10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2005

REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2005

Filed May 9, 2005For Securities:REGN

Summary

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN) reported its first quarter 2005 financial results, showing a net loss of $4.1 million ($0.07 per share) compared to a net income of $64.5 million ($1.17 basic per share) in the prior year period. This shift is significantly influenced by the adoption of SFAS No. 123 for stock-based compensation accounting, which resulted in $5.4 million of non-cash stock option expense recognized in operating expenses during the quarter. Total revenues declined substantially to $16.2 million from $62.0 million in Q1 2004, primarily due to reduced collaboration revenue from sanofi-aventis and the completion of revenue recognition from a prior Novartis agreement. Despite the reported net loss and revenue decrease, the company's cash position strengthened, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $147.8 million from $95.2 million. This was driven by strong operating cash flow of $33.1 million, bolstered by milestone payments from sanofi-aventis. The company continues to invest heavily in its research and development pipeline, with key product candidates including VEGF Trap and IL-1 Trap in various stages of clinical development. Regeneron reiterates its belief that its current capital resources are sufficient to fund operations through mid-2007, but acknowledges the potential need for future financing.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported a net loss of $4.1 million for Q1 2005, a significant decrease from a net income of $64.5 million in Q1 2004.
  • 2Total revenues decreased to $16.2 million in Q1 2005 from $62.0 million in Q1 2004, largely due to lower collaboration revenues.
  • 3Adopted SFAS No. 123 for stock-based compensation, recognizing $5.4 million in non-cash stock option expense in operating costs for Q1 2005.
  • 4Cash and cash equivalents increased to $147.8 million from $95.2 million, supported by $33.1 million in net cash provided by operating activities.
  • 5Received a $25.0 million payment from sanofi-aventis related to an amendment of the VEGF Trap collaboration agreement.
  • 6Continues to advance its pipeline with key candidates like VEGF Trap (oncology and eye diseases) and IL-1 Trap (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory conditions) in clinical development.
  • 7Management believes existing capital resources are sufficient to fund operations through at least mid-2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

The shift from a net income of $64.5 million in Q1 2004 to a net loss of $4.1 million in Q1 2005 is primarily attributed to two main factors. Firstly, a substantial decrease in total revenues from $62.0 million to $16.2 million, largely due to the completion of revenue recognition from a past Novartis agreement and lower collaboration revenue from sanofi-aventis. Secondly, Regeneron adopted the fair value method for accounting for stock-based compensation (SFAS No. 123) effective January 1, 2005. This resulted in the recognition of $5.4 million in non-cash stock option expense in operating expenses for Q1 2005, which was not recorded in prior periods under the intrinsic value method.

Effective January 1, 2005, Regeneron began recognizing stock-based compensation, including stock options, at fair value. In the first quarter of 2005, this resulted in $5.4 million of non-cash stock option expense impacting operating expenses and reducing net income per share by $0.09. Prior to 2005, this expense was not recognized in operating results. The company notes that the future adoption of SFAS No. 123R will also have a material impact.

Regeneron's cash position has significantly improved, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $147.8 million as of March 31, 2005, up from $95.2 million at the end of 2004. This was driven by strong operating cash flow of $33.1 million in Q1 2005, partly due to milestone payments received from sanofi-aventis. The company indicates that its existing capital resources are expected to be sufficient to fund operations through at least mid-2007, though it acknowledges the potential need for future financing if revenues are lower or expenses higher than anticipated.

Regeneron received a $25.0 million payment from sanofi-aventis in January 2005 related to an amendment of the VEGF Trap collaboration agreement, which also saw Regeneron regain rights for eye diseases using local delivery systems. The company is continuing clinical development of VEGF Trap for oncology and eye diseases, and IL-1 Trap for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and rare diseases. A new clinical trial for IL-4/13 Trap in asthma or allergy indications is planned for the second half of 2005.