ViroPharma Tops on All Fronts - Analyst Blog
February 28 2013 - 11:38AM
Zacks
ViroPharma Inc.’s (VPHM) fourth quarter 2012
adjusted earnings (including stock-based compensation) of 3 cents
per share were above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a penny but
significantly lower than the year-ago earnings of 51 cents.
The year-over-year earnings decline was primarily due to lower
revenues.
Quarterly revenues, which decreased 26.8% year over year to
$106.5 million, beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $104 million.
The decline in revenues was primarily due to decreased Vancocin
sales in the face of generic competition, which was partially
offset by growth in Cinryze sales.
For 2012, revenues came in at $427.9 million, down 21.4% from
2011 and in line with Zacks Consensus Estimate. Cinryze accounted
for $327.1 million of total sales in 2012. Cinryze sales came in
line with management expectations.
Approximately $311 million of total Cinryze sales was attributed
to actual patient demand while an increase in channel inventories
accounted for the remainder.
Adjusted earnings of 16 cents per share in 2012 were a penny
short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Quarterly Highlights
Cinryze sales increased 45% from the prior-year quarter to $97.0
million during the final quarter of 2012, driven by higher
demand.
On the other hand, Vancocin net sales plummeted 93.4% in the
quarter to $5.0 million, down from $77.8 in the year-ago quarter.
The decline was attributable to the presence of generic vancomycin
capsules in the US market.
Research and development (R&D) expenses increased 50.6%
during the quarter to $19.1 million.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses amounted
to $50.9 million, up 41.5% from the prior-year quarter due to costs
related to the launch of Cinryze, Buccolam and Plenadren in the EU
and additional Cinryze commercialization costs in the U.S.
During 2012, ViroPharma repurchased 6.9 million shares for
$180.3 million.
Outlook
ViroPharma provided its guidance for 2013. The company expects net
product sales in a range of $450 – $475 million. The company
maintained its US Cinryze sales guidance of $390–$400 million.
Further, ViroPharma continues to expect combined R&D and
SG&A expenses in the range of $240 – $260 million.
ViroPharma is also upbeat about its pipeline. The company and
partner Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO) initiated a
phase IIb study in late December 2012 to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of a subcutaneous administration of Cinryze in combination
with Halozyme's Enhanze technology.
ViroPharma carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Currently,
Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc (AVNR) and
Bayer (BAYRY) look well placed with a Zacks Rank
#2. (Buy).
AVANIR PHARM (AVNR): Free Stock Analysis Report
BAYER A G -ADR (BAYRY): Free Stock Analysis Report
HALOZYME THERA (HALO): Free Stock Analysis Report
VIROPHARMA (VPHM): Free Stock Analysis Report
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