Core Viewpoint - WuXi AppTec's annual report reveals a strong revenue growth but fluctuating net profits, with a notable rebound expected in Q4 2024, driven by significant changes in business structure and strategy [1][2]. Revenue Performance - In 2024, WuXi AppTec achieved total revenue of 39.241 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.2% (excluding COVID-related business). Q4 alone saw a record revenue of 11.54 billion yuan [3]. - The chemistry business remained a key driver, generating 29.05 billion yuan, with a real year-on-year growth of 11.2% after excluding COVID-related impacts. The company added 1,187 small molecule D&M pipeline projects, including 25 new commercial and Phase III projects [3]. TIDES Business Growth - The TIDES business segment reported revenue of 5.8 billion yuan in 2024, marking a remarkable year-on-year growth of 70.1%, with order volume surging by 103.9%. This growth is primarily fueled by rising global demand for small nucleic acid drugs and GLP-1 weight loss medications [5]. - WuXi AppTec significantly expanded production capacity in 2024, increasing the capacity of its peptide production facilities by 28% to 41,000 liters, with plans to further enhance GLP-1 related capacity to over 100,000 liters by the end of 2025 [5]. Global Market Expansion - In 2024, WuXi AppTec's revenue from the U.S. market reached 25.02 billion yuan, accounting for 64% of total revenue, highlighting the U.S.'s dominance in the CXO sector due to its innovation and market size [7]. - The European market showed a 14.4% year-on-year revenue growth, reaching 5.23 billion yuan, driven by stringent regulatory environments and high-quality standards [7]. - Despite a slight decline in the Chinese market, with revenue of 7.07 billion yuan (down 3.5%), its strategic importance remains intact due to a robust pharmaceutical manufacturing base and a growing innovative drug industry [8]. - Singapore and Southeast Asia are emerging as key regions for CXO capacity transfer, with significant investments in R&D and production facilities, positioning Singapore as a new center for CXO capacity in Asia [8][9]. Strategic Business Adjustments - On December 24, 2024, WuXi AppTec announced the sale of its ATU business in the U.S. and the U.K. to an American investment fund, reflecting the trend of CXO capacity shifting towards the Asia-Pacific region [10]. - The decision to divest from the ATU business, which focuses on cell and gene therapy, aligns with the company's strategy to enhance its competitive capabilities in Asia, particularly in Singapore [12]. - Recent U.S. regulatory policies have prompted CXO companies to reassess their global strategies, with WuXi AppTec's divestment seen as a proactive move to optimize resource allocation and mitigate potential policy uncertainties [13]. Globalization of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain - The globalization of the pharmaceutical supply chain is a necessary trend for the CXO industry, driven by the need for large-scale production to improve efficiency and reduce costs [14][15]. - Chinese CXO companies are increasingly becoming integral to the global pharmaceutical supply chain, with 74% of U.S. biotech firms collaborating with Chinese CXO companies during clinical phases [16]. - The unique requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, such as stringent logistics conditions for cell and gene therapies, are pushing companies to establish overseas production bases to reduce logistics costs and enhance operational efficiency [16]. Future Outlook - WuXi AppTec's current development trajectory aligns with future trends in the CXO industry, characterized by rapid growth in TIDES business, optimized global layout, and strategic divestment from less profitable segments [19]. - The company's global strategy and sustained growth in core businesses are expected to create ongoing growth opportunities for investors, as reflected in the positive market response following the release of its 2024 financial report [19].