[page 24 AXCAN PHARMA]
EXHIBIT 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THIS DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
AXCAN PHARMA'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE RELATED NOTES THERETO.
ALL AMOUNTS STATED IN U.S. DOLLARS.
[OVERVIEW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Axcan is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company concentrating in the field
of gastroenterology, with operations in North America and Europe. Axcan markets
and sells pharmaceutical products used in the treatment of a variety of
gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. The Company seeks to expand its
gastrointestinal franchise by in-licensing products and acquiring products or
companies, as well as developing additional products and expanding indications
for existing products. Axcan's current products include ULTRASE and VIOKASE for
the treatment of certain gastrointestinal symptoms related to cystic fibrosis in
the case of ULTRASE; URSO 250 for the treatment of certain cholestatic liver
diseases; SALOFALK and CANASA for the treatment of certain inflammatory bowel
diseases; and PHOTOFRIN for the treatment of certain types of gastrointestinal
and other conditions. In addition, Axcan currently has two products pending
approval; one, an additional indication for a currently marketed product and the
other, an indication for a new product. Axcan also has a number of
pharmaceutical projects in all phases of development. Axcan reported revenue of
$133.2 million and earnings before financial expenses, interest income,
amortization and income taxes of $40.5 million for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2002.
For fiscal 2002, sales of Axcan's three principal products, ULTRASE, URSO 250
and CANASA, accounted for approximately 23%, 23% and 19%, respectively, of
Axcan's total revenue. Much of Axcan's recent sales growth is derived from sales
in the United States and France, following recent acquisitions. Revenue from
sales of Axcan's products in the United States was $100.1 million (75.1% of
total revenue) for fiscal 2002, compared to $84.6 million for fiscal 2001, and
$71.5 million for fiscal 2000. In Canada, revenue was $17.4 million (13.1% of
total revenue) for fiscal 2002, compared to $18.5 million for fiscal 2001 and
$16.0 million for fiscal 2000. In Europe, revenue was $15.7 million (11.8% of
total revenue) for fiscal 2002, compared to $1.4 million for fiscal 2001.
Historically, Axcan's revenue has been principally derived from sales of
pharmaceutical products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and
disorders, to large pharmaceutical wholesalers and large chain pharmacies.
Axcan utilizes a "pull-through" marketing approach that is typical of
pharmaceutical companies. Under this approach, Axcan's sales representatives
demonstrate the features and benefits of its products to gastroenterologists who
may write prescriptions for Axcan's products. These gastroenterologists write
prescriptions for their patients, who, in turn, take the prescriptions to
pharmacies to be filled. The pharmacies then place orders with the wholesalers,
or, in the case of large chain pharmacies, their distribution centers, to whom
Axcan sells its products.
Axcan's expenses have historically been comprised primarily of selling and
administrative expenses (including marketing expenses), cost of goods sold
(including royalty payments to those companies from whom Axcan licenses its
products) and research and development expenses. In addition, because Axcan
acquires many of the products that it markets, until September 30, 2001, a
substantial portion of Axcan's expenses was related to amortization of
trademarks, trademark licenses, manufacturing rights and goodwill, and financial
expenses.
Axcan's annual and quarterly operating results are primarily affected by three
factors: wholesaler buying patterns; the level of acceptance of Axcan's products
by gastroenterologists and their patients; and the extent of Axcan's control
over the marketing of its products. Wholesaler buying patterns, including a
tendency to increase inventory levels prior to an anticipated or announced price
increase, affect Axcan's operating results by shifting revenue between quarters.
To ensure that Axcan maintains good relations with wholesalers, Axcan typically
gives wholesalers prior notice of price increases to enable them to purchase
products that they will later sell at higher prices. The level of patient and
physician acceptance of Axcan's products, as well as the availability of similar
therapies, which may be less effective but also less expensive than some of
Axcan's products, impact Axcan's revenues by driving the level and timing of
prescriptions for its products.
[page 25 AXCAN PHARMA]
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On November 7, 2001, Axcan acquired Laboratoires Enteris S.A.S. ("Enteris"), a
company specializing in the distribution of gastrointestinal products in France,
and on April 17, 2002, Axcan completed the acquisition of Laboratoire du Lacteol
du Docteur Boucard S.A. ("Lacteol") in France, for a total purchase price of
$36.1 million. A portion, approximately $4.7 million, was paid through the
issuance of 365,532 shares at $13.04 (CDN $20.53) per share; the remainder,
approximately $31.4 million, was paid in cash. These acquisitions allowed Axcan
to establish operations in France and add two products to the Company's product
line. They will also further the development of markets in Europe.
[CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Axcan's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, applied on a consistent
basis. Axcan's critical accounting policies include the use of estimates,
revenue recognition, the recording of research and development expenses and the
useful lives or fair value of goodwill and intangible assets.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in Canada requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements and recognized amounts of revenues and expenses during the year.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by
management include the calculation of reserves for doubtful accounts, product
returns, rebates and allowances, useful lives of long-lived assets, fair value
of goodwill and intangible assets, contingency provisions and other accrued
charges. These estimates were made using the historical information available.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized when product is shipped to the Company's customer,
provided the Company has not retained any significant risks of ownership or
future obligations with respect to the product shipped. Revenue from product
sales is recognized net of sales discounts and allowances. In certain
circumstances, returns or exchanges of products are allowed under the Company's
policy and provisions are maintained accordingly. Amounts received from
customers as prepayments for products to be shipped in the future are reported
as deferred revenue.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Axcan's goodwill and intangible assets are stated at cost, less accumulated
amortization using the straight-line method based on their estimated useful
lives from 15 to 25 years until September 30, 2001. In 2001, the Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants approved new standards modifying the method
of accounting for business combinations entered into after June 30, 2001, and
addressing accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets. The new
standards on goodwill and other intangible assets should be applied for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2002. The Company has elected to adopt
these standards early, and since October 1, 2001, it no longer amortizes its
goodwill and intangible assets with infinite life. However, management evaluates
the value of the unamortized portion of goodwill and intangible assets annually,
by comparing the carrying value to the future benefits of the Company's
activities or the expected sale of pharmaceutical products. Should there be a
permanent impairment in value or if the unamortized balance exceeds recoverable
amounts, a write-down will be recognized for the current year. To date, Axcan
has not recognized any permanent impairment in value. Intangible assets with
finite life are still amortized over their estimated useful lives.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Research and development expenses are charged to earnings in the year they are
incurred, net of related tax credits.
[page 26 AXCAN PHARMA]
[ACQUISITIONS
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YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
On November 7, 2001, Axcan acquired all of the outstanding shares of Enteris, a
company specializing in the distribution of gastrointestinal products in France.
The acquisition cost, including transaction expenses, amounted to $23.0 million
and was paid in cash.
On April 17, 2002, Axcan acquired all of the outstanding shares and certain
related assets of Lacteol. This company is specialized in the manufacturing and
distribution of gastrointestinal products in France. The acquisition cost,
including transaction expenses, amounted to $13.1 million, and was paid through
the issuance of 365,532 common shares of the Company and $8.4 million in cash.
The acquisition costs for both transactions have been allocated to assets and
liabilities according to their estimated fair value at the acquisition dates.
The operating results relating to these acquisitions have been included in the
consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
On November 19, 1999, Axcan redeemed Schwarz Pharma Inc. ("Schwarz")'s 50%
interest in the Axcan URSO LLC ("Axcan URSO") joint venture. The purchase price
amounting to $52.0 million was paid in cash by a loan from Schwarz, which was
reimbursed in fiscal 2001. This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase
method. The purchase price allocated to capital assets including trademarks,
trademark licenses and manufacturing rights is amortized using the straight-line
method over a period of 25 years.
On December 22, 1999, the Company reimbursed the note payable with a par value
of CDN $40.0 million to a subsidiary of Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec
by the issuance of shares of Axcan Scandipharm representing a 40.4% interest in
Axcan Scandipharm. The same day, the Company acquired this 40.4% interest for
cash. The excess of the cost of the purchase over the book value of the note
payable amounting to $1.5 million was accounted for as goodwill.
On May 25, 2000, the Company acquired additional shares of a company subject to
significant influence, Biozymes Inc. ("Biozymes"), a company specializing in the
development and production of enzymes by extraction processes. This additional
acquisition of shares increased the interest of the Company in Biozymes from
26.78% to 54.58%. The acquisition cost amounted to $0.6 million of which $0.3
million was paid in cash and the balance was paid in cash during fiscal 2001.
This acquisition had no material impact on Axcan's earnings.
[QUARTERLY RESULTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE(1)
QUARTER REVENUE NET EARNINGS BASIC DILUTED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
2000
FIRST 28,728 3,518 0.09 0.09
SECOND 30,532 4,672 0.12 0.12
THIRD 35,632 5,768 0.13 0.13
FOURTH 38,283 6,910 0.15 0.15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
2001
FIRST 24,381 1,821 0.05 0.05
SECOND 24,636 2,492 0.07 0.07
THIRD 27,071 2,798 0.08 0.08
FOURTH 28,461 4,361 0.11 0.11
(1) Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year.
[page 27 AXCAN PHARMA]
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[RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, the percentage
of revenue represented by items in Axcan's consolidated statements of earnings:
FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 2002 2001 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE 100.0 100.0 100.0
-----------------------
COST OF GOODS SOLD 25.6 25.4 25.5
SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 38.0 37.4 36.7
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES 6.0 5.9 7.1
-----------------------
69.6 68.7 69.3
=======================
EARNINGS BEFORE FOLLOWING ITEMS 30.4 31.3 30.7
=======================
FINANCIAL EXPENSES 0.9 3.3 10.4
INTEREST INCOME (0.7) (0.9) (1.2)
AMORTIZATION 5.7 11.5 12.0
=======================
5.9 13.9 21.2
=======================
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 24.5 17.4 9.5
INCOME TAXES 8.8 6.4 3.9
=======================
EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 15.7 11.0 5.6
EARNINGS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - - 2.1
=======================
NET EARNINGS 15.7 11.0 7.7
=======================
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
REVENUE
Revenue increased $28.7 million (27.5%) to $133.2 million for the year ended
September 30, 2002, from $104.5 million for the preceding fiscal year. This
increase in revenue came almost equally from increased sales in the United
States and France. Fiscal 2002 revenue from Europe in the amount of $15.7
million included sales from Enteris for 11 months, and sales from Lacteol for 5
months. In the United States, CANASA rectal suppositories, marketed since April
2001, also contributed to the increase.
Key sales figures for fiscal 2002 are as follows:
- - Sales of ULTRASE/VIOKASE amounted to $39.5 million, an increase of 4%;
- - Sales of URSO 250 amounted to $30.2 million, an increase of 15%;
- - Sales of CANASA/SALOFALK amounted to $34.2 million, an increase of 53%;
- - Sales of PHOTOFRIN and other products in North America amounted to $13.6
million;
- - Sales of all products in Europe amounted to $15.7 million.
COST OF GOODS SOLD
Cost of goods sold consists principally of costs of raw materials, royalties
and manufacturing costs. Axcan outsources most of its manufacturing
requirements. Cost of goods sold increased $7.6 million (28.7%) to $34.1
million for the year ended September 30, 2002, from $26.5 million for the
preceding fiscal year. As a percentage of revenue, cost of goods sold for the
year ended September 30, 2002, increased marginally as compared to the
preceding fiscal year, at 25.6% and 25.4%, respectively. This increase was
due primarily to increased sales in Europe where margins are lower than in
the United States.
SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling and administrative expenses consist principally of salaries and other
costs associated with Axcan's sales force and marketing activities. Selling and
administrative expenses increased $11.4 million (29.2%) to $50.5 million for the
year ended September 30, 2002, from $39.1 million for the preceding fiscal year.
This increase is mainly due to the inclusion of $7.8 million of selling and
administrative expenses from Enteris and Lacteol. Additions to the sales force
in the United States and increased marketing efforts on URSO 250 and CANASA
suppositories in the United States also contributed to the increase.
[page 28 AXCAN PHARMA]
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Research and development expenses consist principally of fees paid to outside
parties that Axcan uses to conduct clinical studies and to submit governmental
approval applications on its behalf and for salaries and benefits paid to its
personnel involved in research and development projects. Research and
development expenses are stated net of related tax credits, which generally
constitute between 10% and 15% of the aggregate amount of such expenses.
Research and development expenses increased $1.9 million (31.1%) to $8.0 million
for the year ended September 30, 2002, from $6.1 million for the preceding
fiscal year. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company
completed the filing of new drug submissions for the use of PHOTOFRIN for the
treatment of High-Grade Dysplasia associated with Barrett's Esophagus.
FINANCIAL EXPENSES
Financial expenses consist principally of interest and fees paid in connection
with money borrowed for acquisitions. Financial expenses decreased $2.3 million
(65.7%) to $1.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2002, from $3.5 million
for the preceding fiscal year. Financial expenses for the year ended September
30, 2001, were primarily attributable to interest paid on a loan of
approximately $52.0 million used to acquire the 50% interest of Schwarz in the
Axcan URSO joint venture. This loan was repaid in fiscal 2001.
AMORTIZATION
Since October 1, 2001, amortization consists principally of intangible assets
with finite life. Intangible assets include trademarks, trademark licenses and
manufacturing rights. Amortization decreased $4.4 million (36.7%) to $7.6
million for the year ended September 30, 2002, from $12.0 million for the
preceding fiscal year. The decrease resulted from a reduction of $6.4 million
due to a change in accounting policies described earlier, regarding goodwill and
other intangible assets offset in part by an increase of $2.0 million due to
amortization of newly-acquired capital assets.
Amortization of assets acquired include $0.8 million for lasers used for
PHOTOFRIN in the United States and $0.6 million for capital assets in France,
for Enteris since November 2001, and Lacteol since April 2002.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes amounted to $11.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2002,
compared to $6.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2001. The effective
tax rates were 36.0% in 2002 and 37.0% in 2001.
EARNINGS
Net earnings were $20.9 million or $0.50 of basic earnings per share and $0.49
of diluted earnings per share, for the year ended September 30, 2002, compared
to $11.5 million or $0.31 per share on both a basic and diluted bases, for the
preceding year. The basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
used to establish the per share amounts increased from 35.8 million for the year
ended September 30, 2001, to 41.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2002,
following the completion of public equity offerings, the subscription of
investors through private placements, the exercise of options previously granted
pursuant to Axcan's stock option plan, the issuance of shares for the
acquisition of assets and for the redemption of preferred shares previously
issued in connection with the acquisition of PHOTOFRIN, both in fiscal years
2001 and 2002.
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
REVENUE
Revenue increased $17.0 million (19.4%) to $104.5 million for the year ended
September 30, 2001, from $87.5 million for the preceding fiscal year. This
increase is primarily due to the acquisition of PHOTOFRIN by Axcan in June 2000,
and increased sales in the United States.
[page 29 AXCAN PHARMA]
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COST OF GOODS SOLD
Cost of goods sold increased $4.2 million (18.8%) to $26.5 million for the year
ended September 30, 2001, from $22.3 million for the preceding fiscal year. As a
percentage of revenue, cost of goods sold for the year ended September 30, 2001,
was relatively the same as in the preceding fiscal year, at 25.4% and 25.5%,
respectively.
SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling and administrative expenses increased $7.0 million (21.8%) to $39.1
million for the year ended September 30, 2001, from $32.1 million for the
preceding fiscal year. These increases were mainly due to further additions to
the field sales force in the United States, to increased marketing efforts
following the integration of URSO 250 and VIOKASE into Axcan Scandipharm's
product line, as well as to worldwide marketing expenses related to PHOTOFRIN.
The newly-launched CANASA suppositories in the United States also contributed to
this increase.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
Research and development expenses decreased $0.1 million (1.6%) to $6.1 million
for the year ended September 30, 2001, from $6.2 million for the preceding
fiscal year. During fiscal 2001, Axcan prepared for the filing of regulatory
approvals for the use of PHOTOFRIN for the treatment of High-Grade Dysplasia
associated with Barrett's Esophagus and also prepared for regulatory filings for
HELICIDE which were submitted in both Canada and the United States.
FINANCIAL EXPENSES
Financial expenses decreased $5.6 million (61.5%) to $3.5 million for the year
ended September 30, 2001, from $9.1 million for the preceding fiscal year. The
unusually high financial expenses for the year ended September 30, 2000, were
primarily attributable to interest expenses paid on aggregate loans of
approximately $93.0 million used to acquire Axcan Scandipharm and approximately
$52.0 million used to acquire the 50% interest of Schwarz in the Axcan URSO
joint venture. These loans have since been repaid.
AMORTIZATION
Amortization increased $1.5 million (14.3%) to $12.0 million for the year ended
September 30, 2001, from $10.5 million for the preceding fiscal year. The
increase resulted primarily from the amortization of the worldwide PHOTOFRIN
rights acquired in June 2000.
EARNINGS
Earnings from continuing operations increased $6.6 million (134.7%) to $11.5
million, or $0.31 per share, for the year ended September 30, 2001, from $4.9
million, or $0.18 per share, for the preceding fiscal year. Net earnings
increased $4.8 million (71.6%) to $11.5 million, or $0.31 per share, for the
year ended September 30, 2001, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.25 per share, for
the preceding fiscal year. The basic weighted average number of common shares
outstanding used to establish the per share amounts increased from 26.6 million
for the year ended September 30, 2000, to 35.8 million for the year ended
September 30, 2001, due to a public offering of common shares.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Axcan used net cash in the amount of $31.3 million for the acquisition of
Enteris and Lacteol. An equity financing completed in March 2002, through the
issuance of 5,000,000 common shares along with a private placement and the
exercise of options previously granted pursuant to Axcan's stock option plan
resulted in $65.0 million in net cash, enabling the Company to maintain a high
level of liquidity.
Axcan's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased $64.2
million to $80.7 million at September 30, 2002, from $16.5 million at September
30, 2001. As of September 30, 2002, working capital was $103.4 million, compared
to $43.6 million as of September 30, 2001. During the year ended September 30,
2002, total long-term debt increased $5.7 million to $5.9 million at September
30, 2002, from $0.2 million at September 30, 2001. The increase is mainly due to
the inclusion of Lacteol's long-term debt since its acquisition on April 17,
2002. Total assets increased $120.0 million (48.2%) to $369.1 million at
September 30,
[page 30 AXCAN PHARMA]
2002, from $249.1 million at September 30, 2001. Shareholders' equity increased
$94.1 million (45.9%) to $299.2 million at September 30, 2002, from $205.1
million at September 30, 2001.
Cash flows from operating activities increased $18.9 million (115.2%) to $35.3
million for fiscal 2002, from $16.4 million for fiscal 2001. Cash flows from
financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2002, were $63.3 million
mainly due to the issuance of shares resulting in $65.0 million net cash
proceeds to Axcan. Negative cash flows from investing activities for the year
ended September 30, 2002, were $95.3 million, mainly due to the investment of
excess cash following the issuance of shares in short-term investments, the net
cash used to acquire Enteris and Lacteol in the amount of $31.3 million and
acquisition of capital assets for $4.4 million.
Historically, Axcan has financed research and development, operations,
acquisitions, milestone payments and investments out of the proceeds of public
and private sales of its equity, cash flows from operations, and loans from
joint venture partners and financial institutions. Since going public in Canada
in December 1995, Axcan has raised approximately $242.0 million from sales of
its equity and has borrowed from financial institutions to finance the
acquisition of Axcan Scandipharm and from Schwarz to finance the acquisition of
Axcan URSO (these amounts have since been repaid).
On November 20, 2001, Axcan entered into a $55.0 million credit agreement with
two Canadian chartered banks. The credit agreement includes a $15.0-million
revolving operating facility and a $40.0-million 364-day, extendible revolving
facility with a three-year term-out option. The interest rate varies between 25
basis points to 125 basis points over prime rate and between 125 basis points
and 225 basis points over the LIBOR rate or bankers' acceptances depending on
the Company's leverage at such time. The facilities may be drawn in U.S. dollars
or in Canadian dollars equivalent. Borrowings under these facilities are secured
by a security interest in favor of the lenders on most of the assets and
properties of Axcan. The credit agreement provides for customary covenants,
including compliance with certain financial ratios and negative covenants in
respect of prior ranking security, capital expenditures, acquisitions,
investments and divestitures. Cash dividends, repurchases of shares (other than
redeemable shares issued in connection with a permitted acquisition) and similar
distributions to shareholders are limited to 10% of Axcan's net income for the
preceding fiscal year. Currently, no amounts have been drawn under these
facilities and Axcan is in compliance with all applicable terms thereof.
CASH FLOWS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Axcan's research and development spending totaled $8.0 million for fiscal 2002
and $6.1 million for fiscal 2001. Axcan believes that its cash and operating
cash flows will be adequate to support its existing ongoing operational
requirements for at least 12 months. However, Axcan regularly reviews product
and other acquisition opportunities and may therefore require additional debt or
equity financing. Axcan cannot be certain that such additional financing, if
required, will be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
Axcan believes that cash and temporary investments, together with funds provided
by operations, will be sufficient to meet operating cash requirements, including
product development through research and development activities, capital
expenditures and repayment of debt. Assuming regulatory approvals of future
products and indications stemming from its research and development efforts,
Axcan believes that sales of these products will also significantly contribute
to the increase in funds provided by operations.
[RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Axcan is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and interest rates. Axcan does not use derivative
financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Axcan does not use
off-balance sheet financing or similar special purpose entities. Inflation has
not had a significant impact on Axcan's results of operations.
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FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
Axcan operates internationally; however, a substantial portion of its revenue
and expense activities and capital expenditures is transacted in U.S. dollars.
Axcan's exposure to exchange rate fluctuation is reduced because, in general,
Axcan's revenues denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are
matched by a corresponding amount of costs denominated in the same currency.
Axcan expects this matching to continue.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The primary objective of Axcan's investment policy is the protection of
principal. Accordingly, investments are made in high-grade government and
corporate securities with varying maturities, but typically, less than 180 days.
As the intent of the Company is to hold these investments until maturity, Axcan
does not have a material exposure to interest rate risk. Therefore, a 100
basis-point adverse change in interest rates would not have a material effect on
Axcan's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Axcan is exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings under the credit
facilities. The credit facilities bear interest based on LIBOR, U.S. dollar base
rate, Canadian dollar prime rate, or Canadian dollar bankers' acceptances. Based
on projected advances under the credit facilities, a 100 basis-point adverse
change in interest rates would not have a material effect on Axcan's
consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
SUPPLY AND MANUFACTURE
Axcan depends on third parties for the supply of active ingredients and for the
manufacture of ULTRASE and URSO 250, two of Axcan's most important products
(which each account for 23% of total revenue), and PHOTOFRIN. Axcan may not be
able to obtain the active ingredients or products from such third parties, as
the active ingredients or products may not comply with specifications, or the
prices at which Axcan purchases them may increase and Axcan may not be able to
locate alternative sources of supply in a reasonable time period, if at all. If
any of these events occur, Axcan may not be able to continue to market certain
products, and its sales and profitability would be adversely affected.
VOLATILITY OF SHARE PRICES
The market price of Axcan's shares is subject to volatility. Deviations in
actual financial or scientific results, as compared to expectations of
securities analysts who follow the activities of the Company can have a
significant effect on the trading price of Axcan's shares. Changes in accounting
standards could have an impact on the financial statements' presentation.
[FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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This document contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's
current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from
those projected herein and depend on a number of factors, including the
successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the uncertainties related
to the regulatory process and the commercialization of the drug or vaccine
thereafter. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings,
annual reports and 40-F filings for additional information on risks and
uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is
cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims
any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
On behalf of Management,
(signed)
JEAN VEZINA
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer