Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) ，a global biopharmaceutical company，today reported results for the first quarter of 2019 which were highlighted by strong demand for Opdivo (nivolumab) and Eliquis (apixaban) and a robust operating performance across the portfolio.

First quarter financial results

Bristol-Myers Squibb posted first quarter 2019 revenues of $5.9 billion, an increase of 14% compared to the same period a year ago. Revenues increased 18% when adjusted for foreign exchange impact.

U.S. revenues increased 24% to $3.4 billion in the quarter compared to the same period a year ago. International revenues increased 2%. When adjusted for foreign exchange impact, international revenues increased 10%.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased from 69.5% to 68.9% in the quarter primarily due to product mix and higher excise tax, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 3% to $1.0 billion in the quarter.

Research and development expenses increased 8% to $1.4 billion in the quarter.

The effective tax rate was 13.3% in the quarter, compared to 16.0% in the first quarter last year.

The company reported net earnings attributable to Bristol-Myers Squibb of $1.7 billion, or $1.04 per share, in the first quarter, compared to net earnings of $1.5 billion, or $0.91 per share, for the same period in 2018. The results for the first quarter of 2019 include $187 million of Celgene-related acquisition and integration expenses.

The company reported non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Bristol-Myers Squibb of $1.8 billion, or $1.10 per share, in the first quarter, compared to net earnings of $1.5 billion, or $0.94 per share, for the same period in 2018. An overview of specified items is discussed under the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" section.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $10.0 billion, with a net cash position of $4.0 billion, as of March 31, 2019.

Acquisition of Celgene Corporation

In April, the company announced its shareholders voted to approve the company’s pending acquisition of Celgene Corporation. The company continues to expect to close the acquisition in the third quarter.

2019 financial guidance

Bristol-Myers Squibb is increasing its 2019 GAAP EPS guidance range to $3.84 - $3.94 and confirming its non-GAAP EPS guidance range of $4.10 - $4.20. Both GAAP and non-GAAP guidance assume current exchange rates. Key 2019 GAAP and non-GAAP line-item guidance assumptions are:

Worldwide revenues increasing in the mid-single digits.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue to be approximately 70% for both GAAP and non-GAAP.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses decreasing in the mid-single digit range for both GAAP and non-GAAP.

Research and development expenses decreasing in the high-single digits for GAAP and increasing in the high-single digits for non-GAAP.

An effective tax rate of approximately 14% for GAAP and approximately 16% for non-GAAP.

The financial guidance for 2019 excludes the impact of any potential future strategic acquisitions and divestitures, including any impact of the Celgene acquisition other than expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2019, and any specified items that have not yet been identified and quantified. The non-GAAP 2019 guidance also excludes other specified items as discussed under "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information." Details reconciling adjusted non-GAAP amounts with the amounts reflecting specified items are provided in supplemental materials available on the company's website.

Guidance inclusive of the Celgene acquisition will be provided after the close of the transaction. The company's previously announced sale of the UPSA consumer health business to Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. for $1.6 billion is anticipated to be completed in July 2019.

"We had a very good first quarter during which the company remained focused on delivering strong sales growth of our prioritized brands and continuing to advance the science in our disease areas of focus," said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We also achieved approval from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene shareholders to move forward with the acquisition. Looking forward, we are focused on our integration planning with Celgene and creating a leading biopharma company, with potential first-in- and best-in-class medicines, to address the unmet needs of our patients and create long-term substantial growth."

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases.

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