康龙化成（300759）：Guidance raised on robust CDMO growth

康龙化成(300759) 　　Pharmaron delivered robust1H26results,with revenue rising17.9%YoY toRMB7.6bn and non-IFRS net profit up20.3%YoY to RMB909mn.Earningsgrowth in2Q26clearly accelerated over1Q26.1H26revenue accounted for46.2%of our full-year forecast,higher than the historical range of43-45%,whilenon-IFRS net profit in1H26represented42.1%of our full-year forecast,in-linewith the historical range of40-45%.New bookings increased by more than30%YoY,led by the>50%YoY growth of CDMO business.Reflecting strong ordergrowth and improving execution,mgmt.raised full-year revenue growth guidanceto15-20%(from12-18%),coupled with faster growth of non-IFRS net profit. 　　Commercial breakthroughs and margin expansion of CDMO segment.CDMO segment was the standout performer,generating1H26revenue ofRMB1.88bn(+32.8%YoY)and a gross profit margin(GPM)of25.7%(+2.6ppt YoY).Growth was fueled by robust small-molecule demand and theprogression of late-stage projects.The company secured a landmarkcommercial drug-product manufacturing agreement for Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1product(Orforglipron),while its Ningbo facility passed its first Chinainnovative drug API PAI Inspection.Its CDMO services encompass a broadrange of modalities and high-potential targets,with several products alreadyin mid-to-late-stage clinical or commercialization stage,poised for near-termvolume ramp-up.The company is also stepping up capacity expansion,advancing small-molecule CDMO facilities in Shaoxing and Hangzhou,aswell as facilities for peptide and conjugation.Driven by robust demandcoupled with rising utilization,we expect CDMO segment to serve as the maincontributor to the Company’s overall GPM expansion going forward. 　　Clinical services close to bottoming-out.Clinical services revenue grew13.8%YoY in1H26,higher than the single-digit growth seen in2024/25.2Q26segment GPM rebounded sharply by~5.0ppts QoQ to12.1%,aspricing pressure eased with signals of price hikes.New orders climbed>30%YoY,creating more evidence of demand recovery in China clinical market.Mgmt.expected continued margin improvement through2H26and into2027. 　　Resilient early-stage demand with AI momentum building.Lab servicesrevenue increased13.7%YoY in1H26,with bioscience contributing over60%of segment revenue.Segment bookings rose20%+YoY,underscoringsustained early-stage R&D demand from both MNCs and biotech clients.Specifically,new modalities revenue within bioscience grew over40%YoY,aligning with the trend seen in past few years.Note that AI-driven drugdiscovery(AIDD)revenue now exceeds7%of the lab segment,with AIDDorder growth consistently outpacing the overall lab average. 　　Maintain BUY.To factor in the solid demand growth and expected marginexpansion,we raise our forecast on Pharmaron’s earnings,expectingrevenue to grow by18.3%/19.6%/17.0%YoY and non-IFRS net profit toincrease by22.5%/23.2%/20.0%YoY in2026E/27E/28E,respectively.Hence,we raise our DCF-based TP from RMB39.00to RMB56.00(WACC of9.32%;terminal growth of2.0%;both unchanged). 　　MORE REPORTS FROM BLOOMBERG:RESP CMBR<GO>OR http://www.cmbi.com.hk 　　Source:Company data,CMBIGM estimates 　　Source:Bloomberg,CMBIGM estimates 　　Risks: 　　1)Lower-than-expectedCDMO projects in the globalin early-stage R&D;3)geopolitical uncertainties.