10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

ELI LILLY & Co Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed November 5, 2007For Securities:LLY

Summary

Eli Lilly and Company reported a 19% increase in net sales for the third quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, reaching $4.59 billion. This growth was driven by increased volume of key products, particularly Cymbalta, and the full inclusion of Cialis sales following the acquisition of ICOS Corporation. While net income also saw a 6% increase in the quarter to $926.3 million, earnings per share growth lagged sales growth due to higher cost of sales and special charges. For the first nine months of 2007, net sales grew 17% to $13.44 billion, but net income and EPS decreased by 17%, primarily impacted by significant in-process R&D charges from acquisitions, restructuring charges, and a special charge related to product liability insurance recoveries. The company's financial condition remains robust, with strong cash flow generation. However, total debt increased due to the ICOS acquisition. Lilly is actively engaged in several patent litigations and faces ongoing government investigations and product liability lawsuits, most notably concerning Zyprexa. The company expects to continue facing pricing pressures in the pharmaceutical market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales for Q3 2007 increased 19% year-over-year to $4.59 billion, driven by strong performance in key products like Cymbalta and the inclusion of Cialis sales post-ICOS acquisition.
  • 2Net income for Q3 2007 grew 6% to $926.3 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, though EPS growth was tempered by higher costs and special charges.
  • 3For the first nine months of 2007, net sales rose 17% to $13.44 billion, but net income and EPS declined 17% due to significant acquisition-related IPR&D charges and other special items.
  • 4The acquisition of ICOS Corporation for approximately $2.3 billion was completed in January 2007, bringing full ownership of Cialis to Lilly.
  • 5Significant legal and regulatory matters persist, including ongoing patent litigation for key products like Zyprexa and Evista, as well as substantial product liability litigation related to Zyprexa.
  • 6The company updated its full-year 2007 EPS guidance to a range of $2.74 to $2.79, representing 12-14% growth, and reaffirmed its sales guidance of mid-teen growth.
  • 7International sales showed strong growth, increasing 20% in Q3 2007, benefiting from favorable exchange rates and increased demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by increased sales volume for key products, notably Cymbalta, and the full inclusion of Cialis sales following the acquisition of ICOS Corporation. International sales also contributed significantly, boosted by favorable foreign exchange rates and higher demand.

The decrease in net income and EPS for the first nine months was significantly impacted by substantial in-process research and development (IPR&D) charges totaling $656.6 million related to acquisitions (ICOS, Hypnion, Ivy, and an OSI licensing agreement), restructuring charges ($123.0 million), and a special charge of $81.3 million related to product liability insurance recoveries.

The company has successfully defended its U.S. Zyprexa patent against challenges from generic manufacturers, with the U.S. Supreme Court denying petitions for certiorari in October 2007. However, challenges to Zyprexa patents continue in Canada and Germany, where generic olanzapine has entered the market or is expected to soon, which is anticipated to have a material adverse impact on results.

Total debt increased by $1.26 billion to $4.97 billion as of September 30, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to issuing approximately $2.5 billion in debt to finance the acquisition of ICOS Corporation and related refinancing, partially offset by debt repayments.