ERT Reports Second Quarter 2009 Results

Share Name	Share Symbol	Market	Type
East Resources Acquisition Company	NASDAQ:ERES	NASDAQ	Common Stock

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East Resources Acquisition (NASDAQ:ERES)
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PHILADELPHIA, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- eResearchTechnology, Inc. (ERT), (NASDAQ:ERES), a leading provider of centralized ECG, ePRO, and other services to the biopharmaceutical, medical device and related industries, announced today results for the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2009. Unless otherwise noted, all comparative numbers refer to changes from the same period a year ago. Highlights of the second quarter of 2009 were: -- Revenue was $24.2 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to $35.5 million a year ago and $23.8 million for the first quarter of 2009. -- Gross margin percentage was 52.3% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 57.0% a year ago and 50.4% for the first quarter of 2009. -- Operating income margin percentage was 20.0% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 30.3% a year ago and 14.0% for the first quarter of 2009. -- Net income was $2.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $6.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share a year ago and $2.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2009. -- The results include the EDC operations, which were sold on June 23, 2009. EDC licenses and services revenue was $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2008. The Company reported a $0.5 million gain on the sale of the EDC operations, which is included in general and administrative expenses. -- New bookings were $35.7 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $49.0 million a year ago and $31.2 million for the first quarter of 2009. -- Cash flow from operations in the second quarter of 2009 was $10.0 million compared to $10.4 million a year ago and $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2009. -- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $68.7 million at June 30, 2009 compared to $66.4 million at December 31, 2008. -- ERT purchased 741,267 shares of its common stock at an average price of $5.43 under its approved stock repurchase program in the second quarter of 2009 at a total cost of $4.0 million. -- Backlog was $153.7 million as of June 30, 2009 compared to $157.0 million as of March 31, 2009. The June 30, 2009 backlog excludes the backlog attributable to the EDC operations. The annualized cancellation rate was 16.1 % in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 18.1% a year ago and 22.4% in the first quarter of 2009. Financial highlights for the first six months of 2009: -- For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company reported net revenues of $48.0 million compared to $69.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. -- Gross margin percentage for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was 51.4% compared to 54.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. -- Operating income margin for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was 17.1% compared to 27.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. -- Net income was $4.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to net income of $12.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2008. -- The results include the EDC operations, which were sold on June 23, 2009. EDC licenses and services revenue was $2.5 million and $2.8 million in the first six months of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company reported a $0.5 million gain on the sale of the EDC operations, which is included in general and administrative expenses. -- New bookings for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $66.9 million compared to $99.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008. -- For the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash provided by operating activities was $19.1 million compared to $18.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. -- For the six months ended June 30, 2009, ERT purchased 2,706,719 shares of its common stock at an average price of $5.16 under its approved stock repurchase program at a total cost of $14.0 million. "The results for this quarter were in line with our expectations, as given by our guidance in April," commented Dr. Michael McKelvey, President and CEO of ERT. "In the second quarter of 2009, we saw increases from the first quarter of 2009 in revenue, bookings, and margins. Revenue and bookings continue to be significantly impacted by lower spending by clients on Thorough QT trials. Sponsors may delay the running of Thorough QT trials until later in the drug development cycle, though regulatory guidance ultimately requires that they be performed. As previously announced, we consolidated our customer care teams in Philadelphia and continue to improve the efficiency of our operations. This resulted in increases in our margins in the second quarter and will positively impact our cost base in the future. We believe the divestiture of our EDC operations will be positive for ERT as it allows us to focus our efforts on cardiac safety and ePRO opportunities." "We continue to be pleased with the results of our discussions with key pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on strategic outsourcing relationships," continued Dr. McKelvey. "We are still facing a difficult economic environment and uncertainty in pharmaceutical sponsors' spending, especially Thorough QT trials. However, despite what is historically a slow summer period, we are seeing higher levels of new business development activity. We believe the fundamentals of our industry remain strong and that we are positioning ourselves for additional growth in the future by focusing on increased centralization of ECGs, increased use of ePRO in clinical trials and increasing our market share." 2009 Guidance The Company issued guidance for the third quarter of 2009 and for the full year 2009. For the quarter ending September 30, 2009, management anticipates net revenues of between $23.0 million and $25.0 million and diluted net income per share of between $0.05 and $0.07. ERT expects full year 2009 net revenues of between $96.0 million and $102.0 million with diluted net income per share of between $0.20 and $0.28. Guidance reflects the seasonal slowdown we experience due to summer vacations which typically reduces study activity during our third quarter, the divestiture of the EDC operations and the level of Thorough QT bookings in the second quarter of 2009. Conference Call Dr. McKelvey and Keith Schneck, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will hold a conference call to discuss these results. The conference call will take place at 5:00 PM EDT on July 30, 2009. For the conference call, interested participants should dial 1-800-638-4930 when calling within the United States or 1-617-614-3944 when calling internationally. Please use pass code 71733855. There will be a playback available as well. To listen to the playback, please call 1- 888-286-8010 when calling within the United States or 1-617-801-6888 when calling internationally. Please use pass code 26054685 for the replay. This call is being webcast by Thomson Financial and can be accessed at ERT's web site at http://www.ert.com/. The webcast may also be accessed at Thomson's Institutional Investor website at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=119164&eventID =2319674. The webcast can be accessed for up to one year on either site. About eResearchTechnology, Inc. Based in Philadelphia, PA, eResearchTechnology, Inc. (http://www.ert.com/) is a global provider of technology and services to the biopharmaceutical, medical device, and related industries. The Company is a market leader in providing centralized core-diagnostic electrocardiographic (ECG) technology and services to evaluate cardiac safety in clinical development. The Company also provides technology and services to streamline the clinical trials process by enabling its customers to automate the collection, analysis, and distribution of ePRO clinical data in all phases of clinical development. This release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views as to future events and financial performance with respect to our operations. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "aim," "anticipate," "are confident," "estimate," "expect," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "look to" and other words and terms of similar meaning in conjunction with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include: unfavorable economic conditions; our ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues, variability in size, scope and duration of projects and internal issues at the sponsoring client; integration of future acquisitions; competitive factors; technological development; and market demand. There is no guarantee that the amounts in our backlog will ever convert to revenue. Should the current economic conditions continue or deteriorate further, the cancellation rates that we have historically experienced could increase. Further information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results can be found in the Company's Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Guidance is based on management's good faith expectations given current market conditions but that continued or further deterioration of general economic conditions, in addition to other factors cited elsewhere, could result in the company not achieving the revenue and earnings per diluted share guidance provided. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, including prior forward-looking statements, to reflect the events or circumstances arising after the date as of which they were made. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this release or that may be made in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, us. eResearchTechnology, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited) Three Months Six Months Ended June 30, Ended June 30, 2008 2009 2008 2009 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net revenues: EDC licenses and services $1,487 $1,083 $2,790 $2,501 Services 26,763 16,215 51,358 32,323 Site support 7,222 6,878 14,997 13,138 ----- ----- ------ ------ Total net revenues 35,472 24,176 69,145 47,962 ------ ------ ------ ------ Costs of revenues: Cost of EDC licenses and services 468 397 919 863 Cost of services 10,185 7,671 20,448 15,364 Cost of site support 4,599 3,470 9,867 7,105 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total costs of revenues 15,252 11,538 31,234 23,332 ------ ------ ------ ------ Gross margin 20,220 12,638 37,911 24,630 ------ ------ ------ ------ Operating expenses: Selling and marketing 3,810 3,274 7,133 6,700 General and administrative 4,601 3,527 9,474 7,604 Research and development 1,051 993 2,050 2,142 ----- --- ----- ----- Total operating expenses 9,462 7,794 18,657 16,446 ----- ----- ------ ------ Operating income 10,758 4,844 19,254 8,184 Other income (expense), net 244 (409) 671 (293) --- ---- --- ---- Income before income taxes 11,002 4,435 19,925 7,891 Income tax provision 4,342 1,887 7,519 3,273 ----- ----- ----- ----- Net income $6,660 $2,548 $12,406 $4,618 ====== ====== ======= ====== Basic net income per share $0.13 $0.05 $0.24 $0.09 ===== ===== ===== ===== Diluted net income per share $0.13 $0.05 $0.24 $0.09 ===== ===== ===== ===== Shares used to calculate basic net income per share 50,734 48,866 50,686 49,872 ====== ====== ====== ====== Shares used to calculate diluted net income per share 52,182 49,175 52,038 50,169 ====== ====== ====== ====== eResearchTechnology, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) December 31, June 30, 2008 2009 ------------ -------- ASSETS (unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $66,376 $68,729 Short-term investments 50 50 Investment in marketable securities - 816 Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts of $695 and $657, respectively 29,177 17,408 Prepaid income taxes 1,892 4,268 Prepaid expenses and other 2,885 3,929 Deferred income taxes 1,831 1,645 ----- ----- Total current assets 102,211 96,845 Property and equipment, net 29,639 25,409 Goodwill 34,603 34,580 Intangible assets 2,149 1,874 Other assets 520 422 --- --- Total assets $169,122 $159,130 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $3,971 $3,518 Accrued expenses 8,140 4,570 Income taxes payable 2,492 501 Current portion of capital lease obligations 43 - Deferred revenues 12,276 13,680 ------ ------ Total current liabilities 26,922 22,269 Deferred rent 2,183 2,409 Deferred income taxes 1,332 2,136 Other liabilities 1,257 997 ----- --- Total liabilities 31,694 27,811 ------ ------ Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock-$10.00 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding - - Common stock-$.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 59,950,257 and 59,985,442 shares issued, respectively 600 600 Additional paid-in capital 93,828 95,512 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,716) (1,089) Retained earnings 110,479 115,097 Treasury stock, 8,686,868 and 11,393,587 shares at cost, respectively (64,763) (78,801) ------- ------- Total stockholders' equity 137,428 131,319 ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $169,122 $159,130 ======== ======== eResearchTechnology, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 2009 ---- ---- Operating activities: Net income $12,406 $4,618 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Gain on sale of EDC operations - (530) Depreciation and amortization 8,574 6,620 Cost of sales of equipment 492 26 Provision for uncollectible accounts 60 210 Share-based compensation 1,366 1,515 Deferred income taxes (360) 1,421 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (2,622) 11,987 Prepaid expenses and other (1,616) (1,277) Accounts payable (240) 683 Accrued expenses (815) (3,447) Income taxes 348 (4,602) Deferred revenues 583 1,829 Deferred rent (198) (3) ---- -- Net cash provided by operating activities 17,978 19,050 ------ ------ Investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (5,239) (2,520) Proceeds from sales of investments 2,392 - Payments related to sale of EDC operations - (1,150) Payments for acquisition (4,798) (655) Net cash used in investing activities (7,645) (4,325) ------ ------ Financing activities: Repayment of capital lease obligations (855) (43) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,174 72 Stock option income tax benefit 704 62 Repurchase of common stock for treasury - (14,038) -- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,023 (13,947) ----- ------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 8 1,575 --- ----- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 11,364 2,353 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 38,082 66,376 ------ ------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $49,446 $68,729 ======= ======= DATASOURCE: ERT CONTACT: Keith Schneck of eResearchTechnology, Inc., +1-215-282-5566; or Robert East of Westwicke Partners, LLC, +1-410-321-9652 Web Site: http://www.ert.com/

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ERES East Resources Acquisition Company