On February 6, 2024 QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) reported results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2023 (Press release, Qiagen, FEB 6, 2024, View Source [SID1234639883]).
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Net sales results of $503 million at constant exchange rates (CER) for Q4 2023 achieved the outlook for at least $500 million CER, driven by 8% CER growth in the non-COVID-19 portfolio. Total sales for Q4 2023 rose 2% (+1% CER) to $509 million from Q4 2022, a period marked by significant COVID-19 sales. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.55 CER and above the outlook for at least $0.53 CER. Full-year 2023 sales declined 8% to $1.97 billion, achieving the outlook for $1.97 billion CER sales and were supported by 8% CER growth for non-COVID product groups. Adjusted diluted EPS were $2.09 CER and exceeded the outlook for at least $2.07 CER.
For 2024, QIAGEN has set an outlook for net sales of at least $2.0 billion CER. This reflects full-year total growth of at least 2% CER, with solid mid-single-digit CER sales growth in H2 2024 in the non‑COVID portfolio over the year-ago period. This outlook also includes about one percentage point of COVID-19 sales headwinds from 2023. Consumables and related revenues are expected to drive growth, while larger-scale instrument sales remain challenging. QIAGEN also continues to closely monitor dynamic geopolitical and macro trends around the world. Adjusted diluted EPS are expected to be at least $2.10 CER. This reflects at least one percentage point of improvement in the adjusted operating income margin to above 28% for FY 2024 compared to 2023 while supporting investments in the portfolio, in particular to accelerate growth in the QIAGEN Digital Insights bioinformatics business. Significant pressure is expected on non-operating income for FY 2024 due to anticipated lower interest income and a higher tax rate compared to 2023, more than offsetting benefits from the recently completed $300 million synthetic share repurchase.
"We closed 2023 with strong results in the fourth quarter as we delivered sales growth in the top tier of our industry along with solid profitability. Amid a dynamic macro-environment, our teams executed well to advance our strategy of "Balance and Focus" on areas offering the highest growth potential. Driven by 8% CER growth in our non-COVID portfolio, we made solid progress in driving growth of our consumables business, which accounts for over 85% of sales, while also expanding our installed instrument base," said Thierry Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of QIAGEN. "These results demonstrate the power of our well-positioned portfolios to capture growth in dynamic applications across the Life Sciences and Molecular Diagnostics continuum. As we move into 2024, we are committed to delivering growth with sharpened focus and continued commitment to execution."
Roland Sackers, Chief Financial Officer of QIAGEN, said: "QIAGEN has consistently implemented a disciplined capital allocation policy over the last decade thanks to a solid balance sheet and healthy cash flows. We are investing to support internal growth with a high level of R&D investments, while also increasing returns through a $300 million synthetic share repurchase that underscores our commitment to value creation. We are confident in our outlook to deliver growth in 2024 in both sales as well as operational profitability as we overcome significant non-operating income headwinds."
Please find the full press release incl. tables as a PDF for download at the top of this page.
Investor presentation and conference call
A conference call is planned for Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 15:00 Frankfurt Time / 14:00 London Time / 9:00 New York Time. A live audio webcast will be made available in the investor relations section of the QIAGEN website, and a recording will also be made available after the event. A presentation will be available before the conference call at View Source
Use of adjusted results
QIAGEN reports adjusted results, as well as results on a constant exchange rate (CER) basis, and other non-U.S. GAAP figures (generally accepted accounting principles), to provide additional insight into its performance. These results include adjusted net sales, adjusted gross income, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted net income, adjusted net income before taxes, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS, adjusted income taxes, adjusted tax rate, and free cash flow. Free cash flow is calculated by deducting capital expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment from cash flow from operating activities. Adjusted results are non-GAAP financial measures that QIAGEN believes should be considered in addition to reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered as a substitute. QIAGEN believes certain items should be excluded from adjusted results when they are outside of ongoing core operations, vary significantly from period to period, or affect the comparability of results with competitors and its own prior periods. Furthermore, QIAGEN uses non-GAAP and constant currency financial measures internally in planning, forecasting and reporting, as well as to measure and compensate employees. QIAGEN also uses adjusted results when comparing current performance to historical operating results, which have consistently been presented on an adjusted basis.