Showing posts with label Financial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Financial. Show all posts

Monday, July 16, 2012

OPKO Health Announces Appointment of Juan F. Rodriguez as Chief Financial Officer

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

OPKO Health, Inc. (OPK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Juan F. Rodriguez as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Rodriguez replaces Mr. Rao Uppaluri who is retiring.

Mr. Rodriguez brings to OPKO over 20 years of financial and business leadership experience, with over half of that in the life sciences field. Most recently, Mr. Rodriguez was serving as a consultant and advisor since 2007 to Cognitec Systems GmbH, a German software developer. From 1995 to 2007, prior to its acquisition by Abbott Laboratories, Mr. Rodriguez had been with Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded, specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of proprietary prescription products. During his twelve years at Kos, Mr. Rodriguez held various positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer, and last serving as Senior Vice President, Controller and Corporate Administration. Prior to joining Kos, Mr. Rodriguez was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP from 1991 to 1994. Mr. Rodriguez is a Certified Public Accountant and obtained his Bachelor of Accounting from Florida International University.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Juan to OPKO. Juan’s industry knowledge and financial expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our company and execute our strategy to establish industry-leading positions in large and rapidly growing medical markets,” said Phillip Frost, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OPKO.

Rao Uppaluri, has elected to retire from his role as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, but will remain involved as a consultant to OPKO.

“On behalf of OPKO’s Board of Directors and the entire OPKO team, I want to thank Rao for his valuable contributions to OPKO,” said Dr. Frost. “Rao has been instrumental as a founding member of OPKO and leaves behind a strong, capable financial team. Our company and its employees have all benefited from Rao’s efforts and we wish him the very best in retirement. We are also delighted that Rao will continue to be involved with OPKO, ensuring a smooth transition.”

About OPKO Health, Inc.

OPKO is a multi-national biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company that seeks to establish industry-leading positions in large and rapidly growing medical markets by leveraging its discovery, development and commercialization expertise and novel and proprietary technologies.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning, including all non-historical statements about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our business, technologies and products, financial condition, strategies, prospects, growth opportunities, and management. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and risks inherent in funding, developing and obtaining regulatory approvals of new, commercially-viable and competitive products and treatments. In addition, forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by general market factors, competitive product development, product availability, federal and state regulations and legislation, the regulatory process for new products and indications, manufacturing issues that may arise, patent positions and litigation, among other factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made, and, except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA.


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Thursday, May 31, 2012

China Health Labs & Diagnostics Ltd. announces financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012

TSX-V: CHO
OTCQX: CHLBF

www.chinahealthlabs.com

TORONTO , May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - China Health Labs & Diagnostics Ltd. (" China Health" or the "Company") (TSXV:CHO; OTCQX:CHLBF), is pleased to announce the financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 .

In the first quarter, the Company maintained its position as a leading provider of total solutions for medical diagnostics and food safety testing in China , and made progress in delivering another year of growth in 2012.  In 2011, China Health generated revenue growth of 35% to $45.6 million and profit growth of 53% to over $8 million , compared to 2010.  In 2012, the Company expects to deliver growth in revenue and profits, compared to 2011.  The Company is not providing specific guidance for 2012, but expects growth in net profits to be lower than the 53% in 2011, due to increased investment in product development and human resources to support expansion into new regions of China .

Highlights from first quarter ended March 31, 2012 include: 

Revenue grew by 17% to $7.883 million and profit decreased by 37% to $0.772 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . Earnings per share decreased to $0.01 per basic and diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared to $0.02 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . Increased installed base of BK Clinlabs to 858 rural hospitals, including the installation of 41 BK Clinlabs in rural hospitals, with 40 installed in Chongqing and 1 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Increased sales in the urban hospital and labs sector by 25% to $4.327 million , mostly from increased sales of reagent and consumables. Launched five new products in March 2012 for its total lab solutions businesses, leveraging the Company's proprietary technologies, which are expected to generate new revenue and strong gross margins.  Delivered 63 rural mobile labs, one of the new products, which integrate the Company's point of care technology ("POCT") and lab managements system to deliver diagnostics to remote rural communities.  (See press releases dated March 15, 2012 and March 27 , 2012). The Company's first quarter revenue and profit are generally the lowest as a percentage of annual revenue, while the third and fourth quarters tend to comprise the largest percentage of revenue and profits, due to the seasonality of the Company's customers' purchasing and budgeting processes.  For example in 2011, the first quarter accounted for approximately 15% of annual revenue and profit, while the fourth quarter accounted for approximately 43% of annual revenue and 48% of annual profit.  The Company expects a similar seasonality of revenue and profit in 2012.  For further information on seasonality, please see the Company's financial statements and MD&A filed on SEDAR.

Subsequent to the first quarter, the Company entered into agreements that will increase its installed base of BK Clinlabs to 965 rural hospitals (see Press Release dated May 29 , 2012.)  In addition, the Company secured new sales orders for its high margin POCT field diagnostic total lab solutions.

"In the first quarter, our sales and product development teams worked with our customers to ensure that we can meet their needs for 2012 with new and existing products and solutions.  While the first quarter is always our slowest for revenue, our team works very hard to make sure that our solutions are worked into the annual budgets of our Chinese government customers," said Wilson Yao , CEO of China Health. "Based on our progress in the first quarter, we are confident that we can achieve our operating goals and generate another year of growth in revenue and profits in 2012."

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 increased by 17% to $7.883 million , compared to $6.759 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . The growth in revenue was largely due to increased sales in the rural hospital and clinics and large urban hospital and labs sectors, offset by a decrease in revenue for POCT solutions and products for defense and rescue agencies sector.  Revenue from POCT solutions and products are generally large sales orders that are not placed evenly throughout the year.  Based on discussions with customers, the Company expects revenue from POCT solutions and products to increase for the full year of 2012, compared to 2011. In 2011, revenue from large urban hospitals decreased by 6%, compared to overall growth of revenue of 35% in 2011.  In 2012, the Company expects the large urban sector to grow due to expected increased sales in recurring revenue of reagents and consumables.

Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 increased by 6% to $4.147 million , compared to $3.894 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 due to overall increase in revenue. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was 53% compared to 58% for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 .

The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenue was due to changes in sales mix.  The lower gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was due to the decrease in revenue for the higher margin POCT solution and products for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.  The Company expects the gross margin for 2012 will be consistent with the gross margin for 2011 of 44%, but expects gross margin to vary on a quarterly basis due to changes in sales mix.

Administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 increased by 11% to $1.940 million , compared to $1.745 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . The principal reason for the increase was higher overhead costs including new employees and expanded facilities to support a growing customer base and sales. Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 25% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 , in comparison to 26% for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 .

Share-based compensation for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $0.081 million , compared with $0.188 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . The share-based compensation expense is a result of stock options that vested during the period for stock options granted to employees in April 2011 and to management in September 2011 .

Research and development ("R&D") expenditures for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 decreased by 21% to $0.259 million , compared to $0.328 million for the quarter ended March 31 , 2011.  Research and development expense as a percentage of revenue were approximately 3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 , compared to 5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . Research and development is focused on developing a full range of POCT solutions and improving the LMS system. The Company is accelerating product development to maintain its competitive advantages in the areas where it has developed unique proprietary solutions. Since the Company often collaborates with its customers to develop solutions, it is able to keep costs under control while developing products tailor made to customer needs.

Selling expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 increased by 62% to $0.746 million , compared to $0.462 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . Selling expense as a percentage of revenue was 9% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 , compared to 7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . Selling expenses are expected to increase in subsequent periods due to plans to expand the rural lab solution business to additional Chinese provinces and the food safety business to additional Chinese cities.

Government subsidy income for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $0.004 million , compared with $0.080 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . From time to time, the Company will receive government subsidies for one of the PRC subsidiaries' that qualifies as a high-tech Company and is involved in developing the Company's lab management software, and also for another PRC subsidiary that is located in a certain district and is eligible for government grant based on outstanding performance.

Current income tax expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $0.371 million , compared with $0.322 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 .

The increase in income taxes is mainly due to an overall increase in taxable income being earned by the Company's PRC subsidiaries subject to the 25% tax rate, in comparison to the taxable income earned by the Company's PRC subsidiaries which are subject to preferential tax rates.

Operating profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 decreased by 16% to $1.206 million , compared to $1.439 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . Profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 decreased by 37% to $0.772 million , compared to $1.224 million for the quarter ended March 31 , 2011.  Profit includes operating profit, interest expense, interest income and foreign exchange loss. Profit in the quarter ended March 31, 2012 represents 10% of revenue, compared to 18% of revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 .

The decrease in operating profit and profit is due to the lower sales of POCT total lab solutions in the current quarter as compared to the same quarter last year, which generates higher margins than the Company's other products. Also, as the Company grows and continues its effort to expand its total lab solution businesses to other provinces and cities, expenses are expected to increase as a percentage of revenue.

Basic and fully diluted EPS was $0.01 for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and $0.02 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 . The decrease in EPS is due to the decrease in profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period last year.

The average number of basic ordinary shares outstanding for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was 65,606,686 (fully diluted 65,607,087), compared to 64,780,452 (fully diluted 67,183,226) average shares outstanding for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 .

Cash and short-term investments totaled $6.358 million as at March 31, 2012 , compared with $5.661 million of cash and short-term investments as of December 31 , 2011.  The Company's working capital as of March 31, 2012 was $26.509 million , compared with a $26.538 million working capital as of December 31 , 2011.  Working capital decreased by $0.029 million due to the decrease in total current assets of $1.994 million offset by the decrease in total current liabilities of $1.965 million .

The Company is well positioned to expand its business for rural lab total solutions, POCT lab solutions and food safety lab solutions.  However, the Company may need to access additional debt or equity funding if it seeks to accelerate its growth, if it enters into an agreement for a large number of total lab solutions or if it pursues suitable acquisition opportunities. 

Outlook & Growth Strategy

The Company believes that for the fiscal year 2012 it can continue its strong growth in revenue and profits and build on the leading position it has established in China in providing total lab solutions for rural hospitals and clinics, POCT solutions for military and emergency services, and food safety lab solutions, based on the size and growth of the Chinese market for medical diagnostics and food safety, the government support for the market and the Company's proprietary products and services and customer relationships.

In 2012, China Health intends to expand its business by focusing its efforts on expanding its sales network to additional Chinese provinces and cities in the areas where it has proprietary products and limited competition. Going forward, China Health expects revenue growth from its total lab solutions business lines to continue to be stronger than growth from its traditional business with large urban hospitals, and to comprise a higher percentage of revenue.

China Health will be hosting an investor conference call on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:00 am (Eastern Time ).

The purpose of this conference call will be to provide investors with an update on the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 results of the Company. Representatives of China Health on the conference call will be:

Mr. Shiping (Wilson) Yao, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Judyanna Chen , Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Kim Oishi , Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Chao Zhang , Vice President, Finance

Following the update, a question and answer session will be held. To participate, the time and call-in instructions are as follows:

Participant Dial-In Number(s): North America Toll-Free Dial-In Number:  For Toronto and International Callers:   A Taped Replay will be available from 1:00 pm Eastern Time on May 31, 2012 to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 14, 2012 .

Taped Replay Toll Free Number: 1 (855) 859-2056

Taped Replay Local Dial-in Numbers:

Taped Replay Password: 83319568

About China Health Labs & Diagnostics Ltd.

China Health, operating in China as the Biochem Group, is a leading diagnostic lab solution provider for the public healthcare industry in China . The Company develops and sells Biochem Group branded and third-party medical diagnostic products and services to diagnostic facilities in China . Customers include large urban hospitals, rural hospitals, Chinese military and rescue operations, the Beijing government and third-party distributors.

In 2011, China Health had revenue of approximately $45.6 million , and intends to expand its business by focusing its efforts on expanding its sales network in three areas where it provides proprietary solutions, has limited competition and that are supported by Chinese government policy and budgets: BK Clinlab total lab solutions for rural hospitals and clinics, POCT solutions for military and emergency rescue services, and food safety solutions for large cities in China .

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect China Health's current expectations.  When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.  The forward-looking statements and information in this news release includes information relating to new products generating new revenue and increasing gross margins; an increase in the stalled base of BK Clinlabs; the achievement of operating goals and another year of growth in revenue and profit in 2012; an increase in revenue from POCT solutions and products and from recurring revenue of reagents and consumables from the large urban sector; the gross margin for 2012 to be consistent with the gross margin for 2011, but to vary on a quarterly basis; an increase in selling expenses due to plans to expand the rural lab solution business to additional Chinese provinces and the food safety business to additional Chinese cities; an increase in expenses as a percentage of revenue as the Company expands its total lab solution businesses, the need to access additional debt or equity funding if the Company seeks to accelerate its growth, if it enters into an agreement for a large number of total lab solutions or if it pursues suitable acquisition opportunities; the continuation of the Company's strong growth in revenue and profits and the building of its leading position in China in providing total lab solutions for rural hospitals and clinics, POCT solutions for military and emergency services, and food safety lab solutions; expansion of the Company's business by focusing on expanding its sales network to additional Chinese provinces and cities in the areas where it has proprietary products and limited competition; and the revenue growth from the Company's total lab solutions business lines to continue to be stronger than growth from its traditional business with large urban hospitals, and to comprise a higher percentage of revenue.  The forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions, which could change materially in the future, including the assumption that the Company's products and services, operations, market, marketing plans and strategies, competitive conditions, future developments and proprietary protections continue as projected.  Such statements and information reflect the current view of China Health with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.  By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risk that the Company may not proceed or alter its growth strategy, the Company may not be able to obtain any required financing to accelerate growth on acceptable terms or at all, gross margins, revenue and profits may not continue to increase or increase less than expected, costs and expenses may increase greater than expected, and the Company may not be able to expand its business as expected through its sales network in any of the areas in which it has proprietary products, limited competition and strong government support.  These and other risks are further described under "Risk Factors" in the Company's year ended December 31, 2011 management's discuss and analysis dated April 16, 2012 , which is available on SEDAR and may be accessed at www.sedar.com.  When relying on China Health's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events.  China Health has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized.  It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events.  However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF CHINA HEALTH AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE.  READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE.  WHILE CHINA HEALTH MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.


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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Catalyst Health Solutions Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSI - News), today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

First Quarter 2012 Highlights:

Revenue increased 29.7% to $1.45 billion Adjusted earnings per diluted share increased 19.2% to $0.62 GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.39 Announced a PBM services contract with Regence Rx to manage 1.2 million lives, effective May 1, 2012 Extended agreements with WellCare and Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Selected to provide prescription drug discounts to AARP members Added to Mercer Pharmacy Collective, a group purchasing service Executed a $4.4 billion merger agreement with SXC Health Solutions on April 17, 2012

“We are pleased with the performance of our business in the first quarter,” stated David T. Blair, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst.

“We look forward to completing the merger with SXC Health Solutions in the second half of 2012. This transaction will create significant benefits for our clients through a broader range of product offerings, more effective cost management, and increased investment in innovative programs and technologies,” added Blair.

First Quarter Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2012 increased by $333 million, or 29.7%, to $1.45 billion from $1.12 billion for the first quarter of 2011. The increase in revenue is due to additional prescription volume from Catalyst Rx Health Initiatives, Inc. (CHI), formerly Walgreens Health Initiatives, initiation of services with new PBM clients, and price inflation on brand drugs, offset by client attrition, higher generic utilization, and the impact of higher member copayments due to the annual reset of plan deductibles.

Total prescription volume, after adjusting for the difference in days supply between 90-day prescriptions (mail and retail) and traditional 30-day retail prescriptions, was up 22.9% to 30.7 million for the quarter compared to 24.9 million for the same period in 2011, excluding administrative services only (ASO) claims. ASO claims increased significantly with the acquisition of CHI to 22.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 from 0.1 million in the prior year period. Due to the limited nature of services or contractual responsibilities, ASO claims are accounted for on a net basis in revenue. Adjusted mail-order penetration decreased to 9% from 11% in first quarter 2011 due to the change in mix with the CHI client base included in this year’s first quarter volume but not included in last year’s volume. Generic utilization increased to 76% in the first quarter of 2012 from 74% in the first quarter of last year.

Gross profit for the first quarter increased $33.7 million, or 54.8%, to $95.3 million from $61.6 million for the first quarter last year. The increase in gross profit was due to the addition of CHI, margin contribution from new clients, improved retail pharmacy economics, and generic utilization, offset by lower margins on renewal business, client attrition, and startup costs associated with Script Relief, our direct-to-consumer joint venture established in December of 2011. Gross profit is reported net of $4.2 million of acquisition related intangible asset amortization in the first quarter of 2012 and $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2011.

Selling, general and administration (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2012 were $67.7 million, compared to $27.5 million for the first quarter last year. The increase in SG&A reflects investments Catalyst is making in growth including the CHI acquisition, our Invest Now initiative, IT infrastructure improvements and Script Relief. Additionally, we incurred $6.6 million in transaction and implementation costs associated with the Regence Rx contract award, the acquisition of an EGWP insurance company and non-recurring Medicare Part D plan set-up and administration costs. SG&A also includes CHI transition and integration expenses of $8.8 million and acquisition related intangible amortization of $5.7 million for the first quarter of 2012 versus $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively in the first quarter of 2011.

Adjusting for CHI transaction, transition and integration expenses and acquisition related intangible amortization, operating income increased by 19% to $46.3 million in the first quarter of 2012, from $38.9 million in the first quarter of 2011.

The effective tax rate of 37.8% in the first quarter of 2012 was lower than the effective tax rate of 38.4% in the comparable period in 2011 primarily due to a reduction in our state effective rate caused by the lower tax rate associated with the CHI business and the tax impact of Script Relief.

First quarter 2012 net income includes a non-controlling interest adjustment related to Script Relief. Due to the amount of control that Catalyst has over the joint venture, accounting rules require that the company consolidate the entity in its GAAP financial statements and remove the non-controlling interest income/(loss) from net income, which in the first quarter was ($3.4) million.

Net income attributable to Catalyst for the first quarter of 2012 was $19.2 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, compared to net income of $20.3 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2011. Adjusting for CHI transaction, transition and integration expenses and acquisition related intangible amortization, net income per diluted share attributable to Catalyst increased by 19.2% to $0.62, from net income per diluted share of $0.52 in the first quarter of 2011.

“2012 is off to a great start with the Regence Rx agreement,” stated Richard A. Bates, President and Chief Operating Officer of Catalyst. “We continue to see RFP activity running substantially higher than last year’s selling season, with strong prospects in large employers, governments, and managed care organizations. Additionally, the integration of CHI is on track and we expect to achieve our stated financial goals,” added Bates.

Proposed Merger

On April 18, 2012, Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. and SXC Health Solutions Corp announced that their Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which SXC and Catalyst will combine in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $4.4 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Catalyst shareholders will receive $28.00 in cash and 0.6606 shares of SXC stock for each Catalyst share. The merger, which is subject to approval by SXC and Catalyst shareholders, U.S. antitrust approval, and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the second half of 2012.

Financial Guidance

In the proposed merger announcement issued on April 18, 2012, Catalyst reaffirmed its full-year 2012 revenue and adjusted EPS guidance, excluding costs related to the proposed merger with SXC.

About Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. (www.chsi.com):

Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc., the fastest growing national PBM in the U.S., is built on strong, innovative principles in the management of prescription drug benefits and provides an unbiased, client-centered philosophy resulting in industry-leading client retention rates. The Company's subsidiaries include Catalyst Rx, a full-service pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) serving more than 18 million lives in the United States and Puerto Rico; HospiScript Services, LLC, one of the largest providers of PBM services to the hospice industry; FutureScripts, LLC, a full-service PBM serving approximately one million lives in the mid-Atlantic region; and a fully integrated prescription mail service facility. The Company's clients include self-insured employers, including state and local governments, managed care organizations, unions, hospices, third-party administrators and individuals.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial information as defined by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation G. Pursuant to the requirements of this regulation, reconciliations of this non-GAAP financial information to Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. financial statements as prepared under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are included in this press release. Catalyst’s management believes providing investors with this information gives additional insights into its results of operations. While Catalyst’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating its operations, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We use words such as "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "expects," "projects," "future," "intends," "may," "will," "should," "could," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "guidance" and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the business, trends in the pharmacy benefit management ("PBM") industry, and developments in the legal, regulatory and economic environment. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements. In addition, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, many of which are beyond our control, and we cannot guarantee that our performance will be consistent with such forward-looking statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

Competition in the PBM industry is intense and could impair our ability to attract and retain clients; Our failure to anticipate and appropriately adapt to changes in the rapidly changing health care industry; The loss of one or more key network pharmacies impairing the competitiveness of our services; From time to time we engage in transactions to acquire other companies or businesses and if we are unable to effectively integrate or manage acquired businesses, our operating results may be adversely affected; A failure in the security or stability of our technology infrastructure, or the infrastructure of one or more of our key vendors, or a significant failure or disruption in service within our operations or the operations of such vendors; Our failure to execute on, or other issues arising under, key client contracts upon which our continued financial growth and profitability are dependent; If we or our suppliers fail to comply with complex and evolving laws and regulations, we could suffer penalties, be required to pay substantial damages and/or make significant changes to our operations; Changes in applicable laws or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, or the enactment of new laws or regulations, which apply to our business practices (past, present or future) or require us to spend significant resources in order to comply; Healthcare reform and other government efforts to reduce healthcare costs and alter healthcare financing practices could lead to a decreased demand for our services or to reduced profitability; Changes relating to Medicare Part D impairing our ability to market services to Medicare Part D eligible plans or members; Changes in industry pricing benchmarks could adversely affect our financial performance; and The terms and covenants relating to our existing indebtedness, our credit ratings and profile, or the future level of our indebtedness could adversely impact our financial performance and liquidity.

The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc.'s most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and other documents of Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Any forward-looking statements made in this material are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or operations.

Transaction Forward-Looking Statements

In addition, numerous factors could cause actual results with respect to the proposed merger with SXC to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the possibility that the expected efficiencies and cost savings from the proposed merger will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the SXC and Catalyst businesses will not be integrated successfully; the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the proposed merger on the proposed terms and schedule contemplated by the parties; the failure of shareholders of SXC or Catalyst to approve the proposed merger; disruption from the proposed merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the risk of customer attrition; the possibility that the proposed merger does not close, including, but not limited to, due to the failure to satisfy the closing conditions; and the ability to obtain the financing contemplated to fund a portion of the consideration to be paid in the proposed merger and the terms of such financing.

Important Additional Information

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. The proposed merger will be submitted to the shareholders of Catalyst and the shareholders of SXC for their consideration. In connection therewith, the parties intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be mailed to shareholders. Such documents, however, are not currently available. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISIONS, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF CATALYST AND/OR SXC ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents containing important information about Catalyst and SXC, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SXC will be available free of charge on SXC's website at www.sxc.com under the heading "Investor Information" or by contacting SXC's Investor Relations Department at 630-577-3100. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Catalyst will be available free of charge on Catalyst's website at www.catalysthealthsolutions.com under the heading "Investor Information" or by contacting Catalyst's Investor Relations Department at 301-548-2900.

SXC, Catalyst and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of SXC is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012. Information about the directors and executive officers of Catalyst is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2012 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2012. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.


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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Oregon health overhaul makes financial promises

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — If Oregon's Democratic governor is right, the bill he signed Friday will improve health care and reduce costs so significantly that it could help fix the federal budget.

The Obama administration is watching with keen interest — and so are critics who say Gov. John Kitzhaber's plan is just another example of government overreach.

Oregon's new health care law would allow officials to assign certain Medicaid patients caseworkers to manage all aspects of a client's care, from medical to dental to mental, with the goal of eliminating redundant tests and procedures and reducing expensive hospital stays.

Proponents say if all 50 states adopt the approach, it would save the federal budget more than $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years — $300 billion more than Congress' failed "super committee" was trying to save over the same span.

"Today we set out on a path ... to create a system here in Oregon that will be good for our people, that will be good for our state budget," said Kitzhaber, a former emergency room doctor, before signing the bill.

Skeptics say the plan is bound to overpromise and under deliver. They criticize the idea as just another way to increase the government's control over health care, and some are not convinced of the plan's potential for significant savings.

A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office shows that pilot efforts of such coordinated care programs have yet to provide conclusive evidence of savings.

The plan requires federal approval to waive standard Medicaid requirements. Also, Kitzhaber is counting on federal money to help pay upfront costs.

Oregon officials have presented the concept to Obama administration officials.

Cindy Mann, a deputy administrator at the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the concept holds "a lot of promise" for "improving care, improving health and lowering costs."

Kitzhaber's plan would focus on rewarding doctors for healthy patients, starting with 600,000 low-income patients on the state's Medicaid plan.

Proponents hope to expand the program to cover government workers and, eventually, the general public.

The overhaul would focus on patients with chronic diseases, mental illnesses and addictions who account for the largest share of health care spending.

Proponents envision new efforts to keep in touch with those patients, ensuring they're making appointments and taking medications so they don't need to visit an emergency room.


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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Magellan Health Services Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Financial Results

AVON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Magellan Health Services Inc. (NASDAQ: MGLN - News) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2011, as summarized below. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the company reported net revenue of $2,799.4 million, segment profit of $270.4 million, and net income of $129.6 million or $4.17 per diluted common share. Segment profit represents income from operations before stock compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, interest income, gain on sale of assets, special charges or benefits, and income taxes.

Financial Results

As of December 31, 2011, the company had unrestricted cash and investments of $183.2 million.

“Magellan had a strong fourth quarter, which completed a successful 2011,” said RenĂ© Lerer, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer. “In addition to achieving solid financial results, our accomplishments during the year included attracting new customers, retaining existing customers and implementing a focused growth strategy in Medicaid and Pharmacy. Contributing to Magellan’s success was strong performance in our Radiology Benefits Management and Medicaid Administration business segments. Additionally, our Public Sector and Commercial behavioral health segments had important customer wins that are being implemented in the first quarter of 2012.

“We are moving aggressively in our two leading strategic initiatives – expanding more broadly into the Medicaid market and providing comprehensive management of the total drug spend. These are essential components of our growth strategy, and have been and will continue to be a focus for investment. We have significant capabilities and experience in serving the Medicaid population and managing pharmaceutical costs, and we will continue to invest to grow those capabilities to meet the needs of customers and ensure our success.”

“There is a significant level of activity across our business lines to achieve growth, retention and profitability objectives, while maintaining our track record of product innovation,” said Karen S. Rohan, Magellan’s president. “We successfully implemented new contracts with Blue Shield of California and the Central Region of New York State on January 1, and will go live with the state of Louisiana on March 1. These contracts expand our presence in the marketplace by serving millions of new members.

“Throughout 2012, we will intensify our effort to renew key accounts and accelerate initiatives to improve business outcomes. We have already taken decisive steps to position Magellan to be successful for the rebid of the Maricopa County, Ariz., account. Our recently announced joint venture with Phoenix Health Plan is a clear demonstration of our ability to adapt and innovate in a changing marketplace where customers are seeking new solutions. Additionally, driving operational excellence remains a priority, and we are executing targeted initiatives to address cost pressures in our Commercial behavioral health segment.”

Outlook

“Overall we completed a strong 2011, exceeding our segment profit guidance for the year,” said Jonathan N. Rubin, chief financial officer. “In addition to delivering good results, we returned significant capital to shareholders through our share repurchase program. Magellan’s strong cash flow and the availability of a previously announced credit facility give us the financial flexibility to support our strategy for growth.

“We are reaffirming our guidance for 2012, which calls for net revenue in the range of $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion, and net income in the range of $91 million to $109 million, which translates into diluted earnings per share in the range of $3.25 to $3.89. Additionally, we expect segment profit for 2012 to be in the range of $240 million to $260 million.”

Earnings Results Conference Call

Management will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. To participate in the conference call, interested parties should call 1-888-566-8408 and reference the pass code Fourth Quarter Earnings Call 2011 approximately 15 minutes before the start of the call. The conference call will also be available via a live Webcast at Magellan’s investor relations page at www.MagellanHealth.com.

About Magellan Health Services: Headquartered in Avon, Conn., Magellan Health Services Inc. is a leading specialty health care management organization with expertise in managing behavioral health, radiology and specialty pharmaceuticals, as well as public sector pharmacy benefits programs. Magellan delivers innovative solutions to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for those we serve. Magellan’s customers include health plans, employers and government agencies, serving approximately 31.1 million members in our behavioral health business, 15.6 million members in our radiology benefits management segment, and 6 million members in our medical pharmacy management product. In addition, the specialty pharmaceutical segment serves 41 health plans and several pharmaceutical manufacturers and state Medicaid programs. The company’s Medicaid Administration segment serves 25 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com.

Cautionary Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical information provided herein, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding estimates of 2012 net revenue, net income, segment profit, earnings per share, and strategy. These statements are based on management’s analysis, judgment, belief and expectation only as of the date hereof, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “estimate,” “intend” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially due to, among other things, the possible election of certain of the company’s customers to manage the health care services of their members directly; changes in rates paid to and/or by the company by customers and/or providers; higher utilization of health care services by the company’s risk members; delays, higher costs or inability to implement new business or other company initiatives; the impact of changes in the contracting model for Medicaid contracts; termination or non-renewal of customer contracts; the impact of new or amended laws or regulations; governmental inquiries; litigation; competition; operational issues; health care reform; and general business conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section included within the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2011, and the company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed during 2011 and the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and posted on the company’s website later today. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Segment profit information referred to herein may be considered a non-GAAP financial measure. Further information regarding this measure, including the reasons management considers this information useful to investors, are included in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and on subsequent Form 10-Qs.


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