Icon plc 6K - Quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

ICON plc
(Registrant’s name)

0-29714
(Commission file number)

South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland.
(Address of principal executive offices)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Yes___X___ No_______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes______ No___X___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes______ No___X___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes_______ No___X___

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82 N/A

 
 
This report on Form 6-K is hereby incorporated by reference in the registration statement on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-133371) of ICON plc and in the prospectus contained therein, and this report on Form 6-K shall be deemed a part of such registration statement from the date on which this report is filed, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished by ICON plc under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
ICON plc

Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2006


CONTENTS
Page
   
General
2
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at
 
June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005
3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
  
the three months ended June 30, 2006 and the three months
  
ended May 31, 2005
4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
  
the three months ended June 30, 2006 the three months
  
ended May 31, 2005
5
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’
  
Equity and Comprehensive Income
6
   
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
   
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
  
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
14
   
Signature Page
20

 
 

ICON plc

GENERAL

As used herein, “ICON”, the “Company” and “we” refer to ICON plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

Business

We are a contract research organization, or CRO, providing clinical research and development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. Our focus is on supporting the conduct of clinical trials. We have historically done so by providing such services as Phase I - IV clinical trials management, study design, laboratory services and drug development support. We believe that we are one of a select group of CROs with the capability and expertise to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis. We have approximately 3,600 employees worldwide, with operations in 45 locations in 30 countries, including the United States and major markets in Europe and Rest of World. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, we derived approximately 61.1%, 31.8%, and 7.1% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, we began operations in 1990 and have expanded our business through internal growth and strategic acquisitions.

On July 27, 2005 the Board of Directors of the Company approved a change of the Company’s fiscal year-end from a twelve-month period ending on May 31 to a twelve-month period ending on December 31. The Company made this change in order to align its fiscal year end with the majority of other contract research organizations. As a requirement of this change, the Company reported results for the seven-month period from June 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 as a separate transition period in a Transition Report filed on Form 20-F. From January 1, 2006, the Company’s fiscal quarters will end on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year. Information set out in this report is for the three and six months ending June 30, 2006. Comparative income statement and cash flow information, together with related notes, is for the three and six months ending May 31, 2005. Comparative balance sheet information and related notes are stated as at December 31, 2005.

2

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT JUNE 30, 2006 AND DECEMBER 31, 2005


    (Unaudited)  (Audited) 
    June 30, 2006  December 
      31, 2005 
   
                                                         (in thousands)
       
ASSETS
      
Current Assets:
      
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$63,186
$59,509
Short term investments - available for sale
 
37,827
22,809
Accounts receivable
  
81,233
71,450
Unbilled revenue
  
69,379
62,270
Other receivables
  
5,092
6,435
Deferred tax asset
  
1,526
1,554
Prepayments and other current assets
  
13,480
11,089
        Total current assets
  
271,723
235,116
Other Assets:
      
Property, plant and equipment, net
  
52,974
47,652
Goodwill
  
67,395
65,731
Non-current deferred tax asset
  
422
452
Intangible assets
  
52
116
       
Total Assets
  
$392,566
$349,067
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
      
Current Liabilities:
      
Accounts payable
  
$9,262
$7,575
Payments on account
  
65,436
50,211
Other liabilities
  
35,911
33,184
Deferred tax liability
  
593
682
Bank credit lines and loan facilities
  
-
4,856
Income taxes payable
  
7,260
6,296
        Total current liabilities
  
118,462
102,804
Other Liabilities:
      
Long term government grants
  
1,179
1,160
Long term finance leases
  
100
152
Non-current deferred tax liability
  
2,526
2,499
Minority interest
  
970
894
Total Liabilities
  
123,237
107,509
       
Shareholders' Equity:
      
Ordinary shares, par value 6 euro cents per share; 20,000,000 shares  authorized, 14,176,636 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2006 and 14,018,092 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2005
      
 
  
1,005
993
        Additional paid-in capital
  
129,443
123,333
        Accumulated other comprehensive income
  
8,220
3,409
        Merger reserve
  
47
47
        Retained earnings
  
130,614
113,776
Total Shareholders' Equity
  
269,329
241,558
       
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  
$392,566
$349,067

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND MAY 31, 2005
(UNAUDITED)


   
Three Months Ended 
  
Six Months Ended 
  
   
June 30, 
  
May 31, 
  
June 30, 
  
May 31, 
  
   
2006 
  
2005 
  
2006 
  
2005 
  
   
(in thousands except share and per share data)
  
                   
Revenue:
                          
    Gross revenue
  
$
153,744
  
$
121,979
  
$
294,388
  
$
235,320
  
    Subcontractor costs
    
(46,308
)
  
(36,010
)
  
(88,457
)
  
(66,496
)
                           
    Net revenue
    
107,436
    
85,969
    
205,931
    
168,824
  
                           
Costs and expenses:
                          
    Direct costs
    
60,014
    
47,529
    
114,718
    
93,537
  
    Selling, general and administrative expense
    
32,397
    
27,540
    
62,677
    
54,925
  
    Depreciation and amortization
    
3,689
    
3,549
    
7,134
    
6,973
  
    Other Charges
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
11,275
  
                           
    Total costs and expenses
    
96,100
    
78,618
    
184,529
    
166,710
  
                           
Income from operations
    
11,336
    
7,351
    
21,402
    
2,114
  
Interest income
    
993
    
432
    
1,651
    
741
  
Interest expense
    
(55
)
  
(51
)
  
(66
)
  
(105
)
                           
Income before provision for income taxes
    
12,274
    
7,732
    
22,987
    
2,750
  
Provision for income taxes
    
(2,943
)
  
(1,699
)
  
(6,073
)
  
(2,220
)
Minority interest
    
(34
)
  
(84
)
  
(76
)
  
(109
)
                           
Net income
  
$
9,297
  
$
5,949
  
$
16,838
  
$
421
  
Net income per Ordinary Share:
                          
    Basic
  
$
0.66
  
$
0.43
  
$
1.19
  
$
0.03
  
    Diluted
  
$
0.65
  
$
0.42
  
$
1.18
  
$
0.03
  
                           
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding:
                          
                           
    Basic
    
14,132,745
    
13,887,989
    
14,087,381
    
13,877,113
  
                           
    Diluted
    
14,347,765
    
14,100,098
    
14,249,678
    
14,089,004
  
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND MAY 31, 2005
(UNAUDITED)


   
 Six Months Ended
  
   
June 30, 2006
  
May 31, 2005
  
   
 (in thousands)
  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                    
Net income
  
$
16,838
        
$
421
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                    
    Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    
95
          
20
  
    Depreciation and amortization
    
7,134
          
6,973
  
    Amortization of grants
    
(56
)
        
(102
)
    Share compensation expense
    
1,968
          
-
  
    Deferred taxes
    
24
          
(532
)
    Minority interest
    
76
          
109
  
    Other charges
    
-
          
11,275
  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                    
    (Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable
    
(8,575
)
        
9,211
  
    (Increase)/decrease in unbilled revenue
    
(6,759
)
        
14,688
  
    Decrease/(increase) in other receivables
    
2,132
          
(4,732
)
    Increase in prepayments and other current assets
    
(2,072
)
        
(1,626
)
    Increase/(decrease) in payments on account
    
15,146
          
(21,425
)
    Increase in other liabilities
    
2,288
          
8,379
  
    Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable
    
680
          
(579
)
    Increase in accounts payable
    
1,465
          
5,132
  
                     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
30,384
          
27,212
  
                     
Cash flows from investing activities:
                    
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    
(10,827
)
        
(8,104
)
Purchase of intangible asset
    
-
          
(250
)
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings and acquisition costs
    
-
          
(42
)
Purchase of short term investments
    
(15,018
)
        
(5,011
)
Sale of short term investments
    
-
          
12,022
  
Deferred payments in respect of prior year acquisitions
    
(96
)
        
(1,542
)
                     
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(25,941
)
        
(2,927
)
                     
Cash flows from financing activities:
                    
Repayments of bank credit lines and loan facilities
    
(4,888
)
        
(10,000
)
Proceeds from exercise of share options
    
4,179
          
919
  
Share issuance costs
    
(25
)
        
(29
)
Repayment of other liabilities
    
(53
)
        
(120
)
Net cash used in financing activities
    
(787
)
        
(9,230
)
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash
    
21
          
(689
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    
3,677
          
14,366
  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    
59,509
          
41,975
  
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
63,186
        
$
56,341
  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.



5



ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)


               
Accumulated
              
               
Other
              
               
Compre-
              
           
Paid-in
  
hensive
  
Retained
  
Merger
      
   
Shares
  
Amount
  
Capital
  
Income
  
Earnings
  
Reserve
  
Total
  
                               
           
(dollars in thousands, except share date)
      
                               
Balance at December 31, 2005
    
14,018,092
  
$
993
  
$
123,333
  
$
3,409
  
$
113,776
  
$
47
  
$
241,558
  
                                             
Comprehensive Income:
                                            
    Net income
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
16,838
    
-
    
16,838
  
    Currency translation adjustment
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
4,811
    
-
    
-
    
4,811
  
    Total comprehensive income
                                        
21,649
  
    Share issuance costs
    
-
    
-
    
(25
)
  
-
    
-
    
-
    
(25
)
    Exercise of share options
    
158,544
    
12
    
4,167
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
4,179
  
    Non-cash stock compensation
                                            
    expense
    
-
    
-
    
1,968
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
1,968
  
                                             
Balance at June 30, 2006
    
14,176,636
  
$
1,005
  
$
129,443
  
$
8,220
  
$
130,614
  
$
47
  
$
269,329
  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


 
 ICON plc

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
JUNE 30, 2006


1. Basis of Presentation

These condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”), have not been audited. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the operating results and financial position for the periods presented. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As discussed in note 5, the Company adopted Statement of Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) 123 (revised 2004) Share Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”) effective from January 1, 2006. There were no other significant change in ICON plc’s accounting policies from those outlined in ICON’s Transition Report on Form 20-F for the seven month period ended December 31, 2005.

The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and notes to the consolidated financial statements included in ICON’s Transition Report on Form 20-F for the seven months ended December 31, 2005. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2006.

2. Acquisitions

Prior Period Acquisitions

On September 9, 2003, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Globomax LLC (“GloboMax”), based in Maryland, USA, for an initial cash consideration of $10.9 million, excluding costs of acquisition.

On May 31, 2006, an amount of $96,131 was paid to the former shareholders of Globomax. This $96,131 was withheld from an earn-out payment made on the August 31, 2005 due to an outstanding customer debt arising prior to the acquisition of Globomax. This customer debt has subsequently been recovered and the $96,131 in turn became due to the former shareholders of Globomax. This payment has been accounted for as goodwill. No further payments are anticipated.

3. Goodwill

 
June 30,
December 31,
 
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
Opening balance
$65,731
$67,440
Payments made in respect of prior year acquisitions
96
-
Foreign exchange movement
1,568
(1,709)
     
Closing balance
$67,395
$65,731


The goodwill balance relates entirely to the clinical research segment.



7

4. Net income per ordinary share

Basic net income per ordinary share has been computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per ordinary share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period for all potentially dilutive ordinary shares outstanding during the period and adjusting net income for any changes in income or loss that would result from the conversion of such potential ordinary shares.

There is no difference in net income used for basic and diluted net income per ordinary share. The reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is as follows:


 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share
14,132,745
13,887,989
14,087,381
13,877,113
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding
215,020
212,109
162,297
211,891
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted net income per ordinary share
14,347,765
14,100,098
14,249,678
14,089,004

5. Stock Options

On January 17, 2003, the Company adopted the Share Option Plan 2003 (the “2003 Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to officers and other employees of the Company or its subsidiaries for the purchase of ordinary shares. Each option will be either an incentive stock option, or ISO, as described in Section 422 of the Code or an employee stock option, or NSO, as described in Section 422 or 423 of the Code. Each grant of an option under the 2003 Plan will be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the optionee and the Company. The exercise price will be specified in each Stock Option Agreement, however option prices for an ISO will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of an ordinary share on the date the option is granted.
 
An aggregate of 1.5 million ordinary shares have been reserved under the 2003 Plan; in no event will the number of ordinary shares that may be issued pursuant to options awarded under the 2003 Plan exceed 10% of the outstanding shares, as defined in the 2003 Plan, at the time of the grant. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted under the 2003 Plan during any calendar year to any employee shall be 100,000 ordinary shares.
 
No options can be granted after January 17, 2013.

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123 (revised 2004), Share Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”) which replaced SFAS 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS 123R requires, with effect from accounting periods beginning after June 15, 2005, that all share based payments to employees, including stock options granted, be recognized in the financial statements based on their grant date fair values.

The Company has adopted SFAS 123R with effect from January 1, 2006, with the Black-Scholes method of valuation being used to calculate the fair value of options granted. The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective transition method. Under that transition method compensation cost recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2006, includes; (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006, based on grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123 and (b) compensation cost for all share based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on grant date fair values estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. Results for prior periods have not been restated.

8

The following table summarizes option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2006:

 
Options Outstanding
 
Number of Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average
Fair Value
  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
           
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
1,132,146
$31.50
$14.60
    
           
Granted
372,611
$43.91
$19.64
    
Exercised
(158,544)
$26.18
$13.73
    
Forfeited
(83,565)
$31.54
$14.95
    
           
Outstanding at June 30, 2006
1,262,648
$35.66
$16.29
  
6.1
           
Exercisable at June 30, 2006
359,892
$31.79
$15.23
  
4.98
           

Share option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s shares at date of grant. Share options typically vest over a period of five years from date of grant and expire eight years from date of grant. The maximum contractual term of options outstanding at June 30, 2006 is eight years.

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2006, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $19.64 based on the following assumptions; dividend yield - 0%, risk free interest rate - 4.6%, expected volatility - 45% and weighted average expected life - 4.81 years.

On January 17, 2006, 15,000 share options, with an exercise price of $41.68, were granted to a key employee of the Company. These options will vest between 2009 and 2014, subject to the Company’s diluted earnings achieving $4.20 per share. If the Company does not achieve diluted earnings of $4.20 per share before January 16, 2014, the option grant expires.

Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the options; the expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding given consideration to vesting schedules, and our historical experience of part vesting and termination patterns. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. gilts zero-coupon yield curve in effect at time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.

Income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006, is stated after charging $2.0 million in respect of non-cash stock compensation expense. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2006, had SFAS 123R not been introduced would have been $1.33 and $1.30 respectively. Non-cash stock compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006, has been allocated to direct costs and selling, general and administrative expenses as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
         
Direct costs
$572
$-
$1,084
$-
Selling, general and administrative
466
-
884
-
         
 
$1,038
$-
$1,968
$-




9


Non vested shares outstanding as at June 30, 2006, are as follows:

 
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Fair Value
       
Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2005
803,389
$33.20
$15.22
       
Granted
372,611
$43.91
$19.64
Vested
(189,679)
$35.38
$16.13
Forfeited
(83,565)
$33.06
$14.95
       
Non vested outstanding at June 30, 2006
902,756
$37.20
$16.72
       


As at June 30, 2006, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 3.4 years, amounted to $11.2 million. The Company has granted options with fair values ranging from $11.55 to $19.64 per option or a weighted average fair value of $15.86 per option. The Company issues new ordinary shares for all options exercised. The total amount of fully vested share options which remained outstanding at June 30, 2006 was 48,878. The options have an average remaining contractual term of 2.1 years and average exercise price of $20.42. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period was $3.60 million (3 months ended June 30, 2006 was $2.58 million).

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company accounted for its share options in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 which allowed entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option grants as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The impact on net profit and earnings per share, had SFAS 123R been applied are as follows:

   
Six Months Ended
   
May 31, 2005
     
Net profit as reported
  
$421
     
Deduct: Total non-cash stock compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
  
 
($1,565)
Pro forma net loss
  
($1,144)
     
Earnings per share (in $):
    
Basic - as reported
  
0.03
Basic - pro forma
  
(0.08)
Diluted - as reported
  
0.03
Diluted - proforma
  
(0.08)

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended May 31, 2005, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $15.07 based on the following assumptions; dividend yield - 0%, risk free interest rate - 3.9/4.1%, expected volatility - 45% and weighted average expected life - 4.81 years.

Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the options; the expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding given consideration to vesting schedules and our historical exercise and termination patterns. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. gilts zero-coupon yield curve in effect at time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.

10
 

On February 7, 2005, 120,000 share options, with an exercise price of $34.40, were granted to certain key employees of the Company. These options will vest between 2008 and 2013 subject to the Company’s diluted earnings achieving $4.00 per share. If the Company does not achieve diluted earnings of $4.00 per share before February 6, 2013, the option grant expires.

6. Business Segment Information

The Company's areas of operation outside of Ireland principally include the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Australia, Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, Israel, Singapore, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Latvia, Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Africa, Spain, Hungary, India, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, China and Thailand. Segment information for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and May 31, 2005 are as follows:



a) The distribution of net revenue by geographical area was as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)

Ireland*
  
$11,423
  
$7,339
  
$19,310
  
$17,741
  
Rest of Europe
    
23,173
    
27,049
    
46,125
    
46,680
  
U.S.
    
65,010
    
46,641
    
125,860
    
95,040
  
Rest of the World
    
7,830
    
4,940
    
14,636
    
9,363
  
                           
Total
  
$
107,436
  
$
85,969
  
$
205,931
  
$
168,824
  
* All sales shown for Ireland are export sales.
                          

b) The distribution of net revenue by business segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)

Central laboratory
  
$
11,516
  
$
6,123
  
$
20,805
  
$
12,494
  
Clinical research
    
95,920
    
79,846
    
185,126
    
156,330
  
                           
Total
  
$
107,436
  
$
85,969
  
$
205,931
  
$
168,824
  


11


c) The distribution of income from operations by geographical area was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Ireland
  
$
4,261
  
$
(781
)
$
3,932
  
$
(197
)
Rest of Europe
    
1,186
    
8,344
    
6,371
    
10,724
  
U.S.
    
4,496
    
(152
)
  
8,905
    
(8,744
)
Rest of the World
    
1,393
    
(60
)
  
2,194
    
331
  
                           
Total
  
$
11,336
  
$
7,351
  
$
21,402
  
$
2,114
  



d) The distribution of income from operations by business segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  
$
323
  
$
(1,997
)
  
($334
)
$
(12,530
)
Clinical research
    
11,013
    
9,348
    
21,736
    
14,644
  
                           
Total
  
$
11,336
  
$
7,351
  
$
21,402
  
$
2,114
  


e) The distribution of property, plant and equipment, net, by geographical area was as follows:

   
June 30,
2006
  
December 31,
2005
  
   
(in thousands)
  
Ireland
  
$
24,467
  
$
22,538
  
Rest of Europe
    
7,635
    
6,669
  
U.S.
    
18,130
    
16,720
  
Rest of the World
    
2,742
    
1,725
  
               
Total
  
$
52,974
  
$
47,652
  

f) The distribution of property, plant and equipment, net, by business segment was as follows:

   
June 30,
2006
  
December 31,
2005
  
   
(in thousands)
  
Central laboratory
  
$
3,730
  
$
3,380
  
Clinical research
    
49,244
    
44,272
  
               
Total
  
$
52,974
  
$
47,652
  


12


g) The distribution of depreciation and amortization by geographical area was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
 
Ireland
  
$
1,306
  
$
1,304
  
$
2,525
  
$
2,682
  
Rest of Europe
    
612
    
1,804
    
1,169
    
1,150
  
U.S.
    
1,576
    
214
    
3,081
    
2,794
  
Rest of the World
    
195
    
227
    
359
    
347
  
                           
Total
  
$
3,689
  
$
3,549
  
$
7,134
  
$
6,973
  



h) The distribution of depreciation and amortization by business segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
May 31,
June 30,
May 31,
 
2006
2005
2006
2005
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  
$
316
  
$
260
  
$
622
  
$
515
  
Clinical research
    
3,373
    
3,289
    
6,512
    
6,458
  
                           
Total
  
$
3,689
  
$
3,549
  
$
7,134
  
$
6,973
  

i) The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:

   
June 30,
2006
  
December 31,
2005
  
   
(in thousands)
  
Ireland
  
$
112,359
  
$
91,826
  
Rest of Europe
    
79,302
    
80,700
  
U.S.
    
188,728
    
169,799
  
Rest of the World
    
12,177
    
6,742
  
               
Total
  
$
392,566
  
$
349,067
  

j) The distribution of total assets by business segment was as follows:

   
June 30,
2005
  
December 31,
2005
  
   
(in thousands)
  
Central laboratory
  
$
20,997
  
$
17,150
  
Clinical research
    
371,569
    
331,917
  
               
Total
  
$
392,566
  
$
349,067
  


 
 
13

ICON plc


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere herein and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included in our Transition Report on Form 20-F for the seven months ended December 31, 2005. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Overview

We are a contract research organization, or CRO, providing clinical research and development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. Our focus is on supporting the conduct of clinical trials. We have historically done so by providing such services as Phase I - IV clinical trials management, study design, laboratory services and drug development support. We believe that we are one of a select group of CROs with the capability and expertise to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis. We have approximately 3,600 employees worldwide, with operations in 45 locations in 30 countries including the United States and major markets in Europe and Rest of World. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, we derived approximately 61.1%, 31.8%, and 7.1% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

We earn revenues by providing a number of different services to our clients. These services include clinical trials management, biometric activities, consulting and laboratory services. We recognize biometric, consulting and laboratory revenues on a fee-for-service basis. Our laboratory service contracts are multiple element arrangements, with laboratory kits and laboratory testing representing the contractual elements. We determine the fair values for these elements, each of which can be sold separately, based on objective and reliable evidence of their respective fair values. Our laboratory contracts entitle us to receive non-refundable set up fees and we allocate such fees as additional consideration to the contractual elements based on the proportionate fair values of the elements. We recognize revenues for the elements on the basis of the number of deliverable units completed in a period.

We recognize clinical trials revenue on the basis of the relationship between time incurred and the total estimated duration of the contract, as this represents the most accurate pattern over which our contractual obligations are fulfilled. We invoice our customers upon achievement of specified contractual milestones. This mechanism, which allows us to receive payment from our customers throughout the duration of the contract, is not reflective of revenue earned. We recognize revenues over the period from the awarding of the customer’s contract to study completion and acceptance. This requires us to estimate total expected revenue, time inputs, contract costs, profitability and expected duration of the clinical trial. These estimates are reviewed periodically and, if any of these estimates change or actual results differ from expected results, an adjustment is recorded in the period in which they become readily estimable.

As is customary in the CRO industry, we subcontract with third party investigators in connection with clinical trials. All subcontractor costs, and certain other costs where reimbursed by clients, are, in accordance with industry practice, deducted from gross revenue to arrive at net revenue. As no profit is earned on these costs, which vary from contract to contract, we view net revenue as our primary measure of revenue growth.

Direct costs consist primarily of compensation and associated fringe benefits for project-related employees and other direct project driven costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of compensation and related fringe benefits for selling and administrative employees, professional services, advertising costs and all costs related to facilities and information systems.

As the nature of our business involves the management of projects having a typical duration of one to three years, the commencement, completion, curtailment or early termination of projects in a fiscal year can have a material impact on revenues earned with the relevant clients in such years. In addition, as we typically work with some, but not all, divisions of a client, fluctuations in the number and status of available projects within such divisions can also have a material impact on revenues earned from such clients from year to year.

Although domiciled in Ireland, we report our results in U.S. dollars. As a consequence, the results of our non-United States based operations, when translated into U.S. dollars, could be materially affected by fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currency of those operations.

14



In addition to translation exposures, we are also subject to transaction exposures because the currency in which contracts are priced can be different from the currencies in which costs relating to those contracts are incurred. We have 14 operations operating in U.S. dollars, 6 in Euros, 3 in pounds Sterling, and 1 each in Australian dollars, Singapore dollars, Yen, Israeli New Shekels, Latvian Lats, Swedish Krona, Argentine Peso, South African Rand, Indian Rupee, Russian Rouble, Canadian dollar, Hungarian Forint, Polish Zloty, Lithuanian Litas, Hong Kong dollar, Taiwan dollar, Mexican Peso, Brazilian Real, Chilean Peso, South Korean Won, Chinese Yuan Renminbi and Thai Baht. Our operations in the United States are not materially exposed to such currency differences as the majority of our revenues and costs are in U.S. dollars. However, outside the United States the multinational nature of our activities means that contracts are usually priced in a single currency, most often pounds Sterling, U.S. dollars or Euros, while costs arise in a number of currencies, depending, among other things, on which of our offices provide staff for the contract, and the location of investigator sites. Although many such contracts benefit from some degree of natural hedging due to the matching of contract revenues and costs in the same currency, where costs are incurred in currencies other than those in which contracts are priced, fluctuations in the relative value of those currencies could have a material effect on our results of operations. We regularly review our currency exposures and hedge a portion of these, using forward exchange contracts, where natural hedges do not cover them.

We have received capital and revenue grants from Enterprise Ireland, an Irish government agency. We record capital grants as deferred income, which are credited to income on a basis consistent with the depreciation of the relevant asset. Grants relating to operating expenditures are credited to income in the period in which the related expenditure is charged. The capital grant agreements provide that in certain circumstances the grants received may be refundable in full. These circumstances include sale of the related asset, liquidation of the Company or failing to comply in other respects with the grant agreements. The operating expenditure grant agreements provide for repayment in the event of downsizing of the Company calculated by reference to any reduction in employee numbers. We have not recognized any loss contingency having assessed as remote the likelihood of these events arising. Up to June 30, 2006, we have received $2,575,033 and $1,913,939 under the capital grants and operating grants, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of the grant agreements, we are restricted from distributing some of these amounts by way of dividend or otherwise.

As we conduct operations on a global basis, our effective tax rate has depended and will depend on the geographic distribution of our revenue and earnings among locations with varying tax rates. Our results of operations therefore may be affected by changes in the tax rates of the various jurisdictions. In particular, as the geographic mix of our results of operations among various tax jurisdictions changes, our effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period.


Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 compared with Three Months Ended May 31, 2005

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain financial data as a percentage of net revenue and the percentage change in these items compared to the prior comparable period. The trends illustrated in the following table may not be indicative of future results.

 
Three Months Ended
    
 
June 30,
May 31,
  
2005
 
2006
2005
  
to 2006
       
Percentage
 
Percentage of Net Revenue
  
Increase/(decrease)
         
Net revenue
100.0%
100.0%
  
25.0%
Costs and expenses:
        
Direct costs
55.9%
55.3%
  
26.3%
Selling, general and administrative
30.2%
32.0%
  
17.6%
Depreciation and amortization
3.4%
4.1%
  
3.9%
Income from operations
10.5%
8.6%
  
54.2%



15


Net revenue increased by $21.5 million, or 25.0%, from $85.9 million for the three months ended May 31, 2005 to $107.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. This improvement arose through a combination of increased business from existing clients and business won from new clients. Revenues in the United States, Europe and the Rest of World grew by 39.4%, 0.6% and 58.5%, respectively. In the three months ended June 30, 2006, net revenue from our central laboratory business increased by 88.1% from $6.1 million to $11.5 million, while our clinical research segment grew by 20.1% from $79.8 million to $95.9 million, in each case over the period ended May 31, 2005. The increase in net revenue in our central laboratory segment is primarily due to higher testing volumes over the comparative period. The growth in net revenue in our clinical research segment is due to the expansion of our services to both existing and new clients, increased use of outsourcing by the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, an underlying increase in research and development spending and consolidation in the CRO industry.

Direct costs increased by $12.5 million, or 26.3%, from $47.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2005 to $60.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, primarily due to increased staff numbers needed to support increased project related activity and the inclusion of $0.57 million non-cash stock compensation expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Direct costs as a percentage of net revenue increased from 55.3% for the three months ended May 31, 2005 to 55.9% for three months ended June 30, 2006.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.9 million, or 17.6%, from $27.5 for the three months ended May 31, 2005 million to $32.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is due to the continued expansion of our operations and the inclusion of $0.47 million non-cash stock compensation expense. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased from 32.0% in the three months ended May 31, 2005, to 30.2% in the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.1 million, or 3.9%, from $3.6 million for the three months ended May 31, 2005 to $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is due to the continued investment in facilities and information technology to support the growth in activity and in providing for future capacity. As a percentage of net revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased from 4.1% in the three months ended May 31, 2005 to 3.4% in the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Income from operations increased by $4.0 million, or 54.2%, from of $7.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2005, to $11.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. The operating income for the quarter is derived after the recognition of the non cash stock compensation charge of which there was no charge in the comparable period. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations increased from 8.6% for the three months ended May 31, 2005, to 10.5% of net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

The three months ended June 30, 2006, saw an improvement in the performance of the central laboratory business, from a loss from operations, as a percentage of net revenue of 32.6% for the three months ended May 31, 2005 to an operating profit of 2.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2006. The central laboratory constitutes approximately 10.7% of our business revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2006. Operating margins for our clinical research segment decreased from 11.7% for the three months ended May 31, 2005 to 11.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006 was $1.0 million, an increase of $0.6 million over the amount of net interest income for the three months ended May 31, 2005. Higher average level of funds invested and higher interest rates over the prior period contributed to the increased interest income.

ICON's effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2006 was 24.0% compared with 22.0% for the three months ended May 31, 2005. The increase is due mainly to the impact of a non-cash stock compensation expense recorded in the current quarter and changes in the geographic distribution of pre-tax earnings.

16

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared with Six Months Ended May 31, 2005

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain financial data as a percentage of net revenue and the percentage change in these items compared to the prior comparable period. The trends illustrated in the following table may not be indicative of future results.

 
Six Months Ended
    
 
June 30,
May 31,
  
2005
 
2006
2005
  
to 2006
       
Percentage
 
Percentage of Net Revenue
  
Increase/(decrease)
         
         
Net revenue
100.0%
100.0%
  
22.0%
Costs and expenses:
        
Direct costs
55.7%
55.4%
  
22.6%
Selling, general and administrative
30.4%
32.5%
  
14.1%
Depreciation and amortization
3.5%
4.1%
  
2.3%
Other Charges
-
6.7%
  
(100.0%)
Income from operations
10.4%
1.3%
  
912.0%



Net revenue increased by $37.1 million, or 22.0%, from $168.8 million for the six, months ended May 31, 2005 to $205.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This improvement arose through a combination of increased business from existing clients and business won from new clients. Revenues in the United States, Europe and the Rest of World grew by 32.4%, 1.6% and 56.3% respectively. In the six months ended June 30, 2006, net revenue from our central laboratory business increased by 66.5% from $12.5 for the six months ended May 31, 2005 million to $20.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, while our clinical research segment grew by 18.4% from $156.3 million to $185.1 million over the comparable period. The increase in net revenue in our central laboratory segment is primarily due to higher testing volumes in 2006. The growth in net revenue in our clinical research segment is due to the expansion of our services to both existing and new clients, increased use of outsourcing by the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, an underlying increase in research and development spending and consolidation in the CRO industry.

Direct costs increased by $21.2 million, or 22.6%, from $93.5 million for the six months ended May 31, 2005 to $114.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, primarily due to increased staff numbers needed to support increased project related activity and the inclusion of $1.08 million non-cash stock compensation. Direct costs as a percentage of net revenue increased from 55.4% in the six months ended May 31, 2005 to 55.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $7.8 million, or 14.1%, from $54.9 million for the six months ended May 31, 2005 to $62.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is due to the continued expansion of our operations and the inclusion of $0.9 million non-cash stock compensation expense. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased from 32.5% in the six months ended May 31, 2005 to 30.4% in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.1 million, or 2.3%, from $7.0 million for the six months ended May 31, 2005 to $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is due to the continued investment in facilities and information technology to support the growth in activity and in providing for future capacity. As a percentage of net revenue, depreciation and amortization, decreased from 4.1% in the six months ended May 31, 2005 to 3.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Other charges of $11.3 million were recognised in the six months ended May 31, 2005. These charges related to the recognition of an impairment in the carrying value of our investment in the central laboratory, a write down of certain fixed assets and the lease termination and exit costs associated with the consolidation of some of our office facilities in the U.S.

Income from operations increased by $19.3 million, or 912%, from $2.1 for the six months ended May 31, 2005 million to $21.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations increased from 1.3% for the

17

six months ended May 31, 2005 to 10.4% of net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The operating income for the six months is derived after the recognition of the non cash stock compensation charge of which there was no charge in the comparable period. As a percentage of net revenue, losses from operations for the central laboratory decreased from 100.3% for the six months ended May 31, 2005, to 1.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2006, due to the efficiencies gained in the higher testing volumes in fiscal 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the central laboratory constituted approximately 10.1% of our business revenues. Operating margins for our clinical research segment increased from 9.4% in the six months ended May 31, 2005 to 11.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $1.7 million, an increase of $0.9 million over the amount of net interest income for the six months ended May 31, 2005. Higher average level of funds invested and higher interest rates rates over the prior period contributed to the increased interest income.

ICON's effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was 26.4% compared with 80.7% for the six months ended May 31, 2005. The decrease in the effective rate was primarily due to the inclusion of once-off other charged for the six months ended May 31, 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The CRO industry generally is not capital intensive. Since our inception, we have financed our operations and growth primarily with cash flows from operations, net proceeds of $49.1 million raised in our initial public offering in May 1998 and net proceeds of $44.3 million raised in our public offering in August 2003. Our principal cash needs are payment of salaries, office rents, travel expenditures and payments to subcontractors. The aggregate amount of employee compensation paid in the six months ended June 30, 2006 amounted to $123.8 million compared to $101.4 million for the six months ended May 31, 2005. Investing activities primarily reflect capital expenditures for facilities and for information systems enhancements, the sale and purchase of short-term investments and acquisitions.

Our clinical research and development contracts are generally fixed price with some variable components and range in duration from a few months to several years. Revenue from contracts is generally recognized as income on the basis of the relationship between time incurred and the total estimated contract duration or on a fee-for-service basis. The cash flow from contracts typically consists of a down payment of between 10% and 20% paid at the time the contract is entered into, with the balance paid in instalments over the contract's duration and in some cases upon the achievement of certain milestones. Accordingly, cash receipts do not necessarily correspond to costs incurred and revenue recognized on contracts.

As of June 30, 2006, our working capital amounted to $153.3 million, compared to $132.3 million at December 31, 2005. The other significant influence on our operating cash flow is revenue outstanding, which comprises accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, less payments on account. The dollar values of these amounts and the related days revenue outstanding can vary due to the achievement of contractual milestones, including contract signing, and the timing of cash receipts. The number of days revenue outstanding was 51 days at June 30, 2006, compared to 65 days at December 31, 2005.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $30.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $27.2 million in the six months ended May 31, 2005.

Net cash used in investing activities was $25.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $2.9 million in the six months ended May 31, 2005, due to additional purchase of short term investments during the period.

Net cash used in financing activities was $0.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $9.2 million in the six months ended, May 31, 2005, primarily due to repayment of bank credit lines.

As a result of these cash flows, cash and cash equivalents increased by $3.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to an increase of $14.4 million in the six months ended May 31, 2005.

18


On July 3, 2003, ICON entered into a facility agreement (the "Facility Agreement") for the provision of a term loan facility of U.S.$40 million, multi-currency overdraft facility of $5 million and revolving credit facility of $15 million (the "Facilities") with The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland Limited (the “Banks”). Our obligations under the Facilities are secured by certain composite guarantees and indemnities and pledges in favour of each of the Banks. This facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the Banks’ Prime Rate plus three quarters of one percent. ICON plc and its subsidiaries are entitled to make borrowings under the term loan facility of $40 million and the multi currency overdraft facility of $5 million. As at June 30, 2006, the full amounts of the term loan facility and the multi currency overdraft were available to be drawn down. As at June 30, 2006, the full amount of the $15 million revolving credit facility was available to be drawn down.
 
The Company also entered into an overdraft agreement with Allied Irish Banks, plc (“AIB”) whereby the company guarantees any overdraft of its subsidiary ICON Clinical Research GmbH up to an amount €120,000 (U.S.$150,612). As of June 30, 2006, the full facility was available to be drawn down.
 
Inflation

We believe the effects of inflation generally do not have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial conditions.

Legal Proceedings

We are not party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that we believe could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.


19

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 thereunto duly authorized.





 
ICON plc
   
   
   
   
Date 25th July 2006        
/s/ Ciaran Murray         
 
Ciaran Murray
 
Chief Financial Officer


20