Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2009 Results; Raises 2009 Outlook

Record Total Net Revenue of $667 Million;

GAAP EPS $0.43; Adjusted EPS $0.58

CORONA, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009.

First Quarter 2009 Results

Net revenue for the first quarter 2009 increased $40.4 million or six percent from the first quarter 2008 to a record $667.4 million, and net income was $49.1 million, or $0.43 per diluted share. Excluding special items as detailed in the reconciliation tables below, adjusted net income for the first quarter was $66.5 million, or $0.58 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter 2009 was $158.0 million and cash flow from operations was $69.5 million. Cash and marketable securities were $570.8 million as of March 31, 2009.

"This was another solid quarter for Watson, as we maintained the positive momentum from 2008," began Paul Bisaro, Watson's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our record breaking revenue was generated by strong performance within our Generics division, primarily as a result of increased revenue from our potassium chloride extended-release product. In addition, our Brand division achieved another milestone with the launch of Rapaflo(TM) (silodosin), our new selective alpha-blocker that provides rapid and sustained relief of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)."

"Based on our first quarter results and our view for the remainder of the year, we are raising our outlook for 2009, a clear signal that we remain confident in the growth prospects of each of our divisions, and are optimistic that execution on our business plans will continue to generate increasing value for shareholders," concluded Mr. Bisaro.

Generic product sales for the first quarter of 2009 increased $52.8 million or 15 percent to $395.2 million, reflecting the addition of new products, including potassium-chloride extended-release capsules. The increase was offset somewhat by lower sales of alendronate sodium tablets.

Generic other revenue decreased $17.8 million to $6.5 million due to a decline in royalties from Sandoz's sales of metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets 50mg and a decline in royalties from GlaxoSmithKline's sales of Wellbutrin XL(R).

Generic gross profit was $163.2 million in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $137.0 million in the first quarter of 2008 and $153.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Generic gross profit was positively influenced by the launch of new products and product mix. Generic gross profit for the first quarter 2009 reflects approximately $7.3 million in costs related to Watson's Global Supply Chain Initiative. Excluding this item, Generic gross profit was $170.5 million, or 42.4 percent of revenue in the first quarter 2009.

Generic research and development expense increased $7.5 million or 33 percent to $30.1 million, reflecting an acceleration of generic research and development activities. Watson currently has approximately 60 ANDAs on file with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Brand product sales for the first quarter of 2009 decreased slightly to $98.2 million. Brand other revenue decreased $2.5 million to $13.8 million.

Brand selling and marketing expense for the first quarter of 2009 increased 32 percent to $36.9 million, due primarily to preparation for the launches of Rapaflo(TM) and Gelnique(TM). Watson's urology sales force began promoting Rapaflo(TM) on April 7, 2009 and our specialty salesforce will begin promoting Gelnique(TM) in May 2009.

Distribution segment net revenue for the first quarter of 2009 increased six percent or $8.8 million to $153.7 million. The increase was primarily due to sales of new products. Distribution revenue excludes sales of Watson products.

Distribution segment gross margin was 18.0 percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 15.2 percent in the first quarter 2008 and 15.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008. The increase in gross margin was primarily related to changes in market conditions for certain products.

Other Operating Expenses

Consolidated general and administrative expenses for the first quarter 2009 increased $18.4 million to $68.9 million, and includes $18.0 million related to a legal settlement with Elan Corporation, PLC related to naproxen sodium.

Amortization expense for the first quarter 2009 increased $1.6 million to $21.8 million, reflecting the addition of product rights acquired from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

2009 Financial Outlook

Based on actual results for the first three months of 2009 and the forecast for the remainder of the year, Watson is adjusting its estimates for the full year 2009. Watson's estimates are based on the Company's actual results for the first three months of 2009, and management's current belief about prescription trends, pricing levels, inventory levels and the anticipated timing of future product launches and events.

Watson estimates total net revenue for the full year of 2009 at approximately $2.65 billion. Estimates for segment revenue are as follows:

Watson has increased its estimates for GAAP earnings per diluted share to between $2.15 and $2.27, and as detailed in reconciliation Table 6, adjusted earnings per diluted share is now estimated to be between $2.40 and $2.52.

Excluding special items as detailed in the EBITDA reconciliation Table 7 below, adjusted EBITDA is now estimated to be between $650 and $672 million.

Webcast and Conference Call Details

Watson will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss first quarter 2009 results, the outlook for 2009 and recent corporate developments. The dial-in number to access the call is (877) 251-7980, or from international locations, (706) 643-1573. A taped replay of the call will be available by calling (800) 642-1687 with access pass code 96139762. The replay may be accessed from international locations by dialing (706) 645-9291 and using the same pass code. This replay will remain in effect until midnight Eastern Daylight Time, May 15, 2009. To access the live webcast, go to Watson's Investor Relations Web site at http://ir.watson.com.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global leader in the development and distribution of pharmaceuticals with a broad portfolio of generic products and a specialized portfolio of brand pharmaceuticals focused on Urology, Women's Health and Nephrology/Medical.

For press release and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals' Web site at http://www.watson.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to Watson's estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. For instance, any statements in this press release concerning prospects related to Watson's strategic initiatives, product introductions and anticipated financial performance are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that Watson's goals and expectations are not predictions of actual performance. Watson's performance, at times, will differ from its goals and expectations. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial projections; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of litigation; successful integration of strategic transactions; the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of strategic transactions; variability of revenue mix between the Company's Brand, Generic and Distribution business units; periodic dependence on a small number of products for a material source of net revenue or income; variability of trade buying patterns; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; risks that the carrying values of assets may be negatively impacted by future events and circumstances; timely and successful consummation and implementation of strategic initiatives; the timing and success of product launches; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of product development efforts and FDA or other regulatory agency approvals or actions; the uncertainty associated with the identification and successful consummation of external business development transactions; market acceptance of and continued demand for Watson's products; costs and efforts to defend or enforce intellectual property rights; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; the availability and pricing of third party sourced products and materials; successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to Watson's and its third party manufacturers' facilities, products and/or businesses; uncertainties related to the timing and outcome of litigation and other claims; changes in the laws and regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid, affecting among other things, pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products; and such other risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Watson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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CONTACT: Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-951-493-5611

Web site: http://www.watsonpharm.com/