Here's AGN's report: IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--July 16, 1997--Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN) announced second quarter 1997 worldwide sales of $284.5 million, a decrease of $5.1 million or 2 percent compared to the second quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, sales increased by 2 percent or $6.8 million over the second quarter of 1996.
Earnings per share for the second quarter of 1997 were $0.33 compared to $0.01 for the second quarter of 1996. Second quarter results in 1996 included special charges for restructuring costs of $34.2 million and asset write-offs of $6.7 million. Net of tax, the special charges reduced earnings by $0.44 per share. Excluding the effect of the special charges in 1996, earnings per share for the second quarter were $0.45 in 1996 compared to $0.33 in 1997, a decrease of 27 percent.
The effects of foreign currency changes accounted for approximately fifty percent of the decline in earnings per share in the second quarter of 1997. Although some foreign currencies have recently made modest improvements, at current exchange rates sales and earnings are expected to be adversely affected by foreign currency changes for the second half of the year compared to 1996 results. Sales in markets outside the United States represented 57 percent of the company's sales in the second quarter of 1997.
Sales for the first six months of 1997 were $540.7 million, a 1 percent decrease over the first six months ended June 30, 1996. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, sales for the six months ended June 27, 1997 increased by $12.2 million or 2 percent over the comparable period in 1996. Earnings per share for the first six months of 1997 were $0.60 compared to $0.36 for the comparable 1996 period. Excluding the impact of the special charges in 1996, earnings per share for the first six months of 1996 were $0.80.
"We are not satisfied with our financial results for the first half of the year," stated Allergan Chairman and CEO William C. Shepherd. "But we are encouraged by the progress being made with our new products and in our technology portfolio, especially the retinoids, which are fundamental to Allergan's technology-driven strategy." Recent findings in retinoid science indicate the broad potential they have as therapeutic agents. Continued investment in receptor and function selective retinoids is designed to expand their use beyond skin disorders and lead the company beyond the eye and skin care markets and into emerging and new markets such as cancer and metabolic disease.
"We are committed long term to fully funding our retinoid technologies. To do so, we are exploring financing alternatives," concluded Shepherd.
In commenting on new product performance during the second quarter, Shepherd said, "Two new products, Alphagan(r) and Zorac(r)/Tazorac(r), contributed to our sales during the second quarter and year to date. These product launches reflect the positive results of our primary strategy of investing in new technologies that create value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage."
"We expect the next significant new technology to be delivered from our internal R&D efforts will be the AMO(r)Array(r)," added Shepherd. "We hope to launch the AMO(r)Array(r) in the United States later this year."
On July 10, 1997, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel recommended approval of Allergan's AMO(r)Array(r) intraocular lens (IOL). The AMO(r)Array(r) is a foldable IOL that ophthalmic surgeons can implant through a small incision during cataract surgery. This unique, patented IOL is designed to provide a range of functional vision from near through distance. The AMO(r)Array(r) is intended to provide an increased depth of focus and associated near vision, as well as the potential for reduced spectacle dependence, when compared to monofocal IOL implants.
Shepherd continued, "We have made significant reductions to our overhead structure with the closure of three redundant manufacturing facilities in Phoenix, AZ, Irwindale, CA, and Colonial Heights, VA. We should begin to see improvement in our gross profit in the second half of this year, with a greater benefit recognized in 1998."
Allergan Ligand Retinoid Therapeutics, Inc. (ALRT)
ALRT's (Nasdaq: ALRI) Board of Directors recently approved a research and development plan for 1997 which represents an acceleration in spending on ALRT's retinoid programs. The accelerated spending is the result of more rapid discovery and development of a significantly larger library of viable retinoid compounds than anticipated at the time of the formation of ALRT in 1994. This acceleration of spending should result in the use of substantially all of the funds available for research and development remaining in ALRT in late 1997. Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: LGND) and Allergan have certain purchase options over the Callable Common Stock and the assets of ALRT which could be triggered by the use of substantially all of ALRT's funds.
The shares of the Callable Common Stock are subject to a stock repurchase option. From June 3, 1997 until June 2, 1998, Ligand has the right to acquire all ALRT Callable Common Stock for $71.4 million and Allergan would have the right to pay approximately $9 million to Ligand for an undivided one-half interest in the assets and technologies of ALRT.
Inventory in Distribution Channels
Management has determined that in the current market environment in the United States and certain other markets inventory levels in some distribution channels are higher than desirable. A deliberate reduction of these inventories in the second half of 1997 is planned. This planned inventory reduction is anticipated to have a negative impact on sales growth during the second half of 1997. The negative impact of this reduction on earnings is anticipated to be largely offset by certain one time gains expected to be recorded in the second half of 1997.
Eye Care Business Unit Performance Eye Care Pharmaceutical
Worldwide sales for the eye care pharmaceutical business were $103.8 million for the second quarter of 1997, a 4 percent decrease compared to the second quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, pharmaceutical sales decreased 1 percent or $1.5 million compared to the second quarter of 1996.
Worldwide pharmaceutical sales for the first six months of 1997 were $197.1 million or 4 percent less than the same period last year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, pharmaceutical sales decreased 2 percent or $4.7 million compared to the first six months of 1996.
Pharmaceutical sales have been impacted by continuing weakness in the base business due to product returns and generic competition offset by strong initial acceptance of Alphagan(r) (brimonidine) in the U.K. and the U.S. markets. Approval to market Alphagan(r) in the balance of the European Union through the Mutual Recognition Procedure is underway.
Ophthalmic Surgical
Sales for the ophthalmic surgical business were $44.9 million during the second quarter of 1997, a decrease of 5 percent compared to the second quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, surgical sales were essentially flat compared to the second quarter of 1996.
Worldwide ophthalmic surgical sales for the first six months of 1997 were $85.2 million or 3 percent less than the same period last year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, surgical sales increased 2 percent or $1.4 million over the first six months of 1996.
Optical Contact Lens Care
Sales for the optical contact lens care business were $93.4 million for the second quarter of 1997, a decrease of 10 percent compared to the second quarter of 1996. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, optical contact lens care sales decreased 4 percent or $4.1 million compared to the second quarter of 1996. Optical contact lens care sales continue to be negatively impacted in Europe by the market shift from traditional hydrogen peroxide disinfection systems to more convenient and lower priced one-bottle disinfection systems and by new private label competition.
Worldwide optical contact lens care sales for the first six months of 1997 were $182.8 million or 6 percent less than the same period last year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency changes, optical contact lens care sales decreased 1 percent or $2.0 million compared to the first six months of 1996.
After a successful European launch, a new formulation of Complete(r) has been launched in the United States. The new Complete(r) is the only one-bottle solution on the market in the U.S. with unique dual lubricating agents, Tyloxapol and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose).
Skin Care Business Unit
Sales for the skin care products business were $20.1 million during the second quarter of 1997, an increase of 40 percent over the same period last year. Worldwide skin care sales for the first six months of 1997 were $33.6 million or 19 percent greater than the same period last year. Sales of Zorac(r)/Tazorac(r) contributed the majority of the sales increase.
In June, Allergan received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market Tazorac(r) (tazarotene topical gel) 0.05% and 0.1% in the United States for the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis on up to 20 percent body surface area and the 0.1% gel for mild-to-moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Allergan shipped initial wholesaler stocking orders of Tazorac(r) gel in the United States during the second quarter of 1997.
Also in June, Allergan successfully completed the Zorac(r) (tazarotene topical gel) European Mutual Recognition Procedure, led by the German licensing authority BfArM, with the acceptance of a harmonized Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) (European labeling) by 12 Member States of the European Union. These include the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Based on the harmonized SPC and the prior marketing approval in Germany, it is expected that the national licenses will be issued across Europe during the fourth quarter.
Botox/Neuromuscular Business Unit
Sales for Botox(r) (Botulinum Toxin Type A) purified neurotoxin complex were $22.3 million during the second quarter of 1997, an increase of 36 percent from the same period last year. Worldwide Botox(r) sales for the first six months of 1997 were $42.0 million or 37 percent greater than the same period last year. In April 1997, Botox(r) was launched in Japan for the treatment of blepharospasm.
Stock Repurchase Program
In March 1997, the company activated its Stock Repurchase Program. Under the terms of a stock repurchase plan previously approved by the Board of Directors in 1993, Allergan is authorized to make repurchases from time to time, at the discretion of management, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased common shares are added to Allergan's treasury shares and used to meet common stock requirements for employee benefit plans.
Since March 1997, the company has purchased 1.2 million shares. On June 27, 1997, the company had 64.8 million shares outstanding. The existing Board approval allows repurchase of approximately 2.2 million additional shares at this time.
Additional Financial Highlights
Gross profit for the second quarter of 1997 was $184.4 million or 64.8 percent of net sales. The gross profit percentage for the second quarter of 1996 was 66.4 percent of net sales, which represents a 1.6 percentage point decrease from the second quarter of 1996. The gross profit percentage for the six months ended June 27, 1997, was 64.4 percent representing a 2.2 percentage point decrease from the comparable 1996 percentage. The gross profit percentage declined in 1997 compared to 1996 primarily as a result of the negative impact of foreign currency changes, product mix shifts, and increased allowances for product returns in 1997. Gross profit decreased by $7.9 million or 4 percent in the second quarter and $16.7 million or 5 percent in the first six months of 1997 from comparable 1996 results.
In spite of the significant increase associated with promotional spending for Alphagan(r) and Zorac(r)/Tazorac(r) during the second quarter of 1997, SG&A expenses increased only $0.2 million over the same period last year to $123.4 million. SG&A as a ratio to net sales was 43.4 percent for the second quarter of 1997, compared to 42.5 percent for the same period last year.
Compared to the first six months of 1996, research and development expenditures increased $4.2 million or 8 percent to $58.5 million during the first six months of 1997. R&D investing in the pharmaceutical businesses (Eye Care, Skin Care and Botox(r)) amounted to 16 percent as a ratio to net sales for the pharmaceutical businesses. -0- Forward-looking Statements
Any of the above statements that refer to the company's estimated or anticipated future results or product performance are forward- looking and reflect the company's current analysis of existing trends and information. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Allergan's businesses, including new product performance, competitive conditions, changing market conditions, the timing and uncertainty of results of both research and regulatory processes, and, the performance, including consumer acceptance, of new products, and realization of the favorable gross profit margin impact expected from the company's previously announced strategic restructuring, as well as the availability of retinoid financing, and the impact of wholesaler inventory reductions. In addition, matters generally affecting the economy, such as currency exchange rates and the state of the economy worldwide, can affect the company's results. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from expectations reflected in this release. As a result, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Additional information concerning these factors can be found in press releases as well as in the company's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Certain Factors and Trends Affecting Allergan and Its Businesses" in the company's 1996 Form 10-K. These filings are available publicly and upon request from Allergan's Investor Relations Department: 714/246-4636 or on the internet at allergan.com .
Allergan, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, California, is a technology-driven, global health care company focused on specialty pharmaceutical products for specific disease areas that deliver value to customers, satisfy unmet medical needs and improve patients' lives.
The following tables represent condensed consolidated statements of income, condensed consolidated balance sheets, and a statement of net sales by division. -0- *T
ALLERGAN, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Six Months in millions, Ended Ended except per share June 27, June 30, % Inc. June 27, June 30, % Inc.
1997 1996 (Dec.) 1997 1996 (Dec.)
Net Sales $284.5 $289.6 (2%) $540.7 $547.7 (1%)
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales 100.1 97.3 192.7 183.0
Selling, general and
administrative 123.4 123.2 236.4 237.5
Research & development 30.9 27.5 58.5 54.3
Restructuring charge -- 34.2 -- 34.2
Asset write-offs -- 6.7 -- 6.7
Operating Income 30.1 0.7 53.1 32.0
Interest income 2.0 2.6 3.8 4.9
Interest expense (2.5) (3.5) (4.7) (6.8)
Other, net 0.3 0.7 2.7 2.9
Interest and other, net (0.2) (0.2) 1.8 1.0
Total costs and
expenses 254.6 289.1 485.8 514.7
Earnings before income taxes
and minority
interest 29.9 0.5 54.9 33.0 Provision for income taxes 8.6 0.2 15.9 9.6 Minority interest (0.1) (0.4) (0.2) (0.4)
Net Earnings $ 21.4 $ 0.7 $ 39.2 $ 23.8
Net earnings per common share: $ 0.33 $ 0.01 $ 0.60 $ 0.36
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 65.6 65.9 65.8 65.7
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ALLERGAN, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
in millions June 27, December 31,
1997 1996 Assets
Cash and equivalents $ 125.5 $ 112.0 Trade receivables, net 215.2 242.5 Inventories 139.9 130.1 Other current assets 117.2 115.1
Total current assets 597.8 599.7
Property, plant and equipment, net 339.9 348.5 Other noncurrent assets 389.8 401.6
Total assets $1,327.5 $1,349.8
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Notes payable $ 96.7 $ 66.6 Accounts payable 67.3 75.4 Accrued expenses and income taxes 195.2 233.3
Total current liabilities 359.2 375.3
Long-term debt 173.4 170.0 Other liabilities 52.4 54.7 Stockholders' equity 742.5 749.8
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,327.5 $1,349.8
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