AmerisourceBergen Corporation’s (ABC) second quarter fiscal 2011 earnings of 77 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents. Earnings also increased 22% from the year-ago period. Higher revenues and a lower share count helped boost the bottom line.
Total revenue for the quarter climbed 2.4% to $19.8 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $19.9 billion. The year-over-year increase was the result of a 4% climb in AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation revenues, partly offset by a 2% dip in AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group revenues.
Revenue growth at the AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation segment was aided by market growth and higher sales to its biggest customers, while the slip at the AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group was primarily attributed to the termination of an $800 million contract in September 2010.
Gross profit for the quarter increased 12.3% to $687.3 million. The improvement was driven by greater than expected growth witnessed in generic sales. Operating income, driven by higher gross profit, went up 17.4% to $365.2 million. The company bought back 7.4 million shares during the reported quarter.
2011 Outlook Raised
AmerisourceBergen expects fiscal 2011 earnings in the range of $2.41 – $2.49 per share, up from $2.31 – $2.41 per share. The current fiscal 2011 Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.41 is at the low end of the company’s guidance range.
The company, which projects revenue growth of 2–4% in 2011, intends to spend about $598 million (up from previous expectation of $400 million) on share repurchases in 2011.
Our Take
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on AmerisourceBergen, which is supported by a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating). We believe the company is well-positioned for growth given the strong performance of its generics and specialty business. AmerisourceBergen boasts of a robust plasma and vaccine business with strong revenues expected to flow from it in the coming quarters.
However, AmerisourceBergen operates in a highly competitive pharmaceutical distribution market. The company’s primary competitors are Cardinal Health Inc. (CAH) and McKesson Corporation (MCK).
AMERISOURCEBRGN (ABC): Free Stock Analysis Report
CARDINAL HEALTH (CAH): Free Stock Analysis Report
Be the first to comment