UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 7, 2015
 
Aceto Corporation
 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
New York
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
 
000-04217 11-1720520
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
4 Tri Harbor Court, Port Washington, New York, 11050
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
(516) 627-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13-e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 

 

 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On May 7, 2015, Aceto Corporation, a New York corporation (the “Registrant”), issued the attached press release that included financial information for its third quarter ended March 31, 2015.  A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K.  The information in this Report shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 9.01      Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1      Press Release issued by Aceto Corporation dated May 7, 2015

 
 

 


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

    ACETO CORPORATION  
    (Registrant)  
       
       
Dated:  May 8, 2015
By:
/s/ Salvatore Guccione  
    Salvatore Guccione  
    President and CEO  
 
 
 

 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.   Exhibits.
     
99.1
 
Press Release issued by Aceto Corporation dated May 7, 2015
 
 

 



 

Exhibit 99.1
 
logo
ACETO Corporation
4 Tri Harbor Court
Port Washington, New York 11050

“Sourcing and Supplying Quality Products Worldwide”
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
ACETO Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2015 Results

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., May 7, 2015 -- ACETO Corporation (Nasdaq:ACET), a global leader in the marketing, sale and distribution of products for Human Health, Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Performance Chemicals, announced today financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 ended March 31, 2015.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2015 versus Third Quarter Fiscal 2014

 
·
Net sales of $145.8 million versus $124.8 million, a 16.8% increase
 
·
Gross profit of $36.6 million versus $25.0 million, a 46.6% increase
 
·
Net income of $8.4 million versus $5.4 million, a 57.0% increase
 
·
Diluted EPS of $0.29 versus $0.19, a 52.6% increase
 
·
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income of $10.0 million versus $6.9 million, a 45.8% increase
 
·
Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS of $0.34 versus $0.24, a 41.7% increase

Management Commentary

“Overall, we are pleased with our third quarter results. Quarterly growth in net sales, gross profit and gross margin was once again led by strong results in our Human Health segment. As a result, net income, earnings per share and profit margins grew nicely year-over-year despite continued softness in our Nutritional products business, lower than expected new product launches this year and a $0.03 per share adverse impact related to the weakening Euro,” said Sal Guccione, Chief Executive Officer of ACETO. “For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, our Human Health and Pharmaceutical Ingredients segments together accounted for more than two-thirds of net sales and 75% of gross profit, showing ACETO’s continued progress towards becoming a human-health focused company.”

“Human Health sales increased by nearly 66% in the quarter, driven primarily by the acquisition of PACK Pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical Ingredients saw lower sales and profits due to decreased sales of active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly in Europe, where a strong dollar versus the euro created a significant headwind for us. Performance Chemicals revenue and profitability posted double-digit gains versus a year ago largely reflecting a more favorable mix of higher margin products,” Mr. Guccione added.
 
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“Looking at the quarterly pattern to date for fiscal 2015, net income and earnings per share results for the third quarter were, as expected, higher than either the first or second quarter of this year. Further, we continue to expect the fourth quarter to be the highest quarterly contributor to net income and earnings per share for fiscal 2015.   On a constant currency basis, we continue to expect sales and earnings per share growth for fiscal 2015 to be in the mid-to-upper single digit range, despite the slowness in new product approvals and nutritionals. However, on a reported basis, we now expect sales and earnings per share growth to be in the mid-single digit range for fiscal 2015,” concluded Mr. Guccione.

Third Quarter Financial Review

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were $145.8 million, an increase of 16.8% from $124.8 million reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Total company gross profit was $36.6 million, an increase of 46.6%, compared to $25.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross margin for the third quarter was 25.1% compared to 20.0% in the prior year period.

Human Health segment sales were $56.3 million, an increase of 65.9%, compared to $33.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The sales increase was primarily due to an increase in sales at Rising resulting from the acquisition of PACK Pharmaceuticals on April 30, 2014. Nutritional product sales both in the U.S. and abroad were lower due to soft reorders resulting from high customer inventory levels, as well as from increased competition. Gross profit for the Human Health segment was $20.0 million, an increase of 98.1%, compared to $10.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross margin for the third quarter was 35.4%, compared to 29.7% in the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the acquisition of PACK, as well as price increases on certain Rising products.

Pharmaceutical Ingredients segment sales were $40.5 million, a decrease of 15.2%, compared to $47.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross profit was $6.7 million, a decrease of 9.9%, compared to $7.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross margin for the third quarter was 16.5%, compared to 15.5% in the prior year period.  The segment’s sales and gross profits were adversely affected by the weakening of the Euro as well as slower sales of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients, offset by improved mix.  The impact of the Euro rate variance for the quarter compared to last year’s quarter was $4.3 million in sales and $0.7 million in gross profit.

Performance Chemicals segment sales were $48.9 million, an increase of 13.7%, compared to $43.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales of agricultural, dye and pigment intermediates and agricultural protection products versus 2014. Gross profit was $10.0 million, an increase of 33.3%, compared to $7.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, due to the higher agricultural sales. Gross margin was 20.4% for the third quarter compared to 17.4% in the prior year period.

Total selling, general and administrative expenses were $19.1 million compared to $16.4 million in the same period last year, a 16.4% increase. Selling, general and administrative expenses included $2.4 million of SG&A expenses from PACK Pharmaceuticals, of which $1.2 million was amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets. Research and Development expenses in the third quarter totaled $2.1 million compared to $1.5 million in the prior year period. The majority of R&D expenses are milestone based, and will fluctuate quarterly.
 
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Operating income totaled $15.4 million, an increase of 118% versus the third quarter of fiscal 2014. An expense of $1.4 million, or approximately $0.03 per diluted share, was recorded in the quarter for unrealized foreign exchange losses related to the strengthening of the US dollar compared to the Euro. Interest expense was $1.0 million compared to $0.3 million in the prior year period reflecting higher average balances outstanding under the credit agreement entered into in connection with the purchase of PACK Pharmaceuticals. Net income was $8.4 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter of fiscal 2014. Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income was $10.0 million in the third quarter, compared to $6.9 million in the prior period, a 45.8% increase. Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings per Share were $0.34, compared to $0.24 in the year ago third quarter, a 41.7% increase.
 
Conference Call

Management will host a conference call to discuss the operating and financial results at 9:00 a.m. ET on Friday, May 8, 2015.  To participate in the conference call, please dial (866) 297-6395 or (847) 944-7317 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call. Please reference conference ID # 39551293.

A live webcast of the conference call will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.aceto.com.  Please access the website 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to download and install any necessary audio software.

A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 11:30 a.m. ET on May 08, 2015 until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 15, 2015 and may be accessed by calling (888) 843-7419 and reference conference ID # 39551293.  An archived replay of the conference call will also be available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website.
 
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to U.S. GAAP results, this press release also includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the SEC. This measure, Adjusted Net Income, represents net income excluding amortization of intangibles, debt extinguishment and transaction costs related to acquisitions.  These items should not be reviewed in isolation or considered substitutes of the Company’s financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.  Due to the nature of these items, it is important to identify these items and to review them in conjunction with the Company’s financial results reported in accordance with GAAP.  The exclusion of these items also allows investors to compare results of operations in the current period to prior periods’ results based on the Company’s fundamental business performance and analyze the operating trends of the business.  The exclusion of these items also allows management to evaluate the performance of its business units.
 
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Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income to U.S. GAAP net income are presented in the table Non-GAAP Reconciliation of this press release.

About ACETO

ACETO Corporation, incorporated in 1947, is a global leader in the marketing, sale and distribution of products for Human Health (finished dosage form generics and nutraceutical products), Pharmaceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients) and Performance Chemicals (specialty chemicals and agricultural protection products). With business operations in nine countries, ACETO distributes over 1,100 chemical compounds used principally as finished products or raw materials in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, agricultural, coatings and industrial chemical industries. ACETO’s global operations, including a staff of 25 in China and 12 in India, are distinctive in the industry and enable its worldwide sourcing and regulatory capabilities.
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  The events described in forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not occur.  Generally, these statements relate to our business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits or other consequences of ACETO’s plans or strategies, financing plans, projected or anticipated benefits from acquisitions that ACETO may make, or a projection involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of ACETO’s operating results or financial position, and the outcome of any contingencies.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of management. ACETO intends for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and “continue,” and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s strategic initiatives including selling finished dosage form generic drugs, and statements regarding the prospects for long-term growth.   ACETO cautions you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond ACETO’s control, which may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in ACETO’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, ACETO’s Annual Report or Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 and other filings. Copies of these filings are available at www.sec.gov.
 
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Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect ACETO’s results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by ACETO ultimately prove to be accurate. In addition, periodic high-margin product sales may have a positive material financial impact in a given quarter that may be non-recurring in future quarters, thereby rendering one quarter’s performance not useful as a predictor of future quarters’ results.  ACETO’s actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.  ACETO undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Investor Relations Contact:
LHA
Jody Burfening
jburfening@lhai.com
(212) 838-3777
 
(Financial Tables Follow)
 
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Aceto Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net sales
  $ 145,796     $ 124,830     $ 400,364     $ 370,599  
Cost of sales
    109,198       99,867       306,096       284,918  
Gross profit
    36,598       24,963       94,268       85,681  
Gross profit %
    25.10 %     20.00 %     23.55 %     23.12 %
                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    19,067       16,381       56,320       47,212  
Research and development expenses
    2,101       1,504       3,223       3,232  
Operating income
    15,430       7,078       34,725       35,237  
                                 
Other (expense) income, net of interest expense
    (1,804 )     826       (2,969 )     971  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    13,626       7,904       31,756       36,208  
Income tax provision
    5,215       2,548       11,909       12,762  
Net income
  $ 8,411     $ 5,356     $ 19,847     $ 23,446  
                                 
Net income per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.19     $ 0.69     $ 0.84  
                                 
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.19     $ 0.68     $ 0.82  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    28,773       28,087       28,710       27,888  
Diluted
    29,267       28,606       29,216       28,470  
 
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Aceto Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per-share amounts)
   
   
(unaudited)
       
   
March 31, 2015
   
June 30, 2014
 
             
Assets
           
Current Assets:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 33,709     $ 42,897  
  Investments
    1,834       746  
  Trade receivables: less allowances for doubtful accounts: March 31, 2015 $764; and June 30, 2014 $517
    149,766       122,694  
  Other receivables
    8,904       5,288  
  Inventory
    97,216       100,683  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,757       3,556  
  Deferred income tax asset, net
    1,361       490  
                 
        Total current assets
    295,547       276,354  
                 
                 
Property and equipment, net
    10,775       11,573  
Property held for sale
    5,848       5,848  
Goodwill
    67,848       66,516  
Intangible assets, net
    81,463       87,955  
Deferred income tax asset, net
    11,518       11,605  
Other assets
    8,622       8,133  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 481,621     $ 467,984  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
  Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 9,697     $ 8,343  
  Accounts payable
    55,836       48,716  
  Accrued expenses
    62,610       61,464  
         Total current liabilities
    128,143       118,523  
                 
Long-term debt
    97,510       97,158  
Long-term liabilities
    10,405       11,634  
Environmental remediation liability
    5,210       7,079  
Deferred income tax liability
    6       6  
          Total liabilities
    241,274       234,400  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
  Preferred stock, 2,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
  Common stock, $.01 par value:(40,000 shares authorized; 29,117 and 28,772 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively)
    291       288  
  Capital in excess of par value
    92,329       87,156  
  Retained earnings
    155,325       140,768  
  Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (7,598 )     5,372  
         Total shareholders’ equity
    240,347       233,584  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 481,621     $ 467,984  
 
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Aceto Corporation
 
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Excluding Charges (Non-GAAP Reconciliation)
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
   
(unaudited)
Three Months
 Ended March
31, 2015
   
(unaudited)  
 Diluted Net
Income Per
Common
 Share Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2015
   
(unaudited) 
Three Months
Ended March
31, 2014
   
(unaudited) 
Diluted Net
Income Per
Common
Share Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2014
   
(unaudited)
Nine Months
Ended March
31, 2015
   
(unaudited)
Diluted Net
Income Per
Common
Share Nine
Months Ended
March 31, 2015
   
(unaudited)
Nine Months
Ended March
 31, 2014
   
(unaudited)
Diluted Net
Income Per
Common
Share Nine
Months Ended
March 31, 2014
 
                                                 
Net income, as reported
  $ 8,411     $ 0.29     $ 5,356     $ 0.19     $ 19,847     $ 0.68     $ 23,446     $ 0.82  
                                                                 
Adjustments:
                                                               
                                                                 
    Amortization
    2,564       0.08       1,482       0.05       7,726       0.26       4,383       0.15  
    Transaction costs related to acquisitions
    -       -       988       0.03       -       -       1,588       0.06  
    Separation and relocation costs
    -       -       -       -       99       0.00       -       -  
    Step-up of inventory
    -       -       -       -       209       0.01       -       -  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Adjusted income excluding charges
    10,975       0.37       7,826       0.27       27,881       0.95       29,417       1.03  
Adjustments to provision for income taxes
    934       0.03       939       0.03       3,013       0.10       2,269       0.08  
                                                                 
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)
  $ 10,041     $ 0.34     $ 6,887     $ 0.24     $ 24,868     $ 0.85     $ 27,148     $ 0.95  
                                                                 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    29,267       29,267       28,606       28,606       29,216       29,216       28,470       28,470  
 
NOTE:  Items identified in the above table are not in accordance with, or an alternative method for, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. These items should not be reviewed in isolation or considered substitutes of the Company’s financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Due to the nature of these items, it is important to identify these items and to review them in conjunction with the Company’s financial results reported in accordance with GAAP. The exclusion of these items also allows investors to compare results of operations in the current period to prior period’s results based on the Company’s fundamental business performance and analyze the operating trends of the business. The exclusion of these items also allows management to evaluate performance of its business units.
 
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