Artisan Partners, an investment management company, released its “Artisan Select Equity Fund” second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund’s Investor Class ARTNX, Advisor Class APDNX, and Institutional Class APHNX returned 6.77%, 6.76%, and 6.80%, respectively, in the second quarter, compared to a 10.94% return for the S&P 500 Index. In addition, you can check the top 5 holdings of the strategy to know its best picks in 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor ...

Core Insights - ACL Digital has acquired US-based contract research organization (CRO) Symbiance to enhance its global position as a provider of end-to-end clinical research and data solutions [1] - The acquisition strengthens ACL Digital's life sciences portfolio by adding specialized expertise in various areas including pharmacovigilance, medical writing, biostatistics, data standardization, clinical data management, and statistical programming [1] Company Strategy - The acquisition aligns with ACL Digital's growth strategy, enhancing capabilities to deliver patient-centric and transformative solutions that exceed life sciences industry standards [2] - The combined strengths of ACL Digital's AI-powered offerings and Symbiance's clinical research expertise will enable the company to meet the industry's AI transformation needs [3] Operational Efficiency - The acquisition is expected to accelerate innovation and drive operational efficiency for clients in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors globally [3] - Symbiance's established reputation in the US for quality and delivery reflects the expertise of its leadership and team, which will benefit ACL Digital [4] Future Readiness - The acquisition underscores ACL Digital's commitment to becoming a global leader in digital solutions for clinical research, strengthening its position in the life sciences and CRO space [5] - The 'people + product' delivery model of Symbiance, supported by tools and AI-driven analytics, will enhance ACL Digital's capabilities and service offerings for current and future clients [5]

Core Insights - The company reported strong interim results for the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching RMB831.9 million and a gross profit margin of 40.8%, reflecting a significant improvement in operational efficiency and business structure optimization [1] - The CRO business experienced a positive growth trajectory, with revenue increasing by approximately 9.6% year-over-year, driven by a recovery in global biopharmaceutical investments and a surge in domestic innovative drug transactions [2] - The company has successfully expanded its client base, serving 1,669 CRO clients, including all top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, with overseas revenue contributing approximately 85% [3] Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2025 was RMB831.9 million, with a gross profit of RMB339.4 million, leading to a gross profit margin increase of 6.3 percentage points [1] - Net profit amounted to RMB148.6 million, a 3.1% increase year-over-year, while adjusted non-IFRS net profit rose by 9.1% to RMB183.5 million [1] - Langhua Pharmaceutical's revenue reached RMB409.0 million, with an adjusted gross profit margin of 37.9%, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.9 percentage points [8] CRO Business Development - The CRO business saw a revenue increase to RMB422.8 million, with adjusted gross profit rising to RMB194.6 million, attributed to improved operational efficiency and a robust order backlog [2] - New modalities accounted for approximately 15% of CRO revenue, growing nearly 19% year-on-year, indicating a shift towards innovative drug development [4] - The company has integrated AI technology into its drug discovery platform, contributing to nearly 10% of total CRO revenue [5][6] CDMO and CMC Business - The company is enhancing its CDMO capabilities through the acquisition of Langhua Pharmaceutical, which has initiated new commercialization projects [7] - Langhua Pharmaceutical's adjusted gross profit margin improved significantly due to structural optimization in its CDMO business [8] - The CMC business has shown significant profitability improvements, with a focus on synthesis and analysis operations [10] Investment and Portfolio Management - The company successfully exited investments from various portfolio companies, generating total proceeds of nearly RMB76.5 million [12] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had invested in 93 portfolio companies, with a significant portion located in North America [12][13] - The company is actively participating in establishing an RMB-denominated fund to support biopharmaceutical ventures [15] Infrastructure and Workforce - As of June 30, 2025, the company employed 2,085 staff, with a significant number dedicated to CRO R&D [16] - The company has expanded its facilities, including a new headquarters in Shanghai and multiple parks for R&D and production [17][18] - The Shanghai Supercomputing Center has been operational, supporting advanced drug discovery computations [19] Strategic Vision - The company aims to strengthen the synergy between its CRO and CDMO businesses, enhancing its one-stop innovative drug R&D platform [20] - Future plans include boosting revenue growth and profitability through strategic partnerships and improved operational efficiencies [11][22]

Core Insights - Tigermed has completed the acquisition of Micron, a Japan-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in medical imaging and clinical trial services [1][4] - Micron, founded in 2005, has over 160 employees and has supported the successful approval of over 40 drugs, establishing itself as a leader in imaging biomarkers and AI-powered imaging support [2][3] - The integration of Micron into Tigermed's global network is expected to enhance Tigermed's capabilities in medical imaging across Japan and the Asia-Pacific region [4][5] Company Overview - Tigermed is a leading global provider of integrated research and development solutions for the biopharmaceutical and medical device industry, collaborating with over 3,600 customers and operating in more than 180 locations worldwide [7] - Micron provides a range of clinical development services centered around medical imaging, including monitoring, quality control, and centralized imaging review, and supports foreign medtech and biotech companies conducting clinical trials in Japan [6] Strategic Implications - The acquisition is anticipated to leverage Micron's expertise and technology to enhance Tigermed's competitiveness in medical imaging and clinical services, contributing to global medical research and development [5][4] - Micron's established reputation and experience in the medical imaging sector will provide Tigermed with a stronger platform for expansion and innovation in the healthcare industry [5][3]

Core Viewpoint - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is investigating potential claims against Fortrea Holdings Inc. due to allegations of misleading statements and financial misrepresentations that have negatively impacted investors [2][4]. Group 1: Legal Investigation and Class Action - Faruqi & Faruqi is encouraging investors who suffered losses in Fortrea to contact them regarding their legal rights, particularly for those who purchased securities between July 3, 2023, and February 28, 2025 [1][2]. - There is an August 1, 2025 deadline for investors to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action against Fortrea [2][4]. Group 2: Allegations Against Fortrea - The complaint alleges that Fortrea and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false statements and failing to disclose critical information, including overestimating revenue contributions from Pre-Spin Projects and overstating cost savings from exiting TSAs [4]. - The company's previously announced EBITDA targets for 2025 were inflated, leading to an overstatement of its business model viability and financial prospects [4]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Analyst Downgrades - On September 25, 2024, Jefferies downgraded Fortrea from buy to hold, citing weaknesses in the business model and a stock price drop of $2.73 per share (12.29%) to close at $19.48 [5]. - Following the cancellation of two scheduled conferences, Baird Equity Research downgraded Fortrea to neutral on December 6, 2024, resulting in a stock price decline of $1.90 per share (8.06%) to close at $21.67 [6]. - On March 3, 2025, Fortrea announced disappointing financial results, revealing that its revenue and adjusted EBITDA expectations for 2025 were not met, leading to a significant stock price drop of $3.47 per share (25.05%) to close at $10.38 [7].

Core Viewpoint - Fortrea Holdings Inc. is facing a federal securities class action lawsuit due to allegations of misleading statements regarding its financial performance and business model, particularly concerning its revenue projections and cost savings [5][3]. Group 1: Legal Investigation and Class Action - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is investigating potential claims against Fortrea and has set an August 1, 2025 deadline for investors to seek the role of lead plaintiff in the class action [3]. - Investors who suffered losses exceeding $50,000 in Fortrea between July 3, 2023, and February 28, 2025, are encouraged to contact the firm for legal options [1]. Group 2: Allegations Against Fortrea - The complaint alleges that Fortrea overestimated revenue contributions from Pre-Spin Projects and overstated cost savings from exiting Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), leading to inflated EBITDA targets for 2025 [5]. - The company's public statements regarding its business model and financial prospects were deemed materially false and misleading [5]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Analyst Downgrades - On September 25, 2024, Jefferies downgraded Fortrea from buy to hold, citing weaknesses in its business model and a decline in stock price by $2.73 (12.29%) to $19.48 [6]. - Following the cancellation of two scheduled conferences, Baird Equity Research downgraded Fortrea to neutral on December 6, 2024, resulting in a stock price drop of $1.90 (8.06%) to $21.67 [7]. - Fortrea's fourth quarter and full year 2024 results revealed that its revenue and adjusted EBITDA expectations for 2025 were not aligned with prior forecasts, causing a significant stock price decline of $3.47 (25.05%) to $10.38 on March 3, 2025 [8].

Core Viewpoint - Fortrea has appointed Anshul Thakral as CEO, effective August 4, 2025, succeeding Interim CEO Peter M. Neupert, who will remain as chairman of the board [3][4]. Company Leadership - Anshul Thakral brings over 20 years of experience in life sciences, focusing on executing Fortrea's transformation plan and enhancing profitable growth [4][6]. - Neupert praised Thakral's leadership capabilities, industry knowledge, and commitment to innovation, indicating he is well-suited to lead Fortrea [5]. Strategic Focus - Thakral aims to modernize the clinical trials process and enhance customer engagement while delivering profitable growth and value for shareholders [5][6]. - Fortrea is recognized for its strong reputation in scientific rigor and customer experience, which Thakral intends to build upon [5][6]. Company Background - Fortrea is a leading global contract research organization (CRO) that partners with biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies to accelerate healthcare innovation [7]. - The company offers comprehensive clinical trial management and consulting services, leveraging over 30 years of experience across more than 20 therapeutic areas [7].

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against Fortrea Holdings, Inc. and certain officers for alleged violations of federal securities laws during the Class Period from July 3, 2023, to February 28, 2025, seeking damages for misleading statements regarding the company's business and financial prospects [1][5]. Company Overview - Fortrea Holdings, Inc. is a global contract research organization (CRO) that provides development solutions for biopharmaceutical products and medical devices [3]. - The company was spun off from Labcorp Holdings Inc. in June 2023, becoming a standalone publicly traded entity [3]. - Fortrea claims to have the scale and expertise to deliver tailored solutions to its customers, with a portfolio of long-term projects that provide visibility into future revenues [3][4]. Financial Performance and Projections - In March 2024, Fortrea targeted an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 13% for 2025, which was later revised to a range of 11% to 12% in August 2024, still representing a projected increase of 30% to 40% in adjusted EBITDA dollars [5]. - Following the class action allegations, Fortrea's financial performance has been called into question, with claims that the company overestimated revenue contributions from Pre-Spin Projects and overstated cost savings from exiting transition services agreements (TSAs) [5][10]. Market Reactions and Analyst Reports - On September 25, 2024, Jefferies downgraded Fortrea from buy to hold, citing weaknesses in the company's business model amid pressures on biotechnology funding [6][7]. - Following a downgrade by Baird Equity Research on December 6, 2024, Fortrea's stock price fell significantly due to concerns about the company's communication and performance post-spin [8]. - On March 3, 2025, Fortrea announced that its revenue and adjusted EBITDA projections for 2025 were not aligning with prior expectations, leading to a substantial drop in stock price [9]. Credit Rating and Future Outlook - After the Class Period, Fitch Ratings downgraded Fortrea, projecting a 2025 EBITDA margin of 7.0% to 8.0%, a significant decline from earlier projections of 11% to 13% [10].