Option Care Health, Inc.

Option Care Health, Inc.

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Medical - Care Facilities

Option Care Health, Inc. (OPCH) Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript

Published at 2010-02-26 13:00:35
Executives
Bill Bunting – IR, In-Site Communications Richard Friedman – Chairman and CEO Stanley Rosenbaum – EVP and CFO Rick Smith – President and COO
Analysts
Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company Mike Petusky – Noble Research Bill Nasgovitz – Heartland Funds Matthew Grech [ph] – Grech [ph]
Operator
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for standing by and welcome to the BioScrip Incorporated 2009 fourth quarter and year-end financial results conference call. (Operator instructions) It's now my pleasure to turn the conference over to Bill Bunting. Please go ahead sir.
Bill Bunting
Good morning and thank you for joining us today. By now you should have received a copy of our press release issued this morning. If you have not, you may access it through the Investor Relations section at our website. Richard Friedman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Stanley Rosenbaum, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Rick Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer will host this morning's call. The call is expected to last about 45 minutes and may be accessed through our website at bioscrip.com. A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the filing of the transcript of this call with the US Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 14a-12 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Interested parties can access the replay by dialing 800-633-8284 in the United States or 402-977-9140 internationally, and entering access code 21459141. Before we get started, I'd like to remind everyone that any statements made on the conference call today or in our press release that express a belief, expectation, anticipation or intent, as well as those that are historical fact, are considered forward-looking statements and are protected under the Safe Harbor of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to BioScrip today and we assume no obligation to update these statements as circumstances change. These forward-looking statements may involve a number of risks and uncertainties which may cause the company's results to differ materially from such statements, including the pending acquisition that are historical or current facts, and deal with potential future circumstances and developments, and particular information regarding growth opportunities, expected synergies from the acquisition, and whether and when the transaction contemplated by the merger agreement will be consummated. Forward-looking statements are qualified by the inherent risk and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally and may materially differ from actual future experience. Risks and uncertainties could affect forward-looking statements including the failure to realize synergies as a result of operational efficiency or revenue opportunities, purchasing volume discounts, and the risks that are described from time to time in BioScrip’s report filed with the SEC, including BioScrip’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, as amended. Also the company urges caution in considering any trends or guidance that may be discussed on the conference call. The pharmacy services, home infusion, and home health industries are competitive and trends and guidance are subject to various factors, risks and influences, which are described in the company's periodic reports filed with the SEC. In addition, as required by Regulation G, reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures mentioned during our call today to the most comparable GAAP financial measures can be found in statement 3 of today's press release. That schedule is available on our website under the link to news found in the About Us section of our home page at bioscrip.com. Thank you, and now I'd like to turn the call over to Rich Friedman.
Richard Friedman
Thank you Bill. Good morning everyone and thank you for joining us today. During this past year, BioScrip achieved a number of important strategic operational and financial milestones, which produced strong results in 2009, and positions us well for 2010 and beyond. Our 2009 performance validates that our growth strategy is working. Comparable revenue grew 7.6%. Gross margins increased to 11.9%. Adjusted EBITDAO increased to $25.6 million, an increase of 25%. We have enhanced shareholder value. We significantly paid down debt while continuing to invest in our infrastructure through the hiring of seasoned professionals and further enhancements to our operating systems. I now feel confident we have the right team in place to take BioScrip to the next level. BioScrip has built a foundation of assets that uniquely address a need many of the healthcare related challenges that we all face. It is this foundation that will enable us to deliver on our strategy to become the clinical leader in infusion, oral, and injectable technologies and care management program. Our focus remains the same, the management of the chronically through programs designed to increase patient adherence, compliance and retention. Our clinical and outcome management programs allow us to manage the chronically ill and enhance the quality of care, control costs, and importantly improve patients’ quality of life. This strategy also provides a cost-effective management solution for payers and physicians while providing critical data for manufacturers. As we announced on January 25, BioScrip entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Critical Homecare Solutions, a leading provider of home infusion and home health care services to patients suffering from chronic and acute medical conditions. The combined company will create one of the largest homecare providers in the US. We will have over 120 points of service, a dedicated sales force of over 140 professionals, 1000 managed care relationships, and a patient census greater than 125,000. Our specialty pharmacy distribution capabilities and network of prescribing physicians will span all 50 states. Importantly, our expanded national footprint will position us favorably with managed care organizations that prefer to work with fully integrated providers that offer both national reach and high touch specialty pharmacy solutions on a local basis. We will be uniquely positioned to offer our customers a truly comprehensive solution. We are confident that the combined company will increase value we deliver to our clients, all the healthcare stakeholders including manufacturers, payers, physicians and patients as well as our investors. BioScrip will be a stronger, more broad-based company, and we are eager to seize this opportunity. Stan will now review the financial results and then Rick will review our operating performance, as well as our objectives for 2010. Stan.
Stanley Rosenbaum
Thank you, Rich, and good morning. Today we reported fourth quarter revenues of $341.6 billion, and net income of $40.7 million or $0.99 per diluted share, which includes the reversal of the company’s deferred tax valuation allowance of $41.1 million, expenses of $1.8 million associated with BioScrip’s pending acquisition of CHS, and $4.3 million of additional compensation expense related to the company's incentive compensation program. These results compare to revenues of $366.6 million and a net loss of $76.6 million or $1.98 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2008, which included a goodwill impairment charge and intangible write-off of $93.9 million. EBITDAO in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $1.8 million compared to $6.6 million in the prior year. Excluding the CHS expenses, and incentive compensation discussed above, adjusted EBITDAO in the fourth quarter of 2009 would have been $7.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2009 the company reported revenue of $1.3 billion, and net income of $54.1 million or $1.36 per diluted share, which includes the reversal of the company’s deferred tax allowance. This compares to revenues of $1.4 billion and a net loss of $74 million or $1.93 per diluted share and includes the $93.9 million impairment charge. EBITDAO for 2009 was $23.9 million compared to $20.5 million in 2008. Excluding the CHS acquisition expenses discussed above, EBITDAO of the year would have been $25.7 million for 2009, an increase of 25%. Deferred tax valuation allowance reversal was the result of BioScrip’s continued operational improvements over the last three years, and the company’s belief that we realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets through taxable income in future periods. Let me give you some details on our quarterly financial results. Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2009 total $341.6 million compared to $366.6 million for the same period a year ago. Revenue declines in lower margin business were expected due to the previously announced elimination of the Medicare Competitive Acquisition Program or CAP, and the termination of the UnitedHealth Group organ transplant and HIV AIDS contracts. The impact of the industrywide AWP settlement, partially offset by increased sales of higher margin infusion therapies and other specialty sales. Excluding the effects of these two contracts, 2009 fourth quarter revenues were 7.9% higher than 2008 comparable period. 2009 fourth quarter revenues also increased 2.4% over the third quarter. Gross profits for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $41.9 million or 12.3% to sales compared to $38 million or 10.4% for the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding CAP and UHG, gross margins for the fourth quarter of 2008 would have been 11.4%. The increase was primarily the result of improved product mix due to the company's continued focus on higher margin therapies, as well as improved supply chain programs, partially offset by the impact of the AWP settlement. Adjusted EBITDAO for the quarter was $7.8 million compared to $6.6 million in 2008. Also in this quarter we reported a charge of $4.3 million for incentive compensation for approximately 240 employees. The way our program worked in 2009 was that a minimum net income level needed to be achieved before being eligible to receive an incentive payment. It was not until the finalization of year-end results that we were sure of achieving this result, which is why the entire expense was recorded in the fourth quarter as opposed to throughout the year. In future periods, we intend to accrue incentive compensation on a quarterly basis. The guidance that we put out for 2010 includes a bonus accrual. The details of our full-year results are as follows. Our revenues decreased $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $1.4 billion in 2008. This decrease was attributable to revenue declines in lower margin business, resulting from the previously announced elimination of the CAP and UHG contracts, partially offset by revenue generated by new contracts and drug [ph] inflation. Excluding CAP and UHG revenues for 2009 would have increased by $91.7 million or 7.6%. The gross profit for 2009 was $157.8 million on 11.9% compared to $142.1 million or 10.1% in 2008. Excluding CAP and UHG, gross margins for 2008 was 11.2%. This increase was primarily the result of improved product mix, and the continued focus on higher margin therapies, as well as improved supply chain projects. Adjusted EBITDAO for the full year would have been $25.7 million compared to $21.3 million in 2008. Turning now to our balance sheet, in 2009 we generated $22.9 million of cash flow from operations. Cash was primarily generated by increases in net income and improved working capital management. Outstanding borrowings under the company’s credit facility were $30.4 million at the end of 2009 as compared to $50.4 million at the end of 2008. Average borrowings during the fourth quarter were approximately $24.5 million, an improvement of more than $4.5 million over the third quarter of 2009, and $16.5 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. Let me take a second to address the business outlook for 2010. We're reaffirming our 2010 guidance. Going forward, our policy is to maintain guidance unless we report otherwise. Assuming a closing date of March 31, 2010 and nine months of CHS pro forma results, we expect the combined companies to generate revenues in 2010 of approximately $1.67 billion to $1.73 billion, gross profits between $267 million to $277 million or 60% of sales, and adjusted EBITDAO between $67 million and $71 million. With increased volume, access to higher margin therapies and operating synergies available to the combined companies will provide strong increases in revenue, an estimated 600 basis point improvement in gross margins, and an approximate 200 basis points improvement in our EBITDAO as a percent of sales. As a result of the reversal of the deferred valuation allowance and the strong outlook for BioScrip going forward, we're planning for a normalized tax rate of 39% during all of 2010 and beyond. Finally, given our focus on improved margins, we expect the cash generation of the company to continue to improve. We anticipate using a strong cash position to reduce our outstanding debt. I will now turn the call over to Rick.
Rick Smith
Thanks Stan. A year ago we communicated a number of strategic objectives that were essential to a successful 2009 performance. We stated that we would focus on establishing ourselves as the clinical leader in multiple programs. We stated that we would focus on expanding our gross margins and operating margins, both leading to a higher level of operating cash flow generation. We stated that we would focus on building a national clinical platform to successfully manage our technologies of oral, injectable, and infusion administrations. We made excellent progress in all the objectives we established. We grew revenue in the US where we focused our efforts. Our specialty mail and infusion businesses grew 11.7% and 12.4% respectively. Driving our specialty growth was oncology at 43%, MS at 15%, and iron overload at 11% from 2008 to 2009. Our infusion growth came from the expansion of our infusion platform and focusing our sales efforts on pull through of all infusion therapy. Coupled with the revenue growth was the continued improvement of our supply chain management programs. These achievements contributed to the higher gross margins we reported in 2009, when compared to 2008. We also made great progress during the year by implementing our new specialty pharmacy system. This was achieved with no operating or cash flow disruption. We plan to finish this system installation later this year with the inclusion of enhancements to our BioScrip care management programs. During the year, the significantly increased our sales capacity. We took our field sales force from 15 to 50, which will enable us to further accelerate pull through opportunities in 2010. We also brought an additional debt and breath to our senior management team. We have added 10 highly experienced infusion and specialty pharmacy professionals to expedite the achievement of our strategic plan. The addition of these professionals to our team enables us to accelerate the build and valuable assets that we have today in the BioScrip’s standalone business plus successfully leverage the strategic home infusion platform we will acquire in the CHS business. Our objectives for 2010 will include a priority focus on the successful integration of CHS. In fact, we are deep in the integration activities with meetings beginning next week. Cross functional teams have been identified and assigned critical areas of the integration task. We will look to immediately begin to realize the $7 million annual cost synergies we’ve identified beginning from the date of closing. We're currently identifying potential revenue synergies that we project could be achieved from our combined relationships. Again these revenue synergies are not built into our guidance. We will continue to focus on the combined programs that target core, high-value therapies and cross selling opportunities at the national, regional and local levels. We will continue to empower our local teams and general managers, pharmacists and nurses to deliver the high levels of service our patients and referral sources know and expect from us. We will continue to extend the clinical centers of excellence model to all of our locations, in multiple disease state therapy management programs. We will also further leverage our relationships with managed care organizations to provide opportunities to present our clinical programs, and improve our position on the provider panel. We will continue to establish benchmarks to improve our operating efficiency that will result in improved operating margins and enhanced cash flow generation. We are pleased with our 2009 accomplishments, and look forward to build on the work completed last year to accelerate the momentum into 2010. With that I will turn it over to the operator for any questions.
Operator
(Operator instructions) Our first question comes from the line of Brooks O'Neil from Dougherty & Company. Please proceed with your question. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Good morning guys. I have a number of questions. I guess I would like to start first with the G&A expense level. It looks to me, if I did the math right, like G&A expenses were up about $6.9 million from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. And I think about $6.1 million is accounted for by the $1.8 million expense related to the acquisition and the compensation expense, as you mentioned. Is there anything else we should focus on? And how do you think about G&A spending in 2010 relative to what you reported here in the fourth quarter?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Well, it is true that our SG&A in the fourth quarter includes the $1.8 million and the $4.3 million. As we go into 2010 Brooks, we will continue to have expenses associated with CHS, and the bonus we have also said will be included in our 2010 guidance. So I believe that that should answer your question. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay, let us shift gears for a second and talk about the bad debt expense. That was up I think roughly $1 million, maybe a little bit more than $1 million this quarter relative to the third quarter. Can you help us to understand what was going on there?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Absolutely. As we have told you in the past, we run multiple models to make a determination as it relates to our bad debt expense. We run a cash collection model. We run a write-off model, we run a specific identification model. As a result of these models, we identified in a specific identification an additional $800,000 charge in the fourth quarter for specific customers. I will point out for the full year, we did run at 0.6%, which was right where our guidance was for the whole year. And going forward into 2010, we anticipate it will be at about 0.7%. It is important to point out here Brooks that if there was no change in our provisional numbers, this was just a specific reserve. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay. And I just want to be sure I understand what you are saying, as it relates to 2010, I have some sense that the bad debt expense for CHS is quite a bit higher than 0.7%. So I just want to be sure I'm thinking about that right?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Let me clarify that. The 0.7% refers to BioScrip. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: The whole business?
Stanley Rosenbaum
The whole business should be at somewhere about 1%. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: 1% blended for the whole year?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Yes. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay, that's good. That's helpful. And…
Stanley Rosenbaum
Brooks, let me clarify that. It would be 0.7% in the first quarter because it will be just be BioScrip. Going forward with CHS it will be about 1%. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay. So that would be 2Q through 4Q, is what you are saying 1%?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Yes. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay, thank you very much. And as it relates to the compensation expense, first I just want to be sure. I am assuming that was stock options or something like that.
Stanley Rosenbaum
Not that was cash incentive. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay. And you mentioned the 240 employees. Could you just tell us what percentage of the 4.3 went to the top three officers of the company?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Less than 25%. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Okay, that's good. Could you talk briefly about the environment you see in Medicaid in particular? I guess primarily as it relates to reimbursement, are you seeing anything unusual in any of the key states in which you operate from a Medicaid or other payer perspective, with regard to reimbursement levels?
Rick Smith
Brooks this is Rick. We're not seeing anything unusual. Different states have different programs. I think that they are very cautious about access, and so nothing that we are seeing that is not manageable. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Great. And then just two more quick ones, at the time you announced the CHS acquisition, you mentioned that you thought the debt you were going to use to finance the deal would be in the range of 9%. Is that still your expectation today?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Yes. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Great. And then lastly, I'm just curious, as you have continued down the track with CHS, have you found anything you would consider noteworthy or worth mentioning that is different than what you expected?
Rick Smith
No, we are not seeing anything. We continue to see opportunities as I mentioned in terms of good relationships, our relationships, the programs, and we are very excited to continue to have this organization become part of the BioScrip. Brooks O'Neil – Dougherty & Company: Great. Thanks a lot.
Operator
And thank you for your question. Continuing on, our next question comes from the line of Mike Petusky from Noble Research. Please go ahead sir. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Good morning, fellows. To start off, Rick gave some metrics on some disease states and year-over-year growth – or maybe it was – I didn't catch it. Rick, could I ask, just out of the gate here, to repeat those numbers?
Rick Smith
Our total infusion division improved 12.4%. And so we really saw the second half of the year show strength in terms of the sales assets we brought on as well as the focus… Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay, all this was 2009 versus 2008?
Rick Smith
Yes. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Full year?
Rick Smith
Full year. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay.
Rick Smith
And especially our oncology was 43%, MS growth was 15%, and the iron overload was 11%. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: All right, great. Thank you. And I wanted to get, I guess, to the gross margin. The gross margin for the quarter was meaningfully better than I had modeled. I thought you guys would get hit more with the AWP. I suppose you got hit with the AWP. But I guess what I am – do you guys by any chance have what the gross margin would have been ex-AWP, just so I can kind of compare it to the third quarter?
Rick Smith
Well, just add $1.2 million back to that, and you will – add back to the revenue gross margin you will get significant margin. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay, that is helpful. Okay, that was a good number?
Rick Smith
Yes, we are very pleased to see the strength of our revenue generation capacity of our platform, and the acceleration of our infusion, year-end focus to provide some very good mix opportunities in terms of our programs that we have been discussing all year. So, this is really – we built the moment, and we will continue to look to build the momentum in Q1 going into the CHS acquisition to essentially take advantage of the cross selling and the relationships they bring to our company. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay. So as you guys look at Q1 then, that kind of low 12%, you know, 12.2%, 12.3%, somewhere in there, you think that is a good gross margin approximately for Q1?
Rick Smith
We are still looking at a range. We are continuing to work through the changes, and essentially look to focus in on our revenue mix, and our revenue growth as well. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: But AWP had – I mean, AWP had its full impact. It had a full-quarter impact in Q4, correct?
Rick Smith
Yes, it had full quarter impact and so we are still staying with the guidance we have given in terms of the range as well. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay. So then when you guys talk about 2010 and you talk about 600 basis point improvement in gross margins, should essentially we be looking at kind of 12% or 12.3% plus 600 basis points, or should we be looking more at something lower if you look at kind of the full-year gross margin?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Mike, we gave you the gross profit guidance in absolute dollars. So that is the number you should be using. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay, all right. Okay. And in terms of the closing date, I mean if you could handicap that, Stan. I mean, you feel 50% confident, 75% confident or 100% confident, something in there, that the 3/31 date is a good date? Can you characterize that at all?
Stanley Rosenbaum
Yes, Mike. We're really confident on that. The definitive proxy statement has been filed, which means the SEC has finished with its review. The road show is starting next week on the bond side. We have had the lender meetings. There seems to be a lot of excitement out there on this new platform. So, we feel pretty confident that we will meet that date. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay. And last question, if I could just ask, what was the specific minimum net income requirement to – for that incentive comp to kick in?
Richard Friedman
Yes, it wasn't strictly on net income. There were a number of items, and just a little background. We had three strong quarters, you know, but we weren’t terribly sure that we were going to meet it at the end of the third. And it really wasn't until the finalization of the year-end results, and confirmation by our board of directors. Because as you know there where a number of items, one times especially CHS and some other things had affected it. So the number of items had affected the targets. You know, obviously with revenues, income, liquidity, individual accomplishments, the increase in EBITDAO of 25%. So it wasn't just one item. So, just by throwing out an income number just wouldn't be fair. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay. So then as we look at 2010, in terms of what you guys are going to accrue, should we be thinking you are going to be accruing $1 million or $1.2 million a quarter for this item?
Richard Friedman
Yes, we actually – that Stan said that has been built into our guidance, and it will be done. We are changing the parameters of how the program works. So it will be smoother going forward. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Right, but is that number fairly consistent in terms of what you are going to accrue in the first quarter, relative to what it would have been on a quarterly basis?
Richard Friedman
Yes, on BioScrip standalone it is pretty reflective. Not everybody got 100% payout. So, it averaged probably overall closer to around 80%, but we have to account for the CHS folks as well starting in the second quarter. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay, so should I assume that number then is going to be higher in terms of the accrual?
Richard Friedman
Yes, and we have taken that into consideration as we put out the guidance for 2010. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: All right, last question. How much higher? $1.5 million a quarter, something like that?
Richard Friedman
No, I would definitely not think that. But with everybody listening in especially CHS folks, we will have to make that determination but not that high. Mike Petusky - Noble Research: Okay. All right, great. Really good progress this year, guys. Really good progress. Thanks.
Richard Friedman
We appreciate it. We feel the same way.
Operator
(Operator instructions) Our next question comes from the line of Bill Nasgovitz from Heartland Funds. Please proceed with your question. Bill Nasgovitz - Heartland Funds: Good morning, fellows.
Richard Friedman
Good morning Bill. Bill Nasgovitz - Heartland Funds: Just a question – I know those bonds, 9% roughly yield. And what are the rest of the terms, maturity and call features, or what do you envision?
Stanley Rosenbaum
The term loan is a – $100 million term loan is over 5 years. There will be some amortization in the first five years, where the total will be due at the end of that five-year period. The bonds have – anticipated to be 5.5 years with a call feature. Bill Nasgovitz - Heartland Funds: Okay. Well, thank you. Good luck with it. Sounds terrific.
Richard Friedman
Thank you Bill.
Stanley Rosenbaum
Thank you Bill.
Operator
Thank you. Gentlemen that appears to be the final question from our audience on hand. Oh, I stand corrected. We just received a registered question. This question comes from the line of Matthew Grech [ph] from Grech [ph]. Please proceed with your question. Matthew Grech - Grech: Hi, gentlemen. I just wanted to follow up on the question from two questions ago, where the guy was asking about the gross margins. I know you gave the absolute numbers for the 2010 outlook, which equates to 16% of your estimated revenues. But also in the release, you talked again about an estimated 600 basis point improvement in the gross margins. Those seem to be sort of disparate guidances. And I was wondering, are we to infer from that that you are being conservative with respect to the specific absolute guidance that you gave for 2010? Or – and so there is more upside on the gross margin line? Or, I mean, how should I be reading between the lines on those two seemingly disparate pieces of the guidance?
Rick Smith
I think last year we guided on a regular basis in the 11.5 to 11.7 range. We have been very successful through managing our mix, and we've also been successful in terms of our supply chain management program. We continue to focus on managing our mix in a positive direction to improve our gross margins. I think for purposes of that we are staying with our standalone kind of range, and then also looking at the improvement from the pro forma combined effect from the CHS asset, that business that will join us very soon. Matthew Grech - Grech: Then I have to follow up – is that because you are not sure you're going to realize the full 600 in the next calendar year, and therefore you have another 200 coming, but perhaps after that year? Or – because the numbers you just threw out there, 11.6, 11.7, if I just add 600 to that, I am getting close to 18 instead of the 16.
Rick Smith
We like to essentially look at a range that we believe is definitely achievable, and we have a number of programs that the moving they are purchasing, through our purchasing contracts. It is all a ratable increase in terms of what we talked about in terms of opportunities for purchasing synergies, and so we are just essentially put the guidance out there as to what we immediately expect and continue to work hard to meet that and beat that as well.
Richard Friedman
And Matthew you are right. You do the math, but again it is what you said, we are only having CHS for three quarters. So therefore the blended rate will be less in 2010, than it would be on a full year basis. Matthew Grech - Grech: Okay, terrific. That's helpful, gentlemen. Thank you.
Richard Friedman
Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. Gentleman that was indeed the last question. I have the pleasure of turning it back to Mr. Friedman for your concluding remarks sir.
Richard Friedman
Thank you operator. And thank all of you for joining us today. We are pleased with our performance for the entire year. We look forward to closing the CHS transaction and looking forward to getting together with the CHS family. And upon closing and next quarter we will get back to you. Thank you again.
Operator
Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen that does conclude the conference call for today. We thank you all for your participation, and ask that you please disconnect. Thank you once again. Have a great day.