a5462031.htm
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, 2007

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 o

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 o
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 o
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 o
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
 

ICON  plc

Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2007
 
CONTENTS     Page  
         
General     2  
         
   
 
         
   
 
         
   
 
         
   
 
         
   
 
         
   
 
         
   
 


 
ICON plc


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shall be deemed a part of such registration statement from the date on which this report is filed, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished by ICON plc under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
1


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.  As of June 30, 2007 we had approximately 4,800 employees worldwide, with operations in 53 locations in 31 countries, including the United States and major markets in Europe and Rest of World. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 we derived approximately 52.6%, 41.7%, and 5.7% 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.

Recent Developments

On July 12, 2007 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of DOCS International, a European based clinical research staffing organization, for a cash consideration of approximately $40 million. DOCS International operates in eight European countries and focuses on the training and supply of contract and permanent clinical research personnel to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.

On July 9, 2007 ICON plc entered into a facility agreement for the provision of a multi-currency revolving credit facility of €35 million ($47.1 million) with The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland.  Our obligations under the facility are secured by certain composite guarantees and indemnities and pledges in favour of the bank. The facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the interbank rate plus 0.6 percent. On July 10, 2007 the Company drew down €29.5 million ($39.7 million) of the facility to fund the acquisition of DOCS International.
 
2

 
ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT JUNE 30, 2007 AND DECEMBER 31, 2006
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
   
June 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
78,335
    $
63,039
 
Short term investments - available for sale
   
28,707
     
39,822
 
Accounts receivable
   
105,983
     
108,216
 
Unbilled revenue
   
104,740
     
89,977
 
Other receivables
   
9,533
     
7,468
 
Deferred tax asset
   
4,584
     
6,028
 
Prepayments and other current assets
   
15,265
     
14,335
 
Total current assets
   
347,147
     
328,885
 
Other Assets:
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
91,240
     
68,208
 
Goodwill
   
79,402
     
78,717
 
Non-current deferred tax asset
   
4,140
     
531
 
                 
                 
Total Assets
  $
521,929
    $
476,341
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $
11,283
    $
9,691
 
Payments on account
   
87,619
     
90,394
 
Other liabilities
   
47,446
     
51,956
 
Deferred tax liability
   
685
     
538
 
Bank credit lines and loan facilities
   
15,947
     
5,000
 
Income taxes payable
   
14,423
     
10,985
 
    Total current liabilities
   
177,403
     
168,564
 
Other Liabilities:
               
Long term government grants
   
1,144
     
1,170
 
Long term finance leases
   
110
     
163
 
Non-current deferred tax liability
   
4,625
     
2,586
 
Minority interest
   
1,168
     
1,120
 
Total Liabilities
   
184,450
     
173,603
 
                 
  Shareholders' Equity:
               
Ordinary shares, par value 6 euro cents per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized,
               
28,738,589 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2007 and
               
28,517,852 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006
   
2,117
     
2,100
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
140,816
     
133,996
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
16,838
     
14,515
 
Retained earnings
   
177,708
     
152,127
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
337,479
     
302,738
 
                 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $
521,929
    $
476,341
 

                                                                                                
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, 2007 AND JUNE 30, 2006
(UNAUDITED) 
   
Three Months Ended   
   
Six Months Ended   
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands except share and per share data)         
 
Revenue:
                       
Gross revenue
  $
207,383
    $
153,744
    $
394,123
    $
294,388
 
Subcontractor costs
    (60,336 )     (46,308 )     (110,987 )     (88,457 )
                                 
Net revenue
   
147,047
     
107,436
     
283,136
     
205,931
 
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Direct costs
   
83,875
     
60,014
     
162,432
     
114,718
 
Selling, general and administrative expense
   
42,662
     
32,397
     
81,346
     
62,677
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
4,450
     
3,689
     
8,606
     
7,134
 
                                 
Total costs and expenses
   
130,987
     
96,100
     
252,384
     
184,529
 
                                 
Income from operations
   
16,060
     
11,336
     
30,752
     
21,402
 
Interest income
   
1,100
     
993
     
2,229
     
1,651
 
Interest expense
    (81 )     (55 )     (166 )     (66 )
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
17,079
     
12,274
     
32,815
     
22,987
 
Provision for income taxes
    (3,758 )     (2,943 )     (7,186 )     (6,073 )
Minority interest
    (6 )     (34 )     (48 )     (76 )
                                 
Net income
  $
13,315
    $
9,297
    $
25,581
    $
16,838
 
Net income per Ordinary Share:
                               
Basic
  $
0.46
    $
0.33
    $
0.89
    $
0.60
 
Diluted
  $
0.45
    $
0.32
    $
0.86
    $
0.59
 
                                 
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
28,684,201
     
28,265,490
     
28,624,350
     
28,174,762
 
Diluted
   
29,685,489
     
28,695,530
     
29,597,671
     
28,499,356
 
 
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, 2007 AND JUNE 30, 2006
(UNAUDITED)
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2007
   
June 30, 2006
 
   
(in thousands)    
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $
25,581
    $
16,838
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
176
     
95
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
8,606
     
7,134
 
Amortization of grants
    (57 )     (56 )
     Share compensation expense
   
2,559
     
1,968
 
     Deferred taxes
   
51
     
24
 
     Minority interest
   
48
     
76
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable
   
3,265
      (8,575 )
Increase in unbilled revenue
    (14,762 )     (6,759 )
Decrease in other receivables
   
2,965
     
2,132
 
Increase in prepayments and other current assets
    (574 )     (2,072 )
(Decrease)/increase in payments on account
    (2,865 )    
15,146
 
(Decrease)/increase in other liabilities
    (10,907 )    
2,288
 
Increase in income taxes payable
   
3,781
     
87
 
     Increase in accounts payable
   
1,490
     
1,465
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
19,357
     
29,791
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (30,393 )     (10,827 )
Purchase of short term investments
    (1,908 )     (15,018 )
Sale of short term investments
   
13,023
     
-
 
Deferred payments in respect of prior year acquisitions
   
-
      (96 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (19,278 )     (25,941 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Drawdown/(repayment) of bank credit lines and loan facilities
   
10,947
      (4,888 )
Proceeds from exercise of share options
   
3,056
     
4,179
 
Share issuance costs
    (117 )     (25 )
Tax benefit from the exercise of share options
   
1,003
     
593
 
Repayment of other liabilities
    (53 )     (53 )
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
   
14,836
      (194 )
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash
   
381
     
21
 
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
15,296
     
3,677
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
63,039
     
59,509
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $
78,335
    $
63,186
 
 
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
             
               
Additional
   
Other
             
               
Paid‑in
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Income
   
Earnings
   
Total
 
                                     
   
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
                                     
                                     
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2006
   
28,517,852
    $
2,100
    $
133,996
    $
14,515
    $
152,127
    $
302,738
 
                                                 
Comprehensive Income:
                                               
Net income
                                   
25,581
     
25,581
 
Currency translation adjustment
                           
2,323
             
2,323
 
Total comprehensive income
                                           
330,642
 
Share issuance costs
                   
(117
)                    
(117
)
Exercise of share options
   
220,977
     
17
     
3,375
                     
3,392
 
Non-cash stock compensation expense
                   
2,559
                     
2,559
 
Tax benefit on exercise of share options  
               
1,003
                     
1,003
 
                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2007
   
28,738,829
   
$
2,117
    $
140,816
    $
16,838
   
$
177,708
   
$ 
337,479
 
 
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, 2007


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.

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 Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2007.

2. Goodwill

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Opening balance
  $
78,717
    $
65,731
 
Payments made in respect of current period acquisitions
   
-
     
9,005
 
Payments made in respect of prior year acquisitions
   
-
     
96
 
Foreign exchange movement
   
685
     
3,885
 
                 
Closing balance
  $
79,402
    $
78,717
 

The goodwill balance relates entirely to the clinical research segment.

On July 10, 2006 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Ovation Healthcare Research 2 Inc. (“Ovation”), based in Illinois, USA, for an initial cash consideration of U.S.$6.6 million, excluding costs of acquisition. Working capital provisions had been built into the acquisition contract requiring the potential payment of additional deferred consideration up to a maximum of U.S.$1.4 million. On October 27, 2006 $0.18 million was paid to the former shareholders of Ovation in full and final settlement of the working capital provisions.

The acquisition of Ovation has been accounted for as a purchase in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”. The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

   
(in thousands)
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
  $
384
 
Goodwill
   
9,005
 
Cash
   
341
 
Other Current Assets
   
4,381
 
Current liabilities
    (6,952 )
Long term liabilities
    (124 )
Purchase Price
  $
7,035
 
 
7


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. Earn out provisions were built into the acquisition contract requiring the potential payment of additional deferred consideration up to a maximum of US$4 million depending on the performance of GloboMax over the period from date of acquisition to May 31, 2006. On August 26, 2005 cash consideration of US$1.4 million was paid to the former shareholders of GloboMax in respect of the first earn out target which was reached on May 31, 2005. On May 31, 2006 a final payment of $96,131 was made to the former shareholders of GloboMax. No further payments are anticipated.

3. Adoption of the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Interpretation addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements.

Under FIN 48, the Company may recognize the tax benefits from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being recognized upon ultimate settlement.

FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company maintains a $11.2 million liability for unrecognized tax benefit, which is comprised of $10.2 million related to items generating unrecognized tax benefits and $1.0 million for interest and related penalties to such items. The Company recognizes interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as an additional income tax expense.

Any recognition of an unrecognized tax liability would impact the Company’s effective tax rate in that period. We do not anticipate that the total unrecognized tax benefits or our effective tax rate will significantly change due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations within the next 12 months.

The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the significant federal, state and foreign jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as open tax years in these jurisdictions. The only periods subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions where the Company does business are 2003 through 2006 tax years. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any examination will have a material impact on its financial statements.

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.

8


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,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share
   
28,684,201
     
28,265,490
     
28,624,350
     
28,174,762
 
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding
   
1,001,288
     
430,040
     
973,321
     
324,594
 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted net income per ordinary share
   
29,685,489
     
28,695,530
     
29,597,671
     
28,499,356
 

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 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 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 3.0 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 200,000 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 three months ended June 30, 2007 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.
 
9

 
The following table summarizes option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2007:

   
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
   
2,321,852
    $
18.61
    $
8.45
       
                               
Granted
   
623,190
     
42.50
     
18.21
       
Exercised
    (221,057 )    
16.15
     
7.62
       
Forfeited
    (57,289 )    
18.79
     
8.32
       
                               
Outstanding at June 30, 2007
   
2,666,696
    $
24.36
    $
10.80
     
5.89
 
                                 
Exercisable at June 30, 2007
   
768,333
    $
18.97
    $
8.54
     
4.83
 
                                 

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, 2007 is eight years.

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2007 calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $18.21 based on the following assumptions; dividend yield - 0%, risk free interest rate – 4.7%, expected volatility - 40% and weighted average expected life – 5.11 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 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, 2007 is stated after charging $2.6 million in respect of non-cash stock compensation expense.  Basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2007 had SFAS 123R not been introduced would have been $0.98 and $0.94 respectively.  Non-cash stock compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 has been allocated to direct costs and selling, general and administrative expenses as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
Direct costs
  $
760
    $
572
    $
1,410
    $
1,084
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
619
     
466
     
1,149
     
884
 
                                 
    $
1,379
    $
1,038
    $
2,559
    $
1,968
 
 
10


Non vested shares outstanding as at June 30, 2007 are as follows:
   
Options
Outstanding
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
                   
Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2006
   
1,788,308
    $
19.32
    $
8.69
 
                         
Granted
   
623,190
     
42.50
     
18.21
 
Vested
    (455,846 )    
20.80
     
9.34
 
Forfeited
    (57,289 )    
18.79
     
8.32
 
                         
Non vested outstanding at June 30, 2007
   
1,898,363
    $
26.54
    $
11.67
 
                         
 
As at June 30, 2007 total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 2.22 years, amounted to $15.63 million.  The Company has granted options with fair values ranging from $5.78 to $18.21 per option or a weighted average fair value of $9.68 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, 2007 was 768,333.  The fully vested options have an average remaining contractual term of 4.8 years and average exercise price of $18.97.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period was $9.91 million (three months ended June 30, 2007 was $4.35 million).

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, Thailand and Peru. Segment information for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 are as follows:

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Ireland*
  $
27,685
    $
11,423
    $
50,388
    $
19,310
 
Rest of Europe
   
35,453
     
23,173
     
67,549
     
46,125
 
U.S.
   
76,023
     
65,010
     
148,993
     
125,860
 
Rest of the World
   
7,886
     
7,830
     
16,206
     
14,636
 
                                 
Total
  $
147,047
    $
107,436
    $
283,136
    $
205,931
 
* All sales shown for Ireland are export sales.
                               
 
11


b)  The distribution of net revenue by business segment was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  $
12,880
    $
11,516
    $
25,957
    $
20,805
 
Clinical research
   
134,167
     
95,920
     
257,179
     
185,126
 
                                 
Total
  $
147,047
    $
107,436
    $
283,136
    $
205,931
 
 
c)  The distribution of income from operations by geographical area was as follows:
 
     
Three Months Ended     
     
Six Months Ended     
 
     
June 30,
     
June 30,
     
June 30,
     
June 30,
 
     
2007
     
2006
     
2007
     
2006
 
     
(in thousands)    
     
(in thousands)    
 
Ireland
  $
9,106
    $
4,261
    $
19,938
    $
3,932
 
Rest of Europe
   
1,738
     
1,186
     
3,075
     
6,371
 
U.S.
   
5,268
     
4,496
     
7,697
     
8,905
 
Rest of the World
    (52 )    
1,393
     
42
     
2,194
 
                                 
Total
  $
16,060
    $
11,336
    $
30,752
    $
21,402
 

d)  The distribution of income from operations by business segment was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  $
845
    $
323
    $
1,793
    $ (334 )
Clinical research
   
15,215
     
11,013
     
28,959
     
21,736
 
                                 
Total
  $
16,060
    $
11,336
    $
30,752
    $
21,402
 
 
e) The distribution of property, plant and equipment, net, by geographical area was as follows:

   
June 30,
2007
   
December 31,
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Ireland
  $
52,740
    $
33,999
 
Rest of Europe
   
10,405
     
9,213
 
U.S.
   
23,683
     
21,421
 
Rest of the World
   
4,412
     
3,575
 
                 
Total
  $
91,240
    $
68,208
 
 
12


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

   
June 30,
2007
   
December 31,
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  $
5,256
    $
5,050
 
Clinical research
   
85,984
     
63,158
 
                 
Total
  $
91,240
    $
68,208
 

g) The distribution of depreciation and amortization by geographical area was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Ireland
  $
1,429
    $
1,306
    $
2,762
    $
2,525
 
Rest of Europe
   
747
     
612
     
1,452
     
1,169
 
U.S.
   
1,929
     
1,576
     
3,721
     
3,081
 
Rest of the World
   
345
     
195
     
671
     
359
 
                                 
Total
  $
4,450
    $
3,689
    $
8,606
    $
7,134
 
 
h) The distribution of depreciation and amortization by business segment was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  $
414
    $
316
    $
843
    $
622
 
Clinical research
   
4,036
     
3,373
     
7,763
     
6,512
 
                                 
Total
  $
4,450
    $
3,689
    $
8,606
    $
7,134
 
 
i) The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:

   
June 30,
 2007
   
December 31,
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Ireland
  $
132,605
    $
115,802
 
Rest of Europe
   
118,380
     
100,212
 
U.S.
   
247,558
     
245,381
 
Rest of the World
   
23,386
     
14,946
 
                 
Total
  $
521,929
    $
476,341
 
 
13


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

   
June 30,
 2007
   
December 31,
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Central laboratory
  $
30,809
    $
28,272
 
Clinical research
   
491,120
     
448,069
 
                 
Total
  $
521,929
    $
476,341
 
 
14

 
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  Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006. 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. As of June 30, 2007 we had approximately 4,800 employees worldwide, with operations in 53 locations in 31 countries including the United States and major markets in Europe and Rest of World.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007 we derived approximately 52.6%, 41.7%, and 5.7% 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 differs 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.
 
15


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 18 operations operating in U.S. dollars, 6 trading in Euros, 3 in pounds Sterling, 2 each in Indian Rupee, Russian Rouble and Japanese Yen, and 1 each in Australian dollars, Singapore dollars, Israeli New Shekels, Latvian Lats, Swedish Krona, Argentine Peso, South African Rand, Canadian dollar, Hungarian Forint, Hong Kong dollar, Taiwan dollar, Mexican Peso, Brazilian Real, Chilean Peso, South Korean Won, Thai Baht, Polish Zloty, Chinese Yuan Renminbi, Lithuanian Litas and Peruvian Neuvo Sol. 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, 2007 we have received $2.8 million and $2.1 million 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, 2007 compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

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,
     
June 30,
     
2006
 
     
2007
     
2006
     
to 2007
 
                     
Percentage
 
     
Percentage of Net Revenue    
     
Increase/(decrease)
 
                         
Net revenue
    100 %     100.0 %     36.9 %
Costs and expenses:
                       
Direct costs
    57.0 %     55.9 %     39.8 %
Selling, general and administrative
    29.0 %     30.2 %     31.7 %
Depreciation and amortization
    3.0 %     3.4 %     20.6 %
Income from operations
    10.9 %     10.5 %     41.7 %
 
16


Net revenue increased by $39.6 million, or 36.9%, from $107.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to $147.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. In the three months ended June 30, 2007 net revenue from our central laboratory business increased by 11.8%, from $11.5 million, to $12.9 million, while our clinical research segment grew by 39.9%, from $95.9 million, to $134.2 million, in each case over the period ended June 30, 2006. The increase in net revenue in our central laboratory segment is primarily due to higher testing volumes over the comparative period. The improvement in net revenue in the clinical research segment arose through a combination of increased business from existing clients, and business won from new clients due to 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 $23.9 million, or 39.8%, from $60.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to $83.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to increased staff numbers needed to support increased project related activity. Direct costs as a percentage of net revenue increased from 55.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2006, to 57% for three months ended June 30, 2007.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $10.3 million, or 31.7%, from $32.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to $42.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase is due to the continued expansion of our operations. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased from 30.2% in the three months ended June 30, 2006 to 29.0% in the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.8 million, or 20.6%, from $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. 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 3.4% in the three months ended June 30, 2006 to 3.0% in the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Income from operations increased by $4.7 million, or 41.7%, from $11.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to $16.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The operating income for the quarter is derived after the recognition of the non cash stock compensation charge of $1.4 million. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations increased from 10.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to 10.9% of net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

The three months ended June 30, 2007 saw a continued improvement in the performance of the central laboratory business, from an operating profit of 2.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 to an operating profit of 6.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  The central laboratory constitutes approximately 8.8% of our business revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $1.0 million, an increase of $.01 million over the amount of net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006. Higher average level of funds invested and higher interest rates over the comparative period contributed to the increased net interest income.

ICON's effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was 22.0% compared with 24.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease is due mainly to the changes in the geographic distribution of pre-tax earnings.
 
17

 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
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,
     
June 30,
     
2006
 
     
2007 
     
2006 
     
to 2007 
 
                     
Percentage 
 
     
Percentage of Net Revenue     
     
Increase/(decrease) 
 
                         
Net revenue
    100.0 %     100.0 %     37.5 %
Costs and expenses:
                       
Direct costs
    57.4 %     55.7 %     41.6 %
Selling, general and administrative
    28.7 %     30.4 %     29.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
    3.0 %     3.5 %     20.6 %
Income from operations
    10.9 %     10.4 %     43.7 %
                         

Net revenue increased by $77.2 million, or 37.5%, from $205.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $283.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This improvement arose through a combination of increased business from existing clients and business won from new clients. In the six months ended June 30, 2007 net revenue from our central laboratory business increased by 24.8% from $20.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $26.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 while our clinical research segment grew by 38.9% from $185.1 million to $257.2 million over the comparable period. The increase in net revenue in our central laboratory segment is primarily due to higher testing volumes in 2007. 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 $47.7 million, or 41.6%, from $114.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $162.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to increased staff numbers needed to support increased project related activity.  Direct costs as a percentage of net revenue increased from 55.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2006 to 57.4% in the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $18.7 million, or 29.8%, from $62.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $81.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase is due to the continued expansion of our operations. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased from 30.4% in the six months ended June 30, 2006 to 28.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.5 million, or 20.6%, from $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. 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 3.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2006 to 3.0% in the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Income from operations increased by $9.4 million, or 43.7%, from $21.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $30.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations increased from 10.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 to 10.9% of net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The operating income for the six months is derived after the recognition of the non cash stock compensation charge of $2.6 million.  As a percentage of net revenue, the central laboratory business generated operating profits of 6.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to losses from operations of 1.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 due to the efficiencies gained in the higher testing volumes in fiscal 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 the central laboratory constituted approximately 9.2% of our business revenues.
 
18


 
Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $2.1 million, an increase of $0.5 million over the amount of net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006. 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 was 21.9% compared with 26.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

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, 2007 amounted to $172.1 million compared to $123.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. 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, 2007 our working capital amounted to $169.7 million, compared to $160.3 million at December 31, 2006. 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 53 days at June 30, 2007 and at December 31, 2006.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $29.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Net cash used in investing activities was $19.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $25.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006. Net cash used in investing activities is primarily used in the construction of the new facility head office building located in Dublin, Republic of Ireland and the ongoing investment in information technology to support the Company’s current and future growth.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $14.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $0.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

As a result of these cash flows, cash and cash equivalents increased by $15.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to an increase of $3.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.

On April 24, 2007, the Company entered into a facility agreement for the provision of an overdraft facility of €14 million (U.S.$18.9 million) with AIB Bank.  The overdraft facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the bank’s prime rate and is repayable on demand if the Company defaults under its obligations as specified in the loan agreement. On June 29, 2007 the amount available to be drawn down under this facility was increased to €19 million ($25.6 million). As of June 30, 2007 €11.8 million ($15.9 million) of the facility had been drawn down.  As of that date the Company had fully discharged its previous multi-currency overdraft facility of $5 million with The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland Limited.
 
On July 12, 2007 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of DOCS International, a European based clinical research staffing organization, for a cash consideration of approximately $40 million. DOCS International operates in eight European countries and focuses on the training and supply of contract and permanent clinical research personnel to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
 
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On July 9, 2007 ICON plc entered into a facility agreement for the provision of a multi-currency revolving credit facility of €35 million ($47.1 million) with The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland.  Our obligations under the facility are secured by certain composite guarantees and indemnities and pledges in favour of the bank. The facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the interbank rate plus 0.6 percent. On July 10, 2007 the Company drew down €29.5 million ($39.7 million) of the facility to fund the acquisition of DOCS International. The facility will become payable on demand if the Company defaults under its obligations as specified in the loan agreement.
 
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.
 
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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
     
     
     
     
    /s/ Ciaran Murray
Date:  July 27, 2007
 
Ciaran Murray
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
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