Schrödinger (SDGR) 2025 Conference Transcript

Summary of Schrödinger (SDGR) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Schrödinger combines physics-based methods with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to accelerate the discovery of novel chemical materials for life sciences and material sciences applications [2][5] - The company has approximately 1,800 global customers, primarily in the life sciences sector, including nearly every academic institution studying chemistry [3][4] Financial Performance - In the previous year, Schrödinger reported $180 million in software revenue, growing at 13% [6] - Drug discovery revenue was $27 million, down from $57 million due to a large milestone payment in 2023 [7] - Q1 revenue reached nearly $60 million, a 63% year-over-year increase, with software revenue at $48.8 million (46% growth) and drug discovery revenue at $10.7 million [8][9] - The company forecasts total software revenue growth of 10% to 15% for the year, with drug discovery revenue expected to recover to $45 million to $50 million [9] Business Model and Revenue Streams - Schrödinger's business model includes software licensing, drug discovery collaborations, and a proprietary pipeline with over eight active programs, three of which are in clinical stages [5][6] - The company benefits from cash inflows from collaborations and equity investments in co-founded companies that have gone public or been acquired [8] Strategic Priorities - The focus is on increasing adoption of computational technology among existing customers rather than acquiring new customers [12] - Enhancements to the platform will enable its use for biologics and predicting toxicology risks, aligning with FDA initiatives to phase out animal testing [12][51] Clinical Programs and Pipeline - The company is advancing three proprietary clinical programs, with data readouts expected in the second half of the year [10][20] - Preliminary efficacy data for SGR1505, a MALT1 inhibitor, shows promising results in heavily pretreated patients [14][15] Collaborations and Partnerships - Recent collaborations include a significant deal with Novartis, which involved a $150 million upfront milestone payment for drug discovery collaboration [33] - The partnership with Novartis has led to a substantial increase in software revenue, with Novartis now among the top tier of customers [36][62] Market Dynamics and Customer Insights - The company has observed no significant cutbacks in R&D spending among large pharmaceutical companies despite macroeconomic challenges [60] - Retention rates among large customers are exceptionally high at 99.9% [61] Competitive Landscape - Schrödinger differentiates itself through its unique combination of physics-based methods and machine learning, with limited direct competition in this niche [72][74] - The company views the current AI boom in drug discovery as beneficial, as it may lead to increased use of structure-based drug design, which aligns with Schrödinger's platform [73][74] Conclusion - Schrödinger is well-positioned for growth with a robust business model, strong financial performance, and strategic collaborations, while also adapting to industry trends and regulatory changes in drug discovery and development.