Actavis, Inc.
(
ACT
), formerly known as Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., recently
provided an update on its 2012 performance, 2013 outlook and
prospects.
The company said that it expects 2012 earnings on the higher
end of its previously issued guidance range of $5.85 to $5.95, up
25% from 2011. 2012 revenues are expected to increase 29% to
about $5.9 billion. We note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate of
$5.94 per share is already on the higher end of the guidance
range.
Actavis expects to earn $7.70 - $8.10 per share on total
revenues of about $8.1 billion in 2013. During 2013, the company
expects low single-digit pricing erosion in the US and mid
single-digit percentage price erosion in ex-US markets. Actavis
said that it still expects cost synergy savings of $100 million
in 2013 mainly from SG&A, R&D and raw material costs.
Actavis Pharma, the company's global generics business, is
expected to post revenues of $6.3 billion - $6.5 billion in 2013.
Actavis is the third largest player in the global generics market
and has a presence across 62 countries. The company intends to
launch its generic version of Pulmicort Respules in the second
quarter of 2013. While the company expects an additional
competitor for generic Concerta to enter the market in 2013, it
does not except any competition for its generic versions of
Lidoderm and Adderall XR until 2014.
Actavis' global brands business, Actavis Specialty Brands, is
slated to post revenues of $550 million - $600 million in 2013.
Products like Rapaflo, Generess FE, the Crinone franchise and the
recently completed Uteron acquisition should help drive revenues.
The company is also working on the development of biosimilars in
collaboration with
Amgen
(
AMGN
).
The Anda Distribution segment is expected to post revenues of
$1.0 billion - $1.2 billion.
Our Take
While revenue guidance was in line with expectations, earnings
guidance was below expectations with the Zacks Consensus Estimate
standing at $8.20 per share. One of the factors behind this is
the entry of an additional competitor for generic Concerta. We
believe the company should be able to achieve its guidance
easily. With fewer major patent expiries slated to occur in the
next few years, we are encouraged by Actavis' focus on building
its branded and biosimilars pipeline.
Actavis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other
generic players like
Mylan
(
MYL
) and
Pernix Therapeutic Holdings, Inc.
(
PTX
) currently look better positioned. These companies carry a Zacks
Rank #2 (Buy).
ACTAVIS INC (ACT): Free Stock Analysis Report
AMGEN INC (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
MYLAN INC (MYL): Free Stock Analysis Report
PERNIX THERAPTC (PTX): Free Stock Analysis
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