Document
false0000875320VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INC / MA 0000875320 2020-01-30 2020-01-30



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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) January 30, 2020

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Massachusetts
000-19319
04-3039129
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

50 Northern Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(617) 341-6100
(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):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Per Share
 
VRTX
 
The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐





Item 2.02.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
     
On January 30, 2020, we issued a press release in which we reported our consolidated financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019. A copy of that press release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information set forth in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit        Description of Document

99.1        Press Release, dated January 30, 2020





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

 
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
 
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: January 30, 2020
/s/ Michael Parini
 
Michael Parini
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer
 
 



Exhibit


Vertex Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2019 Financial Results
- Full-year 2019 total GAAP product revenues of $4.16 billion -
- Full-year 2019 total non-GAAP product revenues of $4.00 billion, a 32% increase compared to the full-year 2018 -
- Company provides full-year 2020 total product revenue guidance of $5.1 billion to $5.3 billion -
BOSTON -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today reported consolidated financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2019 and provided full-year 2020 financial guidance.
"In 2019, our differentiated strategy of investing in serial scientific innovation to create transformative medicines delivered remarkable performance. This was marked by the early approval of TRIKAFTA, the rapid progression of our pipeline in additional diseases and continued financial growth as we continued to treat more patients with our medicines worldwide," said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vertex. "This success is the culmination of many years of hard work to build a team, a pipeline and a company that we believe will discover, develop and commercialize transformative medicines for years to come."
Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Financial Highlights
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
%
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
%
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP Product revenues, net
$
1,413

 
 
$
868

 
 
63%
 
$
4,161

 
 
$
3,038

 
 
37%
Non-GAAP Product revenues, net^
$
1,257

 
 
$
868

 
 
45%
 
$
4,005

 
 
$
3,038

 
 
32%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Operating income
$
551

 
 
$
128

 
 
332%
 
$
1,198

 
 
$
635

 
 
89%
Non-GAAP Operating income
$
593

 
 
$
348

 
 
70%
 
$
1,786

 
 
$
1,112

 
 
61%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Net income ^^
$
583

 
 
$
1,551

 
 
 
 
$
1,177

 
 
$
2,097

 
 
 
Non-GAAP Net income
$
444

 
 
$
337

 
 
32%
 
$
1,389

 
 
$
1,059

 
 
31%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Net income per share - diluted ^^
$
2.23

 
 
$
5.97

 
 
 
 
$
4.51

 
 
$
8.09

 
 
 
Non-GAAP Net income per share - diluted
$
1.70

 
 
$
1.30

 
 
31%
 
$
5.33

 
 
$
4.08

 
 
31%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
^Non-GAAP product revenues exclude $155.8 million related to ORKAMBI in the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019. Please refer to Note 4 for further information.
^^ GAAP Net income and GAAP Net income per share - diluted included a benefit from income taxes of approximately $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018 due to the release of Vertex's valuation allowance on the majority of its net operating losses and other deferred tax assets.

1





Full-Year 2019 Results
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(in millions)
Non-GAAP Product revenues, net
$
4,005

 
 
$
3,038

 
KALYDECO
$
991

 
 
$
1,008

 
ORKAMBI
$
1,176

 
 
$
1,262

 
SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI
$
1,418

 
 
$
769

 
TRIKAFTA
$
420

 
 
$

 
Total GAAP and Non-GAAP product revenues increased 37% and 32%, respectively, compared to 2018, primarily driven by the global uptake of SYMDEKO and SYMKEVI in patients ages 12 and older, label expansions for the company's CF medicines globally, and the early approval and launch of TRIKAFTA in the U.S.
GAAP net income decreased compared to 2018, largely driven by the release of Vertex's tax valuation allowance in 2018.
Non-GAAP net income increased compared to 2018, driven by the strong growth in total product revenues.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2019 were $3.8 billion, an increase of approximately $600 million compared to $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2018.

Full-Year 2019 Expenses
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(in millions)
Combined GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
$
2,413

 
 
$
1,974

 
Combined Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
$
1,694

 
 
$
1,527

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP R&D expense
$
1,755

 
 
$
1,416

 
Non-GAAP R&D expense
$
1,171

 
 
$
1,089

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP SG&A expense
$
658

 
 
$
558

 
Non-GAAP SG&A expense
$
523

 
 
$
437

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP income taxes
$
218

 
 
$
(1,487
)
 
Non-GAAP income taxes
$
397

 
 
$
16

 
Combined GAAP and Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses increased compared to 2018, primarily due to the incremental investment to support the global use of Vertex's medicines and the expansion of Vertex's pipeline in CF and other new disease areas. Combined GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses also increased compared to 2018 due to Vertex's business development activities.

2





GAAP and Non-GAAP income taxes increased significantly compared to 2018 due to Vertex's release of its valuation allowance on the majority of its deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. GAAP and non-GAAP income taxes in 2019 include a provision for income taxes on Vertex's pre-tax income using an estimated effective tax rate approximating statutory rates. This provision for income taxes includes a significant non-cash charge due to Vertex's ability to offset its pre-tax income against previously benefited net operating losses. Refer to "Supplemental Income Tax Information" for discussion of the cash versus non-cash components of Vertex's provision for income taxes.

Fourth-Quarter 2019 Results

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(in millions)
Non-GAAP Product revenues, net
$
1,257

 
 
$
868

 
KALYDECO
$
236

 
 
$
259

 
ORKAMBI
$
270

 
 
$
315

 
SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI
$
332

 
 
$
294

 
TRIKAFTA
$
420

 
 
$

 
Total GAAP and Non-GAAP product revenues increased 63% and 45%, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, primarily driven by the early approval and launch of TRIKAFTA in the U.S. and the global uptake of SYMDEKO and SYMKEVI in patients ages 12 and older.
GAAP net income decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, largely driven by the release of Vertex's tax valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Non-GAAP net income increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, driven by the strong growth in total product revenues.

3


Fourth-Quarter 2019 Expenses
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
(in millions)
Combined GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
$
675

 
 
$
591

 
Combined Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
$
496

 
 
$
400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP R&D expense
$
480

 
 
$
438

 
Non-GAAP R&D expense
$
337

 
 
$
275

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP SG&A expense
$
195

 
 
$
153

 
Non-GAAP SG&A expense
$
159

 
 
$
125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP income taxes
$
94

 
 
$
(1,493
)
 
Non-GAAP income taxes
$
145

 
 
$
3

 
Combined GAAP and Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, primarily due to the incremental investment to support the global use of Vertex's medicines and the expansion of Vertex's pipeline in CF and other new disease areas.
GAAP and Non-GAAP income taxes increased significantly compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to Vertex's release of its tax valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2018. Refer to "Full-Year 2019 Expenses" for further information. Refer to "Supplemental Income Tax Information" for discussion of the cash versus non-cash components of Vertex's provision for income taxes.

Full-Year 2020 Financial Guidance
Vertex today provided its full-year 2020 financial guidance. A summary of the company's current financial expectations is below:
 
FY 2020
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL product revenues
 
$5.1 to $5.3 billion
 
 
 
 
 
Combined GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
 
$2.4 to $2.55 billion
 
Combined Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
 
$1.95 to $2.0 billion
 
Non-GAAP effective tax rate
 
21% to 22%
 
"Entering 2020, Vertex has never been stronger," said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "We are well-positioned for both near- and long-term growth based on treating more people with our CF medicines and from other future medicines in diseases aligned with our strategy, including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, APOL1-mediated kidney diseases, pain and severe hemoglobinopathies. Going forward, our financial strength will enable us to continue to significantly invest

4





in internal R&D and external innovation, which will provide access to new technologies, programs and expertise that will lead to further growth in the years ahead."

Clinical Development
Cystic Fibrosis (CF):
On October 21, 2019, the company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TRIKAFTA (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) for the treatment of CF in people ages 12 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation. TRIKAFTA is Vertex's fourth breakthrough medicine approved to treat the underlying cause of CF.
On October 31, 2019, the company announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the marketing authorization application (MAA) for the elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor triple combination regimen.
Enrollment is ongoing in a Phase 3 study evaluating the elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor triple combination regimen in children with CF ages 6 to 11 years who have two F508del mutations and in children who have one F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation. Pending the results of the Phase 3 study, the company plans to submit a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the FDA in 2020 followed by additional submissions to other global regulatory agencies.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Program:
VX-814: Enrollment is ongoing in the Phase 2 proof-of-concept study evaluating VX-814, the company's first oral small molecule corrector for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. Vertex expects to obtain data from this study in 2020.
VX-864: A Phase 1 study is ongoing in healthy volunteers evaluating VX-864, the company's second investigational small molecule corrector for the treatment of AAT deficiency.
Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia:
In November 2019, Vertex and its partner CRISPR Therapeutics announced positive, interim data from the first two patients with severe hemoglobinopathies - one patient with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and one patient with severe sickle cell disease - treated with the investigational CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing therapy CTX001 in the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials. Enrollment is ongoing in both trials and the companies expect to provide additional data for this program in 2020.

5


APOL1-Mediated Kidney Diseases:
Vertex continues to advance a portfolio of molecules for the treatment of APOL1-mediated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and other serious kidney diseases. In the fourth quarter of 2019, Vertex completed a Phase 1 study of its first investigational oral small molecule VX-147 in healthy volunteers. Vertex plans to initiate a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in 2020 to evaluate the reduction in protein levels with VX-147.
Pain:
The company announced today that it has discontinued Phase 1 development of VX-961. The company continues to advance a portfolio of NaV1.8 inhibitors into the clinic. As part of this strategy, Vertex plans to advance an additional molecule into clinical development in the first half of 2020.
Type 1 Diabetes:
Vertex plans to advance its cell therapy program for the treatment of type 1 diabetes into clinical development in late 2020 or early 2021.

6


Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In this press release, Vertex's financial results and financial guidance are provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and using certain non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, non-GAAP financial results and guidance exclude from Vertex's pre-tax income (i) stock-based compensation expense, (ii) an adjustment to revenues and related cost of sales to reflect the conclusion of the early access program for ORKAMBI in France, (iii) revenues and expenses related to business development transactions including collaboration agreements, asset acquisitions and consolidated variable interest entities, (iv) gains or losses related to the fair value of the company's strategic investments, (v) acquisition-related costs and (vi) other adjustments. The company's non-GAAP financial results also exclude from its provision for or benefit from income taxes the estimated tax impact related to its non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income described above. These results are provided as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP because management believes these non-GAAP financial measures help indicate underlying trends in the company's business, are important in comparing current results with prior period results and provide additional information regarding the company's financial position. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals that are communicated internally and externally and to manage the company's business and to evaluate its performance. The company adjusts, where appropriate, for both revenues and expenses in order to reflect the company's operations. The company provides guidance regarding product revenues in accordance with GAAP and provides guidance regarding combined research and development and sales, general, and administrative expenses on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis. The company also provides guidance regarding its anticipated income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income on a non-GAAP basis. The guidance regarding GAAP research and development expenses and sales, general and administrative expenses does not include estimates associated with any potential future business development activities. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included in the attached financial information.

7


Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Fourth-Quarter Results
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product revenues, net
$
1,413,265

 
$
868,173

 
$
4,160,726

 
$
3,038,325

Collaboration and royalty revenues

 
1,933

 
2,095

 
9,272

Total revenues
1,413,265

 
870,106

 
4,162,821

 
3,047,597

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
185,012

 
122,289

 
547,758

 
409,539

Research and development expenses
480,011

 
437,881

 
1,754,540

 
1,416,476

Sales, general and administrative expenses
195,277

 
153,210

 
658,498

 
557,616

Change in fair value of contingent consideration
1,500

 

 
4,459

 

Restructuring expense (income)

 
4

 

 
(184
)
Intangible asset impairment charge

 
29,000

 

 
29,000

Total costs and expenses
861,800

 
742,384

 
2,965,255

 
2,412,447

Income from operations
551,465

 
127,722

 
1,197,566

 
635,150

Interest income
12,359

 
13,971

 
63,678

 
38,352

Interest expense
(14,249
)
 
(18,744
)
 
(58,502
)
 
(72,471
)
Other income (expense), net (1)
127,375

 
(90,452
)
 
192,177

 
(790
)
Income from operations before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
676,950

 
32,497

 
1,394,919

 
600,241

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (2)
93,716

 
(1,492,599
)
 
218,109

 
(1,486,862
)
Net income
583,234

 
1,525,096

 
1,176,810

 
2,087,103

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (3)

 
25,431

 

 
9,793

Net income attributable to Vertex
$
583,234

 
$
1,550,527

 
$
1,176,810

 
$
2,096,896

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts per share attributable to Vertex common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.26

 
$
6.08

 
$
4.58

 
$
8.24

Diluted
$
2.23

 
$
5.97

 
$
4.51

 
$
8.09

Shares used in per share calculations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
258,003

 
254,868

 
256,728

 
254,292

Diluted
262,108

 
259,812

 
260,673

 
259,185


8


 
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income
Fourth-Quarter Results
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
GAAP net income attributable to Vertex
$
583,234

 
$
1,550,527

 
$
1,176,810

 
$
2,096,896

Stock-based compensation expense
91,591

 
78,943

 
360,489

 
325,047

ORKAMBI adjustment (4)
(140,854
)
 

 
(140,854
)
 

(Increase) decrease in fair value of strategic investments (1)
(128,734
)
 
85,659

 
(197,596
)
 
(2,558
)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration (3)
1,500

 
(5,370
)
 
4,459

 
17,730

Collaborative revenues and expenses (5)
56,057

 
111,940

 
318,343

 
116,717

Acquisition-related costs (6) and other adjustments
33,181

 
1,043

 
45,871

 
4,563

Total non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income
(87,259
)
 
272,215

 
390,712

 
461,499

Estimated income taxes related to non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income (7)
(51,627
)
 
13,715

 
(178,578
)
 

Benefit from income taxes due to release of valuation allowance (2)

 
(1,499,588
)
 

 
(1,499,588
)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Vertex
$
444,348

 
$
336,869

 
$
1,388,944

 
$
1,058,807

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts per diluted share attributable to Vertex common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
$
2.23

 
$
5.97

 
$
4.51

 
$
8.09

Non-GAAP
$
1.70

 
$
1.30

 
$
5.33

 
$
4.08

Shares used in diluted per share calculations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP and Non-GAAP
262,108

 
259,812

 
260,673

 
259,185


9



Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Revenues and Expenses
Fourth-Quarter Results
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
GAAP total revenues
$
1,413,265

 
$
870,106

 
$
4,162,821

 
$
3,047,597

ORKAMBI adjustment (4)
(155,773
)
 

 
(155,773
)
 

Collaborative revenues (5)

 
(663
)
 
(158
)
 
(4,203
)
Non-GAAP total revenues
$
1,257,492

 
$
869,443

 
$
4,006,890

 
$
3,043,394

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
GAAP cost of sales
$
185,012

 
$
122,289

 
$
547,758

 
$
409,539

ORKAMBI adjustment (4)
(14,919
)
 

 
(14,919
)
 

Stock-based compensation expense
(1,397
)
 
(1,280
)
 
(5,575
)
 
(4,543
)
Non-GAAP cost of sales
$
168,696

 
$
121,009

 
$
527,264

 
$
404,996

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP research and development expenses
$
480,011

 
$
437,881

 
$
1,754,540

 
$
1,416,476

Stock-based compensation expense
(56,707
)
 
(50,094
)
 
(224,558
)
 
(203,112
)
Collaborative expenses (5)
(56,057
)
 
(111,925
)
 
(318,501
)
 
(120,004
)
Acquisition-related costs (6) and other adjustments
(30,461
)
 
(877
)
 
(40,583
)
 
(4,005
)
Non-GAAP research and development expenses
$
336,786

 
$
274,985

 
$
1,170,898

 
$
1,089,355

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP sales, general and administrative expenses
$
195,277

 
$
153,210

 
$
658,498

 
$
557,616

Stock-based compensation expense
(33,487
)
 
(27,569
)
 
(130,356
)
 
(117,392
)
Collaborative expenses (5)

 
(438
)
 

 
(2,142
)
Acquisition-related costs (6) and other adjustments
(2,720
)
 
(162
)
 
(5,288
)
 
(742
)
Non-GAAP sales, general and administrative expenses
$
159,070

 
$
125,041

 
$
522,854

 
$
437,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses
$
495,856

 
$
400,026

 
$
1,693,752

 
$
1,526,695

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
GAAP other income (expense), net
$
127,375

 
$
(90,452
)
 
$
192,177

 
$
(790
)
Collaborative expenses (4)

 
1,077

 

 
1,077

(Increase) decrease in fair value of strategic investments (1)
(128,734
)
 
85,659

 
(197,596
)
 
(2,558
)
Non-GAAP other expense, net
$
(1,359
)
 
$
(3,716
)
 
$
(5,419
)
 
$
(2,271
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP provision for (benefit from) income taxes
$
93,716

 
$
(1,492,599
)
 
$
218,109

 
$
(1,486,862
)
Estimated income taxes related to non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income (7)
51,627

 
(3,979
)
 
178,578

 
3,668

Benefit from income taxes due to release of valuation allowance (2)

 
1,499,588

 

 
1,499,588

Non-GAAP provision for income taxes (2)
$
145,343


$
3,010


$
396,687


$
16,394


10



Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
$
3,808,294

 
$
3,168,242

Accounts receivable, net
633,518

 
409,688

Inventories
167,502

 
124,360

Property and equipment, net
745,080

 
812,005

Goodwill and intangible assets
1,402,158

 
50,384

Deferred tax assets
1,190,815

 
1,499,672

Other assets
371,098

 
181,547

      Total assets
$
8,318,465

 
$
6,245,898

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
1,204,522

 
$
1,069,886

Finance lease liabilities
577,371

 
596,638

Contingent consideration
176,500

 

Other liabilities
274,828

 
144,171

Shareholders' equity
6,085,244

 
4,435,203

      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
8,318,465

 
$
6,245,898

 
 
 
 
Common shares outstanding
258,993

 
255,172




11



Supplemental Income Tax Information
(in thousands, except percentages)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Components of provision for income taxes related to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash taxes paid or accrued for state and foreign income taxes
$
9,185

 
$
3,010

 
$
32,138

 
$
16,394

Benefit from income taxes due to release of valuation allowance (2)

 
(1,499,588
)
 

 
(1,499,588
)
VIE income taxes (7)

 
(9,736
)
 

 
(3,668
)
Provision for income taxes offset by net operating losses
84,531

 
13,715

 
185,971

 

GAAP provision for (benefit from) income taxes (2)
$
93,716

 
$
(1,492,599
)
 
$
218,109

 
$
(1,486,862
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash taxes paid or accrued for state and foreign income taxes
$
9,185

 
$
3,010

 
$
32,138

 
$
16,394

Estimated income taxes related to non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income (7)
51,627

 
(3,979
)
 
178,578

 
3,668

Provision for income taxes offset by net operating losses
84,531

 
3,979

 
185,971

 
(3,668
)
Non-GAAP provision for income taxes (2)
$
145,343

 
$
3,010

 
$
396,687

 
$
16,394

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate reconciliation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP effective tax rate
14
%
 
**

 
16
%
 
**

Impact of GAAP to Non-GAAP adjustments
11
%
 
**

 
6
%
 
**

Non-GAAP effective tax rate
25
%
 
1
%
 
22
%
 
2
%
 
 
 
** Not meaningful
 
 


12


Notes and Explanations
1: The company records gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of its strategic investments to "Other income, net."
2: In the fourth quarter of 2018, the company recorded a non-cash benefit from income taxes of approximately $1.5 billion related to the release of its valuation allowance on the majority of its net operating losses and other deferred tax assets. As a result, the company recorded deferred tax assets of $1.5 billion on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, which were previously subject to its valuation allowance. Starting in the first quarter of 2019, the company began recording a provision for income taxes on its pre-tax income using an estimated effective tax rate that approximates statutory rates. The provision includes a significant non-cash charge due to the company's ability to offset its pre-tax income against previously benefited net operating losses. The company expects the majority of its tax provision to represent a non-cash expense until its net operating losses have been fully utilized. As of December 31, 2019, the company's federal net operating losses and credits that were available to offset future pre-tax income were approximately $3.5 billion.
3: During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration relates to payments potentially payable to Exonics' former equity holders. During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the company consolidated the financial statements of a variable interest entity, or VIE, resulting in changes in the fair value of contingent consideration.
4: "ORKAMBI adjustment" in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 includes an adjustment to net product revenues and cost of sales related to the conclusion of the early access program for ORKAMBI in France in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company had previously recognized a portion of net product revenues related to ORKAMBI distributed through the early access program in France. As a result, the company recognized an adjustment to increase net product revenues and cost of sales, which related to prior period shipments of ORKAMBI distributed through the early access program in France. The company has excluded the adjustment to net product revenues and cost of sales from its Non-GAAP measures for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Beginning in 2020, the company does not expect to adjust any revenues from its GAAP net product revenues.

5: "Collaborative revenues and expenses" in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 primarily related to collaborative upfront and milestone payments. "Collaborative revenues and expenses" in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 also included revenues and expenses attributable to our VIE's operations.
6: "Acquisition-related costs" in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 primarily related to costs associated with the company's acquisitions of Semma and Exonics. There were no comparable amounts during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018.
7: In the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, "Estimated income taxes related to non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income" primarily related to (i) stock-based compensation (including an adjustment for excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation), (ii) increases or decreases in the fair value of the company's strategic investments and (iii) collaborative upfront payments. In the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, "Estimated income taxes related to non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income" were related to a provision for income taxes attributable to the company's VIE and excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation.

About Vertex

13


Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has multiple approved medicines that treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) - a rare, life-threatening genetic disease - and has several ongoing clinical and research programs in CF. Beyond CF, Vertex has a robust pipeline of investigational small molecule medicines in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including pain, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and APOL1-mediated kidney disease. In addition, Vertex has a rapidly expanding pipeline of genetic and cell therapies for diseases such as sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London, UK. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Latin America. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 10 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and top five on the 2019 Best Employers for Diversity list by Forbes. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, Dr. Leiden's statements in this press release, Dr. Kewalramani's statements in this press release, the information provided regarding future financial performance, the section captioned "Full Year 2020 Financial Guidance" and statements regarding (i) regulatory filings and (ii) the development plan and timelines for our drug candidates. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the company's expectations regarding its 2020 CF net product revenues, expenses and effective tax rates may be incorrect (including because one or more of the company's assumptions underlying its expectations may not be realized), that data from the company's development programs may not support registration or further development of its potential medicines due to safety, efficacy or other reasons, and other risks listed under Risk Factors in Vertex's annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through the company's website at www.vrtx.com. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.

Conference Call and Webcast
The company will host a conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the call, please dial (866) 501-1537 (U.S.) or +1 (720) 545-0001 (International). The conference call will be webcast live and a link to the webcast can be accessed through Vertex's website at www.vrtx.com in the "Investors" section under "Events and Presentations." To ensure a timely connection, it is recommended that users register at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled webcast. An archived webcast will be available on the company's website.

(VRTX-E)

Vertex Contacts:

14


Investors:
Michael Partridge, 617-341-6108
or
Zach Barber, 617-341-6470
or
Leah Gibson, 617-961-1507

Media:
617-341-6992
mediainfo@vrtx.com


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