Alere, Inc. - Zacks Investment Research

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Published by Raymond James & Associates

Alere, Inc.

(ALR-NYSE) Nicholas Jansen, (727) 567-2446, Nicholas.Jansen@ Andrew Cooper, Res. Assoc., (727) 567-2295, Andrew.Cooper@

Diagnostics ___________________________________________________________

Lowering Near-Term Estimates on Weak Flu Season; Still Like LT Story

Recommendation: We reiterate our Strong Buy rating on shares of Alere but, not surprisingly, lower our near-term estimates to reflect the lighter-than-expected 2015-16 flu season (as well as the incremental forex cushion). Unfortunately, the lack of flu probably delays the magnitude of the short-term organic growth recovery until 2Q16, which could keep the stock range-bound following the disappointing 3Q. Still, we remain believers in the Alere turnaround story, with a portfolio of assets that should deliver mid-single-digit revenue growth over time, which, combined with a litany of margin drivers (+400 bp) and below-the-line opportunities, should paint at least a mid-teens EPS CAGR through 2018. We believe this outlook is not reflected in the valuation after ALR's recent selloff (-19% QTD) and would expect improved execution and visibility into its longer-term margin story as we progress through 2016 to drive multiple expansion off the current tempered sentiment.

Flu season off to a slow start: Last year, combined 4Q/1Q U.S. flu revenue was more than $45 million, with the original expectation for this year to reflect healthy growth given the Alere i roll-out (4,000 installed by year-end). Unfortunately, the recent CDC data amidst elevated temperatures throughout the country would suggest a lighter season vs. the prior year. As a result, we no longer expect flu to be a growth driver in the near term, as lower volumes offset the planned benefit from molecular conversion. We would also note that given the higher price point of molecular, purchase patterns are more real-time vs. stocking ahead. To reflect this, we lower our 4QE EPS by $0.02 to the low end of guidance and reduce 2016E by $0.07 ($0.04 of which is in 1Q) to $2.48 to reflect the lower flu contribution (and forex) vs. our prior views.

Still believe in revenue acceleration: While lighter flu delays the cadence of improvement, the combination of a more focused portfolio alongside the anniversarying of sizable y/y headwinds sets the stage for more consistent organic growth in 2016. The growth could accelerate faster in 2017 as Triage/INR return to market, the molecular menu expands, and Alere laps the likely mid-teens reduction in Medicare diabetes revenue from competitive bidding. Also, emerging markets remain poised to grow double digits (but are lumpy q/q).

Multiple levers to improve margins longer-term: Alere as it stands today, after multiple divestitures, is a much more streamlined entity. Additionally, with a new (and highly credible) CFO in place and initiating plans, both for the short and long term, to improve operating efficiencies, we expect healthy margin gains over the next three years. A global procurement strategy, strategic pricing, further automation, and the eventual closing of certain plants provide visibility. Plus, a reacceleration of the top line should also aid margins, as should mix. This, combined with a renewed discipline on R&D and further corporate streamlining efforts, should enable EBIT margins to exceed 21% by 2017 (18.4% in 2015E). Valuation: On our lower estimates, ALR trades at 15.7x 2016E EPS and 11.4x 2016E EBITDA, within the three-year range. Our unchanged $52 price target is based on ~17.5x 2017E EPS, as we assume multiple expansion occurs amidst growth recovery and more consistent execution.

Non-GAAP Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Full GAAP EPS Revenues

EPS

Mar

Jun

Sep

Dec Year Full Year (mil.)

2014A Old 2015E New 2015E Old 2016E New 2016E Old 2017E New 2017E

$0.48 0.53A 0.53A 0.59 0.55 0.74 0.70

$0.39 0.54A 0.54A 0.54 0.55 0.66 0.67

$0.35 0.54A 0.54A 0.66 0.63 0.77 0.76

$0.51 0.61 0.59 0.76 0.75 0.88 0.88

$1.73 2.22 2.20 2.55 2.48 3.05 3.00

$(2.38) 0.10 0.09 0.33 0.25 0.85 0.79

$2,590 2,480 2,473 2,513 2,493 2,647 2,625

Rows may not add due to rounding. 2014 reflects a tax related restatement. Non-GAAP EPS excludes non-cash

December 14, 2015

Company Comment

Rating _________________________________ Strong Buy 1

Current and Target Price__________________

Current Price (Dec-11-15)

$38.88

Target Price:

$52.00

52-Week Range

$55.99 - $35.81

Suitability

High Risk/Growth

Market Data ___________________________

Shares Out. (mil.)

86.2

Market Cap. (mil.)

$3,351

Avg. Daily Vol. (10 day)

664,228

Dividend/Yield

$0.00/0.0%

Book Value (Sep-15)

$20.84

ROE %

NM

LT Debt (mil.)/% Cap.

$3,169/60%

Earnings & Valuation Metrics______________ 2014A 2015E 2016E 2017E

P/E Ratios (Non-GAAP) 22.5x 17.7x 15.7x 13.0x

Company Description ____________________ Alere delivers reliable and actionable information through rapid diagnostic tests, resulting in better clinical and economic healthcare outcomes globally. Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., Alere focuses on rapid diagnostics for infectious disease, cardiometabolic disease and toxicology.

Please read domestic and foreign disclosure/risk information beginning on page 3 and Analyst Certification on page 43.

? 2015 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. All rights reserved.

International Headquarters: The Raymond James Financial Center | 880 Carillon Parkway | St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 | 800-248-8863

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amortization, stock option expense, and non-recurring items. Raymond James has updated its suitability rating system, effective 9/29/15. Please see the disclosures for the definition of the suitability rating.

? 2015 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. All rights reserved.

International Headquarters: The Raymond James Financial Center | 880 Carillon Parkway | St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 | 800-248-8863

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International Headquarters: The Raymond James Financial Center | 880 Carillon Parkway | St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 | 800-248-8863

? 2015 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. All rights reserved.

Alere, Inc.

Income Statement ($ i n thous a nds )

Net product s a l es a nd s ervi ces revenue Li cens e a nd roya l ty revenue

Net revenue Y/Y Growth

Cos t of net revenue Gross profit

Gross margin Y/Y Growth

Res ea rch a nd devel opment Sel l i ng, genera l a nd a dmi ni s tra ti ve (i ncl udes medi ca l devi ce ta x) Tota l opera ti ng expens es

Operating income Operating margin

Interes t a nd other i ncome (expens e), net Income (l os s ) before provi s i on (benefi t) for i ncome ta xes

Provi s i on (benefi t) for i ncome ta xes Income tax rate

Income (l os s ) before equi ty ea rni ngs of uncons ol i da ted enti ti es , net of ta x Equi ty ea rni ngs of uncons ol i da ted enti ti es , net of ta x

Income (l os s ) from conti nui ng opera ti ons Les s : Net i ncome a ttri buta bl e to non-control l i ng i nteres ts , net of ta x

Net i ncome (l os s ) a ttri buta bl e to Al ere Inc. a nd Subs i di a ri es Preferred s tock di vi dends

Net i ncome (l os s ) a va i l a bl e to common s tockhol ders

Adjustments for non-GAAP net income: Converti bl e debt i nteres t Preferred s tock di vi dends ACON Second Terri tory Bus i nes s a cqui s i ti on i nteres t expens e

Non-GAAP net i ncome from conti nui ng opera ti ons

Diluted non-GAAP EPS from continuing operations

Wei ghted a vera ge common s ha res - ba s i c Wei ghted a vera ge common s ha res - di l uted

Y/Y Growth: Net revenue Cos t of net revenue Gros s profi t Tota l opera ti ng expens es Opera ti ng i ncome Di l uted non-GAAP EPS from conti nui ng opera ti ons

Margin Analysis: Cos t of net revenue Gros s profi t Res ea rch a nd devel opment Sel l i ng, genera l a nd a dmi ni s tra ti ve Opera ti ng i ncome

Mar-14A Jun-14A Sep-14A Dec-14A

$620,446 $5,212

$625,658

$641,167 $6,604

$647,771

$645,352 $4,182

$649,534

$662,090 $5,052

$667,142

$297,885 $327,773

52.4%

$332,518 $315,253

48.7%

$325,959 $323,575

49.8%

$335,954 $331,188

49.6%

$36,343 $181,950 $218,293

$35,026 $182,963 $217,989

$31,618 $175,353 $206,971

$25,607 $175,796 $201,403

$109,480 $97,264 $116,604 $129,785

17.5%

15.0%

18.0%

19.5%

($44,407) $65,073 $24,648

37.9%

($48,342) $48,922 $12,377

25.3%

($59,943) $56,661 $28,380

50.1%

($55,341) $74,444 $29,092

39.1%

$40,425 $5,500 $45,925 $108 $45,817 ($5,250) $40,567

$36,545 $2,237 $38,782

$62 $38,720 ($5,309) $33,411

$28,281 $6,866 $35,147 ($209) $35,356 ($5,367) $29,989

$45,352 $3,890 $49,242 $166 $49,076 ($5,367) $43,709

$850 $0 $0

$41,417

$0.48

82,387 87,107

$700 $0 $0

$34,111

$0.39

82,648 87,453

$700 $0 $0

$30,689

$0.35

83,115 87,930

$850 $0 $0

$44,559

$0.51

83,586 88,170

47.6% 52.4% 5.8% 29.1% 17.5%

51.3% 48.7% 5.4% 28.2% 15.0%

50.2% 49.8% 4.9% 27.0% 18.0%

50.4% 49.6% 3.8% 26.4% 19.5%

2014A

$2,569,055 $21,050

$2,590,105 -1.2%

$1,292,316 $1,297,789

50.1%

$128,594 $716,062 $844,656

$453,133 17.5%

($208,033) $245,100 $94,497

38.6%

$150,603 $18,493 $169,096

$127 $168,969 ($21,293) $147,676

$3,100 $0 $0

$150,776

$1.73

82,938 87,397

49.9% 50.1% 5.0% 27.6% 17.5%

Mar-15A Jun-15A Sep-15A Dec-15E

$603,702 $4,698

$608,400 -2.8%

$623,662 $5,694

$629,356 -2.8%

$599,175 $3,299

$602,474 -7.2%

$629,757 $3,500

$633,257 -5.1%

$299,826 $308,574

50.7% -5.9%

$322,286 $307,070

48.8% -2.6%

$310,014 $292,460

48.5% -9.6%

$323,573 $309,684

48.9% -6.5%

$26,338 $167,067 $193,405

$25,838 $166,007 $191,845

$27,402 $159,613 $187,015

$28,497 $160,847 $189,344

$115,169 $115,225 $105,445 $120,340

18.9%

18.3%

17.5%

19.0%

($47,226) $67,943 $19,875

29.3%

($40,990) $74,235 $21,724

29.3%

($37,612) $67,833 $19,276

28.4%

($40,410) $79,930 $23,979

30.0%

$48,068 $4,064 $52,132

$88 $52,044 ($5,250) $46,733

$52,511 $1,466 $53,977 $359 $53,618 ($5,309) $48,250

$48,557 $5,104 $53,661

($4) $53,665 ($5,367) $48,298

$55,951 $3,250 $59,201 $150 $59,051 ($5,367) $53,684

$700 $5,250

$0 $52,683

$0.53

84,338 99,281

$700 $5,309

$0 $54,259

$0.54

85,173 100,312

$700 $5,367

$0 $54,365

$0.54

85,141 100,846

$700 $5,367

$0 $59,751

$0.59

85,311 101,249

-2.8% 0.7% -5.9% -11.4% 5.2% 11.6%

-2.8% -3.1% -2.6% -12.0% 18.5% 38.7%

-7.2% -4.9% -9.6% -9.6% -9.6% 54.5%

-5.1% -3.7% -6.5% -6.0% -7.3% 16.8%

49.3% 50.7% 4.3% 27.5% 18.9%

51.2% 48.8% 4.1% 26.4% 18.3%

51.5% 48.5% 4.5% 26.5% 17.5%

51.1% 48.9% 4.5% 25.4% 19.0%

2015E

$2,456,296 $17,191

$2,473,487 -4.5%

$1,255,699 $1,217,788

49.2% -6.2%

$108,075 $653,534 $761,609

$456,179 18.4%

($166,238) $289,941 $84,854

29.3%

$205,087 $13,884 $218,971

$593 $218,378 ($21,293) $197,085

$2,800 $21,293

$0 $221,178

$2.20

84,991 100,422

-4.5% -2.8% -6.2% -9.8% 0.7% 27.7%

50.8% 49.2% 4.4% 26.4% 18.4%

Mar-16E Jun-16E Sep-16E Dec-16E

$591,708 $3,000

$594,708 -2.3%

$615,438 $3,000

$618,438 -1.7%

$621,680 $3,000

$624,680 3.7%

$651,818 $3,000

$654,818 3.4%

$292,629 $302,079

50.8% -2.1%

$312,953 $305,485

49.4% -0.5%

$313,097 $311,583

49.9% 6.5%

$323,447 $331,371

50.6% 7.0%

$27,951 $161,760 $189,712

$28,757 $162,031 $190,788

$28,111 $162,417 $190,527

$28,157 $163,050 $191,207

$112,367 $114,696 $121,056 $140,164

18.9%

18.5%

19.4%

21.4%

($40,618) $71,749 $20,448

28.5%

($39,973) $74,723 $21,296

28.5%

($39,034) $82,021 $23,376

28.5%

($38,658) $101,506 $28,929

28.5%

$51,300 $4,064 $55,364 $150 $55,214 ($5,367) $49,847

$53,427 $1,466 $54,893 $150 $54,743 ($5,367) $49,376

$58,645 $5,104 $63,749 $150 $63,599 ($5,367) $58,232

$72,577 $3,250 $75,827 $150 $75,677 ($5,367) $70,310

$700 $5,367

$0 $55,914

$0.55

85,567 101,401

$700 $5,367

$0 $55,443

$0.55

85,738 101,503

$700 $5,367

$0 $64,299

$0.63

85,910 101,909

$700 $5,367

$0 $76,377

$0.75

86,082 102,316

-2.3% -2.4% -2.1% -1.9% -2.4% 3.9%

-1.7% -2.9% -0.5% -0.6% -0.5% 1.0%

3.7% 1.0% 6.5% 1.9% 14.8% 17.0%

3.4% 0.0% 7.0% 1.0% 16.5% 26.5%

49.2% 50.8% 4.7% 27.2% 18.9%

50.6% 49.4% 4.7% 26.2% 18.5%

50.1% 49.9% 4.5% 26.0% 19.4%

49.4% 50.6% 4.3% 24.9% 21.4%

2016E

$2,480,643 $12,000

$2,492,643 0.8%

$1,242,126 $1,250,517

50.2% 2.7%

$112,976 $649,258 $762,234

$488,283 19.6%

($158,284) $329,999 $94,050

28.5%

$235,949 $13,884 $249,833

$600 $249,233 ($21,468) $227,765

$2,800 $21,468

$0 $252,033

$2.48

85,824 101,782

0.8% -1.1% 2.7% 0.1% 7.0% 12.4%

49.8% 50.2% 4.5% 26.0% 19.6%

Mar-17E

Jun-17E

Ni chol a s Ja ns en (727-567-2446)

Sep-17E

Raymond James & Associates

Dec-17E

2017E

$626,189 $3,000

$629,189 5.8%

$645,392 $3,000

$648,392 4.8%

$654,944 $3,000

$657,944 5.3%

$686,740 $3,000

$689,740 5.3%

$2,613,264 $12,000

$2,625,264 5.3%

$303,200 $325,989

51.8% 7.9%

$321,606 $326,786

50.4% 7.0%

$323,129 $334,815

50.9% 7.5%

$333,731 $356,009

51.6% 7.4%

$1,281,666 $1,343,598

51.2% 7.4%

$28,943 $165,477 $194,419

$29,502 $165,988 $195,490

$28,621 $166,460 $195,080

$29,728 $167,607 $197,335

$116,793 $665,531 $782,324

$131,570 $131,296 $139,734 $158,674

20.9%

20.2%

21.2%

23.0%

$561,274 21.4%

($38,621) $92,948 $26,026

28.0%

($38,585) $92,711 $25,959

28.0%

($38,548) $101,186 $28,332

28.0%

($38,512) $120,163 $33,646

28.0%

($154,266) $407,008 $113,962

28.0%

$66,923 $3,750 $70,673 $150 $70,523 ($5,367) $65,156

$66,752 $1,466 $68,218 $150 $68,068 ($5,367) $62,701

$72,854 $4,250 $77,104 $150 $76,954 ($5,367) $71,587

$86,517 $3,000 $89,517 $150 $89,367 ($5,367) $84,000

$293,046 $12,466 $305,512

$600 $304,912 ($21,468) $283,444

$700 $5,367

$0 $71,223

$0.70

86,340 102,470

$700 $5,367

$0 $68,768

$0.67

86,513 102,572

$700 $5,367

$0 $77,654

$0.76

86,686 102,675

$700 $5,367

$0 $90,067

$0.88

86,859 102,777

$2,800 $21,468

$0 $307,712

$3.00

86,599 102,624

5.8% 3.6% 7.9% 2.5% 17.1% 26.0%

4.8% 2.8% 7.0% 2.5% 14.5% 22.7%

5.3% 3.2% 7.5% 2.4% 15.4% 19.9%

5.3% 3.2% 7.4% 3.2% 13.2% 17.4%

5.3% 3.2% 7.4% 2.6% 14.9% 21.1%

48.2% 51.8% 4.6% 26.3% 20.9%

49.6% 50.4% 4.6% 25.6% 20.2%

49.1% 50.9% 4.4% 25.3% 21.2%

48.4% 51.6% 4.3% 24.3% 23.0%

48.8% 51.2% 4.4% 25.4% 21.4%

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Strong Buy (SB1) Expected to appreciate and produce a total return of at least 25.0% over the next twelve months. Outperform (MO2) Expected to appreciate and produce a total return of between 15.0% and 25.0% over the next twelve months. Market Perform (MP3) Expected to perform in line with the underlying country index. Underperform (MU4) Expected to underperform the underlying country index. Suspended (S) The rating and price target have been suspended temporarily. This action may be due to market events that made coverage impracticable, or to comply with applicable regulations or firm policies in certain circumstances, including when Raymond James may be providing investment banking services to the company. The previous rating and price target are no longer in effect for this security and should not be relied upon.

Raymond James Europe (Raymond James Euro Equities SAS & Raymond James Financial International Limited) rating definitions

Strong Buy (1) Expected to appreciate, produce a total return of at least 15%, and outperform the Stoxx 600 over the next 6 to 12 months. Outperform (2) Expected to appreciate and outperform the Stoxx 600 over the next 12 months. Market Perform (3) Expected to perform generally in line with the Stoxx 600 over the next 12 months. Underperform (4) Expected to underperform the Stoxx 600 or its sector over the next 6 to 12 months. Suspended (S) The rating and target price have been suspended temporarily. This action may be due to market events that made coverage impracticable, or to comply with applicable regulations or firm policies in certain circumstances, including when Raymond James may be providing investment banking services to the company. The previous rating and target price are no longer in effect for this security and should not be relied upon.

In transacting in any security, investors should be aware that other securities in the Raymond James research coverage universe might carry a higher or lower rating. Investors should feel free to contact their Financial Advisor to discuss the merits of other available investments.

Rating Distributions

Coverage Universe Rating Distribution*

RJA

RJL

RJ Arg RJEE/RJFI

Strong Buy and Outperform (Buy)

57%

69%

53%

44%

Market Perform (Hold)

38%

30%

47%

39%

Underperform (Sell)

5%

1%

0%

17%

* Columns may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Investment Banking Distribution

RJA

RJL

RJ Arg RJEE/RJFI

22%

40%

0%

0%

7%

16%

0%

0%

6%

50%

0%

0%

Suitability Ratings (SR)

Medium Risk/Income (M/INC) Lower to average risk equities of companies with sound financials, consistent earnings, and dividend yields above that of the S&P 500. Many securities in this category are structured with a focus on providing a consistent dividend or return of capital.

Medium Risk/Growth (M/GRW) Lower to average risk equities of companies with sound financials, consistent earnings growth, the potential for long-term price appreciation, a potential dividend yield, and/or share repurchase program.

High Risk/Income (H/INC) Medium to higher risk equities of companies that are structured with a focus on providing a meaningful dividend but may face less predictable earnings (or losses), more leveraged balance sheets, rapidly changing market dynamics, financial and competitive issues, higher price volatility (beta), and potential risk of principal. Securities of companies in this category may have a less predictable income stream from dividends or distributions of capital.

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Raymond James

U.S. Research

High Risk/Growth (H/GRW) Medium to higher risk equities of companies in fast growing and competitive industries, with less predictable earnings (or losses), more leveraged balance sheets, rapidly changing market dynamics, financial or legal issues, higher price volatility (beta), and potential risk of principal.

High Risk/Speculation (H/SPEC) High risk equities of companies with a short or unprofitable operating history, limited or less predictable revenues, very high risk associated with success, significant financial or legal issues, or a substantial risk/loss of principal.

Raymond James Relationship Disclosures

Raymond James expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from the subject companies in the next three months.

Company Name

Disclosure

Alere, Inc.

Raymond James & Associates makes a market in shares of ALR.

Raymond James & Associates received non-securities-related compensation from ALR within the past 12 months.

Stock Charts, Target Prices, and Valuation Methodologies

Valuation Methodology: The Raymond James methodology for assigning ratings and target prices includes a number of qualitative and quantitative factors including an assessment of industry size, structure, business trends and overall attractiveness; management effectiveness; competition; visibility; financial condition, and expected total return, among other factors. These factors are subject to change depending on overall economic conditions or industry- or company-specific occurrences. Only stocks rated Strong Buy (SB1) or Outperform (MO2) have target prices and thus valuation methodologies.

Target Prices: The information below indicates our target price and rating changes for ALR stock over the past three years.

Valuation Methodology: Our valuation methodology for Alere is based on a forward P/E multiple relative to historical levels. We also analyze the company's enterprise value (defined as market capitalization plus long-term debt, less cash on the balance sheet) to our forward EBITDA estimate.

Risk Factors

General Risk Factors: Following are some general risk factors that pertain to the projected target prices included on Raymond James research: (1) Industry fundamentals with respect to customer demand or product / service pricing could change and adversely impact expected revenues and earnings; (2) Issues relating to major competitors or market shares or new product expectations could change investor attitudes toward the sector or this stock; (3) Unforeseen developments with respect to the management, financial condition or accounting policies or practices could alter the prospective valuation; or (4) External factors that affect the U.S. economy, interest rates, the U.S. dollar or major segments of the economy could alter investor confidence and investment prospects. International investments involve additional risks such as currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic instability.

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International Headquarters: The Raymond James Financial Center | 880 Carillon Parkway | St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 | 800-248-8863

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Specific Investment Risks Related to the Industry or Issuer

U.S. Research

Diagnostics Industry-Related Risk Factors The diagnostics industry is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) a weak economy could result in reduced demand for products and services; (2) the industry is subject to numerous governmental regulations and regulatory changes are difficult to predict and may be damaging to the industry outlook; (3) increased competition and technological advances by larger competitors in competing industries could negatively affect operating results; and (4) the industry depends on new product launches to drive growth, with any failure in the R&D department likely to have a negative impact on overall revenue growth trends.

Company-Specific Risks for Alere, Inc. Alere's business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) Alere's diagnostic products face intense competition, and the failure to compete effectively may negatively affect sales of Alere's products and services; (2) Alere's business could be materially adversely affected as a result of the risks associated with the company's acquisition strategy, particularly regarding integration; (3) if the company is unable to obtain required clearances or approvals for the commercialization of products in the United States and abroad, Alere may not be able to sell those products which could subsequently impact operating results over the intermediate-term; and (4) rising unemployment may negatively impact the collectability of uninsured accounts and patient due accounts and/or reduce total health plan populations.

Additional Risk and Disclosure information, as well as more information on the Raymond James rating system and suitability categories, is available at Disclosures/index. Copies of research or Raymond James' summary policies relating to research analyst independence can be obtained by contacting any Raymond James & Associates or Raymond James Financial Services office (please see for office locations) or by calling 727-567-1000, toll free 800-237-5643 or sending a written request to the Equity Research Library, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Tower 3, 6th Floor, 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716.

For clients in the United Kingdom: For clients of Raymond James & Associates (London Branch) and Raymond James Financial International Limited (RJFI): This document and any investment to which this document relates is intended for the sole use of the persons to whom it is addressed, being persons who are Eligible Counterparties or Professional Clients as described in the FCA rules or persons described in Articles 19(5) (Investment professionals) or 49(2) (High net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) or any other person to whom this promotion may lawfully be directed. It is not intended to be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and may not be relied upon by such persons and is therefore not intended for private individuals or those who would be classified as Retail Clients. For clients of Raymond James Investment Services, Ltd.: This report is for the use of professional investment advisers and managers and is not intended for use by clients. For purposes of the Financial Conduct Authority requirements, this research report is classified as independent with respect to conflict of interest management. RJA, RJFI, and Raymond James Investment Services, Ltd. are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. For clients in France: This document and any investment to which this document relates is intended for the sole use of the persons to whom it is addressed, being persons who are Eligible Counterparties or Professional Clients as described in "Code Mon?taire et Financier" and R?glement G?n?ral de l'Autorit? des March?s Financiers. It is not intended to be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and may not be relied upon by such persons and is therefore not intended for private individuals or those who would be classified as Retail Clients. For clients of Raymond James Euro Equities: Raymond James Euro Equities is authorised and regulated by the Autorit? de Contr?le Prudentiel et de R?solution and the Autorit? des March?s Financiers.

For institutional clients in the European Economic Area (EEA) outside of the United Kingdom: This document (and any attachments or exhibits hereto) is intended only for EEA institutional clients or others to whom it may lawfully be submitted.

For Canadian clients: This report is not prepared subject to Canadian disclosure requirements, unless a Canadian analyst has contributed to the content of the report. In the case where there is Canadian analyst contribution, the report meets all applicable IIROC disclosure requirements.

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International Headquarters: The Raymond James Financial Center | 880 Carillon Parkway | St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 | 800-248-8863

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Raymond James

U.S. Research

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This is RJA client releasable resear ch

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