JPMorgan lifts WuXi AppTec stock rating, cuts price target

Published 01/05/2025, 05:22
JPMorgan lifts WuXi AppTec stock rating, cuts price target

On Thursday, JPMorgan analyst Yang Huang upgraded WuXi AppTec Co Ltd (603259:CH) stock from Neutral to Overweight, while adjusting the price target to RMB77.00 from RMB82.00. This change follows the company’s first-quarter 2025 results, which Huang described as a "clean beat" on both the top and bottom lines. WuXi AppTec’s performance was noted for its impressive execution amidst a challenging external environment.

In response to the earnings report and subsequent results call, JPMorgan has increased its near-term sales and net profit estimates for WuXi AppTec. The company’s solid momentum and efficiency improvements were cited as the basis for the revised estimates. Despite broader market concerns, such as potential US tariffs on pharmaceuticals and the impact of multinational corporations (MNCs) developing their own manufacturing capacities in China, Huang believes these risks are already accounted for in WuXi AppTec’s current share price.

WuXi AppTec’s shares have experienced a decline of approximately 12% since Liberation Day, which is a steeper drop compared to the roughly 5% fall in the MSCI China Healthcare Index. JPMorgan suggests that MNCs may postpone their onshore investments until there is clearer visibility regarding the potential U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

Even with a more cautious approach, which includes lowered long-term sales estimates and non-IFRS Gross Profit Margin (GPM), JPMorgan’s updated price targets still indicate a significant potential upside for WuXi AppTec’s shares from their current levels. Huang’s commentary reflects a positive outlook for the company, despite the recent price target reduction.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.