The small UK biotech with big profit margins

The UK biotech sector is booming.

As many as three new biotech companies were incorporated every working day in the UK during the first two months of 2019. There are currently, 3,456 active companies involved in biotech R&D activities, representing a 65% increase on Q1 2016.

Meet Bioventix

Bioventix identify and clone antibodies for use in blood testing.

The Farham-based biotech has over thirty years of experience in synthesising antibodies from sheep, yes sheep! Whilst the science behind this process is highly complex, their business model is beautifully simple – they are, in essence a licence company…

Here comes the science bit…

Antibodies are shaped to fit directly onto specific antigens (viruses, bacteria or chemicals) and won’t match up with anything else. If a certain antibody is present in a blood sample, doctors will know that there is a specific antigen present. Antibodies are therefore a critical component blood testing – also known as immunodiagnostics.  

A great example of Bioventix licensing process was the development of troponin antibodies. Troponin is a ‘cardiac marker’ used in the diagnosis of patients with chest pain and suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Siemens commissioned Bioventix to find a way of synthesising troponin antibodies for use in its revolutionary heart attack test which is far quicker and more reliable than current tests which take almost a day to complete.

In July 2018, Siemens gained FDA approval for the use of its troponin detection test in the US – a market estimated to be worth $2bn. Bioventix will make a 2% royalty on the sales of Siemens troponin product, creating a large and stable revenue stream.

Global blood testing market is in rude health

The global blood testing market is vast and estimated to be worth in excess of $50bn – growing at a pace of 5% each year. There are several key demographic trends which is driving growth in blood testing, these include:

1. Aging populations in developed countries

2. Increasing obesity

3. Higher levels of pollution

4. A move towards point of care healthcare in the US

5. Growing middle class in developing nations

The final point is driving rapid healthcare development in China which is investing significantly in local healthcare infrastructure.

Powerful price pattern

Before we dive further into Bioventix fundamentals, it’s worth taking a second to look at their price chart which is forming a powerful pattern.

After breaking to new trend highs at the start of the year, the shares have spent the last five months quietly consolidating in an ever-tightening trading range. This compressive price action is known as a ‘wedge formation’ and signals that we’re likely to see an explosive breakout in-line with the dominant trend.

Rock-solid balance sheet

Bioventix high margin royalty model generates plenty of cash. Free cashflow per share has grown at a compound annual rate of 33% over the last five years – creating a rock-solid balance sheet.

Trading on a lofty PE multiple of 30, Bioventix shares can’t be classed as cheap. However, in the biotech sector we believe the best strategy is to pay up for quality rather than hunt for ‘bargains’. And with a steadily rising dividend, high medium-term revenue visibility and significant scope for the increased uptake of troponin in the US, we believe Bioventix justifies it valuation.