Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In H1 2025, group revenues reached €371 million, a 5% decrease compared to 2024, primarily due to an 11% decline in DMPD revenues to €269 million, influenced by a temporary decline in BMS revenues [17][18] - Just Evotec Biologics (JEP) achieved €102.2 million in revenue, reflecting a 16% year-over-year growth, driven by strong demand from non-Sandoz and DoD customers [18][19] - Adjusted group EBITDA was negative €1.9 million, with a strong contribution of €7.5 million from JEP, offsetting lower operational leverage from the DMPD segment [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DMPD segment saw an 11% revenue decline, attributed to a temporary effect in the BMS collaboration and continued softness in the early drug discovery market [10][17] - JEP segment outperformed with a 16% revenue growth year-over-year, driven by expanding customer base and strong demand [13][19] - R&D spending decreased by 35% year-over-year, from €29.3 million in 2024 to €19 million in 2025, aligning with strategic focus [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The biotech funding landscape remains complex, with early-stage investments lagging behind later-stage funding, leading to cautious spending behavior in early-stage R&D [14][15] - Signs of a modest recovery in funding are emerging, with expectations for a more normalized distribution of funding and project flow in the coming quarters [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company unveiled a new strategy in April 2025, focusing on pioneering drug discovery and development, operational excellence, and sustainable profitable growth [5][8] - The business model is evolving towards two core segments: discovery and preclinical development (DMPD) and Just Evotec Biologics (JEP), with an emphasis on reducing complexity and enhancing accountability [9][12] - The planned sale of the Toulouse site to Sandoz is part of the strategy to lean into JEP's capabilities as a scalable technology provider, marking a significant milestone in the asset-light model [13][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing market challenges but expressed confidence in the progress made and the transformation efforts underway [5][6] - The company anticipates improved visibility towards midterm goals following the Sandoz transaction, with a bold aspiration of 8% to 12% revenue CAGR and greater than 20% EBITDA margin by 2028 [40][41] - Management highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and scientific leadership to create new business opportunities and enhance value creation [27][30] Other Important Information - The company is navigating a cautious funding environment, particularly in early-stage biotech, while maintaining a strong pipeline and operational rigor [14][15][20] - The expansion of the molecular patient database is a key strategic initiative, enhancing capabilities in precision medicine and drug discovery [23][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2025 and recovery in funding - Management does not expect a significant impact from VC funding recovery in the second half of 2025 [44][45] Question: Breakdown of R&D business revenues - Management indicated that the transactional part of the R&D business is shrinking relative to integrated and large partnerships, which are growing [46][47] Question: Value transfer from the Sandoz deal - Management emphasized the importance of technology capabilities and ongoing revenue streams from milestones and royalties, but did not provide specific numbers [48][49][53] Question: Trends in DMPD segment and customer spending - Management noted cautious spending behavior among biotech customers and mixed dynamics among pharma partners [56][60][62] Question: Pricing environment and competition - Management acknowledged increased price sensitivity in the transactional segment but emphasized the value provided in integrated partnerships [69][71] Question: Geographic market dynamics - Management observed different market behaviors, with stronger traction in East Asia compared to the US and Europe [73][74] Question: Mix of JEP business revenue sources - Management stated that current revenue from JEP is a package of drug production and licensing, with a focus on monetizing assets fully [75][78] Question: Rationale for the sale of the Toulouse site - Management reiterated that the sale aligns with the strategic direction and timing for the company [86] Question: Kidney disease projects and revenue proportion - Management highlighted ongoing investments in kidney disease research and partnerships with major pharma companies [90][91] Question: Customer base for JEP growth - Management confirmed that growth in JEP is derived from a mix of small and large pharma customers, primarily in earlier-stage development [94]