10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

Cencora, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Dec 31, 2005

Filed February 9, 2006For Securities:COR

Summary

AmerisourceBergen Corporation (COR) reported a strong quarter ending December 31, 2005, with significant year-over-year growth in both revenue and net income. Total revenue increased by 11% to $14.65 billion, driven primarily by the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment. Net income saw a substantial jump of 91% to $97.3 million, leading to diluted earnings per share of $0.46, up from $0.24 in the prior year. The company also demonstrated improved operational efficiency, with operating income rising by 24% and margins expanding, reflecting successful fee-for-service agreements and generic program growth. Key financial maneuvers during the quarter included a significant increase in merchandise inventories and accounts payable, partly due to seasonal demand and improved manufacturer fulfillment, which is expected to be temporary. The company continued its share repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Looking ahead, AmerisourceBergen is focused on integrating its recent Canadian acquisition and managing the evolving healthcare landscape, including the impact of the Medicare Modernization Act on its PharMerica segment.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 11% year-over-year to $14.65 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2005.
  • 2Net income more than doubled, increasing by 91% to $97.3 million, with diluted EPS rising from $0.24 to $0.46.
  • 3Operating income grew by 24% to $166.6 million, reflecting improved operating margins.
  • 4Acquisition of Trent Drugs (Wholesale) Ltd in Canada was completed in October 2005, expanding international presence.
  • 5The company actively repurchased shares, with $661.1 million remaining under its authorized program as of December 31, 2005.
  • 6Merchandise inventories increased significantly to $4.97 billion, a temporary situation expected to normalize.
  • 7The company continues to shift towards a fee-for-service model in its Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, with most major manufacturers on board.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, which saw an 11% increase year-over-year. This growth was attributed to a combination of factors including the acquisition of Trent Drugs in Canada, strong performance under fee-for-service agreements, growth in generic programs, and an increase in profits related to pharmaceutical price increases.

Profitability significantly improved. Gross profit increased by 16% to $528.4 million, and operating income rose by 24% to $166.6 million. This resulted in a substantial increase in net income of 91% to $97.3 million, with diluted earnings per share nearly doubling from $0.24 to $0.46.

Merchandise inventories increased significantly during the quarter to nearly $5.0 billion, largely due to seasonal demand and improved manufacturer fulfillment. Management expects this increase to be temporary, with inventory levels anticipated to normalize between $4.0 billion and $4.5 billion by the end of fiscal 2006. The company's fee-for-service agreements and efficiency programs are contributing to improved inventory turnover.

The MMA is expected to impact the PharMerica segment, particularly its Long-Term Care business. The company anticipates that total compensation for servicing patients covered under Medicare Part D in fiscal 2006 may be less than in fiscal 2005. Additionally, potential elimination or reduction of manufacturer rebates for these patients could further affect profitability. The full impact is still being evaluated.