Reports Record Profits Driven by Strong Sales; Announces Two-for-One Stock Split
BURLINGTON, N.C., April 23 /PRNewswire Interactive News Release/ --
Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) (NYSE: LH) today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2001. Net sales were 525,4 $ million, operating income was 87,3 $ million, and net income was 43,5 $ million. This compares with net sales of 462,7 $ million, operating income of 57,4 $ million, and net income of 25,7 $ million in the first quarter of 2000. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were 1,24 $, versus 0,75 $ for the comparable 2000 quarter. The 13,6 percent increase in net sales is the result of a 6,2 percent increase in volume and a 7,4 percent increase in price.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were 110,3 $ million for the first quarter, or 21 percent of net sales, versus 78,3 $ million, or 16,9 percent of net sales, for the same period in 2000. Days sales outstanding (DSO) for the quarter decreased to 67 days. The balance owed on LabCorp's term loan was reduced to 445,5 $ million, from 478,5 $ million at the end of 2000, and the balance on its $450 million revolving line of credit facility remained at zero.
"Our financial performance continues to be driven by the implementation of our strategic initiatives for growth," said Thomas P. Mac Mahon, chairman and chief executive officer. "Increases in high-value testing from physicians and managed care companies, as a result of our emphasis on genomic and esoteric testing, have led the way in this expansion."
The Company also announced that its Board has approved a two-for-one stock split, subject to shareholder approval of an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock. The stock split will be affected by the issuance on June 11, 2001 of a stock dividend of one new share of common stock for each share of common stock held by shareholders of record on June 4, 2001. Shareholders will vote on amending the Company's certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares to 265.000.000 at the 2001 Annual Shareholder's Meeting to be held May 24, 2001 in Burlington, NC. The record date for the annual meeting is April 18, 2001.
A live broadcast of LabCorp's quarterly conference call on April 24, 2001 will be available online at www.labcorp.com or at www.streetevents.com beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, with an online rebroadcast continuing through July 15, 2001. The live call at 9:30 a.m. is also available in a listen-only mode by dialing 212-896-6010. A telephone replay of the call will be available through May 1, 2001 and can be heard by dialing 800-633-8284 (858-812-6440 for international callers). The access code for the replay is 184-85-860.
The first clinical laboratory to fully embrace genomic testing, Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) has been a pioneer in commercializing new diagnostic technologies. As a national laboratory with annual revenues of 1,9 $ billion in 2000 and over 18.000 employees, the company offers more than 4.000 clinical tests ranging from simple blood analyses to sophisticated molecular diagnostics. Serving over 200.000 clients nationwide, LabCorp leverages its expertise in innovative clinical testing technology with its Centers of Excellence. The Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology, in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, develops applications for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. LabCorp's National Genetics Institute in Los Angeles is an industry leader in developing novel, highly sensitive PCR methods for testing hepatitis C and other infectious agents, and its Center for Esoteric Testing in Burlington, North Carolina, performs the largest volume of specialty testing in the network. LabCorp's clients include physicians, state and federal government, managed care organizations, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical and Fortune 1000 companies, and other clinical laboratories.
Each of the above forward-looking statements is subject to change based on various important factors, including without limitation, competitive actions in the marketplace and adverse actions of governmental and other third-party payors. Further information on potential factors that could affect LabCorp's financial results is included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and subsequent SEC filings.
www.labcorp.com
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS Summarized Financial Information (Dollars in millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2001 2000 Statement of Operations Data: Net sales 525,4 $ 462,7 $ Cost of sales 303,8 279,2 Selling, general and administrative 125 118,4 Amortization of intangibles and other assets 9,3 7,7 Operating income 87,3 57,4 Other (income) expense (0,6) (0,7) Interest expense 8,8 10,5 Earnings before income taxes 79,1 47,6 Provision for income taxes (35,6) (21,9) Net earnings 43,5 25,7 Less preferred stock dividends and accretion of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock -- 14,9 Net income attributable to common shareholders 43,5 $ 10,8 $ Diluted earnings per share 1,24 $ 0,75 $ Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted 35,2 34,4 (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, December 31, 2001 2000 Balance Sheet Data: Cash and cash equivalents 66,8 $ 48,8 $ Accounts receivable, net 388,7 368 Property, plant & equipment 271,4 272,8 Intangible assets, net 860 865,7 Other assets 116,5 111,6 1.703,4 $ 1.666,9 $ Total bank debt 445,5 $ 478,5 $ Other liabilities 334,2 311 Redeemable preferred stock -- -- Shareholders' equity 923,7 877,4 1.703,4 $ 1.666,9 $ MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X87325818
SOURCE Laboratory Corporation of America
CONTACT: Pamela Sherry of Laboratory Corporation of America,336-436-4855, or Shareholder Direct, 800-LAB-0401/
