10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

CVS HEALTH Corp Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 1, 2006

Filed August 8, 2006For Securities:CVS

Summary

CVS Health Corporation reported strong financial performance for the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2006, driven by significant revenue growth across both its Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) segments. Net revenues increased by 15.8% for the quarter and 12.2% for the year-to-date period compared to the prior year. This growth was substantially influenced by the strategic acquisition of approximately 700 drugstores from Albertson's in early June 2006, which contributed $459 million in revenue during the partial period and significantly boosted overall asset and goodwill balances. Profitability also saw a healthy increase, with net earnings available to common shareholders rising 22.5% in the quarter and 18.0% year-to-date. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.40 from $0.33 in the prior year's quarter and to $0.78 from $0.67 year-to-date. The company has successfully integrated the new operations and is undertaking efforts to refinance acquisition-related short-term debt with longer-term financing, managing interest rate risk through hedging instruments. Overall, the results indicate a robust operational performance and successful strategic expansion.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues increased by 15.8% to $10.6 billion in Q2 2006 and by 12.2% to $20.5 billion in the first half of 2006 compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Net earnings available to common shareholders grew by 22.5% to $334.4 million in Q2 2006 and by 18.0% to $660.5 million in the first half of 2006.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share rose to $0.40 in Q2 2006 from $0.33 in Q2 2005, and to $0.78 in the first half of 2006 from $0.67 in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 4The company completed the acquisition of approximately 700 drugstores from Albertson's for $4.0 billion on June 2, 2006, significantly increasing its store count and asset base.
  • 5Goodwill increased substantially from $1.8 billion at the end of 2005 to $3.5 billion as of July 1, 2006, primarily due to the Albertson's acquisition.
  • 6Net cash provided by operating activities increased by 20.4% to $723.6 million for the first six months of 2006.
  • 7Net cash used in investing activities surged to $4.6 billion in the first six months of 2006, largely due to the Albertson's acquisition, compared to $652.0 million in the prior year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the acquisition of approximately 700 drugstores from Albertson's, Inc. for $4.0 billion on June 2, 2006. This acquisition significantly expanded CVS's store count and contributed substantially to reported revenues and the increase in goodwill and other assets.

The acquisition was financed through a combination of commercial paper and a $1.0 billion bridge loan facility. Consequently, short-term debt increased significantly, leading to higher interest expenses. The company expects to refinance a portion of this short-term debt with longer-term financing and plans to use proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions to retire the bridge loan.

CVS adopted SFAS No. 123(R), 'Share-Based Payment,' on January 1, 2006. This resulted in the recognition of compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards, which increased total operating expenses. It also led to a slight increase in the effective income tax rate because certain stock-based compensation costs are not deductible for tax purposes.

To manage the risk associated with changes in market interest rates on its new, longer-term financing, CVS entered into forward starting pay fixed rate swaps with a notional amount of $750 million during the second quarter of 2006. These swaps are expected to be settled in the third quarter as part of the longer-term financing placement.