Celgene (CELG +0.00%) did it again. Investors have grown accustomed to the company reporting solid numbers with its earnings announcements. Celgene's second quarter adds another log to the fire for this smoking hot biotech. Here are the three things you need to know from the latest results.
1. The growth story continues.
With a market cap of over $58 billion, you might think that Celgene's growth engine might taper off. That's not happening. In the second quarter, the company reported revenue of $1.56 billion -- 17% higher than the same quarter last year. That figure also beat the $1.54 billion in revenue expected by analysts.
Earnings growth continues to be solid, as well. Celgene announced adjusted net income of $653 million, a 20% year-over-year jump. Thanks to stock buybacks, the per-share numbers were even better. The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.52 per share. This reflects a 25% increase compared to second quarter of 2012, and handily beat Wall Street expectations of $1.44 per share.
On a GAAP basis, earnings came in at $478 million, or $1.11 per diluted share. During the same period last year, Celgene reported GAAP earnings of $367 million, or $0.82 per diluted share.
2. It's not just about Revlimid anymore.
Revlimid still rules the roost, with its $1.05 billion in second-quarter sales comprising around 67% of total revenue. And sales for the drug are still growing solidly, up 13% year over year. However, this time last year, Celgene's quarterly sales for all other products totaled $385 million. That number now stands at $498 million -- a 29% increase.
Cancer drug Abraxane is really stepping up to the plate, contributing $155 million in sales during second quarter. That's a 41% leap year over year. Pomalyst brought in $66 million after hitting the market in the first quarter of 2013.
Revenue for Vidaza totaled $211 million, climbing 5% from the same quarter in 2012. Although Celgene lost U.S. patent exclusivity for the drug in 2011, sales still increased 3% in the states. International sales grew more strongly, as you might expect, with a 7% rise.
Only long-in-the-tooth drug Thalomid experienced a sales decline, dropping 13% year over year. However, it still brought in $66 million in revenue.
3. Good things are still on the way.
Celgene upped its full-year earnings guidance to $5.80 to $5.90 per diluted share. The company previously projected earnings of $5.55 to $5.65 per share. Assuming it hits the revised range, 2013 earnings should be around 19% higher than those of 2012.
Revenue will be higher than thought earlier, also. Celgene now estimates net product sales for the full year will come in at $6.2 billion versus the $6.0 billion level given as guidance previously.
The company anticipates a decision in Europe in the coming months on approval of Pomalyst as a treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. A decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is forthcoming by Sept. 21 on potential approval for Abraxane in treating advanced pancreatic cancer. Celgene also plans regulatory submissions for apremilast in the U.S., Canada, and Europe in the near future.
During the second quarter, Celgene completed its previously authorized share repurchase. However, it's not done -- the board approved another buyback of $3 billion.
Still a buy?
Celgene's shares jumped over 2% on Thursday after the strong earnings results were announced. The stock is up over 77% year to date. Is it too late to buy Celgene? I don't think so.
The growth prospects for the biotech are still quite strong. It can still count on solid revenue from still-growing Revlimid. Abraxane and Pomalyst have plenty of room to run. Apremilast appears likely to receive regulatory approval and be yet another feather in Celgene's cap.
With a cash stockpile (including cash equivalents) of over $4 billion, Celgene could also be on the lookout for smaller biotechs and/or drugs to acquire. I wouldn't be surprised to see the company make a few smart purchases in the coming year.
There could be a few blips along the way, but Celgene seems likely to continue performing well over the next few years. I maintain my bullish outlook on this big biotech.
