Goldman Sachs·2025-10-09 02:00Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the CDMO industry, with expectations for improved order flow, revenue growth, and profit margins by 2026, particularly benefiting from the recovery of Chinese funding and increased demand for early projects [1][4]. Core Insights - The CDMO industry maintains a high overall profit margin, driven by the growing demand for emerging therapies and higher quality requirements from clients [2][4]. - Chinese CDMO companies are more aggressive in capacity expansion and new model investments, with capital expenditures accounting for approximately 22% of sales, while Indian companies adopt a more cautious approach [1][5]. - New trends in the CDMO industry include overseas expansion, automation, digital investments, and the development of peptide drugs and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) [1][6]. Summary by Sections Current Demand Situation - The global CDMO industry demand remains stable, supported by CMO projects and emerging therapies, with a notable focus on GLP-1, peptide capacity, and ADCs [2]. - Despite some pressures, overall profit margins are high due to increased demand for emerging therapies and quality assurance [2]. Investment Strategies - Chinese CDMO companies are proactive in expanding capacity and investing in new models, while Indian companies are more conservative, linking investments to visible market demand [5][12]. - Indian CDMO companies focus on geopolitical diversification and maintaining a good RFP/RFQ momentum, although the conversion of orders to actual financial results is slower than expected [8][11]. Future Market Outlook - R&D investments are expected to fluctuate in 2025, but most companies anticipate improvements in order flow, revenue growth, and profit margins by 2026, particularly due to the recovery of Chinese funding [4][15]. - The performance of Chinese companies is currently superior to that of Indian companies, with Indian firms expected to see financial results materialize by the 2026 fiscal year [11]. New Trends in the Industry - Key trends include overseas expansion, automation, digital investments, and advancements in peptide drugs and ADCs, with Chinese companies accelerating facility construction in response to geopolitical uncertainties [6][10]. - Companies like Samsung Biologics have begun operating their ADC capacity and have received significant orders from major global clients [6][10]. Geopolitical Factors - The impact of geopolitical factors on the CDMO industry has diminished, with normal business operations continuing without major disruptions [7][14]. - Some clients still consider potential disruptions from political factors, but technical strength and execution capabilities remain paramount [7]. Performance Comparison - In the peptide formulation sector, Chinese companies significantly outpace Indian firms in capacity, while Indian companies express optimism in the ADC field [10][11]. - The financial commercialization results for Indian companies are expected to lag behind those of Chinese companies, with growth rates projected to be in the mid-single digits for 2026 [11].