Record 1st-Quarter Revenue Reported by Bergen Brunswig

ORANGE —  Citing a cost containment campaign, drug distributor Bergen Brunswig Corp. on Monday reported increases in both revenue and profit for its first fiscal quarter.

Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 rose to a record of almost $2 billion, the company said. That compared to $1.8 billion for the same period a year earlier. Profit grew 31% to $13.5 million, or 36 cents a share, from $10.3 million, or 28 cents a share.

The company, which provides pharmaceuticals and health and beauty aids through distribution facilities nationwide, is “extremely pleased with our progress and the continued favorable results,” said Robert E. Martini, chairman and chief executive officer.

In the past year, Bergen Brunswig has closed nine of its 35 distribution centers and consolidated them into more efficient regional centers. It has also laid off about 500 employees and now has about 4,200 on its payroll, including 600 at the corporate headquarters in Orange.

The company said it has also changed its product mix to focus on the production of drugs such as generics, which have higher profit margins, and has focused on more profitable businesses, such as distributing pharmaceuticals to nursing homes and oncology centers.

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Bergen Brunswig Posts Gains

Bergen Brunswig Corp., the Orange-based supplier to hospital and managed care facilities, said revenue was up 8.1% for its latest fiscal quarter. Earnings were up even more, rising 31%. Figures in thousands except data per share:

1st quarter 1st quarter Percent 1994 1995 increase Total revenue $1,834,936 $1,983,863 8.1 Net earnings 10,331 13,549 31.1 Earnings per share 0.28 0.36 28.6

Source: Bergen Brunswig Corp. ; Researched by VALERIE WILLIAMS-SANCHEZ / Los Angeles Times