Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) today reports results for the first quarter of 2021, which reflect continued sales growth and advancement of the company’s product pipeline across our four core therapeutic areas.

“We continue to deliver solid growth, execute against our strategic priorities and make meaningful progress across our pipeline,” said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., board chair and chief executive officer, Bristol Myers Squibb. “I am proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which led to important milestones with significant potential to benefit patients across multiple disease states. These accomplishments, combined with our financial strength and flexibility, further advance our opportunity to renew our portfolio and drive long-term sustainable growth.”

FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

All comparisons are made versus the same period in 2020 unless otherwise stated.

Bristol Myers Squibb posted first quarter revenues of $11.1 billion, an increase of 3%, or 1% when adjusted for foreign exchange. Excluding COVID-19 related buying patterns from the prior year period, first quarter revenues grew 8%.

U.S. revenues increased 4% to $7.0 billion in the quarter. International revenues increased 1% to $4.1 billion in the quarter. When adjusted for foreign exchange impact, international revenues decreased 5%.

Gross margin increased from 66.0% to 74.3% in the quarter primarily due to lower unwinding of inventory purchase price accounting adjustments, partially offset by an impairment charge related to the Inrebic marketed product rights and foreign exchange. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin decreased from 79.4% to 78.1% in the quarter driven by foreign exchange.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 4% to $1.7 billion in the quarter primarily due to higher advertising and promotion expenses. On a non-GAAP basis, marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 5% to $1.7 billion in the quarter primarily due to higher advertising and promotion expenses.

Research and development expenses decreased 6% to $2.2 billion in the quarter primarily due to lower site exit costs and license and asset acquisition charges and other specified items related to the Celgene acquisition in the same period a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, research and development expenses decreased 1% to $2.2 billion.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets increased $231 million to $2.5 billion in the quarter.
The effective tax rate was 19.8% in the quarter. Income taxes were $462 million despite a pre-tax loss of $304 million in the same period a year ago primarily due to certain non-deductible expenses and purchase price adjustments. On a non-GAAP basis, the effective tax rate was 16.8% in the quarter and 16.0% in the same period a year ago.

The company reported net earnings attributable to Bristol Myers Squibb of $2.0 billion, or $0.89 per share, in the first quarter, compared to net loss of $775 million, or $0.34 per share, for the same period a year ago.

The company reported non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Bristol Myers Squibb of $4.0 billion, or $1.74 per share, in the first quarter, compared to non-GAAP net earnings of $4.0 billion, or $1.72 per share, for the same period a year ago.

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