Summary of Tigermed (3347.HK) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Tigermed (3347.HK) - **Market Cap**: HK$51,795 million (approximately US$6,654 million) [2] Industry Insights - **Industry**: Innovative drugs financing in China - **Growth Metrics**: - Total financing size for innovative drugs in China increased by 342% year-over-year (yoy) to Rmb18.0 billion in December 2025, marking a new high in the past three years [1] - Primary market financing for innovative drugs grew by 140% yoy to US$1.1 billion in December 2025 [1] - For the year 2025, total financing and primary market financing sizes rose by 38% and 25% yoy, respectively [1] Financial Performance and Projections - **Booking Growth**: Tigermed is expected to deliver higher new booking growth in 2026 compared to a mid-teens percentage in 2025 [1] Valuation - **Target Price**: HK$73.00, representing a potential upside of 72.0% from the current price of HK$42.44 [2] - **Expected Total Return**: 72.8%, including a dividend yield of 0.8% [2] - **Valuation Breakdown**: - HK$21.8 per share for clinical trial solutions - HK$35.8 per share for clinical-related and laboratory services - HK$0.4 per share for other services - HK$1.5 per share for net cash - HK$13.5 per share for investment income [11] Risks - **Downside Risks**: - Weaker-than-expected client orders - Intense market competition - Less-than-expected investment gains - Increased investment in AI potentially affecting operating profit margin (OPM) - Margin pressure due to overseas expansion - Lower-than-expected long-term margins with AI adoption [12] Conclusion - Tigermed is positioned to benefit from the significant growth in the innovative drugs financing sector in China, with strong projections for new bookings and a favorable valuation outlook. However, potential risks related to market dynamics and operational challenges must be monitored closely.

Q325 results indicate that the performance of China CROs and CDMOs continues to diverge, with CDMOs outperforming CROs, driven by overseas demand, in our view. Q325 revenue growth remained strong for Wuxi Apptec 15.3% YoY (beat) and Pharmaron +13.5% YoY (in line). In contrast, Tigermed delivered 3.9% YoY revenue growth (in line) and Joinn was a miss (-34.9% YoY) with both GMs under pressure as competition led to low order prices. Although we see positive signals of a China CRO demand recovery, we continue t ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **China Healthcare** sector, particularly the implications of US-China drug out-licensing and potential regulatory changes affecting the biotech and pharmaceutical industries in China [1][2]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **US Administration's Proposed Restrictions**: The Trump administration is reportedly considering stricter scrutiny on licensing drugs from China, which may include mandatory reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and higher regulatory barriers for clinical data [2][3]. 2. **Impact on China Biotech Sector**: The proposed executive order (EO) could introduce headline risks and increase share price volatility for companies in the China biotech/pharma sector, especially if large US pharmaceutical companies lobby against these changes [2][3]. 3. **Out-Licensing Trends**: The trend of out-licensing in China has been driven by a unique offering from Chinese biotech firms and a growing demand from global pharma, particularly as major patent cliffs approach in 2027/2028 [2][3]. 4. **Deal-Making Dynamics**: If the EO is implemented, it may slow the pace of deal-making with US partners and shift focus towards non-US partners, potentially limiting the pool of buyers for Chinese biotech assets [3][7]. 5. **Geographic Breakdown of Deals**: In 2023, US partners accounted for 52% of the total deal value and 43% of the deal count in China out-licensing, with EU partners following closely [9][7]. 6. **Selective Licensing**: The EO could lead to more selective licensing of assets, particularly for innovative drugs that may define next-generation treatment paradigms [8][10]. 7. **Potential for Deal Acceleration**: Companies may seek to accelerate deals that are already under discussion in anticipation of heightened geopolitical tensions affecting US-China pharma deals [8][10]. Additional Important Insights 1. **Categories of Companies Affected**: Companies can be categorized based on their global presence and partnerships: - Established global presence (e.g., ONC, LEGN) may face limited impact. - Companies with strong existing global partners (e.g., Kelun Biotech, 3SBio) are expected to be less affected if they have already licensed assets. - Companies with high expectations for business development but not yet closed deals may need to accelerate closures before restrictions take effect [11][13]. 2. **Long-Term Valuation Factors**: The long-term strength of company valuations will depend on the quality of clinical data, execution capabilities, and financial positions [13]. 3. **Market Resilience**: Despite potential short-term challenges, the best-performing companies in the China CDMO sector have shown resilience and the ability to navigate geopolitical uncertainties, which may help restore investor confidence over time [19][20]. This summary encapsulates the critical points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the potential risks and opportunities within the China healthcare sector amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **Global Healthcare** industry, particularly the integration of **AI/ML technologies** within various healthcare sectors, including medical devices, healthcare services, therapeutics, and diagnostics [2][11][22]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **AI Use Cases in Healthcare**: - AI is being utilized for better drug/product design, increased labor efficiency, and process automation within healthcare systems [2][3]. - The potential for AI to transform drug/device development is significant, with expectations of cost-efficient drug discovery and improved clinical trial execution [3][5]. 2. **Labor Shortages and Operational Efficiency**: - A projected global healthcare worker shortage of over **10 million** by **2030** highlights the need for technologies that enhance operational efficiencies [4]. - AI technologies could help mitigate physician burnout, which affects approximately **1.76 million** workers [4]. 3. **Impact on Diagnosis and Treatment Rates**: - AI innovations in diagnostics could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, potentially increasing treatment rates, especially in populations with historically low screening rates [5]. 4. **Investment Trends**: - AI/ML investments are growing within healthcare, with **25%** of global VC capital in healthcare allocated to AI/ML in **1H25**, up from a **15%** average in previous periods [12][16]. - In the US, AI/ML deals in healthcare saw a **16% YoY** increase, despite an overall decline in healthcare VC investments [18]. 5. **Sector-Specific Insights**: - **Medical Devices**: AI is expected to enhance trial and product design, manufacturing, and labor productivity [22]. - **Healthcare Services**: Improved data analytics and process automation are anticipated to enhance operational efficiencies [25]. - **Therapeutics**: Drug development and trial optimization are seen as key areas for AI adoption [26]. 6. **Company-Specific Developments**: - Companies like **Edwards Lifesciences** and **Medtronic** are actively piloting AI initiatives to improve patient identification and treatment processes [28]. - **Quest Diagnostics** reported a **3%** annual productivity increase attributed to AI, while **LabCorp** noted over **$100 million** in savings from AI-driven cost-cutting measures [34]. Additional Important Content - The call highlighted the increasing frequency of AI mentions in healthcare earnings calls, with **10%** of calls in **1Q25** discussing AI, particularly among providers and medical devices [11]. - The report emphasizes that while AI presents numerous opportunities, evidence of its impact on revenue and margins remains limited and early-stage across various subsectors [22][29]. - The analysts noted that companies slow to adopt AI may face challenges in maintaining competitiveness in the evolving healthcare landscape [30][34]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the current state and future potential of AI in the healthcare industry.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Asymchem, Kangji Medical, Weigao, Angelalign, and Hygeia, while Tigermed, WuXi XDC, WuXi Biologics, and Frontage are rated as "Neutral" [11][15][18][27][36]. Core Insights - The report highlights a recovery in the healthcare sector, particularly in the CDMO segment, with expectations for earnings resilience driven by new order growth and demand from both US and EU markets, as well as from Chinese biotech licensing [2][3]. - The Medtech sector is anticipated to see clearer recovery in the second half of 2025, supported by normalized hospital activity and new product contributions [3]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring pricing competition and consumption recovery signals in the services sector, particularly in consumer-related categories [4]. Summary by Sections CRO/CDMO - Earnings are expected to remain resilient, especially for companies with exposure to late-stage development and manufacturing projects [2]. - Key investor focus areas include new order growth, client behavior shifts amid policy uncertainties, and pricing and margin recovery [2][13]. - EPS estimates have been revised upward by an average of 1.3% to 1.4% for 2025-2027, with target prices adjusted by an average of 4% [1]. Medtech - Recovery is expected to materialize more clearly in the second half of 2025, with key areas to watch including the pace of VBP rollout and surgical volume trends [3]. - Companies like Weigao and Kangji are ramping up new product launches and global expansions, despite some tariff-related uncertainties [3]. Services - Reimbursement control and DRG/DIP pressure are likely to persist, impacting pricing and volumes [4]. - The report notes a cautious outlook for M&A activity, with companies like Hygeia becoming more positive while others remain cautious [9]. Financial Estimates - The report provides detailed financial estimates for various companies, indicating expected sales growth and net income projections for FY25 and beyond [14][19]. - For instance, WuXi Apptec is projected to achieve a revenue growth of 10-15% for FY25, while Asymchem anticipates double-digit revenue growth alongside margin improvements [19]. Target Price Changes - Target prices for several companies have been adjusted, with Asymchem's target price increased to HK$85.5, reflecting a 13% change [11][15]. - WuXi Biologics' target price is set at HK$25.6, based on a 12-month forward P/E of 22x [15][31]. Backlog and Order Trajectory - The report includes a detailed analysis of backlog and new order trajectories for key players in the CRO/CDMO space, indicating significant year-on-year growth in sales and backlog for companies like WuXi Apptec and WuXi Biologics [17].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for several companies in the healthcare sector, including Asymchem, InnoCare, Samsung Biologics, Shandong Weigao Group, United Imaging, and Zai Lab [29][30]. Core Insights - The China biotech sector has seen a significant re-rating, with a year-to-date increase of 72%, driven by a surge in licensing-out deals, particularly in PD-1/VEGF bispecifics, which has validated asset quality and innovation [1][2]. - Investors are optimistic about the sustainability of this momentum, with expectations for more licensing deals to follow, including potential major deals from CSPC and Sino Biopharma [2]. - The CRO/CDMO sector has also benefited from increased licensing activity, with a 25% year-to-date growth, and companies like Tigermed and WuXi AppTec are highlighted for their resilience [8]. - Medtech is showing signs of recovery, with equipment tendering up 91% year-over-year in May, although revenue recognition remains a challenge due to inventory digestion and centralized procurement processes [8][10]. Summary by Sections China Biotech Licensing and Global Pharma Engagement - The rebound in China biotech is largely attributed to licensing deals with global pharma, enhancing confidence in the quality and innovation of Chinese biotech assets [2]. - Notable licensing deals include Akeso to Summit and 3S Bio to Pfizer, which have allowed companies to monetize global market valuations through royalties [2]. CDMO/CRO Implications - The CRO/CDMO sector has seen a 25% increase year-to-date, with Tigermed reporting a 20% year-over-year increase in new orders for Q1 [8]. - WuXi AppTec and Asymchem are expected to deliver resilient earnings due to their focus on late-stage and commercial manufacturing [8]. Medtech Recovery and Tendering Trends - Medtech has faced challenges, with a year-to-date decline of 4%, but there are signs of recovery in equipment tendering, which increased by 91% year-over-year in May [8][10]. - Companies like United Imaging and Mindray are expected to turn positive in their growth trajectories in the coming quarters [8]. Global Pharma Engagement - Global large pharma continues to recognize the importance of China in their business development strategies, particularly in the context of biopharma innovation cycles [10]. - Companies like GE Healthcare and Philips remain cautious about the capital equipment procurement environment in China, despite positive tendering momentum [10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Wuxi Apptec, Pharmaron, and Tigermed A/H, while Wuxi Bio and Joinn A/H are rated as "Neutral" [5][107]. Core Insights - The biopharma industry in China is expected to see a mild increase in R&D activities and outsourcing over the next 12 months, with an average R&D budget increase of 10.8% YoY and an outsourcing rate rising from 46.7% to 48.3% [2][14]. - Biopharma managers are increasingly considering out-licensing as a primary financing option, rising from 58% in 2024 to 75% in 2025, which is anticipated to benefit CROs/CDMOs [3][16]. - The demand for R&D speed and capacity is growing, with biopharma companies prioritizing on-time delivery and quality when selecting CROs [3][50]. Summary by Sections R&D Budget and Outsourcing - Biopharma managers expect their R&D budgets to increase by an average of 10.8% YoY, with a higher willingness to allocate more funds to outsourcing [23][34]. - The overall outsourcing ratio is projected to increase from 46.7% to 48.3% in the next 12 months, with late-stage trials expected to recover more than early-stage trials [34][50]. Business Development (BD) Activities - 75% of surveyed biopharma managers view BD as the primary financing option, reflecting a significant increase in BD activities [3][16]. - The report indicates that the reinvestment of BD income may lead to more CRO orders, enhancing growth opportunities for CROs/CDMOs [16][50]. Pricing Trends - Biopharma managers anticipate smaller price cuts in the next 12 months compared to the previous year, indicating an improving demand/supply situation [4][56]. - The report highlights that no price cuts are expected for manufacturing in the upcoming year, which is a positive sign for the industry [4][56]. Vendor Selection - Wuxi Apptec remains the top choice for preclinical lab-testing, while Tigermed is the preferred vendor for clinical testing and trials [5][74]. - The criteria for selecting CROs emphasize quality, on-time delivery, and reputation, with a growing importance placed on delivery speed [65][92]. Market Outlook - The survey results suggest an overall positive outlook for the CRO/CDMO sector in China, with expectations of improved R&D activity and outsourcing compared to 2024 [5][50]. - The geopolitical uncertainties are expected to have limited impact on the operations of China CROs, with less than 10% of Wuxi Apptec's goods subject to US tariffs [5][107].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Weigao, AK Medical, and AngelAlign, while holding a "Neutral" rating for Jinxin and Tigermed [2][3][13]. Core Insights - The report indicates a cautious optimism regarding the recovery of surgical volumes in 2025, with expectations of manageable impacts from recent regulatory changes and tariff adjustments [1][4]. - The focus is shifting towards internal operational management and shareholder returns, with companies emphasizing cash flow management and reducing capital expenditures [8][11]. Summary by Sections Surgical Volume and Regulatory Environment - Surgical volume is expected to trend positively in 2025, with many companies reporting improved sentiment at the start of the year [4]. - The impact of the Value-Based Pricing (VBP) is seen as manageable, with major players focusing on market share gains [4][7]. Company-Specific Developments - Weigao anticipates a revenue growth of 10-15% year-on-year in FY25, driven by new product ramp-ups [9]. - AK Medical's market share in Tier 1 hospitals has increased significantly, and the company expects continued growth in overseas markets [4][9]. - AngelAlign is focusing on overseas expansion, particularly in Europe, with a projected 50% year-on-year increase in overseas case volumes [9][19]. Financial Guidance and Earnings Revisions - The report revises sales estimates downwards for several companies, with average changes of -1.6% to -2.2% for 2025-2027 and earnings estimates down by -13.3% to -16.7% [1][14]. - Gushengtang expects revenue growth to exceed 25% year-on-year in FY25, while Jinxin did not provide specific revenue guidance due to uncertainties [8][19]. Target Price Changes - Target prices have been adjusted for several companies, with Hygeia's target price set at HK$27.60, AngelAlign at HK$76.20, and Gushengtang at HK$46.00 [13][17][18].