UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR
15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of April
Commission File Number 1-15096
Serono S.A.
(Translation of registrants name into English)
15 bis,
Chemin des Mines
Case Postale 54
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ý Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o No ý
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .
Media Release |
SERONO DELIVERS STRONG FIRST QUARTER 2006 WITH REVENUE GROWTH OF 16.4% IN LOCAL CURRENCIES
- Adjusted* EPS Increased by 75.2% and 2006 EPS Outlook Raised to $45.00 -
Geneva, Switzerland, April 20, 2006 Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA), today reported its first quarter results for the period ended March 31, 2006.
Key Points for First Quarter 2006
Strong underlying top-line performance with total revenues up 11.0% (+16.4% in local currencies) to $667.5m and product sales up 7.9% (+13.4% in local currencies) to $594.9m
Reported net income of $179.9m and basic EPS of $12.29 per bearer share and $0.31 per ADS
Adjusted* net income up 76.1% to $171.6m and adjusted* basic EPS up 75.2% to $11.72 per bearer share and $0.29 per ADS
Rebif® worldwide sales up 11.7% (+17.7% in local currencies) to $327.0m
Gonal-f® sales of $139.1m increased vs both Q1 2005 and Q4 2005
Good progress in late-stage clinical programs:
Rebif® new formulation filed in USA and Europe
Positive outcome from Phase III study of Phenoptin for PKU
2006 EPS outlook raised to $45.00 per bearer share
Our strong first quarter top-line performance reflects a healthy business across the board. I am pleased with the performance of our Reproductive Health franchise, particularly in the US, as well as with the underlying growth of our Rebif® worldwide sales of 17.7%, said Ernesto Bertarelli, Chief Executive Officer. Moving forward we will continue to invest in our existing businesses and R&D pipeline, and we intend to actively pursue opportunities for growth through acquisitions.
Given the strength of our financial performance in the first quarter, we now raise our EPS guidance to $45.00, said Stuart Grant, Chief Financial Officer.
* Non-IFRS financial measures included in order to permit assessment of the performance of the companys underlying business for the quarter include: In Q1 2006, an $8.4m gain on sale of investment in ZymoGenetics. In Q1 2005, a charge of $725.0m ($660.5m after-tax) related to previously reported US Attorneys Office investigation of Serostim® and a $4.7m write-down of investment in CancerVax.
Financial Performance
Total revenues increased by 11.0%, or 16.4% in local currencies, to $667.5m in the first quarter of 2006 (Q1 2005: $601.4m). Product sales grew 7.9%, or 13.4% in local currencies, to $594.9m (Q1 2005: $551.4m). Sales were adversely influenced by the strengthening of the US dollar versus the Euro year-over-year. Royalty and license income increased by 45.3% to $72.6m (Q1 2005: $50.0m), continuing to provide a substantial revenue stream derived from Seronos intellectual property rights.
Gross margin remains solid at 88.4% of product sales (Q1 2005: 89.2%). Selling, General and Administrative expenses remained stable at $211.5m (Q1 2005: $214.6m) reflecting operational leverage. Research and Development expenses were $122.9m (Q1 2005: $156.3m), reflecting the completion of a number of phase III trials in the last 12 months. Other operating expenses were $64.3m (Q1 2005: $788.4m).
Operating income in the first quarter of 2006 was $200.0m compared to a loss of $617.4m in the first quarter of 2005. On an adjusted* basis this represents an increase of 85.9% and led to an operating margin of 30.0% of total revenues (Q1 2005: $107.6m or 17.9% of total revenues on an adjusted* basis), reflecting steady underlying revenue growth, tight control over SG&A and R&D expenses and continued solid gross margin.
Financial income was $23.9m (Q1 2005: $12.0m), reflecting a net gain of $8.4m from the sale of 1,434,607 shares of ZymoGenetics, Inc. in March 2006. Financial expense decreased to $6.3m (Q1 2005: $10.6m), as a result of last years first quarter write-down of $4.7m related to impairment in value of an equity stake in CancerVax.
Reported net income in the first quarter of 2006 was $179.9m compared to a loss of $567.7m in the first quarter of 2005. Adjusted* net income was up 76.1% to $171.6m (Q1 2005: $97.4m), or 77.4% in local currencies.
Reported basic earnings per share in the first quarter of 2006 were $12.29 per bearer share and $0.31 per American Depositary Share (ADS). Adjusted* basic earnings per share were up 75.2% to $11.72 per bearer share (Q1 2005: $6.69) and $0.29 per ADS (Q1 2005: $0.17).
For the first quarter, net cash flow from operating activities before change in working capital was $237.8m (Q1 2005: $146.4m), or $189.0m after change in working capital (Q1 2005: $53.3m). The companys liquid financial assets were $1.7 billion at the end of the first quarter 2006.
As of March 31, 2006, there were 14,641,246 equivalent bearer shares of Serono S.A. issued and 14,639,138 equivalent bearer shares of Serono S.A. outstanding.
* Non-IFRS financial measures included in order to permit assessment of the performance of the companys underlying business for the quarter include: In Q1 2006 an $8.4m gain on sale of investment in ZymoGenetics. In Q1 2005 a charge of $725.0m ($660.5m after-tax) related to previously reported US Attorneys Office investigation of Serostim® and a $4.7m write-down of investment in CancerVax.
Full Year 2006 Outlook
Given the strength of the first quarter 2006 results, Serono now raises its outlook for 2006 earnings per bearer share to $45.00. This outlook does not include expenses related to any new business development transactions or other non-recurring items in 2006.
Therapeutic Areas Review
In the first quarter of 2006, Rebif® had a solid performance with sales up 11.7%, 17.7% in local currencies, to $327.0m (Q1 2005: $292.8m) further consolidating its position as a foundation therapy. Rebif® continues its market leadership outside the US with sales growing 3.1%, or 10.8% in local currencies, to $222.7m (Q1 2005: $216.1m). Rebif®, the fastest growing brand for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in the US in 2005, reached sales of $104.2m, up 35.8% in the first quarter (Q1 2005: $76.8m).
Sales of Gonal-f® increased by 0.8%, or 6.3% in local currencies, to $139.1m (Q1 2005: $138.0m). This is an encouraging performance reflecting high single-digit growth in local currencies outside of the US and marking a change in trend in the US. Contrary to usual seasonal patterns, Gonal-f® sales increased 4.2% in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the fourth quarter of 2005. Global sales of supporting products (Ovidrel®, Cetrotide®, Crinone® and Luveris®) were up 11.3%, or 16.6% in local currencies, to $22.6m.
Saizen® sales increased by 4.4%, or 10.0% in local currencies, to $49.9m (Q1 2005: $47.8m). Saizen® continues to be differentiated using the innovative devices, cool.click and one.click, as well as services, such as patient registries, call centres and nurse trainers, as well as educational programs. Serostim® sales decreased by 13.7% to $15.8m (Q1 2005: $18.3m).
Sales of Raptiva® were $13.6m in the first quarter 2006 (Q1 2005: $4.5m). The focus for 2006 is on increasing market penetration by differentiating Raptiva® from other biologicals and further establishing the new progressive way of treating psoriasis to achieve long-term control of this chronic disease.
R&D News
On March 15, Serono and BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. announced positive results of a Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of Phenoptin (sapropterin dihydrochloride), an investigational oral small molecule for the treatment of phenylketonuria. All pre-specified primary and secondary endpoints were met and data demonstrate a statistically significant reduction at six weeks in blood phenylalanine levels (p<0.0001) in patients receiving Phenoptin, compared with those receiving placebo.
On April 4, Serono announced the submission of a supplemental Biologics Licence Application to the US Food and Drug Administration and a variation to the current Marketing Authorization to the European Medicines Agency for a new formulation of Rebif® as a treatment of multiple sclerosis. The applications are supported by data from a Phase III clinical trial in patients with relapsing forms of MS which show that the new formulation of Rebif® results in a substantial improvement in overall tolerability, as well as a reduction in the incidence of antibody formation. This most recent Rebif® lifecycle management initiative further exemplifies Seronos
commitment to developing and launching a wide range of product enhancements in support of MS patients worldwide.
Conference Call and Webcast
Serono will hold a conference call today, April 20th, 2006, starting at 15:00 Central European Time (9:00 am US Eastern Time) during which Serono Management will present the Companys First Quarter 2006 Results. To join the telephone conference please dial 1 866 291 4166 (from the US), 091 610 5600 (from Switzerland), 0207 107 0611 (from the UK) and +41 91 610 5600 (from elsewhere). The event will also be relayed by live audio webcast, which interested parties may access via Seronos Corporate home page, www.serono.com. A link to the webcast will be provided immediately prior to the event. Additionally, the webcast will be available for replay until close of business on May 26, 2006.
###
Forward-looking statements
Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Seronos current expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press release and more fully described in Seronos Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2006. These factors include any failure or delay in Seronos ability to develop new products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any problems in commercializing current products as a result of competition or other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products, the outcome of government investigations and litigation and government regulations limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono has no responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
###
Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has eight biotechnology products, Rebif®, Gonal-f®, Luveris®, Ovidrel®/Ovitrelle®, Serostim®, Saizen®, Zorbtive and Raptiva®. In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has recently entered the psoriasis area. The Companys research programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas, including oncology and autoimmune diseases. Currently, there are more than 25 on-going development projects.
In 2005, Serono, whose products are sold in over 90 countries, achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,586.4 million. Reported net loss in 2005 was US$106.1 million, reflecting a charge of US$725 million taken relating to the settlement of the US Attorneys Office investigation of Serostim. Excluding this charge as well as other non-recurring items, adjusted net income grew 28.4% to US$565.3 million in 2005. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).
For more information, please contact:
Serono in Geneva, Switzerland: |
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Media Relations: |
Investor Relations: |
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Tel: |
+41-22-739 36 00 |
Tel: |
+41-22-739 36 01 |
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Fax: |
+41-22-739 30 85 |
Fax: |
+41-22-739 30 22 |
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http://www.serono.com |
Reuters: SEO.VX / SRA |
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Bloomberg: SEO VX / SRA US |
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Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA |
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Media Relations: |
Investor Relations: |
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Tel. |
+1 781 681 2340 |
Tel. |
+1 781 681 2552 |
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Fax: |
+1 781 681 2935 |
Fax: |
+1 781 681 2912 |
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http://www.seronousa.com |
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On the following pages, there are:
Tables detailing sales in dollars by therapeutic area, geographic region and the top 10 products for the 3 months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.
Consolidated statements of income for the 3 months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005; adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share for the 3 months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005; the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005; the consolidated statements of recognized income and expense for the 3 months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005; the consolidated statements of changes in equity as of March 31, 2006 and 2005; the consolidated statements of cash flows for the 3 months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005; and the selected explanatory notes to the consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Sales by therapeutic area
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Three Months Ended |
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Three Months Ended |
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|
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March 31, 2006 |
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March 31, 2005 |
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$ million |
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% of sales |
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% change $ |
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$ million |
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% of sales |
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Neurology |
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333.2 |
|
56.0 |
% |
11.8 |
% |
298.0 |
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54.1 |
% |
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Reproductive Health |
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167.3 |
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28.1 |
% |
1.1 |
% |
165.5 |
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30.0 |
% |
||
Growth & Metabolism |
|
66.0 |
|
11.1 |
% |
(0.5 |
)% |
66.4 |
|
12.0 |
% |
||
Dermatology |
|
13.6 |
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2.3 |
% |
206.3 |
% |
4.5 |
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0.8 |
% |
||
Others |
|
14.6 |
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2.5 |
% |
(14.0 |
)% |
17.0 |
|
3.1 |
% |
||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total sales (US$ million) |
|
$ |
594.9 |
|
100 |
% |
7.9 |
% |
$ |
551.4 |
|
100 |
% |
Sales by geographic region
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Three Months Ended |
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, 2006 |
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March 31, 2005 |
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$ million |
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% of sales |
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% change $ |
|
$ million |
|
% of sales |
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Western Europe |
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265.4 |
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44.6 |
% |
0.2 |
% |
264.9 |
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48.0 |
% |
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North America |
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215.0 |
|
36.1 |
% |
16.3 |
% |
184.9 |
|
33.5 |
% |
||
Latin America |
|
30.6 |
|
5.1 |
% |
3.6 |
% |
29.5 |
|
5.4 |
% |
||
Others |
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84.0 |
|
14.2 |
% |
16.3 |
% |
72.2 |
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13.1 |
% |
||
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Total sales (US$ million) |
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$ |
594.9 |
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100 |
% |
7.9 |
% |
$ |
551.4 |
|
100 |
% |
TOP TEN PRODUCTS
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Three Months Ended |
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, 2006 |
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March 31, 2005 |
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* TA |
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$ million |
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% of sales |
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% change $ |
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$ million |
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% of sales |
|
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Rebif® |
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MS |
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327.0 |
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55.0 |
% |
11.7 |
% |
292.8 |
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53.1 |
% |
Gonal-f® |
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RH |
|
139.1 |
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23.4 |
% |
0.8 |
% |
138.0 |
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25.0 |
% |
Saizen® |
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Growth |
|
49.9 |
|
8.4 |
% |
4.4 |
% |
47.8 |
|
8.7 |
% |
Novantrone® |
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MS/Oncology |
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17.4 |
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2.9 |
% |
9.1 |
% |
16.0 |
|
2.9 |
% |
Serostim® |
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Wasting |
|
15.8 |
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2.6 |
% |
(13.7 |
)% |
18.3 |
|
3.3 |
% |
Raptiva® |
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Dermatology |
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13.6 |
|
2.3 |
% |
206.3 |
% |
4.5 |
|
0.8 |
% |
Ovidrel® |
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RH |
|
6.9 |
|
1.2 |
% |
20.3 |
% |
5.7 |
|
1.0 |
% |
Cetrotide® |
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RH |
|
6.7 |
|
1.1 |
% |
7.3 |
% |
6.2 |
|
1.1 |
% |
Crinone® |
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RH |
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6.0 |
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1.0 |
% |
7.8 |
% |
5.6 |
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1.0 |
% |
Stilamin® |
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Other |
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3.7 |
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0.6 |
% |
3.1 |
% |
3.5 |
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0.6 |
% |
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* Therapeutic Areas |
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RH |
= Reproductive Health |
Wasting |
= AIDS Wasting |
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MS |
= Multiple Sclerosis |
Growth |
= Growth Retardation |
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Oncology |
= Oncology |
Dermatology |
= Dermatology |
First Quarter Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited)
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|
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% of |
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|
|
|
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% of |
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
Revenues |
|
% change |
|
2005 |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product sales |
|
594850 |
|
|
|
7.9 |
% |
551413 |
|
|
|
Royalty and license income |
|
72617 |
|
|
|
45.3 |
% |
49969 |
|
|
|
Total Revenues |
|
667467 |
|
100.0 |
% |
11.0 |
% |
601382 |
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product sales |
|
(68754 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(59470 |
) |
|
|
% of Sales |
|
11.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10.8 |
% |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
(211489 |
) |
31.7 |
% |
(1.5 |
)% |
(214650 |
) |
(35.7 |
)% |
Research and development |
|
(122943 |
) |
18.4 |
% |
(21.3 |
)% |
(156273 |
) |
(26.0 |
)% |
Other operating expense, net |
|
(64271 |
) |
9.6 |
% |
(91.8 |
)% |
(788424 |
) |
(131.1 |
)% |
Total Operating Expenses |
|
(467457 |
) |
70.0 |
% |
(61.6 |
)% |
(1218817 |
) |
(202.7 |
)% |
Operating Income / (Loss) |
|
200010 |
|
30.0 |
% |
132.4 |
% |
(617435 |
) |
(102.7 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial income |
|
23890 |
|
|
|
|
|
12042 |
|
|
|
Financial expense |
|
(6327 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(10624 |
) |
|
|
Foreign currency (loss) / gain, net |
|
(1047 |
) |
|
|
|
|
769 |
|
|
|
Share of (loss) / profit of associates |
|
(172 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
Income / (Loss) Before Taxes |
|
216354 |
|
32.4 |
% |
135.2 |
% |
(615237 |
) |
(102.3 |
)% |
Taxes |
|
(36348 |
) |
|
|
|
|
48061 |
|
|
|
Net Income / (Loss) |
|
180006 |
|
27.0 |
% |
131.7 |
% |
(567176 |
) |
(94.3 |
)% |
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
Equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
179946 |
|
27.0 |
% |
131.7 |
% |
(567749 |
) |
(94.4 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
% change |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Earnings / (Loss) per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bearer shares |
|
12.29 |
|
|
|
131.5 |
% |
(38.99 |
) |
|
|
Registered shares |
|
4.92 |
|
|
|
131.5 |
% |
(15.60 |
) |
|
|
American depositary shares |
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
131.5 |
% |
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted Earnings / (Loss) per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bearer shares |
|
12.13 |
|
|
|
131.1 |
% |
(38.99 |
) |
|
|
Registered shares |
|
4.85 |
|
|
|
131.1 |
% |
(15.60 |
) |
|
|
American depositary shares |
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
131.1 |
% |
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
Basic Earnings / (Loss) per Share is calculated in accordance with IAS 33 - Earnings per Share by dividing the Net Income / (Loss) attributable to bearer equity holders of Serono S.A., $125.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (March 31, 2005: net loss of $396.0 million), by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period presented. This is 10,233,922 beare shares (2005: 10,155,130) and 11,013,040 registered shares (2005: 11,013,040). The total weighted average number of bearer shares is 14,639,138 (March 31, 2005: 14,560,346) for the three months ended March 31, 2006. As each American depositary share represents ownership interest in one fortieth of bearer share, Basic and Diluted Earnings / (Loss) per American depositary share is calculated as one fortieth of the Basic and Diluted Earnings / (Loss) per bearer share.
For Diluted Earnings / (Loss) per Share, the weighted average number of bearer shares outstanding is adjusted to assume conversion of all potential dilutive shares arising from outstanding stock options and the convertible bond. The number of bearer shares used to calculate the Diluted Earnings per Share for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was 10,717,658. The effect of outstanding stock options and the convertible bond were excluded from the calculation of Diluted Loss per Share for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as they were anti-dilutive.
The accompanying selected explanatory notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
Revenues |
|
% change |
|
2005 |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income / (Loss) as reported |
|
180006 |
|
27.0 |
% |
131.7 |
% |
(567176 |
) |
(94.3 |
)% |
Litigation expense and related costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
725000 |
|
|
|
Tax impact on litigation expense and related costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64525 |
) |
|
|
Impairment loss on investment in CancerVax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4700 |
|
|
|
Gain on sale of investment in Zymogenetics |
|
(8365 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted Net Income |
|
171641 |
|
25.7 |
% |
75.1 |
% |
97999 |
|
16.3 |
% |
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
Equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
171581 |
|
25.7 |
% |
76.1 |
% |
97426 |
|
16.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted basis |
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
Adjusted basis 2006 |
|
|
|
% change |
|
Adjusted basis 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic Earnings per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bearer shares |
|
11.72 |
|
|
|
75.2 |
% |
6.69 |
|
|
|
Registered shares |
|
4.69 |
|
|
|
75.2 |
% |
2.68 |
|
|
|
American depositary shares |
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
75.2 |
% |
0.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted Earnings per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bearer shares |
|
11.57 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
% |
6.68 |
|
|
|
Registered shares |
|
4.63 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
% |
2.67 |
|
|
|
American depositary shares |
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
% |
0.17 |
|
|
|
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are Non-IFRS financial measures and are not and should not be viewed as a substitute for IFRS reported net income and earnings per share. Non-IFRS financial measures are not standardized by IFRS and, therefore, have limits in its usefulness to investors and may not be comparable with the calculation of similar measures for other companies. Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are an alternative view of performance used by management as they exclude those non-recurring, non-operational activities and transactions that are not necessarily relevant to understand the comparative operating performance of the companys underlying business for the period.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
As of |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
839740 |
|
358853 |
|
Short-term available-for-sale financial assets |
|
427315 |
|
565545 |
|
Trade accounts receivable |
|
416191 |
|
402358 |
|
Inventories |
|
250174 |
|
248476 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
244402 |
|
199189 |
|
Total Current Assets |
|
2177822 |
|
1774421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Tangible fixed assets |
|
762928 |
|
746430 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
339878 |
|
341382 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
224718 |
|
224779 |
|
Investments in associates |
|
5327 |
|
5446 |
|
Long-term available-for-sale financial assets |
|
631971 |
|
736543 |
|
Other long-term assets |
|
81373 |
|
92234 |
|
Total Non-Current Assets |
|
2046195 |
|
2146814 |
|
Total Assets |
|
4224017 |
|
3921235 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
|
365272 |
|
343525 |
|
Short-term financial debts |
|
15705 |
|
28604 |
|
Income taxes |
|
107137 |
|
97797 |
|
Deferred income - current |
|
33602 |
|
34111 |
|
Provisions - current |
|
28249 |
|
29291 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
168643 |
|
183396 |
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
718608 |
|
716724 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term financial debts |
|
672907 |
|
635039 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
17818 |
|
18316 |
|
Deferred income - non-current |
|
118831 |
|
123142 |
|
Provisions - non-current |
|
114205 |
|
108607 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
132735 |
|
148465 |
|
Total Non-Current Liabilities |
|
1056496 |
|
1033569 |
|
Total Liabilities |
|
1775104 |
|
1750293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
236324 |
|
235555 |
|
Share premium |
|
522817 |
|
500605 |
|
Treasury shares |
|
(370033 |
) |
(372724 |
) |
Retained earnings |
|
2001000 |
|
1803929 |
|
Fair value and other reserves |
|
59916 |
|
14654 |
|
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
(1965 |
) |
(11988 |
) |
Total Shareholders Equity attributable to equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
2448059 |
|
2170031 |
|
Minority Interests |
|
854 |
|
911 |
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
2448913 |
|
2170942 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
|
4224017 |
|
3921235 |
|
The accompanying selected explanatory notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Recognized Income and Expense (unaudited)
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) recognized in consolidated income statements |
|
180,006 |
|
(567,176 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investments |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value adjustments on available-for-sale investments taken to equity |
|
47324 |
|
(39976 |
) |
Transferred to income statement on sale of available-for-sale investments |
|
(8582 |
) |
|
|
Transferred to income statement for impairment of available-for-sale investments |
|
311 |
|
4700 |
|
Cash flow hedge |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value adjustments on cash flow hedge taken to equity |
|
6239 |
|
(1485 |
) |
Transferred to income statements |
|
(32 |
) |
7 |
|
Serono share of equity recognized by associated companies |
|
2 |
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation effect |
|
10023 |
|
(21582 |
) |
Net income / (loss) recognized directly in equity |
|
55285 |
|
(58336 |
) |
Total recognized income and expense |
|
235291 |
|
(625512 |
) |
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
60 |
|
573 |
|
Equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
235231 |
|
(626085 |
) |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
Share |
|
Treasury |
|
Retained |
|
Fair value |
|
currency |
|
equity |
|
Minority |
|
Total |
|
|
|
capital |
|
premium |
|
shares |
|
earnings |
|
reserves |
|
adjustments |
|
Serono S.A. |
|
interests |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously reported |
|
254420 |
|
1023125 |
|
(987489 |
) |
2064499 |
|
23482 |
|
69841 |
|
2447878 |
|
3343 |
|
2451221 |
|
Effect of adoption revised IAS 39 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28547 |
) |
33347 |
|
(2245 |
) |
2555 |
|
|
|
2555 |
|
Effect of adopting IFRS 2 - Share-Based Payment |
|
|
|
15875 |
|
|
|
(15527 |
) |
|
|
(348 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2005 as restated |
|
254420 |
|
1039000 |
|
(987489 |
) |
2020425 |
|
56829 |
|
67248 |
|
2450433 |
|
3343 |
|
2453776 |
|
Total recognized income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(567749 |
) |
(36754 |
) |
(21582 |
) |
(626085 |
) |
573 |
|
(625512 |
) |
Issue of share capital |
|
531 |
|
16206 |
|
2615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19352 |
|
|
|
19352 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
3965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3965 |
|
|
|
3965 |
|
Purchase of minorities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(47 |
) |
(47 |
) |
Balance as of March 31, 2005 |
|
254951 |
|
1059171 |
|
(984874 |
) |
1452676 |
|
20075 |
|
45666 |
|
1847665 |
|
3869 |
|
1851534 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2006 |
|
235555 |
|
500605 |
|
(372724 |
) |
1803929 |
|
14654 |
|
(11988 |
) |
2170031 |
|
911 |
|
2170942 |
|
Total recognized income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179946 |
|
45262 |
|
10023 |
|
235231 |
|
60 |
|
235291 |
|
Issue of share capital |
|
769 |
|
22212 |
|
2691 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25672 |
|
|
|
25672 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17125 |
|
|
|
|
|
17125 |
|
|
|
17125 |
|
Purchase of minorities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(117 |
) |
(117 |
) |
Balance as of March 31, 2006 |
|
236324 |
|
522817 |
|
(370033 |
) |
2001000 |
|
59916 |
|
(1965 |
) |
2448059 |
|
854 |
|
2448913 |
|
The accompanying selected explanatory notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income / (Loss) |
|
180006 |
|
(567176 |
) |
Reversal of non-cash items |
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes |
|
36348 |
|
(48061 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
31548 |
|
34493 |
|
Interest income |
|
(15273 |
) |
(12053 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
4198 |
|
4550 |
|
Unrealized foreign currency exchange results |
|
(3231 |
) |
(1674 |
) |
Legal provision |
|
|
|
725000 |
|
Share of loss / (profit) of associates |
|
172 |
|
(11 |
) |
Other non-cash items |
|
4040 |
|
11324 |
|
Operating Cash Flows Before Working Capital Changes |
|
237808 |
|
146392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital changes |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables, other current liabilities and deferred income |
|
23674 |
|
(40892 |
) |
Trade accounts receivable and other receivables |
|
(6765 |
) |
(5671 |
) |
Inventories |
|
2589 |
|
(3254 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
(43619 |
) |
(19866 |
) |
Taxes paid |
|
(24644 |
) |
(23434 |
) |
Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
|
189043 |
|
53275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of tangible fixed assets |
|
(40596 |
) |
(36554 |
) |
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets |
|
459 |
|
74 |
|
Purchase of intangible assets |
|
(9533 |
) |
(5427 |
) |
Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets |
|
|
|
(192840 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale financial assets |
|
286226 |
|
334820 |
|
Purchase of investments in associates |
|
|
|
(491 |
) |
Interest received |
|
19736 |
|
29138 |
|
Net Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
|
256292 |
|
128720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issue of Serono shares |
|
11218 |
|
11055 |
|
Proceeds from exercise of options on Serono shares |
|
10049 |
|
2220 |
|
Proceeds from issue of call options on Serono shares |
|
|
|
283 |
|
Proceeds from issue of financial debts |
|
29089 |
|
14125 |
|
Repayments of financial debt |
|
(13422 |
) |
5071 |
|
Other non-current liabilities |
|
(300 |
) |
(2883 |
) |
Interest paid |
|
(1378 |
) |
(953 |
) |
Net Cash Flows From Financing Activities |
|
35256 |
|
28918 |
|
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
296 |
|
(705 |
) |
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
480887 |
|
210208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of Period |
|
358853 |
|
275979 |
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of Period |
|
839740 |
|
486187 |
|
The accompanying selected explanatory notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Selected explanatory notes to the interim financial report for the three months ended March 31, 2006 (unaudited)
1. Basis of Preparation
This unaudited interim financial report of the Serono group (group or Serono) has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Serono 2005 Annual Report, with the exception of the following new International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the group:
IAS 19 (Amended), Employee Benefits Actuarial Gains and Losses, Group Plans and Disclosures
The group has adopted the amendments to IAS 19, which introduces the option of an alternative recognition approach for actuarial gains and losses for defined benefit pension plans. The group has elected not to apply the option of recognizing actuarial gains and losses arising on its defined benefit plans in full in the statement of recognized income and expense and continues to recognize the amortization of actuarial gains and losses outside the corridor in the income statement.
IAS 39 (Amended), Cash Flow Hedge Accounting of Forecast Intragroup Transactions
The amendment allows the foreign currency risk of a highly probable forecast intracompany transaction to qualify as a hedged item in the consolidated financial statements, provided that: (a) the transaction is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity entering into that transaction; and (b) the foreign currency risk will affect consolidated profit or loss. This amendment is not relevant to the groups operations, as the group does not have any intracompany transactions that would qualify as a hedged item in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2006.
IAS 39 (Amended), The Fair Value Option
The group has not designated any financial instrument as at fair value through profit or loss. This amendment, which allows this new designation of financial instruments subject to qualifying fair value hedges, has had no effect on these consolidated financial statements.
IAS 39 and IFRS 4 (Amended), Financial Guarantee Contracts
This amendment requires issued financial guarantees, other than those previously asserted by the entity to be insurance contracts, to be initially recognized at their fair value and subsequently measured at the higher of: (a) the unamortized balance of the related fees received and deferred, and (b) the expenditure required to settle the commitment at the balance sheet date. This amendment had no impact on these consolidated financial statements.
IFRIC 4, Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease
IFRIC 4 requires the determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease to be based on the substance of the arrangement. It requires an assessment of whether: (a) fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets (the asset); and (b) the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. IFRIC 4 had no impact on these consolidated financial statements.
IFRIC 5, Rights to interests arising from Decommissioning, Restoration and Environmental Rehabilitation Funds
IFRIC 5 requires a contributor to a fund to recognize a liability for decommissioning costs and to recognize separately an asset for its interest in the fund. IFRIC 5 had no impact on these consolidated financial statements.
IFRIC 6, Liabilities arising from Participation in a Specific Market Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment IFRIC 6 provides guidance on the recognition of liabilities for waste management in respect of sales of historical household equipment. IFRIC 6 had no impact on these consolidated financial statements.
These consolidated financial statements were approved for issuance on April 18, 2006 by Serono S.A.s Board of Directors.
2. Segment information geographical segments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Middle East, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Africa and |
|
Asia-Pacific, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western |
|
North |
|
Eastern |
|
Oceania |
|
Latin |
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2006 |
|
Europe |
|
America |
|
Europe |
|
and Japan |
|
America |
|
Unallocated |
|
Total |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Product sales to third parties |
|
265,351 |
|
214,956 |
|
51,861 |
|
32,103 |
|
30,579 |
|
|
|
594,850 |
|
Royalty and license income |
|
57,103 |
|
1,099 |
|
14,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,617 |
|
Total revenues |
|
322,454 |
|
216,055 |
|
66,276 |
|
32,103 |
|
30,579 |
|
|
|
667,467 |
|
Operating income |
|
150,274 |
|
116,639 |
|
19,899 |
|
11,850 |
|
18,597 |
|
(21,979 |
) |
295,280 |
|
Corporate research and development expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(95,270 |
) |
(95,270 |
) |
Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Middle East, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Africa and |
|
Asia-Pacific, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western |
|
North |
|
Eastern |
|
Oceania |
|
Latin |
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2006 |
|
Europe |
|
America |
|
Europe |
|
and Japan |
|
America |
|
Unallocated |
|
Total |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Product sales to third parties |
|
264,876 |
|
184,858 |
|
42,777 |
|
29,396 |
|
29,506 |
|
|
|
551,413 |
|
Royalty and license income |
|
42,949 |
|
428 |
|
6,592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,969 |
|
Total revenues |
|
307,825 |
|
185,286 |
|
49,369 |
|
29,396 |
|
29,506 |
|
|
|
601,382 |
|
Operating (loss) / income |
|
(592,133 |
) |
88,281 |
|
19,484 |
|
3,403 |
|
15,271 |
|
(28,013 |
) |
(493,707 |
) |
Corporate research and development expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(123,728 |
) |
(123,728 |
) |
Operating loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(617,435 |
) |
Unallocated items represent income and expenses of corporate coordination functions, which are not directly attributable to specific geographical segments. Product sales to third parties are allocated to the geographical segments based on the country in which the customer is located. Royalty and license income is allocated to the geographical segments based on the country that receives the royalty. Operating income / (loss) is allocated to the geographical segments as recorded by the legal entities in the respective regions. There are no sales or other transactions between the geographical segments.
3. Financial income and expense
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Interest income |
|
15,273 |
|
12,053 |
|
Other financial income |
|
3 |
|
11 |
|
Fair value gain on interest rate swaps |
|
32 |
|
|
|
Realized gains on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets |
|
8,582 |
|
(22 |
) |
Financial income |
|
23,890 |
|
12,042 |
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Interest expense |
|
(4,198 |
) |
(4,550 |
) |
Other financial expense |
|
(1,818 |
) |
(1,367 |
) |
Fair value loss on interest rate swaps |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
Impairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets |
|
(311 |
) |
(4,700 |
) |
Financial expense |
|
(6,327 |
) |
(10,624 |
) |
During the first quarter of 2006, the group recognized a realized gain of $8.4 million on partial disposal of an available-for-sale equity investment and impairment losses of $0.3 million (2005: $4.7 million) on its available-for-sale equity investments.
4. Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2006 is 14.8% (2005: 12.0%). The effective income tax rate is calculated by dividing the income tax expense by the income/(loss) before taxes reduced by capital and other taxes, both without the tax impact of the litigation and related costs. Taxes recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2005 included $64.5 million in deferred tax income from the recognition of the litigation expense and related costs as disclosed in note 11 proceedings.
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Income tax expense without tax impact for the litigation expense and related costs |
|
31,387 |
|
12,695 |
|
Capital and other taxes |
|
4,961 |
|
3,769 |
|
Total tax expense |
|
36,348 |
|
16,464 |
|
Deferred tax income from litigation expense and related costs |
|
|
|
64,525 |
|
Total taxes |
|
36,348 |
|
(48,061 |
) |
5. Earnings / (loss) per share
Basic earnings / (loss) per share
Basic earnings / (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income /(loss) attributable to equity holders of Serono S.A. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period presented. The number of outstanding shares is calculated by deducting the average number of shares purchased and held as treasury shares from the total number of issued shares.
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Net income / (loss) attributable to bearer equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
125,797 |
|
(395,977 |
) |
Net income / (loss) attributable to registered equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
54,149 |
|
(171,772 |
) |
Total net income / (loss) attributable to the equity holders of Serono S.A. |
|
179,946 |
|
(567,749 |
) |
Weighted average number of bearer shares outstanding |
|
10,233,922 |
|
10,155,130 |
|
Weighted average number of registered shares outstanding |
|
11,013,040 |
|
11,013,040 |
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$ |
|
US$ |
|
Basic earnings / (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
Bearer shares |
|
12.29 |
|
(38.99 |
) |
Registered shares |
|
4.92 |
|
(15.60 |
) |
American depositary shares |
|
0.31 |
|
(0.97 |
) |
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share
For diluted earnings / (loss) per share, the weighted average number of bearer shares outstanding is adjusted to assume conversion of all potential dilutive shares arising from outstanding stock options and the convertible bond. For stock options, a calculation is made to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value based on proceeds from the exercise of stock options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the stock options. The difference is added to the denominator as additional shares for no consideration. There is no adjustment made to the numerator. For the convertible bond, the number of shares into which the bond is assumed to be fully convertible is added to the denominator. The numerator is increased by eliminating the interest expense, net of tax that would not be incurred if the bond were converted. The effect of the convertible bond and the effect of the outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earning per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005, as they were anti-dilutive.
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Net income / (loss) attributable to the equity holders of Serono S.A. for basic earnings / (loss) per share |
|
179,946 |
|
(567,749 |
) |
Interest expense on convertible bond |
|
3,423 |
|
|
|
Net income / (loss) attributable to the equity holders of Serono S.A. for dilutive earnings / (loss) per share |
|
183,369 |
|
(567,749 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of bearer shares outstanding for basic earnings / (loss) per share |
|
10,233,922 |
|
10,155,130 |
|
Adjustment for dilutive stock options |
|
59,740 |
|
|
|
Adjustment for assumed conversion of convertible bond |
|
423,996 |
|
|
|
Weighted average number of bearer shares outstanding for dilutive earnings / (loss) per share |
|
10,717,658 |
|
10,155,130 |
|
Three months ended March 31 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
US$ |
|
US$ |
|
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
Bearer shares |
|
12.13 |
|
(38.99 |
) |
Registered shares |
|
4.85 |
|
(15.60 |
) |
American depositary shares |
|
0.30 |
|
(0.97 |
) |
6. Share capital
|
|
As of March 31, 2006 |
|
||||||
Class of shares |
|
Number of shares |
|
Nominal value |
|
CHF000 |
|
US$000 |
|
Issued and fully paid share capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered |
|
11,013,040 |
|
CHF10 |
|
110,130 |
|
68,785 |
|
Bearer |
|
10,872,105 |
|
CHF25 |
|
271,803 |
|
167,539 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
381,933 |
|
236,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized share capital bearer |
|
1,400,000 |
|
CHF25 |
|
35,000 |
|
26,795 |
|
Conditional share capital bearer for options and/or convertible bonds |
|
1,452,000 |
|
CHF25 |
|
36,300 |
|
27,791 |
|
Conditional share capital bearer for stock options |
|
630,286 |
|
CHF25 |
|
15,757 |
|
12,063 |
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005 |
|
||||||
Class of shares |
|
Number of shares |
|
Nominal value |
|
CHF000 |
|
US$ 000 |
|
Issued and fully paid share capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered |
|
11,013,040 |
|
CHF10 |
|
110,130 |
|
68,785 |
|
Bearer |
|
10,832,507 |
|
CHF25 |
|
270,813 |
|
166,770 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
380,943 |
|
235,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized share capital bearer |
|
1,400,000 |
|
CHF25 |
|
35,000 |
|
26,553 |
|
Conditional share capital bearer for options and/or convertible bonds |
|
1,452,000 |
|
CHF25 |
|
36,300 |
|
27,540 |
|
Conditional share capital bearer for stock options |
|
669,884 |
|
CHF25 |
|
16,747 |
|
12,705 |
|
Registered shares have a nominal value of CHF10 each and bearer shares have a nominal value of CHF25 each. Registered and bearer shares participate in dividends in proportion to their nominal value. Each share entitles the holder to one vote. The authorized share capital may be used by Serono S.A. or its affiliates to finance research and development projects and acquire interests in other companies.
The Board of Directors will propose to the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 25, 2006 the authorization to increase the share capital by a maximum amount of CHF190,471,500 through the issuance of a maximum of 7,618,860 new bearer shares, each with a par value of CHF25, until April 25, 2008. The Board of Directors may proceed to increase the share capital all at once or in installments.
7. Treasury shares
There were 641,470 treasury shares held by the group as of January 1, 2006. During the first three months ended March 31, 2006, no additional treasury shares were acquired (none in 2005). During the first three months ended March 31, 2006, 5,395 treasury shares were granted to employees (5,766 shares in 2005) as part of the Employee Share Purchase Plan. The total number of treasury shares held as of March 31, 2006 is 636,075.
8. Distribution of earnings
At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 25, 2006, the Board of Directors will propose a cash dividend in respect of 2005 of CHF4.00 gross (2004: CHF3.60) per registered share, CHF10.00 gross (2004: CHF9.00) per bearer share or CHF0.25 gross per American depositary share, amounting to CHF154.4 million. The amount available
for distribution is based on the available distributable retained earnings of Serono S.A., the holding company of the group, determined in accordance with the legal provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations. These financial statements do not reflect the dividends payable, which will be accounted for in shareholders equity as an appropriation of retained earnings in the year ending December 31, 2006.
9. Equity compensation plans
Employee Stock Option Plan
Stock options are granted to senior management members of Serono S.A. and its affiliates. Each stock option gives the holder the right to purchase one bearer share or one American depositary share (ADS) of Serono S.A. stock, depending on which affiliate employs the holder. Stock options are granted every plan year and vest as follows: 25% one year after date of grant, 50% after two years, 75% after three years and 100% after four years. Options expire six years after the fourth and final vesting date such that each option has a 10-year duration. The exercise price is equal to the fair market value of the underlying Serono S.A. bearer share or American depositary shares on the date of grant.
Movements in the number of employee bearer stock options outstanding are as follows:
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
||||
|
|
Bearer |
|
Weighted |
|
Bearer |
|
Weighted |
|
Outstanding as of January 1 |
|
382,692 |
|
984 |
|
346,486 |
|
995 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
(16,784 |
) |
728 |
|
(4,345 |
) |
609 |
|
Cancelled |
|
(5,587 |
) |
1,290 |
|
(3,948 |
) |
1,085 |
|
Outstanding as of March 31 |
|
360,321 |
|
991 |
|
338,193 |
|
998 |
|
Movements in the number of employee ADS stock options outstanding are as follows:
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
||||
|
|
ADS |
|
Weighted |
|
ADS |
|
Weighted |
|
Outstanding as of January 1 |
|
1,791,150 |
|
15.54 |
|
1,066,800 |
|
15.54 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
(36,400 |
) |
15.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled |
|
(40,100 |
) |
17.05 |
|
(59,800 |
) |
15.70 |
|
Outstanding as of March 31 |
|
1,714,650 |
|
16.53 |
|
1,007,000 |
|
15.54 |
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2006, 16,784 bearer stock options (2005: 4,345 bearer stock options) were exercised yielding proceeds of CHF12.2 million or $9.5 million (2005: CHF2.6 million or $2.2 million) and 36,400 ADS options (none in 2005) were exercised yielding proceeds of $0.6 million. Bearer and ADS stock options cancelled in all years since inception of the plan are the result of options forfeited by participants upon their departure from the group. The total number of bearer and ADS stock options available for grant as of March 31, 2006 is 206,259 options (2005: 319,771 options).
Director Stock Option Plan
Stock options are granted to members of the Board of Directors of Serono S.A. Each stock option gives the holder the right to purchase one bearer share of Serono S.A. stock. Stock options are granted every plan year and vest beginning one year after their grant rateably over four years. Each option has a 10-year duration. The exercise price is equal to
the fair market value of the underlying Serono S.A. bearer share on the date of grant. There were no options granted (none in 2005) to directors during the three months ended March 31, 2006. No director stock options were cancelled or exercised during the first quarter 2006 and 2005. There are 21,800 director stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2006 (2005: 20,720 director stock options) with a weighted average exercise price of CHF791 (2005: CHF755).
A total compensation expense of $4.9 million (2005: $4.0 million) has been recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2006 arising on share-based payment transactions related to stock options. The compensation expense has been charged to the appropriate income statement heading as follows: cost of product sales $0.4 million, selling, general and administrative $2.6 million and research and development $1.9 million.
Employee Share Purchase Plan
The group has an Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) covering substantially all of its employees. The ESPP is designed to allow employees to purchase every calendar year bearer shares or American depositary shares at 85% of the lower of the average market values in the 10 days preceding the beginning and end of the calendar year. Share purchased under the ESPP are granted in January of the following calendar year. Purchases under the ESPP are subject to certain restrictions and may not exceed 15% of the employees annual salary. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, 21,904 bearer shares (2005: 20,940 bearer shares) were issued to employees at a price of CHF630 per share (2005: CHF630 per share). As of March 31, 2006, a total of $3.0 million (2005: $3.2 million) in contributions was held by the group to be used to purchase bearer and American depositary shares on behalf of employees in January 2007.
Shares purchased under the ESPP that are held for one calendar year after the purchase date entitle each participant to receive, on a one-time basis in early January of each year, one matching share for every three shares purchased and held. In January 2006, 5,437 bearer shares (2005: 5,766 bearer shares) were distributed to employees.
The total compensation expense of $1.2 million (2005: $2.2 million) has been recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2006 arising on share-based payment transactions related to the ESPP discount and matching shares. The compensation expense has been charged to the appropriate income statement headings as follows: cost of product sales $0.2 million, selling, general and administrative $0.7 million and research and development $0.3 million.
Director Share Purchase Plan
The group has a share purchase plan reserved for its Board of Directors (the DSPP). The DSPP allows board members to purchase Serono S.A. bearer shares through allocation of 50% or 100% of their gross yearly fees. Each cycle commences on the first business day following the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the AGM) and concludes on the day of the next AGM. Directors must elect to participate in the DSPP at the beginning of each cycle. The purchase price per share is 85% of the fair market value of the share on the fifth business day following the AGM. Shares are purchased at the end of each cycle. There were no bearer shares issued to the directors that participate in the plan during the first three months of 2006 and 2005.
Restricted Share Plan
The group has a Restricted Share Plan whereby employees may be granted restricted share awards as a result of an award based on certain performance criteria. Shares granted under this plan generally have a three-year vesting period. No shares were granted to employees during the first three months of 2006 and 2005.
Stock Grant Plan
The group adopted a new Stock Grant Plan effective January 1, 2006, whereby selected employees may be granted restricted share awards at the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors. Shares granted under this plan will vest in three annual installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date subject to continuous employment from the grant date to the vesting dates. There were 29,599 bearer shares and 554,590 American depositary shares granted to selected employees during the first three months of 2006. The compensation expense recorded in the 2006 income statement as a result of applying IFRS 2 Share-based payments amounted to $3.8 million and has been allocated to the appropriate income statement headings as follows: cost of product sales $0.3 million, selling, general and administrative $2.2 million and research and development $1.3 million.
10. Principal shareholders
As of March 31, 2006, Bertarelli Biotech S.A., a corporation with its principal offices at Chéserex (Vaud), Switzerland, held 57.03% of the capital and 66.95% of the voting rights in Serono S.A. Ernesto Bertarelli controls Bertarelli Biotech S.A. On the same date, Maria-Iris Bertarelli, Ernesto Bertarelli and Donata Bertarelli Späth owned in the aggregate 4.77% of the capital and 8.58% of the voting rights of Serono S.A.
11. Legal proceedings
Seronos principal US subsidiary, Serono Inc., received a subpoena in 2001 from the US Attorneys office in Boston, Massachusetts requesting that it produce documents for the period from 1992 forward relating to Serostim. During 2002, Serono Inc. also received subpoenas from the states of California, Florida, Maryland and New York, which mirror the requests in the US Attorneys subpoena. Other pharmaceutical companies have received similar subpoenas as part of an ongoing, industry-wide investigation by the states and the federal government into sales, marketing and other practices. These investigations seek to determine whether such practices violated any laws, including the Federal False Claims Act or the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or constituted fraud in connection with Medicare and/or Medicaid reimbursement to third parties. Serono cooperated fully with the investigation and agreed to settle this dispute in October 2005. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, approximately $724.9 million was paid as a comprehensive settlement with federal and state governments and to cover related costs. Seronos US holding company, Serono Holding Inc., also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of Human Health Services in connection with the investigation.
In September 2005, the Government Employees Hospital Association (GEHA), a health insurance plan, filed a purported class action on behalf of third party payors and individual consumers against Serono Inc. and Serono International S.A. alleging that Serono Inc. and Serono International S.A. inflated the average wholesale price (AWP) of certain products, and that this inflation caused GEHA to overpay for those products. In November 2005, GEHA filed an amended complaint alleging, in addition to its average wholesale price claims, that Serono illegally promoted and marketed Serostim. On February 22, 2006, GEHA requested (and Serono consented to) permission from the court to file a Second Amended Class Action Complaint and provided a copy of that proposed complaint to Serono. The proposed Second Amended Complaint adds another plaintiff, District Council 37 Health & Security Plan Trust (alleged to be a third party payor of prescriptions for its members), does not contain any AWP claims, alleges that Serono illegally promoted and marketed Serostim, and alleges that Serono used improper and inappropriate sales and marketing practices to increase the sales of other Serono products, including Cetrotide, Crinone, Gonal-F, Fertinex, Ovidrel, Pergonal, Profasi, Rebif, and Saizen. The allegations in the proposed Second Amended Complaint concerning Serostim are drawn from the government investigation of Serostim discussed above. The proposed Second Amended Complaint alleges eight counts: (1) violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(C) (civil RICO); (2) violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(C) (civil RICO); (3) violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(D) (civil RICO conspiracy); (4) civil conspiracy; (5) violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act; (6) violation of consumer protection statutes of 44 states and the District of Columbia; (7) common law fraud; and (8) unjust enrichment. The parties are still engaged in preliminary motion practice and the group has not yet filed an answer. The group intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. The final settlement or adjudication of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the operations or financial condition of the company. The company cannot predict the timing of the resolution of this matter or ultimate outcome.
On April 7, 2006, Eugene Francis filed a purported class action on behalf of all persons or entities that paid a portion of the purchase price for Serostim against Serono Inc. and certain other parties. The allegations of the complaint concern only the companys sales and marketing of Serostim, and are substantially similar to the allegations concerning Serostim made in the GEHA matter described above. The complaint contains the same eight counts as the GEHA Second Amended Complaint described above. The company has not yet filed an answer. The company believes it is likely that this case will be consolidated with the GEHA case. The group intends to vigorously defend this case. The final settlement or adjudication of this case could have a material adverse effect on the operations or financial condition of the company. The company cannot predict the timing of the resolution of these cases or ultimate outcome.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
SERONO S.A., |
||||
|
a Swiss corporation |
||||
|
(Registrant) |
||||
|
|
|
|||
Date |
April 20, 2006 |
|
By: |
/s/ Stuart Grant |
|
|
Name: Stuart Grant |
||||
|
Title: Chief Financial Officer |
||||