Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-23 08:26Core Viewpoint - Yifang Biotechnology has submitted an application for a mainboard listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, amid a wave of License-out deals in the domestic innovative drug sector, but faces significant challenges including ongoing losses, business model risks, and governance concerns [1][7]. Business Model and Financial Performance - Yifang Biotechnology relies heavily on the License-out model, with its two marketed products, Beifuzi and Goresir, exclusively licensed to leading companies, BeiGene and Zhenhua Tianqing [2][8]. - Revenue figures show that from 2023 to the first three quarters of 2025, the company generated revenues of CNY 186 million, CNY 169 million, and CNY 30.89 million, all from licensing agreements [2][8]. - In 2023, over 96% of revenue came from a CNY 180 million milestone payment for Beifuzi, while in 2024, the focus shifted to a CNY 151 million milestone payment for Goresir [2][8]. - Despite these revenues, the company has not achieved profitability, reporting net losses of CNY 284 million, CNY 240 million, and CNY 181 million for 2023, 2024, and the first three quarters of 2025, respectively [2][8]. Accounts Receivable Issues - A significant issue arose when BeiGene delayed a CNY 180 million milestone payment for Beifuzi, leading to a nearly two-year overdue situation [3][9]. - Although the revenue was recognized in 2023, cash flow was delayed, resulting in a CNY 18 million bad debt provision in 2024 [3][9]. Financial Position and Fundraising - As of September 30, 2025, Yifang Biotechnology had CNY 670 million in cash and cash equivalents, CNY 700 million in time deposits, and CNY 153 million in financial assets, totaling CNY 1.523 billion in liquid assets [4][10]. - The company has CNY 1 billion of unutilized funds from its previous fundraising round and has invested CNY 761 million in cash management [4][10]. - Despite a strong cash position, the rationale for seeking additional fundraising is questioned [4][10]. Governance and Shareholding Structure - The company's governance structure is under scrutiny, with a trend of shareholding dilution following the expiration of a joint action agreement among key executives [5][11]. - The combined shareholding of the founders decreased from 28.58% to 27.26% after the agreement ended, raising concerns about control [5][11]. - A significant number of shares (approximately 161 million, or 27.79% of total shares) will be unlocked in January 2026, potentially leading to market pressure [5][11]. Executive Compensation - The total annual salary for key executives exceeded CNY 25 million from 2023 to 2024, which is considered high relative to the company's ongoing losses [6][12]. - Balancing executive incentives with shareholder returns and sustainable development remains a governance challenge [6][12].