Zydus Lifesciences Q2 Results
Zydus Lifesciences Q2 Results: Net Profit Soars 14% YoY to Rs 911 Crore

Company Overview

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (formerly known as Cadila Healthcare Ltd.) is one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies, known for its diverse portfolio in both generics and specialty medications. Established in 1952, Zydus has a strong presence across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, gastroenterology, pain management, diabetes, oncology, and dermatology. The company is also a significant player in bio similar, vaccines, and novel therapies, catering to both domestic and international markets. Operates across 50+ countries, with a significant focus on the U.S. and Indian markets. It is among top 5 pharmaceutical companies in India, with a share of around 4-5% in the Indian pharma market. It operates 25+ manufacturing facilities worldwide, including U.S. FDA and WHO-GMP certified plants, ensuring compliance with international quality standards.

Industry Outlook

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest globally, with India positioned as a major supplier of generic medicines worldwide. The industry, valued at approximately $50 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10-12%, driven by increasing healthcare needs domestically and sustained demand for affordable generics in international markets. Healthcare expenditure is increasing, with the government aiming to raise public health spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, which will benefit the pharma sector. India is the largest provider of generic medicines, supplying around 20% of global generics. With over 3,000 pharma companies and 10,000+ manufacturing facilities, India continues to dominate in terms of affordable drug exports, particularly to the U.S., Europe, and other emerging markets. The Government of India has introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Increased competition from both Indian and global players is intensifying in generic and speciality segments. Mergers and acquisitions are common as companies seek to scale and expand product portfolios.

Financial Summary

INR Cr.Q1 FY25Q2 FY25FY23FY24
Revenue620852371723719547
EBITDA2084146138605384
OPM34%28%22%28%
PBT1900127125854832
Net Profit148292020923973
NPM23.9%17.5%12.1%20.3%
EPS14.119.0619.3738.36
C&CE123815945731105

Business Segments:

  • India Formulations: It is a branded prescription business in categories of therapies like Pain, Anti-infective, Respiratory, Oncology, and many other segments. It has 7 brands which were ranked among world’s top 300 brands. 37 brands had value between ₹25-₹50 crore, 21 brands between ₹50-₹100 crore and 10 were having yearly ₹100+ crore.
  • Consumer Wellness: The Company has many successful brands in the consumer wellness segment like Glucon-D, nycil, Sugar-Free, Complan, etc. And a skincare brand called Everyuth naturals. It is in category of personal care and food and nutrition and has recently acquired Naturell Pvt Ltd. A leading player in the healthy snack category.
  • US Formulations: The company predominantly operates in the generics and specialty segments of the market through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. In this quarter company had filed 8 ANDA and received approvals of 9 ANDAs. It has entered into an exclusive licensing and supply agreement with Viwit Pharmaceuticals for 2 Gadolinium-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) injectable, contrast agents.
  • International Market Formulations: In the emerging markets space, the Company predominantly operates in the branded generics segment with Cardiology, Diabetology, Neuro-Psychiatry and Pain Management being the focused therapeutic areas. The Company keeps on evaluating partnership opportunities with local players in select geographies as it looks to expand its footprint in different emerging market countries

Subsidiary Information:

  • Zydus Wellness Ltd: The Company’s subsidiary spearheads the group’s operations in the wellness space. ZWL operates in two different segments viz. personal care segment and food and nutrition segment and has a portfolio of category-leading health and wellness products. Five out of the six brands of the Company continue to hold leadership positions in their respective categories
  • Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc.: It operates as Zydus’s main subsidiary in the United States, focusing on manufacturing and marketing generic formulations approved by the U.S. FDA. A significant contributor to Zydus’s international revenue, given the high demand for generics in the U.S. market.
  • Zydus Healthcare Ltd: It manages Zydus’s branded formulations business in India, catering to a wide range of therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pain management, and oncology. A major revenue driver for Zydus in the Indian domestic market.
  • Zydus Animal Health and Investments Ltd: It provides animal health products across livestock, poultry, and companion animals, including treatments, nutritional supplements, and anti-infectives. It expands Zydus’s reach into veterinary and animal health segments, which are growing markets in India and internationally.
  • Zydus Biosimilars Ltd: A dedicated unit for biosimilars, developing and commercializing biosimilars for therapeutic areas like oncology, immunology, and nephrology. Positions Zydus as a key player in biosimilars, targeting high-growth opportunities in biologics.
  • Simayla Pharmaceuticals (South Africa) Pty Ltd.: Operates in South Africa, focusing on providing affordable generic and branded pharmaceuticals across a range of therapeutic areas. Extends Zydus’s market presence in Africa, catering to regional healthcare needs with affordable solutions.

Q2 FY25 & Business Highlights

  • Revenue of ₹5237 crore in Q2 FY25 up by 19.27% YoY from ₹4369 crore in Q2 FY24.
  • EBITDA of ₹1461 crore in this quarter at a margin of 28% compared to 26% in Q2 FY24.
  • Profit of ₹920 crore in this quarter compared to a ₹803 crore profit in Q2 FY24.
  • India branded formulations business posted double-digit growth and outpaced the market growth both in the chronic and acute segments. Consumer Wellness business delivered robust double-digit growth aided by strong volume uptake.
  • The US formulations business continued its upward journey with robust YoY growth driven by volume expansion and new product launches. International markets business grew in double-digit on the back of strong performance across key markets.
  • Capex for this quarter has been done by internal accruals and cash from the company worth ₹302 crore, for acquisition and patents.
  • India Formulations launched 12 new products (incl. line extensions) with 4 first-in-India launches. In the consumer wellness segment, growth was largely driven by strong 8.4% volume growth.
  • In Biotech and Vaccine R&D the company has completed patient recruitment for Phase III clinical trials for one of the biosimilars and follow-up has been completed and completed Phase II clinical trials for Hepatitis E vaccine.
  • Forayed into animal free fermentation-based protein business by forming a JV with Perfect Day Inc. through acquisition of 50% stake in Sterling Biotech Ltd (SBL).

SWOT Analysis:

Strengths:

  1. Strong presence in the domestic market
  2. Broad and diverse product portfolio
  3. Advanced research and development capabilities
  4. Significant global market footprint

Weaknesses:

  1. Heavy reliance on the U.S. market
  2. High expenditure on R&D
  3. Exposure to patent litigation risks

Opportunities:

  1. Expansion into biosimilars and specialty drugs
  2. Government initiatives like the PLI scheme
  3. Growth potential in the healthcare and wellness sectors

Threats:

  1. Challenges in regulatory compliance and security
  2. Pricing pressures in the market
  3. Increasing competition from domestic and global players
  4. Risk from foreign exchange fluctuations

Cipla Ltd: Sustained Growth Fueled by Strong Financials and Strategic Innovation

Company Overview

Cipla Ltd., founded in 1935, is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, renowned for making healthcare affordable and accessible across 80+ countries. With a strong presence in India, the US, Europe, and South Africa, Cipla specializes in respiratory care and anti-retroviral therapies. It holds a diverse portfolio comprising generics, branded generics, and OTC products. Innovation, quality, and global access to essential medicines are key aspects of Cipla’s business, supported by an active pipeline of complex generics and biosimilars.

Stock Data (As of 1st October 2024)

  • Nifty: 25,797
  • 52 Week High/Low: ₹1683 / ₹1132
  • Market Cap: ₹133,652 Cr
  • Dividend Yield: 0.79%
  • NSE Code: INE059A01026
  • Current Market Price: ₹1664

Key Market Insights:

  1. Domestic Leadership: Cipla is the 3rd largest player in the Indian domestic prescription (Rx) market, excelling in respiratory, anti-infective, and cardiac care treatments, which significantly contribute to its domestic market share.
  2. Global Presence: The company has expanded significantly across emerging markets, focusing on providing affordable medication globally. Cipla’s expertise in respiratory diseases and chronic care positions it well to capitalize on the increasing prevalence of these conditions worldwide.
  3. Sector Outlook:
    • The Indian pharmaceutical industry is currently valued at approximately USD 41 billion, with strong growth potential driven by rising healthcare demand, an aging population, and government initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare.
    • Globally, Cipla faces competitive pressures in the generics market, particularly in the US and Europe. However, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for respiratory treatments and chronic disease therapies.
  4. Research & Development (R&D): Cipla continues to invest significantly in R&D (7% of revenue in Q1 FY2024), particularly in biosimilars, complex generics, and respiratory therapies. This focus ensures long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

Financial Performance (FY24-Q1 Results)

  • Revenue: ₹6,693.94 Cr, reflecting 8.6% YoY growth.
  • Net Profit: ₹1,175.46 Cr, up by 25.9% YoY.
  • EBITDA Margin: 24%, indicating operational efficiency despite rising input costs.
  • US Market Growth: Revenue from the US grew 15% YoY, driven by respiratory products and complex generics.

    Future Revenue Projections:
  • FY24: ₹26,139 Mn (+9.4%)
  • FY25E: ₹28,500 Mn (+9.0%)
  • FY26E: ₹31,200 Mn (+9.5%)

    Profit Growth:
  • FY24 PAT: ₹4,331 Mn, FY25E: ₹4,700 Mn, FY26E: ₹5,200 Mn
  • Expected annual profit growth is between 8.5-10.6%.

    Valuation Metrics:
  • EPS to increase from ₹53.30 in FY24 to ₹63.00 in FY26
  • P/E Ratio: 24 in FY24, expected to decrease to 20 by FY26.

Outlook

Cipla’s growth outlook is supported by its strategic expansion in the US and ongoing investments in complex generics and biosimilars. The company’s strong pipeline, focus on chronic and respiratory therapies, and emphasis on affordable medications offer a significant growth trajectory.

Key Challenges

  1. Regulatory Risks: Navigating stringent regulations, especially in the US and Europe, poses challenges to product approvals and market entries.
  2. Pricing Pressures: The generics market is highly competitive, and this could exert downward pressure on pricing, potentially affecting revenue growth.
  3. Rising Input Costs: Increased raw material prices may impact profitability, necessitating continued operational efficiency and cost control measures.

Investment Recommendation

Given Cipla’s strong fundamentals, robust product pipeline, and focus on key therapeutic areas like respiratory care and chronic conditions, the company remains a solid investment choice for long-term growth. Investors should keep a watch on regulatory developments and input cost pressures but can expect attractive returns.

Conclusion:
Cipla’s leadership in both domestic and international pharmaceutical markets, backed by innovation and a commitment to cost management, presents significant growth opportunities. Despite competitive and regulatory challenges, Cipla is well-positioned to capitalize on rising healthcare needs, particularly in the post-pandemic world.