labcorp10q.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended   June 30, 2010
OR
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to  ______

Commission file number   1-11353

LABORATORY CORPORATION OF
AMERICA HOLDINGS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
13-3757370
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

358 South Main Street,
   
Burlington, North Carolina
 
27215
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 336-229-1127

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (paragraph 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [X]
Accelerated Filer [  ]
Non-accelerated filer [  ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [  ] No [X].

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock is 102.8 million shares, net of treasury stock as of July 22, 2010.

 
 


INDEX


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1
   
 
 
June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
   
 
 
Three and six month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
   
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
   
 
 
Six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
   
 
   
Item 2
 
Condition and Results of Operations
   
Item 3
   
Item 4


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1
   
Item 1A
   
Item 2
   
Item 6

 
2


PART I                      –           FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                 –      Financial Statements

LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
     Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 103.8     $ 148.5  
     Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
               
        accounts of $161.1 and $173.1 at June 30, 2010
               
        and December 31, 2009, respectively
    617.6       574.2  
     Supplies inventories
    86.3       90.0  
     Prepaid expenses and other
    69.0       80.1  
     Deferred income taxes
    39.1       42.8  
     Total current assets
    915.8       935.6  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    499.1       500.8  
Goodwill, net
    2,013.1       1,897.1  
Intangible assets, net
    1,359.2       1,342.2  
Investments in joint venture partnerships
    71.4       71.4  
Other assets, net
    99.8       90.7  
Total assets
  $ 4,958.4     $ 4,837.8  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
     Accounts payable
  $ 195.4     $ 183.1  
     Accrued expenses and other
    316.8       275.7  
     Noncontrolling interest
    --       142.4  
     Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
    383.4       417.2  
     Total current liabilities
    895.6       1,018.4  
                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
    939.4       977.2  
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities
    597.5       577.7  
Noncontrolling interest
    138.9       --  
Other liabilities
    158.7       158.4  
Total liabilities
    2,730.1       2,731.7  
                 
Commitments and contingent liabilities
    --       --  
Noncontrolling interest
    19.3       --  
                 
Shareholders’ equity
               
   Common stock, 103.1 and 105.3 shares outstanding at
               
     June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    12.3       12.5  
   Additional paid-in capital
    --       36.7  
   Retained earnings
    3,072.6       2,927.9  
   Less common stock held in treasury
    (934.9 )     (932.5 )
   Accumulated other comprehensive income
    59.0       61.5  
     Total shareholders’ equity
    2,209.0       2,106.1  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,958.4     $ 4,837.8  

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

 
3


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 1,238.4     $ 1,188.8     $ 2,432.0     $ 2,344.5  
                                 
Cost of sales
    704.8       681.4       1,391.5       1,347.7  
                                 
Gross profit
    533.6       507.4       1,040.5       996.8  
                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    245.4       237.3       491.4       471.1  
Amortization of intangibles and other assets
    17.7       15.2       35.1       30.3  
Restructuring and other special charges
    --       10.2       9.3       10.2  
                                 
Operating income
    270.5       244.7       504.7       485.2  
                                 
Other income (expenses):
                               
     Interest expense
    (14.5 )     (16.2 )     (29.1 )     (33.2 )
     Income from joint venture partnerships, net
    4.6       3.9       8.4       6.7  
     Investment income
    0.2       0.4       0.5       0.8  
     Other, net
    (0.8 )     (0.7 )     (1.4 )     (1.2 )
                                 
Earnings before income taxes
    260.0       232.1       483.1       458.3  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    102.8       92.7       189.7       183.1  
                                 
Net earnings
    157.2       139.4       293.4       275.2  
     Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (3.5 )     (3.0 )     (7.0 )     (6.0 )
                                 
Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
  $ 153.7     $ 136.4     $ 286.4     $ 269.2  
                                 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.48     $ 1.26     $ 2.75     $ 2.49  
                                 
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.46     $ 1.24     $ 2.70     $ 2.46  





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

 
4


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)
(unaudited)

                           
Accumulated
       
         
Additional
               
Other
   
Total
 
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders’
 
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Stock
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
                                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2008
  $ 12.8     $ 237.4     $ 2,384.6     $ (929.8 )   $ (16.7 )   $ 1,688.3  
Comprehensive earnings:
                                               
   Net earnings attributable to Laboratory
                                               
      Corporation of America Holdings
    --       --       269.2       --       --       269.2  
   Other comprehensive earnings:
                                               
      Foreign currency translation adjustments
    --       --       --       --       28.1       28.1  
      Interest rate swap adjustments
    --       --       --       --       1.8       1.8  
      Tax effect of other comprehensive
                                               
         earnings adjustments
    --       --       --       --       (11.7 )     (11.7 )
   Comprehensive earnings
                                            287.4  
Issuance of common stock under
                                               
   employee stock plans
    --       8.2       --       --       --       8.2  
Surrender of restricted stock awards
    --       --       --       (2.7 )     --       (2.7 )
Conversion of zero-coupon convertible debt
    0.1       11.3       --       --       --       11.4  
Stock compensation
    --       16.8       --       --       --       16.8  
Income tax benefit adjustments related to
                                               
   stock options exercised
    --       (0.1 )     --       --       --       (0.1 )
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2009
  $ 12.9     $ 273.6     $ 2,653.8     $ (932.5 )   $ 1.5     $ 2,009.3  
                                                 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2009
  $ 12.5     $ 36.7     $ 2,927.9     $ (932.5 )   $ 61.5     $ 2,106.1  
Comprehensive earnings:
                                               
   Net earnings attributable to Laboratory
                                               
      Corporation of America Holdings
    --       --       286.4       --       --       286.4  
   Other comprehensive earnings:
                                               
      Foreign currency translation adjustments
    --       --       --       --       (7.9 )     (7.9 )
      Interest rate swap adjustments
    --       --       --       --       4.0       4.0  
      Tax effect of other comprehensive
                                               
         earnings adjustments
    --       --       --       --       1.4       1.4  
   Comprehensive earnings
                                            283.9  
Issuance of common stock under
                                               
   employee stock plans
    0.1       36.6       --       --       --       36.7  
Surrender of restricted stock awards
    --       --       --       (2.4 )     --       (2.4 )
Stock compensation
    --       19.4       --       --       --       19.4  
Value of noncontrolling interest put
    --       (17.2 )     --       --       --       (17.2 )
Income tax benefit from stock
                                               
   options exercised
    --       4.2       --       --       --       4.2  
Purchase of common stock
    (0.3 )     (79.7 )     (141.7 )     --       --       (221.7 )
BALANCE AT JUNE  30, 2010
  $ 12.3     $ --     $ 3,072.6     $ (934.9 )   $ 59.0     $ 2,209.0  

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

 
5


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net earnings
  $ 293.4     $ 275.2  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
               
   operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    100.1       95.8  
     Stock compensation
    19.4       16.8  
     Loss on sale of assets
    1.3       0.6  
     Accreted interest on zero-coupon subordinated notes
    2.9       5.4  
     Cumulative earnings less than distribution
               
        from joint venture partnerships
    --       0.3  
     Deferred income taxes
    3.5       8.3  
     Change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions):
               
        Increase in accounts receivable (net)
    (37.0 )     (22.2 )
        Decrease in inventories
    3.8       11.9  
        Decrease in prepaid expenses and other
    11.0       16.6  
        Increase in accounts payable
    9.1       5.9  
        Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other
    40.7       (23.3 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    448.2       391.3  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital expenditures
    (59.0 )     (54.4 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    2.4       0.2  
Deferred payments on acquisitions
    (2.0 )     (0.9 )
Acquisition of licensing technology
    (0.4 )     --  
Investment in equity affiliate
    --       (4.3 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (174.9 )     (7.5 )
Net cash used for investing activities
    (233.9 )     (66.9 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities
    95.0       --  
Payments on revolving credit facilities
    (140.0 )     --  
Principal payments on term loan
    (25.0 )     (25.0 )
Payments on zero-coupon subordinated notes
    (4.3 )     (289.4 )
Payments on vendor-financed equipment
    (1.3 )     (1.5 )
Decrease in bank overdraft
    --       (5.0 )
Proceeds from sale of interest in consolidated subsidiary
    137.5       --  
Cash paid to acquire an interest in a consolidated subsidiary
    (137.5 )     --  
Noncontrolling interest distributions
    (5.8 )     (5.0 )
Tax benefit adjustments related to stock based compensation
    2.5       (0.3 )
Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees
    36.7       8.2  
Purchase of common stock
    (216.2 )     --  
Net cash used for financing activities
    (258.4 )     (318.0 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (0.6 )     0.5  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (44.7 )     6.9  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    148.5       219.7  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 103.8     $ 226.6  

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

 
6

LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

1.  BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (the “Company”) and its majority-owned subsidiaries for which it exercises control. Long-term investments in affiliated companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence (generally, when the Company has an investment of less than 20% and no representation on the investee’s board of directors) are accounted for using the cost method. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company does not have any variable interest entities or special purpose entities whose financial results are not included in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

     The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income.”

     The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of results of operations, cash flows and financial position have been made. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.

     The financial statements and notes are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s 2009 annual report on Form 10-K. Therefore, the interim statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s annual report.
 
2.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings including the impact of dilutive adjustments by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive shares, as if they had been issued at the earlier of the date of issuance or the beginning of the period presented. Potentially dilutive common shares result primarily from the Company’s outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, performance share awards, and shares issuable upon conversion of zero-coupon subordinated notes.

     The following represents a reconciliation of basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
         
2010
               
2009
               
2010
               
2009
       
               
Per
               
Per
               
Per
               
Per
 
               
Share
               
Share
               
Share
               
Share
 
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Basic earnings
                                                                       
  per share:
                                                                       
  Net earnings
  $ 153.7       103.5     $ 1.48     $ 136.4       108.3     $ 1.26     $ 286.4       104.0     $ 2.75     $ 269.2       108.2     $ 2.49  
  Dilutive effect of
                                                                                               
    employee  stock
                                                                                               
    plans and awards
    --       0.9               --       0.5               --       0.9               --       0.5          
  Effect of convertible
                                                                                               
    debt, net of tax
    --       1.0               --       0.7               --       1.0               --       0.7          
Diluted earnings
                                                                                               
  per share:
                                                                                               
  Net earnings
                                                                                               
    including impact of
                                                                                               
    dilutive adjustments
  $ 153.7       105.4     $ 1.46     $ 136.4       109.5     $ 1.24     $ 286.4       105.9     $ 2.70     $ 269.2       109.4     $ 2.46  

 
7


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

     The following table summarizes the potential common shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their impact would have been antidilutive:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Stock options
    2.8       4.9       4.0       4.4  

3. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance in connection with adding qualified special purpose entities into the scope of guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities. This literature also modifies the analysis by which a controlling interest of a variable interest entity is determined thereby requiring the controlling interest to consolidate the variable interest entity. A controlling interest exists if a party to a variable interest entity has both (i) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of or receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the variable interest entity. The guidance became effective in 2010. The adoption of the authoritative guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

4. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

     During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company acquired various laboratories and related assets for approximately $174.9 in cash (net of cash acquired). These acquisitions were made primarily to extend the Company’s geographic reach in important market areas and/or enhance the Company’s scientific differentiation and esoteric testing capabilities.

     Monogram Biosciences, Inc. (acquired by the Company in August 2009) has an active research and development department, which is primarily focused on the development of oncology and infectious disease technology. As a result of this acquisition, the Company incurred approximately $6.4 and $3.0 of research and development expenses (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

5.  NONCONTROLLING INTEREST PUT

     Effective January 1, 2008 the Company acquired additional partnership units in its Ontario, Canada (“Ontario”) joint venture, bringing the Company’s percentage interest owned to 85.6%. Concurrent with this acquisition, the terms of the joint venture’s partnership agreement were amended. The amended joint venture’s partnership agreement enabled the holders of the noncontrolling interest to put the remaining partnership units to the Company in defined future periods, at an initial amount equal to the consideration paid by the Company in 2008, and subject to adjustment based on market value formulas contained in the agreement.

     In December 2009, the Company received notification from the holders of the noncontrolling interest in the Ontario joint venture that they intended to put their remaining partnership units to the Company in accordance with the terms of the joint venture’s partnership agreement. These units were acquired on February 8, 2010 for $137.5. On February 17, 2010, the Company completed a transaction to sell the units acquired from the previous noncontrolling interest holder to a new Canadian partner for the same price. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a component of noncontrolling interest in other liabilities and a component in mezzanine equity. Upon the completion of these two transactions, the Company’s financial ownership percentage in the joint venture partnership remained unchanged at 85.6%. Concurrent with the sale to the new partner, the partnership agreement for the Ontario joint venture was amended and restated with substantially the same terms as the previous agreement. The combined contractual value of these puts, in excess of the current noncontrolling interest of $24.1, totals $134.1 at June 30, 2010.

 
8


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

     Net sales of the Ontario joint venture for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2010 were $140.0 (CN$144.8) and $71.1 (CN$73.1), respectively, and $117.1 (CN$140.9) and $61.5 (CN$71.7) for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

6.  RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES

     During the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $3.1 related to severance payments and the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities. Of this amount, $3.9 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in the affected facilities, and $0.6 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. The Company also reduced its prior facility related restructuring accruals by $1.4 as a result of incurring less cost than planned on those restructuring initiatives primarily due to favorable settlements on lease buyouts. In addition, the Company recorded a special charge of $6.2 related to the write-off of development costs incurred on systems abandoned during the quarter.

     During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $10.2 primarily related to the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities. The majority of these costs related to severance and other employee costs and contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. Of this amount, $6.6 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in the affected facilities, and $12.3 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. The Company also reduced its prior restructuring accruals by $8.7, comprised of $6.5 of previously recorded facility costs and $2.2 of employee severance benefits as a result of incurring less cost than planned on those restructuring initiatives primarily resulting from favorable settlements on lease buyouts and severance payments that were not required to achieve the planned reduction in work force.

7.  RESTRUCTURING RESERVES

The following represents the Company’s restructuring activities for the period indicated:

   
Severance
   
Lease
       
   
and Other
   
and Other
       
   
Employee
   
Facility
       
   
Costs
   
Costs
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 6.6     $ 19.0     $ 25.6  
Net restructuring charges
    3.9       (0.8 )     3.1  
Cash payments and other adjustments
    (4.7 )     (1.9 )     (6.6 )
Balance as of June 30, 2010
  $ 5.8     $ 16.3     $ 22.1  
                         
Current
                  $ 14.1  
Non-current
                    8.0  
                    $ 22.1  

8.  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance as of January 1
  $ 1,897.1     $ 1,772.2  
Goodwill acquired during the period
    117.2       124.1  
Adjustments to goodwill
    (1.2 )     0.8  
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,013.1     $ 1,897.1  


 
9


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

The components of identifiable intangible assets are as follows:

   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Gross
         
Gross
       
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
 
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
   
Amortization
 
                         
Customer relationships
  $ 852.8     $ (346.0 )   $ 839.8     $ (337.1 )
Patents, licenses and technology
    144.6       (69.0 )     119.2       (62.4 )
Non-compete agreements
    21.8       (6.9 )     39.4       (30.7 )
Trade name
    117.7       (45.9 )     117.7       (41.8 )
Canadian licenses
    690.1       --       698.1       --  
                                 
    $ 1,827.0     $ (467.8 )   $ 1,814.2     $ (472.0 )

     Amortization of intangible assets for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2010 was $35.1 and $17.7, respectively, and $30.3 and $15.2 for the six month and three month periods ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Amortization expense for the net carrying amount of intangible assets is estimated to be $35.4 for the remainder of fiscal 2010, $67.3 in fiscal 2011, $62.8 in fiscal 2012, $59.8 in fiscal 2013, $56.9 in fiscal 2014 and $386.9 thereafter.

     The Ontario operation had $690.1 and $698.1 of value assigned to the partnership’s indefinite lived Canadian licenses to conduct diagnostic testing services in the province as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

9.  DEBT

     Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consisted of the following:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
Zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes
  $ 290.9     $ 292.2  
Term loan, current
    62.5       50.0  
Revolving credit facility
    30.0       75.0  
Total short-term borrowings and current portion
               
     of long-term debt
  $ 383.4     $ 417.2  

     Long-term debt at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consisted of the following:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Senior notes due 2013
  $ 351.1     $ 351.3  
Senior notes due 2015
    250.0       250.0  
Term loan, non-current
    337.5       375.0  
Other long-term debt
    0.8       0.9  
Total long-term debt
  $ 939.4     $ 977.2  

Zero-coupon Subordinated Notes

     On March 26, 2010, the Company announced that for the period of March 12, 2010 to September 11, 2010, the zero-coupon subordinated notes will accrue contingent cash interest at a rate of no less than 0.125% of the average market price of a zero-coupon subordinated note for the five trading days ended March 9, 2010, in addition to the continued accrual of the original issue discount.



 
10


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

     On July 1, 2010, the Company announced that its zero-coupon subordinated notes may be converted into cash and common stock at the conversion rate of 13.4108 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the notes, subject to the terms of the zero-coupon subordinated notes and the Indenture, dated as of October 24, 2006 between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee and conversion agent. In order to exercise the option to convert all or a portion of the zero-coupon subordinated notes, holders are required to validly surrender their zero-coupon subordinated notes at any time during the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2010, through the close of business on the last business day of the calendar quarter, which is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Credit Facilities

    The balances outstanding on the Company’s Term Loan Facility at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $400.0 and $425.0, respectively. The balance outstanding on the Company’s Revolving Facility at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $30.0 and $75.0, respectively. The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility bear interest at varying rates based upon LIBOR plus a percentage based on the Company’s credit rating with Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility contain certain debt covenants which require that the Company maintain certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2010.

     As of June 30, 2010, the effective interest rates on the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility were 3.67% and 0.70%, respectively.

10. PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     The Company is authorized to issue up to 265.0 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share. The Company’s treasury shares are recorded at aggregate cost. The Company is authorized to issue up to 30.0 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. There were no preferred shares outstanding as of June 30, 2010.

     The changes in common shares issued and held in treasury are summarized below:

         
Held in
       
   
Issued
   
Treasury
   
Outstanding
 
Common shares at December 31, 2009
    127.4       (22.1 )     105.3  
Common stock issued under employee stock plans
    0.8       --       0.8  
Retirement of common stock
    (3.0 )     --       (3.0 )
                         
Common shares at June 30, 2010
    125.2       (22.1 )     103.1  

Share Repurchase Program

     As of December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately $71.8 of Company common stock. On February 11, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of $250.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company purchased approximately 3.0 shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $221.7. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately $100.1 of Company common stock.

11. INCOME TAXES

     The Company does not recognize a tax benefit, unless the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the taxing authority based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the Company recognizes a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that the Company believes is greater than 50% likely to be realized.

     The gross unrecognized income tax benefits were $65.0 and $59.0 at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. It is anticipated that the amount of the unrecognized income tax benefits will change within the next twelve months; however, these changes are not expected to have a significant impact on the results of operations, cash flows or the financial position of the Company.

 
11


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

     As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, $66.3 and $60.3, respectively, is the approximate amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods.
 
     The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions totaled $14.7 and $14.7 as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

     During the first quarter of 2010, the Company closed its 2006 Internal Revenue Service examination. As a result, the Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2006. Substantially all material state and local, and foreign income tax matters have been concluded through 2004 and 2001, respectively.

     The Company has various state income tax examinations ongoing throughout the year. Management believes adequate provisions have been recorded related to all open tax years.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     The Company was a party in a patent case originally filed by Competitive Technologies, Inc. and Metabolite Laboratories, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. After a jury trial, the district court entered judgment against the Company for patent infringement, with total damages and attorney’s fees payable by the Company of approximately $7.8. The underlying judgment has been paid. The Company vigorously contested the judgment and appealed the case ultimately to the United States Supreme Court. On June 22, 2006, the Supreme Court dismissed the Company’s appeal and the case was remanded to the District Court for further proceedings, including resolution of a related declaratory judgment action initiated by the Company addressing the plaintiffs’ claims for post trial damages. On August 15, 2008, the District Court entered judgment in favor of the Company on all of the plaintiffs’ remaining claims. Metabolite Laboratories, Inc. filed an appeal to the Federal Circuit. After briefing and oral argument, the Federal Circuit determined that it did not have jurisdiction over the appeal. Accordingly, the Federal Circuit issued a decision transferring the appeal to the Tenth Circuit where the appeal is now pending. The Company does not expect the resolution of these issues to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

     A subsidiary of the Company, DIANON Systems, Inc. (“DIANON”), is the appellant in a wrongful termination lawsuit originally filed by G. Berry Schumann in Superior Court in the State of Connecticut.  After a jury trial, the state court entered judgment against DIANON, with total damages, attorney’s fees, and pre-judgment interest payable by DIANON, of approximately $10.0. DIANON filed a notice of appeal in December 2009, and the case has been transferred to the Connecticut Supreme Court. DIANON has disputed liability and intends to contest the case vigorously on appeal.

     The Company is involved from time to time in various claims and legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation, arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these actions involve claims that are substantial in amount. These matters include, but are not limited to, intellectual property disputes, professional liability, employee related matters, and inquiries, including subpoenas and other civil investigative demands, from governmental agencies and Medicare or Medicaid payers and managed care payers reviewing billing practices or requesting comment on allegations of billing irregularities that are brought to their attention through billing audits or third parties. The Company receives civil investigative demands or other inquiries from various governmental bodies in the ordinary course of its business. Such inquiries can relate to the Company or other healthcare providers. The Company works cooperatively to respond to appropriate requests for information.

     As previously reported on May 22, 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the California Attorney General seeking documents related to billing to the state’s Medicaid program. The Company subsequently reported during the third quarter of 2008, that it received a request from the California Attorney General for additional information. On March 20, 2009, a qui tam lawsuit, California ex rel. Hunter Laboratories, LLC et al. v. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, et al., which was joined by the California Attorney General and to which the previous subpoena related, was unsealed. The lawsuit was brought against the Company and several other major laboratories operating in California and alleges that the defendants improperly billed the state Medicaid program. The Company’s motion to dismiss the original complaint on the basis of (i) misjoinder and (ii) lack of particularity in the Fifth Amended

 
12


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

Complaint was successful. As a result, the California Attorney General and qui tam relator filed a separate amended complaint against the Company on December 14, 2009. The Company filed an answer to the new Complaint on February 5, 2010.

     In June 2010, the Company received a subpoena from a state agency requesting documents related to its billing to Medicaid. The Company received subpoenas during 2009 from two state agencies requesting documents related to its billing to Medicaid in those states. The Company also responded to subpoenas from the United States Office of Inspector General’s regional offices in New York and Massachusetts regarding certain of its billing practices. The Company is cooperating with the requests.

     Several of these matters are in their early stages of development and management cannot predict the outcome of such matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of such matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company but may be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in the period in which such matters are finally determined or resolved.

     The Company is also named from time to time in suits brought under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act and comparable state laws. These suits typically allege that the Company has made false statements and/or certifications in connection with claims for payment from federal or state health care programs. They may remain under seal (hence, unknown to the Company) for some time while the government decides whether to intervene on behalf of the qui tam plaintiff. Such claims are an inevitable part of doing business in the health care field today.

     The Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with all statutes, regulations and other requirements applicable to its clinical laboratory operations. The clinical laboratory testing industry is, however, subject to extensive regulation, and the courts have not interpreted many of these statutes and regulations. There can be no assurance therefore that those applicable statutes and regulations will not be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory or judicial authority in a manner that would adversely affect the Company. Potential sanctions for violation of these statutes and regulations include significant fines and the loss of various licenses, certificates and authorizations.

     During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a $7.5 cumulative revenue adjustment relating to certain historic overpayments made by Medicare for claims submitted by a subsidiary of the Company. The Company has forwarded a detailed claims file and refund payment to the Medicare carrier. No additional requests for information have been received from the carrier.

     Effective January 1, 2007, the Company commenced its successful implementation of its ten-year agreement with United Healthcare Insurance Company (“UnitedHealthcare”) and became its exclusive national laboratory provider. During the first three years of the ten-year agreement, the Company committed to reimburse UnitedHealthcare up to $200.0 for transition costs related to developing expanded networks in defined markets during the first three years of the agreement. At the end of the reimbursement period, approximately $119.6 of such transition payments have been billed to the Company by UnitedHealthcare and approximately $119.4 has been remitted by the Company. UnitedHealthcare has indicated that there will be no further billings. The Company is amortizing the total estimated transition costs over the life of the contract.

     The Company acquired certain assets of Westcliff Medical Laboratories (“Westcliff”) on June 16, 2010. On June 25, 2010, the Company and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) entered into a letter agreement (“Agreement”) whereby the Company agreed to hold the Westcliff business separate and independent of the Company from the date the Company acquired the Westcliff assets until the Agreement terminates. The Company has also received a subpoena and Civil Investigative Demand from the FTC regarding the acquisition of Westcliff’s assets and the Company is cooperating with the request.

     Under the Company’s present insurance programs, coverage is obtained for catastrophic exposure as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. The Company is responsible for the uninsured portion of losses related primarily to general, professional and vehicle liability, certain medical costs and workers’ compensation. The self-insured retentions are on a per occurrence basis without any aggregate annual limit. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based upon the Company’s estimates of the aggregated liability of claims incurred. At June 30, 2010, the Company had provided letters of credit aggregating approximately $39.5, primarily in connection with certain insurance

 
13


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

programs. The Company’s availability under its Revolving Facility is reduced by the amount of these letters of credit.

  At June 30, 2010, the Company was a guarantor on approximately $2.2 of equipment leases. These leases were entered into by a joint venture in which the Company owns a 50% interest and have a remaining term of approximately two years.

13. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

     In October 2009, the Company received approval from its Board of Directors to freeze any additional service-based credits for any years of service after December 31, 2009 on the defined benefit retirement plan (the “Company Plan”) and the non-qualified supplemental retirement plan (the “PEP”). Both plans have been closed to new participants. Employees participating in the Company Plan and the PEP no longer earn service-based credits, but continue to earn interest credits. In addition, effective January 1, 2010, all employees eligible for the defined contribution retirement plan (the “401K Plan”) receive a minimum 3% non-elective contribution (“NEC”) concurrent with each payroll period. The NEC replaces the Company match, which has been discontinued. Employees are not required to make a contribution to the 401K Plan to receive the NEC. The NEC is non-forfeitable and vests immediately. The 401K Plan also permits discretionary contributions by the Company of 1% to 3% of pay for eligible employees based on service.

     The Company believes these changes to the Company Plan, the PEP and its 401K plan align the Company’s retirement plan strategy with prevailing industry practices and reduce the impact of market volatility on the Company Plan.

     As a result of the changes to the Company Plan and PEP, projected pension expense for the Company Plan and the PEP will decrease from $36.6 in 2009 to $10.4 in 2010. In addition, the Company does not plan to make contributions to the Company Plan during 2010. The implementation of the NEC will increase the Company’s 401K costs and contributions by an estimated $22.5 in 2010.

     The effect on operations for the Company Plan and the PEP is summarized as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost for benefits earned
  $ 0.6     $ 5.2     $ 1.3     $ 10.4  
Interest cost on benefit obligation
    4.6       4.5       9.2       9.1  
Expected return on plan assets
    (4.6 )     (4.3 )     (9.3 )     (8.6 )
Net amortization and deferral
    2.0       2.9       4.0       6.0  
                                 
Defined benefit plan costs
  $ 2.6     $ 8.3     $ 5.2     $ 16.9  

     The Company assumed obligations under a subsidiary’s post-retirement medical plan. Coverage under this plan is restricted to a limited number of existing employees of the subsidiary. This plan is unfunded and the Company’s policy is to fund benefits as claims are incurred. The effect on operations of the post-retirement medical plan is shown in the following table:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost for benefits earned
  $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.2     $ 0.2  
Interest cost on benefit obligation
    0.6       0.6       1.2       1.2  
Net amortization and deferral
    (0.1 )     (0.5 )     (0.3 )     (0.9 )
                                 
Postretirement medical plan costs
  $ 0.6     $ 0.2     $ 1.1     $ 0.5  



 
14

LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

     The Company’s population of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
Fair value
   
Fair Value Measurements as of
 
   
as of
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
June 30,
   
Using Fair Value Hierarchy
 
   
2010
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Noncontrolling interest puts
  $ 158.2     $ --     $ 158.2     $ --  
                                 
Derivatives
                               
Embedded derivatives related to the zero-coupon subordinated notes
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Interest rate swap liability
    6.6       --       6.6       --  
     Total fair value of derivatives
  $ 6.6     $ --     $ 6.6     $ --  

   
Fair value
   
Fair Value Measurements as of
 
   
as of
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
December 31,
   
Using Fair Value Hierarchy
 
   
2009
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Noncontrolling interest put
  $ 142.4     $ --     $ 142.4     $ --  
                                 
Derivatives
                               
Embedded derivatives related to the zero-coupon subordinated notes
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Interest rate swap liability
    10.6       --       10.6       --  
     Total fair value of derivatives
  $ 10.6     $ --     $ 10.6     $ --  

     The noncontrolling interest puts are valued at their contractually determined values, which approximate fair values. The fair values for the embedded derivatives and interest rate swap are based on observable inputs or quoted market prices from various banks for similar instruments.

     The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable, and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair market value of the zero-coupon subordinated notes, based on market pricing, was approximately $380.6 and $374.6 as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The fair market value of the senior notes, based on market pricing, was approximately $651.7 and $645.2 as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the estimated fair market value of the Company’s variable rate debt of $421.6 and $486.4, respectively, was estimated by calculating the net present value of related cash flows, discounted at current market rates.

15. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

     The Company addresses its exposure to market risks, principally the market risk associated with changes in interest rates, through a controlled program of risk management that includes, from time to time, the use of derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements (see Interest Rate Swap section below). Although the Company’s zero-coupon subordinated notes contain features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments (see Embedded Derivative section below), the Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not believe that its exposure to market risk is material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Interest Rate Swap

     The Company has an interest rate swap agreement with a remaining term of approximately two years to hedge variable interest rate risk on the Company’s variable interest rate term loan. On a quarterly basis

 
15


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)

under the swap, the Company pays a fixed rate of interest (2.92%) and receives a variable rate of interest based on the three-month LIBOR rate on an amortizing notional amount of indebtedness equivalent to the term loan balance outstanding. The swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the swap in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the swap agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the swap was a liability of $6.6 and $10.6 at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Embedded Derivatives Related to the Zero-Coupon Subordinated Notes

     The Company’s zero-coupon subordinated notes contain the following two features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments under authoritative guidance in connection with accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities:

1) 
The Company will pay contingent cash interest on the zero-coupon subordinated notes after September 11, 2006, if the average market price of the notes equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accrued original issue discount and contingent additional principal, if any, for a specified measurement period.
   
2) 
Holders may surrender zero-coupon subordinated notes for conversion during any period in which the rating assigned to the zero-coupon subordinated notes by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services is BB- or lower.

     The Company believes these embedded derivatives had no fair value at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. These embedded derivatives also had no impact on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

     The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation in the consolidated balance sheets for derivatives designated as hedging instruments (interest rate swap liability derivative) as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively:

   
Fair Value as of
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2010
   
2009
 
Other liabilities
  $ 6.6     $ 10.6  

     The following table summarizes the effect of the interest rate swap on other comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
2010
   
2009
 
Effective portion of derivative gain
  $ 4.0     $ 1.8  

16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
           
     Cash paid during period for:
           
        Interest
  $ 24.2     $ 25.6  
        Income taxes, net of refunds
    155.7       134.9  
Disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
               
     Accrued repurchases of common stock
  $ 5.5     $ --  
     Purchase of equipment in accrued expenses
    --       2.8  


 
16


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     The Company has made in this report, and from time to time may otherwise make in its public filings, press releases and discussions by Company management, forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s operations, performance and financial condition, as well as its strategic objectives. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “approximately”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, or “anticipates” or the negative of those words or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and the Company claims the protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors in addition to those discussed elsewhere herein and in the Company’s other public filings, press releases and discussions with Company management, including:

1.
changes in federal, state, local and third party payer regulations or policies or other future reforms in the health care system (or in the interpretation of current regulations), new insurance or payment systems, including state or regional insurance cooperatives, new public insurance programs or a single-payer system, affecting governmental and third-party coverage or reimbursement for clinical laboratory testing;
   
2.
adverse results from investigations or audits of clinical laboratories by the government, which may include significant monetary damages, refunds and/or exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs;
   
3.
loss or suspension of a license or imposition of a fine or penalties under, or future changes in, or interpretations of, the law or regulations of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967, and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, or those of Medicare, Medicaid, the False Claims Act or other federal, state or local agencies;
   
4.
failure to comply with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, which may result in penalties and loss of licensure;
   
5.
failure to comply with HIPAA, including changes to federal and state privacy and security obligations and changes to HIPAA, including those changes included within HITECH and any subsequent amendments, which could result in increased costs, denial of claims and/or significant penalties;
   
6.
failure to maintain the security of customer-related information could damage the Company’s reputation with customers, cause it to incur substantial additional costs and become subject to litigation;
   
7.
failure of the Company, third party payers or physicians to comply with Version 5010 Transactions by January 1, 2012 or the ICD-10-CM Code Set issued by the Department of Health and Human Services and effective for claims submitted as of October 1, 2013;
   
8.
increased competition, including competition from companies that do not comply with existing laws or regulations or otherwise disregard compliance standards in the industry;
   
9.
increased price competition, competitive bidding for laboratory tests and/or changes or reductions to fee schedules;
   
10.
changes in payer mix, including an increase in capitated managed-cost health care or the impact of a shift to consumer-driven health plans;
   
11.
failure to obtain and retain new customers and alliance partners, or a reduction in tests ordered or specimens submitted by existing customers;
   
12.
failure to retain or attract managed care business as a result of changes in business models, including new risk based or network approaches, or other changes in strategy or business models by managed care companies;

 
17



13.
failure to effectively integrate and/or manage newly acquired businesses and the cost related to such integration;
   
14.
adverse results in litigation matters;
   
15.
inability to attract and retain experienced and qualified personnel;
   
16.
failure to maintain the Company’s days sales outstanding and/or bad debt expense levels;
   
17.
decrease in the Company’s credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s and/or Moody’s;
   
18.
discontinuation or recalls of existing testing products;
   
19.
failure to develop or acquire licenses for new or improved technologies, or if customers use new technologies to perform their own tests;
   
20.
inability to commercialize newly licensed tests or technologies or to obtain appropriate coverage or reimbursement for such tests, which could result in impairment in the value of certain capitalized licensing costs;
   
21.
changes in government regulations or policies affecting the approval, availability of, and the selling and marketing of diagnostic tests;
   
22.
inability to obtain and maintain adequate patent and other proprietary rights for protection of the Company’s products and services and successfully enforce the Company’s proprietary rights;
   
23.
the scope, validity and enforceability of patents and other proprietary rights held by third parties which might have an impact on the Company’s ability to develop, perform, or market the Company’s tests or operate its business;
   
24.
failure in the Company’s information technology systems resulting in an increase in testing turnaround time or billing processes or the failure to meet future regulatory or customer information technology, data security and connectivity requirements;
   
25.
failure of the Company’s financial information systems resulting in failure to meet required financial reporting deadlines;
   
26.
failure of the Company's disaster recovery plans to provide adequate protection against the interruption of business and/or to permit the recovery of business operations;
   
27.
business interruption or other impact on the business due to adverse weather (including hurricanes), fires and/or other natural disasters, terrorism or other criminal acts, and/or widespread outbreak of influenza or other pandemic illness;
   
28.
liabilities that result from the inability to comply with corporate governance requirements;
   
29.
significant deterioration in the economy or financial markets which could negatively impact the Company’s testing volumes, cash collections and the availability of credit for general liquidity or other financing needs; and
   
30.
changes in reimbursement by foreign governments and foreign currency fluctuations.
 
 











 
18


GENERAL

     During the first six months of 2010, the Company continued to strengthen its financial performance through pricing discipline, continued growth of its esoteric testing, outcome improvement and companion diagnostics offerings, and expense control.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (amounts in millions except Revenue Per Requisition info)

     Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were negatively impacted by severe winter weather primarily in the eastern and middle sections of the country during the first quarter of 2010. The Company’s testing facilities were not damaged by the severe winter weather; however, specimen volume was negatively impacted due to patients’ inability to visit doctors’ offices and patient service centers – the sources of the majority of testing volume.  During the six months ended June 30, 2010 inclement weather had an impact on the Company’s results, reducing volumes by an estimated 0.7%, and revenue by an estimated $23.0.

Three months ended June 30, 2010 compared with three months ended June 30, 2009

Net Sales

   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Net sales
                 
   Routine Testing
  $ 745.5     $ 725.6       2.7 %
   Genomic and Esoteric Testing
    421.8       401.7       5.0 %
   Ontario, Canada
    71.1       61.5       15.5 %
   Total
  $ 1,238.4     $ 1,188.8       4.2 %

   
Number of Requisitions
       
   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Volume
                 
   Routine Testing
    20.8       21.7       (4.2 )%
   Genomic and Esoteric Testing
    6.8       6.5       4.9 %
   Ontario, Canada
    2.3       2.4       (0.6 )%
   Total
    29.9       30.6       (2.0 )%

   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Revenue Per Requisition
                 
   Routine Testing
  $ 35.92     $ 33.51       7.2 %
   Genomic and Esoteric Testing
    61.64       61.54       0.2 %
   Ontario, Canada
    30.26       26.04       16.2 %
   Total
  $ 41.35     $ 38.92       6.3 %

     The increase in net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the corresponding 2009 period was driven by growth in revenue per requisition in the Company’s routine testing, the Company’s continued shift in test mix to higher priced genomic and esoteric tests, and increases in the Canadian exchange rate. Genomic and esoteric testing volume as a percentage of volume for routine, genomic and esoteric testing increased from 23.2% in 2009 to 24.8% in 2010. The continuing impact of two large government contracts terminated during 2009 reduced routine testing volume in the quarter, which also contributed to the increase in revenue per requisition for routine testing. Net sales of the Ontario joint venture were $71.1 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $61.5 in the corresponding 2009 period, an increase of $9.6, or 15.5%. Net sales of the Ontario joint venture were impacted by a weaker U.S. dollar in 2010 as compared with 2009. In Canadian dollars, net sales of the Ontario joint venture increased by CN$1.4, or 2.0%.

Cost of Sales
 
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Cost of sales
  $ 704.8     $ 681.4       3.4 %
Cost of sales as a % of sales
    56.9 %     57.3 %        

 
19


     Cost of sales (primarily laboratory and distribution costs) increased 3.4% in the 2010 period as compared with the 2009 period primarily due to increases in labor and the continued shift in test mix to genomic and esoteric testing. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 56.9% in 2010 from 57.3% in 2009. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to improved efficiency resulting from lab and patient service center automation and effective expense controls, coupled with the growth of revenue per requisition.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Selling, general and administrative
                 
     expenses
  $ 245.4     $ 237.3       3.4 %
SG&A as a % of sales
    19.8 %     20.0 %        

     Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 19.8% in the second quarter of 2010 compared to 20.0% in 2009, primarily due to bad debt expense decreasing to 4.8% of net sales in 2010 as compared with 5.3% in 2009. Process improvement programs within the Company’s billing department resulted in improved collection trends and lower bad debt experience. The fifty basis points improvement in the Company’s bad debt expense rate was partially offset by acquisition costs (transaction and operational).

Amortization of Intangibles and Other Assets

   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Amortization of intangibles and
             
 
 
     other assets
  $ 17.7     $ 15.2       16.4 %

     The increase in amortization of intangibles and other assets primarily reflects certain acquisitions closed during 2010 and 2009.

Restructuring and Other Special Charges

   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Restructuring and other special charges
  $ --     $ 10.2       N/A  

     During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $10.2 primarily related to the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities. The majority of these costs related to severance and other employee costs and contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. Of this amount, $6.6 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in the affected facilities, and $12.3 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. The Company also reduced its prior restructuring accruals by $8.7, comprised of $6.5 of previously recorded facility costs and $2.2 of employee severance benefits as a result of incurring less cost than planned on those restructuring initiatives primarily resulting from favorable settlements on lease buyouts and severance payments that were not required to achieve the planned reduction in work force.

Interest Expense
 
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Interest expense
  $ 14.5     $ 16.2       (10.5 )%

     The decrease in interest expense was primarily driven by lower average borrowings outstanding in the second quarter of 2010 as compared with the 2009 period primarily due to principal payments on the Term Loan Facility and the redemption of approximately 50% of the zero-coupon subordinated notes in the second quarter of 2009.

Income from Joint Venture Partnerships

   
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Income from joint venture partnerships
  $ 4.6     $ 3.9       17.9 %

 
20


     Income from investments in joint venture partnerships represents the Company’s ownership share in joint venture partnerships. A significant portion of this income is derived from the investment in Alberta, Canada, and is earned in Canadian dollars. As a result, the increase in income from joint venture partnerships was primarily due to the exchange rate impact of a weaker U.S. dollar in the second quarter of 2010 as compared with the 2009 period.

Income Tax Expense
 
Quarter ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Income tax expense
  $ 102.8     $ 92.7       10.9 %
Income tax expense as a %
                       
     of income before tax
    39.5 %     39.9 %        

     The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2010 as compared to 2009 was primarily the result of increased tax benefits associated with foreign sourced income.

Six months ended June 30, 2010 compared with six months ended June 30, 2009

Net Sales

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Net sales
                 
   Routine Testing
  $ 1,463.8     $ 1,439.6       1.7 %
   Genomic and Esoteric Testing
    828.2       787.8       5.1 %
   Ontario, Canada
    140.0       117.1       19.5 %
   Total
  $ 2,432.0     $ 2,344.5       3.7 %

   
Number of Requisitions
       
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Volume
                 
   Routine Testing
    41.1       43.2       (4.9 )%
   Genomic and Esoteric Testing
    13.3       12.7       5.1 %
   Ontario, Canada
    4.6       4.6       0.1 %
   Total
    59.0       60.5       (2.5 )%

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Revenue Per Requisition
                 
   Routine Testing
  $ 35.66     $ 33.34       7.0 %
   Genomic and Esoteric Testing
    62.13       62.08       0.1 %
   Ontario, Canada
    30.20       25.29       19.4 %
   Total
  $ 41.21     $ 38.75       6.3 %

     The increase in net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared with the corresponding 2009 period was driven by growth in revenue per requisition in the Company’s routine testing, the Company’s continued shift in test mix to higher priced genomic and esoteric tests, and increases in the Canadian exchange rate. Genomic and esoteric testing volume as a percentage of volume for routine, genomic and esoteric testing increased from 22.7% in 2009 to 24.5% in 2010. The continuing impact of two large government contracts terminated during 2009 reduced routine testing volume for the six months ended June 30, 2010, which also contributed to the increase in revenue per requisition for routine testing. Net sales of the Ontario joint venture were $140.0 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $117.1 in the corresponding 2009 period, an increase of $22.9, or 19.5%. Net sales of the Ontario joint venture were impacted by a weaker U.S. dollar in 2010 as compared with 2009. In Canadian dollars, net sales of the Ontario joint venture increased by CN$3.9, or 2.8%.

Cost of Sales
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Cost of sales
  $ 1,391.5     $ 1,347.7       3.3 %
Cost of sales as a % of sales
    57.2 %     57.5 %        

 
21


     Cost of sales (primarily laboratory and distribution costs) increased 3.3% in the 2010 period as compared with the 2009 period primarily due to increases in labor and the continued shift in test mix to genomic and esoteric testing. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased to 57.2% in 2010 from 57.5% in 2009. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to improved efficiency resulting from lab and patient service center automation and effective expense controls, coupled with the growth of revenue per requisition. The lower percentage of cost of sales was achieved even though the Company experienced the loss of revenue as a result of the severe winter weather during the first quarter of 2010.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Selling, general and administrative
                 
     expenses
  $ 491.4     $ 471.1       4.3 %
SG&A as a % of sales
    20.2 %     20.1 %        

     Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 20.2% in the six month period of 2010 compared to 20.1% in 2009. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increases in acquisition costs (transaction and operational) and the loss of revenue as a result of the severe winter weather experienced during the first quarter of 2010. As an offset to the increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales, bad debt expense decreased to 4.9% of net sales in 2010 as compared with 5.3% in 2009 primarily due to improved collection trends resulting from process improvement programs within the Company’s billing department.

Amortization of Intangibles and Other Assets

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Amortization of intangibles and
             
 
 
     other assets
  $ 35.1     $ 30.3       15.8 %

     The increase in amortization of intangibles and other assets primarily reflects certain acquisitions closed during 2010 and 2009.

Restructuring and Other Special Charges

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Restructuring and other special charges
  $ 9.3     $ 10.2       N/A  

     During the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $3.1 related to severance payments and the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities. Of this amount, $3.9 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in the affected facilities, and $0.6 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. These restructuring initiatives are expected to provide annualized cost savings of approximately $15.4. The Company also reduced its prior facility related restructuring accruals by $1.4 as a result of incurring less cost than planned on those restructuring initiatives primarily due to favorable settlements on lease buyouts. In addition, the Company recorded a special charge of $6.2 related to the write-off of development costs incurred on systems abandoned during the quarter.

     During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $10.2 primarily related to the closing of redundant and underutilized facilities. The majority of these costs related to severance and other employee costs and contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. Of this amount, $6.6 related to severance and other employee costs for employees primarily in the affected facilities, and $12.3 related to contractual obligations associated with leased facilities and other facility related costs. The Company also reduced its prior restructuring accruals by $8.7, comprised of $6.5 of previously recorded facility costs and $2.2 of employee severance benefits as a result of incurring less cost than planned on those restructuring initiatives primarily resulting from favorable settlements on lease buyouts and severance payments that were not required to achieve the planned reduction in work force.


 
22



Interest Expense
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Interest expense
  $ 29.1     $ 33.2       (12.3 )%

     The decrease in interest expense was primarily driven by lower average borrowings outstanding in the six month period of 2010 as compared with the 2009 period primarily due to principal payments on the Term Loan Facility and the redemption of approximately 50% of the zero-coupon subordinated notes in the second quarter of 2009.

Income from Joint Venture Partnerships

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Income from joint venture partnerships
  $ 8.4     $ 6.7       25.4 %

     Income from investments in joint venture partnerships represents the Company’s ownership share in joint venture partnerships. A significant portion of this income is derived from the investment in Alberta, Canada, and is earned in Canadian dollars. As a result, the increase in income from joint venture partnerships was primarily due to the exchange rate impact of a weaker U.S. dollar in the six month period of 2010 as compared with the 2009 period.

Income Tax Expense
 
Six Months ended June 30,
       
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Income tax expense
  $ 189.7     $ 183.1       3.6 %
Income tax expense as a %
                       
     of income before tax
    39.3 %     40.0 %        

     The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2010 as compared to 2009 was primarily the result of increased tax benefits associated with foreign sourced income.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (dollars and shares in millions)

     The Company’s operations provided $448.2 and $391.3 of cash, net of $16.6 and $16.0 in transition payments to UnitedHealthcare, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, the Company’s contributions to its defined benefit retirement plan (“Company Plan”) were $0.0 and $45.6 during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in cash flows in the six month period of 2010 primarily resulted from the decrease in contributions to the Company Plan.

     For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company made contributions to the Company Plan of $0.0 and $45.6, respectively. In October 2009, the Company received approval from its Board of Directors to freeze any additional service-based credits for any years of service after December 31, 2009 on the Company Plan and the non-qualified supplemental retirement plan (the “PEP”). Both plans have been closed to new participants. Employees participating in the Company Plan and the PEP no longer earn service-based credits, but continue to earn interest credits. In addition, effective January 1, 2010, all employees eligible for the defined contribution retirement plan (the “401K Plan”) receive a minimum 3% non-elective contribution (“NEC”) concurrent with each payroll period. The NEC replaces the Company match, which has been discontinued. Employees are not required to make a contribution to the 401K Plan to receive the NEC. The NEC is non-forfeitable and vests immediately. The 401K Plan also permits discretionary contributions by the Company of 1% to 3% of pay for eligible employees based on service. Contributions to the NEC are approximately $9.0 higher in 2010 than the Company’s contributions to its 401K Plan in 2009.

     As a result of the changes to the Company Plan and PEP, projected pension expense for the Company Plan and the PEP will decrease from $36.6 in 2009 to $10.4 in 2010. In addition, the Company does not plan to make contributions to the Company Plan during 2010. The implementation of the NEC will increase the Company’s 401K costs and contributions by an estimated $22.5 in 2010.

     Capital expenditures were $59.0 and $54.4 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company expects capital expenditures of approximately $135.0 in 2010. The Company intends to continue to make important investments in its business, including information technology. Such expenditures are expected to be funded by cash flow from operations, as well as borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facilities as needed.

 
23


     The Company has an interest rate swap agreement with a remaining term of approximately two years to hedge variable interest rate risk on the Company’s variable interest rate term loan. On a quarterly basis under the swap, the Company pays a fixed rate of interest (2.92%) and receives a variable rate of interest based on the three-month LIBOR rate on an amortizing notional amount of indebtedness equivalent to the term loan balance outstanding. The swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the swap in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the swap agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the swap was a liability of $6.6 and $10.6 at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

     At June 30, 2010, the Company provided letters of credit aggregating approximately $39.5, primarily in connection with certain insurance programs. Letters of credit provided by the Company are secured by the Company’s senior credit facilities and are renewed annually, around mid-year.

     As of December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately $71.8 of Company common stock. On February 11, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of $250.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company purchased approximately 3.0 shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $221.7. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately $100.1 of Company common stock.

     The Company had a $79.7 and $73.7 reserve for unrecognized income tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Substantially all of these tax reserves are classified in other long-term liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

     The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility contain certain debt covenants that require that the Company maintain certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2010. Based on current and projected levels of operations, coupled with availability under its senior credit facilities, the Company believes it has sufficient liquidity to meet both its anticipated short-term and long-term cash needs; however, the Company continually reassesses its liquidity position in light of market conditions and other relevant factors.

Zero-coupon Subordinated Notes

     On March 26, 2010, the Company announced that for the period of March 12, 2010 to September 11, 2010, the zero-coupon subordinated notes will accrue contingent cash interest at a rate of no less than 0.125% of the average market price of a zero-coupon subordinated note for the five trading days ended March 9, 2010, in addition to the continued accrual of the original issue discount.

     On July 1, 2010, the Company announced that its zero-coupon subordinated notes may be converted into cash and common stock at the conversion rate of 13.4108 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the notes, subject to the terms of the zero-coupon subordinated notes and the Indenture, dated as of October 24, 2006 between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee and conversion agent. In order to exercise the option to convert all or a portion of the zero-coupon subordinated notes, holders are required to validly surrender their zero-coupon subordinated notes at any time during the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2010, through the close of business on the last business day of the calendar quarter, which is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Noncontrolling Interest Put

     Effective January 1, 2008 the Company acquired additional partnership units in its Ontario, Canada (“Ontario”) joint venture, bringing the Company’s percentage interest owned to 85.6%. Concurrent with this acquisition, the terms of the joint venture’s partnership agreement were amended. The amended joint venture’s partnership agreement enabled the holders of the noncontrolling interest to put the remaining partnership units to the Company in defined future periods, at an initial amount equal to the consideration paid by the Company in 2008, and subject to adjustment based on market value formulas contained in the agreement.

     In December 2009, the Company received notification from the holders of the noncontrolling interest in the Ontario joint venture that they intended to put their remaining partnership units to the Company in accordance with the terms of the joint venture’s partnership agreement. These units were acquired on

 
24


February 8, 2010 for $137.5. On February 17, 2010, the Company completed a transaction to sell the units acquired from the previous noncontrolling interest holder to a new Canadian partner for the same price. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a component of noncontrolling interest in other liabilities and a component in mezzanine equity. Upon the completion of these two transactions, the Company’s financial ownership percentage in the joint venture partnership remained unchanged at 85.6%. Concurrent with the sale to the new partner, the partnership agreement for the Ontario joint venture was amended and restated with substantially the same terms as the previous agreement. The combined contractual value of these puts, in excess of the current noncontrolling interest of $24.1, totals $134.1 at June 30, 2010.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

     The Company addresses its exposure to market risks, principally the market risk associated with changes in interest rates, through a controlled program of risk management that includes, from time to time, the use of derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements. Although, as set forth below, the Company’s zero-coupon subordinated notes contain features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments, the Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not believe that its exposure to market risk is material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

     The Company’s zero-coupon subordinated notes contain the following two features that are considered to be embedded derivative instruments under authoritative guidance in connection with accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities:

1)
The Company will pay contingent cash interest on the zero-coupon subordinated notes after September 11, 2006, if the average market price of the notes equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price, accrued original issue discount and contingent additional principal, if any, for a specified measurement period.
   
2)
Holders may surrender zero-coupon subordinated notes for conversion during any period in which the rating assigned to the zero-coupon subordinated notes by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services is BB- or lower.

     The Company’s Ontario, Canada consolidated joint venture operates in Canada and, accordingly, the earnings and cash flow generated from the Ontario operation are subject to foreign currency exchange risk.

     The Alberta, Canada joint venture partnership operates in Canada and remits the Company’s share of partnership income in Canadian dollars. Accordingly, the cash flow received from this affiliate is subject to foreign currency exchange risk.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

     As of the end of the period covered by the Form 10-Q, the Company carried out, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2010.

     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
25


LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Legal Proceedings
   
 
See Note 12 to the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, which is incorporated by reference.
   
Risk Factors
   
 
There have been no material changes in the risk factors that appear in Part I-Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
   
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds (Shares and dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
     The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock made during the three months ended June 30, 2010, by or on behalf of the Company:

               
Total Number
   
Maximum
 
         
Average
   
of Shares
   
Dollar Value
 
   
Total
   
Price
   
Repurchased as
   
of Shares
 
   
Number
   
Paid
   
Part of Publicly
   
that May Yet Be
 
   
of Shares
   
Per
   
Announced
   
Repurchased Under
 
   
Repurchased
   
Share
   
Program
   
the Program
 
April 1 – April 30
    0.5     $ 77.60       0.5     $ 177.8  
May 1 – May 31
    0.5       76.75       0.5       137.9  
June 1 - June 30
    0.5       77.29       0.5       100.1  
      1.5     $ 77.20       1.5          

     At January 1, 2007, the Company had authorization to repurchase up to $350.0 of shares of the Company’s common stock ($100.0 authorized on April 21, 2005 and $250.0 authorized on October 20, 2006). On March 9, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. On November 2, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. On August 10, 2009, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $250.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. On February 11, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $250.0 of additional shares of the Company’s common stock. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase approximately up to $100.1 of Company common stock. 



 
26


 
Item 6. Exhibits  
     
(a)
Exhibits
 

12.1*
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
31.1*
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31.2*
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
32*
Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

*
 
filed herewith

 
27


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.

LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
Registrant


 
By:
/s/ DAVID P. KING
   
David P. King
   
Chairman of the Board, President
   
and Chief Executive Officer


 
By:
/s/ WILLIAM B. HAYES
   
William B. Hayes
   
Executive Vice President,
   
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


July 26, 2010
 
28