Summary
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (COR) reported solid revenue growth of 12.2% year-over-year for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, primarily driven by its Pharmaceutical Distribution Services segment. This growth was bolstered by contributions from recent acquisitions and consolidations, including H.D. Smith and Profarma. However, net income and earnings per share were significantly lower compared to the prior year period, largely due to a substantial one-time income tax benefit recognized in the previous year resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The company's operating expenses saw an increase, particularly in distribution, selling, and administrative costs, influenced by the integration of new acquisitions. Despite these increases, operating income grew by 14.0% year-over-year, supported by gains from antitrust litigation settlements and the reversal of a previously estimated opioid stewardship assessment. Management expects continued revenue growth in the mid-single digits for fiscal year 2019, but faces ongoing challenges including industry consolidation, regulatory changes, and legal matters, notably those related to opioid litigation and compounding facility compliance.
Financial Highlights
56 data points| Revenue | $45.39B |
| Cost of Revenue | $44.09B |
| Gross Profit | $1.30B |
| SG&A Expenses | $656.59M |
| Operating Income | $477.82M |
| Net Income | $393.65M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.86 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.84 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 212.05M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 213.97M |
Key Highlights
- 1Revenue increased by 12.2% to $45.4 billion compared to the prior year quarter, primarily driven by the Pharmaceutical Distribution Services segment.
- 2Gross profit increased by 16.6% to $1.3 billion, aided by gains from antitrust litigation settlements and the reversal of a New York State Opioid Stewardship Act accrual.
- 3Operating income increased by 14.0% to $477.8 million, supported by favorable legal settlements and expense management, despite higher operating expenses.
- 4Net income attributable to AmerisourceBergen Corporation was $393.7 million, a decrease from $861.9 million in the prior year, primarily due to a significant tax benefit in the prior year from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
- 5Diluted earnings per share were $1.84, down from $3.90 in the prior year period, reflecting the impact of the prior year's tax benefit.
- 6Distribution, selling, and administrative expenses increased by 17.6% to $656.6 million, largely due to the integration of recent acquisitions and consolidations.
- 7The company repurchased $125.8 million of its common stock under a completed program and initiated a new $1.0 billion repurchase program, buying back $100.0 million in the quarter.