WuXi Biologics Reports Remarkable 2022 Annual Results
WuXi Biologics reported a 48.4% year-on-year revenue increase to RMB15,268.7 million for 2022, primarily driven by its successful "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies, resulting in 136 new integrated projects. Gross profit rose by 39.2% to RMB6,724.0 million, with an adjusted net profit of RMB5,053.9 million, a 47.1% increase. Non-COVID revenue saw a robust 63% growth, contributing to a total backlog of US$20,571 million. The company maintained a strong operational resilience amid COVID challenges, ensuring project delivery and sustaining growth momentum, particularly in North America. Positive cash flow positions WuXi well for future expansion.
- Revenue increased by 48.4% YoY to RMB15,268.7 million.
- Gross profit rose by 39.2% YoY to RMB6,724.0 million.
- Adjusted net profit climbed 47.1% YoY to RMB5,053.9 million.
- Non-COVID revenue grew by 63% YoY.
- Total backlog surged to US$20,571 million.
- Gross profit margin decreased from 46.9% to 44.0%.
- Net profit margin declined from 34.1% to 29.8%.
Revenue Increased by
Gross Profit Increased by
Adjusted Net Profit Rose by
Non-COVID Revenue Achieved
"R" in CRDMO Business Model Accelerated to Extend Partnerships with Pharma Clients
Positive Free Cash Flow to Support Sustainable Growth
Total Backlog Surged to
* * *
CRDMO Business Model Enabled Sustainable Long-Term Growth
"Follow and Win the Molecule" Strategies Delivered Significant Revenue Increases
136 New Integrated Projects Added, One of the Highest Increases in Company History
588 Total Integrated Projects, including 17 Commercial Manufacturing Projects and 37 Late-phase Projects with Potential for Future Growth
"Win-the-Molecule" Strategy Contributed 11 External Projects and Accelerated Growth
Late-phase & Commercial Manufacturing Revenue Increased to
Global Presence and Talent Pool Expanded to Support Business Momentum
Growth Trend Maintained in Diverse Geographic Markets, Especially in
Premier Quality System Re-verified, Completed 27 Global Regulatory Inspections
Optimized Supply Chain to Safeguard Project Execution and Timelines
WBS (WuXi Biologics Business System) Deployed to Improve Efficiencies and Lean Processes
Sufficient Capacity to
2022 Financial Highlights
- Revenue: The Group's revenue increased to
RMB15,268.7 million with an increase of48.4% y-o-y. The increase was mainly attributable to (i) the successful execution of the Group's "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies, contributing record number of new integrated projects and gaining more customers to achieve sustainable high growth; (ii) continued momentum of the Group's commercial manufacturing and late-stage businesses since the banner year of 2021, contributing to significant revenue growth; (iii) unique CRDMO business model, leading technology platform, best-in-industry timeline and excellent execution track record contributing to significantly higher revenue, especially in the non-COVID sector; (iv) enlarged spectrum of services offered to the biologics industry, including one-stop shop comprehensive drug product services, fast growing technology platforms such as ADC and Bispecific Antibodies, which boosted the Group's revenue stream; and (v) the utilization of existing and newly expanded capacities, as well as the successful integration of acquired businesses and facilities and (vi) the implementation of operational efficiency improvement programs, coupled with successful executions of our business continuity plan when confronted with COVID challenges, leveraging our unparalleled integrated end-to-end CRDMO platform, global footprints and robust supply chain network. - Gross profit and gross profit margin: The Group's gross profit increased by
39.2% toRMB6,724.0 million , with a gross profit margin of44.0% , primarily due to: (i) the strong revenue growth; (ii) the Group's deployment to fully utilize the existing manufacturing facilities and successful integration of the acquired facilities; (iii) the Group's extraordinary efforts to undertake a large number of new development projects despite of the COVID constraints; and (vi) the deployment of the WBS (WuXi Biologics Business System) as the operation DNA to drive operation efficiency improvement, offsetting the new facility ramp-up impacts. - Net Profit & Net Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company: Net profit and net profit attributable to owners of the Company for the Reporting Period amounted to
RMB4,549.9 million andRMB4,420.3 million respectively, representing a29.7% and30.5% increase compared to the same period last year. - Adjusted Net Profit: Adjusted net profit for the period increased by
47.1% y-o-y toRMB5,053.9 million . Margin of adjusted net profit was33.1% . - Diluted earnings per share (EPS): Diluted EPS and adjusted diluted EPS were
RMB1.01 andRMB1.13 , up by31.2% and50.7% y-o-y, respectively. - The Group has achieved positive free cash flow in 2022, another critical milestone for the Group that provides a solid foundation for its enduring growth.
2022 Business Highlights
- Thanks to the Group's unique CRDMO business model and the successful execution of its "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies, a strong growth trajectory continued in 2022 despite external challenges.
- The total number of integrated projects rose to a new height of 588 with 136 new integrated projects added to the pipeline, including 127 non-COVID projects. 37 late-phase projects and 17 commercial manufacturing projects, all of which laid a solid foundation for future growth.
- The "Win-the-Molecule" strategy continued to drive additional pipeline growth, contributing 11 external projects, including 5 late-phase and commercial manufacturing projects, which will solidify both short-and long-term growth. Beginning in the second half of 2022, the Group has been in active negotiations with large pharma for more than 10 late-phase/commercial projects, and has successfully signed three projects in 2H 2022 through its "Win-the-Molecule" strategy with more potentials are expected.
- Total backlog and milestone backlog increased to
US and$20,571 million US as of$7,032 million Dec 31, 2022 , hitting a new record and underpinning sustained growth in both short and long-term. - The Group and GSK entered into a license agreement on multiple novel Bi- & Multi-specific T Cell Engagers, a strong testament of the Group's research capabilities, the 'R' in the Group's CRDMO business model.
- The Group is well-positioned to continue exceptional growth due to its robust non-COVID pipeline. As of
Dec 31, 2022 , the number of non-COVID-19 projects grew to almost 550 with a63% y-o-y revenue increase. The momentum will continue in the long run. - Late-phase and commercial manufacturing revenue increased to
RMB6,854.3 million , accounting for44.9% of total revenue in 2022, demonstrating the stickiness of biologics CRDMO and reaping the fruition of the Group's "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies. - During the Shanghai COVID outbreak in 1H 2022 and following the relief of zero-COVID restrictions in 2H 2022, the Group minimized business disruptions through its excellent operational resilience and a well-established Business Continuity Plan. With its global capacities, multiple operational locations, and comprehensive connections across the industry's supply chains, the Group has fulfilled its commitments to customers without disruption.
- Leveraging its cutting-edge technology and manufacturing capacity, the Group is devoted to bringing COVID-19 therapeutics to global patients. The Group enabled its customers by manufacturing more than 3,000 kg COVID neutralizing antibodies, as well as hundreds of millions doses of COVID vaccine. These COVID projects have made significant contributions to the combat against the pandemic worldwide, and contributed meaningful revenue during the Reporting Period.
- The Group continued advancing its technologies to optimize the spectrum of services offered to the global biologics industry. As of
Dec 31, 2022 , the Group has accumulated 99 bispecific projects including 39 WuXiBody® projects with different formats, 20 vaccine projects and 94 ADC projects on its integrated platforms. These diverse technology platforms are set to cater to the increasing demands of customers and boost the Group's sustainable growth. - "Global Dual Sourcing within WuXi Bio" is the Group's long-standing strategy to better enable global customers and meet their growing demands. By the end of the Reporting Period, the Group's capacity had reached 262,000L, with new facilities in the
U.S. ,Ireland andChina coming online. - The Group's total capacity is expected to increase to 580,000L by 2026 to meet strong customer demand. The Group's global network will encompass facilities in
China , theU.S. ,Ireland ,Germany and a fully integrated CRDMO base inSingapore . The Group's geographic diversity will provide more dynamic capabilities to serve its customers anywhere in the world. - On top of its successful acquisitions in 2021, the Group made two new acquisitions in 2022 - process development and pilot-scale manufacturing facility in
Suzhou from Elpiscience, and a manufacturing facility inSuzhou from Harbour BioMed. The latter will serve as WuXi Vaccines' first standalone vaccine development and GMP manufacturing site. - The Group continues to enhance its capabilities and capacity to better enable customers, thus further diversifying its customer base by working with nearly 600 customers including all top 20 global pharmaceutical companies. The growing customer base demonstrates the strength of the Groups' unique CRDMO business model, state-of-the-art technology platforms, best-in-industry timeline and excellent execution track record.
North America , the Group's largest market, retained its strong momentum with62.5% growth year over year, and accounted for55.6% of total revenue. TheNorth America region also contributed50% of new projects in 2022, which is a reflection of those customers' continuous trust and well-established relationships with the Group. The impact from the temporary placement of two subsidiaries on theU.S. Commerce Department's Unverified List (UVL) was minimal.- The WuXi Biologics Business System (WBS) introduced in 2021 continues to drive operation efficiencies, offsetting the headwind from inflation and new facility ramp-up impacts.
- The Group continues to adhere to the highest quality standards, and has completed 27 regulatory inspections conducted by
U.S. FDA,EU EMA , China NMPA and other regulatory agencies since 2017. - The Group continued to build its world-class team. As of
Dec 31, 2022 , the Group's total staff grew to 12,373, with a biologics R&D team of 4,372 scientists. Overseas recruitment also proceeded smoothly to support the business growth and capacity increase. Talent retention measures continued to be effective, with a key talent retention rate of95% , well above the industry average. - The Group has incorporated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) as an essential part of its sustainable growth strategies. The Group's ESG performance has been widely recognized by the industry and received many prestigious awards, among which, it was named as Industry Top-rated, and
APAC Regional Top-rated Company by Sustainalytics, selected as S&P Global A List with the rank of the Industry's Top7% , designated as a Top 10 Constituent of FTSE4Good Emerging Index, etc.
2022 was a year of continued strong performance and implementation of the "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies. With the ongoing efforts of the teams and by leveraging its unique CRDMO business model, the Group continued to navigate the challenging macro environment, delivered outstanding growth on both the topline and bottom line, and fulfilled its commitment to its customers as the enabling partner by accelerating and transforming the discovery, development and manufacturing of novel biologics, benefiting patients worldwide.
Robust Business Performance Continued Despite Challenges
In 2022, despite headwinds from the macro environment, and the challenges from UVL issue, COVID outbreak and biotech funding as well, the Group maintained strong business momentum thanks to its unique CRDMO business model and the successful execution of the "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies. The Group added 136 new integrated projects, reaching one of the highest levels since its establishment, bringing the total number of integrated projects to 588. During the Reporting Period, the successful execution of the "Win-the-Molecule" strategy contributed 11 external projects, including 5 late-phase and commercial manufacturing projects, which boosted near-term revenue and brought further upside potential to the Group.
As of
Despite the strong backlog and a record number of projects, the Group is still able to start any new project within four weeks, supported by its strong capabilities and sufficient capacity.
Exciting Validation of New Technology Platforms and Strong Growth Driver from New Modalities
The Group has been relentlessly enhancing its integrated enabling platform with leading-edge technologies to expedite biologics discovery, development and manufacturing. The advanced technology platforms are essential to the CRDMO business model and the spectrum of services offered to the global biologics industry.
In
In addition, the Group's cutting-edge technology platforms continue to drive business growth in the fields of bispecifics, multispecifics, ADCs, fusion proteins and vaccines. By the end of the Reporting Period, the Group's bispecific antibody projects increased to 99, including 39 WuXiBody® projects. WuXi XDC had secured 94 ADC integrated projects globally, 40 of which completed IND submission and are in various stages of clinical trials. WuXi Vaccines continued its growth momentum with 20 ongoing vaccine projects. With its proven manufacturing track record and premier-quality supply chain, WuXi Vaccines has delivered hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses to its partners to combat the pandemic globally. These new modalities quickly become the Group's growth engines in the near future.
Non-COVID Related Business Delivered Compelling Performance
The Group remains confident that it can sustain its long-term growth trajectory post COVID with its strong growth momentum from the non-COVID sector. As of
The Group continued to execute COVID-19 projects, and manufactured over 3,000 kg COVID neutralizing antibodies, and hundreds of millions doses of COVID vaccine to support its customers globally to combat the pandemic. In 2022, the Group has seen around
Late-Phase and Commercial Manufacturing Projects Led Future Growth
Adhering to the "Follow and Win the Molecule" strategies, the Group continued to increase the number of late-phase and commercial manufacturing projects as an important pillar of growth following the banner year of 2021. During the Reporting Period, the Group's late-phase and commercial manufacturing projects increased to 37 and 17 respectively. Late-phase and commercial manufacturing revenue increased to a total of
Increased Capacities to Support Global Dual Sourcing Strategy
The Group continues to implement its "Global Dual Sourcing" strategy, making the Group well-positioned to serve its customers worldwide. The Group increased its manufacturing capacity to 262,000L by the end of 2022, including a 48,000L commercial manufacturing facility in
Furthermore, a comprehensive CRDMO center in
The Group's comprehensive DP capacity and capabilities enlarged the spectrum of services offered to the biologics industry. By the end of 2022, the Group had established a global manufacturing network with 9 drug product facilities for vial and PFS in
Well Established Partnerships with Both Biotech and Big Pharma
During the Reporting Period, the Group extended partnerships with almost 600 global customers including all top 20 global pharmaceutical companies. The enlarged customer base further demonstrates the effectiveness of the Group's unique CRDMO business model, leading technology platform, best-in-industry timeline, premier quality system and excellent execution track record. A diversified customer base and well-established partnerships with both biotech and big pharma ensured stable revenue distribution and broad growth opportunities. The Group has formed strong partnerships with big pharma over the years, establishing in-depth cooperation and long-term trusted relationships. Additionally, the Group continues to enable small and medium-sized biotech companies to expedite the development of their novel biologics.
Successful Delisting from Unverified List within Ten Months
During the Reporting Period, the Group's
As a global company, the Group has always been adhered to the most stringent compliance standards. During the Reporting Period, there were no material impacts to the Group's business operations and no disruptions to its supply chain. The Group effectively addressed inquiries from global customers, and these responses were well received. In
Safeguarding Project Deliveries through Outstanding Execution and Strong Supply Chain Management While Confronting COVID Challenges
When facing the Shanghai COVID outbreak in 1H 2022 as well as circumstances following the relief of zero-COVID restrictions in 2H 2022, the Group managed to maintain business operations with minimal disruptions and ensured project delivery by successfully implementing its Business Continuity Plan, bolstered by remarkable contributions and untiring dedication from its employees. Over 600 employees voluntarily stayed at the
Talent Pool Growth
The Group values workforce development and places a strong emphasis on human resources strategy to attract, train and retain talents worldwide. As of
World-Class Quality System Underpins WuXi Biologics Future Growth
The Group remains committed to meeting the highest quality standards. With its world-class quality system, the Group has completed 27 regulatory inspections since 2017 that were conducted by
ESG as a Long-term Business Strategy
The Group believes that a good environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy will drive long-term success and endeavors to maintain high ESG standard. As a means to address climate change, the Group has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by pledging to achieve net-zero emissions from overall operations by 2050 and, reduce waste intensity by
The Group's broad ESG efforts have been widely recognized by multiple leading ESG rating agencies and institutional investors. It was named as
Management Comment
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Key Financial Ratios | |||
(For the Twelve Months Ended Dec 31) | |||
Key Financial Ratio | 2022 | 2021 | Change |
Revenue (In RMB million) | 15,268.7 | 10,290.1 | 48.4 % |
Gross Profit (In RMB million) | 6,724.0 | 4,828.9 | 39.2 % |
Margin (%) | 44.0 % | 46.9 % | |
Net Profit (In RMB million) | 4,549.9 | 3,508.6 | 29.7 % |
Margin (%) | 29.8 % | 34.1 % | |
Net Profit Attributable to Owners of the | 4,420.3 | 3,388.5 | 30.5 % |
Margin (%) | 29.0 % | 32.9 % | |
Adjusted Net Profit (In RMB million) | 5,053.9 | 3,435.9 | 47.1 % |
Margin (%) | 33.1 % | 33.4 % | |
EBITDA (In RMB million) | 6,353.4 | 4,662.3 | 36.3 % |
Margin (%) | 41.6 % | 45.3 % | |
Adjusted EBITDA (In RMB million) | 6,857.4 | 4,589.6 | 49.4 % |
Margin (%) | 44.9 % | 44.6 % | |
Adjusted Diluted EPS (In RMB) | 1.13 | 0.75 | 50.7 % |
About
With over 12,000 skilled employees in
For more information about
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.
Contacts
Investors
IR@wuxibiologics.com
Media
PR@wuxibiologics.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wuxi-biologics-reports-remarkable-2022-annual-results-301778513.html
SOURCE
FAQ
What were WuXi Biologics' 2022 revenue and profit figures?
How much did non-COVID revenue increase for WuXi Biologics in 2022?
What is the current backlog for WuXi Biologics?
What were the key financial metrics for WuXi Biologics in 2022?