10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

BIOGEN INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2020

Filed April 23, 2020For Securities:BIIB

Summary

Biogen Inc. reported a slight increase in total revenues for the first quarter of 2020, reaching $3.53 billion compared to $3.49 billion in the same period of 2019. This growth was primarily driven by a robust 8.4% increase in product revenues, totaling $2.90 billion, with notable contributions from its Multiple Sclerosis (MS) franchise, particularly the Fumarate products (TECFIDERA and VUMERITY), and a significant uptick in biosimilar sales. Despite a decline in 'Other Revenues,' largely due to a prior year inventory sale, overall revenue growth was supported by the company's core therapeutic areas. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) saw a healthy increase of 13.0% to $8.08, reflecting improved operational efficiency and a lower effective tax rate compared to the prior year. Operationally, Biogen demonstrated improved cost management with total costs and expenses decreasing by 13.7%. This reduction was driven by lower cost of sales and R&D expenses, partly offset by increased collaboration profit sharing. The company also made significant capital allocation decisions, repurchasing approximately $2.2 billion of its common stock during the quarter, signaling a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Management anticipates ongoing challenges and opportunities related to market dynamics, competition, and the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business operations and clinical trials.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.53B
Cost of Revenue$454.30M
Gross Profit$3.08B
SG&A Expenses$570.10M
Operating Expenses$1.71B
Operating Income$1.82B
Interest Expense$44.30M
Net Income$1.40B
EPS (Basic)$8.10
EPS (Diluted)$8.08
Shares Outstanding (Basic)172.80M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)173.10M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 1.3% to $3.53 billion in Q1 2020, driven by product revenue growth.
  • 2Product revenues grew by 8.4% to $2.90 billion, with strong performance in MS products (Fumarate and Tysabri) and biosimilars.
  • 3Diluted EPS increased by 13.0% to $8.08, reflecting operational improvements and a lower tax rate.
  • 4Total costs and expenses decreased by 13.7% to $1.71 billion, primarily due to lower cost of sales and R&D expenses.
  • 5Biogen repurchased approximately $2.2 billion of its common stock in Q1 2020, demonstrating capital return to shareholders.
  • 6The company acquired BIIB118 from Pfizer for potential treatment of neurological symptoms in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
  • 7The company noted potential impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on sales, clinical trials, and supply chains, while also observing some accelerated sales due to precautionary measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Biogen's total revenues increased slightly by 1.3% to $3.53 billion in the first quarter of 2020 compared to $3.49 billion in the same period of 2019. This growth was driven primarily by an 8.4% increase in product revenues, reaching $2.90 billion, thanks to strong sales from its Multiple Sclerosis franchise and biosimilar products. Other revenues declined significantly due to a prior year inventory sale.

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) attributable to Biogen Inc. rose by 13.0% to $8.08 in Q1 2020 from $7.15 in Q1 2019. This improvement was supported by revenue growth, a substantial decrease in total costs and expenses (down 13.7%), and a notable reduction in the effective tax rate from 22.7% to 17.2%.

During the first quarter of 2020, Biogen repurchased and retired approximately $2.2 billion of its common stock under its authorized repurchase programs. This significant capital allocation reflects the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Biogen is assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected supply chains, clinical trials (with some being delayed or paused), and customer interactions. The company observed some accelerated sales in Q1 2020, potentially due to customer precautionary measures, but anticipates potential future variability in sales and impacts on its clinical development timelines. Management is implementing remote work and other measures to mitigate disruptions.