WuXi Biologics Reports Solid 2024 Annual Results and Expects Accelerated Growth in 2025
-- Revenue grew 9.6% YoY to RMB 18,675.4 million, with non-COVID revenue up
13.1% YoY
-- Adjusted EBITDA grew 14.4% YoY to RMB7,999.3 million and Adjusted Net
Profit increased 9.0% YoY to RMB5,396.9 million
-- Added 151 new integrated projects, including 13 in late-stage and
commercial stage
-- Total integrated projects reached 817, one of the largest portfolios of
complex biologics
-- Research Services enabled 7 global programs for molecule discovery,
eligible to receive ~$140 million in near-term payments
-- Completed 16 PPQs in 2024, with 24 PPQs scheduled for 2025
-- Strengthened global presence to support continued business momentum
HONG KONG, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi Biologics (Cayman) Inc. ("WuXi Biologics" or "the Group", stock code: 2269.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) service company offering end-to-end solutions for biologics discovery, development and manufacturing, is pleased to announce its audited annual results for the year ended December 31, 2024 ("Reporting Period").
Financial Highlights
Revenue: For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Group's revenue grew 9.6% YoY to RMB18,675.4 million, with non-COVID revenue increasing 13.1% YoY. The growth was primarily driven by: (i) the successful execution of the Group's "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies, coupled with the leading technology platform, best-in-industry timeline and excellent execution track record; (ii) enlarged spectrum of services offered to the biologics industry, fast growing technology platforms including ADCs and bispecific antibodies; (iii) growth of research services revenue generated from the Group's various cutting-edge technologies; and (iv) the utilization of existing and newly expanded capacities, including ramp-up of the manufacturing sites in Europe.
Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin: IFRS gross profit increased 12.1% YoY to RMB7,650.8 million, while adjusted gross profit rose 9.8% YoY to RMB8,479.5 million. IFRS gross profit margin reached 41.0%, with an adjusted gross profit margin of 45.4%. The increase in gross profit and margin was primarily due to the efficiency improvements driven from WBS and digitalization, and also the improvements of the ramp-up impacts from the recently commissioned facilities in Europe and the U.S. as expected.
EBITDA and EBITDA Margin: For the year ended December 31, 2024, EBITDA grew 16.7% to RMB6,547.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 14.4% YoY to RMB7,999.3 million. EBITDA margin reached 35.1%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.8%.
Net Profit and Net Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company: IFRS net profit rose 10.5% YoY to RMB3,945.4 million. Net profit attributable to owners of the Company was RMB3,356.1 million, reflecting a slight YoY decline of 1.3%.
Adjusted Net Profit: Adjusted Net Profit for the period increased 9.0% YoY to RMB5,396.9 million. Adjusted net profit margin was 28.9%.
Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS): The Group's basic earnings per share (EPS) remained flat at RMB 0.82 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Diluted EPS slightly increased by 1.3% from RMB 0.77 for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB 0.78 for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Business Highlights
-- Integrated Project WinsThe Group added 151 integrated projects in 2024,
bringing the total to 817. Notably, over half of the new projects
originated from U.S. clients, reflecting strong client trusts and the
Group's resilience amid a dynamic environment. The Group supported 66
Phase III projects and 21 non-COVID commercial projects, strengthening
its manufacturing pipeline.During the Reporting Period, the Group
continued to execute its "Win-the-Molecule" strategy, securing 20
post-IND projects, including 13 in late-phase and commercial stage,
bringing total wins to 89 since 2018.
-- ResearchBy leveraging industry-leading technology platforms, the Group's
Research business has reached an inflection point following years of
strategic cultivation. The Group has developed a portfolio of leading
Immune Cell Engager (ICE) technologies, extending beyond traditional
T-cell engagers (TCEs). Our diverse immune cell-targeting
modalities--including CD3 Bispecific T Cell Engagers, Non-cytotoxic T
Cell Engagers, T Cell Engagers, NK Engagers, and Macrophage
Engagers--are designed to unlock novel therapeutic potential in oncology
and autoimmune diseases.The Group is advancing these innovations in
close collaboration with its clients and partners, driving the
development of next-generation anti-tumor and autoimmune therapies. In
2024, the Group enabled seven global programs for molecule discovery and
is eligible to receive approximately $140 million in near-term payments,
with total potential payments exceeding $2.3 billion. To date, the
Group's Research Services has enabled 50+ programs that are potentially
eligible for future milestone payments and sales royalties, establishing
a consistent revenue and profit stream.
-- DevelopmentThe Group added 148 new development projects in 2024, further
strengthening one of the industry's largest portfolios of complex
biologics. This portfolio includes 151 bispecifics & multispecifics, 194
ADCs, 80 fusion proteins and 24 vaccines. The Group continues to advance
cutting-edge technology platforms that accelerate biologics development
and manufacturing. Key platforms include WuXia(TM) (cell line
development), WuXiDARx(TM) (drug-to-antibody ratio technology),
WuXiHigh(TM) (high concentration and high-throughput DP Development),
WuXiUI(TM) (ultra-intensified fed-batch platform) and WuXiUP(TM)
(ultra-high productivity continuous bioprocessing platform).Highlighting
the unique advantages of its CRDMO platform and industry-leading
technologies, the Group's client, Curon Biopharmaceutical's
investigational B-cell depletion therapy, CN201, was acquired by Merck &
Co., Inc. in 2024. This asset was discovered through the Group's
proprietary TCE and WuXiBody(TM) platforms, while WuXiUP(TM) effectively
addresses complex CMC challenges.The Group has shortened the development
timeline for monoclonal antibody projects from DNA to IND to just nine
months and successfully supported over 600 IND applications by the end
of the Reporting Period. These advancements help clients accelerate
development cycles and achieve cost-effective solutions across the
biologics value chain.
-- ManufacturingIn 2024, the Group supported 66 Phase III projects and 21
non-COVID commercial manufacturing projects, completed 16 process
performance qualification (PPQ) projects, with 24 scheduled for 2025.
The Group also achieved a DS and DP PPQ success rate exceeding 98%,
establishing a solid foundation for commercial manufacturing
operations.To further support its growing commercial pipeline and meet
client needs, the Group continues to execute its "Global Dual Sourcing"
strategy, providing comprehensive manufacturing services through its
global network.
-- Ireland: All three facilities have secured GMP certification from
the Irish Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and completed
multiple 16,000-liter PPQ runs. The site also initiated commercial
production in 2024.
-- Singapore: The lifting of fabricated modules for XDC's Production
Facility has been completed, with critical utilities in the final
phase of design and construction. Additionally, significant progress
has been made in the design of Biologics' Production Assets.
-- U.S: The Group continues the expansion of MFG11 at Worcester, MA,
one of the largest single-use-technology facilities in the U.S.,
featuring six 6,000L upstream tanks connected to a single downstream
line, with high-throughput processing and extensive automation. Upon
completion, MFG11 will be integrated with MFG18 (Cranbury, NJ), and
Boston Research Service Center, enabling the Group to offer
end-to-end capabilities in the U.S., from research, development,
clinical manufacturing, to both small- and large-scale commercial
manufacturing.
-- Asset optimizationIn January 2025, the Group and MSD International GmbH
entered into an agreement for the asset transfer of WuXi Vaccine's
Dundalk, Ireland facility. This transaction enables MSD International
GmbH to better integrate vaccine production within its global network
while enhancing the Group's operational flexibility, asset efficiency
and margins. The Group will focus on its vaccines CDMO services from
WuXi Vaccines' Suzhou, China site.
-- BacklogAs of December 31, 2024, total backlog stood at US$18.5 billion,
comprising US$10.5 billion in service backlog and US$8.0 billion in
potential milestones. Backlog within 3 years was US$3.7 billion.
Following the announced asset transaction with MSD International GmbH,
approximately US$3 billion in services backlog was removed. Adjusting
for this divestiture, backlog grew by approximately US$0.9 billion YoY.
-- QualityThe Group remains committed to the highest quality standards,
safeguarding the interests of clients and patients. Backed by a
world-class quality system, the Group has successfully completed 42
regulatory inspections by various national regulatory agencies since
2017, including 22 by EU EMA and U.S. FDA, with no critical issues and
zero data integrity findings. In Q4 2024, the Group successfully passed
the HPRA inspection in Ireland with no critical observations. These
regulatory milestones further validate the Group's premier quality
system, which adheres to the highest global quality standards.
-- TalentsPeople are WuXi Biologics' greatest assets. As of December 31,
2024, the Group's total employee count reached 12,575, including 4,383
scientists, with a key talent retention rate of 95.8%. The Group's
successful global recruitment efforts strengthened its worldwide
operations, enabling it to efficiently deliver project commitments and
drive continuous innovation.
-- WBS (WuXi Biologics Business System)The Group has been continuously
focusing on its WBS initiatives, driving operational excellence and
efficiency. In 2024, the Group executed over 260 WBS Kaizen events,
achieving 1-point improvement in gross profit margin through
cost-savings, enhanced labor productivities, and inventory reductions.
Additionally, ESG-focused Kaizen projects reduced carbon emissions,
water usage, waste generation, and material consumption. The Group
remains committed to establishing WBS as a lean management system,
fostering continuous improvement, talent development, and further
enhancing value creation for its clients.
-- SustainabilityThe Group has integrated Sustainability as a core pillar
of its business growth strategy, earning widespread recognition from
leading ESG rating agencies and institutional investors. Notable
achievements encompass the inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability
Indices, an AAA rating from MSCI ESG Ratings, a Platinum Medal from
EcoVadis, and recognition as an ESG Industry Top-Rated and APAC Regional
Top-Rated Company by Sustainalytics.During the Reporting Period, the
Group was also selected in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024,
MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes 2024, FTSE4Good Index Series, and Hang Seng ESG
50 Index.
Management Comment
Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, stated, "In 2024, we navigated many crosscurrents in the macro environment, remained resilient and delivered a solid 9.6% YoY growth in the Group revenue. Empowered by our unique CRDMO business model and well-established 'Follow and Win the Molecule' strategies, we are confident in our ability to provide unparalleled support to our clients, ensuring the delivery of sustainable outcomes in 2025 and beyond."
Dr. Chen added, "Looking ahead, we anticipate accelerated and profitable growth in 2025 and beyond, driven by strong performances across all Research, Development, and Manufacturing platforms. With enhanced operational efficiencies, increasing adoption of next-generation technology platforms, and disciplined execution of our strategic initiatives, we are well-positioned to capture new opportunities and drive innovation."
Dr. Ge Li, Chairman of WuXi Biologics, concluded, "In 2024, we remained steadfast in our mission and vision - to empower anyone and any company to discover, develop and manufacture biologics from concept to commercial manufacturing. As we look ahead, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our partners, reinforcing our position as a premier, one-stop service provider for the biologics industry, and advancing our vision that 'every biologic can be made'."
Key Financial Ratios
(For the Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31)
Key Financial Ratio 2024 2023 Change
Revenue (In RMB million) 18,675.4 17,034.3 9.6 %
Gross Profit (In RMB million) 7,650.8 6,827.9 12.1 %
Margin (%) 41.0 % 40.1 %
Net Profit (In RMB million) 3,945.4 3,570.6 10.5 %
Margin (%) 21.1 % 21.0 %
Net Profit Attributable to Owners of 3,356.1 3,399.7 (1.3 %)
the Company (In RMB million)
Margin (%) 18.0 % 20.0 %
Adjusted Net Profit (In RMB million) 5,396.9 4,950.4 9.0 %
Margin (%) 28.9 % 29.1 %
EBITDA (In RMB million) 6,547.8 5,613.2 16.7 %
Margin (%) 35.1 % 33.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA (In RMB million) 7,999.3 6,993.0 14.4 %
Margin (%) 42.8 % 41.1 %
Adjusted Basic EPS (In RMB) 1.17 1.13 3.5 %
About WuXi Biologics
WuXi Biologics (stock code: 2269.HK) is a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) offering end-to-end solutions that enable partners to discover, develop and manufacture biologics - from concept to commercialization - for the benefit of patients worldwide.
With over 12,000 skilled employees in China, the United States, Ireland, Germany and Singapore, WuXi Biologics leverages its technologies and expertise to provide customers with efficient and cost-effective biologics discovery, development and manufacturing solutions. As of December 31, 2024, WuXi Biologics is supporting 817 integrated client projects, including 21 in commercial manufacturing (excluding COVID CMO projects).
WuXi Biologics regards sustainability as the cornerstone of long-term business growth. The company continuously drives green technology innovations to offer advanced end-to-end Green CRDMO solutions for its global partners while consistently achieving excellence in Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). Committed to creating shared value, it collaborates with all stakeholders to foster positive social and environmental impacts and promote responsible practices that empower the entire value chain.
For more information about WuXi Biologics, please visit: www.wuxibiologics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are not historical facts, but instead are predictions about future events based on our expectations as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. Although we believe that our predictions are reasonable, future events are inherently uncertain and our forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks relating to, among other things, the ability of our service offerings to compete effectively, our ability to meet timelines for the expansion of our service offerings, and our ability to protect our clients' intellectual property. Our forward-looking statements in this announcement speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law or listing rules. Accordingly, you are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth in this section.
Non-IFRS Measures
To supplement the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements which are presented in accordance with the IFRS, the Company has provided adjusted net profit, adjusted net profit margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share as additional financial measures, which are not required by, or presented in accordance with, the IFRS.
The Company believes that the adjusted financial measures are useful for understanding and assessing underlying business performance and operating trends, and that the Company's management and investors may benefit from referring to these adjusted financial measures in assessing the Group's financial performance by eliminating the impact of certain unusual, non-recurring, non-cash and/or non-operating items that the Group does not consider indicative of the performance of the Group's core business. These non-IFRS financial measures, as the management of the Group believes, is widely accepted and adopted in the industry in which the Group is operating in. However, the presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with the IFRS. Shareholders of the Company and potential investors should not view the adjusted results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under IFRS. And these non-IFRS financial measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures represented by other companies.
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