On April 26, 2016 Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) reported results for the first quarter of 2016, and also increased its earnings per share outlook for full-year 2016 (Press release, Baxter International, APR 26, 2016, View Source [SID:1234511410]). First quarter worldwide sales totaled $2.4 billion, an increase of 4 percent on a constant currency basis as compared to the prior year period. On a reported basis, sales declined 1 point as foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by five percentage points in the quarter.

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"We are off to a strong start in 2016, with first quarter results exceeding our expectations," said José (Joe) E. Almeida, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our new strategic framework focused on portfolio optimization, operational excellence and capital allocation is driving improved performance throughout the organization and is reflected in our increased financial outlook for the year. We are confident our strategy positions the company for sustainable growth and value creation for all our stakeholders."

During the quarter, Baxter achieved a number of operational, pipeline and commercial milestones in support of its strategy to accelerate profitable growth, including:

U.S. launch of ready-to-use VANCOMYCIN injection in 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) in 500 mg, 750 mg and 1 gram presentations. Baxter is the only manufacturer to offer VANCOMYCIN in a premixed presentation, which uses the company’s proprietary frozen GALAXY container technology. With this launch, Baxter now supplies VANCOMYCIN in both saline and dextrose presentations, providing additional therapy options for a critical antibiotic that has appeared periodically on the FDA Drug Shortage list. In addition, Baxter has now submitted to the FDA for review the third of the nine molecules expected to launch over the next several years.
CE marking for the expanded indication of HEMOPATCH in the European Union for tissue sealing and dura replacement in addition to hemostasis. The advanced surgical patch now has one of the broadest indications available for advanced surgical patches in Europe.
Japanese approval for the expanded use of our flowable hemostat FLOSEAL to include endoscopic surgery.
Marketing authorization in United Kingdom and Denmark, the initial of 20 country approvals sought in 2016 for NUMETA G13E, the only triple-chamber, commercially prepared parenteral nutrition system approved to meet the critical needs of vulnerable neonatal patients.
Enrollment of the first patient in the U.S. clinical trial for VIVIA, an investigational home hemodialysis (HD) system. The trial is designed to study more frequent, extended duration nocturnal home HD therapy (High Dose HD).
Retirement of approximately $3.7 billion of gross debt through utilization of a portion of the retained stake in Baxalta Incorporated (Baxalta) through two debt-for-equity exchanges. At the end of the quarter, Baxter held approximately 30.5 million Baxalta shares and currently intends to utilize this remaining equity through a contribution to its U.S. qualified pension plan and an equity-for-equity exchange. While subject to regulatory approval, both of these transactions are currently expected to be completed during the second quarter.
Financial Results

During the quarter, Baxter reported income from continuing operations of $3.4 billion, or $6.13 per diluted share, on a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) basis. These results included an after-tax net gain of approximately $3.3 billion from the disposition of shares the company retained following the spin-off of Baxalta in July 2015. Partially offsetting these results were net after-tax special items totaling $109 million (or $0.20 per diluted share) primarily related to debt extinguishment, intangible asset amortization, Baxalta related spin-off costs and certain business optimization initiatives.

On an adjusted basis, excluding special items, Baxter’s first quarter income from continuing operations totaled $199 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, exceeding the company’s previously-issued guidance of $0.28 to $0.30 per diluted share.

Sales within the United States advanced 5 percent to $992 million, while international sales totaled $1.4 billion, representing a 4 percent increase on a constant currency basis, and a 5 percent decline on a reported basis. There was no impact on Baxter’s total sales growth in the quarter from U.S. cyclophosphamide.

By business, Hospital Products sales of $1.5 billion increased 4 percent on a constant currency basis and declined 1 percent on a reported basis. Hospital Products performance in the quarter benefited from strong sales of Baxter’s next-generation SIGMA SPECTRUM infusion pump and IV solutions in the United States as well as increased demand for the company’s injectable drug compounding services.

Baxter’s Renal Products sales totaled $898 million, representing a 5 percent increase on a constant currency basis, and a 2 percent decline on a reported basis. Increased demand for peritoneal dialysis products and continuous renal replacement therapies contributed to sales growth in the quarter.

Financial Outlook

Based on the company’s strong first quarter performance, Baxter is raising its financial outlook for full-year 2016. Baxter now expects constant currency sales growth for full-year 2016 of approximately 3 percent, or approximately 4 percent after adjusting for increased U.S. competition for cyclophosphamide. On a reported basis, including the impact of foreign exchange, Baxter now expects sales to increase approximately 1 percent as compared to previous guidance of a decline of approximately 1 percent. In addition, the company now expects earnings from continuing operations, before special items, of $1.59 to $1.67 per diluted share for the full year as compared to previous guidance of $1.46 to $1.54 per diluted share.

For the second quarter, the company expects constant currency sales growth of approximately 4 percent, and on a reported basis, sales growth of approximately 2 percent. Baxter expects earnings from continuing operations, before special items, of $0.38 to $0.40 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2016.

The earnings guidance for the second quarter and full-year 2016 excludes approximately $1.94 and $8.01, respectively, per diluted share of realized gains related to the planned use of the Baxalta retained stake; $0.05 and $0.21, respectively, per diluted share of intangible asset amortization expense; an estimated $0.08 to $0.09 and $0.30 to $0.34, respectively, per diluted share related to business optimization and Baxalta separation-related expense activities; and $0.11 per diluted share of debt extinguishment loss and product related reserve adjustments for full-year 2016. These estimates are based on information reasonably available at the time of this release and future events or new information may result in different actual results. Reconciling for the inclusion of these items results in GAAP earnings of $2.18 to $2.21 per share for the second quarter of 2016 and $8.94 to $9.06 per diluted share for full-year 2016.