion yuan, up 27.2%, representing 44.4% of total revenue [3][6]. - XinDa Biopharmaceutical achieved revenue of 5.95 billion yuan, a 50.6% increase, and a net profit of 1.21 billion yuan, turning a loss from the previous year [7][8]. - Xiansheng Pharmaceutical reported a revenue increase of 15.1% to 3.58 billion yuan, with innovative drug revenue surpassing 75% of total revenue [8]. Group 2: Market Trends - The rising proportion of innovative drug revenue among multiple pharmaceutical companies suggests a shift towards innovation-driven strategies, indicating a growing market for innovative drugs in China [6][8][15]. - The second-tier market is experiencing a prosperous phase, leading to speculation about a potential "spring" for the pharmaceutical industry, although the primary market remains challenging [4][15]. - The demand for high-quality products that can compete globally is increasing, with a focus on "best-in-class" products [4][15]. Group 3: Business Development (BD) Contributions - Business development (BD) activities are becoming crucial for the growth of innovative pharmaceutical companies, with significant deals contributing to revenue [9][10]. - Heng Rui Pharmaceutical's BD activities included a $1.97 billion contract with Merck and a partnership with GSK, highlighting the increasing global engagement of Chinese innovative drug companies [10][11]. - The first half of 2025 saw over 50 BD transactions in China's innovative drug sector, with a total disclosed cooperation amount exceeding $48.44 billion, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year [10][11]. Group 4: Challenges and Outlook - Despite the positive trends, companies face challenges such as intense market competition, high project uncertainty, and increasing accounts receivable [13][14]. - Some companies, like BeiDa TianHeng, reported significant revenue declines due to high R&D investments and previous income recognition from collaborations [13][14]. - Overall, the industry is transitioning from an "investment phase" to a "harvest phase," indicating a recovery in profitability and a moderate expansion phase [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - The performance of innovative pharmaceutical companies in China for the first half of 2025 is impressive, with significant revenue and profit growth driven by innovative drug sales, indicating a potential recovery in the pharmaceutical industry [1][3][10]. Summary by Sections Company Performance - Heng Rui Pharmaceutical achieved a revenue of 15.761 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.88%, and a net profit of 4.450 billion yuan, up 29.67%. Innovative drug sales accounted for 60.66% of total revenue [3][12]. - Bai Jie Shen Zhou reported total revenue of 17.518 billion yuan, a 46.0% increase, with a net profit of 450 million yuan, marking a turnaround from losses. The sales of its key products, including the BTK inhibitor and PD-1 inhibitor, significantly contributed to this growth [3][7]. - Xin Da Biotech achieved revenue of 5.953 billion yuan, a 50.6% increase, and a net profit of 1.213 billion yuan, compared to a loss in the previous year, driven by strong sales of its PD-1 inhibitor and new weight-loss drug [8]. - Xian Sheng Pharmaceutical reported a revenue increase of 15.1% to 3.585 billion yuan, with innovative drug revenue reaching 2.776 billion yuan, accounting for 77.4% of total revenue [9]. Market Trends - The rising proportion of innovative drug revenue among multiple pharmaceutical companies suggests a shift towards innovation-driven strategies, with increasing market demand for innovative products supported by healthcare policies [10][20]. - Business Development (BD) activities are becoming crucial for growth, with significant deals indicating a robust international presence for Chinese innovative drug companies [12][13]. Challenges and Outlook - Despite the positive trends, companies face challenges such as intense market competition, high project uncertainty, and increasing accounts receivable [18]. - Some companies, like Bai Li Tian Heng and Bei Da Pharmaceutical, reported declines in net profit due to high R&D costs and overdue payments to partners, highlighting the risks associated with innovation investments [18][19]. - Overall, the industry is transitioning from a low point to a recovery phase, with expectations for sustained growth in the innovative drug sector driven by efficiency and cost advantages [20].

Overview - The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in China is experiencing robust demand due to an aging population, rising chronic disease incidence, and increased public health awareness [1][5] - By 2024, the number of large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises in China is projected to reach 9,793, with total assets of 51,746.1 billion yuan, sales revenue of 25,298.5 billion yuan, and total profits of 3,420.7 billion yuan [1][5] - The normalization of centralized procurement is driving traditional pharmaceutical companies to shift from "scale expansion" to "lean survival," promoting the construction of a lean management system across the entire industry chain [1][5] Industry Classification - The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry can be divided into eight sub-sectors: chemical raw materials, chemical preparations, traditional Chinese medicine processing, traditional Chinese medicine production, veterinary medicine, biological products, sanitary materials, and pharmaceutical packaging [2] Development History - The industry has evolved from a weak foundation in the early years of the People's Republic of China, primarily relying on imported raw materials, to a rapidly expanding sector with significant improvements in manufacturing standards [3] - Key milestones include the establishment of the National Medical Products Administration in 1998 and the introduction of various policies to encourage innovation and improve drug quality [3][4] Development Background - The industry is supported by numerous policies aimed at correcting irregularities in the pharmaceutical procurement and medical service sectors, promoting digital traditional Chinese medicine, and enhancing the quality of traditional Chinese medicine [4][5] - The aging population is projected to reach 22,023 million by 2024, with a 1.60% year-on-year increase, leading to a growing demand for chronic disease medications [5][6] Industry Chain - The upstream of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry includes suppliers of chemical raw materials, traditional Chinese medicine materials, and pharmaceutical packaging [6] - The midstream consists of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, while the downstream includes medical institutions, health service organizations, pharmacies, and e-commerce platforms [6] Current Development Status - The pharmaceutical market's rigid demand is continuously expanding, with significant growth in the number of medical institutions and healthcare spending per capita [1][7] - By 2024, the number of healthcare institutions in China is expected to reach 1,092,000, with hospitals and grassroots medical institutions showing steady growth [7] Competitive Landscape - The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is characterized by a diverse market with numerous participants, but recent reforms have led to increased concentration among leading companies [8] - Major players include China National Pharmaceutical Group, China Resources Pharmaceutical Group, and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical, which have strong financial and R&D capabilities [8][9] Future Development Trends - The normalization of centralized procurement is expected to narrow profit margins for traditional generic drugs, prompting companies to increase investment in innovative drugs and high-barrier generics [10] - Pharmaceutical companies will focus on self-research and global collaboration, particularly in high-demand therapeutic areas like oncology and autoimmune diseases, while optimizing their supply chain management to reduce costs [10]

Group 1: Foreign Investment in Chinese Assets - Major foreign institutions such as JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley have significantly increased their holdings in Chinese H-shares, including CATL, ZTE, and WuXi AppTec [1][2] - Morgan Stanley reported that global hedge funds have ramped up their bets on Chinese stocks, with August expected to see the highest monthly buying volume since February [1][2] Group 2: Stock Performance - As of August 29, CATL and WuXi AppTec saw substantial stock price increases, with CATL's A and H shares rising by 10.37% and 4.17% respectively, and WuXi AppTec's A and H shares increasing by 7.95% and 6.52% respectively [2] - The rise in CATL's stock price is attributed to the upcoming sales season and the release of new models, with expectations for high growth in domestic electric vehicle sales by 2025 [2] Group 3: Industry Trends - The lithium battery industry is experiencing a "de-involution," with a growing consensus on price discipline in certain segments, which is expected to improve the competitive landscape [3] - The solid-state battery industrialization process is accelerating, with several companies initiating pilot production lines and planning mass production by 2026 [3] Group 4: Market Outlook - The Hong Kong stock market has shown resilience, with the Hang Seng Index rising by 1.23% in August, marking four consecutive weeks of gains [6] - Analysts predict that the market will continue to be supported by improving global liquidity conditions and ongoing economic stabilization policies in mainland China [6][7] - The expectation of a dovish shift in the Federal Reserve's monetary policy is anticipated to further enhance liquidity, benefiting the Hong Kong market [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Foreign investment giants are significantly increasing their holdings in Chinese assets, particularly in H-shares of companies like CATL, ZTE, and WuXi AppTec, indicating a growing confidence in the Chinese market amid improving global liquidity conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Foreign Investment Actions - Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Citigroup have raised their long positions in several Chinese H-shares, with notable increases in holdings for CATL, ZTE, and WuXi AppTec [2]. - Specific increases include Morgan Stanley's long position in CATL rising from 4.96% to 6.05% and Citigroup's position in ZTE increasing from 6.71% to 7.17% [2]. Group 2: Market Performance - The Hong Kong stock market continued its upward trend in August, with the Hang Seng Index recording a monthly increase of 1.23% and achieving four consecutive weeks of gains [5]. - On August 29, CATL and WuXi AppTec saw significant stock price increases, with CATL's A and H shares rising by 10.37% and 4.17%, respectively [3]. Group 3: Industry Insights - Analysts predict that the domestic electric vehicle market will maintain high growth, driven by new model releases and a peak sales season, which will boost demand for batteries and materials [3]. - The solid-state battery industry is expected to accelerate its commercialization, with several companies planning to achieve mass production by 2026 [3]. Group 4: Future Market Outlook - The expectation of a dovish shift in the Federal Reserve's monetary policy is anticipated to improve the global liquidity environment, providing strong support for the Hong Kong stock market [6]. - Analysts suggest that the ongoing economic stabilization policies in mainland China and the recovery of listed companies' performance will further drive the valuation recovery of the Hong Kong market [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The performance of innovative pharmaceutical companies in China has shown significant growth in the first half of 2025, with many companies reporting impressive revenue and profit increases driven by innovative drug sales [1][4][7]. Group 1: Company Performance - Heng Rui Pharmaceutical achieved a revenue of 15.76 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.88%, and a net profit of 4.45 billion yuan, up 29.67%, with innovative drug sales accounting for 60.66% of total revenue [1][8]. - BeiGene reported total revenue of 17.52 billion yuan, a 46.0% increase year-on-year, with a net profit of 450 million yuan, marking a turnaround from losses [1][4]. - Innovent Biologics achieved revenue of 5.95 billion yuan, a 50.6% increase, and a net profit of 1.21 billion yuan, compared to a loss of 160 million yuan in the previous year [5]. - Xiansheng Pharmaceutical reported a revenue increase of 15.1% to 3.58 billion yuan, with innovative drug revenue reaching 2.78 billion yuan, accounting for 77.4% of total revenue [6]. Group 2: Market Trends - The rising proportion of innovative drug revenue among multiple pharmaceutical companies indicates a successful shift towards innovation-driven strategies, with increasing market demand for innovative products [7][12]. - The Chinese innovative drug market is expanding, supported by improved public health awareness and favorable healthcare policies [7][12]. - Business development (BD) activities have become a crucial growth engine for innovative pharmaceutical companies, with significant increases in BD transactions in the first half of 2025 [9][10]. Group 3: Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite the positive trends, companies face challenges such as intense market competition, high project uncertainty, and increasing accounts receivable [12][13]. - The overall industry is transitioning from a low point, with profitability beginning to recover, indicating a shift from an "investment phase" to a "harvest phase" [12][14]. - Analysts predict that the innovative drug sector will continue to thrive, driven by high efficiency and low-cost development advantages, particularly in popular technology areas [12][14].