Henry Schein's net sales increase 2.4% to $2.7 billion in third quarter 2015

Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners, today reported record third quarter financial results.

Net sales for the quarter ended September 26, 2015 were $2.7 billion, an increase of 2.4% compared with the third quarter of 2014. This consisted of 8.3% growth in local currencies and a 5.9% decline related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 4.8% and acquisition growth was 3.5% (see Exhibit A for details of sales growth).

Net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. for the third quarter of 2015 was $127.7 million, or $1.52 per diluted share. Excluding restructuring costs of $8.4 million pretax or $0.08 per diluted share, as well as a one-time income tax benefit, net of noncontrolling interest, of $3.8 million or $0.05 per diluted share, adjusted net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. for the third quarter of 2015 was $130.6 million or $1.55 per diluted share. This represents an increase of 13.7% and 15.7%, respectively, compared with the third quarter of 2014 (see Exhibit B for reconciliation of GAAP net income and EPS to non-GAAP adjusted net income and EPS).

"We are pleased with our third quarter financial results, which reflected accelerated growth in adjusted diluted EPS as well as in worldwide sales despite the continued negative impact of the strength of the U.S. dollar. Through our long-standing strategy of organic growth complemented by strategic acquisitions, we believe we continued to gain market share on an overall basis during the quarter, both in North America and internationally," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. "We are pleased to be introducing guidance for 2016 adjusted diluted EPS that represents growth of 10% to 12% compared with the midpoint of our new 2015 adjusted guidance range."

Dental sales of $1.3 billion declined 2.5%, consisting of 4.6% growth in local currencies and a 7.1% decline related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies internally generated sales increased 4.1% and acquisition growth was 0.5%. The 4.1% internal growth in local currencies included 4.4% growth in North America and 3.6% growth internationally.

"In North America, we believe that consumable merchandise internal sales growth in local currencies of 3.8% indicates continued solid patient flow to dental offices. Equipment sales and service internal growth in local currencies of 6.4% was the highest in more than a year and reflected particular strength in sales of traditional equipment," commented Mr. Bergman. "International consumable merchandise internal sales in local currencies grew by 2.9%, and international equipment sales and service internal growth in local currencies was a solid 5.3% following double-digit gains in the preceding quarter."

Animal Health sales of $732.5 million declined 3.4%, consisting of 4.5% growth in local currencies and a 7.9% decline related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 0.5% and acquisition growth was 4.0%. The 0.5% internal growth in local currencies included a 1.9% decline in North America and 2.7% growth internationally.

"The 1.9% decline in internal sales in local currencies in North America reflected 4.2% growth when normalizing results to account for the impact of certain products switching between agency sales and direct sales, as well as changes to our veterinary diagnostics manufacturer relationships," commented Mr. Bergman. "Growth in our Animal Health group continues to reflect strategic acquisitions. During the quarter we closed on our purchase of a majority interest in Jorgen Kruuse A/S, which expanded our direct presence to Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We also expect to introduce Kruuse branded products to additional markets. Subsequent to the quarter close, we announced an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Vetstreet, a leading provider of marketing solutions and health information analytics to veterinary clinics and animal health manufacturers."

Medical sales of $597.2 million increased 24.3%, consisting of 25.0% growth in local currencies and a 0.7% decline related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 13.6% and acquisition growth was 11.4%.

"Internal sales growth in our Medical group in North America of 14.1% was at an eight-year high as we made further progress with large group practices and integrated delivery networks. This growth was bolstered by sales resulting from our strategic agreement with Cardinal Health, and we are delighted with the continued successful transition of customers to the Henry Schein platform," remarked Mr. Bergman.

Technology and Value-Added Services sales of $89.7 million increased 3.0%, including 5.8% growth in local currencies and a 2.8% decline related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 5.2% and acquisition growth was 0.6%.

"Technology and Value-Added Services internal sales growth in North America was 4.5% in local currencies, and international internal growth was 8.4% in local currencies with particular strength during the quarter in electronic services and value-added services," commented Mr. Bergman. "Henry Schein is committed to the efficient delivery of health care services while supporting the business success of our customers. The advanced-technology products and services we offer provide a platform for sales opportunities across all our business groups."

Stock Repurchase Plan
The Company announced that it repurchased approximately 261,000 shares of its common stock during the third quarter at an average price of $144.11 per share, or approximately $37.7 million. The impact of the repurchase of shares on third quarter diluted EPS was immaterial. At the close of the third quarter, Henry Schein had approximately $149 million authorized for future repurchases of its common stock.

Year-to-Date Results
Net sales for the first nine months of 2015 were $7.8 billion, an increase of 1.4% compared with the first nine months of 2014. This consisted of 7.8% growth in local currencies and a decline of 6.4% related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 4.5% and acquisition growth was 3.3%.

Net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. for the first nine months of 2015 was $349.1 million, or $4.14 per diluted share. Excluding restructuring costs of $22.5 million pretax, or $0.21 per diluted share, as well as a one-time income tax benefit, net of noncontrolling interest, of $3.8 million or $0.05 per diluted share, adjusted net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. for the first nine months of 2015 was $362.2 million or $4.30 per diluted share, an increase of 8.7% and 10.8%, respectively, compared with the first nine months of 2014.

2015 EPS Guidance
Henry Schein today tightened its 2015 financial guidance range, as follows:

• For 2015 the Company expects adjusted diluted EPS attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. to be $5.90 to $5.96. This compares with previous guidance for adjusted diluted EPS attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. of $5.90 to $6.00, and represents growth of 8% to 10% compared with 2014 results.
• This 2015 guidance excludes restructuring costs of approximately $0.26 to $0.30 per diluted share versus prior guidance of $0.29 to $0.33, related to a previously announced corporate initiative to rationalize the Company's operations and provide significant expense efficiencies, as well as $0.05 per diluted share related to a one-time tax benefit in the third quarter.
• The Company now expects that certain restructuring initiatives previously expected to be completed in 2015 will continue into the first half of 2016. These 2016 restructuring cost are expected to be in the range of $0.03 to $0.07.
• Guidance for 2015 adjusted diluted EPS attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. is for current continuing operations as well as completed or previously announced acquisitions, and does not include the impact of potential future acquisitions, if any.

2016 EPS Guidance
Henry Schein today introduced 2016 financial guidance, as follows:

• For 2016 the Company expects adjusted diluted EPS attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. to be $6.55 to $6.65, which represents growth of 10% to 12% compared with the midpoint of our new adjusted 2015 guidance range.
• Guidance for 2016 diluted EPS attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. is for current continuing operations as well as completed or previously announced acquisitions, and does not include the impact of potential future acquisitions, if any, or the anticipated restructuring cost of $0.03 to $0.07.