Edgar Filing: ICON PLC

a50917288.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 month ended August, 2014

ICON plc

(Registrant's name)

0-29714

(Commission file number)

South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland

(Address of principal executive offices)

Brendan Brennan, CFO

South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland.

Brendan.Brennan@iconplc.com

011-353-1-291-2000

(Name, telephone number, email and/or facsimile number and address of Company contact person)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
	Yes______	No___X___

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

ICON plc

Rider A

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shall be deemed a part of such registration statement from the date on which this report is filed, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished by ICON plc under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

GENERAL

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

Business

ICON public limited company (“ICON”) is a contract research organization (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. We specialize in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support all stages of the clinical development process - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. Our vision is to be the Global CRO partner of choice for the Biopharma industry by delivering best in class information, solutions and performance in clinical and outcomes research.

We believe that we are one of a select group of CRO’s with the expertise and capability to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis and have the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. At June 30, 2014 we had approximately 11,000 employees, in 83 locations in 38 countries. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 we derived approximately 39.8%, 49.4% and 10.8% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

We began operations in 1990 and have expanded our business predominately through organic growth, together with a number of strategic acquisitions to enhance our capabilities and expertise in certain areas of the clinical development process. We are incorporated in Ireland and our principal executive office is located at: South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Republic of Ireland. The contact telephone number of this office is 353 (1) 291 2000.

Recent Developments

Acquisitions

On May 7, 2014 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Aptiv Solutions (“Aptiv”), a global biopharmaceutical and medical device development services company and leader in adaptive clinical trials. Aptiv offers full-service clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for drugs, medical devices and diagnostics with a specific focus on strategy to increase product development efficiency and productivity. It is a market leader in the integrated design and execution of adaptive clinical trials for exploratory and late phase development as well as being an industry leader in medical device and diagnostic development in key medical technology segments. In addition to boosting the Company’s service capabilities, Aptiv Solutions will also strengthen the Company’s international presence through the addition of over 850 highly qualified and experienced professionals in the United States, Europe and Japan (see note 3 Business Combinations for further information).

Share Repurchase Program

At the Company’s Annual General Meeting on July 22, 2013, the Company was given authority to repurchase (whether by way of redemption or otherwise) up to 10% of the outstanding shares in the Company. The authority allowed the Company to repurchase shares if the market conditions were favourable. Pursuant to this authority, on May 8, 2014, the Company entered into a share repurchase plan, to acquire shares by way of redemption, in accordance with Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, 291,190 ordinary shares were redeemed by the Company under the repurchase plan for a total consideration of $11.5 million. (See note 8 Share Capital for further information.)

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT JUNE 30, 2014 AND DECEMBER 31, 2013

	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
	June 30,		December 31,
	2014		2013
ASSETS	(in thousands)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	81,313	$	182,519
Short term investments - available for sale		94,059		138,317
Accounts receivable, net		382,924		342,581
Unbilled revenue		139,739		113,239
Other receivables		14,572		14,415
Deferred tax asset		20,653		28,644
Prepayments and other current assets		32,176		24,664
Income taxes receivable		32,661		9,049
Total current assets		798,097		853,428
Other Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net		160,170		160,830
Goodwill		507,238		357,523
Non-current other assets		9,500		6,732
Non-current income taxes receivable		13,527		25,172
Non-current deferred tax asset		9,514		7,421
Intangible assets		27,694		31,354
Total Assets	$	1,525,740	$	1,442,460
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	10,903	$	4,594
Payments on account		290,754		297,347
Other liabilities		194,728		194,812
Income taxes payable		6,201		4,416
Total current liabilities		502,586		501,169
Other Liabilities:
Non-current other liabilities		7,717		11,198
Non-current government grants		1,282		1,359
Non-current income taxes payable		4,646		5,288
Non-current deferred tax liability		11,176		12,867
Shareholders' Equity:
Ordinary shares, par value 6 euro cents per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized,
61,897,155 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and
61,587,257 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013		5,185		5,168
Additional paid-in capital		302,480		279,572
Capital redemption reserve		124		100
Accumulated other comprehensive income		1,331		1,960
Retained earnings		689,213		623,779
Total Shareholders' Equity		998,333		910,579
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	1,525,740	$	1,442,460

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

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND JUNE 30, 2013

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,			June 30,			June 30,			June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands except share and per share data)

Revenue:
Gross revenue	$	506,404		$	469,626		$	982,948		$	888,685
Reimbursable expenses		(130,384	)		(135,407	)		(257,294	)		(237,677	)

Net revenue		376,020			334,219			725,654			651,008

Costs and expenses:
Direct costs		227,188			214,231			443,328			416,592
Selling, general and administrative expense		87,622			77,548			166,570			153,112
Depreciation and amortization		12,922			11,520			24,470			22,976
Restructuring and other items		-			4,621			-			9,033

Total costs and expenses		327,732			307,920			634,368			601,713

Income from operations		48,288			26,299			91,286			49,295
Interest income		259			274			607			455
Interest expense		(297	)		(374	)		(554	)		(740	)

Income before provision for income taxes		48,250			26,199			91,339			49,010
Provision for income taxes		(7,467	)		(3,720	)		(14,361	)		(7,486	)

Net income	$	40,783		$	22,479		$	76,978		$	41,524

Net income per Ordinary Share:

Basic	$	0.66		$	0.37		$	1.24		$	0.69

Diluted	$	0.64		$	0.36		$	1.22		$	0.67

Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding:

Basic		61,934,923			60,724,296			61,855,783			60,555,945

Diluted		63,343,269			61,898,903			63,290,292			61,607,757

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

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2014 AND JUNE 30, 2013

(UNAUDITED)

	Six Months Ended
	June 30,			June 30,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	76,978		$	41,524
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		68			222
Depreciation expense		20,032			19,372
Amortization of intangibles		4,438			3,604
Amortization of grants		(159	)		(116	)
Share compensation expense		9,751			5,466
Deferred taxes		4,361			(1,892	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable		(15,765	)		(12,853	)
Increase in unbilled revenue		(7,526	)		(25,222	)
Increase in other receivables		(104	)		(3,070	)
Increase in prepayments and other current assets		(5,090	)		(4,872	)
Increase in other non current assets		(1,437	)		(850	)
(Decrease) /increase in payments on account		(37,689	)		52,615
(Decrease)/increase in other current liabilities		(50,208	)		6,134
Increase in other non-current liabilities		785			366
Decrease in income taxes payable		(11,504	)		(5,608	)
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable		(3,187	)		5,397
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities		(16,256	)		80,217

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(12,966	)		(17,206	)
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings		(121,101	)		(78,661	)
Cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings		3,518			1,039
Purchase of short term investments		(48,972	)		(71,227	)
Sale of short term investments		93,569			63,826
Change in restricted cash, net		-			(2,250	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(85,952	)		(104,479	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of share options		12,272			10,548
Share issuance costs		(11	)		(59	)
Tax benefit from the exercise of share options		771			193
Repurchase of ordinary shares		(11,532	)		-
Share repurchase costs		(12	)		-
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,488			10,682
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash		(486	)		(2,200	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(101,206	)		(15,780	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		182,519			114,047

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	81,313		$	98,267

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

ICON plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Shares			Amount			Additional Paid-in Capital			Capital Redemption Reserve		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Retained Earnings			Total

	(dollars in thousands, except share data)

Balance at December 31, 2013		61,587,257		$	5,168		$	279,572		$	100	$	1,960		$	623,779		$	910,579

Comprehensive Income:
Net income		-			-			-			-		-			76,978			76,978
Currency translation adjustment		-			-			-			-		(1,286	)		-			(1,286	)
Currency impact of long term funding		-			-			-			-		144			-			144
Tax on currency impact of long term funding		-			-			-			-		175			-			175
Unrealized capital gain - investments		-			-			-			-		338			-			338

Total comprehensive income		-			-			-			-		(629	)		76,978			76,349
Exercise of share options		511,199			41			12,224			-		-			-			12,265
Issue of restricted share units		89,889			-			7			-		-			-			7
Share issuance costs		-			-			(11	)		-		-			-			(11	)
Non-cash stock compensation expense		-			-			9,917			-		-			-			9,917
Repurchase of ordinary shares		(291,190	)		(24	)		-			24		-			(11,532	)		(11,532	)
Share repurchase costs		-			-			-			-		-			(12	)		(12	)
Tax benefit on exercise of options		-			-			771			-		-			-			771

Balance at June 30, 2014		61,897,155		$	5,185		$	302,480		$	124	$	1,331		$	689,213		$	998,333

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

ICON plc

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

June 30, 2014

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, 2013. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2014.

2. Goodwill

	Six months ended		Year ended
	June 30,		December 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)

Opening balance	$	357,523	$	315,441
Current period acquisitions		149,098		36,922
Foreign exchange movement		617		5,160

Closing balance	$	507,238	$	357,523

3. Business Combinations

Acquisitions – Aptiv Solutions

On May 7, 2014 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Aptiv Solutions (“Aptiv”), a global biopharmaceutical and medical device development services company and leader in adaptive clinical trials for a cash consideration of $143.5 million including certain payments to be made on behalf of the company on completion totalling $22.4 million. Aptiv offers full-service clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for drugs, medical devices and diagnostics with a specific focus on strategy to increase product development efficiency and productivity. It is a market leader in the integrated design and execution of adaptive clinical trials for exploratory and late phase development as well as being an industry leader in medical device and diagnostic development in key medical technology segments. In addition to boosting the Company’s service capabilities, Aptiv Solutions will also strengthen the Company’s international presence through the addition of over 850 highly qualified and experienced professionals in the United States, Europe and Japan.

The acquisition of Aptiv Solutions has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

	May 7,
	2014
	(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment	$	6,924
Goodwill*		149,098
Cash and cash equivalents		3,518
Accounts receivable		24,463
Unbilled revenue		19,217
Prepayments and other current assets		3,404
Non-current assets		1,332
Other liabilities		(37,146	)
Payments on account		(31,094	)
Non-current other liabilities		(18,615	)

Net assets acquired	$	121,101

Cash consideration	$	143,500
Adjustments to cash consideration		(22,399	)
Net assets acquired	$	121,101

* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for drugs, medical devices and diagnostics with a specific focus on strategy to increase product development efficiency and productivity. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible. We are completing the purchase price allocation which will result in an element of the purchase price currently recorded as goodwill being ascribed to separately identifiable intangible assets.

Prior Period Acquisitions - Clinical Trial Services Division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.

On February 15, 2013 the Company acquired the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare Inc. for an initial cash consideration of $51.9 million. The agreement provided for further consideration of up to $3.75 million which may become payable if certain performance milestones are achieved during the period ended December 31, 2013. Cross Country Healthcare’s Clinical Trial Services division includes US resourcing providers, ClinForce and Assent Consulting, whose services include contract staffing, permanent placement and functional service provision. The division also includes AKOS, a leading US and EU provider of pharmacovigilance and drug safety services. ClinForce and Assent have been combined with ICON’s functional service provision (“FSP”) division, DOCS, creating a leader in global resourcing and FSP, while AKOS will enhance the services offered by ICON’s medical and safety services team. Certain operating margin perfomance milestones in relation to ClinForce and Assent Consulting were not achieved during the period ended December 31, 2013 resulting in a reduction of $3.75 million to the contingent consideration.

The acquisition agreement also provided for certain working capital targets to be achieved by the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc on completion. In October 2013 the Company received $0.2 million on completion of this review.

The acquisition of the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

	February 15,
	2013
	(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment	$	339
Goodwill*		36,922
Intangible asset – customer relationships		3,300
Intangible asset – order backlog		600
Cash and cash equivalents		1,039
Accounts receivable		9,200
Unbilled revenue		2,128
Prepayments and other current assets		465
Non-current assets		6
Other liabilities		(2,285	)
Non-current other liabilities		(16	)

Net assets acquired	$	51,698

Cash consideration	$	51,897
Working capital adjustment		(199	)
Net assets acquired	$	51,698

* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the clinical research industry, thereby allowing the Company to enhance its capabilities in global resourcing and FSP and also medical and safety services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.

4. Restructuring and other items

Restructuring and other items recognized comprise:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,		June 30,		June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)

Restructuring charges	$	-	$	4,621	$	-	$	9,033
Total	$	-	$	4,621	$	-	$	9,033

Prior Period Restructuring Charges

Restructuring and other items of $9.0 million were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013. During Q1 and Q2 2013 the Company conducted a review of its operations. This review resulted in the adoption of an initial restructuring plan, which included the closure of its Phase I facility in Omaha, Nebraska. This followed the expansion of the Company’s Phase I facility in San Antonio, Texas and the consolidation of the Company’s US Phase I capabilities in this location. The restructuring plan also included resource rationalizations in certain areas of the business to improve resource utilization. A further restructuring plan was also adopted during 2013 which resulted in resource rationalizations in order to improve operating efficiencies and reduce expenses. Details of the movement in this restructuring plan recognized are as follows:

	Workforce			Office
	Reductions			Consolidations			Total
	(in thousands)

Q1 Plan - Initial provision recognized	$	3,903		$	509		$	4,412
Q2 Plan - Initial provision recognized		4,228			393			4,621
Residual balance from prior periods		-			130			130
Total provision recognized		8,131			1,032			9,163
Cash payments		(6,544	)		(199	)		(6,743	)
Amounts released		(93	)		-			(93	)
Foreign exchange movement		(3	)		-			(3	)


Provision at December 31, 2013	$	1,491		$	833		$	2,324
Cash payments		(769	)		(296	)		(1,065	)
Amounts released		-			(142	)		(142	)
Foreign exchange movement		(8	)		11			3


Provision at June 30, 2014	$	714		$	406		$	1,120

5. Income Taxes

Income taxes recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 comprise:

	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,			June 30,		June 30,
	2014		2013			2014		2013
	(In thousands)					(In thousands)

Provision for income taxes before restructuring and other items	$	7,467	$	4,315		$	14,361	$	9,336
Tax impact of restructuring and other items		-		(595	)		-		(1,850	)
Provision for income taxes after restructuring and other items	$	7,467	$	3,720		$	14,361	$	7,486

As at June 30, 2014 the Company maintains a $7.2 million liability (December 31, 2013: $6.7 million) for unrecognized tax benefit, which is comprised of $6.2 million (December 31, 2013: $5.8 million) related to items generating unrecognized tax benefits and $1.0 million (December 31, 2013: $0.9 million) for interest and related penalties to such items. The Company recognizes interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as an additional income tax expense.

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 2008 through 2013 tax years. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any examination will have a material impact on its financial statements.

6. Net income per ordinary share

Basic net income per ordinary share has been computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per ordinary share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period for all potentially dilutive ordinary shares outstanding during the period and adjusting net income for any changes in income or loss that would result from the conversion of such potential ordinary shares. There is no difference in net income used for basic and diluted net income per ordinary share.

The reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,		June 30,		June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share		61,934,923		60,724,296		61,855,783		60,555,945
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding		1,408,346		1,174,607		1,434,509		1,051,812
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted net income per ordinary share		63,343,269		61,898,903		63,290,292		61,607,757

7. Share-based Awards

Share Options

On July 21, 2008 the Company adopted the Employee Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Employee Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company or a Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares. On the same date, the Company also adopted the Consultants Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Consultants Plan”), pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any consultant, adviser or non-executive director retained by the Company or any Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares.

Each option granted under the 2008 Employee Plan or the 2008 Consultants Plan (together the “2008 Option Plans”) will be an employee stock option, or NSO, as described in Section 422 or 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Each grant of an option under the 2008 Options Plans 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 6.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved under the 2008 Employee Plan, as reduced by any shares issued or to be issued pursuant to options granted under the 2008 Consultants Plan, under which a limit of 400,000 shares applies. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted under the 2008 Employee Option Plan, during any calendar year to any employee shall be 400,000 ordinary shares. There is no individual limit under the 2008 Consultants Plan. No options may be granted under the 2008 Option Plans after July 21, 2018.

On January 17, 2003 the Company adopted the Share Option Plan 2003 (the “2003 Share Option Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board could grant options to officers and other employees of the Company or its subsidiaries for the purchase of ordinary shares. An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares were reserved under the 2003 Share Option Plan; and, in no event could the number of ordinary shares issued pursuant to options awarded under this plan exceed 10% of the outstanding shares, as defined in the 2003 Share Option Plan, at the time of the grant, unless the Board expressly determined otherwise. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options could be granted under the 2003 Share Option Plan during any calendar year to any employee was 400,000 ordinary shares. The 2003 Share Option Plan expired on January 17, 2013. No new options may be granted under this plan.

Share option awards are 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, 2014 is eight years.

The following table summarizes option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:

	Options Outstanding Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

Outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,973,788		$	24.20	$	9.57

Granted		362,955		$	45.76	$	14.07
Exercised		(511,199	)	$	23.99	$	9.41
Forfeited		(138,888	)	$	21.10	$	8.69

Outstanding at June 30, 2014		2,686,656		$	27.31	$	10.25		4.69

Exercisable at June 30, 2014		1,382,008		$	24.95	$	8.01		3.28

The Company has granted options with fair values ranging from $5.88 to $15.03 per option or a weighted average fair value of $9.97 per option. The Company issues ordinary shares for all options exercised. The total amount of fully vested share options which remained outstanding at June 30, 2014, was 1,382,008. Fully vested share options at June 30, 2014, have an average remaining contractual term of 3.28 years, an average exercise price of $24.95 and a total intrinsic value of $30.6 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $10.9 million (June 30, 2013: $7.8 million).

The following table summarizes the movement in non-vested share options for the six months ended June 30, 2014:

	Options Outstanding Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value

Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,468,081		$	23.45	$	9.45

Granted		362,955		$	45.76	$	14.07
Vested		(432,755	)	$	23.24	$	9.32
Forfeited		(93,633	)	$	22.36	$	9.37

Non vested outstanding at June 30, 2014		1,304,648		$	29.81	$	10.79

Fair value of Stock Options Assumptions

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average fair values and assumptions used were as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	June 30,			June 30,
	2014			2013

Weighted average fair value	$	12.24		$	12.06

Assumptions:
Expected volatility		31	%		41	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.55	%		0.87	%
Expected life	5 years			5 years

Expected volatility is based on the 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 past vesting and termination patterns. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. government zero-coupon bonds yield curve in effect at time of the grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.

Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units

On July 21, 2008 the Company adopted the 2008 Employees Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “2008 RSU Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may select any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company, or a Subsidiary to receive an award under the plan. An aggregate of 1.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2008 RSU Plan.

On April 23, 2013 the Company adopted the 2013 Employees Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “2013 RSU Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may select any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company, or a Subsidiary to receive Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) and/or Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) under the plan. An aggregate of 1.6 million ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2013 RSU Plan. The shares are awarded at zero cost and vest over a service period. Awards under the 2013 RSU Plan may be settled in cash or shares at the option of the Company.

The Company has awarded RSUs and PSUs to certain key individuals of the Group. The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:

	PSU Outstanding Number of Shares			PSU Weighted Average Fair Value		PSU Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		RSU Outstanding Number of Shares			RSU Weighted Average Fair Value		RSU Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

Outstanding at December 31, 2013		353,244		$	33.04		2.35		846,459		$	27.05		1.77

Granted		346,108		$	39.51				491,736		$	41.18
Shares vested		-			-				(89,889	)	$	28.16
Forfeited		(7,837	)	$	20.22				(43,841	)	$	28.45

Outstanding at June 30, 2014		691,515			39.66		2.28		1,204,465		$	32.59		1.93

The fair value of RSUs vested for the six months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $2.5 million (December 31, 2013: $1.1 million).

No PSUs vested during either the first six months of 2014 or the full year 2013.

The PSUs vest based on service and specified EPS targets over the period 2013 – 2016. Since 2013, we granted 348,910 PSUs (net of forfeitures). Depending on the actual amount of EPS from 2013 to 2016, up to an additional 342,605 PSUs may also be granted.

Non-cash stock compensation expense

Non-cash stock compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 has been allocated as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,		June 30,		June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(In thousands)				(In thousands)

Direct costs	$	3,144	$	1,693	$	5,373	$	3,012
Selling, general and administrative		2,562		1,379		4,378		2,454

	$	5,706	$	3,072	$	9,751	$	5,466

Total non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized at June 30, 2014 amounted to $64.7 million. The weighted average period over which this is expected to be recognized is 2.7 years. Total tax benefit recognized in additional paid in capital related to the non-cash compensation expense amounted to $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (June 30, 2013: $0.2 million).

8. Share Capital

Share Repurchase Program

The repurchase plan gave a broker authority to acquire the Company’s ordinary shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with agreed terms and limitations. The acquisition of shares pursuant to the repurchase plan is to be effected by way of redemption and cancellation of those shares, in accordance with the Memorandum & Articles of the Company.

The plan was designed to allow acquisitions by the broker during periods when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to do so because it may be in possession of material non-public or price-sensitive information, applicable insider trading laws or self-imposed trading blackout periods. The Company’s prior instructions to the broker in respect of these periods are irrevocable and the trading decisions in respect of the repurchase plan are at the discretion of the broker and will be made independently of, and uninfluenced by, the Company. The Company confirms that on entering the repurchase plan it had no material non-public, price-sensitive or inside information regarding the Company or its securities. Furthermore, the Company will not enter into additional plans whilst in possession of such information. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased by way of the redemption will be dependent on market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements and the other terms and limitations contained in the plans. In addition, acquisitions under the repurchase plan may be suspended or discontinued in certain circumstances in accordance with the agreed terms. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to the timing or number of shares that may be acquired under the repurchase plan.

During the three months ended June 30, 2014, 291,190 ordinary shares were redeemed by the Company under the repurchase plan for a total consideration of $11.5 million. All ordinary shares that were redeemed under the repurchase plan are cancelled in accordance with the Memorandum & Articles of the Company and the nominal value of these shares transferred to a capital redemption reserve fund as required under Irish Company Law.

9. Business Segment Information

The Company determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is internally provided to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who together are considered the Company’s chief operating decision maker, in accordance with FASB ASC 280-10 Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

The Company is a contract research organization (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. It specializes in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support all stages of the clinical development process - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. The Company has the expertise and capability to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis and has the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. The Company has expanded predominately through internal growth, together with a number of strategic acquisitions to enhance its expertise and capabilities in certain areas of the clinical development process. The Company also provides laboratory services through its central laboratory business, which includes the Company’s central laboratories located in Dublin, New York, India, Singapore and China.

The Company's areas of operation outside of Ireland include the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Israel, Romania, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Segment information as at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 is 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,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(In thousands)				(in thousands)

Ireland	$	88,724	$	69,337	$	174,085	$	130,331
Rest of Europe		98,130		84,822		184,531		169,858
U.S.		147,370		139,458		289,049		274,933
Rest of World		41,796		40,602		77,989		75,886

Total	$	376,020	$	334,219	$	725,654	$	651,008

* All sales shown for Ireland are export sales.

b) The distribution of income from operations, including restructuring and other items, by geographical area was as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,		June 30,		June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)

Ireland	$	26,736	$	12,827	$	54,870	$	24,843
Rest of Europe		7,970		3,531		14,371		7,317
U.S.		9,646		7,740		16,340		13,277
Rest of World		3,936		2,201		5,705		3,858

Total	$	48,288	$	26,299	$	91,286	$	49,295

c) The distribution of income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items, by geographical area was as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,		June 30,		June 30,		June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)

Ireland	$	26,736	$	13,556	$	54,870	$	25,897
Rest of Europe		7,970		5,198		14,371		10,755
U.S.		9,646		9,579		16,340		17,369
Rest of World		3,936		2,587		5,705		4,307

Total	$	48,288	$	30,920	$	91,286	$	58,328

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)

Ireland	$	99,016	$	103,868
Rest of Europe		19,096		14,630
U.S.		33,476		33,947
Rest of World		8,582		8,385

Total	$	160,170	$	160,830

e) 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,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)				(in thousands)

Ireland	$	5,257	$	4,836	$	10,406	$	9,825
Rest of Europe		1,376		1,688		2,699		3,422
U.S.		5,410		3,987		9,613		7,705
Rest of World		879		1,009		1,752		2,024

Total	$	12,922	$	11,520	$	24,470	$	22,976

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)

Ireland	$	496,148	$	581,568
Rest of Europe		344,450		321,661
U.S.		630,474		486,232
Rest of World		54,668		52,999

Total	$	1,525,740	$	1,442,460

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, 2013. 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 (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. We specialize in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support all stages of the clinical development process - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. Our vision is to be the Global CRO partner of choice in drug development by delivering best in class information, solutions and performance in clinical and outcomes research.

We believe that we are one of a select group of CRO’s with the expertise and capability to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis and have the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. At June 30, 2014, we employed approximately 11,000 employees, in 83 locations in 38 countries. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 we derived approximately 39.8%, 49.4% and 10.8% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

Revenue consists primarily of fees earned under contracts with third-party clients. In most cases, a portion of the contract fee is paid at the time the study or trial is started, with the balance of the contract fee generally payable in installments over the study or trial duration, based on the achievement of certain performance targets or "milestones". Revenue from contracts is recognized on a proportional performance method based on the relationship between time incurred and the total estimated duration of the trial or on a fee-for-service basis according to the particular circumstances of the contract. As is customary in the CRO industry, we contract with third party investigators in connection with clinical trials. All investigator fees and certain other costs, where reimbursed by clients, are, in accordance with industry practice, deducted from gross revenue to arrive at net revenue. As these costs vary from contract to contract, we view net revenue as our primary measure of revenue growth.

As the nature of our business involves the management of projects having a typical duration of one to four years, the commencement or completion 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.

Termination or delay in the performance of an individual contract may occur for various reasons, including, but not limited to, unexpected or undesired results, production problems resulting in shortages of the drug, adverse patient reactions to the drug, the client’s decision to de-emphasize a particular trial or inadequate patient enrolment or investigator recruitment. In the event of termination the Company is usually entitled to all sums owed for work performed through the notice of termination and certain costs associated with the termination of the study. In addition, contracts generally contain provisions for renegotiation in the event of changes in the scope, nature, duration, or volume of services of the contract.

Our backlog consists of potential net revenue yet to be earned from projects awarded by clients. At June 30, 2014 we had a backlog of approximately $3.4 billion, compared with approximately $3.1 billion at December 31, 2013. We believe that our backlog as of any date is not necessarily a meaningful predictor of future results, due to the potential for cancellation or delay of the projects underlying the backlog, and no assurances can be given on the extent to which we will be able to realize this backlog as net revenue.

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

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. 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 U.S. dollars or euro, 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 usually negotiate currency fluctuation clauses in our contracts which allow for price negotiation if changes in the relative value of those currencies exceed predetermined tolerances.

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 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, 2014 compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

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, 2014			June 30, 2013			2014 to 2013
							Percentage
	Percentage of Net Revenue						Increase/ (Decrease)

Net revenue		100.0	%		100.0	%		12.5	%

Costs and expenses:
Direct costs		60.4	%		64.1	%		6.0	%
Selling, general and administrative		23.3	%		23.2	%		13.0	%
Depreciation		2.8	%		2.8	%		7.1	%
Amortization		0.7	%		0.6	%		38.4	%

Income from operations (excluding restructuring and other items)		12.8	%		9.3	%		56.2	%
Restructuring and other items		-			1.4	%		(100	)%

Income from operations (including restructuring and other items )		12.8	%		7.9	%		83.6	%

Net revenue for the period increased by $41.8 million, or 12.5%, from $334.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $376.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. For the three months ended June 30, 2014 we derived approximately 39.2%, 49.7% and 11.1% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

Net revenue in Ireland increased from $69.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $88.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Net revenue in Ireland is principally a function of the Company’s global transfer pricing model.

Direct costs for the period increased by $13.0 million, or 6.0%, from $214.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $227.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Direct costs consist primarily of compensation, associated fringe benefits and share based compensation expense for project-related employees and other direct project driven costs. The increase in direct costs during the period arose from an increase in headcount and a corresponding increase in personnel related expenditure of $8.2 million and an increase in other direct project related costs of $4.8 million. As a percentage of net revenue, direct costs have decreased from 64.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to 60.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the period increased by $10.1 million, or 13.0%, from $77.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $87.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses comprise primarily of compensation, related fringe benefits and share based compensation expense for non-project-related employees, recruitment expenditure, professional service costs, advertising costs and all costs related to facilities and information systems. The increase in selling, general and administration expenses for the period arose primarily from an increase in personnel related expenditure of $5.0 million, an increase in facilities and related costs expenditure of $3.7 million and an increase in general and administrative expenses of $1.4 million. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses, increased from 23.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to 23.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Depreciation expense for the period increased by $0.7 million, or 7.1%, from $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $10.4 million for three months ended June 30, 2014 and principally arises from an investment in facilities, information systems and equipment to support the Company’s growth. As a percentage of net revenue, depreciation expense remained at 2.8% of net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Amortization expense for the period increased by $0.8 million, or 38.4%, from $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $2.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Amortization expense represents the amortization of intangible assets acquired on business combinations. The increase in the amortization expense for the period relates to the Aptiv acquisition and a deemed amortization amount for intangibles until the purchase price allocation is finalised. As a percentage of net revenue, amortization expense increased from 0.6% of net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to 0.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

During the three months ended June 30, 2013 the Company implemented a restructuring plan which contains Company resource rationalizations in order to improve operating efficiencies and reduce expenses. A restructuring charge of $4.6 million was recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2013, $0.4 million in respect of lease termination and asset write-down costs and $4.2 million in respect of resource rationalizations. (see note 4 Restructuring and other items for further information).

As a result of the above, income from operations for the three months increased by $22.0 million, or 83.6%, from $26.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 ($30.9 million excluding restructuring charges) to $48.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations increased from 7.9% of net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2013 (9.3% excluding restructuring charges) to 12.8% of net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Income from operations in Ireland increased from a profit of $12.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 ($13.6 million excluding restructuring charges), to a profit of $26.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Income from operations in Ireland are impacted by the Group’s global transfer pricing model.

Interest expense for the period decreased from $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 to $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Interest income remained at $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Provision for income taxes for the period increased from $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 ($4.3 million excluding the impact of restructuring charges) to $7.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was 15.5% compared with 14.2% (14.0% excluding the impact of restructuring charges) for the three months ended June 30, 2013. The Company’s effective tax rate is principally a function of the distribution of pre-tax profits amongst the territories in which it operates.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			2014 to 2013
							Percentage
	Percentage of Net Revenue						Increase/ (Decrease)

Net revenue		100.0	%		100.0	%		11.5	%

Costs and expenses:
Direct costs		61.1	%		64.0	%		6.4	%
Selling, general and administrative		23.0	%		23.5	%		8.8	%
Depreciation		2.9	%		3.0	%		3.4	%
Amortization		0.6	%		0.5	%		23.2	%

Income from operations (excluding restructuring and other items)		12.4	%		9.0	%		56.5	%
Restructuring and other items		-			1.4	%		(100	)%

Income from operations (including restructuring and other items )		12.4	%		7.6	%		85.2	%

Net revenue for the period increased by $74.7 million, or 11.5%, from $651.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $725.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 we derived approximately 39.8%, 49.4% and 10.8% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

Net revenue in Ireland increased from $130.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $174.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Net revenue in Ireland is principally a function of the Company’s global transfer pricing model.

Direct costs for the period increased by $26.7 million, or 6.4%, from $416.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $443.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Direct costs consist primarily of compensation, associated fringe benefits and share based compensation expense for project-related employees and other direct project driven costs. The increase in direct costs during the period arose from an increase in headcount and a corresponding increase in personnel related expenditure of $24.2 million and an increase in other direct project related costs of $2.5 million. As a percentage of net revenue, direct costs have increased from 64.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to 61.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the period increased by $13.5 million, or 8.8%, from $153.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $166.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses comprise primarily of compensation, related fringe benefits and share based compensation expense for non-project-related employees, recruitment expenditure, professional service costs, advertising costs and all costs related to facilities and information systems. The increase in selling, general and administration expenses for the period arose primarily from an increase in personnel related expenditure of $7.3 million, an increase in facilities and related costs expenditure of $2.5 million and an increase in general and administrative expenses of $3.7 million. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased from 23.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to 23.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Depreciation expense for the period increased by $0.6 million, or 3.4%, from $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and principally arises from an investment in facilities, information systems and equipment to support the Company’s growth. As a percentage of net revenue, depreciation expense decreased from 3.0% of net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to 2.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Amortization expense for the period increased by $0.9 million, or 23.2%, from $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $4.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Amortization expense represents the amortization of intangible assets acquired on business combinations. The increase in the amortization expense for the period relates to the Aptiv acquisition and a deemed amortization amount for intangibles until the purchase price allocation is finalised. As a percentage of net revenue, amortization expense increased from 0.5% of net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to 0.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Restructuring charges of $4.4 million were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2013 under a restructuring plan adopted following a review by the Company of its operations. Under this restructuring plan the Company announced the closure of its Phase I facility in Omaha, Nebraska. This followed the expansion of the Company’s Phase I facility in San Antonio, Texas and the consolidation of the Company’s US Phase I capabilities in this location. The restructuring plan also included resource rationalizations in certain areas of the business to improve resource utilization. The restructuring charge recognized included $0.5 million in respect of lease termination costs associated with the Omaha facility and $3.9 million in respect of resource rationalizations. During the three months ended June 30, 2013 the Company implemented a further restructuring plan which contains Company resource rationalizations in order to improve operating efficiencies and reduce expenses. A restructuring charge of $4.6 million was recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2013, $0.4 million in respect of lease termination and asset write-down costs and $4.2 million in respect of resource rationalizations. (see note 4 Restructuring and other items for further information).

As a result of the above, income from operations for the six months increased by $42.0 million, or 85.2%, from $49.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 ($58.3 million excluding restructuring charges) to $91.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations increased from 7.6% of net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2013 (9.0% excluding restructuring charges) to 12.4% of net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Income from operations in Ireland increased from a profit of $24.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 ($25.9 million excluding restructuring charges), to a profit of $58.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Income from operations in Ireland are impacted by the Group’s global transfer pricing model.

Interest expense for the period decreased from $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Interest income increased from $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Provision for income taxes for the period increased from $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 ($9.3 million excluding the impact of restructuring charges) to $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was 15.7% compared with 15.3% (16.1% excluding the impact of restructuring charges) for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The Company’s effective tax rate is principally a function of the distribution of pre-tax profits amongst the territories in which it operates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The CRO industry is generally not capital intensive. The Group’s principal operating cash needs are payment of salaries, office rents, travel expenditures and payments to investigators. Investing activities primarily reflect capital expenditures for facilities and information systems enhancements, the purchase and sale 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 weeks 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 small down payment at the time the contract is entered into, with the balance paid in installments over the contract's duration, in some cases on the achievement of certain milestones. Accordingly, cash receipts do not correspond to costs incurred and revenue recognized on contracts.

The Company’s cash and short term investment balances at June 30, 2014 amounted to $175.4 million compared with cash and short term investment balances of $320.8 million at December 31, 2013. The Company’s cash and short term investment balances at June 30, 2014 comprised cash and cash equivalents $81.3 million and short-term investments $94.1 million. The Company’s cash and short-term investment balances at December 31, 2013 comprised cash and cash equivalents $182.5 million and short-term investments $138.3 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, ICON plc closed the acquisition of Aptiv resulting in a cash outflow totalling $121.1 million.

On June 30, 2014 the Company entered into a five year committed multi currency revolving credit facility for $100.0 million with Citibank, JP Morgan, Santander and Barclays Bank. Each bank subject to the agreement has committed $25 million to the facility, with equal terms and conditions in place with all institutions. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and includes certain composite guarantees, indemnities and pledges in favor of the banks. Amounts available to the Group under the facility amounted to $100.0 million at June 30, 2014.

Net cash used in operating activities was $16.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with cash provided by operating activities of $80.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The most significant influence on our operating cash flow is revenue outstanding, which comprises accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, less payments on account which totalled $61.0 million of the $16.3 million cash used in operating activities. The dollar value of these balances and the related number of days revenue outstanding (i.e. revenue outstanding as a percentage of revenue for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period) can vary over a study or trial duration. Contract fees are generally payable in installments based on the achievement of certain performance targets or “milestones” (e.g. target patient enrollment rates, clinical testing sites initiated or case report forms completed), such milestones being specific to the terms of each individual contract, while revenues on contracts are recognized as contractual obligations are performed. Days revenue outstanding can vary therefore due to, amongst others, the scheduling of contractual milestones over a study or trial duration, the achievement of a particular milestone during the period or the timing of cash receipts from customers. A decrease in the number of days revenue outstanding during a period will result in cash inflows to the Company while an increase in days revenue outstanding will lead to cash outflows. The number of days revenue outstanding at June 30, 2014 was 40 days compared to 32 days at December 31, 2013. The number of days revenue outstanding at June 30, 2013 was 33 days compared to 40 days at December 31, 2012. In addition, in line with company policy, bonuses were paid during the second quarter which also contributed to the cash outflow.

Net cash used in investing activities was $86.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $104.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Net cash used in the six months ended June 30, 2014 arose principally from cash paid on the purchase of subsidiary undertakings.

Amounts payable at June 30, 2014 in relation to acquisitions include $3.2 million payable contingent upon the results of BeijingWits Medical.

Capital expenditure for the six months ended June 30, 2014 amounted to $13.0 million and comprised mainly of expenditure on global infrastructure and information technology systems to support the Company’s growth. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 the Company received a net $44.6 million from the sale of short-term investments.

Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2014 amounted to $1.4 million compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2014 arose primarily from the $12.3 million received from the exercise of stock options. This was offset by cash paid amounting to $11.5 million to repurchase shares under the Company’s share repurchase plans (see Note 8 Share Capital for further information). Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 arose primarily from the $10.5 million received from the exercise of stock options.

As a result of these cash flows, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $101.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to a decrease of $15.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

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.

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/ Brendan Brennan
		Brendan Brennan
Date: August 14, 2014		Chief Financial Officer