ALXN reports Q4 and 2012 earnings

On February 14^th, Alexion Pharmaceuticals reported Q4  and 2012 full year results. For Q4 2012 net product sales of soliris increased 41 percent to $320.5 million, compared to $227.6 million in Q4 2011. This increase represents steady additions of new patients with PHN globally and new patients with aHUS. Q4 2012 non-GAAP net income increased 52 percent to $122.3million, or $0.60 per share, compared to Q4 2011 non-GAAP net income of $80.5 million, or $0.41 per share. Overall ALXN had steady increases for Q4 2012. For the year 2012 net product sales increased 45 percent to $1.134 billion, compared to $783.4 million in 2011. 2012 non-GAAP net income increased 60 percent to $425.2 million, or $2.13 per share, compared to 2011 non-GAAP net income of $266.1 million, or $1.38 per share.  As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $989.5 million in cash and cash equivalents compared to $540.9 million at December 31, 2011. Compared to 2011, Alexion has improved overall in 2012.  In 2013, worldwide net product sales are expected to be within a range of $1.490 to $1.505 billion. On a non-GAAP basis, R&D expenses are expected to be in the range of $285 to $295 million, and SG&A expenses in the range of $425 to $435million. Cost of sales is expected to be approximately 10 percent of net product sales. The non-GAAP effective tax rate ,reported on a cash tax liability basis, is expected to be in the range of 7 to 9 percent. Based on a forecast of approximately 205 million diluted shares outstanding, Alexion is providing guidance of $2.82 to $2.92 for non-GAAP earnings per share for the year. Alexion plans to continue to grow and expand their market in 2013 which will lead to further increases and improvements throughout the year.