Legend Biotech Explores Dual Listing Strategy to Accelerate CAR-T Therapy Expansion
Key Insights
Legend Biotech is considering a second listing outside the US, potentially on Hong Kong Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, to diversify its investor base and access new capital sources.
The company reported strong revenue growth of 134.73% driven by its flagship CAR-T therapy CARVYKTI, though profitability challenges persist with a net margin of 14.09%.
Analysts estimate the company's fair value at $44.9 per share, representing a 23.9% premium to current trading levels, with 12-month price targets averaging $75.8.
Legend Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing CAR-T cell therapies, is reportedly exploring a dual listing strategy to optimize its capital structure and accelerate global expansion. According to Bloomberg reports, the company is considering a second listing outside the United States, potentially on exchanges such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.
Strong Revenue Growth Amid Profitability Challenges
The company has demonstrated robust financial performance, with revenue growth of 134.73% as of December 2024, primarily driven by its flagship CAR-T cell therapy CARVYKTI (cilta-cel). The therapy targets multiple myeloma (search) and other cancers, representing Legend Biotech's lead product candidate in a portfolio that includes earlier-stage autologous CAR-T candidates and allogeneic gamma delta CAR-T and CAR-NK products.
Despite strong revenue momentum, the company faces ongoing profitability challenges. Legend Biotech reported a net margin of 14.09% and second quarter 2025 revenue of $255.06 million alongside a widening net loss of $125.38 million. The company has set ambitious targets for 2028, projecting $2.3 billion in revenue and $624.8 million in earnings, requiring substantial yearly growth from current levels.
Solid Financial Foundation Supports Expansion Plans
Legend Biotech maintains a conservative capital structure with $967.56 million in cash reserves and $387.91 million in total debt as of December 2025, yielding a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The company's current ratio of 5 signals strong liquidity and financial flexibility, providing a foundation for strategic expansion initiatives.
The appointment of Carlos Santos as Chief Financial Officer earlier this year brings decades of finance leadership experience from AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Intel (search). This strategic hire signals increased emphasis on financial discipline and international operational expertise as the company pursues global expansion plans.
Valuation Disconnect Suggests Untapped Potential
Current market valuation appears to undervalue Legend Biotech's growth prospects. The company's market capitalization of $6.41-6.46 billion trades below intrinsic valuation estimates, with discounted cash flow and relative valuation models suggesting a fair value of $44.9 per share - a 23.9% premium to the August 2025 price of $36.2. Analysts project a 12-month average price target of $75.8, reflecting optimism about long-term potential.
Industry Trends Support Dual Listing Strategy
The dual listing approach aligns with broader biotech industry trends. According to EY's Q2 2025 Global IPO Trends report, cross-border listings accounted for 62% of US IPOs in the first half of 2025, with companies from Greater China and Singapore leading the charge. This trend highlights growing investor appetite for international exposure and the potential for dual-listed firms to access diversified funding sources.
Legend Biotech has already demonstrated success in international markets, having tapped into China's STAR Market to advance its oncology pipeline while benefiting from domestic demand and supportive regulatory policies. The company's partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson provide additional strategic value and access to commercialization expertise.
Strategic Benefits and Risk Considerations
A dual listing could provide Legend Biotech with several strategic advantages, including expanded access to international capital pools, reduced reliance on US-centric investors, and risk diversification amid geopolitical uncertainties. A Hong Kong listing might attract Asian institutional investors, while maintaining or expanding NASDAQ presence could deepen liquidity for US shareholders.
However, dual listings also present challenges including regulatory compliance costs, currency risks, and the complexity of managing multiple market expectations. The company must carefully balance capital access benefits against operational overhead to ensure the strategy aligns with long-term objectives.
The potential dual listing represents a calculated approach to capital structure optimization as Legend Biotech seeks to capitalize on global demand for next-generation cell therapies while maintaining its strong financial position and expanding CARVYKTI's market reach.