Henry Schein net sales increase 9.3% to $2.6 billion in Q2 2014

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 financial results for the quarter ended June 28, 2014.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2014 were $2.6 billion, an increase of 9.3% compared with the second quarter of 2013. This consisted of 7.9% growth in local currencies and 1.4% growth related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 4.3% and acquisition growth was 3.6% (see Exhibit A for details of sales growth).

Net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. for the second quarter of 2014 was $116.2 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, an increase of 7.2% and 9.8%, respectively, compared with the second quarter of 2013.

"Sales growth was solid during the second quarter with internal sales growth in local currencies the highest we have reported in the past year and a half. Domestic sales rebounded from the effects of severe winter weather in the preceding quarter," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. "We are also pleased to be raising the lower end of our 2014 financial guidance range."

Dental sales of $1.4 billion increased 8.6%, consisting of 7.5% growth in local currencies and 1.1% growth related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 2.6% and acquisition growth was 4.9%. The 2.6% internal growth in local currencies included 4.3% growth in North America while International sales were flat.

"We gained market share in our Dental group with growth in North America exceeding 8% and International growth above 9%. North America internal Dental merchandise sales growth was bolstered by strategic acquisitions, and equipment sales and service revenue growth was nearly 11% in local currencies. International Dental growth also reflects strategic acquisitions, while internal equipment sales and service revenue in local currencies declined from a strong prior-year comparison that included the biennial IDS in Germany," commented Mr. Bergman. "Through strategic dental transactions during the quarter, we expanded our reach in France and entered Brazil, our first operation in South America."

Animal Health sales of $754.5 million increased 13.2%, consisting of 10.7% growth in local currencies and 2.5% growth related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 7.3% and acquisition growth was 3.4%. The 7.3% internal growth in local currencies included 7.9% growth in North America and 6.8% growth in International.

"We also gained market share in our Animal Health group with internal sales growth in local currencies at its highest level in six quarters. International internal Animal Health sales growth in local currencies was at a multi-year record," commented Mr. Bergman. "We also significantly strengthened our position in the U.S. equine-products market with the acquisition of a majority ownership position in SmartPak, which was completed early in the third quarter."

Medical sales of $403.3 million increased 4.0%, including 3.7% growth in local currencies and 0.3% growth related to foreign currency exchange.

"Medical sales growth in North America, which represents 95% of the group's total, accelerated sharply from the preceding quarter as we recovered from the impact of weather and made progress with our strategic focus on large group practices and integrated delivery networks. Pre-bookings of seasonal influenza vaccines are running in-line with the prior year," remarked Mr. Bergman.

Technology and Value-Added Services sales of $89.1 million increased 14.2%, including 13.2% growth in local currencies and 1.0% growth related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 9.3% and acquisition growth was 3.9%.

"Technology and Value-Added Services sales growth also accelerated in North America compared with the preceding quarter to its highest growth rate in more than a year, with particular strength in software sales and value-added services," commented Mr. Bergman. "We continue to be pleased with our performance internationally in this category, with double-digit internal sales growth in local currencies for the past six quarters."

Stock Repurchase Plan
The Company announced that it repurchased approximately 654,000 shares of its common stock during the second quarter at an average price of $116.43 per share, or approximately $76.1 million. The impact of the repurchase of shares on second quarter diluted EPS was immaterial. At the close of the second quarter, Henry Schein had approximately $148 million authorized for future repurchases of its common stock.

Year-to-Date Results
Net sales for the first half of 2014 were $5.0 billion, an increase of 7.7% compared with the first half of 2013. This consisted of 6.8% growth in local currencies and 0.9% growth related to foreign currency exchange. In local currencies, internally generated sales increased 3.6% and acquisition growth was 3.2%.

Net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. for the first half of 2014 was $218.3 million or $2.53 per diluted share, an increase of 7.8% and 10.0%, respectively, compared with the first half of 2013 excluding a non-cash, one-time expense related to debt refinancing.

2014 EPS Guidance
Henry Schein today raised the lower end of its 2014 financial guidance range, as follows:

• For 2014, the Company expects diluted EPS attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. to be $5.33 to $5.39. This represents growth of 8% to 9% compared with 2013 results excluding certain one-time items, and compares with previous guidance for 2014 diluted EPS to be $5.29 to $5.39.
• Guidance for 2014 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.