Biosimilar Momentum
This quarter will provide the first consolidated view of Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL) following its integration, with overall topline expected to rise a significant 18%. Core biosimilar sales are forecast to reach $315 million, marking a robust 23% year-on-year increase. This surge is attributed to market share gains across key products, including the ongoing ramp-up of bStelara in the crucial United States market and improving traction in emerging markets.
Generics Segment Outlook
In the generics division, Kotak Institutional Equities estimates a 17% year-on-year growth. This is largely supported by the continued benefits from the Liraglutide launch in the United Kingdom and European markets. Syngene, the contract research arm, is projected to see a more modest 4% year-on-year revenue increase.
Divergent Brokerage Views
While many anticipate strong results, Axis Securities offers a more tempered perspective. They forecast 7% YoY growth in the research segment and anticipate pressure on the generics business due to intensifying competition. However, Axis Securities also projects biosimilar revenue to grow around 18% year-on-year, buoyed by new launches such as Insulin Aspart, Yesafili, Denosumab biosimilars, and Liraglutide in the UK.
Margin Improvements
Gross margins for the biosimilars business are expected to see a healthy 100 basis point quarter-on-quarter improvement, reaching 65%. Consequently, EBITDA for the biosimilars segment is projected to climb 31% year-on-year to ₹980 crore. Investors will be keenly observing management commentary regarding the integration of BBL and the strategic outlook for future product pipelines.