Covetrus, Inc. provided earnings guidance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. The company anticipates preliminary net sales for the first quarter of 2020 of approximately $1.07 billion, an increase of approximately 13% compared to $941 million in the prior year period. Preliminary loss before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates for the first quarter of 2020 is expected to be in the range of $35 million to $36 million as compared to loss before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates of $18 million in the prior year period.

In light of the uncertain demand outlook caused by COVID-19, Covetrus is withdrawing its previously issued 2020 financial guidance.