Taro Provides Results for December 31, 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TARO) reported unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023, showing an increase in net sales, gross profit, and operating income compared to the previous year. However, the company also faced increased R&D and SG&A expenses, as well as certain one-time charges. Taro also announced a merger agreement with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, subject to shareholder approval.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported increase in net sales and gross profit for Taro Pharmaceutical Industries indicates a positive trajectory for the company's financial health, particularly noting the 12.9% growth in quarterly sales and the improvement in gross margin from 46.0% to 50.8%. This margin expansion suggests a favorable cost structure or pricing power, which is crucial for profitability. Moreover, the significant rise in interest and other financial income by $8.9 million for the quarter and $27.5 million for the nine months is notable, as it reflects additional income streams that can bolster the company's bottom line.

However, the increase in R&D expenses underscores the company's continued investment in developing new products, which is essential for long-term growth but may pressure short-term earnings. The one-time charges related to the relocation of Alchemee operations and legal costs are important to consider, as they are non-recurring and provide a clearer picture of the company's operating efficiency when excluded. The cash flow improvement is particularly impressive, indicating strong operational efficiency and possibly improved working capital management.

Regarding the merger with Sun Pharma, the proposed acquisition price of $43.00 per share represents a substantial premium over the historical share price, which is likely to be viewed favorably by Taro's shareholders. The premium suggests confidence in Taro's value and future prospects. However, investors should carefully assess the terms of the deal and its strategic implications, as well as potential regulatory hurdles.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Taro's financial results and the merger announcement with Sun Pharma could have significant implications for its stock market performance. The reported growth in sales, driven by new launches and GTN adjustments, indicates that the company is effectively expanding its product portfolio and managing its pricing strategies, which can attract investor interest. The reported earnings per share (EPS) increase, both for the quarter and the nine months, is a critical metric for shareholders and could lead to positive sentiment in the market.

The merger with Sun Pharma could lead to synergies and increased market presence, which may result in cost savings and enhanced competitive positioning. The merger news, combined with strong financial performance, could create optimism among investors and analysts, potentially leading to an uptick in the company's stock in the short term. However, the long-term success of the merger will depend on the integration process and realization of the anticipated benefits.

Legal Expert

Legally, the merger between Taro and Sun Pharma is contingent upon satisfying various closing conditions, including the approval by a supermajority of Taro's shareholders. This process involves careful scrutiny under the Israeli Companies Law, particularly the requirement for approval by a majority of the minority shareholders. Such stipulations are designed to protect minority shareholders and ensure that the transaction is fair and equitable.

The substantial premium offered by Sun Pharma could be indicative of their commitment to the merger and their valuation of Taro's underlying assets and market position. It is also a tactic to incentivize shareholder approval. However, it is crucial for the due diligence process to be thorough, ensuring that there are no regulatory or legal impediments that could derail the merger or lead to post-merger complications.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TARO) (“Taro” or the “Company”) today provided unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023.

Quarter ended December 31, 2023 Highlights ─ compared to December 31, 2022

• Net sales of $157.1 million increased $17.9 million or 12.9% principally due to new launches and gross-to-net (“GTN”) adjustments. Excluding the impact of GTN adjustments, sales growth was high single digits.
• Gross profit of $79.9 million (50.8% of net sales) compared to $64.0 million (46.0% of net sales).
• Research and development (R&D) expenses of $13.6 million increased $0.7 million.
• Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) of $50.4 million included certain one-time charges of $0.9 million related to recruiting expenses for the relocation of our Alchemee operations from California to New York and legal costs related to the Special Committee that was established by the Board to consider the proposal submitted by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. on May 26, 2023. Excluding these charges, SG&A declined marginally.
• Operating income was $15.9 million; excluding the impact from the certain one-time charges, operating income was $16.8 million compared to operating income of $1.3 million in the previous year quarter.
• Interest and other financial income of $15.5 million increased $8.9 million.
• Tax expense of $13.1 million compared to a tax expense of $1.9 million in the prior year quarter.
• Net income was $20.2 million compared to net income of $7.3 million in the previous quarter, resulting in earnings per share of $0.54 compared to earnings per share of $0.19.

Nine Months ended December 31, 2023 Highlights ─ compared to December 31, 2022

• Net sales of $464.2 million increased $37.9 million or 8.9%, due to one-time GTN adjustments. Excluding, these adjustments, the sales growth was mid-single-digits.
• Gross profit of $217.6 million (46.9% of net sales as compared to 45.2%) increased $25.0 million.
• R&D expenses of $44.1 million increased $8.1 million, principally the result of increased clinical studies.
• SG&A of $160.8 million included certain one-time charges of $13.2 million related to the aforementioned certain one-time charges. Excluding these charges, SG&A was $147.6 million, slightly below the prior year.
• Operating income was $12.7 million; excluding the impact from the GTN adjustments and the certain one-time charges, operating income was slightly increased as compared to the prior year.
• Interest and other financial income of $40.4 million increased $27.5 million from $12.8 million in the prior year.
• Net income was $38.8 million compared to $18.5 million, resulting in earnings per share of $1.03 compared to earnings per share of $0.49.

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Highlights

• Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 was $86.2 million compared to net cash used in operations of $24.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2022. Excluding the impact from settlement payments and settlement and loss contingencies charges impacting the prior year, cash flow provided by operations was $97.7 million compared to $50.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2022.
• As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits and marketable securities (both short- and long-term) increased $51.0 million to $1.306 billion from March 31, 2023.

Taro Announces Merger Agreement with Sun Pharma
On January 17, 2024, Taro and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Reuters: SUN.BO, Bloomberg: SUNP IN, NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715) (together with its subsidiaries and/or associates referred as “Sun Pharma”) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which Sun Pharma, Taro’s controlling shareholder, has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Taro (other than the shares already held by Sun Pharma or its affiliates) for $43.00 per share in cash without interest. The merger is subject to various closing conditions. These include, among other conditions, the approval of the merger by the affirmative vote of shareholders representing at least 75% of the voting power of the Company's shares present and voting in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Company’s shareholders, including at least a majority of the voting power of such shares held by holders other than Sun Pharma and its affiliates or any other holders having a personal interest (under the Israeli Companies Law) in the merger and voting thereon.

The $43.00 per share purchase price represents a 48% premium over the closing price of $28.97 per share on May 25, 2023, the last trading day before Sun Pharma first submitted its non-binding proposal to Taro, and a 58% premium to the volume-weighted average price of the shares during the 60 days prior to and including May 25, 2023.

The Company cautions that the foregoing 2023 financial information is unaudited and is subject to change.

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About Taro
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a multinational, science-based pharmaceutical company dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers through the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of the highest quality healthcare products. For further information on Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., please visit the Company’s website at www.taro.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, as filed with the SEC.

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements that do not describe historical facts or that refer or relate to events or circumstances the Company “estimates,” “believes,” or “expects” to happen or similar language, and statements with respect to the Company’s financial performance, availability of financial information, and estimates of financial results and information for fiscal year 2024. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements to be based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general domestic and international economic conditions, industry and market conditions, changes in the Company's financial position, litigation brought by any party in any court in Israel, the United States, or any country in which Taro operates, regulatory and legislative actions in the countries in which Taro operates, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including its Annual Reports on Form 20-F. Forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligations to update, change or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, additional or subsequent developments or otherwise.

**Financial Tables Follow**

TARO PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
		Quarter Ended								Nine Months Ended
		December 31,								December 31,
			2023				2022				2023				2022
Sales, net		$	157,145			$	139,202			$	464,241			$	426,365
Cost of sales			77,241				75,155				246,651				233,750
Impairment			23				—				23				—
Gross profit			79,881				64,047				217,567				192,615
Operating Expenses:
Research and development			13,588				12,907				44,058				35,937
Selling, marketing, general and administrative			50,410				49,861				160,808				148,238
Operating income *			15,883				1,279				12,701				8,440
Financial (income)/expense, net:
Interest and other financial income			(15,496	)			(6,592	)			(40,358	)			(12,814	)
Foreign exchange (income)/expense			(138	)			(738	)			(597	)			2,344
Other gain, net			1,827				563				2,783				1,403
Income before income taxes			33,344				9,172				56,440				20,313
Tax expense			13,136				1,907				17,651				1,781
Net income *		$	20,208			$	7,265			$	38,789			$	18,532
Net income/(loss) per ordinary share:
Basic and Diluted *		$	0.54			$	0.19			$	1.03			$	0.49
Weighted-average number of shares used to compute net income/(loss) per share:
Basic and Diluted			37,584,891				37,584,891				37,584,891				37,584,891

* For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, excluding the impact from the certain one-time charges of $0.9 million (see page one of release for a description), operating income was $16.8 million compared to operating income of $1.3 million. Excluding the impact of the certain one-time charges, net income was $21.0 million, resulting in earnings per share of $0.56.

* For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, excluding the impact from the certain one-time charges of $13.2 million (see page one of release for a description), operating income was $25.9 million compared to $8.4 million. Excluding the impact of the certain one-time charges, net income was $50.2 million, resulting in earnings per share of $1.34.

TARO PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U.S. dollars in thousands)
		December 31,			March 31,
		2023			2023
ASSETS		(unaudited)			(audited)
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	382,409		$	154,495
Short-term bank deposits			56,480			119,980
Marketable securities			463,327			575,814
Accounts receivable and other:
Trade, net			191,232			202,260
Other receivables and prepaid expenses			39,140			57,210
Inventories			214,816			226,669
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS			1,347,404			1,336,428
Marketable securities			403,544			404,896
Property, plant and equipment, net			218,385			190,139
Deferred income taxes			97,300			103,672
Goodwill			17,231			17,231
Other assets			79,315			83,147
TOTAL ASSETS		$	2,163,179		$	2,135,513
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade payables		$	51,183		$	68,485
Other current liabilities			322,876			317,064
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES			374,059			385,549
Deferred taxes and other long-term liabilities			10,027			19,106
TOTAL LIABILITIES			384,086			404,655
Taro shareholders' equity			1,779,093			1,730,858
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	2,163,179		$	2,135,513

TARO PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (U.S. dollars in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended December 31,
			2023				2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	38,789			$	18,533
Adjustments required to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			22,872				21,320
Impairment of long-lived assets			23				—
Realized loss on sale of long-lived assets			—				2
Change in derivative instruments, net			—				(24	)
Decrease in goodwill and intangible assets			242				—
Effect of change in exchange rate on marketable securities and bank deposits			(539	)			1,590
Deferred income taxes, net			5,189				4,612
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables, net			10,781				(5,168	)
Decrease (increase) in inventories, net			11,769				(12,361	)
Decrease in other receivables, income tax receivables, prepaid expenses and other			18,367				7,287
Decrease in trade, income tax, accrued expenses and other payables			(14,972	)			(67,938	)
(Income)/expense from amortization of marketable securities bonds, net			(6,303	)			7,247
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			86,218				(24,900	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of plant, property & equipment, net			(48,229	)			(11,186	)
Investment in other intangible assets			(99	)			(122	)
Proceeds (Investment) in short-term bank deposits, net			63,500				(121,982	)
Proceeds from marketable securities, net			126,367				3,060
Investment in other investments			—				(2,000	)
Net cash used in (provided by) investing activities			141,539				(132,230	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net cash used in financing activities			—				—
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			157				(2,031	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			227,914				(159,161	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			154,495				251,134
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	382,409			$	91,973
Cash Paid during the year for:
Income taxes		$	10,600			$	3,415
Cash Received during the year for:
Income taxes		$	12,931			$	14,156
Non-cash investing transactions:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable		$	1,360			$	1,260
Non-cash financing transactions:
Purchase of marketable securities, net		$	1,305			$	2,710
Sale of marketable securities		$	270			$	—

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240125784015/en/

William J. Coote

VP, CFO

(914) 345-9001

William.Coote@taro.com

Source: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

FAQ

What are Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.'s (TARO) net sales for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023?

Taro's net sales for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023, were $157.1 million and $464.2 million, respectively.

What was Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.'s (TARO) operating income for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023?

Taro's operating income for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023, was $15.9 million and $12.7 million, respectively.

What are the highlights of Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.'s (TARO) financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023?

The highlights include an increase in net sales, gross profit, and operating income, as well as increased R&D and SG&A expenses and certain one-time charges.

What is the merger agreement between Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TARO) and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited?

Taro and Sun Pharma have entered into a definitive merger agreement, with Sun Pharma agreeing to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of Taro for $43.00 per share in cash without interest.

What is the purchase price offered by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited for Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TARO)?

Sun Pharma has offered a purchase price of $43.00 per share, representing a 48% premium over the closing price on May 25, 2023, and a 58% premium to the volume-weighted average price of the shares during the 60 days prior to and including May 25, 2023.