Henry Schein - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

(Mark One)

See accompanying notes.

See accompanying notes.

See accompanying notes.

(unaudited)

     Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts, as well as those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

     Our accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.

     The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations and financial position for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2004.

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the six months ended June 25, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected of any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2005.

     We conduct our business through two segments: healthcare distribution and technology. These segments offer different products and services to the same customer base. The healthcare distribution segment consists of our dental, medical (including veterinary) and international groups. Products distributed consist of consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large dental equipment, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection-control products and vitamins.

     Our dental group serves office-based dental practices, schools and other institutions in the combined United States and Canadian dental market. Our medical group serves office-based physician practices, surgical centers, other alternate-care settings, veterinarian clinics and other institutions throughout the United States. Our international group serves practices in 17 countries outside of North America and is what we believe to be a leading Pan-European healthcare supplier serving office-based dental, medical and veterinary practices.

     Our technology group provides software, technology and other value-added services to healthcare providers, primarily in the United States and Canada. Our value-added practice solutions include practice-management software systems for dental and medical practices and veterinary clinics. Our technology group offerings also include financial services and continuing education services for practitioners.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

     The following tables present information about our business segments:

(unaudited)

     We account for stock option awards under the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under this method, no compensation expense is recorded, provided the exercise price is equal to or greater than the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date.

     We make pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value-based method of accounting (the alternative method of accounting for stock-based compensation) had been applied as required by Financial Accounting Standard (“FAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The fair value-based method requires us to make assumptions to determine expected risk-free interest rates, stock price volatility, dividend yield and weighted-average option life.

     Under the accounting provisions of FAS 123, our net income and earnings per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated in the table below. The prior period pro forma amounts have been adjusted as a result of revising our calculation of the fair value of stock-based compensation. These adjustments were not material to pro forma net income or earnings per share. The following assumptions were used in determining the fair values: weighted-average risk-free interest rates of 4.0% (2005) and 3.0% (2004), stock price volatility of 30.0%, dividend yield of 0.0% and weighted-average expected option life of five years for all periods presented:

     Beginning in the first quarter of 2006, in connection with our adoption of FAS 123(R) “Share-Based Payment,” stock-based compensation will be included in our results of operations. The method and assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation under FAS 123(R) will be similar to those used under FAS 123. Additionally, we expect the effect of adopting FAS 123(R) on our results of operations to approximate the effect presented in the pro forma disclosure above.

(unaudited)

     On January 11, 2005, we acquired the dental distribution business of Ash Temple Limited (“Ash Temple”), a privately held full-service dental distributor based in Ontario, Canada with annual revenues of approximately $100 million. The operating results of Ash Temple are reflected in the accompanying financial statements since the date of acquisition.

     Ash Temple offers dental supplies, equipment, artificial teeth and repair parts, as well as services including office design and planning, equipment lease financing and limited consulting. Ash Temple was one of the largest diversified dental companies in Canada with 14 branches including five distribution centers servicing all 10 Canadian provinces and three territories. Ash Temple operations have been combined with Henry Schein Arcona, our Canadian dental business. They are currently operating under the new name Henry Schein Ash Arcona.

     On April 18, 2005, regulatory authorities approved our pending acquisition of our Demedis Group’s business in Austria, which operates under the Austrodent brand. This approval was contingent upon our divesting, at closing, a portion of Austrodent’s business, not using the Austrodent name as well as other restrictions. Of the total purchase price for the Demedis Group, $13.5 million (or EUR 11.0 million) was attributable to Austrodent, which was paid in 2004 and recorded as an other current asset. Upon acquiring Austrodent, this amount, less approximately $2.1 million received in exchange for the divested portion of the business, was reclassified based on the fair value of the remaining assets and liabilities acquired through a purchase price allocation, with an increase of $6.3 million to goodwill for the excess purchase price over fair value.

     In addition to the Ash Temple and Austrodent acquisitions, we completed other acquisitions in Australia, New Zealand and the United States which resulted in our recording approximately $6.6 million of goodwill through preliminary purchase price allocations during the six months ended June 25, 2005. These acquisitions were immaterial individually and in the aggregate.

     We recorded the assets and liabilities acquired for all our acquisitions using our best estimates of fair value through preliminary purchase price allocations. Such amounts are subject to change upon finalizing valuations.

     Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic, except it reflects the effect of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method in periods in which they have a dilutive effect.

     The dilutive effect of our convertible debt will be reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the “if converted” method. For the quarter and six months ended June 25, 2005, diluted earnings per share does not include the effect of common shares issuable upon conversion of our convertible debt because the principal is required to be settled in cash. If at any time, the debt is convertible at a premium as a result of the conditions of the debt, the amount in excess of the principal would be presumed settled in common shares and thereby reflected in our calculation of diluted earnings per share by application of the “if converted” method.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

     A reconciliation of shares used in calculating earnings per basic and diluted share follows:

     Weighted-average options to purchase 1,567,021 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $39.43 to $40.45 per share and 2,095,300 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $35.49 per share that were outstanding during the three months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. Weighted-average options to purchase 948,023 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $37.45 to $40.45 per share and 1,496,644 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $35.49 per share that were outstanding during the six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. In each of these periods, such options’ exercise prices exceeded the average market price of our common stock, thereby causing the effect of such options to be anti-dilutive.

     Comprehensive income includes certain gains and losses that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income, as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our comprehensive income primarily includes net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on hedging activities. Comprehensive income totaled $26.5 million and $49.6 million for the three and six months ended June 25, 2005, and $39.0 million and $62.3 million for the three and six months ended June 26, 2004.

     Cash paid for interest and income taxes was:

     During the six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004, we had a $20.7 million non-cash net unrealized gain and a $2.1 million non-cash net unrealized loss related to hedging activities. For the same periods in 2005 and 2004, we also had a $1.0 million and a $6.0 million non-cash unrealized loss related to our interest rate swaps. Additionally, in connection with our acquisition of Austrodent, as previously discussed, during the six months ended June 25, 2005, we reclassified

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

approximately $11.4 million ($13.5 million paid in 2004, less $2.1 million received in 2005 upon closing the acquisition) from other current assets to the respective assets and liabilities acquired.

     We are the largest distributor of healthcare products and services primarily to office-based healthcare practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. We serve more than 475,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions. We believe that we have a strong brand identity due to our more than 73 years of experience distributing healthcare products.

     We are headquartered in Melville, New York, employ nearly 11,000 people and have operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. We also have affiliates in Iceland and Israel.

     We have established strategically located distribution centers to enable us to better serve our customers and increase our operating efficiency. This infrastructure, together with broad product and service offerings at competitive prices, and a strong commitment to customer service, enables us to be a single source of supply for our customers’ needs. Our infrastructure also allows us to provide convenient ordering and rapid, accurate and complete order fulfillment.

     We conduct our business through two segments: healthcare distribution and technology. These segments offer different products and services to the same customer base. The healthcare distribution segment consists of our dental, medical (including veterinary) and international groups. Products distributed consist of consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large dental equipment, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection-control products and vitamins.

     Our dental group serves office-based dental practices, schools and other institutions in the combined United States and Canadian dental market. Our medical group serves office-based physician practices, surgical centers, other alternate-care settings, veterinarian clinics and other institutions throughout the United States. Our international group serves practices in 17 countries outside of North America and is what we believe to be a leading Pan-European healthcare supplier serving office-based dental, medical and veterinary practices.

     Our technology group provides software, technology and other value-added services to healthcare providers, primarily in the United States and Canada. Our value-added practice solutions include practice-management software systems for dental and medical practices and veterinary clinics. Our technology group offerings also include financial services and continuing education services for practitioners.

     In recent years, the healthcare industry has increasingly focused on cost containment. This trend has benefited distributors capable of providing a broad array of products and services at low prices. It also has accelerated the growth of HMOs, group practices, other managed care accounts and collective buying groups, which, in addition to their emphasis on obtaining products at competitive prices, tend to favor distributors capable of providing specialized management information support. We believe that the trend towards cost containment has the potential to favorably affect demand for practice-management systems and software that can enhance the efficiency and facilitation of practice-management.

     Our operating results in recent years have been significantly affected by strategies and transactions we undertook to expand our business, domestically and internationally, in part to address significant changes in the healthcare industry, including consolidation of healthcare distribution companies, potential healthcare reform, trends toward managed care, cuts in Medicare and collective purchasing arrangements.

     The healthcare products distribution industry, as it relates to office-based healthcare practitioners, is highly fragmented and diverse. This industry, which encompasses the dental, medical and veterinary markets, was estimated to produce revenues of approximately $19.5 billion in 2004 in the combined North American and European markets. The industry ranges from sole practitioners working out of relatively small offices to group practices or service organizations ranging in size from a few practitioners to a large number of practitioners who have combined or otherwise associated their practices.

     Due in part to the inability of office-based healthcare practitioners to store and manage large quantities of supplies in their offices, the distribution of healthcare supplies and small equipment to office-based healthcare practitioners has been characterized by frequent, small-quantity orders, and a need for rapid, reliable and substantially complete order fulfillment. The purchasing decisions within an office-based healthcare practice are typically made by the practitioner or an administrative assistant, and supplies and small equipment are generally purchased from more than one distributor, with one generally serving as the primary supplier.

     We believe that consolidation within the industry will continue to result in a number of distributors, particularly those with limited financial and marketing resources, seeking to combine with larger companies that can provide growth opportunities. This consolidation also may continue to result in distributors seeking to acquire companies that can enhance their current product and service offerings or provide opportunities to serve a broader customer base.

     Our trend with regard to acquisitions has been to expand our role as a provider of products and services to the healthcare industry. This trend has resulted in expansion into service areas that complement our existing operations and provide opportunities for us to develop synergies with, and thus strengthen, the acquired businesses.

     As industry consolidation continues, we believe that we are positioned to capitalize on this trend, as we believe we have the ability to support increased sales through our existing infrastructure. In the U.S. dental market, we estimate that there are currently more than 300 smaller distributors holding approximately 30% of the market. In the U.S. medical market, we estimate that more than 500 smaller distributors hold approximately 50% of the market, and in the European dental market, we estimate that more than 200 competitors hold approximately 80% of the market.

     As the healthcare industry continues to change, we continually evaluate possible candidates for merger or acquisition and intend to continue to seek opportunities to expand our role as a provider of products and services to the healthcare industry. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully pursue any such opportunity or consummate any such transaction, if pursued. If additional transactions are entered into or consummated, we would incur additional merger and acquisition-related costs, and there can be no assurance that the integration efforts associated with any such transaction would be successful.

     The healthcare products distribution industry continues to experience growth due to the aging population, increased healthcare awareness, the proliferation of medical technology and testing, new pharmacology treatments and expanded third-party insurance coverage. In addition, the physician market continues to benefit from the shift of procedures and diagnostic testing in hospitals to the alternate-care site, particularly physicians’ offices. As the cosmetic surgery and elective procedure markets continue to grow, physicians are increasingly performing more of these procedures in their offices. The elder-care market continues to benefit from the increasing growth rate of the population of elderly Americans.

     The January 2000 U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that the elderly population in the United States will more than double by the year 2040. In 2000, four million Americans were aged 85 or older, the segment

of the population most in need of long-term care and elder-care services. By the year 2040, that number is projected to more than triple to more than 14 million. The population aged 65 to 84 years is projected to more than double in the same time period.

     As a result of these market dynamics, the annual expenditures for healthcare services continue to increase in the United States. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), Office of the Actuary published “Health Spending Projections Through 2013” in 2004, indicating that total national healthcare spending reached $1.6 trillion in 2002, or 14.9% of the nation’s gross domestic product. Healthcare spending is projected to reach $3.4 trillion in 2013, an estimated 18.4% of the gross domestic product, the benchmark measure for annual production of goods and services in the United States.

     The healthcare industry is subject to extensive government regulation, licensure and operating compliance procedures. National healthcare reform has been the subject of a number of legislative initiatives by Congress. Additionally, government and private insurance programs fund a large portion of the total cost of medical care. The Balanced Budget Act passed by Congress in 1997 significantly reduced reimbursement rates for nursing homes and home healthcare providers, affecting spending levels and the overall financial viability of these institutions.

     The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (the “Medicare Act”) is the largest expansion of the Medicare program since its inception, and provides participants with voluntary prescription drug benefits through an interim drug discount card. The Medicare Act also includes provisions relating to medication management programs, generic substitution and provider reimbursement. Based upon current information, we believe the Medicare Act may create additional volume demand and provide incentives for additional use of generic drugs, both of which have potentially positive implications for our pharmaceutical distribution business.

     Certain pharmaceutical and medical-surgical product manufacturers are in discussions with legislators about the risks of counterfeit products in the supply chain and manufacturers’ concerns about the impact of secondary market distribution on counterfeiting. As a distributor of such products, we continue to work with our suppliers to help minimize the risks associated with counterfeit products in the supply chain and potential litigation.

     The following table summarizes the significant components of our operating results and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 (in thousands):

     Net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

     The $195.9 million, or 20.7%, increase in net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 19.1% local currency growth (3.4% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 15.7% from acquisitions) and 1.6% related to foreign currency exchange.

     The $73.3 million, or 18.8%, increase in dental net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 18.2% local currency growth (10.1% internally generated and 8.1% from acquisitions) and 0.6% related to foreign currency exchange. The 18.2% local currency growth was due to dental consumable merchandise sales growth of 15.5% (8.1% internal growth and 7.4% acquisition growth) and dental equipment sales and service growth of 28.9% (17.6% internal growth and 11.3% acquisition growth). All internally generated dental net sales growth was primarily due to increased volume.

     The $10.2 million, or 2.9%, decrease in medical net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005, includes a decrease of 3.9% internally, offset by acquisition growth of 1.0%, reflecting the continued impact of shedding a number of lower margin and nominally profitable pharmaceutical and veterinary products.

     The $130.8 million, or 71.2%, increase in international net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 64.0% in local currencies (61.6% from acquisitions, primarily from the Demedis Group in Europe, and 2.4% internally generated) and 7.2% due to foreign currency exchange.

     The $2.0 million, or 9.5%, increase in technology net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 9.2% in local currency growth and 0.3% due to foreign currency exchange. The increase was primarily due to continued volume growth.

     Gross profit and gross margins by segment and in total for the three months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

     For the three months ended June 25, 2005, gross profit increased $72.7 million, or 28.9%, from the comparable prior year period. As a result of different practices of categorizing costs associated with distribution networks throughout our industry, our gross margins may not necessarily be comparable to other distribution companies. Additionally, we realize substantially higher gross margin percentages in our technology segment than in our healthcare distribution segment. These higher gross margins result from being both the developer and seller of software products combined with the nature of the software industry, in which developers realize higher gross margins to recover investments in research and development.

     Healthcare distribution gross profit increased $71.4 million, or 30.2%, for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. Healthcare distribution gross profit margin increased to 27.5% for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from 25.5% for the comparable prior year period. These increases reflect the impact of our Demedis and Camlog acquisitions in our international business and a focus on margin management, including the shedding of certain lower margin pharmaceutical and veterinary products from our medical business.

     Technology gross profit increased $1.3 million, or 8.5%, for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. Technology gross profit margin decreased to 75.9% for the three months

ended June 25, 2005 from 76.6% for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to increased sales of lower margin high tech products.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses by segment and in total for the three months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $65.8 million, or 35.0%, to $254.0 million for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 22.2% from 19.9% for the comparable prior year period. The increase of 2.3% was primarily due to payroll and expenses related to recent acquisitions.

     As a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, selling expenses increased $40.3 million, or 33.6%, to $160.1 million for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses increased to 14.0% from 12.7% for the comparable prior year period. The increase was primarily due to payroll and expenses related to recent acquisitions.

     As a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, general and administrative expenses increased $25.5 million, or 37.4%, to $93.9 million for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 8.2% from 7.2% for the comparable prior year period. The increase was primarily due to payroll and expenses related to recent acquisitions.

     Other expense, net for the three months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 was as follows (in thousands):

     Other expense, net increased $3.0 million for the three months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. This increase was primarily due to the $2.1 million increase in interest expense, of which $2.0 million related to our convertible debt issued to finance various corporate initiatives, including our acquisition of the Demedis Group.

     For the three months ended June 25, 2005, our effective tax rate decreased to 37.0% from 37.1% for the comparable prior year period. The difference between our effective tax rates and the federal statutory rates for both periods related primarily to foreign and state income taxes.

     Net sales for the six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

     The $410.7 million, or 22.4%, increase in net sales for the six months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 20.5% local currency growth (5.3% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 15.2% from acquisitions) and 1.9% related to foreign currency exchange.

     The $151.8 million, or 20.3%, increase in dental net sales for the six months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 19.6% local currency growth (11.9% internally generated and 7.7% from acquisitions) and 0.7% related to foreign currency exchange. The 19.6% local currency growth was due to dental consumable merchandise sales growth of 17.1% (10.3% internal growth and 6.8% acquisition growth) and dental equipment sales and service growth of 29.6% (18.5% internal growth and 11.1% acquisition growth). All internally generated dental net sales growth was primarily due to increased volume.

     The $2.0 million, or 0.3%, increase in medical net sales for the six months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 0.3% local currency growth (0.5% from acquisitions, partially offset by an internal decrease of 0.2% primarily due to the shedding of certain lower margin pharmaceutical and veterinary products).

     The $253.4 million, or 71.7%, increase in international net sales for the six months ended June 25, 2005, includes increases of 63.5% in local currencies (61.6% from acquisitions, primarily from the Demedis Group, and 1.9% internally generated) and 8.2% due to foreign currency exchange.

     The $3.5 million, or 8.8%, increase in technology net sales for the six months ended June 25, 2005,

includes increases of 8.5% internal growth and 0.3% due to foreign currency exchange. The increase was primarily due to continued volume growth.

     Gross profit and gross margins by segment and in total for the six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

     For the six months ended June 25, 2005, gross profit increased $148.1 million, or 30.7%, from the comparable prior year period.

     Healthcare distribution gross profit increased $145.0 million, or 32.1%, for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. Healthcare distribution gross profit margin increased to 27.2% for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from 25.2% for the comparable prior year period. These increases reflect the impact of our Demedis and Camlog acquisitions in our international business and a focus on margin management including the shedding of certain lower margin pharmaceutical and veterinary products from our medical business.

     Technology gross profit increased $3.1 million, or 10.1%, for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. Technology gross profit margin increased to 76.3% for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from 75.4% for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a change in sales mix reflecting a larger percentage of higher margin electronic services and software sales.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses by segment and in total for the six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $130.3 million, or 35.0%, to $502.9 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 22.4% from 20.3% for the comparable prior year period. The increase was primarily due to payroll and expenses related to recent acquisitions.

     As a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, selling expenses increased $75.0 million, or 31.6%, to $312.0 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses increased to 13.9% from 12.9% for the comparable prior year period. The increase was primarily due to payroll and expenses related to recent acquisitions.

     As a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, general and administrative expenses increased $55.3 million, or 40.8%, to $190.9 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 8.5% from 7.4% for the comparable prior year period. The increase was primarily due to payroll and expenses related to recent acquisitions.

     Other expense, net for the six months ended June 25, 2005 and June 26, 2004 was as follows (in thousands):

     Other expense, net increased $7.0 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from the comparable prior year period. This increase was primarily due to the $5.5 million increase in interest expense, of which $4.1 million related to our convertible debt issued to finance various corporate initiatives, including our acquisition of the Demedis Group.

     For the six months ended June 25, 2005, our effective tax rate decreased to 37.0% from 37.2% for the comparable prior year period. The difference between our effective tax rates and the federal statutory rates for both periods related primarily to foreign and state income taxes.

     Our principal capital requirements include the funding of acquisitions, working capital needs, capital expenditures and repurchases of common stock. Working capital requirements generally result from increased sales, special inventory forward buy-in opportunities, and payment terms for receivables and payables. Because sales tend to be stronger during the third and fourth quarters and special inventory forward buy-in opportunities are most prevalent just before the end of the year, our working capital requirements have generally been higher from the end of the third quarter to the end of the first quarter of the following year.

     We finance our business primarily through cash generated from our operations, revolving credit facilities, private placement debt and stock issuances. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations is dependent on the continued demand of our customers for, and supply by our vendors of, our products and services. Given current operating, economic and industry conditions, we believe that demand for our products and services will remain consistent in the foreseeable future.

     Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $72.6 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005, compared to $58.6 million for the comparable prior year period. This net change of $14.0 million was due primarily to an $8.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization and a $6.1 million increase in net income, partially offset by $1.3 million increase in working capital needs from the prior year period.

     Net cash used in investing activities was $63.2 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005, compared to $195.6 million for the comparable prior year period. The net change of $132.4 million was primarily due to $137.5 million less paid for business acquisitions. We expect to invest up to approximately $25.0 million during the remainder of the fiscal year in capital projects to modernize and expand our facilities and computer systems infrastructure and to integrate subsidiary operations into our core infrastructure.

     Net cash used in financing activities was $7.1 million for the six months ended June 25, 2005, compared to $86.6 million provided by financing activities for the comparable prior year period. The net change of $93.7 million was primarily due to $230.7 million of lower proceeds from bank borrowings, offset by the absence of $113.8 million of acquired debt repayments and $25.0 million less of repurchases of common stock.

     The following table summarizes selected measures of liquidity and capital resources (in thousands):

     Our cash and cash equivalents consist of bank balances and investments in money market funds representing overnight investments with a high degree of liquidity.

     Our business requires a substantial investment in working capital, which is susceptible to large variations during the year as a result of inventory purchase patterns and seasonal demands. Inventory purchase activity is a function of sales activity, special inventory forward buy-in opportunities and our desired level of inventory.

     Our accounts receivable days sales outstanding improved to 45.7 days for the six months ended June 25, 2005 from 48.4 days for the comparable prior year period. Our inventory turnover for the six months ended June 25, 2005 improved to 6.6 turns compared with 6.5 turns for the comparable prior year period. We anticipate future increases in our working capital requirements as a result of continued sales growth.

     On August 9, 2004, we completed an issuance of $240.0 million of convertible debt. These notes are senior unsecured obligations bearing a fixed annual interest rate of 3.0% and are due to mature on August 15, 2034. Interest on the notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, which commenced on February 15, 2005. The notes are convertible into our common stock at a conversion ratio of 21.58 shares per one thousand dollars of principal amount of notes, which is the equivalent conversion price of $46.34 per share, under the following circumstances:

     Upon conversion, we are required to satisfy our conversion obligation with respect to the principal amount of the notes to be converted, in cash, with any remaining amount to be satisfied in shares of our common stock. We currently have sufficient availability of funds through our $300.0 million revolving credit facility along with cash on hand to fully satisfy the cash portion of our conversion obligation. We will also pay contingent interest during any six-month interest period beginning August 20, 2010 if the average trading price of the notes is above specified levels. We may redeem some or all of the notes on or after August 20, 2010. The note holders may require us to purchase all or a portion of the notes on August 15, 2010, 2014, 2019, 2024 and 2029 or, subject to specified exceptions, upon a change of control event.

     In prior years, we completed private placement transactions under which we issued $130.0 million and $100.0 million in senior notes. The $130.0 million notes come due on June 30, 2009 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.94% per annum. Beginning September 25, 2006, principal payments totaling $20.0 million are due annually on the $100.0 million notes and bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.66% per annum. Interest on both notes is payable semi-annually.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, we entered into agreements relating to the $230.0 million senior notes to exchange our fixed interest rates for variable interest rates. For the six months ended June 25, 2005, the weighted-average variable interest rate was 5.8%. This weighted-average variable interest rate comprises LIBOR, plus a spread and resets on the interest due dates for the senior notes.

     On May 24, 2005, we entered into a new $300.0 million credit facility with a $100.0 million expansion feature. This new facility, which expires in May 2010, replaces our previous revolving credit facility of $200.0 million, which had been scheduled to expire in May 2006. As of June 25, 2005, there were $8.2 million of letters of credit provided to third parties and no borrowings outstanding under this revolving credit facility.

     On June 21, 2004, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a second common stock repurchase program. The new program allows us to repurchase up to $100.0 million in shares of our common stock, which represented approximately 3.5% of shares outstanding on the announcement date. As of June 25, 2005, we had repurchased $57.3 million or 1,736,110 shares under this initiative.

     Some holders of minority interests in certain of our subsidiaries have the right at certain times to require us to acquire their interest at a price that approximates fair value pursuant to a formula price as defined in the agreements. Additionally, some prior owners of such acquired subsidiaries are eligible to receive additional purchase price cash consideration if certain profitability targets are met. We accrue liabilities that may arise from these transactions when we believe the outcome of the contingency is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt.

     We finance our business to provide adequate funding for at least 12 months. Funding requirements are based on forecasted profitability and working capital needs, which, on occasion, may change. Consequently, we may change our funding structure to reflect any new requirements.

     We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, ability to access private debt markets, public equity markets and available funds under existing credit facilities provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our currently foreseeable short-term and long-term capital needs.

     Traditional healthcare supply and distribution relationships are being challenged by electronic online commerce solutions. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense competition. The advancement of online commerce will require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address the changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive offerings.

     Through our proprietary, technologically-based suite of products, we offer customers a variety of competitive alternatives. We believe that our tradition of reliable service, our name recognition and large customer base built on solid customer relationships, position us well to participate in this growing aspect of the distribution business. We continue to explore ways and means to improve and expand our Internet presence and capabilities.

     There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2004.

     We compete with numerous companies, including several major manufacturers and distributors. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, which could allow them to compete more successfully. Most of our products are available from several sources and our customers tend to have relationships with several distributors. Competitors could obtain exclusive rights to market particular products, which we would then be unable to market. Manufacturers could also increase their efforts to sell directly to end-users and bypass distributors like us. Industry consolidation among healthcare products distributors, the unavailability of products, whether due to our inability to gain access to products or interruptions in supply from manufacturers, or the emergence of new competitors could also increase competition. In the future, we may be unable to compete successfully and competitive pressures may reduce our revenues.

     The healthcare industry is highly regulated and subject to changing political, economic and regulatory influences. In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant change driven by various efforts to reduce costs, including the reduction of spending budgets by government and private insurance programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid and corporate health insurance plans; pressures relating to potential healthcare reform; trends toward managed care; consolidation of healthcare distribution companies; collective purchasing arrangements among office-based healthcare practitioners; and reimbursements to customers. If we are unable to react effectively to these and other changes in the healthcare industry, our operating results could be adversely affected. In addition, the enactment of any significant healthcare reforms could have a material adverse effect on our business.

     Our business is subject to requirements under various local, state, federal and international governmental laws and regulations applicable to the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Among the federal laws with which we must comply are the Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 and the Safe Medical Devices Act. Such laws:

     Our business is also subject to requirements of foreign governmental laws and regulations affecting our operations abroad.

     The failure to comply with any of these regulations or the imposition of any additional regulations could negatively affect our business. There can be no assurance that current or future U.S. or foreign government regulations will not adversely affect our business.

     International operations are subject to risks that may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The risks that our international operations are subject to include:

     As a result of our acquisition of the Demedis Group, our foreign operations are significantly larger and, therefore, our exposure to the risks inherent in international operations has become greater.

     Our business is subject to seasonal and other quarterly fluctuations. Net sales and operating profits generally have been higher in the third and fourth quarters due to the timing of sales of seasonal products (including influenza vaccine, equipment and software products), purchasing patterns of office-based healthcare practitioners and year-end promotions. Net sales and operating profits generally have been lower in the first quarter, primarily due to increased sales in the prior two quarters. Quarterly results may also be adversely affected by a variety of other factors, including:

     Any change in one or more of these or other factors could cause our annual or quarterly operating results to fluctuate. If our operating results do not meet market expectations, our stock price may decline.

     We obtain substantially all of our products from third-party suppliers. Generally, we do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers committing them to supply products to us. Therefore, suppliers may not provide the products we need in the quantities we request. Because we do not control the actual production of the products we sell, we may be subject to delays caused by interruption in production based on conditions outside of our control. In the event that any of our third-party suppliers were to become unable or unwilling to continue to provide the products in required volumes, we would need to identify and obtain acceptable replacement sources on a timely basis. There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain such alternative sources of supply on a timely basis, if at all. An extended interruption in the supply of our products, including the supply of our influenza vaccine and any other high sales volume product, would have an adverse effect on our results of operations, which most likely would adversely affect the value of our common stock.

     We have expanded our domestic and international markets in part through acquisitions and joint ventures, and we expect to continue to make acquisitions and enter into joint ventures in the future. Such transactions involve numerous risks, including possible adverse effects on our operating results or the market price of our common stock. Some of our acquisitions and future acquisitions may also give rise to an obligation by us to make contingent payments or to satisfy certain repurchase obligations, which payments could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, integrating acquired businesses and joint ventures:

     There can be no assurance that our future acquisitions or joint ventures will be successful. Our ability to continue to successfully effect acquisitions and joint ventures will depend upon the following:

     Our business involves a risk of product liability and other claims and from time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of pharmaceutical and other healthcare products. Additionally, we own a majority interest in a company that manufactures dental implants and we are subject to the potential risk of product liability or other claims relating to the manufacture of products by that entity. One of the potential risks we face in the distribution of our products is liability resulting from counterfeit products infiltrating the supply chain. In addition, some of the products that we transport and sell are considered hazardous materials. The improper handling of such materials or accidents involving the transportation of such materials could subject us to liability. We have insurance policies, including product liability insurance, covering risks and in amounts that we consider adequate. Additionally, in many cases we are covered by indemnification from the manufacturer of the product. However, we cannot assure you that the coverage maintained by us is sufficient to cover future claims, that it will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost, or that indemnification agreements will provide adequate protection for us. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance or indemnification, or any claim that results in significant adverse publicity against us, could harm our business.

     Competition among companies supplying practice-management software is intense and increasing. Our future sales of practice-management software will depend on, among other factors:

     We cannot be sure that we will be successful in introducing and marketing new software or software enhancements, or that such software will be released on time or accepted by the market. Our software products, like software products generally, may contain undetected errors or bugs when introduced or as new versions are released. We cannot be sure that future problems with post-release software errors or bugs will not occur. Any such defective software may result in increased expenses related to the software and could adversely affect our relationships with the customers using such software. We do not have any patents on our software, and rely upon copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as contractual and common law protections. We cannot assure you that such legal protections will be available or enforceable to protect our

software products.

     Our future operating results depend on our ability to maintain satisfactory relationships with qualified sales personnel as well as key customers, vendors and manufacturers. If we fail to maintain our existing relationships with such persons or fail to acquire relationships with such key persons in the future, our business may suffer.

     Our future success is substantially dependent upon the efforts and abilities of members of our existing senior management, particularly Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, among others. The loss of the services of Mr. Bergman could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have an employment agreement with Mr. Bergman. We do not currently have “key man” life insurance policies on any of our employees. Competition for senior management is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel.

     Shipping is a significant expense in the operation of our business. We ship almost all of our U.S. orders by United Parcel Service, Inc. and other delivery services, and typically bear the cost of shipment. Accordingly, any significant increase in shipping rates could have an adverse effect on our operating results. Similarly, strikes or other service interruptions by those shippers could cause our operating expenses to rise and adversely affect our ability to deliver products on a timely basis.

     Traditional healthcare supply and distribution relationships are being challenged by electronic online commerce solutions. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense competition. The advancement of online commerce will require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address changing demands of consumers and our clients on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive offerings. Our inability to anticipate and effectively respond to changes on a timely basis could have an adverse effect on our business.

     In 2003, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to exchange our fixed rate interest rates for variable interest rates payable on our $230 million senior notes. Our fixed interest rates on the senior notes were 6.94% and 6.66% for the $130 million and $100 million senior notes, respectively. The variable rate is comprised of LIBOR plus the spreads and resets on the interest due dates for the senior notes. As a result of these interest rate swap agreements, as well as our existing variable rate credit lines, and loan agreements, we are exposed to risk from fluctuations in interest rates. For example, a hypothetical 100 basis points increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $2.8 million.

     We are in the process of integrating companies that we acquired, including the Demedis Group, and assimilating the operations, services, products and personnel of each company with our management policies, procedures and strategies. We cannot be sure that we will achieve the benefits of revenue growth that we expect from these acquisitions or that we will not incur unforeseen additional costs or expenses in connection

with these acquisitions. To effectively manage our expected future growth, we must continue to successfully manage our integration of these companies and continue to improve our operational systems, internal procedures, accounts receivable and management, financial and operational controls. If we fail in any of these areas, our business could be adversely affected.

     The market price for our common stock may be highly volatile. A variety of factors may have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock, including:

     In addition, the Nasdaq National Market can experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that can be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies listed on Nasdaq. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of actual operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies. This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which would harm our business.

     The provisions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, may discourage acquisition bids, and may limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions, among other things:

     In addition, our 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and 2001 Non-Employee Director Incentive Plan provide for accelerated vesting of stock options upon a change in

control, and certain agreements between us and our executive officers provide for increased severance payments if those executive officers are terminated without cause within two years after a change in control.

     We also have a stockholder rights plan that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us if our Board of Directors does not determine that the acquisition proposal is adequate and in the stockholders’ best interest.

     There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk from that disclosed in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2004.

     Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that as of June 25, 2005 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be filed in this report has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

     There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, other than that referred to below, that occurred during the quarter ended June 25, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. The internal controls over financial reporting of companies acquired during the quarter, which in the aggregate represent approximately 1.4% of net sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005, are being evaluated as part of our annual assessment of internal controls over financial reporting.

     A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.

     Our business involves a risk of product liability claims and other claims in the ordinary course of business, and from time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of pharmaceutical and other healthcare products. As a business practice, we generally obtain product indemnification from our suppliers.

     We have various insurance policies, including product liability insurance, covering risks in amounts that we consider adequate. In many cases in which we have been sued in connection with products manufactured by others, the manufacturer provides us with indemnification. There can be no assurance that the insurance coverage we maintain is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost, or that indemnification agreements will provide us with adequate protection. In our opinion, all pending matters, including those described below, are covered by insurance or will not otherwise seriously harm our financial condition.

     As of June 25, 2005, we had accrued our best estimate of potential losses relating to product liability, class action and other claims that were probable to result in a liability and for which we were able to reasonably estimate a loss. This accrued amount, as well as related expenses, was not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our method for determining estimated losses considers currently available facts, presently enacted laws and regulations and other external factors, including probable recoveries from third parties.

     As of June 25, 2005, we were a defendant in approximately 41 product liability cases. Of these cases, three involve claims made by healthcare workers and/or their families who claim allergic reaction relating to exposure to latex gloves. In each of these cases, we acted as a distributor of brand name and/or “Henry Schein” private brand latex gloves, which were manufactured by third parties. To date, discovery in these cases has generally been limited to product identification issues. The manufacturers in these cases generally withhold indemnification of us pending product identification; however, we have impleaded or filed cross claims against those manufacturers in such cases.

     The following table summarizes repurchases of our common stock under our stock repurchase program:

     At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 24, 2005, our stockholders took the following actions:

     (a) Exhibits.

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.

Dated: August 3, 2005