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COVANCE REPORTS PRO FORMA EARNINGS OF $0.10/SHARE FOR 1Q 2001
Continued Sequential Earnings Growth, Significant Debt Reduction, and Substantial Completion of Divestiture Plan Lead First Quarter Accomplishments

Princeton, N.J., April 25, 2001 — Covance Inc. (NYSE: CVD) today reported earnings for its first quarter ended March 31, 2001 of $0.54/diluted share, including both a $24.3M after-tax gain on the sale of the company's packaging business and the results of packaging through the sale close on February 14, 2001. On a pro forma basis, excluding packaging, first quarter 2001 earnings were $0.10/diluted share.

"We achieved several important milestones this quarter in our effort to strategically reposition Covance and drive improved earnings. In addition to delivering solid sequential growth in our core businesses, we improved profitability in Phase III clinical development and experienced enhanced order flow in that business. We also reduced our debt by approximately $115 million with proceeds from the sale of our packaging business in February," said Chris Kuebler, Chairman and CEO. "With yesterday's announcement of an agreement to sell our biomanufacturing business to Akzo Nobel, our divestiture plan is now substantially complete. The planned sale of biomanufacturing will provide an excellent opportunity for the future growth of that business and enable Covance to further reduce debt and interest expense in 2001. In light of the substantial progress we made in the first quarter, we are confident about our ability to achieve both sequential earnings improvement from $0.10/share throughout 2001 and current full-year consensus estimates of $0.49/share."


Consolidated Results
Results for all periods included in this press release are shown on a pro forma basis, excluding packaging and 2000 special charges.
($ in millions) 1Q'01 4Q'00 3Q'00 2Q'00 1Q'00
Revenues $217.2 $210.2 $197.0 $197.1 $195.9
Operating Income $12.4 $9.5 $ 2.7 $8.3 $17.4
Net Income $ 5.7 $2.7 ($1.0) $3.5 $9.2
Diluted EPS $0.10 $0.05 ($0.02) $0.06 $0.16

Net revenues for the first quarter of 2001 increased to $217.2 million, compared to $210.2 million last quarter and $195.9 million in the first quarter of 2000, a year-over-year increase of 10.9%. Operating income for the first quarter was $12.4 million resulting in an operating margin of 5.7%, compared to $9.5 million and 4.5% last quarter and $17.4 million and 8.9% for the prior year. Net income for the first quarter was $5.7 million or $0.10/diluted share, compared to $2.7 million or $0.05/diluted share last quarter and $9.2 million or $0.16/diluted share for the first quarter of 2000.

Segment Results
Early Development Segment
($ in millions) 1Q'01 4Q'00 3Q'00 2Q'00 1Q'00
Revenues $74.0 $72.4 $71.4 $71.2 $72.2
Operating Income $ 9.5 $ 8.0 $ 9.0 $10.1 $11.0
OM% 12.8% 11.0% 12.7% 14.1% 15.3%

The Company's Early Development segment includes preclinical and Phase I clinical trial services. Early Development revenues were $74.0 million for the first quarter of 2001, compared to $72.4 million last quarter and $72.2 million in the first quarter of 2000, a year-over-year increase of 2.6% (5.7% excluding the impact of foreign exchange).

Operating income for the 2001 first quarter of $9.5 million, resulting in an operating margin of 12.8%, increased 18% sequentially reflecting strong performance in toxicology services. Compared to the first quarter of 2000, operating income declined due to the impact of start-up expenses for BioLink™ totaling $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2001. BioLink is Covance's new bioanalytical service offering launched in November 2000. Excluding BioLink, operating margins for the first quarter of 2001 were 15.0%, in line with operating margins of 15.3% in the prior year.


Late-Stage Development Segment (Pro Forma)
($ in millions) 1Q'01 4Q'00 3Q'00 2Q'00 1Q'00
Revenues $143.2 $137.7 $125.6 $126.0 $123.7
Operating Income $3.0 $1.5 $(6.4) $(1.8) $6.4
OM% 2.1% 1.1% (5.1)% (1.4)% 5.2%

The Late-Stage Development segment includes central laboratory, clinical development, biomanufacturing, commercialization and other support services. Revenues were $143.2 million for the first quarter of 2001, compared to $137.7 million last quarter and $123.7 million in the first quarter of 2000, a year-over-year increase of 15.7% (17.1% excluding the impact of foreign exchange). Sequential revenue growth was attributable to central laboratory, clinical development, and commercialization services, while year-over-year revenue growth was due to biomanufacturing, central laboratory, and commercialization services.

Operating income for the 2001 first quarter of $3.0 million, resulting in an operating margin of 2.1%, was double the operating income for the fourth quarter of 2000. Sequential growth in operating income was attributable to stronger results in central laboratory, commercialization and clinical development services in the 2001 first quarter. These gains were partially offset by the impact of a planned shutdown of biomanufacturing operations in February for routine maintenance, and Nexigent spending. Excluding biomanufacturing and Nexigent, Late-Stage operating margins were 7.0% for the 2001 first quarter. Biomanufacturing services returned to full production levels and profitability in March 2001.

Additional Information

On February 14, 2001, Covance completed the sale of its pharmaceutical packaging business for $137.5 million. Net proceeds of approximately $115 million were used to pay down debt. At March 31, 2001 the company's outstanding debt was $130 million versus $253 million at December 31, 2000.

On April 24, 2001, Covance announced an agreement to sell its biomanufacturing unit to Akzo Nobel in a cash transaction valued at approximately $190 million. Covance anticipates receiving approximately $100 million in net proceeds from that transaction which is targeted for closing by mid-year 2001.

The Company recorded backlog at the end of the first quarter of 2001 of approximately $1,029 million, versus $996 million at December 31, 2000, and $925 million at March 31, 2000.

Net Days Sales Outstanding for the Company were 48 days at March 31, 2001 versus 52 days at December 31, 2000 and 60 days at March 31, 2000.

Covance, with headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies with 2000 pro forma revenues of $800 million, operations currently in 17 countries, and approximately 7,500 employees worldwide. Much more informtaion about Covance can be found throughout the site, including our products and services, other recent press releases, and SEC filings.


Statements contained in this press release, which are not historical facts, such as statements about prospective earnings, savings, revenue, earnings growth and other financial results are forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such forward-looking statements including the statements contained herein regarding anticipated trends in the Company's business are based largely on management's expectations and are subject to and qualified by risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, competitive factors, outsourcing trends in the pharmaceutical industry, the Company's ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel, the fixed price nature of contracts or the loss of large contracts, the success of the Company's restructuring, the closing of the divestiture of the company's Biomanufacturing subsidiary and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to realize the net revenues included in backlog. Covance believes that its aggregate backlog is not necessarily a meaningful indicator of future results.
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Financial Exhibits follow

                              COVANCE INC.
								
                               PROFORMA *
								
               INCOME STATEMENTS - EXCLUDING SPECIAL ITEMS
								
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
								
               (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                               (UNAUDITED)	
                              
 								
                                     Three Months Ended March 31
                                         2001(a)         2000(b)


Net revenues                           $217,219         $195,916 
								
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of revenue                       160,918          138,055 
  Selling, general & administrative      30,943           28,475 
  Depreciation and amortization          12,939           11,950 
     Total                              204,800          178,480  
								
Income from operations                    12,419          17,436  
								
Other expense, net:
  Interest expense, net                     3006            1586 
  Other (income) expense                    (24)            (72) 
     Other expense, net                    2,982           1,514 
								
Income before taxes                        9,437          15,922  
								
Taxes on income                            3,755           6,686  
								
Net income                                $5,682          $9,236  
								
Basic earnings per share                   $0.10           $0.16  
								
Weighted average shares outstanding   58,036,599      57,037,201  
     - basic								
Diluted earnings per share                 $0.10           $0.16  
								
Weighted average shares outstanding   59,096,725      57,199,742  
     - diluted

* Adjusted to exclude results of Packaging operations in both periods
and the gain on sale of the Packaging business in 2001.
								
(a) Excludes gain on sale of Packaging of $39,233 ($24,325 net of tax),
the results of Packaging from January 1, 2001 through February 14, 2001,
and reflects reduced interest expense from the application of the net
sales proceeds to outstanding debt (net revenues, income from operations
and net income of $11,439, $3,807 and $1,818, respectively).
				
(b) Excludes results of Packaging and reflects reduced interest expense
from the application of the net proceeds to outstanding debt for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 (net revenues, income from operations and net
income of $13,711, $2,488 and $1,125, respectively).



                                        COVANCE INC.
                                      
                                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                            MARCH 31, 2001 AND DECEMBER 31, 2000
				
                                   (Dollars in thousands)
                                         (UNAUDITED)
				
                                             March 31 2001   December 31 2000
				
  Cash and cash equivalents                        $25,034             $7,191 
  Accounts receivable, net                        $155,653           $168,006
  Unbilled services                                 64,367             66,135
  Inventory                                         30,546             30,963
  Deferred income taxes                             33,318             32,696
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets         42,612             48,021
  Total Current Assets                           $ 351,530          $ 353,012 

  Property and equipment, net                      280,628            331,689
  Goodwill, net                                     56,933             81,327
  Other assets                                       7,178              5,063
  Total Assets                                    $696,269           $771,091

LIABILITIES and STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Accounts payable                                 $26,871            $28,312
  Accrued payroll and benefits                      33,502             44,167
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities            45,905             45,720
  Unearned revenue                                 105,496             96,085
  Current portion of long-term debt                      -              1,499
  Short-term debt                                  130,000            234,000 
  Income taxes payable                              17,666              1,939
      Total Current Liabilities                    359,440            451,722 

  Long-term debt                                         -             17,224
  Deferred income taxes                             20,046             20,943
  Other liabilities                                 15,691             15,451
      Total Liabilities                            395,177            505,340 

  Common stock                                         601                598
  Paid-in capital                                   95,663             92,572
  Retained earnings                                239,251            207,426
  Cumulative translation adjustment               (14,430)           (14,938)
  Treasury stock                                  (19,993)           (19,907)
    Total Stockholders' Equity                     301,092            265,751 

    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    $696,269           $771,091 
 


                                     COVANCE INC.
				
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
				
                  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
				
                               (Dollars in thousands)
                                     (UNAUDITED)	
			
	
				
                                                                Three Months Ended March 31
                                                                      2001         2000 (a)
Cash flows from operating activities:				

  Net income                                                       $31,825          $10,361
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:		
    Gain on sale of business                                      (39,233)                -
    Depreciation and amortization                                   13,619           13,356
    Stock issued under employee benefit
      and stock compensation plans                                   2,295              130
    Deferred income tax provision                                  (1,731)          (1,052)
    Other                                                              872               48
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business sold:
  Accounts receivable                                              (3,122)         (15,178)
  Unbilled services                                                  1,768          (2,849)
  Inventory                                                        (1,325)          (2,202)
  Accounts payable                                                     164            7,606
  Accrued liabilities                                             (12,861)         (11,199)
  Unearned revenue                                                  10,167          (3,079)
  Income taxes payable                                              18,083            1,551
  Other assets and liabilities, net                                (3,879)          (2,812)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                 16,642          (5,319)
				
Cash flows from investing activities:			
  Proceeds from sale of business                                   137,500                -
  Capital expenditures                                            (14,296)         (22,141)
  Other, net                                                             7                9
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                123,211         (22,132)
			
Cash flows from financing activities:				
  Net (repayments) borrowings under revolving credit facility    (104,000)           15,000
  Repayments of long-term debt                                    (18,723)            (225)
  Purchase of treasury stock                                          (86)            (329)
  Stock issued under employee stock purchase and option plans          799            1,022
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities              (122,010)           15,468
Net change in cash and cash equivalents                             17,843         (11,983)
				
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                       7,191           25,444
				
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                           $25,034          $13,461
				
(a) Adjusted to reflect reduction in interest income of $455 ($278 after tax).



                              COVANCE INC.

               INCOME STATEMENTS - INCLUDING SPECIAL ITEMS

            FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000

               (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                              (UNAUDITED)
 								
                                    Three Months Ended March 31
                                            2001       2000 (a)

Net revenues                            $228,658        $209,627

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of revenue                        166,516        145,924
  Selling, general and administrative     32,297         30,423
  Depreciation and amortization           13,619         13,356
  Total                                  212,432        189,703

Income from operations                    16,226         19,924

Other (income) expense, net:
  Interest expense, net                    4,215          3,347
  Other income                               (6)          (381)
  Gain on sale of business              (39,233)              -
    Other (income) expense, net         (35,024)          2,966

Income before taxes                       51,250         16,958
								
Taxes on income                           19,425          6,597
								
Net income                               $31,825        $10,361
								
Basic earnings per share                   $0.55          $0.18
								
Weighted average shares outstanding   58,036,599     57,037,201
  - basic                       
								
Diluted earnings per share                 $0.54          $0.18
								
Weighted average shares outstanding   59,096,725     57,199,742
  - diluted                     

(a) First quarter 2000 results adjusted to reflect reduction to
interest income of $455 ($278 after tax).