Thursday, February 2, 2017

Takeda Reports Q3 FY2016 Results and Improves Year-End Outlook

OSAKA, Japan -Wednesday, February 1st 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]
Full year Underlying Core Earnings increased to "high-teen growth"
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TOKYO: 4502):
Strong Q3 year-to-date (YTD) results propelled by Growth Drivers
  • Underlying Revenue grew +7.4%, with Takeda's Growth Drivers (GI, Oncology, CNS and Emerging Markets) delivering growth of +15.5%, and Underlying Revenue growth across all regions (U.S. +14.4%, Japan +5.0%, Europe & Canada +4.6%, Emerging Markets +4.9%).
    Reported revenue declined -5.6%, due to unfavorable currencies (-8.4pp) and the impact of divestitures (-4.5pp).
  • Underlying Core Earnings grew +23.5%, with the Core Earnings margin increasing by 2.1pp. Despite unfavorable currencies and the negative impact of divestitures, reported operating profit was up +29.8%, benefiting from strong underlying growth and a one-time gain on the Teva JV transaction that was booked in Q1 FY2016.
  • Underlying Core EPS was up +31.7%, reflecting strong Core Earnings growth and a lower tax rate due to timing. Reported EPS was 212 yen, an increase of +46.3% from 145 yen in the prior year.
  • Adjusted Operating Free Cash Flow was up +9.3% to 120.0 billion yen.
Takeda's Growth Drivers delivered +15.5% Underlying Revenue growth
  • GI underlying revenue +37.9%, driven by ENTYVIO® and TAKECAB®.
  • Oncology underlying revenue +6.3%, supported by uptake of NINLARO® and ADCETRIS®.
  • CNS underlying revenue +28.3%, underpinned by strong performance of TRINTELLIX®.
  • Emerging Markets underlying revenue +4.9%, with robust growth in the key markets of Brazil (+9.5%), China (+8.0%) and Russia (+7.3%).
Christophe Weber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Takeda, commented:
"Our impressive year-to-date performance is evidence of how our strategic transformation is driving profitable growth. We are pleased to report that Takeda's Growth Drivers (GI, Oncology, CNS and Emerging Markets) have maintained their strong momentum, driven in particular by the continued success of ENTYVIO and NINLARO. This gives us the confidence to improve the full-year outlook for FY2016. Furthermore, we continue to make strong progress against our strategic transformation. In December, we announced our plan to sell Takeda's shareholding in Wako Pure Chemical, and in January, we announced our plan to acquire ARIAD Pharmaceuticals. This deal will significantly enhance our global oncology portfolio and create value for our shareholders."

Reported Results for Q3 FY2016 YTD (April – December)
(billion yen)

FY2015

FY2016

Growth

 
Q3 YTD
 
Q3 YTD
 
Reported

Underlying2
Revenue
 
1,393.3
 
1,315.8
 
-5.6%
 
+7.4%
Core Earnings1
 
267.9
 
228.3
 
-14.8%
 
+23.5%
Operating Profit
 
167.5
 
217.4
 
+29.8%
 
N/A
Net Profit3
 
113.6
 
165.7
 
+45.8%
 
N/A
EPS
 
145 yen
 
212 yen
 
+46.3%
 
N/A
Core EPS

240 yen

229 yen

-4.4%

+31.7%

1

Core Earnings is calculated by taking reported Gross Profit and deducting SG&A expenses and R&D expenses. In addition, certain other items that are non-core in nature and significant in value may also be adjusted.
2
 
Underlying growth compares two periods of financial results on a common basis, showing the ongoing performance of the business excluding the impact of foreign exchange and divestitures from both periods.
3
 
Attributable to the owners of the company.


FY2016 Management Guidance: Takeda increases management guidance for Underlying Core
Earnings to "High-teen growth" and Underlying Core EPS to "Mid-teen growth"


Previous Guidance (Oct 28, 2016)

Revised Guidance (Feb 1, 2017)
Underlying Revenue
 
Mid-single digit growth (%)
 
Mid-single digit growth (%)
Underlying Core Earnings
 
Mid- to high-teen growth (%)
 
High-teen growth (%)
Underlying Core EPS
 
Low- to mid-teen growth (%)
 
Mid-teen growth (%)
Annual Dividend per Share

180 yen

180 yen


FY2016 Reported Forecast: increased Core Earnings of 16-17 billion yen will offset accelerated
R&D transformation costs
1 and potential impacts of the ARIAD acquisition2
(billion yen)

Previous Forecast (Oct 28, 2016)

Revised Forecast (Feb 1, 2017)
Revenue
 
1,670.0
 
1,700.0
R&D Expenses
 
-310.0
 
-315.0
Operating Profit
 
135.0
 
135.0
Net Profit 3
 
91.0
 
93.0
EPS
 
116 yen
 
119 yen
Exchange Rate
(annual average)

1 US$=104 yen
1 euro=117 yen

1 US$=109 yen
1 euro=120 yen

1

The revised forecast includes costs related to the R&D transformation program of 47 billion yen in FY2016 (previous forecast was 40 billion yen). Total estimated costs for the program are unchanged at 75 billion yen (28 billion yen expected in FY2017).
2
 
Potential impacts to operating profit of approximately minus 9-10 billion yen are expected in FY2016 related to the acquisition of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
3
 
Attributable to the owners of the company

For more details on Takeda’s Q3 FY2016 YTD results and other financial information please visit http://www.takeda.com/investor-information/results/
About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our health care partners in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.
Additional Information
This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The tender offer referred to in this press release is being made pursuant to a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO (containing an offer to purchase, a form of letter of transmittal and other documents relating to the tender offer) filed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) and Kiku Merger Co., Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 19, 2017, as amended from time to time. ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“ARIAD”) has filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer on January 19, 2017, as amended from time to time. Investors and shareholders should read those filings carefully as they contain important information about the tender offer. Those documents may be obtained without charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The offer to purchase and related materials may also be obtained for free by contacting the information agent for the tender offer.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking information related to Takeda, ARIAD and the proposed acquisition of ARIAD by Takeda that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this document include, among other things, statements about the potential benefits of the proposed acquisition, anticipated earnings accretion and growth rates, Takeda’s and ARIAD’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the financial condition, results of operations and business of Takeda and ARIAD, ARIAD’s products, ARIAD’s pipeline assets, and the anticipated timing of closing of the acquisition. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to the satisfaction of the conditions to closing the acquisition (including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals) in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including uncertainties as to how many of ARIAD’s stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer and the possibility that the acquisition does not close; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Takeda’s common stock and on Takeda’s operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; other business effects, including the effects of industry, market, economic, political or regulatory conditions; future exchange and interest rates; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; future business combinations or disposals; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to sustain and increase the rate of growth in revenues for ARIAD’s products despite increasing competitive, reimbursement and economic challenges; whether and when any drug applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for any indications or any additional indications for ARIAD’s products or for ARIAD’s pipeline assets; whether and when the FDA or any other applicable regulatory authorities may approve any such applications, which will depend on its assessment of the benefit-risk profile suggested by the totality of the efficacy and safety information submitted; decisions by the FDA or other regulatory authorities regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of ARIAD’s products and ARIAD’s pipeline assets; and competitive developments. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include those set forth in the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and other tender offer documents filed by Takeda and Kiku Merger Co., Inc.
Many of these factors are beyond Takeda’s control. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, Takeda disclaims any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this document as the result of new information or future events or developments.

Contacts
Investor Relations
Noriko Higuchi, +81-(0)3-3278-2306
noriko.higuchi@takeda.com
Media Relations
Tsuyoshi Tada, +81 (0)3-3278-2417

tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com

ITWORX Education Anchors Its Position as a Leading Education Services Provider

ITWORX Education shares its latest award-winning solutions and industry insights at BETT 2017


London, United Kingdom-Thursday, February 2nd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

As a non-traditional education services provider, ITWORX Education joined a campus of Microsoft partners and an elite group of high-profile industry experts and thought leaders at the 2017 BETT UK, the world’s largest education event, to share next generation ideas and innovative, technology-led classroom practices and solutions with stakeholders in the field.

This year’s edition, held in London between the 25th and the 28th of January 2017, celebrated the impact that past and present game changers have had on education internationally. The event featured the participation of 899 exhibitors from around the world, bringing together ideas, practices and technologies so that all parties involved in the education experience can fulfil their potential and become agents of change.

During the exhibition, ITWORX Education – the 2016 CityNext Microsoft Partner of the Year award finalist and 2014 Microsoft Education Partner of the Year – showcased its latest educational offerings for K12, higher education and corporate training sectors as well as its award-winning solution for “Children in Distress”, all of which play an instrumental role in realizing the Company’s mission to provide sustainable, quality education worldwide.

Commenting on the Company’s participation at BETT 2017, Hatem Sallam, CEO of ITWORX Education, said:

“Our mission of converging groundbreaking technologies with human capital in non-traditional ways to transform education is perfectly aligned with BETT’s aspirations, and every edition of the event presents a new opportunity to redefine the educational landscape and push our collective vision forward. This year, we were honored to be sharing our vision and experience as a Microsoft strategic education partner with various stakeholders, in addition to exploring potential collaborations with leaders in the field to take our mission and reach to the next level, by bringing next-generation education services to knowledge-based economies around the world.”

He added:

“Our participation at BETT comes at a strategic timing for the Company, having recently refreshed our brand identity to reflect our growing impact and role as a global education services provider. We’ve come to realize that technology on its own is only part of the solution. Without a complete end-to-end model, true education transformation will not succeed, and that is the value that we hope to bring though our education services.”

As part of redefining itself, ITWORX Education has revamped its corporate website at www.itworxeducation.com to provide education stakeholders around the world with greater insight on its product and service offerings. Envisioning a world with empowered learning citizens, the Company boasts a diverse portfolio of products and consultancy services designed to transform learning and instruction.

ITWORX Education continues to explore untapped markets and expand its geographic reach within its continuous and steadfast steps towards realizing its vision. The Company recently collaborated with LatinShare to introduce its innovative education services to the Latin American market, and is coordinating with JP-IUSA to implement a pilot in two UPAP School classrooms in northwest Mexico. Moreover, ITWORX Education is currently exploring the sub-Saharan African market that is in need of low-cost, high-quality sustainable education solutions.

Contacts

Mona Mashhoor

PR Account Manager

(+974)66186797

mona.mashhoor@greydoha.com









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SES Supports Luxembourg's Maritime Sector at Euromaritime



LUXEMBOURG -Thursday, February 2nd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES S.A. (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced that it is supporting Luxembourg’s initiatives in the domain of maritime business by participating in the Salon Euromaritime, as part of the Luxembourg Maritime Cluster.

Luxembourg’s pavilion - organized by the Luxembourg Maritime Administration and the Luxembourg Maritime Cluster, with assistance of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure - includes 11 participant companies from the Grand Duchy, all serving the maritime sector. SES will present its maritime connectivity solutions at Luxembourg’s pavilion.

The world-leading satellite operator SES provides unparalleled satellite coverage of the world’s maritime regions via dedicated mobility beams. To ensure global and reliable next generation connectivity, SES has invested in high throughput Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites and O3b’s Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, allowing a combination of GEO’s high-powered global coverage and MEO’s low latency capabilities. Through leveraging SES’s global satellite fleet, upcoming High Throughput Satellite capacity and extensive ground infrastructure, SES helps to meet the growing demand for maritime connectivity across a wide range of sectors – enabling its customers to provide access to entertainment for crew welfare and enhance operational efficiencies. SES also recently introduced its new Maritime+ offering. Designed for service providers, Maritime+ is a fast and simple way to bring connectivity to any vessel, anywhere, in a truly customizable way, and technology advancements adopted by SES allow these satellite connectivity solutions to be cost-effective.

For more information visit: ses.com/maritime

For more information on Luxembourg Maritime Cluster visit http://www.cluster-maritime.lu/

Follow us on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.Satellites

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel

Blog: https://www.ses.com/news/blogs

SES White papers are available under https://www.ses.com/news/whitepapers

About SES

SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in four key market verticals (Video, Enterprise, Mobility and Government). It provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions, and businesses worldwide. SES’s portfolio includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) television reach in Europe, and O3b Networks, a global managed data communications service provider. Another SES subsidiary, MX1, is a leading media service provider and offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. Further information available at: www.ses.com

Contacts

SES
For media enquiries:
Markus Payer
Corporate Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com


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