STERIS Corporation Announces Fiscal 2011 Third Quarter Results

MENTOR, Ohio--()--STERIS Corporation (NYSE: STE) today announced financial results for its fiscal 2011 third quarter ended December 31, 2010. Fiscal 2011 third quarter revenue was $328.3 million compared with $327.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, with growth in the Healthcare and Isomedix segments offset by a decline in the Life Sciences segment.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2011 the Company recorded a pre-tax operating expense charge of $19.8 million ($13.1 million or $0.22 per diluted share after tax) for the settlement of the previously reported SYSTEM 1® class action litigation. This settlement is subject to, among other things, certification of the class and approval of the settlement by the court. In addition, fiscal 2011 third quarter net income was impacted favorably in the amount of $0.01 per diluted share due to a tax rate benefit from the previously announced SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program. In order to provide meaningful comparative analysis, the fiscal 2011 financial information provided in this press release excludes the impact of the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and the charge for the class action settlement, unless otherwise noted. Please refer to the attached schedules for additional information, including reconciliations from these “non-GAAP financial measures” to as reported results.

Fiscal 2011 third quarter operating income was $55.6 million compared with $59.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was negatively impacted by continued declines in SYSTEM 1 consumable (S20 Sterilant) volumes, as well as a higher portion of revenue coming from lower margin capital equipment products. Fiscal 2011 third quarter net income was $34.1 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, compared with net income of $41.0 million, or $0.69 per diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

“During the third quarter, we began shipping our first SYSTEM 1E units. We are pleased to have received FDA clearance for the SYSTEM 1E chemical indicator, and we continue dialogue with the Agency regarding the clearance of a biological indicator for SYSTEM 1E,” said Walt Rosebrough, President and Chief Executive Officer of STERIS. “Although we can not give assurance whether or when the Agency may clear our indicator, we believe our dialogue with the Agency has been constructive. We believe that SYSTEM 1E remains the best SYSTEM 1 transition alternative for most of our Customers’ needs, and we anticipate shipping approximately 1,000 SYSTEM 1E units this fiscal year.”

Segment Results

Healthcare revenue in the quarter grew 2% to $237.8 million compared with $233.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Growth was driven by an 11% increase in capital equipment, reflecting solid performance from both surgical and infection prevention products. The growth was partially offset by a 7% decline in consumable revenue and a 3% decline in service revenue. Consumable revenue continued to be impacted by reductions in S20 Sterilant volumes and lower H1N1 product sales as compared to the prior year. Operating income was $40.2 million compared with $45.3 million in last year’s third quarter, primarily due to the declines in S20 volumes and a higher portion of revenue coming from lower margin capital equipment.

Life Sciences third quarter revenue was $51.2 million compared with $58.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a decrease of 13%. Growth in consumable revenue of 6% and service revenue of 2% were not enough to offset a 35% decline in capital equipment revenue. The decline in capital equipment revenue was due to low order rates in the first half of the fiscal year. Life Sciences operating income was $7.3 million compared with $10.1 million in the prior year third quarter.

Fiscal 2011 third quarter revenue for Isomedix Services was $38.1 million compared with $35.0 million in the same period last year, an increase of 9%. Revenue benefitted from increased volumes from core medical device Customers. Operating income was $10.3 million in the quarter compared with $6.9 million in the third quarter of last year. As a reminder, fiscal 2010 third quarter operating income was negatively impacted by expenses of $1.7 million related to the Company’s decision to consolidate a facility and exit the E-beam materials modification business.

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $83.4 million, compared with $158.7 million in the same period last year. Free cash flow (see note 1) for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $28.3 million, compared with $129.4 million in the prior year period. The decline in free cash flow was driven by increased working capital requirements, primarily due to inventory build of SYSTEM 1E, which totaled $37 million at the end of the quarter, and lower accounts receivable collections. In addition, capital spending increased significantly during the quarter, driven in part by the timing of cobalt purchases for Isomedix, which totaled $9.7 million, and an additional $8.4 million spent by Isomedix to purchase two previously leased facilities.

During the quarter, the Company repurchased 96,259 shares of its common stock at an average price of $34.25 per share for a total amount of $3.3 million. Approximately $184 million remains available for additional purchases under the current share repurchase authorization.

Dividend Announcement

The Company also announced today that STERIS’s Board of Directors has authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per common share. The dividend is payable March 29, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2011.

Outlook

As a result of lower shipment levels for SYSTEM 1E during fiscal 2011, the Company is reducing its outlook for revenue growth for fiscal 2011. Revenue for fiscal 2011 is currently anticipated to increase 2% compared with fiscal 2010 levels, compared with 5% growth expectations previously. The Company is maintaining its prior earnings outlook of $2.15 to $2.30 per diluted share for the full fiscal year. This outlook reflects certain key assumptions, some of which are listed below:

  • Healthcare revenue growth is expected to be in the low-single digits.
  • Life Sciences revenue is expected to decline in the low-single digits.
  • Isomedix revenue growth is expected to be in the high-single digits.
  • Excludes the reduction of revenue, operating income and tax rate related to the previously announced SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program.
  • Excludes the impact of any settlement related to the SYSTEM 1 class action litigation.
  • The Company has assumed the average forward exchange rates for the U.S. dollar and key international currencies as of December 31, 2010.
  • The Company has assumed raw material costs will be approximately flat year over year.
  • Excludes restructuring expenses from the Company’s ongoing efficiency efforts.
  • EBIT as a percent of revenue is anticipated to be approximately 16.5%.
  • The anticipated effective tax rate is approximately 36%.

For the full fiscal year 2011, free cash flow (see note 1) is currently anticipated to be in the range of $60 to $70 million, compared with prior expectations of $125 to $135 million. The decline in free cash flow expectations is due to increased working capital requirements, in particular SYSTEM 1E inventory. Capital expenditures are currently anticipated to be approximately $75 million.

Conference Call

In conjunction with this release, STERIS Corporation management will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. The conference call can be heard live over the Internet at www.steris-ir.com or via phone by dialing 1-800-369-8428 in the United States and Canada, and 1-773-799-3378 internationally, then referencing the password “STERIS”.

For those unable to listen to the conference call live, a replay will be available beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on February 8, 2011, either over the Internet at www.steris-ir.com or via phone by calling 1-800-871-1327 in the United States and Canada, and 1-203-369-3373 internationally.

About STERIS

The mission of STERIS Corporation is to provide a healthier today and safer tomorrow through knowledgeable people and innovative infection prevention, decontamination and health science technologies, products and services. The Company has approximately 5,000 dedicated employees around the world working together to supply a broad array of solutions by offering a combination of equipment, consumables and services to healthcare, pharmaceutical, industrial and government Customers. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol STE. For more information, visit www.steris.com.

(1) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP number used by the Company as a measure to gauge its ability to fund future growth opportunities, repurchase common shares, and pay cash dividends. Free cash flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant, equipment and intangibles, net, plus proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment and intangibles. STERIS’s calculation of free cash flow may vary from other companies.

This news release and the referenced conference call may contain statements concerning certain trends, expectations, forecasts, estimates, or other forward-looking information affecting or relating to the Company or its industry, products or activities that are intended to qualify for the protections afforded "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other laws and regulations. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date of this report, and may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "targets," "forecasts," "outlook," "impact," "potential," "confidence," "improve," "optimistic," "comfortable," "trend", and "seeks," or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Many important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, disruption of production or supplies, changes in market conditions, political events, pending or future claims or litigation, competitive factors, technology advances, actions of regulatory agencies, and changes in laws, government regulations, labeling or product approvals or the application or interpretation thereof. Other risk factors are described herein and in the Company's Form 10-K and other securities filings. Many of these important factors are outside STERIS's control. No assurances can be provided as to any result or the timing of any outcome regarding matters described in the referenced release or conference call or otherwise with respect to any regulatory action, administrative proceedings, government investigations, litigation, warning letters, consent decree, rebate program, transition, cost reductions, business strategies, earnings or revenue trends or future financial results, including the outcome of the proposed settlement of the SYSTEM 1 class action litigation. References to products, the consent decree, or the transition or rebate program, or the settlement agreement, are summaries only and do not alter or modify the specific terms of the decree, agreement, program or product clearance or literature. Unless legally required, the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements even if events make clear that any projected results, express or implied, will not be realized. Other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, (a) the potential for increased pressure on pricing that leads to erosion of profit margins, (b) the possibility that market demand will not develop for new technologies, products or applications or the Company's rebate program, transition plan or other business initiatives will take longer, cost more or produce lower benefits than anticipated, (c) the possibility that application of or compliance with laws, court rulings, certifications, regulations, regulatory actions, including without limitation those relating to previously disclosed FDA warning letters, government investigations, the December 3, 2009 or February 22, 2010 FDA notices, the April 20, 2010 consent decree and related transition plan and rebate program, the SYSTEM 1E device, the Reliance EPS System, the outcome of any pending FDA requests and clearances, or other requirements or standards may delay, limit or prevent new product introductions, affect the production and marketing of existing products or services or otherwise affect Company performance, results, prospects or value, (d) the potential of international unrest or effects of fluctuations in currencies, tax assessments or anticipated rates, raw material costs, benefit or retirement plan costs, or other regulatory compliance costs, (e) the possibility of reduced demand, or reductions in the rate of growth in demand, for the Company's products and services, (f) the possibility that anticipated growth, cost savings, rebate assumptions, new product acceptance or approvals, including without limitation SYSTEM 1E and accessories thereto, or other results may not be achieved, or that transition, labor, competition, timing, execution, regulatory, governmental, or other issues or risks associated with our business, industry or initiatives including, without limitation, the consent decree, rebate program, and the transition from the SYSTEM 1 processing system or those matters described in our Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010 and other securities filings, may adversely impact company performance, results, prospects or value, (g) the effect of the contraction in credit availability, as well as the ability of our Customers and suppliers to adequately access the credit markets when needed, and (h) those risks described in our securities filings including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010 and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 and other securities filings.

STERIS Corporation
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
         
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2010 2009 2010 2009
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenues $ 328,283 $ 327,832 $ 932,001 $ 925,604
SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program   -   -   (102,313)   -
Revenues, net 328,283 327,832 829,688 925,604
Cost of revenues 191,269 188,349 531,862 528,630
Cost of revenues - SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program   -   -   7,691   -
Gross profit 137,014 139,483 290,135 396,974
 
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative 73,671 71,776 217,787 220,897
SYSTEM 1 class action settlement 19,796 - 19,796 -
Research and development 7,739 8,265 24,391 24,035
Restructuring expense   (23)   14   423   (313)
Total operating expenses   101,183   80,055   262,397   244,619
 
Income from operations 35,831 59,428 27,738 152,355
Non-operating expense, net 2,728 2,756 8,381 8,473
Income tax expense   11,338   15,666   7,091   45,250
Net income $ 21,765 $ 41,006 $ 12,266 $ 98,632
 
Earnings per common share (EPS) data:
Basic $ 0.37 $ 0.70 $ 0.21 $ 1.68
Diluted $ 0.36 $ 0.69 $ 0.20 $ 1.66
 
Cash dividends declared per common share outstanding $ 0.15 $ 2.11 $ 0.41 $ 2.33
 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in EPS computation:

Basic number of common shares outstanding 59,233 58,962 59,329 58,711
Diluted number of common shares outstanding 60,176 59,758 60,161 59,281
 
 
STERIS Corporation
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
December 31, March 31,
2010 2010
Assets (Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 192,288 $ 214,971
Accounts receivable, net 212,637 214,940
Inventories, net 167,258 121,135
Other current assets   69,527   25,411
Total Current Assets 641,710 576,457
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net 365,354 346,858
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 318,388 305,311
Other assets   26,939   9,776
Total Assets $ 1,352,391 $ 1,238,402
 
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 73,697 $ 66,035
Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and class action settlement 128,770 -
Other current liabilities   111,006   131,094
Total Current Liabilities 313,473 197,129
 
Long-term debt 210,000 210,000
Other liabilities 77,518 76,779
Equity   751,400   754,494
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 1,352,391 $ 1,238,402
 
STERIS Corporation
Income Reconciliation
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 

The following table presents financial measures which are considered to be "non-GAAP financial measures" under Securities Exchange Commission rules. The Company has referred to results of operations excluding the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and related disposal costs as well as the SYSTEM 1 class action settlement to provide meaningful comparative analysis between the periods.

 
  Three months ended December 31, 2010   Nine months ended December 31, 2010

Results of
Operations,
excluding Rebate
Program and
class action
settlement

 

Impact of
SYSTEM 1
Rebate Program
and class action
settlement

  As reported

Results of
Operations,
excluding Rebate
Program and
class action
settlement

 

Impact of
SYSTEM 1
Rebate Program
and class action
settlement

  As reported
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)    
 
Revenues $ 328,283 $ - $ 328,283 $ 932,001 $ (102,313) $ 829,688
Cost of revenues   191,269   -   191,269   531,862   7,691   539,553
Gross profit 137,014 - 137,014 400,139 (110,004) 290,135
Operating expenses   81,387   19,796   101,183   242,601   19,796   262,397
Income from operations 55,627 (19,796) 35,831 157,538 (129,800) 27,738
Non-operating expenses, net   2,728   -   2,728   8,381   -   8,381
Income before income taxes 52,899 (19,796) 33,103 149,157 (129,800) 19,357
Income tax expense   18,842   (7,504)   11,338   54,255   (47,164)   7,091
Net income $ 34,057 $ (12,292) $ 21,765 $ 94,902 $ (82,636) $ 12,266
 
Net income per common share:
 
Basic $ 0.57 $ (0.20) $ 0.37 $ 1.60 $ (1.39) $ 0.21
Diluted $ 0.57 $ (0.21) $ 0.36 $ 1.58 $ (1.38) $ 0.20
 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in EPS computation:

Basic 59,233 59,233 59,329 59,329
Diluted 60,176 60,176 60,161 60,161
 
Effective income tax rate 35.6 % 34.3 % 36.4 % 36.6 %
 
STERIS Corporation
Segment Data & Income Analysis
(In thousands)
      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2010   2009 2010   2009
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Segment Revenues:
 
Healthcare $ 237,843 $ 233,277 $ 664,036 $ 656,887
SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program   -   -   (102,313)   -
Healthcare, net 237,843 233,277 561,723 656,887
Life Sciences 51,247 58,910 151,374 159,427
STERIS Isomedix Services   38,081   34,987   113,721   105,129
Total Reportable Segments 327,171 327,174 826,818 921,443
Corporate and Other   1,112   658   2,870   4,161
Total Segment Revenues $ 328,283 $ 327,832 $ 829,688 $ 925,604
 

The following table presents financial measures which are considered to be "non-GAAP financial measures" under Securities Exchange Commission rules. The Company has referred to results of operations excluding the SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and related disposal costs as well as the SYSTEM 1 class action settlement to provide meaningful comparative analysis between the periods.

 
  Three Months Ended December 31,
2010

 

2009
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
   
Segment Operating Income (Loss) Excluding SYSTEM 1 Rebate program and class action settlement: As Reported

Impact of
SYSTEM 1
Rebate Program
and class action
settlement

Total

Total As
Reported

 
 
Healthcare $ 20,389 $ (19,796) $ 40,185 $ 45,254
Life Sciences 7,345 - 7,345 10,123
STERIS Isomedix Services   10,250   -   10,250   6,929
Total Reportable Segments 37,984 (19,796) 57,780 62,306
Corporate and Other   (2,153)   -   (2,153)   (2,878)
Total Operating Income $ 35,831 $ (19,796) $ 55,627 $ 59,428
 
 
Nine Months Ended December 31,
2010 2009
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
 
Segment Operating Income (Loss) Excluding SYSTEM 1 Rebate program and class action settlement: As Reported

Impact of
SYSTEM 1
Rebate Program
and class action
settlement

Total

Total As
Reported

 
Healthcare $ (19,460) $ (129,800) $ 110,340 $ 113,722
Life Sciences 23,075 - 23,075 23,442
STERIS Isomedix Services   30,858   -   30,858   22,669
Total Reportable Segments 34,473 (129,800) 164,273 159,833
Corporate and Other   (6,735)   -   (6,735)   (7,478)
Total Operating Income $ 27,738 $ (129,800) $ 157,538 $ 152,355
 
STERIS Corporation    
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
  Nine Months Ended
December 31,
2010 2009
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Operating Activities:
Net income $ 12,266 $ 98,632
Non-cash items 430 54,304
Change in Accrued SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and class action settlement 128,770 -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities   (58,069)   5,732
Net cash provided by operating activities 83,397 158,668
 
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net (56,390) (29,839)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, equipment and intangibles 1,298 574
Equity investment in joint venture (16,900) (1,500)
Investments in businesses, net of cash acquired   (4,000)   -
Net cash used in investing activities (75,992) (30,765)
 
Financing Activities:
Proceeds under credit facilities, net - 100,000
Repurchases of common shares (19,900) (289)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders (24,344) (137,509)
Stock option and other equity transactions, net 10,813 12,339
Tax benefit from stock options exercised   2,197   1,927
Net cash used in financing activities (31,234) (23,532)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   1,146   6,868
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (22,683) 111,239
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   214,971   154,180
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 192,288 $ 265,419
 

The following table presents a financial measure which is considered to be "non-GAAP financial measures" under Securities Exchange Commission rules. Free cash flow is defined by the Company as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant, equipment and intangibles, net (capital expenditures) plus proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment and intangibles. The Company uses free cash flow as a measure to gauge its ability to fund future growth opportunities, repurchase common shares, and pay cash dividends. STERIS's calculation of free cash flow may vary from other companies.

 
  Nine Months Ended
December 31,
2010   2009
Calculation of Free Cash Flow: (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities $ 83,397 $ 158,668
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles, net (56,390) (29,839)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles   1,298   574
Free Cash Flow $ 28,305 $ 129,403
 
STERIS Corporation
Unaudited Supplemental Financial Data - Excluding SYSTEM 1 Rebate Program and Class Action Settlement
Third Quarter Fiscal 2011
As of December 31, 2010
          FY 2011   FY 2011   FY 2010   FY 2010
          Q3 YTD Q3 YTD
Total Company Revenues
Capital $ 135,121 $ 358,681 $ 132,541 $ 344,390
Consumables 77,501 230,618 81,531 242,317
Service   115,661   342,702   113,760   338,897
Total Recurring   193,162   573,320   195,291   581,214
Total Revenues $ 328,283 $ 932,001 $ 327,832 $ 925,604
United States Revenues $ 239,975 $ 704,016 $ 244,067 $ 706,165
United States Revenues as a % of Total 73% 76% 74% 76%
International Revenues $ 88,308 $ 227,985 $ 83,765 $ 219,439
  International Revenues as % of Total   27%   24%   26%   24%
                 
Segment Data Q3 YTD Q3 YTD
Healthcare
Revenues
Capital $ 118,333 $ 309,251 $ 106,835 $ 283,409
Consumables 61,553 182,478 66,494 197,263
Service   57,957   172,307   59,948   176,215
Total Recurring   119,510   354,785   126,442   373,478
Total Healthcare Revenues $ 237,843 $ 664,036 $ 233,277 $ 656,887
Operating Income (Loss)   40,185   110,340   45,254   113,722
Life Sciences
Revenues
Capital $ 16,788 $ 49,430 $ 25,697 $ 60,937
Consumables 15,948 48,140 15,037 45,054
Service   18,511   53,804   18,176   53,436
Total Recurring   34,459   101,944   33,213   98,490
Total Life Sciences Revenues $ 51,247 $ 151,374 $ 58,910 $ 159,427
Operating Income (Loss)   7,345   23,075   10,123   23,442
 
Isomedix Services
Revenues $ 38,081 $ 113,721 $ 34,987 $ 105,129
Operating Income (Loss)   10,250   30,858   6,929   22,669
 
Corporate and Other
Revenues $ 1,112 $ 2,870 $ 658 $ 4,161
    Operating Income (Loss)   (2,153)   (6,735)   (2,878)   (7,478)
                 
Other Data Q3 YTD Q3 YTD
Healthcare Backlog $ 178,546 n/a $ 134,400 n/a
Life Sciences Backlog   42,521   n/a   45,362   n/a
Total Backlog $ 221,067 n/a $ 179,762 n/a
 
Free Cash Flow $ (1,002) $ 28,305 $ 55,029 $ 129,403
    Net Debt $ 17,712 $ 17,712 $ 44,581 $ 44,581
 
 
This supplemental data is consistent with publicly disclosed information provided in quarterly conference calls, earnings releases and SEC filings, and is subject to all definitions, precautions and limitations contained in those disclosures. Please see the Company's most recent 10-K for definitions (and reconciliation where appropriate) of backlog, free cash flow and net debt.

Contacts

STERIS Corporation
Julie Winter, Director, Investor Relations, 440-392-7245

Contacts

STERIS Corporation
Julie Winter, Director, Investor Relations, 440-392-7245