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Bio-Rad Laboratories

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FY2009 Annual Report · Bio-Rad Laboratories
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Focused On:

the Details

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Most letters to shareholders this year will make some reference to the economic 
environment of 2009 and its ultimate effects on the year’s results. Like others, we too 
experienced the economic adjustments in spending patterns by our customers.

On a reported basis, our sales increased only 1%. However, when you focus in on 
the details, currency fluctuations had a major effect on the underlying growth, which 
was actually 5.5% excluding the impact of currency changes. Another indicator of our 
progress is net income which topped $145 million, an increase of 62% over last year.

David Schwartz 

Norman Schwartz 

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

PRESIDENT

Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009FOCUSED ON: OUR SHAREHOLDERSAs with most companies in our markets, 

Apart from the economy and attention to 

Another area of continued investment for 

the economy and its effects on business 

operational improvements, we continued 

us is in the fast growing markets of Asia, 

was a major focus during the year. It 

our usual focus of developing new prod-

Eastern Europe, and Latin America. All of 

caused many to rethink their operations 

ucts to meet the ever advancing needs 

these areas are experiencing higher than 

and to make changes, some dramatic. 

of our customers. To that end, there 

average growth rates and we foresee these 

What was billed as a “stimulus package” at 

are a number of exciting new products 

as continuing fertile ground for growth. 

the beginning of the year turned out to be 

introduced during the year and others 

an anti-stimulus package, as our research 

planned as 2010 progresses. Significant 

customers spent time writing grant propos-

among those introduced in 2009 were 

als and carefully managing their current 

new real-time thermal cycler systems; a 

grants in anticipation of fresh government 

new line of reagents for quantitative PCR; 

investments into basic research. Mean-

precast electrophoresis gels, which offer 

while, our Diagnostics business remained 

our customers faster run times; mag-

robust. This was somewhat counter-intui-

netic bead assays for the research  

tive, given higher levels of unemployment.

Bio-Plex® system to improve perfor-

In our case, we were financially sound 

and operationally streamlined, there-

mance of the assays; and new assays 

for the BioPlex® 2200.

Balancing our product and market focus 

is the need to continually improve and 

streamline our operations to accommo-

date our growth and to remain competi-

tive. To that end, we are making a number 

of operational improvements around 

the way we transact business with our 

customers and deliver products to those 

customers. In 2009, we installed a new 

e-commerce system in the U.S. and we will 

roll this out to the rest of the world over 

fore we were somewhat insulated from 

The new product pipeline for 2010 is 

the next 12 to 18 months. We have also 

perturbations in our markets. Addition-

strong. Our Life Science Group has an 

embarked on a project to upgrade and  

ally, our product line is not as tied to the 

exciting lineup of interesting new prod-

standardize some of our business systems.

The New Year brings with it renewed 

optimism. While we will still approach the 

near term with caution, we have a lot to 

look forward to as we round the corner to 

$2 billion. Thank you for your continued 

interest in Bio-Rad.

volatility of capital equipment markets in 

ucts to be introduced throughout the 

contrast to some others. It was, never-

year. Our Diagnostics Group is planning 

theless, a good time for us to re-evaluate 

for three new BioPlex 2200 panels to 

some of our day-to-day practices with 

clear FDA approval and is preparing to 

the purpose of improving cash flow. 

launch our new automated IH-1000 plat-

As you can see in our financials, the 

result was outstanding. Throughout the 

Company, people looked at what was be-

ing done on a daily basis and discovered 

hundreds of mostly small improvements 

we could make which, when added up, 

helped to increase our cash flow from 

$191 million to $325 million. Some of 

these were one time in nature, but we 

expect many of them will be sustaining. 

form to serve the blood typing market. 

In the first few days of 2010, Diagnostics 

completed the acquisition of some key 

diagnostic product lines, further increas-

ing our offerings in the area of blood typ-

ing. This is an area where we have made 

significant investments over the past few 

years and the addition of these products 

gives us access to the very important 

Norman Schwartz 

North American market.

PRESIDENT

David Schwartz 

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

A decade into the 21st Century, advances in 
healthcare continue to offer the promise of new 
and better therapies for disease control and 
prevention. In virtually every field of biomedical 
research and practice, significant progress 
is being made in bringing new treatments to 
market and improving existing procedures.

At Bio-Rad, we build the industry leading instruments and products 
that help enable these advances. Our success is based on our 
uncompromising focus on the most important details in any given 
area—from shortening the time it takes to find high-value proteins to 
making it easier to amplify DNA strands to accelerating the pace of 
separations in gel electrophoresis.

Not all of these details are “small”. But they all make a huge difference  
in the lives of the people who benefit from them.

page 2Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009Focused On: 2010

page 4It wasn’t so long ago that the  
sequencing of the human genome 
signaled a historic milestone in bio-
medical science, with the promise of 
new and as-yet untapped possibilities 
for the diagnosis of disease. While 
this effort exponentially expanded our 
knowledge of genes and their func-
tion, it also raised new and important 

questions about the true causes of 
disease—questions that were not  
answerable by studying only the 
genome. Genes alone cannot explain 
the complexity of how the human 
body works and what goes wrong 
when a disease occurs. Much can be 
explained, however, by studying the 
intricate interactions of proteins.

 Instead of removing the hay, attract the needle.  FOCUSED ON: PROTEIN SAMPLE PREPARATION DIGGING DEEPER IN THE PROTEOME, PROTEOMINER™ PROTEIN ENRICHMENT TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES THE POTENTIAL FOR BIOMARKER DISCOVERY BY HELPING RESEARCHERS DISCOVER “LOW ABUNDANCE” PROTEINS OF INTEREST THAT CANNOT BE DETECTED THROUGH TRADITIONAL METHODS. Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009page 6FOCUSED ON: PROTEIN SAMPLE PREPARATION

As research progresses today, it is the highly complex proteome—the 
set of proteins expressed by the genetic material of an organism that 

are coded by genes—that offers the key to both disease research and 

the discovery of protein biomarkers specific to a variety of diseases.

A major obstacle to finding these proteins, 

However, with Bio-Rad’s ProteoMiner 

however, is that only about 20 percent 

protein enrichment technology, the low-

of them are of interest to researchers. 

abundance proteins are targeted and 

These low-abundance yet information-rich 

captured directly, resulting in a higher 

proteins are typically “hidden” among the 

concentration of these proteins of interest 

other proteins in the cell, which compli-

at the conclusion of the process. More 

cates scientists’ search for them. So the 

needles, less hay. 

question becomes how to locate these 

potentially “interesting” proteins—quickly 

and efficiently—amidst all the filler.

Further, where conventional depletion 

strategies tend to be antibody-based and 

require a sample to be a bodily fluid such 

Enter Bio-Rad. Until the introduction of 

as serum, ProteoMiner allows for non-

Bio-Rad’s ProteoMiner™ protein enrich-

serum-based samples such as tissues 

ment technology, the method of discovery 

and saliva as well, resulting in far more 

of proteins of interest has been an indirect 

flexibility with sample sources.

process of elimination referred to as a 

“depletion” strategy: removing the high-

abundance, low value proteins to find the 

low-abundance, high value proteins. In 

other words, to find the “needle” remove 

the “hay”.  Unfortunately, during this 

process, some of the high-abundance 

proteins can adhere to the proteins of 

interest. So as the hay is removed, some 

of the needles get removed, too, making 

this strategy highly inefficient. 

The capacity of Bio-Rad’s ProteoMiner 

sample preparation tool to help unveil the 

proteome has led to its worldwide use in 

laboratories that are involved in the  

discovery of protein biomarkers for  

diseases. Capturing high-value proteins, 

after all, captures attention. 

page 8Every year, millions of people receive 
life-saving blood transfusions either to 
replace blood lost during surgery or 
as the result of a serious injury. Trans-
fusions may also be done on a regu-
lar basis for individuals whose bodies 
cannot properly produce blood due 
to an illness. For blood transfusions 
to be safe and effective, donor blood 
must be carefully screened and then 
meticulously matched to a patient’s 
blood type to ensure compatibility 
between the two. 

The human body’s biological defense 
mechanism includes a sophisticated 
system that recognizes “foreign” 
substances—antigens, with names 
like Duffy, Lewis, Kidd, and Kell—in 
donor blood cells and in response 
sends its own antibodies out to meet 
them, and fight, if necessary. If the two 
combatants are incompatible, the battle 
is engaged: the cells clump together, 
or agglutinate, and clog the vessels 
carrying them, releasing hemoglobin 
into the blood stream. The hemoglobin 
is eventually transported to the kidney, 
resulting in blockage, failure, and even, 
possibly, death.

The widest range of tests,  from the smallest drops of blood.  FOCUSED ON: IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY FOCUSED ON: IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY

So the question arises when a patient needs 

blood: how can a hospital or clinic be sure  
that—from vein-to-vein—a donor’s blood won’t 

cause an adverse clinical reaction? 

The answer is extremely complex, and it 

As a global company, Bio-Rad has access 

is what immunohematology is all about: 

to multiple diverse blood sources, 

the study of antigen-antibody reactions 

allowing us to manufacture a large 

as they relate to blood compatibility. 

Immunohematology tests for the  

attraction between the antigens on the 

surface of a donor’s red blood cells 

and the antibodies that are in a recipi-

ent’s plasma. In a three-step process, 

an ABO typing test is first performed. 

Next, after a basic match of blood 

types has been made, a lab or hospital 

performs a general antibody screen, 

in which antibodies in the patient’s 

plasma are combined with a red cell 

reagent pool of the most clinically 

significant antigens. And finally, if no 

incompatibility is detected a “cross-

match” is performed, in which the red 

cells in the donor blood and the plasma 

of the patient are mixed together to 

ensure that there is no reaction. 

The underlying principle behind this 

work is that, whether for transfusion 

or transplantation, the more reagents 

there are available to test, the greater 

the number of incompatibilities that may 

be ruled out, thus the greater the confi-

dence in the match.

number of reagent red cells that have 

clinically relevant antigen profiles. In 

addition, we have at our disposal a 

significant arsenal of monoclonal and 

polyclonal antibodies, which further  

enlarge the pool of test cell possibilities, 

allowing customers to dig deeper to 

discover possible interactions between 

antibodies and antigens. 

But materials are only half the story. 

We also provide a complete range of 

technologies—from traditional test tube 

methods to gel cards and microplates 

for high-volume settings—that offer 

blood banks, donor centers, hospitals, 

and transfusion centers a wide spec-

trum of choice and flexibility in running 

their tests. And finally, Bio-Rad offers 

automated systems and comprehensive 

software, as well as unparalleled tech-

nical support, so that customers get 

the right products in the right configura-

tion at the right specificity. 

The result is a comprehensive immu-

nohematology solution that enables the 

widest range of tests from the smallest 

drops of blood.

page 10Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009EVERY DETAIL MATTERS WHEN IT COMES TO DETERMINING COMPATIBILITY OF A DONOR’S AND PATIENT’S BLOOD. BIO-RAD OFFERS CLINICIANS THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO DO THE DETECTIVE WORK—ENSURING THEY FIND EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:  A PERFECT MATCH. page 12Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction, 
known simply as PCR, has grown over 
the last three decades to become 
a common and often indispensable 
technique used in a wide range of 
medical and biological research areas, 
from analysis and forensic investiga-
tion—where there may be only a few 
drops of blood available—to the basic 
study and identification of genes. Much 
like a photocopier, PCR amplifies, or 
replicates, a fragment of DNA—in this 
case into thousands, millions, and even 
billions of copies, allowing researchers 
to have adequate samples with which 
to make specific proteins, compare 
gene sequences, and perform a variety 
of other applications that lead to a 
better understanding of the complex 
biological systems around us. 

Amplifying small fragments, for big results.FOCUSED ON: DNA RESEARCHpage 14

REFLECTING ON ITS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WRITING PCR PROTOCOLS, BIO-RAD OFFERS THE C1000 THERMAL CYCLER’S PROTOCOL AUTOWRITER TO HELP RESEARCHERS GET STARTED QUICKLY ON THEIR PCR EXPERIMENTS AND OPTIMIZE THEIR RUN TIMES FOR BEST RESULTS.Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009FOCUSED ON: DNA RESEARCH

Bio-Rad has been an important contributor to the 
success of PCR since 1989, supplying scientists 

with thermal cyclers, reagents, and related products 
designed to help make their tasks easier. 

Thermal cyclers, as the name implies, 

instrument automatically generates the 

help in the PCR process by separating 

“recipe” the thermal cycler will use, based 

DNA strands and re-annealing (or recom-

on Bio-Rad’s long experience in the field. 

bining) them through a process of rapid 

As a result, researchers can obtain accurate 

heating and cooling. Bio-Rad’s thermal 

and reliable results with shorter run times 

cycler products played an important role 

and optimized thermal performance. 

in laboratories across the country and 

around the world for the U.S. National 

Institutes of Health’s massive Human 

Genome Project, which was mapped in 

2003. With this map in hand, a new, more 

informed, journey began to discover new 

pathways that may lead to a better under-

standing of gene function and therefore 

the basis of disease. 

What’s next? In today’s interconnected 

world, researchers expect the flexibility of 

having information on demand—wherever 

they are. And so in 2009, Bio-Rad intro-

duced a real-time PCR application guide 

for Apple’s iPhone. The application guide 

puts at the fingertips of those conducting 

PCR several helpful tools including tutorials, 

troubleshooting tips, and assay-specific 

In January 2008, Bio-Rad introduced  

information. 

Think of it as another small step in large-

scale amplification.

its next-generation PCR instrumentation, 

the innovative 1000-series thermal cycling 

platform, which for the first time allowed 

researchers to automate the writing of 

protocols used to amplify DNA. Prior to 

this, protocols, or instructions, had to be 

created by the researcher, meticulously 

detailing every step of the heating and 

cooling cycle, taking into account experi-

ment parameters such as PCR product 

length, enzyme type, and DNA binding 

temperatures. But with the protocol 

autowriter on Bio-Rad’s C1000™ thermal 

cycler, all a researcher has to do is enter 

these experiment parameters, and the 

page 16It’s the simple assurance of knowing 
that a result is right. Of not having 
to spend extra time or resources 
determining whether an outcome is a 
reliable result. Of having one less thing 
to worry about. 

And all thanks to a small bottle of 
liquid. Call it liquid “gold”…

When a physician orders a test and a 
sample of blood is drawn, the patient 
sample is sent to a lab for testing to 
determine, for example, what their 
triglycerides, cholesterol, or glucose 
levels are. The tests are run and the 
results are produced, but before 
they’re sent to the physician for review, 
the laboritorian must ensure quality 
results. That means verifying that all 
of the variables that may have errone-
ously affected the results all worked 
as they were supposed to. 

A lot of confidence in a little vial.FOCUSED ON: QUALITY CONTROLS FOCUSED ON: QUALITY CONTROLS

In a continuum, that begins from the time a sample is drawn from 
a patient, to how it was collected, handled, and stored, to the time it 

is tested and the integrity of the instrument, reagents, and even the 

individual conducting the test may come into question, the potential of  

an error occurring exists. This is where quality controls come in.

Quality controls are known samples that 

To provide highly reliable controls, Bio-Rad 

provide expected values and expected 

creates specially prepared samples. To 

results, ensuring that the most reli-

further enhance quality, Bio-Rad provides 

able data goes back to the physician or 

powerful software for monitoring lab 

healthcare worker—and, most impor-

performance, which offers labs a way to 

tantly, to the patient. Controls are run the 

track data points over time—through pa-

same way and on the same instrument 

rameters such as mean, standard devia-

as a patient sample. If the control delivers 

tion, and more—enabling them to keep 

expected results, then the laboritorian 

track of how their controls are performing 

can feel confident that the patient sample 

and to ensure that their instruments and 

run the same way will yield a reliable 

reagents are working properly. Then, 

result as well. 

Physicians depend on the labs they use; 

they assume that the sample they sent 

was tested properly, so that they may in 

turn make clinical decisions based on 

those results. An incorrect diagnosis could 

lead to over- or under-treatment, resulting 

thanks to Bio-Rad’s QC data manage-

ment solutions that include large peer 

groups of test systems and assay (test) 

methods, labs are able to compare their 

results with those from other labs around 

the world. So they always know what to 

expect from the systems they’re using. 

in potentially dire clinical consequences. 

No matter how you look at it, it’s a power-

ful guarantee of quality that produces gold 

star results, coming from the smallest of 

bottles.

page 18Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009BIO-RAD OFFERS THE WORLD’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE MENU OF QUALITY CONTROL PRODUCTS COVERING ANALYTES FOR IMMUNOASSAY, THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING, CHEMISTRY, CARDIAC ASSESSMENT, IMMUNOLOGY, DIABETES, INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING AND MORE. page 20As the industry leader in electrophoresis 
for 35 years, Bio-Rad has been at the 
forefront of making our customers’ 
workflows easier and more productive. 
Over the years, we have focused 
on three areas of improvement: the 
reproducibility of results, ease of use, 
and speed.

For years, scientists spent valuable 
time and labor “hand casting” their 
own gels. Even though hand-cast gels 
are effective, they can be inconsistent 
from batch to batch. This inconsistency 
may be reflected in the gel’s reliability, 
as well as in the reproducibility of its 
results. Because researchers repeat 
their experiments to ensure the accuracy 
of their results, the last thing they want 
to worry about is variable performance 
of the gels. 

Being one of the most basic tools and 
commonly used techniques researchers 
use in the lab, electrophoresis should 
be as easy as making toast. It is the 
technique of separating and identifying 
DNA, RNA, or protein molecules by 
applying an electric field to them. The 
position of these molecules in the gel 
reveals their size and electric charge. 
This common lab procedure is among 
one of the most widely used in a variety 
of biotechnology applications, from  
diagnosing and monitoring a wide range 
of diseases and conditions to studying 
the genetic makeup of living organisms 
to determining the paternity of a parent.

In spite of its presence in labs worldwide, 
electrophoresis can be a time-consum-
ing process. With gel cycles potentially 
taking hours to run, academic and 
pharmaceutical researchers must 
consider the tradeoffs in a typical 
workday of conducting multiple elec-
trophoresis procedures or doing other, 
more productive, tasks. The result is a 
workflow that is often far less efficient 
than it could be.

Getting the same performance,  in far less time.FOCUSED ON: GEL ELECTROPHORESISBECAUSE GOOD IS NEVER GOOD ENOUGH, BIO-RAD HAS CONTINUED TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS GEL ELECTROPHORESIS PRODUCTS, FOCUSING ON EVERY DETAIL. AS A RESULT, GEL ELECTROPHORESIS CONTINUES TO GET EASIER—AND NOW FASTER. IMAGINE TOASTING A PIECE OF BREAD IN JUST 20 SECONDS…  page 22Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2009FOCUSED ON: GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

In the early 1990s, Bio-Rad gave researchers the option to 

forego hand casting with the introduction of the first in our line 

of easy-to-use, ready-to-run precast gels, offering results in 

less than an hour. But we didn’t stop there.

Our customers rely on us for continuous 

buffers, power supplies, and instruments. 

improvement. Through the years we’ve 

In addition to their short run times and 

continued to improve our gels’ resolution, 

high performance, the gels also feature a 

performance, and shelf life. In 2004, we 

long shelf life, allowing researchers to have 

added automation to the process using 

gels at their disposal in their laboratories.

a lab-on-a-chip technology to create 

the Experion™ automated electrophoresis 

system, giving researchers the ability to get 

results even more quickly and efficiently.

With the Mini-PROTEAN TGX gels, the 

improvement of a single, simple compo-

nent in an otherwise complex process 

requires no changes to the way our cus-

And at the end 2009, we introduced a new 

tomers work. Except, perhaps, for getting 

series of the next generation of precast 

used to being able to do their research 

gels that promise to cut run cycles by  

faster, and ending up with more time on 

a factor of as much as six, bringing run 

their hands. 

Call it our small way of accelerating the 

pace of discovery to ultimately provide 

better healthcare for all.

times down to as little as 10 minutes 

without compromising performance. Our 

new Mini-PROTEAN® TGX™ precast gels 

are designed to be completely plug-

and-play, working seamlessly with the 

industry’s gold standard Laemmli buffer 

system. Because Laemmli is the system 

of choice for most researchers, it was 

important that our gels be completely 

compatible—working with what our 

customers were already using, including 

FOCUSED ON: THE BUSINESS OF BIO-RAD

Bio-Rad Laboratories has played a leading role in the  
advancement of scientific discovery for nearly 60 years  
by providing a broad range of innovative tools and services  
to the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets.

Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad has a global team of more than 6,800 employees and 
serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global 
network of operations. Throughout its existence, Bio-Rad has built strong customer 
relationships that advance scientific research and development efforts and support the 
introduction of new technology used in the growing fields of genomics, proteomics, 
drug discovery, food safety, medical diagnostics, and more.

L I F E   S C I E N C E S

C L I N I C A L   D I A G N O S T I C S

Bio-Rad’s Life Science Group develops, 

Clinical Diagnostics develops, manufac-

manufactures, and markets a wide range 

tures, sells, and supports a large portfolio 

of laboratory instruments, apparatus, and 

of products for medical screening and 

consumables used for research in func-

diagnostics. Bio-Rad is a leading specialty 

tional genomics, proteomics, and food 

diagnostics company and its products are 

safety. The group ranks among the top 

recognized as the gold standard for  

five life science companies world-wide, 

diabetes monitoring and quality control 

and maintains a solid reputation for quality, 

(QC) systems. The company is also well 

innovation, and commitment to its cus-

known for its blood virus testing and 

tomers. Bio-Rad’s life science products 

detection, blood typing, autoimmune and 

are based on technologies used to sepa-

genetic disorders testing, and internet-

rate, purify, identify, analyze, and amplify 

based software products. Bio-Rad’s 

biological materials such as proteins and 

clinical diagnostics products incorporate 

nucleic acids. These technologies include 

a broad range of technologies used to 

electrophoresis, imaging, multiplex immu-

detect, identify, and quantify substances 

noassay, chromatography, microbiology, 

in bodily fluids and tissues. The results are 

bioinformatics, protein function analysis, 

used as aids to support medical diagnosis, 

transfection, amplification, and real-time 

detection, evaluation, and the monitoring  

PCR. Bio-Rad products support researchers 

and treatment of diseases and other 

in laboratories throughout the world.

medical conditions.

page 24Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 20092009 FINANCI AL HIGHLIG HTS

FI V E -YE AR   R EC OR D

( I N   M I L L I O N S ,   E X C E P T   P E R   S H A R E   D ATA )

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

Net Sales 

Gross Profit 

$ 1,181.0 

$ 1,273.9 

$ 1,461.1 

$ 1,764.4 

$ 1,784.2

$  646.5 

$  712.5 

$  791.4 

$  962.5 

$  999.8

Research Expenditures 

$  115.1 

$ 123.4(1) 

$  140.5(1) 

$  159.5 

$  163.6

Net Income 

Return On Sales 

$ 

 81.6 

$  103.3 

$ 

93.0 

$ 

89.5 

$  144.6

  6.9% 

  8.1% 

  6.4% 

  5.1% 

  8.1%

Book Value Per Share 

$  25.09 

$  30.92 

$  36.12 

$  38.11 

 $  45.76

Basic Earnings Per Share 

$ 

3.13 

$ 

3.92 

$ 

 3.48 

$ 

3.30 

$ 

5.28

Cash Flow From Operations 

$  108.3 

$  118.2 

$  191.6 

$  191.4 

$  325.1

1. EXCLUDES $7.7 MILLION AND $4.1 MILLION OF PURCHASED R&D IN 2007 AND 2006, RESPECTIVELY

2009 SALES BY REGION

NET SALES

  ( I N   M I L L I O N S )

CASH FLOW   
FROM OPERATIONS

  ( I N   M I L L I O N S )

BASI C EARNINGS 
PE R SH ARE

2
.
4
8
7
,
1
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.
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05  06  07  08  09

05  06  07  08  09

05  06  07  08  09

46%
Europe

16%
Pacific
 Rim

38%
Americas

 
 
 
 
 
 
FOCUSED ON: BIO-RAD SALES HISTORY

$1.7 billion

$1.6 billion

$1.5 billion

$1.4 billion

$1.3 billion

$1.2 billion

$1.1 billion

$1 billion

$900 million

$800 million

$700 million

$600 million

$500 million

$400 million

$300 million

$200 million

$100 million

1959

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2009

page 26UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COM M ISSION 

Washington, D.C.  20549 
FORM 10-K 

    X 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the year ended December 31, 2009 
OR 

 For the transition period from 

to 

Commission file number 1-7928 

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, California 

(Address of principal executive offices) 

94-1381833 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

94547 

(Zip Code) 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code 

(510) 724-7000  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of Each Class 

Class A Common Stock Par Value $0.0001 per share 

Class B Common Stock Par Value $0.0001 per share 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  NONE 

Name of Each Exchange 
on Which Registered 

New York Stock Exchange 

New York Stock Exchange 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. 

[ X ]    Yes 

[    ]    No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

[    ]     Yes 

[ X ]   No 

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. 

[ X ]    Yes 

[    ]    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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to submit and post such files). 

[   ]    Yes 

[    ]    No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, 
to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or 
any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ X  ] 

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated file     

[ X ] 
[     ] 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

Accelerated filer 
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 

[ X ]   No 

As of June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the  
Registrant’s Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,403,335,633 and the aggregate market value of the registrant’s 
Class B Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $36,812,367. 

As of February 16, 2010, there were 22,429,100 shares of Class A Common Stock and 5,118,352 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding. 

(1)  Definitive Proxy Statement to be mailed to stockholders in connection with the 
registrant's 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (specified portions) 

Documents Incorporated by Reference 

Document 

                                        III 

Form 10-K Parts  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Form 10-K December 31, 2009 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Part I. 

Item 1.  Business 

Item 1a.  Risk Factors 

Item 1b.  Unresolved Staff Comments 

Item 2.  Properties 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 

Item 4. Submission Of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders 

Part II. 

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations 

Item 7a. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data 

Item 9. Changes And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure 

Item 9a. Controls And Procedures 

Item 9b. Other Information 

Part III. 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers And Corporate Governance 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

Item 12. Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters 

Item 13. Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, And Director Independence 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees And Services 

Part IV. 

Item 15. Exhibits And Financial Statement Schedules 

Signatures 

3 

3 

6 

12 

12 

13 

13 

13 

13 

15 

16 

28 

29 

66 

66 

68 

68 

68 

68 

69 

69 

69 

70 

70 

71 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
PART I.   

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS 

General 

Founded in 1952 and incorporated in 1957, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (referred to in this report as “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us,” 
and “our”) was initially engaged in the development and production of specialty chemicals used in biochemical, 
pharmaceutical and other life science research applications.  In 1967, we entered the field of clinical diagnostics with the 
development of our first test kit based on separation techniques and materials developed for life science research.  We 
expanded into the field of analytical and measuring instrument systems through internal research and development efforts 
and acquisitions in the late 1970's and 1980's.  In 1999, we acquired the stock of Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics and the rights 
to certain ancillary assets.  This strengthened our position in the HIV and infectious disease testing market.  In 2000 and 
2004, we divested our semiconductor, optoelectronic metrology and confocal microscopy product lines.  During 2007, we 
acquired DiaMed Holding AG, enhancing our position in the immunohematology market. 

As we broadened our product lines, we also expanded our geographical market.  We have distribution channels in over 
thirty countries outside the United States through subsidiaries whose focus is customer service and product distribution. 

Bio-Rad manufactures and supplies the life science research, healthcare, analytical chemistry and other markets with a 
broad range of products and systems used to separate complex chemical and biological materials and to identify, analyze 
and purify their components. 

Description of Business  

Business Segments 

Today, Bio-Rad operates in two industry segments designated as Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics.  Both segments 
operate worldwide.  For a description of business and financial information on industry and geographic segments, see Note 
13 on pages 62 through 65 of Item 8. 

Life Science Segment 

Life science is the study of the characteristics, behavior, and structure of living organisms and their component systems.  
Life science researchers use a variety of products and systems including reagents, instruments, software and apparatus, to 
advance the study of life processes, drug discovery, biotechnology and food pathogen testing, primarily within a laboratory 
setting. 

We focus on selected segments of the life science market which we estimate to be approximately $5 billion.  The primary 
technological applications that we supply to these segments consist of electrophoresis, image analysis, molecular detection, 
chromatography, gene transfer, sample preparation and amplification. The primary end-users in our sectors of the market 
are universities and medical schools, industrial research organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical 
manufacturers, biotechnology researchers and food testing laboratories. 

Clinical Diagnostics Segment 

We estimate the worldwide clinical diagnostics segment in which we participate to be approximately $10 billion.  The 
market encompasses a broad array of technologies incorporated into a variety of products used to detect, identify, monitor 
and quantify substances in patient and donor blood or other bodily fluids and tissues.  The vast majority of these tests are 
performed "in vitro" (outside the body).  The information generated by these tests helps physicians diagnose disease and 
guide patient therapy and treatment, all of which helps improve patient care.  It is estimated that diagnostic testing 
influences 70% or more of patient care decisions made by doctors while comprising less than two percent of total 
healthcare costs. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The market is split into several sub segments consisting of clinical chemistry, immunoassay, microbiology, hematology, 
molecular, coagulation, blood banking and blood typing.  Bio-Rad has significant positions in blood virus testing (blood 
banking and immunoassay); immunohematology (blood typing); hemoglobin A1c testing for diabetes monitoring (clinical 
chemistry and immunoassay); autoimmune disease testing (immunoassay); and quality control (crossing all sub segments). 

Consumers of clinical diagnostic products are hospital laboratories, reference laboratories, physician office laboratories, 
government agencies, and diagnostic manufacturers.  Purchasing decisions are normally based on improving the healthcare 
of patients, improving laboratory efficiency, and reducing overall costs.  Bio-Rad's products and services generally meet or 
exceed these criteria leading to strong customer loyalty and recurring revenue exceeding 70% of our total clinical 
diagnostics sales. 

Raw Materials and Components 

We utilize a wide variety of chemicals, biological materials, electronic components, machined metal parts, optical parts, 
minicomputers and peripheral devices.  Most of these materials and components are available from numerous sources and 
we have not experienced difficulty in securing adequate supplies. 

Patents and Trademarks 

We own numerous U.S. and international patents and patent licenses.  We believe, however, that our ability to develop and 
manufacture our products depends primarily on our knowledge, technology and special skills.  We pay royalties on the 
sales of certain products under several patent license agreements.  We view these patents and license agreements as 
valuable assets. 

Seasonal Operations and Backlog 

Our business is not inherently seasonal.  However, the European custom of concentrating vacation during the summer 
months usually tempers third quarter sales volume and operating income. 

For the most part, we operate in markets characterized by short lead times and the absence of significant backlogs.  
Management has concluded that backlog information is not material to our business as a whole. 

Sales and Marketing 

Each of Bio-Rad's segments maintains a sales force to sell its products on a direct basis.  Each sales force is technically 
trained in the disciplines associated with its products.  Sales are also generated through direct mail advertising, exhibits at 
trade shows and technical meetings, telemarketing, e-commerce and by extensive advertising in technical and trade 
publications.  Sales and marketing efforts are augmented by technical service departments that assist customers in effective 
product utilization and in new product applications.  We also produce and distribute technical literature and hold seminars 
for customers on the use of our products. 

Our customer base is broad and diversified.  In 2009, no single customer accounted for more than two percent of our total 
net sales.  Our sales are affected by certain external factors.  For example, a number of our customers, particularly in the 
Life Science segment, are substantially dependent on government grants and research contracts for their funding.  A 
significant reduction of government funding would have a detrimental effect on the results of this segment. 

Most of our international sales are generated by our wholly-owned subsidiaries and their branch offices.  Certain of these 
subsidiaries also have manufacturing facilities.  Bio-Rad’s international operations are subject to certain risks common to 
foreign operations in general, such as changes in governmental regulations, import restrictions and foreign exchange 
fluctuations.  However, our international operations are principally in developed nations, which we regard as presenting no 
significantly greater risks to our operations than are present in the United States. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competition 

The markets served by our product groups are highly competitive.  Our competitors range in size from start-ups to large 
multinational corporations with significant resources and reach.  Reliable independent information on sales and market 
share of products produced by our competitors is not generally available. We believe, however, based on our own 
estimates, no one company is so dominant that it prevents other companies, including Bio-Rad, from competing effectively. 
 We compete mainly in market segments where our products and technology offer customers specific advantages over the 
competition.  We tend to avoid head to head competition against entrenched competitors with me-too products. 

Because of the breadth of its product lines, the Life Science segment does not face the same competitors for all of its 
products.  Competitors in this market include GE Biosciences, Life Technologies, Millipore and Thermo Fisher Scientific.  
We compete primarily based on meeting performance specifications. 

Major competitors in clinical diagnostics include Roche, Abbott Laboratories (Diagnostic Division), Siemens Medical 
Diagnostics Solutions (formerly Dade-Behring, Diagnostics Products Corporation, and Bayer Diagnostics), Beckman 
Coulter, Becton-Dickinson, bioMérieux, Johnson & Johnson (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics), Tosoh, Immucor, Cepheid, and 
DiaSorin. 

Product Research and Development 

We conduct extensive product research and development activities in all areas of our business, employing approximately 
780 people worldwide in these activities.  Research and development have played a major role in Bio-Rad's growth and are 
expected to continue to do so in the future.  Our research teams are continuously developing new products and new 
applications for existing products.  In our development and testing of new products and applications, we consult with 
scientific and medical professionals at universities, hospitals and medical schools, and in the industry.  Excluding 
purchased in-process research and development expense, we spent approximately $163.6 million, $159.5 million, and 
$140.5 million on research and development activities during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, 
respectively. 

Regulatory Matters 

The manufacturing, marketing and labeling of certain of our products (primarily diagnostic products) are subject to 
regulation in the United States by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the United States Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) and in other jurisdictions by state and foreign government authorities.  FDA regulations require that 
some new products have pre-marketing approval by the FDA and require certain products to be manufactured in accordance 
with “good manufacturing practices,” to be extensively tested and to be properly labeled to disclose test results and 
performance claims and limitations. 

As a multinational manufacturer and distributor of sophisticated instrumentation equipment, we must meet a wide array of 
electromagnetic compatibility and safety compliance requirements to satisfy regulations in the United States, the European 
Community and other jurisdictions.  These requirements relating to testing and trials, product licensing, pricing and 
reimbursement vary widely among countries. 

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations that govern such activities 
as transportation of goods, emissions to air and discharges to water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid, 
hazardous and medical wastes.  In addition to environmental laws that regulate our operations, we are also subject to 
environmental laws and regulations that create liabilities and clean-up responsibility for spills, disposals or other releases of 
hazardous substances into the environment as a result of our operations or otherwise impacting real property that we own or 
operate.  The environmental laws and regulations could also subject us to claims by third parties for damages resulting from 
any spills, disposals or releases resulting from our operations or at any of our properties.  

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees 

At December 31, 2009, Bio-Rad had approximately 6,600 full-time employees.  Fewer than eight percent of Bio-Rad's 
approximately 2,675 U.S. employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement which will expire on November 7, 
2012.  Many of Bio-Rad's non-U.S. full-time employees, especially in France, are covered by collective bargaining 
agreements.  We consider our employee relations in general to be good. 

Available Information 

Bio-Rad files annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The public may read and copy any materials that 
we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549.  The public 
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  Also, the 
SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding 
issuers, including Bio-Rad, that file electronically with the SEC.  The public can obtain any documents that we file with the 
SEC at http://www.sec.gov. 

Bio-Rad’s website address is www.bio-rad.com.  We make available, free of charge through our website, our Form 10-Ks, 
10-Qs and 8-Ks, and any amendments to these forms, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS 

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking 
information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We believe that any of the following risks could have a 
material affect on our business, operations, industry, financial position or our future financial performance.  While we 
believe that we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our business, there may be additional 
risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely 
affect our business, operations, industry, financial position and financial performance in the future. 

Adverse changes in general domestic and worldwide economic conditions and instability and disruption of 
credit markets could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition or liquidity. 

Recent global market and economic conditions have been unprecedented and challenging with tighter credit conditions, 
slower growth and recession in most major economies during 2009. Although signs of recovery may exist, there are 
continued concerns about the systemic impact of inflation, the availability and cost of credit, a declining real estate market 
and geopolitical issues that contribute to increased market volatility and uncertain expectations for the global economy. 
These conditions, combined with declining business activity levels and consumer confidence, increased unemployment and 
volatile oil prices, contributed to unprecedented levels of volatility in the capital markets during 2009. Any additional, 
continued or recurring disruptions in the capital and credit markets may adversely affect our business, results of operations, 
cash flows and financial condition. 

As a result of these market conditions, the cost and availability of credit has been and may continue to be adversely affected 
by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads.  Concern about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of 
counterparties specifically has led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce, and in some cases, cease to provide 
credit to businesses and consumers.  These factors have led to a decrease in spending by businesses and consumers alike.  
Our customers and vendors may experience cash flow concerns and, as a result, customers may modify, delay or cancel 
plans to purchase our products and vendors may increase their prices, reduce their output or change terms of sales. 
Additionally, if customers’ or vendors’ operating and financial performance deteriorates, or if they are unable to make 
scheduled payments or obtain credit, customers may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, amounts owed to us. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vendors may restrict credit or impose less favorable payment terms. Any inability of current and/or potential customers to 
pay us for our products or any demands by vendors for accelerated payment terms may adversely affect our earnings and 
cash flow.  Additionally, strengthening of the U.S. dollar associated with the global financial crisis may adversely affect the 
results of our international operations when those results are translated into U.S. dollars. Furthermore, the disruption in the 
credit markets could impede our access to capital, especially if we are unable to maintain our current credit ratings.  Should 
we have limited access to additional financing sources when needed, we may decide to defer capital expenditures or seek 
other higher cost sources of liquidity, which may or may not be available to us on acceptable terms.  Continued turbulence 
in the U.S. and international markets and economies, and prolonged declines in business and consumer spending may 
adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition of our customers, including 
our ability to refinance maturing liabilities and access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs. 

W e cannot assure you that we will be able to integrate acquired companies, products or 
technologies into  
our company successfully, or we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from the 
acquisitions.  

As part of our overall business strategy, we pursue acquisitions of and investments in complementary companies, products 
and technologies.  In order to be successful in these activities, we must, among other things:  

assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired companies; 
retain acquired business customers; 

• 
• 
•  minimize potential disruption to our ongoing business; 
• 
retain key technical and management personnel; 
• 
integrate acquired companies into our strategic and financial plans; 
• 
accurately assess the value of target companies, products and technologies; 
• 
comply with new regulatory requirements; 
• 
harmonize standards, controls, procedures and policies; 
•  minimize the impact to our relationships with our employees and customers; and 
• 
assess, document and remediate any deficiencies in disclosure controls and  
procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. 

The benefits of any acquisition may prove to be less than anticipated and may not outweigh the costs reported in our 
financial statements.  Completing any potential future acquisition could cause significant diversion of our management’s 
time and resources.  If we acquire new companies, products or technologies, we may be required to assume contingent 
liabilities or record impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets over time.  We cannot assure you that we 
will successfully overcome these risks or any other problems we encounter in connection with any acquisitions, and any 
such acquisitions could adversely affect our business, financial position or operating results. 

The industries and market segments in which we operate are highly competitive, and we 
may not be able to 
compete effectively with larger companies with greater financial resources than we have. 

The life science and clinical diagnostics markets are each highly competitive.  Some of our competitors have greater 
financial resources than we do and are less leveraged than we are, making them better equipped to license technologies and 
intellectual property from third parties or to fund research and development, manufacturing and marketing efforts.  
Moreover, competitive and regulatory conditions in many markets in which we operate restrict our ability to fully recover, 
through price increases, higher costs of acquired goods and services resulting from inflation and other drivers of cost 
increases.  Our competitors can be expected to continue to improve the design and performance of their products and to 
introduce new products with competitive price and performance characteristics. Maintaining these advantages will require 
us to continue to invest in research and development, sales and marketing and customer service and support.  We cannot 
assure you that we will have sufficient resources to continue to make such investments or that we will be successful in 
maintaining such advantages. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
W e have significant international operations which subject us to various risks such as 
general economic and 
market conditions in the countries in which we operate. 

A significant portion of our sales are made outside of the United States.  Our foreign subsidiaries generated 68% of our net 
sales in the year ended December 31, 2009.  Our international operations are subject to risks common to foreign operations, 
such as general economic and market conditions in the countries in which we operate, changes in governmental regulations, 
political instability, import restrictions and currency exchange rate risks.  We cannot assure you that shifts in currency 
exchange rates, especially significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the Euro, will not have a material 
adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.  

W e are dependent on government funding and the capital spending programs of our 
customers, and the  
effect of potential healthcare reform on government funding and our customers’ ability to 
purchase our  
products is uncertain. 

Our customers include universities, clinical diagnostics laboratories, government agencies, hospitals and pharmaceutical, 
biotechnology and chemical companies.  The capital spending programs of these institutions and companies have a 
significant effect on the demand for our products.  Such policies are based on a wide variety of factors, including the 
resources available to make such purchases, the availability of funding from grants by governments or government 
agencies, the spending priorities among various types of equipment and the policies regarding capital expenditures during 
industry downturns or recessionary periods.  If government funding to our customers were to decrease, or if our customers 
were to decrease or reallocate their budgets in a manner adverse to us, our business, financial condition or results of 
operations could be materially adversely affected.  

Healthcare reform and the growth of managed care organizations have been and continue to be significant factors in the 
clinical diagnostics market.  The trend towards managed care, together with efforts to reform the healthcare delivery system 
in the United States and Europe, has resulted in increased pressure on healthcare providers and other participants in the 
healthcare industry to reduce costs.  Consolidation among healthcare providers has resulted in fewer, more powerful 
groups, whose purchasing power gives them cost containment leverage.  These competitive forces place constraints on the 
levels of overall pricing, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our profit margins for products we sell in clinical 
diagnostics markets.  To the extent that the healthcare industry seeks to address the need to contain costs by limiting the 
number of clinical tests being performed, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.  If these 
changes in the healthcare markets in the United States and Europe continue, we could be forced to alter our approach in 
selling, marketing, distributing and servicing our products.  

Our failure to improve our product offerings and develop and introduce new products may negatively 
impact our business. 

Our future success depends on our ability to continue to improve our product offerings and develop and introduce new 
product lines and extensions that integrate new technological advances.  If we are unable to integrate technological 
advances into our product offerings or to design, develop, manufacture and market new product lines and extensions 
successfully and in a timely manner, our operating results will be adversely affected.  We cannot assure you that our 
product and process development efforts will be successful or that new products we introduce will achieve market 
acceptance.  

If we experience a disruption of our information technology systems, or if we fail to 
successfully implement,  
manage and integrate our information technology and reporting systems, it could harm our 
business.  

Our information technology (IT) systems are an integral part of our business, and a serious disruption of our IT systems 
could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  We depend on our IT systems to process 
orders, manage inventory and collect accounts receivable.  Our IT systems also allow us to efficiently purchase products 
from our suppliers and ship products to our customers on a timely basis, maintain cost-effective operations and provide 
customer service.  We cannot assure you that our contingency plans will allow us to operate at our current level of 
efficiency.  

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our ability to implement our business plan in a rapidly evolving market requires effective planning, reporting and analytical 
processes.  We expect that we will need to continue to improve and further integrate our IT systems, reporting systems and 
operating procedures by training and educating our employees with respect to these improvements and integrations on an 
ongoing basis in order to effectively run our business.  If we fail to successfully manage and integrate our IT systems, 
reporting systems and operating procedures, it could adversely affect our business or operating results.  

Risks relating to intellectual property rights may negatively impact our business. 

We rely on a combination of copyright, trade secret, patent and trademark laws and third-party nondisclosure agreements to 
protect our intellectual property rights and products.  However, we cannot assure you that our intellectual property rights 
will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable, or that meaningful protection or adequate 
remedies will be available to us.  For instance, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our intellectual 
property, to reverse engineer or obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary, or to develop equivalent 
technologies independently.  Additionally, third parties may assert patent, copyright and other intellectual property rights to 
technologies that are important to us.  If we are unable to license or otherwise access protected technology used in our 
products, or if we lose our rights under any existing licenses, we could be prohibited from manufacturing and marketing 
such products.  We may find it necessary to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or to defend ourselves 
against claimed infringement of the rights of others through litigation, which could result in substantial costs to us and 
divert our resources.  We also could incur substantial costs to redesign our products, to defend any legal action taken 
against us or to pay damages to an infringed party.  The foregoing matters could adversely impact our business.  

W e are subject to substantial government regulation. 

Some of our products (primarily diagnostic products), production processes and marketing are subject to federal, state, local 
and foreign regulation, including the FDA and its foreign counterparts.  We are also subject to government regulation of the 
use and handling of a number of materials and controlled substances.  Failure to comply with present or future regulations 
could result in substantial liability to us, suspension or cessation of our operations, restrictions on our ability to expand at 
our present locations or require us to make significant capital expenditures or incur other significant expenses.  

We are currently subject to environmental regulations and enforcement proceedings. 

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations that govern such activities 
as transportation of goods, emissions to air and discharges to water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid, 
hazardous and medical wastes.  In addition to environmental laws that regulate our operations, we are also subject to 
environmental laws and regulations that create liability and clean-up responsibility for spills, disposals or other releases of 
hazardous substances into the environment as a result of our operations or otherwise impacting real property that we own or 
operate.  The environmental laws and regulations also subject us to claims by third parties for damages resulting from any 
spills, disposals or releases resulting from our operations or at any of our properties.  

We may in the future incur capital and operating costs to comply with currently existing laws and regulations, and possible 
new statutory enactments, and these expenditures may be significant.  We have incurred, and may in the future incur, fines 
related to environmental matters and liability for costs or damages related to spills or other releases of hazardous substances 
into the environment at sites where we have operated, or at off-site locations where we have sent hazardous substances for 
disposal.  We can provide no assurance, however, that such matters or any future obligations to comply with environmental 
laws and regulations will not have a material impact on our operations or financial condition. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss of key personnel could hurt our business. 

Our products and services are highly technical in nature.  In general, only highly qualified and trained scientists have the 
necessary skills to develop and market our products and provide our services.  In addition, some of our manufacturing 
positions are highly technical.  We face intense competition for these professionals from our competitors, customers, 
marketing partners and other companies throughout our industry.  We generally do not enter into employment agreements 
requiring these employees to continue in our employment for any period of time.  Any failure on our part to hire, train and 
retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel could substantially damage our business.  Additionally, if we were to lose 
a sufficient number of our research and development scientists and were unable to replace them or satisfy our needs for 
research and development through outsourcing, it could adversely affect our business.  

A significant majority of our voting stoc k is held by the Schwartz family, which could lead 
to conflicts of 
interest.  

We have two classes of voting stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.  With a few exceptions, holders 
of Class A and Class B Common Stock vote as a single class.  When voting as a single class, each share of Class A 
Common Stock is entitled to one-tenth of a vote, while each share of Class B Common Stock has one vote.  In the election 
or removal of directors, the classes vote separately and the holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to elect 25% of 
the Board of Directors, with holders of Class B Common Stock electing the remaining directors.  

As of February 16, 2010, the Schwartz family collectively held approximately 16% of our Class A Common Stock and 
90% of our Class B Common Stock.  As a result, the Schwartz family is able to elect a majority of the directors, effect 
fundamental changes in our direction and control matters affecting us, including the allocation of business opportunities 
that may be suitable for our company.  In addition, this concentration of ownership and voting power may have the effect of 
delaying or preventing a change in control of our company.  

The Schwartz family may exercise its control over us according to interests that are different from other investors’ or 
debtors’ interests. 

Our business could be adversely impacted if we have deficiencies in our disclosure controls 
and procedures 
or internal control over financial reporting. 

The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not 
prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations.  We cannot assure you that our disclosure controls and procedures 
over internal control of financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time.  
Deficiencies, particularly a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, which may occur in the future 
could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in our stock 
price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operation, financial condition or liquidity. 

Natural disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war may cause damage  or disruption to us and 
our employees,  
facilities, information systems, security systems, vendors and customers, which could 
significantly impact  
our net sales, costs and expenses, and financial condition.  

We have significant manufacturing and distribution facilities, particularly in the western United States, France and 
Switzerland.  In particular, the western United States has experienced a number of earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, 
landslides and other natural disasters in recent years.  The occurrences could damage or destroy our facilities which may 
result in interruptions to our business and losses that exceed our insurance coverage.  Terrorist attacks, such as those that 
occurred on September 11, 2001, have contributed to economic instability in the United States, and further acts of 
terrorism, bioterrorism, violence or war could affect the markets in which we operate, our business operations, our 
expectations and other forward-looking statements contained or incorporated in this document.  Any of these events could 
cause a decrease in our revenue, earnings and cash flows. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
We may incur losses in future periods due to write-downs in the value of financial instruments.  

We have positions in a variety of financial instruments including asset backed securities and other similar instruments. 
Financial markets are quite volatile and the markets for these securities can be illiquid.  The value of these securities will 
continue to be impacted by external market factors including default rates, changes in the value of the underlying property, 
such as residential or commercial real estate, rating agency actions, the prices at which observable market transactions 
occur and the financial strength of various entities, such as financial guarantors who provide insurance for the securities.  
Should we need to convert these positions to cash, we may not be able to sell these instruments without significant losses 
due to current debtor financial conditions or other market considerations. 

W e have substantial debt and have the ability to incur additional debt.  The principal and 
interest payment 
obligations of such debt may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet 
our obligations 
under our notes. 

As of December 31, 2009 we and our subsidiaries have approximately $742.6 million of outstanding indebtedness.  In 
addition, the indenture governing our notes permits us to incur additional debt provided we comply with the limitation on 
the incurrence of additional indebtedness and disqualified capital stock covenants contained in the indenture.  

The following chart shows certain important credit statistics. 

Total debt 
Stockholders’ equity 
Debt to equity ratio 

At December 31, 2009 
(in millions) 
$  
742.6   
$   1,279.2   
0.6   

The incurrence of substantial amounts of debt may have important consequences.  For instance, it could:  

•  make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to the notes; 
• 

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and 
principal due under our debt, including the notes, which will reduce funds available for other business  
purposes; 
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; 
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we  
operate; 

• 
• 

•  place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with some of our competitors that have less debt; and  
• 

limit our ability to obtain additional financing required to fund working capital and capital expenditures and 
for other general corporate purposes. 

Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt depends on our future operating performance and on 
economic, financial, competitive and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.  Our business may not generate 
sufficient cash flow, and future financings may not be available to provide sufficient net proceeds, to meet these obligations 
or to successfully execute our business strategy. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The indenture governing our notes and the terms of other debt instruments, including without limitation our credit facilities 
and other agreements we may enter in the future, contain or will contain covenants imposing significant restrictions on our 
business.  These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of 
potential business opportunities as they arise.  These covenants place restrictions on our ability to, among other things:  

incur additional debt; 

• 
•  acquire other businesses or assets through merger or purchase; 
•  create liens; 
•  make investments; 
•  enter into transactions with affiliates; 
• 
• 
•  declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to shareholders. 

sell assets; 
in the case of some of our subsidiaries, guarantee debt; and 

Our existing credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including a 
maximum consolidated leverage ratio test, minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio test and a minimum net worth test.  

Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, 
financial and industry conditions.  The breach of any of these restrictions could result in a default.  An event of default 
under our debt agreements would permit some of our lenders to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and 
payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  If we were unable to repay debt to our senior secured lenders, these 
lenders could proceed against the collateral securing that debt.  The collateral is substantially all of our personal property 
assets, the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries.  In addition, 
acceleration of our other indebtedness may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on our notes and repay the 
principal amount of the notes or may cause the future subsidiary guarantors, if any, to be unable to make payments under 
the guarantees.  

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 
None. 

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES 

We own our corporate headquarters located in Hercules, California.  The principal manufacturing and research locations for 
each segment are as follows: 

Segment 

Location 

Life Science  

Clinical  
Diagnostics 

Richmond, California 
Hercules, California 
Riom, France 
Singapore 

Hercules, California 
Benicia, California 
Irvine, California 
Greater Seattle area, Washington 
Plano, Texas 
Lille, France 
Greater Paris area, France 
Nazareth-Eke, Belgium 
Cressier, Switzerland 

12 

Owned/Leased 

Owned/Leased 
Owned/Leased 
Owned/Leased 
Leased 

Owned/Leased 
Leased 
Leased 
Owned/Leased 
Leased 
Owned 
Leased 
Leased 
Owned/Leased 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Most manufacturing and research facilities also house administration, sales and distribution activities.  In addition, we lease 
office and warehouse facilities in a variety of locations around the world.  The facilities are used principally for sales, 
service, distribution and administration for both segments. 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

We are party to various claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business, including 
intellectual property matters. We do not believe, at this time, that any ultimate liability resulting from any of these matters 
will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.  However, we cannot give 
any assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits and their resolution could be material to our operating 
results for any particular period, depending upon the level of income for the period. 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS  

There were no matters submitted to a vote of Bio-Rad’s security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered 
by this report. 

PART II.   

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER  
  MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  

Information Concerning Common Stock  

Bio-Rad’s Class A and Class B Common Stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbols BIO and 
BIO.B, respectively.  The following sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices for our Class A and 
Class B Common Stock.  

Class A 

Class B 

High 

Low 

High 

Low 

2009 
Fourth Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Second Quarter 
First Quarter 

2008 
Fourth Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Second Quarter 
First Quarter 

 $ 100.46  $  88.88   $  100.00 
94.98 
80.20 
74.25 

  69.40    
  65.99    
  53.10    

95.24 
79.76 
74.47 

 $  88.69 
   69.34 
   66.25 
   53.89 

 $  99.26   $  61.52   $  97.00   $ 62.14 
   108.10     78.12     108.09     78.05 
92.00     78.75 
   100.65     84.81     100.78     85.49 

92.27     78.08    

On February 16, 2010, we had 375 holders of record of Class A Common Stock and 166 holders of record of Class B 
Common Stock.  Bio-Rad has never paid a cash dividend and has no present plans to pay cash dividends.  

See Item 12 for the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and for securities authorized for 
issuance under equity compensation plans. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Performance Graph 

The following graph compares the cumulative stockholder returns over the past five years for our Class A Common Stock, 
the S&P 400 MidCap Index and a selected peer group, assuming $100 invested on December 31, 2004, and reinvestment of 
dividends if paid: 

S
R
A
L
L
O
D

200

150

100

50

0

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Bio-Rad

Peer Group(1)

S&P MidCap 400

(1)  The Peer Group consists of the following public companies: Beckman Coulter, Becton Dickinson, Thermo Fisher 
Scientific, Meridian Bioscience, Millipore, PerkinElmer and Life Technologies.  Companies in our peer group reflect our 
participation in two different markets: life science research products and clinical diagnostics. No single public or private 
company has a comparable mix of products which serve the same markets. In many cases, only one division of a peer group 
company competes in the same market as we do. Collectively, however, our peer group reflects products and markets 
similar to those of Bio-Rad. 

This stock performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by 
reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under these 
Acts. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Selected Financial Data  
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Net sales 

  Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

  Selling, general and administrative expense  

  Product research and development expense  

  Purchased in-process research and development expense 

  Impairment losses on goodwill and long-lived assets 

  Interest expense 

  Foreign exchange (gains) losses  
  Other (income) expense, net (1) 

Income from continuing operations before taxes and  

  noncontrolling interests 

Provision for income taxes 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 

Income from continuing operations 

Discontinued operations: 

  Gain on divestiture (net of tax) 

Total income from discontinued operations 

Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Basic earnings per share:  

  Continuing operations  

  Discontinued operations 

  Basic earnings per share  

Diluted earnings per share:  

  Continuing operations  

  Discontinued operations 

  Diluted earnings per share  

2009 

2008 

Year Ended December 31, 
2007  (2) 

2006 

2005 

  $  1,784,244  

    $  1,764,365  

  $  1,461,052  

   $  1,273,930  

$1,180,985  

784,401  

801,843  

669,690  

561,394  

534,499  

999,843  

601,468  

163,585  

--  

3,802  

47,024  

5,003  

(6,871) 

185,832  

(36,667) 

(4,545) 

144,620  

962,522  

591,304  

159,518  

--  

28,757  

32,113  

7,634  

353  

142,843  

(44,579) 

(8,754) 

791,362  

507,978  

140,535  

7,656  

--  

31,606  

2,576  

(19,832) 

120,843  

(26,548) 

(1,301) 

712,536  

438,949  

123,376  

4,100  

--  

32,022  

1,053  

(28,991) 

142,027  

(38,764) 

--  

646,486  

416,084  

115,104  

--  

19,770  

32,643  

(1,528) 

(28,958) 

93,371  

(15,792) 

--  

89,510  

92,994  

103,263  

77,579  

-- 

-- 

--  

--  

--  

--  

--  

--  

3,974  

3,974  

  $ 

144,620 

    $ 

89,510  

    $ 

92,994  

    $ 

103,263  

$81,553  

  $ 

5.28 

    $ 

3.30  

    $ 

3.48  

    $ 

-- 

--  

--  

  $ 

5.28 

    $ 

3.30  

    $ 

3.48  

    $ 

  $ 

5.20 

    $ 

3.24  

    $ 

3.41  

    $ 

-- 

--  

--  

  $ 

5.20 

    $ 

3.24  

    $ 

3.41  

    $ 

3.92  

--  

3.92  

3.83  

--  

3.83  

--  

$2.98  

0.15  

$3.13  

$2.91  

0.15  

$3.06  

--  

Cash dividends paid per common share 

-- 

--  

--  

Total assets 

  $  2,535,853 

    $  2,037,264  

    $  1,971,594  

    $  1,596,168  

$1,426,582  

Long-term debt, net of current maturities 

  $ 

737,919 

    $ 

445,979  

    $ 

441,805  

    $ 

425,625  

$425,687  

(1) 

(2) 

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for components of Other (income) expense, net.  Included in 2005 is interest and investment income of $16.7 million, 

gains on sales of investments of $11.2 million and litigation expense of $1.2 million.  Included in 2006 is interest and investment income of $22.2 million, and gains on sales 

of investments of $4.7 million.  

Included in 2007 are the fourth quarter operating results of an acquisition.  See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
 
 
 
     
     
    
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
   
     
    
     
 
 
 
    
     
    
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
    
    
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS 

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our consolidated financial 
statements and the accompanying notes which are an integral part of the statements. 

Other than statements of historical fact, statements made in this Annual Report include forward-looking 
statements, such as statements with respect to our future financial performance, operating results, plans and 
objectives that involve risk and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use 
of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” or 
similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions.  Such statements involve risks and 
uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the 
forward-looking statements.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and 
projections about future events.  However, actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated 
depending on a variety of risk factors including among other things: changes in general domestic and worldwide 
economic conditions; our ability to successfully develop and market new products; our reliance on and access to 
necessary intellectual property; our ability to successfully integrate any acquired business; our substantial 
leverage and ability to service our debt; competition in and government regulation of the industries in which we 
operate; and the monetary policies of various countries.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-
looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no 
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, 
future events, or otherwise except as required by Federal Securities law. 

Overview.  We are a multinational manufacturer and worldwide distributor of our own life science research and 
clinical diagnostics products.  Our business is organized into two primary segments, Life Science and Clinical 
Diagnostics, with the mission to provide scientists with specialized tools needed for biological research and 
clinical diagnostics.  We sell more than 8,000 products and services to a diverse client base comprised of 
scientific research, healthcare, education and government customers worldwide.  We manufacture and supply 
our customers with a range of reagents, apparatus and equipment to separate complex chemical and biological 
materials and to identify, analyze and purify components.  Because our customers require standardization for 
their experiments and test results, much of our revenues are recurring.  Approximately 32% of our 2009 
consolidated net sales are from the United States and approximately 68% are from international locations.  The 
international sales are largely denominated in local currencies such as Euros, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen and 
British Sterling.  As a result, our consolidated net sales expressed in dollars benefit when the U.S. dollar 
weakens and suffer when the U.S. dollar strengthens. When the U.S. dollar strengthens, we benefit from lower 
cost of sales from our own international manufacturing sites as well as non-U.S. suppliers and from lower 
international operating expenses. 

The market for reagents and apparatus remains good while growth rates have slowed due to both public and 
private grant funding being more measured.  The market for large capital equipment has slowed, as many 
pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers delayed or reduced their capital spending.  Bio-Rad is generally 
less impacted by trends in capital spending as lower priced reagents and apparatus comprise more than 70% of 
product sales. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
The following shows gross profit and expense items as a percentage of net sales: 

Net sales 
  Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expense 
Product research and development expense, excluding 
  purchased in-process research and development  
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 
100.0 
45.4 
54.6 
33.5 

2009 
100.0 
44.0 
56.0 
33.7 

2007 
100.0 
45.8 
54.2 
34.8 

9.2 
8.1 

9.0 
5.1 

9.6 
6.4 

We intend that the discussions of critical accounting policies and estimates and recent accounting 
pronouncements that follow will assist you in understanding how such principles, estimates and accounting 
pronouncements affect our financial condition and results of operations as well as significant factors that caused 
changes in our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon 
our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles (GAAP).  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and 
contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during 
the reporting periods.  We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis.  We base our estimates on historical 
experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of 
which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily 
apparent from other sources.  However, future events may cause us to change our assumptions and estimates, 
which may require adjustment.  Actual results could differ from these estimates. We have determined that for 
the periods reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K the following accounting policies and estimates are 
critical in understanding our financial condition and results of operations. 

Accounting for Income Taxes.  As part of the process of preparing consolidated financial statements, 
management is required to make estimates related to our income tax provision in each of the jurisdictions in 
which we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax exposure together with assessing temporary 
differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes.  These differences result 
in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Management 
then assesses the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the 
extent management believes that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established.  To the extent 
management establishes a valuation allowance or increases this allowance in a period, an increase to expense 
within the Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income may result. 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position 
will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax 
benefits recognized in the financial statements on a particular tax position are measured based on the largest 
benefit that has a greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.  The amount of unrecognized 
tax benefits is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to 
existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a 
tax examination, or resolution of an examination. We recognize both accrued interest and penalties, where 
appropriate, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets 
and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded in connection with the deferred tax assets.  We have 
recorded a valuation allowance of $37.9 million and $40.7 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of the deferred tax assets, primarily 
consisting of certain foreign net operating losses carried forward.  The valuation allowance is based on 
management’s current estimates of taxable income for the jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over 
which the deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or 
these estimates are adjusted in future periods, an additional valuation allowance may need to be established 
which would increase the tax provision, lowering income and impacting our financial position.  Should 
realization of these previously reserved deferred tax assets occur, the provision for income taxes may decrease, 
raising income and positively impacting Bio-Rad’s financial position. 

Valuation of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets.  Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of 
net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill amounts are assigned to 
reporting units at the time of acquisition and are adjusted for subsequent significant transfers of business 
between reporting units.  We assess the impairment of goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  We perform the 
impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our reporting segments.  The 
goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to 
identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including 
goodwill.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is 
considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is not required.  The second step, if 
required, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that 
goodwill.  The fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including 
any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the 
fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the 
reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal 
to that excess. 

We use projected discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit.  The discounted 
cash value projected for goodwill may be different from the fair value that would result from an actual 
transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller.  Projections such as discounted cash flow models are 
inherently uncertain and accordingly, actual future cash flows may differ materially from projected cash flows.  
Management judgment is required in developing the assumptions for the discounted cash flow model.  These 
assumptions include revenue growth rates, profit margins, future capital expenditures, working capital needs, 
expected foreign currency rates, discount rates and terminal values.  We estimate future cash flows using current 
and long-term high level strategic financial forecasts.  These forecasts take into account the current economic 
environment.  The discount rates used are compiled using independent sources, current trends in similar 
businesses and other observable market data.  Changes to these rates might result in material changes in the 
valuation and determination of the recoverability of goodwill.  For example, an increase in the discount rate 
used to discount cash flows will decrease the computed fair value.  In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair 
value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, we apply a 10% decrease to the fair value of each reporting 
unit. 

To validate the reasonableness of the reporting unit fair values, we reconcile the aggregate fair values of the 
reporting units to the enterprise market capitalization including an implied control premium.  In performing the 
reconciliation we may, depending on the volatility of the market value of our stock price, use either the stock 
price on the valuation date or the average stock price over a range of dates around the valuation date.  We 
compare the implied control premium to premiums paid in observable recent transactions of comparable 
companies to determine if the fair values of the reporting units are reasonable. 

18 

 
 
 
 
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets are grouped 
with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of 
the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets (including 
identifiable intangibles) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not 
be recoverable.  Factors that we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results; 
significant changes in the manner of use of the long-lived assets, intangible assets or the strategy 
for our overall business; 
a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise 
disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life; and 
significant negative industry, legal, regulatory or economic trends. 

When management determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon 
the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we test for any impairment based on a 
projected undiscounted cash flow method.  Projected future operating results and cash flows of the asset or asset 
group are used to establish the fair value used in evaluating the carrying value of long-lived and intangible 
assets.  We estimate the future cash flows of the long-lived assets using current and long-term financial 
forecasts.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted 
cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If this is the case, an 
impairment loss would be recognized.  The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying 
amount exceeds the fair value. 

In 2009 and 2008, our reviews indicated impairment charges of $3.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, 
related to the developed technology intangible assets of certain product lines that were acquired in 2006.  Also 
in 2008, our review indicated an impairment charge of $27.2 million related to goodwill from a 1999 
acquisition.  The goodwill impairment was caused primarily by the continuing decline in the BSE (bovine 
spongiform encephalopathy) product line.  There were no impairment losses recorded in 2007. 

Valuation of Inventories.   We value inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase and/or manufacture the 
inventory, or the current estimated realizable value of the inventory.  We review inventory quantities on hand 
and reduce the cost basis of excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on an estimated forecast of product 
demand, production requirements and the quality, efficacy and potency of raw materials.  This review is done on 
a quarterly basis or, if warranted by the circumstances, more frequently.  In addition, our industry is 
characterized by technological change, frequent new product development and product obsolescence that could 
result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand.  Our estimates of future product 
demand may prove to be inaccurate, and if too high, we may have overstated the carrying value of our 
inventory. In the future, if inventory is determined to be overvalued, we would be required to write down the 
value of inventory to market and recognize such costs in our cost of goods sold at the time of such 
determination.  Therefore, although we make efforts to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product 
demand and perform procedures to safeguard overall inventory quality, any significant unanticipated changes in 
demand, technological developments, regulations, storage conditions or other environment factors affecting 
biological materials, could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and reported results of 
operations. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
Valuation of Investments.  We regularly review our investments for factors that may indicate that a decline in 
the fair value of an investment below its carrying value is other-than-temporary.  Some factors considered in 
evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include our ability and intent to retain 
the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value, the duration and extent to which 
the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer.  Such reviews are 
inherently uncertain in that the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline further in future 
periods resulting in realized losses. 

Warranty Reserves.   We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, 
generally for a period of one year.  Upon delivery and on acceptance of that equipment, we establish, as part of 
cost of goods sold, a provision for the expected costs of such warranty repairs based on historical experience, 
specific warranty terms and customer feedback.   A review is performed on a quarterly basis to assess the 
adequacy of our warranty reserve and it is adjusted if necessary.  The warranty reserve is based on actual 
experience and expected future costs to be incurred.  Should realized costs be higher than expected costs, cost of 
goods sold would be lower in the period of estimation and higher when realized. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.   We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses 
resulting from the collectibility of our customer accounts.  The amount of the allowance is determined by 
analyzing known uncollectible accounts, the age of our receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ 
country or industry, historical losses and our customers’ general credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined 
and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this allowance.  Uncertainty in 
the current economic environment, if prolonged, could result in greater amounts becoming uncollectible in the 
future.  Should the estimates of losses be higher than the actual uncollectible accounts, we would report lower 
profitability when the estimates are made and higher profitability when the receivable is collected. 

Litigation Accruals.   We record as liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets estimated amounts for claims 
that are probable and can be reasonably estimated.  The likelihood of a material change in these estimated 
reserves is dependent on the possible outcome of settlement negotiations, regulatory or judicial review and the 
development of facts and circumstances in extended litigation which could change claims or assessments when 
both the amount and range of loss on some outstanding litigation is uncertain.  We disclose in the footnotes of 
the financial statements when we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of a material liability that could 
result from unfavorable outcomes in litigation.  As events occur, we will assess the potential liability related to 
our pending litigation and revise our estimates. Such revisions could materially impact our results of operations. 

Corporate Results -- Sales, Gross Margins and Expenses 

Our net sales increased by 1.1% in 2009 to $1,784.2 million as compared to 2008.  Excluding the impact of 
foreign currency, 2009 sales increased by approximately 5.5% compared to 2008.  Currency neutral sales 
growth was generated primarily in the regions of Asia Pacific, the United States and developing or emerging 
markets of Eastern Europe and Latin America.  Also contributing to sales growth are DiaMed Holding AG 
(DiaMed) distributors acquired in late 2008 and early 2009. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Life Science segment sales decreased 1.9% in 2009 as compared to 2008 or a 0.8% increase on a currency 
neutral basis.  The decline in sales of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) products continued in 2009, as 
both product prices eroded and government-mandated tests declined.  Excluding the impact of the BSE product 
line, the Life Science segment grew by 1.3% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  Product groups showing growth 
include real-time PCR instruments and reagents, the ProteOnTM protein interaction analysis system and the 
Biotechnology ExplorerTM program.  Sales growth in the Life Science segment was primarily in Asia Pacific, 
Latin America and the U.S., while European sales represented the majority of declining sales. 

The Clinical Diagnostics segment achieved sales growth of 3.0% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  Excluding the 
impact of foreign currency, sales increased 8.5% compared to 2008.  Most Clinical Diagnostics major products 
showed sales growth, such as in BioPlex 2200 systems, quality controls and blood virus products.  There was a 
decline in sales of contract manufacturing as some of these contracts were not renewed.  On a regional basis, 
currency neutral sales growth was primarily provided by Asia Pacific, the United States and emerging markets 
including Latin America, partially offset by sales declines in Europe. 

Our net sales increased by 20.8% in 2008 to $1,764.4 million as compared to 2007.  This included sales related 
to the fourth quarter 2007 acquisition of DiaMed.  The 2008 impact of foreign exchange translation contributed 
to sales growth by approximately three percent.  The incremental sales from the additional nine months in 2008 
attributable to DiaMed accounted for approximately 13% of the annual growth.  

The Life Science segment achieved sales growth of 4.6% in 2008 as compared to 2007 aided by the impact of 
foreign exchange translation of 3.2%.  Excluding the decline of the BSE product line, this segment grew by 
6.6%.  Increased sales were the result of growth in PCR chemicals and instruments, the Bio-Plex suspension 
array system and protean instruments.  Sales in the United States, emerging markets and Asia Pacific were the 
drivers of sales growth. 

The Clinical Diagnostics segment achieved sales growth of 33.0% in 2008 as compared to 2007, which includes 
sales growth from our acquisition of DiaMed.  The incremental sales from the additional nine months of 
DiaMed operations provided 22.8% of our Clinical Diagnostics sales growth.  The impact of foreign exchange 
on Clinical Diagnostics segment sales growth added approximately 2.9% to total segment sales.  The Clinical 
Diagnostics segment experienced growth across a wide range of its product offerings with the BioPlex 2200 
system, quality controls and clinical microbiology having the strongest growth.  Geographically, the drivers of 
sales growth, excluding the DiaMed acquisition, were in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific. 

Consolidated gross margins were 56.0% for 2009 compared to 54.6% for 2008.  Life Science segment gross 
margins improved in 2009 compared to 2008 by 0.1%.  The improvement was the result of better manufacturing 
overhead absorption from a reduction in costs, the move of new products to more cost efficient off-shore 
manufacturing, and sales mix favoring higher margin reagents rather than instruments with typically lower 
margin.  Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins improved by approximately 2.2% in 2009 compared to 
2008.  Improvements included lower royalty payments paid to licensors as a result of the expiration of patents in 
blood virus and immunohematology products, increased margin from the acquisition of DiaMed distributors and 
the reduction of the impact of DiaMed pre-acquisition inventory subject to purchase accounting rules.  
Additionally the BioPlex 2200 margins have improved from greater placements and higher test volume. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The 2008 consolidated gross margin of 54.6% represented an increase of 0.4% from 2007.  Life Science 
segment gross margins increased by 2.0% to 54.1% as a result of decreasing factory costs in some overhead 
areas, improved production planning, reduced quality defects and improved sales mix. The Clinical Diagnostics 
segment gross margins decreased by 0.8% in 2008 as compared to 2007 as a result of including an additional 
nine months of DiaMed operations.  The DiaMed gross margins included the amortization of manufacturing 
related purchased intangibles and the effect of higher inventory values on work-in-process inventory in 
compliance with purchase accounting requirements. 

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) represented 33.7% of net sales for 2009 
compared to 33.5% of net sales in 2008.  Growth in absolute SG&A spending was proportional to sales.  The 
Clinical Diagnostics segment grew SG&A at a slightly lower rate than the growth in its sales, while the Life 
Science segment’s reduced rate of spending in SG&A was larger than the decline in its sales.  Absolute dollar 
increases in SG&A were primarily in employee-related expenses and purchased intangibles amortization, 
partially offset by lower travel costs and professional services. 

Consolidated SG&A for 2008 was 33.5% of net sales compared to 34.8% in 2007.  The decline from 2007 was 
mainly attributable to the inclusion of DiaMed, which had an overall lower percentage of SG&A relative to its 
net sales.  Growth in absolute SG&A spending was proportional to sales with Life Science segment’s SG&A 
growing faster than sales growth, while the Clinical Diagnostics segment grew at a slightly lower rate, excluding 
the impact of DiaMed.  Approximately half of the increase in SG&A was related to personnel costs including 
compensation and travel.  The remaining increases were attributable to agent commissions, technology 
infrastructure cost, professional services and provision for bad debts. 

Product research and development expense was $163.6 million in 2009, or 9.2% of sales, compared to 9.0% of 
sales in 2008.  Life Science segment development efforts are directed towards genomics, proteomics and 
process chromatography applications.  Clinical Diagnostics segment development efforts are focused on 
expanded tests for the BioPlex 2200 testing platform, as well as other enhancements to existing automation and 
reagents used for immunohematology, clinical microbiology and blood virus diagnostic tests and additional 
quality control products.  In absolute dollars, the increase was in the Clinical Diagnostic segment, partially 
offset by a decrease in the Life Science segment. 

Product research and development expense in 2008 declined to 9.0% of net sales as compared to 9.6% of net 
sales in 2007.  Areas of development for the Life Science segment were amplification, proteomics, protein 
function, food safety and process chromatography.  Clinical Diagnostics segment research and development 
were focused on additional assays for the BioPlex 2200 testing platform as well as investments in automation 
for the DiaMed line of blood typing instruments and reagents, product line extensions in diabetes, infectious 
disease, quality control and software offerings.  In absolute dollars, the increase in R&D was almost exclusively 
in the Clinical Diagnostics segment. 

Corporate Results – Non-operating  

Interest expense in 2009 increased 46.4% to $47.0 million when compared to 2008.  An additional $300 million 
of 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes were issued in May 2009, increasing our indebtedness to $742.6 million at 
December 31, 2009 and increasing our interest expense.  Our additional principal debt obligations are the 2003 
and 2004 Senior Subordinated Notes totaling $425.0 million, which carry fixed rates of interest of 7.5% and 
6.125%, and are not due until August 2013 and December 2014, respectively. 

Interest expense increased by $0.5 million in 2008 as compared to 2007.  The increase reflected higher average 
borrowings on local lines of credit and increased interest on capital leases. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange gains and losses consist of foreign currency transaction gains and losses on 
intercompany net receivables and payables and the change in fair value of our forward foreign exchange 
contracts used to manage our foreign currency exchange risk.  Foreign currency exchange losses for 2009, 2008 
and 2007 were $5.0 million, $7.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  The 2009 exchange loss was 
attributable to greater market volatility, higher costs to hedge, and the result of the estimating process inherent in 
the timing of shipments and payments of intercompany debt.  The 2008 loss reflected a number of unhedged 
European based intercompany loans denominated in Euros, British Sterling and Swiss Francs, which arose as 
part of our acquisitions in December 2008.  The significant volatility in December 2008 resulted in an 
approximate $3 million non-cash loss on these accounts.  Additionally, we recorded a 2008 loss of $1.6 million 
on unhedged intercompany payables for our Brazilian subsidiaries, which we have not historically hedged due to 
the high cost.  All years are affected by the economic hedging program we employ to hedge our intercompany 
receivables and payables. 

Other income and expense, net for 2009 includes investment and dividend income; generally interest income on 
our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long term marketable securities.  Other income, net in 
2009 was $6.9 million compared to other expense, net of $0.4 million in 2008.  The 2009 other income, net 
included a relief of $4.6 million for a foreign non-income based tax obligation, higher interest and dividend 
income, and lower charges for impairment on investments compared to 2008.  We would also include in this 
category any gains or losses associated with the sale or disposal of surplus manufacturing equipment or other 
productive assets. 

Other expense, net of $0.4 million for 2008 was comprised of interest and investment income of $10.6 million 
on cash and short-term investments.  During 2008 we impaired $9.6 million of marketable equity securities, 
marketable fixed income securities and long-term investments.  In each case, the market value of these securities 
had declined so significantly at December 31, 2008 that their recovery in the foreseeable future could not be 
anticipated.  Other income, net of $19.8 million for 2007 was principally comprised of $21.5 million of 
investment income for interest on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, only partially offset by 
impairment on investments. 

Bio-Rad’s consolidated effective tax rate was 20%, 31% and 22% in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Our 
effective tax rate decreased by approximately 11 percentage points during 2009 as compared to 2008.  The 
decrease was primarily related to the completion in the fourth quarter of 2009 of a U.S. income tax examination 
covering the years 2001 through 2005, favorable tax rates associated with higher earnings from operations in 
lower-tax jurisdictions throughout the world and a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits due to 
lapses of statutes.   

The 2009, 2008 and 2007 effective tax rates reflected tax rate benefits of 4%, 4% and 5%, respectively, for non-
taxable dividend income, and 7%, 9% and 8%, respectively, for tax credits.  The 2009, 2008 and 2007 effective 
tax rates also reflected benefits in the difference between U.S. and foreign taxes of 7%, 4% and 2%, 
respectively. The 2008 tax rate reflected a rate detriment of 7% with respect to goodwill impairments.  The 2007 
tax rate reflected a rate benefit of 3% for the removal of a valuation allowance related to Canadian deferred tax 
assets. 

Our effective tax rate may be impacted in the future, either favorably or unfavorably, by many factors including 
but not limited to statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws or regulations, tax audits and settlements, and 
generation of tax credits. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Bio-Rad operates and conducts business globally, primarily through subsidiary companies established in the 
markets in which we trade.  Goods are manufactured in a small number of locations, and are then shipped to 
local distribution facilities around the globe.  Our product mix is diversified, and certain products compete 
largely on product efficacy, while others compete on price.  Gross margins are generally sufficient to exceed 
normal operating costs.  Funding for research and development of new products as well as routine outflows of 
capital expenditure and tax expense are covered by cash flow from operations.  Our cash flow from operations is 
also sufficient to make interest payments.  In addition to the annual positive cash flow from operating activities, 
additional liquidity is readily available via the sale of short-term investments. 

The continuing financial and economic developments may adversely affect our future results of operations.  
Demand for our products and services could change more dramatically than in previous years based on activity 
and support levels from government, universities, hospitals and private industry including diagnostic 
laboratories.  A slowdown in the global economy including the United States has caused many governments to 
announce stimulus packages that often promote support for healthcare and research.  These efforts, should they 
materialize, could offset other declines to our business.  To date we are unable to conclude how dramatically the 
global economic recession or stimulus activity will impact us. 

At December 31, 2009, we had available $744.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.  
Under domestic and international lines of credit, we had $257.0 million available for borrowing as of December 
31, 2009, of which $8.2 million is reserved for standby letters of credit issued by our banks to guarantee our 
obligations to various companies.  Included in the lines of credit is the $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, 
which terminates on June 21, 2010, unless it is renewed.  Management believes that this availability, together 
with cash flow from operations, will be adequate to meet our current objectives for operations, research and 
development, capital additions for manufacturing and distribution, plant and equipment, information technology 
systems and future acquisitions. 

The deteriorated condition in credit markets along with the financial service industry experiencing upheavals 
characterized by bankruptcy, foreclosures, collapse and government intervention could impact both our ability 
and our customer’s ability to access the necessary capital for acquisition, equipment and technology 
modernization, and the financing of inventory and receivables.  Without this crucial intermediary function, 
manufacturers and end users may have to renegotiate existing arrangements for sharing additional costs, 
reducing activity levels or seeking other business partners. 

Cash Flow from Operations 

Net cash provided by operations was $325.1 million, $191.4 million and $191.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, 
respectively.  The net change between 2009 and 2008 of $133.7 million represented a $121.9 million 
improvement in the net change in cash received from customers and cash paid to suppliers.  The largest item that 
contributed to the increase in cash flows was primarily due to a decrease in inventory levels, which provided 
approximately $36 million of cash inflows in 2009.  The expiration of some patents and slower payment patterns 
reduced royalty payments.  Moderation in the growth of headcount and the reduction in other SG&A costs all 
contributed to an improved cash flow.  Additionally, we experienced a reduction in taxes paid of $11.4 million. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The small net change between 2008 and 2007 was the result of an increase in net cash collections reduced by 
supplier and employee payments, offset by income tax payments and lower investment income and other 
miscellaneous operating receipts.  During 2008, the increase in inventory compared to 2007 was concentrated in 
the Life Science segment and the quality control product line of the Clinical Diagnostics segment.  Quality 
control products are characterized by long lead times.  Life Science segment inventories grew to meet 
anticipated sales that were delayed or cancelled as economic activities declined in the fourth quarter of 2008. 

We regularly review the allowance for uncollectible receivables and believe net accounts receivable are fully 
realizable.  We also routinely review inventory for the impact of obsolescence and changes in market prices 
caused by the introduction of new products, technologies and in government reimbursement policies.  We 
expect the first quarter of 2010 cash flows from operations to be lower as Bio-Rad historically makes larger 
payments for royalties, fourth quarter sales commissions to third parties and employee annual bonuses during 
this period. 

Cash Flow from Investing Activities 

Net cash used in investing activities, including capital expenditures was $176.0 million, $146.1 million and 
$254.4 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In 2007, we acquired 85.96% of the outstanding shares of 
DiaMed Holding AG (“DiaMed”) and in 2008 and 2009 we paid cash for the acquisition of additional DiaMed 
noncontrolling shares and two distributors that brought our ownership of DiaMed to 99.7%.  The acquisition of 
the noncontrolling shares was accounted for as an equity transaction.  Although we own 99.7% of DiaMed, there 
are still outstanding noncontrolling interests in certain subsidiaries acquired as part of the DiaMed acquisition. 

Capital expenditures in 2009 totaled $66.8 million, compared to $84.8 million and $60.6 million in 2008 and 
2007, respectively.  Capital expenditures represent the addition and replacement of production machinery and 
research equipment, ongoing manufacturing and facility additions for expansions, regulatory and environmental 
compliance, and leasehold improvements.  Also included in capital expenditures were investments in business 
systems and data communication upgrades and enhancements.  All periods included equipment placed with 
Clinical Diagnostics segment customers who then contract to purchase our reagents for use. 

Subsequent to year-end, on January 6, 2010, Bio-Rad acquired certain diagnostic businesses of Biotest AG for 
45 million Euros (approximately $65.4 million) in cash.  Integrating the acquired portion of Biotest's diagnostic 
businesses into Bio-Rad's product portfolio is expected to broaden its offering in the area of immunohematology 
and provide Bio-Rad access to the U.S. markets with a range of products. 

We continue to review other possible acquisitions to expand both our Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics 
segments.  We routinely meet with the principals or brokers of the subject companies.  We are evaluating 
additional acquisitions on a preliminary basis.  It is not certain that any of these transactions will advance 
beyond the preliminary stages or be completed. 

Cash Flow from Financing Activities 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $293.9 million and $6.3 million in 2009 and 2008, and net cash 
used in financing activities was $7.5 million in 2007.  Net cash provided by financing activities in 2009 was 
primarily due to Bio-Rad issuing $300.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated 8% Notes in May 
2009, which yielded net proceeds of $294.8 million at an effective rate of 8.3%.  The net proceeds have been 
and will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions.   

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2008 principally reflected cash flow for the exercise of stock 
options and receipts from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan transactions, partially offset by payments on long-
term debt that represented the reduction of acquired DiaMed debt.  Net cash used in financing activities in 2007 
principally reflected payments on long-term debt that represented the reduction of acquired DiaMed debt, 
partially offset by the cash flow for the exercise of stock options and receipts from the Employee Stock Purchase 
Plan transactions. 

Our $200.0 million revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of our personal property assets, the 
assets of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries.  It is guaranteed 
by all of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries and expires in June 2010. 

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $18 million of Bio-Rad’s common stock over an 
indefinite period of time of which $3.3 million is remaining.  Our credit agreements restrict our ability to 
repurchase our stock.  There were no share repurchases made during 2009, 2008 or 2007. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had or are reasonably likely to have a current or 
future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  

Contractual Obligations 

The following summarizes certain of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 and the effect such 
obligations are expected to have on our cash flows in future periods (in millions): 

Payments Due by Period 

Contractual Obligations 
Long-term debt, including current portion (1) 
Interest payments 
Operating lease obligations (2) 
Purchase obligations (3) 
Long-term liabilities (4) 

1-3 

Less 
Than 
Total  One Year  Years 
$ 
7.9 
  106.3 
42.8 
1.5 
11.7 

 $ 742.6    $  4.7 
   286.1      53.1 
   106.3      31.6 
40.7      39.2 
-- 
35.8     

3-5 
Years 
  $ 425.1 
83.8 
15.1 
-- 
2.3 

More 
than 
5 Years 
  $  304.9 
42.9 
16.8 
-- 
21.8 

(1) 

These amounts represent expected cash payments, include capital lease obligations and are included in our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information 
about our debt. 

(2)  Operating lease obligations are described in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(3) 

(4) 

Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding 
to Bio-Rad and that specify all significant terms.  Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable 
without penalty. 

Excluded from this table is our liability for income tax payable, including uncertain tax positions, 
in the amount of $20.0 million.  We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows of these 
tax liabilities, therefore, our income tax obligations are excluded from the table above.  See Note 6 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recent Financial Accounting Standards 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a standard to improve disclosures 
about fair value measurements.  Specifically, the standard requires entities to disclose the amounts of significant 
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers; the reasons 
for any transfers in or out of Level 3; and information in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements 
about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis.  The standard will be effective for our interim 
period ending March 31, 2010, except for the requirement to disclose information about purchases, sales, 
issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements on a gross basis.  Those 
disclosures will be effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2011.  This standard will not effect our 
consolidated financial statements as it is for disclosure purposes only. 

In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance in regard to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, and 
guidance in regard to certain arrangements that include software elements.  The guidance in regard to multiple-
deliverable revenue arrangements requires entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling 
prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy.  The guidance eliminates the 
residual method of revenue allocation and requires revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price 
method.  The guidance in regard to certain arrangements that include software elements removes tangible 
products from the scope of software revenue guidance and provides guidance on determining whether software 
deliverables in an arrangement that includes a tangible product are covered by the scope of the software revenue 
guidance.  The two new issuances should be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered 
into or materially modified and will be effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2011, with early 
adoption permitted.  We do not expect to adopt early and the effect of adopting these two new issuances is under 
review by management. 

In June 2009, the FASB established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB Codification) as the 
source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  The 
FASB Codification explicitly recognizes rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws as sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC 
registrants.  The FASB Codification became effective for our interim period ended September 30, 2009 and the 
adoption of the FASB Codification did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2009, we adopted general standards of accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events that occur 
after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  The adoption 
of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

On January 1, 2009, we adopted enhanced disclosures regarding fair value measurements for nonfinancial assets 
and liabilities that are measured or recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  In addition in April 2009, 
we adopted the following new general standards intended to provide additional application guidance and 
enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and impairments of securities. 

A new general standard in regard to determining fair value when the volume and level of activity 
for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not 
orderly, provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of 
activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased.  The general standard also provides 
guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  The effect of this 
new general standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A new general standard in regard to interim disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, 
requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim reporting periods of 
publicly traded companies that were previously only required to be disclosed in annual financial 
statements.  As this general standard amends only the disclosure requirements about fair value of 
financial instruments in interim periods, the adoption of this general standard did not affect our 
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 

A new general standard in regard to recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary 
impairments, amends current other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities to 
make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-
temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This general 
standard does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-
temporary impairments of equity securities.  The adoption of this general standard did not have a 
material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

On January 1, 2009 we adopted a new standard in regard to noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial 
statements.  This standard establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a 
subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary 
(minority interest) is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the 
consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent company’s equity.  This statement also requires 
disclosure, on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Income, of the amounts of consolidated net income 
attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest.  These disclosure requirements have been applied 
retrospectively to all periods presented.  The adoption of this standard impacted certain captions previously used 
on the Consolidated Statements of Income, largely identifying net income including noncontrolling interests and 
net income attributable to Bio-Rad.  Certain captions on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated 
Statements of Cash flows have also changed. 

On January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance in regard to determining whether instruments granted in share-
based payment transactions are participating securities.  This guidance concluded that unvested share-based 
payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) 
are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the 
two-class method.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our EPS data in 2009 or on 
EPS for any prior periods. 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Financial Risk Management 

The main goal of Bio-Rad’s financial risk management program is to reduce the variance in expected cash flows 
arising from unexpected foreign exchange rate and interest rate changes.  Financial exposures are managed 
through operational means and by using various financial instruments, including cash and liquid resources, 
borrowings, and forward and spot foreign exchange contracts.  No derivative financial instruments are entered 
into for the purpose of trading or speculation.  Company policy requires that all derivative positions are 
undertaken to manage the risks arising from underlying business activities.  These derivative transactions do not 
qualify for hedge accounting treatment per general standards for derivatives and hedging.  Derivative 
instruments used in these transactions are valued at fair value and changes in fair value are included in reported 
earnings. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange Risk.  We operate and conduct business in many countries and are exposed to movements in 
foreign currency exchange rates.  We face transactional currency exposures that arise when we enter into 
transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.  Additionally, our consolidated net equity is 
impacted by the conversion of the net assets of our international subsidiaries for which the functional currency is 
not the U.S. dollar. 

Foreign currency exposures are managed on a centralized basis.  This allows for the netting of natural offsets 
and lowers transaction costs and net exposures.  Where possible, we seek to manage our foreign exchange risk 
in part through operational means, including matching same-currency revenues to same currency costs, and 
same-currency assets to same-currency liabilities.  Moreover, weakening in one currency can often be offset by 
strengthening in another currency.  Foreign exchange risk is also managed through the use of forward foreign 
exchange contracts.  Positions are primarily in Euro, Swiss Franc, British Sterling and Japanese Yen.  The 
majority of forward contracts are for periods of 90 days or less. We record the change in value of our foreign 
currency receivables and payables as a Foreign exchange (gain) loss on our Consolidated Statements of Income 
along with the change in fair market value of the forward exchange contract used as an economic hedge of those 
assets or liabilities. 

Our forward contract holdings at year-end were analyzed to determine their sensitivity to fluctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates.  All other variables were held constant.  Market risk associated with derivative 
holdings is the potential change in fair value of derivative positions arising from an adverse movement in 
foreign exchange rates.  A decline of 10% on quoted foreign exchange rates would result in an approximate net-
present-value loss of $33 million on our derivative position.  This impact of a change in exchange rates excludes 
the offset derived from the change in value of the underlying assets and liabilities, which could reduce the 
adverse effect significantly. 

Interest Rate Risk of Debt Instruments.  Bio-Rad centrally manages the short-term cash surpluses and shortfalls 
of its subsidiaries.  Our holdings of variable rate debt instruments at year-end were analyzed to determine their 
sensitivity to movements in interest rates.  Due to the relatively small amount of short-term variable rate debt we 
have outstanding, there would not be a material impact to earnings or cash flows if interest rates moved 
adversely by 10%.  Our long-term debt consists primarily of fixed-rate instruments, and is thus insulated from 
interest rate changes.  As of December 31, 2009, the overall interest rate risk associated with our debt was not 
significant. 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended  
  December 31, 2009 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
  December 31, 2009 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income 

for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

  Page 

30 
31 
32-33 

34 

35 

36 
37-65 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Board of Directors and Stockholders of 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. as of 
December 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive 
income, and cash flows for the year then ended.  Our audit also included the financial statement schedules listed 
in the Index at Item 15(a)(2).  These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's 
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on 
our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating 
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion.  

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of Bio-Rad Laboratories at December 31, 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations 
and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 
Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial 
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.  

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of new accounting standards for Noncontrolling 
Interests and Interests Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the effectiveness of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2010, 
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Palo Alto, California 
February 26, 2010  

30 

 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Hercules, California 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries 
(the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' 
equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008.  Our audits also 
included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and financial 
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating 
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such 
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as 
a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. 

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of new accounting standards for Noncontrolling 
Interests and Interests Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 

San Francisco, California 
February 25, 2009 (May 18, 2009 as to the effects of the retrospective adoption of new accounting standards as 
described in Note 1 to the financial statements) 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands) 

ASSETS 
Current assets: 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Short-term investments 
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of   
    $23,100 in 2009 and $19,567 in 2008  

  Inventories: 
    Raw materials 
    Work in process 
    Finished goods 

  Total inventories 

  Deferred tax assets 

  Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets 
  Total current assets 

Property, plant and equipment: 
  Land and improvements 
  Buildings and leasehold improvements 
  Equipment 
  Total property, plant and equipment 
  Accumulated depreciation 

Property, plant and equipment, net 

Goodwill, net 
Purchased intangibles, net 
Long-term deferred tax assets 
Other assets 

TOTAL ASSETS 

December 31, 

2009 

2008 

  $ 

649,938    
94,876    

  $ 

204,524  
38,950  

345,734    

339,653  

68,155    
97,513  
185,538 
351,206    

69,549  
105,007  
201,060  
375,616  

43,102   

41,408  

77,818   
1,562,674   

93,790  
1,093,941  

16,853    
204,612    
506,686    
728,151    
(425,734)   
302,417    

327,626    
204,779   
13,272   
125,085   

16,567  
193,318  
466,024  
675,909  
(375,177) 
300,732  

321,820  
228,590  
12,361  
79,820  

  $  2,535,853   

  $  2,037,264  

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

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
    
    
  
    
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands, except share data) 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Current liabilities: 
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued payroll and employee benefits 
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt 
  Income and other taxes payable 
  Accrued royalties 
  Current deferred taxes 
  Other current liabilities 
  Total current liabilities 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities 
Deferred income taxes 
Other long-term liabilities 
  Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingent liabilities 

December 31, 

2009 

2008 

    $ 

  $ 

92,988 
126,702 
5,132 
42,322 
46,692 
5,467 
100,669 
419,972 

737,919 
42,894 
55,855 
1,256,640 

117,982 
119,420 
9,578 
33,731 
30,874 
8,159 
98,290 
418,034 

445,979 
42,570 
60,041 
966,624 

-- 

2 

1 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Bio-Rad stockholders’ equity: 
  Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized; 

issued and outstanding - none 

  Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 
issued and outstanding – 22,406,669 at 2009 and 22,182,451 at 2008  
  Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 
issued and outstanding – 5,119,402 at 2009 and 5,137,357 at 2008  

-- 

2 

1 

  Additional paid-in capital 
  Retained earnings 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income: 
  Currency translation and other 
Total Bio-Rad stockholders’ equity 
  Noncontrolling interests 
Total stockholders’ equity 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

130,444 
996,197 

124,401 
851,577 

133,082 
1,259,726 
19,487 
1,279,213 
  $  2,535,853 

65,158 
1,041,139 
29,501 
1,070,640 
  $  2,037,264 

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

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Net sales 

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Selling, general and administrative expense 

Product research and development expense 

Purchased in-process research and development expense 

Impairment losses on goodwill and long-lived assets 

Income from operations 

Interest expense 

Foreign exchange losses 

  Other (income) expense, net 

Income before taxes  

Provision for income taxes 

Net income including noncontrolling interests  

Year Ended December 31, 

2009 

2008 

2007 

    $ 

1,784,244    

  $ 

1,764,365  

    $ 

1,461,052  

784,401    

999,843  

601,468  

163,585  

--  

3,802  

230,988  

47,024  

5,003  

(6,871) 

185,832  

(36,667) 

149,165  

801,843  

962,522  

591,304  

159,518  

--  

28,757  

182,943  

32,113  

7,634  

353  

142,843  

(44,579) 

98,264  

(8,754) 

669,690  

791,362  

507,978  

140,535  

7,656  

--  

135,193  

31,606  

2,576  

(19,832) 

120,843  

(26,548) 

94,295  

(1,301) 

92,994  

3.48  

26,716  

3.41 

27,292 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 

(4,545)   

Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Basic earnings per share: 

Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Weighted average common shares 

Diluted earnings per share: 

Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Weighted average common shares 

  $ 

144,620    

  $ 

89,510  

   $ 

   $ 

5.28  

   $ 

3.30  

   $ 

27,404  

27,112  

   $ 

5.20  

   $ 

3.24  

   $ 

27,828  

27,638  

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

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
(in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities: 
  Cash received from customers 
  Cash paid to suppliers and employees 
  Interest paid 
  Income tax payments 
  Miscellaneous receipts (payments), net 
  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 
  Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities: 
  Capital expenditures, net 
  Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received, 

and long-term investments 

  Payments on purchases of intangible assets 
  Purchases of marketable securities and investments 
  Sales and maturities of marketable securities 

and investments 

  Foreign currency economic hedges, net 
  Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities:    
  Net payments on notes payable 
  Long-term borrowings 
  Payments on long-term borrowings 
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
  Debt issuance costs on 8% Notes 
  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Year Ended December 31, 

2009 

2008 

2007 

 $ 

1,778,316  
(1,386,382) 
(38,471) 
(37,749) 
10,024  
(664) 
325,074  

 $ 

1,765,667  
(1,495,669) 
(30,792) 
(49,159) 
6,374  
(5,050) 
191,371  

 $ 

1,467,626  
(1,225,968) 
(30,588) 
(38,253) 
21,755  
(2,992) 
191,580  

(66,795) 

(84,809) 

(60,595) 

(35,990) 
(9,566) 
(147,554) 

86,473  
(2,520) 
(175,952) 

(2,303) 
294,750  
(6,823) 
10,286  
(2,641) 
664  
293,933  

(53,014) 
(4,000) 
(77,800) 

78,906  
(5,390) 
(146,107) 

(1,642) 
1,600  
(11,589) 
12,912  
--  
5,050  
6,331  

(387,673) 
(2,075) 
(270,174) 

470,200  
(4,112) 
(254,429) 

(4,326) 
24  
(17,720) 
11,580  
--  
2,992  
(7,450) 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash 

2,359  

(8,835) 

8,456  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Non-cash investing activities: 
  Capital lease obligation for facilities 

Purchased intangible assets 

445,414  
204,524  
649,938  

-- 
-- 

 $ 

  $ 
  $ 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 

42,760  
161,764  
204,524  

 $ 

(61,843) 
223,607  
161,764  

9,768  
11,357  

 $ 
 $ 

--  
--  

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

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income 
(in thousands) 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value: 
  Balance at beginning of year 
  Issuance of common stock 
  Balance at end of year 

Additional paid-in capital: 
  Balance at beginning of year 
  Purchase of additional controlling interests 
  Issuance of common stock 
  Stock compensation expense 
  Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 
  Balance at end of year 

Retained earnings: 
  Balance at beginning of year 
  Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 
  Adjustment upon adoption of change in 
     accounting for income taxes 
  Balance at end of year 

Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Bio-Rad: 
  Balance at beginning of year 
  Other comprehensive income (loss)  
  Balance at end of year 

  Noncontrolling interests: 
  Balance at beginning of year 
  Initial acquisition 
  Purchase of additional controlling interests 
  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
  Other comprehensive income (loss) 
  Balance at end of year 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2009 

2007 

  $ 

    $ 

3  
--  
3  

   $ 

3  
-- 
3  

3  
--  
3  

124,401  
(14,023) 
10,286  
9,084  
696  
130,444  

851,577  
144,620  

--  
996,197  

65,158  
67,924  
133,082  

29,501  
--  
(14,588) 
4,545  
29  
19,487  

98,629  
-- 
12,912  
7,328  
5,532  
124,401  

762,067  
89,510  

--  
851,577  

110,224  
(45,066) 
65,158  

35,201  
--  
(13,279) 
8,754  
(1,175) 
29,501  

78,230  
--  
11,580  
5,506  
3,313  
98,629  

674,070  
92,994  

(4,997) 
762,067  

67,235  
42,989  
110,224  

--  
33,133  
--  
1,301  
767  
35,201  

Total stockholders’ equity 

  $  1,279,213  

    $  1,070,640  

   $  1,006,124  

Comprehensive income, net of tax: 
  Net income including noncontrolling interests 
  Currency translation adjustments 
  Other post-employment benefits adjustments net of tax  

of  $432 in 2009 and ($357) in 2008 

  Net unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax of $2,768  

  $  149,165  
34,112  

    $ 

98,264  
(18,671) 

   $ 

94,295  
45,856  

(848) 

1,848  

--  

in 2009, ($9,381) in 2008 and ($1,396) in 2007 

32,492  

(19,162) 

(2,433) 

  *Reclassification adjustments for gains (losses) included in  

    net income, net of tax of ($1,279) in 2009, $0 in 2008  
    and ($193) in 2007 

Total comprehensive income  
  Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
Total comprehensive income attributable to Bio-Rad, net of tax 

2,197  
217,118  
4,574  
  $  212,544  

    $ 

(10,256) 
52,023  
7,579  
44,444  

   $ 

333  
138,051  
2,068  
135,983  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 
*Calculated using the specific identification method 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
    
   
     
    
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
     
    
   
   
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
     
    
   
     
    
 
   
   
   
     
    
   
     
    
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
     
    
 
   
   
 
   
     
    
 
   
   
 
   
     
    
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
     
    
   
     
    
   
     
    
 
 
   
   
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

1. 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Basis of Presentation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and all of our wholly 
and majority owned subsidiaries (referred to in this report as “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us” and “our”) after elimination 
of intercompany balances and transactions.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates. 

We evaluate subsequent events and the evidence they provide about conditions existing at the date of the 
balance sheet as well as conditions that arose after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are 
issued. The effects of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date are recognized in the financial statements. 
Events and conditions arising after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued are 
evaluated to determine if disclosure is required to keep the financial statements from being misleading. To the 
extent such events and conditions exist, disclosures are made regarding the nature of events and the estimated 
financial effects for those events and conditions. For purposes of preparing the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements and the following notes to these financial statements, we evaluated subsequent events 
through the date the financial statements were issued. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months 
or less which are readily convertible into cash.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair 
value. 

Available-for-Sale Investments 

Available-for-sale investments consist of corporate obligations, municipal securities, asset backed securities, 
U.S. agencies and marketable equity securities.  Management classifies investments at the time of purchase and 
reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date.  Investments with maturities beyond one year may be 
classified as short-term based on their liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the 
investment of cash that is available for current operations.  Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair 
value based on quoted market prices and other observable market data.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported 
as a component of other comprehensive income, net of any related tax effect.  Unrealized losses are charged 
against income when a decline in the fair value of an individual security is determined to be other-than- 
temporary.  We review our available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary losses on a quarterly basis.  
Realized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included in Other (income) 
expense, net (see Note 9). 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concentration of Credit Risk 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash 
equivalents, investments, foreign exchange contracts and trade accounts receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents 
and investments are placed with various highly rated major financial institutions located in different geographic 
regions.  Bio-Rad has not sustained significant losses from instruments held at financial institutions. The 
forward contracts used in managing our foreign currency exposures have an element of risk in that the 
counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We attempt to minimize this risk by limiting 
the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated domestic and international financial institutions. In the 
event of non-performance by these counterparties, the carrying values of our financial instruments represent the 
maximum amount of loss we would have incurred as of our fiscal year-end. However, we do not expect to 
record any losses as a result of counterparty default.  We perform credit evaluation procedures related to our 
trade receivables and with the exception of certain developing countries, generally do not require collateral.  As 
a result of increased risk in these developing countries, some Bio-Rad sales are subject to collateral letters of 
credit from our customers.  Credit risk for trade accounts receivable is generally limited due to the large number 
of customers and their dispersion across many geographic areas.  However, a significant amount of trade 
receivables are with national healthcare systems in countries within the European Economic Community.  We 
do not currently anticipate a credit risk associated with these receivables. 

Accounts Receivable 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our 
customers to make required payments.  The amount of the allowance is determined by analyzing known 
uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ country or industry, historical 
losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be 
uncollectible are charged or written off against this reserve. 

Inventory 

Inventories are valued at the lower of actual cost or market (net realizable value) and include material, labor and 
overhead costs.  The First-in, First-out (FIFO) method is used to remove inventory.  

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Included in 
property, plant and equipment are buildings and equipment acquired under capital lease arrangements and 
reagent rental equipment.  Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment annually or whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Buildings and 
leasehold improvements are amortized over 15-30 years or the term of the leases or life of the improvements, 
whichever is shorter.  With the exception of reagent rental equipment, which is amortized over a 1-5 year 
period, equipment is depreciated over 3-12 years. 

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $1.2 million, $0.9 million and $0.2 million for 2009, 
2008 and 2007, respectively, are included in Capital expenditures, net in the Consolidated Statements of Cash 
Flows. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of 
acquired businesses.  Goodwill is assessed for impairment by applying fair value based tests annually or 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  We 
perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our reporting 
segments.  Our reporting units are identified as components for which discrete financial information is available 
and is regularly reviewed by management.  Goodwill amounts are assigned to reporting units at the time of 
acquisition. 

The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test, 
used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including 
goodwill.  We use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit.  If the fair value 
of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and 
the second step of the impairment test is not required.  The second step, if required, compares the implied fair 
value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  The fair value of a reporting unit 
is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the 
reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price 
paid to acquire the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied 
fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. 

Intangible assets are assessed for impairment by applying fair value based tests annually or whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  Impairment expense is 
calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.  The fair value is estimated based 
on its discounted future cash flows.   

Impairment charges related to goodwill and intangible assets of $3.8 million and $28.8 million were recorded in 
2009 and 2008, respectively (see Note 4). No impairment losses were recorded in 2007. 

Long-Lived Assets 

For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets are grouped 
with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of 
the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets (including 
identifiable intangible assets) annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value may not be recoverable.  Factors that we consider important that could trigger an impairment review 
include: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results; 
significant changes in the manner of use of the long-lived assets, intangible assets or the strategy 
for our overall business; 
a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise 
disposed of at a loss before the end of its previously estimated useful life; and 
significant negative industry, legal, regulatory or economic trends. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When management determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon 
the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we test for any impairment based on a 
projected undiscounted cash flow method.  Projected future operating results and cash flows of the asset or asset 
group are used to establish the fair value used in evaluating the carrying value of long-lived and intangible 
assets.  We estimate the future cash flows of the long-lived assets using current and long-term financial 
forecasts.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted 
cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If this is the case, an 
impairment loss would be recognized.  The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying 
amount exceeds the fair value. 

Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax 
assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial 
statements.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences 
between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the 
year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets 
and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized.  In 
making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled 
reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial 
operations.  To the extent we determine that we are able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in 
excess of their net recorded amount, we make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which may reduce the 
provision for income taxes. 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position 
will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax 
benefits recognized in the financial statements on a particular tax position are measured based on the largest 
benefit that has a greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.  The amount of unrecognized 
tax benefits is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to 
existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a 
tax examination, or resolution of an examination. We recognize both accrued interest and penalties, where 
appropriate, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenue is recognized when pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or 
determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title has passed to the customer or product has been 
delivered absent specific contractual specifications.  Equipment that requires factory installation is not recorded 
until installation is complete and customer acceptance, if required contractually, has occurred.  At the time the 
related revenue is recognized, a provision is recognized for estimated product returns.  Reagent agreements are a 
diagnostic industry sales method that provides use of an instrument if the customer exclusively purchases the 
company’s reagents to use on that instrument.  We have evaluated the reagent agreements and account for the 
contracts under the terms of the guidance in regard to accounting for revenue arrangements with multiple 
deliverables.  All revenues that we earn under our reagent agreements are recognized when the reagent has been 
delivered to or used by the customer.  Service revenues on extended warranty contracts are recognized ratably 
over the life of the service agreement or as services are performed, if not under contract. 

Shipping and Handling 

We classify all freight costs billed to customers as net sales.  Related freight costs are included in cost of goods 
sold.  

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warranty 

We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, generally for a period of 
one year.  Upon delivery of that equipment, we establish, as part of Cost of goods sold, a provision for the 
expected costs of such warranty based on historical experience, specific warranty terms and customer 
feedback.  A review is performed on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of our warranty accrual. 

Components of the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, were as 
follows (in millions): 

January 1  
  Provision for warranty 
  Actual warranty costs 

December 31 

2009 

  2008 

  $  15.8 
16.8 
(16.5)       

    $  15.3  
18.5  
(18.0) 

   $ 16.1 

    $  15.8  

Research and Development 

Internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Third-party research and development costs 
are expensed when the contracted work has been performed.  Purchased in-process research and development 
costs before January 1, 2009 were expensed at the time of purchase.  Beginning January 1, 2009 under a new 
accounting standard, purchased in-process research and development costs are capitalized as an intangible asset. 

Foreign Currency  

Balance sheet accounts of international subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rates as of the end of 
the accounting period.  Income statement items are translated at average exchange rates for the period.  The 
resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. 

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Foreign exchange losses in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income.  Transaction gains and losses result primarily from fluctuations in exchange rates when 
intercompany receivables and payables are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our 
subsidiary that recorded the transaction. 

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts 

As part of distributing our products, we regularly enter into intercompany transactions.  We enter into forward 
foreign exchange contracts to manage foreign exchange risk of future movements in exchange rates that affect 
foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and payables.  We do not use derivative financial 
instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we seek hedge accounting treatment for any of our 
contracts.  As a result, these contracts, generally with maturity dates of 90 days or less and related primarily to 
currencies of industrial countries, are recorded as an asset or liability measured at their fair value at each balance 
sheet date. The resulting gains or losses offset exchange gains or losses on the related receivables and payables, 
all of which are recorded as Foreign exchange losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The cash flows 
related to these contracts are classified as Cash flows from investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of 
Cash Flows. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling Interests 

We do not own 100% of the voting stock of some of our consolidated subsidiaries.  The remaining shares held 
by third parties represent a noncontrolling (or minority) interest in these subsidiaries.  Our consolidated 
statements present the full amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses of all of our consolidated 
subsidiaries, with offsetting amounts shown in Noncontrolling interests for the portion of these items that are not 
attributable to us. 

Share-Based Compensation Plans 

Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted is determined based on the 
grant-date fair value.  We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite 
service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the share-based payment awards.  We 
estimated the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.  These plans are described more fully in Note 8. 

Earnings per Share 

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance which specified that unvested share-based payment awards 
that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating 
securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class 
method.  As our unvested restricted shares qualify as participating securities, we have included these shares in 
the computation of EPS. 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad by the weighted 
average number of common shares outstanding for that period.  Diluted earnings per share takes into account the 
effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, and uses the average share price for the 
period in determining the number of potential common shares that are to be added to the weighted average 
number of shares outstanding.  Potential common shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share 
calculation if the effect would be anti-dilutive. 

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per 
share and the anti-dilutive shares are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2009 

2007 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding 
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options  

and restricted stock awards 

Diluted weighted average common shares 

Anti-dilutive shares 

  27,404 

   27,112 

   26,716 

424 
  27,828 

526 
   27,638 

576 
   27,292 

176 

105 

279 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

For certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts 
receivable, marketable securities, notes payable, accounts payable and foreign exchange contracts, the carrying 
amounts approximate fair value. 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments are based on the exchange price that would be received for an 
asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) using available market information or other appropriate 
valuation methodologies in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants.  Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be 
realized in a current market exchange as considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data used to 
develop estimates of fair value.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation techniques could have a 
material effect on the estimated fair value (see Note 3). 

Recent Financial Accounting Standards 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a standard to improve disclosures 
about fair value measurements.  Specifically, the standard requires entities to disclose the amounts of significant 
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers; the reasons 
for any transfers in or out of Level 3; and information in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements 
about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis.  The standard will be effective for our interim 
period ending March 31, 2010, except for the requirement to disclose information about purchases, sales, 
issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements on a gross basis.  Those 
disclosures will be effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2011.  This standard will not effect our 
consolidated financial statements as it is for disclosure purposes only. 

In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance in regard to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, and 
guidance in regard to certain arrangements that include software elements.  The guidance in regard to multiple-
deliverable revenue arrangements requires entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling 
prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy.  The guidance eliminates the 
residual method of revenue allocation and requires revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price 
method.  The guidance in regard to certain arrangements that include software elements removes tangible 
products from the scope of software revenue guidance and provides guidance on determining whether software 
deliverables in an arrangement that includes a tangible product are covered by the scope of the software revenue 
guidance.  The two new issuances should be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered 
into or materially modified and will be effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2011, with early 
adoption permitted.  We do not expect to adopt early and the effect of adopting these two new issuances is under 
review by management. 

In June 2009, the FASB established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB Codification) as the 
source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  The 
FASB Codification explicitly recognizes rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws as sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC 
registrants.  The FASB Codification became effective for our interim period ended September 30, 2009 and the 
adoption of the FASB Codification did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2009, we adopted general standards of accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events that occur 
after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  The adoption 
of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On January 1, 2009, we adopted enhanced disclosures regarding fair value measurements for nonfinancial assets 
and liabilities that are measured or recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  In addition in April 2009, 
we adopted the following new general standards intended to provide additional application guidance and 
enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and impairments of securities. 

A new general standard in regard to determining fair value when the volume and level of activity 
for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not 
orderly, provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of 
activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased.  The general standard also provides 
guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  The effect of this 
new general standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

A new general standard in regard to interim disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, 
requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim reporting periods of 
publicly traded companies that were previously only required to be disclosed in annual financial 
statements.  As this general standard amends only the disclosure requirements about fair value of 
financial instruments in interim periods, the adoption of this general standard did not affect our 
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 

A new general standard in regard to recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary 
impairments, amends current other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities to 
make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-
temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This general 
standard does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-
temporary impairments of equity securities.  The adoption of this general standard did not have a 
material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

On January 1, 2009 we adopted a new standard in regard to noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial 
statements.  This standard establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a 
subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary 
(minority interest) is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the 
consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent company’s equity.  This statement also requires 
disclosure, on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Income, of the amounts of consolidated net income 
attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest.  These disclosure requirements have been applied 
retrospectively to all periods presented.  The adoption of this standard impacted certain captions previously used 
on the Consolidated Statements of Income, largely identifying net income including noncontrolling interests and 
net income attributable to Bio-Rad.  Certain captions on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated 
Statements of Cash flows have also changed. 

On January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance in regard to determining whether instruments granted in share-
based payment transactions are participating securities.  This guidance concluded that unvested share-based 
payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) 
are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the 
two-class method.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our EPS data in 2009 or on 
EPS for any prior periods. 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
2. 

ACQUISITIONS 

DiaMed Holding AG (DiaMed) develops, manufactures and markets worldwide a complete line of reagents used 
in blood typing and screening as well as instruments and instrument systems that use its proprietary reagents.  Its 
products are used by hospitals, clinical laboratories and blood banks to identify certain properties of the cell and 
serum components of human blood prior to a blood transfusion.  On October 1, 2007, we acquired 85.96% of 
the outstanding shares of DiaMed for $399.3 million.   In March 2008, we acquired an additional 556 shares of 
DiaMed for approximately $14 million and in December 2008 we acquired an additional 600 shares of DiaMed 
for $19.6 million. The total purchase as of December 31, 2008 of approximately $432.9 million included $38.1 
million of net tangible assets, $202.0 million of goodwill, and $192.8 million of intangible assets and is included 
in our Clinical Diagnostics segment.  We do not expect the goodwill recorded with these acquisitions to be 
deductible for tax purposes.  The allocation of the total purchase price to net tangible assets, goodwill and other 
intangible assets was recorded at fair market value based upon management estimates except for the 
noncontrolling interest share in such assets and liabilities, which was recorded at historical cost. 

In April 2009, we purchased 955 of the remaining 1,000 shares of DiaMed, which were held by multiple 
noncontrolling shareholders.  We paid approximately $30 million to these shareholders under the terms of the 
original purchase agreement.  Bio-Rad’s additional paid-in capital and noncontrolling interests were reduced by 
$14.2 million and $14.5 million, respectively, and the remainder of the purchase price attributable to 
commissions was expensed. As of December 31, 2009, our total ownership of the outstanding shares of DiaMed 
amounted to 99.7%.  In February 2010, we acquired the remaining 45 shares for 1.5 million Swiss Francs or 
approximately $1.4 million.  The remaining outstanding noncontrolling interests in certain subsidiaries acquired 
as part of the DiaMed acquisition are recorded as Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.   

In December 2008, we acquired 100% of the shares of DiaMed Fennica Oy (Fennica) and 100% of the shares of 
DiaMed (G.B.) Limited.  These companies were independent distributors of DiaMed products and are included 
in our Clinical Diagnostics segment.  The total cash purchase price of these acquisitions was approximately 
$17 million.  We acquired $2.2 million of net tangible liabilities, $5.7 million of goodwill and $13.5 million of 
intangible assets based on the completion of the purchase price allocations during 2009.  We do not expect the 
goodwill recorded with this acquisition to be deductible for tax purposes.   

3. 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 

We determine the fair value of an asset or liability based on the assumptions that market participants would use 
in pricing the asset or liability.  The identification of market participant assumptions provides a basis for 
determining what inputs are to be used for pricing each asset or liability.  A fair value hierarchy has been 
established which gives precedence to fair value measurements calculated using observable inputs over those 
using unobservable inputs.  This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows: 

•  Level 1  Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities 
•  Level 2  Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices in active  

markets for similar securities) 

•  Level 3  Significant unobservable inputs (including our assumptions in determining  

the fair value of investments) 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009 are classified in the hierarchy 
as follows (in millions): 

Assets: 
  Cash equivalents 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities 
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Foreign government obligations 
  Marketable equity securities 
  Forward foreign exchange contracts 

  Level 1 

  Level 2 

Total 

    $  301.4 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
64.2 
-- 

    $  89.8 
23.8 
2.4 
5.5 
41.5 
17.9 
0.2 
0.3 

    $  391.2 
23.8 
2.4 
5.5 
41.5 
17.9 
64.4 
0.3 

Total 

    $  365.6 

    $  181.4 

    $  547.0 

Financial assets carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008 are classified in the hierarchy 
as follows (in millions): 

Assets: 
  Cash equivalents 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities 
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Marketable equity securities 

  Level 1 

  Level 2 

Total 

$    67.1    
6.0    
--    
--    
--    
27.3    

$         --    
1.0    
5.0    
12.5    
7.3    
0.2    

$    67.1  
7.0  
5.0  
12.5  
7.3  
27.5  

Total 

$   100.4    

$     26.0    

$   126.4  

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we do not hold any financial assets that use Level 3 inputs to determine fair 
value. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions):  

December 31, 2009 

  Amortized  

  Unrealized  

  Unrealized  

Cost  

Gains  

Losses  

  Estimated 

Fair  
Value  

Short-term investments: 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities  
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Foreign government obligations 
  Marketable equity securities 

  $ 

Long-term investments: 
  Marketable equity securities 
  Asset-backed securities  

  $ 

  $ 

23.8 
2.4 
0.9 
41.5 
17.9 
8.6 
95.1 

29.9 
5.0 
34.9 

-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
0.4 
0.4 

26.4 
0.2 
26.6 

-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
(0.6) 
(0.6) 

(0.3) 
(0.6) 
(0.9) 

  $ 

23.8 
2.4 
0.9 
41.5 
17.9 
8.4 
94.9 

56.0 
4.6 
60.6 

Total 

  $ 

130.0 

  $ 

27.0 

  $ 

(1.5) 

  $ 

155.5 

December 31, 2008 

  Amortized  

  Unrealized  

  Unrealized  

Cost  

Gains  

Losses  

  Estimated 

Fair  
Value  

Short-term investments: 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities  
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Marketable equity securities 

  $ 

Long-term investments: 
  Marketable equity securities 

  $ 

7.0 
5.0 
14.1 
7.3 
10.6 
44.0 

28.5 
28.5 

Total 

  $ 

72.5 

  $ 

-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 

-- 
-- 

-- 

  $ 

--  
--  
(1.6) 
--  
(3.4) 
(5.0) 

(8.2) 
(8.2) 

  $ 

7.0 
5.0 
12.5 
7.3 
7.2 
39.0 

20.3 
20.3 

  $ 

(13.2) 

  $ 

59.3 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had investments with gross unrealized losses of $1.5 million and 
$1.8 million, respectively, that were in a loss position for 12 months or more.  As of December 31, 2008, we had 
investments with gross unrealized losses of $11.4 million that were in a loss position for less than 12 months.  
The number of investment positions that are in an unrealized loss position are 37 as of December 31, 2009. 

The unrealized losses on these securities are due to a number of factors, including changes in interest rates, 
changes in economic conditions and changes in market outlook for various industries, among others.  Because 
Bio-Rad has the ability and intent to hold these investments with unrealized losses until a recovery of fair value, 
or for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, we 
do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009. 

The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at 
December 31, 2009 by contractual maturity date (in millions): 

Mature in less than one year 
Mature in one to five years 
Mature in more than five years 
  Total 

  Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

    $ 

    $ 

85.5 
-- 
6.0 
91.5 

    $ 

    $ 

85.5 
-- 
5.6 
91.1 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments in the table below has been determined using available market 
information or other appropriate valuation methodologies.  Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the 
amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange as considerable judgment is required in interpreting 
market data used to develop estimates of fair value.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation 
techniques could have a material effect on the estimated fair value.  Other assets include some financial 
instruments that have fair values based on market quotations.  Long-term debt has an estimated fair value based 
on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. 

The estimated fair value of our financial instruments is as follows (in millions): 

December 31, 2009 

December 31, 2008 

  Carrying  
  Amount  

Estimated  
Fair  
Value  

  Estimated  

  Carrying  
  Amount  

Fair  
Value  

Other assets 
Total long-term debt 

  $ 101.8 
  $ 720.1 

  $  119.6 
  $  734.1 

$    79.8  
$  425.0  

  $  78.2 
  $  381.0 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We own shares of ordinary voting stock of Sartorius AG, of Goettingen, Germany, a process technology 
supplier to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and food and beverage industries.  We purchased shares 
for approximately $0.3 million in 2009 and approximately $1 million in 2008, bringing our total investment to 
approximately 28% of the outstanding voting shares of Sartorius at December 31, 2009.  The Sartorius family 
trust and Sartorius family members hold a controlling interest of the outstanding voting shares.  We do not have 
any representative or designee on Sartorius’ board of directors, nor do we have any other influence over the 
operating and financial policies of Sartorius.  Therefore, we account for this investment using the cost method.  
This investment is reported in Other assets. 

4. 

GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill balances have been included in Corporate for segment reporting purposes in Note 13.  Changes to Goodwill 
were as follows (in millions): 

Life  
Science 

2009 
Clinical 
  Diagnostics 

Total  
2009 

Life  
   Science 

2008 
Clinical 
  Diagnostics 

  Total  
2008 

Balances as of January 1: 
  Goodwill 
  Accumulated impairment losses 
  Goodwill, net 
  Additional share purchase 
  Updated purchase price allocation 
  Acquisitions 
Impairment 

  Currency fluctuations/other 
Balances as of December 31: 
  Goodwill 
  Accumulated impairment losses 
  Goodwill, net 

  $  70.7 
(27.2) 
43.5 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 

   $  278.3  
--  
278.3  
--  
(1.6) 
--  
--  
7.4  

   $  349.0  
(27.2) 
     321.8  
--  
(1.6) 
--  
--   -     

    $  70.7  
--  
70.7 
-- 
--  
--  
(27.2) 
--  

7.4  

   $  257.7  
--  
257.7  
12.2  
(11.6) 
7.4  
--  
12.6  

   $  328.4  
--  
     328.4  
12.2  
(11.6) 
7.4  
(27.2) 
12.6  

70.7  
(27.2) 
  $  43.5  

284.1  
--  
   $  284.1  

     354.8  
(27.2) 
   $  327.6  

70.7  
(27.2) 
    $  43.5  

278.3  
--  
   $  278.3  

     349.0  
(27.2) 
   $  321.8 

As part of the acquisition of DiaMed in October 2007 and the purchase of additional shares in March and 
December 2008 (see Note 2), we acquired $202.0 million of goodwill and $192.8 million of intangible assets: 
$72.6 million of customer relationships, $81.1 million of know how, $17.0 million of tradenames, $18.7 million 
of developed product technology and $3.4 million of licenses.  The purchase price allocation was finalized in 
2008 and involved certain analyses of inventory, taxes and external valuations for certain fixed assets and 
property.  The final revisions included adjustments to the carrying value of DiaMed’s recorded assets and 
liabilities and related depreciation and amortization, with the residual amount being allocated to goodwill.  
Some estimated acquisition liabilities were settled without requiring payment, additional collections were made 
on opening balance receivables and an increase in work in process inventory was recorded. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
   
    
    
     
    
    
 
    
   
    
 
    
    
   
    
    
 
    
    
     
    
    
 
    
    
     
    
    
 
 
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
     
    
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
     
    
   
    
    
     
    
    
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, a $27.2 million impairment loss related to goodwill was recorded in the Life 
Science segment.  The goodwill was originally recorded as part of an acquisition in 1999. The impairment was 
caused primarily by the continuing decline in sales of the BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) product 
line. 

Other than goodwill, we have no intangible assets with indefinite lives.  Information regarding our identifiable 
purchased intangible assets with definite lives is as follows (in millions): 

Average 
Remaining 
Life (years) 

Customer relationships/lists 
Know how 
Developed product technology 
Licenses 
Tradenames 
Covenants not to compete 
Patents 
Other 

1-14 
1-7 
1-12 
2-11 
3-12 
2-9 
1 
2 

Average 
Remaining 
Life (years) 

Customer relationships/lists 
Know how 
Developed product technology 
Licenses 
Tradenames 
Covenants not to compete 
Patents 
Other 

2-15 
1-8 
1-13 
3-11 
4-13 
3-10 
2 
3 

December 31, 2009 

Purchase  Accumulated 
Amortization 
$(15.9) 
  (28.5) 
  (16.5) 
  (12.2) 
  (8.8) 
  (3.4) 
  (0.9) 
  (0.1) 
$(86.3) 

Price 
  $  90.3 
    92.0 
    40.5 
    37.6 
    23.6 
6.0 
1.0 
0.1 
  $ 291.1 

December 31, 2008 

Purchase  Accumulated 
Amortization 
$  (7.6) 
  (18.9) 
  (12.6) 
  (8.8) 
  (4.2) 
  (2.1) 
  (0.6) 
  (0.1) 
$(54.9) 

Price 
  $  83.4 
    90.8 
    44.7 
    37.5 
    21.1 
4.9 
1.0 
0.1 
  $ 283.5 

Net 
Carrying 
Amount 

  $  74.4 
63.5 
24.0 
25.4 
14.8 
2.6 
0.1 
-- 
  $  204.8 

Net 
Carrying 
Amount 

  $  75.8 
71.9 
32.1 
28.7 
16.9 
2.8 
0.4 
-- 
  $  228.6 

During the fourth quarters of 2009 and 2008, $3.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of impairment losses 
related to intangible assets were recorded in the Life Science segment.  The intangible asset impairments related 
to the developed technology intangible assets of certain product lines that were acquired in 2006. 

Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007 was $31.7 million, $29.8 million and $12.8 million, respectively.  Estimated future amortization expense 
(based on existing intangible assets) for the years ending December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 is 
$31.5 million, $30.1 million, $26.8 million, $24.1 million and $21.1 million, respectively.  

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
5. 

NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT 

Notes payable includes local credit lines maintained by our international subsidiaries aggregating approximately 
$52.7 million, of which $49.1 million was unused at December 31, 2009.  At December 31, 2008, these lines 
aggregated approximately $27.5 million, of which $20.3 million was unused.  The weighted average interest rate 
on these lines was 4.0% and 4.1% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Bio-Rad guaranteed most of 
these credit lines. 

The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions): 

  December 31,    December 31, 

2009 

2008 

7.5% Senior Subordinated Notes  
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes 
8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes 
Capital leases and other debt 

    $ 

Less current maturities 
Long-term debt 

    $ 

225.0  
200.0  
295.1  
22.5  
742.6  
(4.7) 
737.9  

    $  225.0  
200.0  
--  
28.2  
453.2  
(7.2) 
    $  446.0  

In May 2009, Bio-Rad sold $300.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016 (8.0% 
Notes).  The sale yielded net cash proceeds of $294.8 million at an effective interest rate of 8.3%.  The notes pay 
a fixed rate of interest of 8.0% per year.  We have the option to redeem any or all of the 8.0% Notes at various 
declining redemption prices or at 100% of the principal amount plus the “applicable premium” (as defined by 
the indenture) along with accrued and unpaid interest and certain other charges depending on the date redeemed. 
 Bio-Rad’s obligations under the 8.0% Notes are not secured, rank equal to other senior subordinated notes and 
rank junior to all of Bio-Rad’s existing and future senior debt. 

In December 2004, Bio-Rad sold $200.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 
(6.125% Notes).  The notes pay a fixed rate of interest of 6.125% per year.  We have the option to redeem any 
or all of the 6.125% Notes at various declining redemption prices or at 100% of the principal amount plus the 
“applicable premium” (as defined by the indenture) along with accrued and unpaid interest and certain other 
charges depending on the date redeemed.  Bio-Rad’s obligations under the 6.125% Notes are not secured, rank 
equal to other senior subordinated notes and rank junior to all of Bio-Rad’s existing and future senior debt. 

In August 2003, Bio-Rad sold $225.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (7.5% 
Notes).  The notes pay a fixed rate of interest of 7.5% per year.  We have the option to redeem any or all of the 
7.5% Notes at various declining redemption prices or at 100% of the principal amount plus the “applicable 
premium” (as defined by the indenture) along with accrued and unpaid interest and certain other charges 
depending on the date redeemed.  Bio-Rad’s obligations under the 7.5% Notes are not secured, rank equal to 
other senior subordinated notes and rank junior to all of Bio-Rad’s existing and future senior debt. 

In May 2009, Bio-Rad entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit 
Agreement). Amendment No. 3 amends certain provisions of the Credit Agreement including increasing the 
amount of certain indebtedness permitted under the Credit Agreement under certain conditions, as well as 
increasing the permitted maximum leverage ratio to permit the issuance of the 8.0% Notes. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are on a revolving basis and can be used to make acquisitions, for 
working capital and other general corporate purposes.  We had no outstanding balance under the Credit 
Agreement as of December 31, 2009.  The Credit Agreement expires on June 21, 2010.  We are currently 
evaluating our options on renewing the Credit Agreement or similar arrangements. 

The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our personal property assets, the assets of our domestic 
subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries.  It is guaranteed by all of our existing 
and future material domestic subsidiaries.  The Credit Agreement, the 6.125% Notes, the 7.5% Notes and the 
8.0% Notes require Bio-Rad to comply with certain financial ratios and covenants, among other things.  The 
covenants include a leverage ratio test, an interest coverage test and a consolidated net worth test.  There are 
also restrictions on our ability to declare or pay dividends, incur debt, guarantee debt, enter into transactions 
with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make investments, create liens and prepay subordinated debt.  
We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2009. 

Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2009 are as follows: 2010 - $4.7 million; 2011 - $7.5 million; 
2012 - $0.4 million; 2013 - $225.1 million; 2014 - $200.0 million; thereafter - $304.9 million. 

6. 

INCOME TAXES 

The U.S. and international components of income before taxes are as follows (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  

2007  

  2009  

U.S. 
International 
Income before taxes 

$    87.2    $    52.7    
90.1    
$  185.8    $  142.8    

98.6   

$    75.5  
45.3  
$  120.8  

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): 

Current tax expense:  
  U.S. Federal 
  State 

International 

Current tax expense 
Deferred tax expense (benefit): 
  U.S. and state 
International 

Deferred tax benefit 
Non-current tax expense 
Provision for income taxes 

Year Ended December 31, 

2009  

  2008 

  2007 

$  24.9   
4.4   
17.3   
46.6   

(2.8)   
(8.9)   
(11.7)   
1.8 
$  36.7 

$  28.3    
4.0    
15.2    
47.5    

2.6    
(5.9)   
(3.3)   
0.4    
$  44.6    

$  13.9  
1.1  
12.6  
27.6  

(1.3) 
(4.6) 
(5.9) 
4.8  
$  26.5  

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income before taxes and the statutory tax rate is as 
follows: 

U. S. statutory tax rate 
Impact of foreign operations 
Research and development tax credits 
Increase in tax reserves 
Change in valuation allowance  
Examination settlements 
In-process research and development 
Goodwill impairment 
Other 
Provision for income taxes 

Year Ended December 31, 
2007  
2008  
2009  

  35% 
(9)  
(7)  
1   
1   
(1)  
--   
--   
--   
  20% 

35%    35% 
(4)  
(6)  
(8)  
(9)  
3   
1   
(3)  
3   
(5)  
2   
2   
--   
--   
7   
(2)  
2   
  22% 
  31% 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of losses, credits, and temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax 
purposes.  Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions): 

Deferred tax assets:  
  Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals 
  Other reserves 
  Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards 
  Other 
  Valuation allowance 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
  Depreciation 
  Basis of capital assets and investments 

Net deferred taxes 

December 31, 

2009 

2008 

$   28.0    
14.2    
34.1    
15.0    
(37.9)   
53.4    

10.0    
35.4    
45.4    
$     8.0    

$   23.9  
13.3  
28.8  
18.2  
(40.7) 
43.5  

8.4  
32.1  
40.5  
$     3.0  

At December 31, 2009, Bio-Rad’s international subsidiaries had combined net operating loss carryforwards of 
$73.6 million.  These loss carryforwards have no expiration date.  We believe that it is more likely than not that 
the benefit from certain of these net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized.  We have provided a 
valuation allowance of $21.7 million on the deferred tax assets relating to these net operating loss carryforwards. 
 If or when recognized, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 
at December 31, 2009 will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
At December 31, 2009, Bio-Rad had U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $7.4 million as a result of 
an acquisition.  The utilization of these net operating loss carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation under 
Internal Revenue Code Section 382 but are expected to be fully realized.  The loss carryforward will expire in 
the year 2018. 

At December 31, 2009, Bio-Rad had a deferred tax asset of $9.7 million relating to California research and 
development tax credit carryforwards, which may be carried forward indefinitely.  Based on our judgment and 
consistent with prior years, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset. 

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the IRS audit settlement of our years 2001 through 2005 was approved by the 
Joint Committee on Taxation for which we received cash of $3.4 million.  The statute of limitations for the 2003 
to 2005 years expires September 30, 2010. 

The following table summarizes at December 31, 2009 the tax years that are either currently under audit or 
remain open and subject to examination by tax authorities in the major jurisdictions that Bio-Rad operates: 

U.S. 
France 
Germany 
Italy 
Japan 
Switzerland 

2003 - 2009  
2007 - 2009  
2004 - 2009  
2005 - 2009  
2005 - 2009  
2009 

The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year (in 
millions): 

Unrecognized tax benefits – January 1 
Additions to tax positions related to prior years 
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years 
Additions to tax positions related to the current year 
Settlements 
Lapse of statute of limitations 
Acquisitions 
Currency translation 
Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31 

  2009 

2008 

2007 

   $  18.1  
2.1  
(4.3) 
3.3  
--  
(1.9) 
--  
0.2  
   $  17.5  

   $  22.3  
1.9  
(0.7) 
2.4  
(4.3) 
(2.6) 
--  
(0.9) 
   $  18.1  

   $  13.3  
1.1  
(2.4) 
     11.0  
(2.5) 
(1.4) 
2.9  
0.3  
   $  22.3  

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are $17.5 million and 
$17.1 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Also included 
in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008 are $1.1 million of tax benefits that, if 
recognized, would result in adjustments to other tax accounts, primarily deferred taxes. 

Bio-Rad recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.  
Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, Bio-Rad has accrued interest of $2.5 million and 
$2.4 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 

At December 31, 2009, we believe that it is reasonably possible that approximately $3.2 million of our 
unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized by the end of 2010 as a result of statute lapses.  These benefits are 
related to uncertainty regarding sustainability of certain deductions and credits for tax years that remain subject 
to examination by the relevant tax authorities.   

In general, it is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in their 
operations.  As of December 31, 2009, Bio-Rad had not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign 
withholding taxes on approximately $351 million of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax 
basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration.  Generally, such amounts 
become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances.  If these 
earnings were repatriated to the U.S., the deferred tax liability associated with these temporary differences 
would be approximately $77 million. 

7. 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Bio-Rad’s issued and outstanding stock consists of Class A Common Stock (Class A) and Class B Common 
Stock (Class B).  Each share of Class A and Class B participates equally in the earnings of Bio-Rad, and is 
identical in most respects except that Class A has limited voting rights.  Each share of Class A is entitled to one-
tenth of a vote on most matters, and each share of Class B is entitled to one vote.  Additionally, Class A 
stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors and Class B stockholders are entitled to elect the 
balance of the directors.  Cash dividends may be paid on Class A shares without paying a cash dividend on 
Class B shares but no cash dividend may be paid on Class B shares unless at least an equal cash dividend is paid 
on Class A shares.  Class B shares are convertible at any time into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis at the 
option of the stockholder.  The Schwartz family collectively holds a majority of Bio-Rad’s voting stock.  As a 
result, the Schwartz family is able to exercise significant influence over Bio-Rad. 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
8. 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION/STOCK OPTION AND PURCHASE PLANS 

Description of Share-Based Compensation Plans 

Stock Option and Award Plans 
We have three stock option plans for officers and certain other employees: the Amended 1994 Stock Option 
Plan (1994 Plan); the 2003 Stock Option Plan (2003 Plan); and the 2007 Incentive Award Plan (2007 Plan).  The 
1994 Plan and 2003 Plan authorize the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to 
employees.  The 2007 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation 
rights and other types of equity awards to employees.  We no longer make stock option grants under the 1994 
Plan or 2003 Plan.  A total of 1,650,360 shares have been reserved for issuance of equity awards and may be of 
either Class A or Class B common stock.  At December 31, 2009, there were 1,150,740 shares available to be 
granted in the future. 

Under these plans, Class A and Class B options are granted at prices not less than fair market value of the 
underlying common stock on the date of grant.  Generally, options granted have a term of 10 years and vest in 
increments of 20% per year over a five-year period on the yearly anniversary date of the grant.  Stock awards 
issued under the 2007 Plan generally vest in increments of 20% per year over a five-year period on the yearly 
anniversary date of the grant. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 
We have an employee stock purchase plan which provides that eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of 
their compensation up to $25,000 annually toward the quarterly purchase of our Class A common stock.  The 
employees’ purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the stock on the first business day or 
the last business day of each calendar quarter.  We have authorized the sale of 2,390,000 shares of common 
stock under the ESPP. 

Share-Based Compensation Expense 

Included in our share-based compensation expense is the cost related to stock option grants, ESPP stock 
purchases, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards.  Share-based compensation expense is allocated to 
Cost of goods sold, Product research and development expense, and Selling, general and administrative expense 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized pre-tax share-based compensation expense of $9.1 million, $7.3 
million and $5.5 million, respectively.  We did not capitalize any share-based compensation expense. 

For options granted before January 1, 2006, we amortize the fair value on an accelerated basis.  For options and 
awards granted after January 1, 2006, we amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis.  All stock 
compensation awards are amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the 
vesting periods. 

Stock Options 
The following table summarizes stock option activity. 

Outstanding, January 1, 2007 
  Granted 
  Exercised 

Forfeited/Expired 

Oustanding, December 31, 2007 
  Granted 
  Exercised 

Forfeited/Expired 

Outstanding, December 31, 2008 
  Granted 
  Exercised 

Forfeited/Expired 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009 
Vested and expected to vest,  
  December 31, 2009 

  Weighted- 
Average 
  Exercise Price 

  Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 
  Contractual 
  Term (in years) 

  Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in millions) 

    $ 
    $ 
    $ 
    $ 

    $ 
    $ 
    $ 
    $ 

    $ 
    $ 
    $ 
    $ 

40.06 
75.09 
28.16 
56.70 

43.06 
88.35 
25.09 
53.99 

48.84 
75.07 
38.20 
59.15 

Shares 

  1,667,769  
59,000  
(222,808) 
(15,686) 

  1,488,275  
59,000  
(269,731) 
(23,417) 

  1,254,127  
58,500  
(90,542) 
(15,711) 

  1,206,374  

    $ 

50.78 

  1,188,586  

    $ 

50.41 

4.64  

4.59  

3.85  

$  55.1  

$  54.7  

$  47.2  

Exercisable, December 31, 2009 

909,613  

    $ 

44.55 

The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009: 

Options Outstanding 
Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years) 
  1.80 
  4.14 
  5.80 
  8.36 

Weighted -
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
  $  23.77 
  $  50.64 
  $  60.91 
  $  79.35 

Options Exercisable 

Number 
Exercisable 
at 12/31/09 
325,569 
320,060 
229,184 
34,800 

Weighted - 
Average 
Exercise Price 
  $ 23.77 
  $ 50.39 
  $ 60.59 
  $ 79.58 

Range of 
Exercise Prices 
$ 10.75-$ 35.50 
$ 36.00-$ 56.40 
$ 57.49-$ 63.00 
$ 69.30-$ 88.48 

Number 
Outstanding 
at 12/31/09 
325,569 
333,995 
367,736 
179,074 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant 
price. The total intrinsic value on the date of exercise of stock options exercised during 2009, 2008 and 2007 
was approximately $4 million, $17 million and $13 million, respectively. 

Cash received from stock options exercised during 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $3.5 million, $6.8 million and $6.3 
million, respectively.  The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised totaled 
$2.0 million, $6.3 million and $3.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2009, there was $6.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock options. 
The cost is expected to be recognized in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years. 

The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2007 

2009 

Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life (in years) 
Expected dividend 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted 

34% 
3.69% 
8.4 
--   
    $  35.56 

34% 
3.92% 
8.5 
--   
    $  42.21   

34% 
4.72% 
8.5 
-- 
    $  37.05 

Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of our common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s 
expected life.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the 
grant.  In 2009 and 2008, the expected life represents the number of years that we estimate, based primarily on 
historical experience, that the options will be outstanding prior to exercise.  We do not anticipate paying any 
cash dividends in the future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero. 

Restricted Stock 
Restricted stock was granted in 2008 and 2007 under the 2007 Plan.  The fair value of each share of restricted 
stock is the market value as determined by the closing price of the stock on the day of grant. 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity: 

2009 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2007 

Restricted 
Stock 
Shares 

Weighted- 
Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value 

Restricted 
Stock 
Shares 

Weighted- 
Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value 

Restricted 

Weighted- 
Average 

Stock  Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
Shares 

Nonvested shares, at 
  beginning of year 
Granted 
Vested 
Cancelled/forfeited 
Nonvested shares, at  
  end of year 

  135,914     $ 

--      

(29,572)    $ 
(5,095)    $ 

82.64 
-- 
81.94 
82.45 

  $ 
75,720 
78,485 
  $ 
(14,625)    $ 
  $ 
(3,666) 

75.33   
88.09   
75.33   
77.24   

--      

75,970     $ 

--      
(250)    $ 

-- 
75.33 
-- 
75.32 

  101,247  

  $ 

82.86    135,914  

  $ 

82.64   

75,720     $ 

75.33 

As of December 31, 2009, there was approximately $6.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related 
to restricted stock granted under the 2007 Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average 
period of approximately 3 years. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Units 
Restricted stock units, which are rights to receive shares of company stock, were granted during 2009, 2008 and 
2007 under the 2007 Plan.  The fair value of each restricted stock unit is the market value as determined by the 
closing price of the stock on the day of grant. 

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity: 

  Weighted- 
  Restricted    Average 
  Grant-Date 
  Fair Value 

Stock 
  Units 

  Weighted-Average 
Remaining 

  Contractual Term 

(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
as of 
  December 31, 2009 
(in millions) 

Outstanding, January 1, 2007 
  Granted 
  Vested 

Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2007 
  Granted 
  Vested 

Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2008 
  Granted 
  Vested 

Forfeited 

--       

28,010      $ 

--       

(1,260)     $ 

26,750      $ 
37,445     $ 
(2,593)    $ 
(953)    $ 

60,649     $ 
   120,685     $ 
   (11,885)    $ 
(6,251)    $ 

-- 
75.32 
-- 
75.32 

75.32 
88.00 
75.32 
79.58 

83.08 
74.40 
79.77 
80.20 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009 

   163,198     $ 

77.01 

2.27 

$ 15.7  

As of December 31, 2009, there was approximately $9.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related 
to restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-
average period of approximately 4 years. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights was estimated using a Black-Scholes model with the following 
weighted-average assumptions: 

Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life (in years) 
Expected dividend 
Weighted-average fair value 
  of purchase rights 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2009 

2007 

35% 
.14% 
.25 

--   

37% 
1.87% 
.25   
--   

29% 
  4.79% 
.25   
--   

  $  16.71 

  $  20.79 

  $ 17.05 

The major assumptions are primarily based on historical data.  Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of 
our common stock for a period equal to the expected life of the purchase rights.  The risk-free interest rate is 
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  We do not anticipate paying any cash 
dividends in the future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero. 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We sold 109,025 shares for $6.8 million, 88,533 shares for $6.1 million and 81,388 shares for $5.3 million 
under the ESPP to employees in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, 228,604 shares 
remain authorized under the ESPP. 

We currently issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises, restricted stock issuances and ESPP stock 
purchases. 

9. 

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE, NET 

Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2009 

2007 

Interest and investment income 
Net realized (gains) losses on investments 
Impairment of investments 
Foreign non-income tax relief 
Miscellaneous other items 
Other (income) expense, net 

    $  (5.7) 
--  
3.5  
(4.6) 
(0.1) 
    $  (6.9) 

  $  (10.6)     $  (21.5) 
(0.5) 
0.7       
3.6  
10.9      
--  
--      
(0.6)     
(1.4) 
0.4     $  (19.8) 

  $ 

Included in impairment of investments are other-than-temporary impairments on certain of our available-for-sale 
investments in light of the continuing declines in their market prices.  We did not believe these particular 
investments will recover in the near future. 

10. 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

The reconciliation of net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities is as 
follows (in millions): 

Net income including noncontrolling interests  
Adjustments to reconcile net income including 

noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by 
operating activities (net of effects of acquisitions): 

  Depreciation 
  Amortization 
  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 
  Share-based compensation 
  Foreign currency economic hedge transactions, net 
  Losses (gains) on dispositions of securities 
  Decrease in accounts receivable, net 
  Decrease (increase) in inventories, net 
  Decrease (increase) in other current assets 
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable  

and other current liabilities 

  Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 
  Decrease in deferred income taxes 
  Goodwill and purchased intangible asset impairments 
  Other 
Net cash provided by operating activities 

60 

Year Ended December 31, 

2009 

2008 

2007 

  $  149.2  

    $  98.3  

    $  94.3  

69.5  
32.2  
(0.7) 
9.1  
2.5  
3.5  
4.3  
35.8  
11.8  

66.3  
30.8  
(5.1) 
7.3  
5.4  
10.6  
11.1  
(51.9) 
(0.6) 

53.5  
13.8  
(3.0) 
5.5  
4.1  
(0.5) 
9.0  
4.4  
(2.8) 

6.1  
8.7  
(11.6) 
3.8  
0.9  
  $  325.1  

(3.6) 
(1.6) 
(3.2) 
28.8  
(1.2) 
  $  191.4  

10.6  
(10.1) 
(5.9) 
--  
18.7  
    $  191.6  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
 
 
11. 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

Rents and Leases 

Net rental expense under operating leases was $37.0 million in 2009, $38.8 million in 2008 and $32.8 million in 
2007.  Leases are principally for facilities and automobiles. 

Annual future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2009 under operating leases are as follows: 2010 - 
$31.6 million; 2011 - $25.2 million; 2012 - $17.5 million; 2013 - $9.4 million; 2014 - $5.7 million; subsequent 
to 2014 - $16.8 million. 

Deferred Profit Sharing Retirement Plan 

We have a profit sharing plan covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Contributions are made at the 
discretion of the Board of Directors.  Bio-Rad has no liability other than for the current year’s contribution.  
Contributions charged to income were $11.5 million, $10.5 million and $9.4 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, 
respectively. 

Other Post-Employment Benefits 

In several foreign locations we are statutorily required to provide a lump sum severance or termination 
indemnity to our employees.  Under these plans, the vested benefit obligation at December 31, 2009 and 2008 
was $22.4 million and $19.0 million, respectively and has been included in Other long-term liabilities in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These plans are not required to be funded, and as such, there is no trust or other 
device used to accumulate assets to settle these obligations. 

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts 

We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts as an economic hedge against foreign currency denominated 
intercompany receivables and payables.  At December 31, 2009, we had contracts maturing in January through 
March 2010 to sell foreign currency with a nominal value of $266.3 million and an unrealized gain of 
$0.3 million.  Contracts to purchase foreign currency had a nominal value of $108.5 million with an unrealized 
loss of $0.1 million. 

The fair value of our forward foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2009 was $0.3 million and has 
been included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We recognized 
a loss of $2.5 million in 2009, which has been included in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income. 

Purchase Obligations 

As of December 31, 2009, we had purchase obligations of $40.7 million, which include agreements to purchase 
goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding to Bio-Rad and that specify all significant terms, and 
exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty. 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Letters of Credit 

In the ordinary course of business, we are at times required to post letters of credit.  The letters of credit are 
issued by our banks to guarantee our obligations to various parties including insurance companies. We were 
contingently liable for $8.2 million of standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2009. 

12. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

We are party to various claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. We do 
not believe, at this time, that any ultimate liability resulting from any of these matters will have a material 
adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.  However, we cannot give any 
assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits and their resolution could be material to our 
operating results for any particular period, depending upon the level of income for the period. 

13. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION 

Bio-Rad is a multinational manufacturer and worldwide distributor of its own life science research products and 
clinical diagnostics products.  We have two reportable segments:  Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics.  These 
reportable segments are strategic business lines that offer different products and services and require different 
marketing strategies. 

The Life Science segment develops, manufactures, sells and services reagents, apparatus and instruments used 
for biological research.  These products are sold to university and medical school laboratories, pharmaceutical 
and biotechnology companies, food testing laboratories and government and industrial research facilities. 

The Clinical Diagnostics segment develops, manufactures, sells and services automated test systems, 
informatics systems, test kits and specialized quality controls for the healthcare market.  These products are sold 
to reference laboratories, hospital laboratories, state newborn screening facilities, physicians’ office laboratories, 
transfusion laboratories and insurance and forensic testing laboratories. 

Other Operations include the remainder of our former Analytical Instruments segment. 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Significant Accounting Policies (see 
Note 1).  Segment profit or loss used for corporate management purposes includes an allocation of corporate 
expense based upon sales and an allocation of interest expense based upon accounts receivable and 
inventories.  Segments are expected to manage only assets completely under their control.  Accordingly, 
segment assets include primarily accounts receivable, inventories and gross machinery and equipment.  
Goodwill balances have been included in corporate for segment reporting purposes. 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information regarding industry segments at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and for the years then ended is 
as follows (in millions): 

Segment net sales 

Allocated interest expense 

Depreciation and amortization 

Segment profit  

Segment assets 

Capital expenditures 

Life 
Science 

Clinical 
Diagnostics 

Other 
  Operations 

2009 
2008 
2007 

2009 
2008 
2007 

2009 
2008 
2007 

2009 
2008 
2007 

2009 
2008 

2009 
2008 

    $  631.5 
643.5 
615.1 

  $  1,139.9 
    1,106.4 
832.2 

    $  12.8 
14.5 
13.8 

    $ 

    $ 

    $ 

13.9 
10.5 
12.2 

16.5 
17.5 
19.1 

38.6 
13.3 
24.7 

    $  311.1 
343.1 

    $ 

10.4 
10.6 

  $ 

  $ 

(1)    $ 
(2)     

  $ 

  $ 

    $ 

  $ 

  $ 

(3)     

  $ 

  $ 

32.8 
21.4 
19.2 

78.2 
74.9 
44.8 

145.7 
139.8 
80.7 

711.4 
675.2 

49.8 
56.6 

0.3 
0.2 
0.2 

0.3 
0.1 
0.1 

0.9 
0.6 
0.6 

5.8 
6.9 

-- 
0.1 

(1)  The Life Science segment profit for 2009 included $3.8 million of intangibles 

impairment expense (see Note 4). 

(2)  The Life Science segment profit for 2008 included $28.8 million of goodwill and 

intangibles impairment expense (see Note 4). 

(3)  The Clinical Diagnostics segment profit for 2007 included $7.7 million of in-process 

research and development expense recorded in connection with the DiaMed acquisition 
(see Note 2). 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
   
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
     
 
   
     
 
     
 
   
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The difference between total segment allocated interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and capital 
expenditures and the corresponding consolidated amounts is attributable to our corporate headquarters.  The 
following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions): 

Total segment profit 
Other income (expense), net 
Foreign exchange losses 
Net corporate operating, interest and other  
  income (expense), net not allocated 
  to segments 
Consolidated income before taxes 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2007 

2009 

  $  185.2  
6.9  
(5.0) 

  $  153.7  
(0.4) 
(7.6) 

    $  106.0  
19.8  
(2.6) 

(1.3) 
  $  185.8  

(2.9) 
  $  142.8  

(2.4) 
    $  120.8  

The following reconciles total segment assets to consolidated total assets (in millions): 

Total segment assets 
Cash and other current assets 
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding 
  segment specific gross machinery and equipment 
Goodwill, net 
Other long-term assets 
Total assets 

December 31, 

2009 

2008 

  $  1,028.3  
873.9  

  $  1,025.1  
388.5  

(23.9) 
327.6  
330.0  
  $  2,535.9  

(6.6) 
321.8  
308.5  
  $  2,037.3  

The following presents sales to external customers by geographic area based primarily on the location of the use 
of the product or service (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2008 

2009 

2007 

Europe  
Pacific Rim  
United States  
Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 
Total sales 

    $ 

814.4 
291.5 
565.8 
112.5 
    $  1,784.2 

    $  872.1 
253.3 
525.3 
113.7 
    $  1,764.4 

    $ 

671.2 
209.9 
498.1 
81.9 
    $  1,461.1 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
     
 
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
The following presents Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic area based upon the 
location of the asset (in millions).  In prior periods the table presented total long-lived assets including intangible 
assets.  It has been updated to conform to the current year presentation of tangible assets, property and 
equipment. 

December 31, 

2009 

2008 

Europe 
Pacific Rim 
United States   
Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 
Total Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net 

  $ 

  $ 

163.9 
17.2 
233.7 
12.7 
427.5 

    $  162.7 
14.9 
193.6 
9.4 
    $  380.6 

14. 

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

Summarized quarterly financial data for 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in millions, except per share data): 

2009 
Net sales 
Gross profit 
Net income attributable 
  to Bio-Rad 
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

First 
Quarter 

Second 
Quarter 

Third 
Quarter 

Fourth 
Quarter 

    $ 

    $ 

400.9 
228.9 

427.2 
242.0 

  $ 

461.1 
260.5 

    $  495.1  
268.5  

    $ 
    $ 

30.3 
1.11 
1.10 

    $ 
    $ 

38.0 
1.39 
1.37 

2008 
Net sales 
Gross profit 
Net income (loss) attributable 
  to Bio-Rad 
Basic earnings (loss) per share 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 

    $ 

    $ 

422.2 
226.9 

452.4 
248.4 

    $ 
    $ 

26.5 
0.98 
0.96 

    $ 
    $ 

43.4 
1.61 
1.57 

15. 

SUBSEQUENT EVENT 

38.5 
1.40 
1.38 

    $ 
    $ 

37.9  
1.38  
1.35  

441.8 
240.5 

    $  448.0  
246.7  

27.8 
1.02 
1.00 

    $ 
    $ 

(8.2) 
(0.30) 
(0.30) 

  $ 
  $ 

  $ 

  $ 
  $ 

On January 6, 2010, we acquired certain diagnostic businesses of Biotest AG for 45 million Euros 
(approximately $65.4 million) in cash that will be included in our Clinical Diagnostics segment.  The acquired 
assets will be measured at their fair values at the acquisition date based upon management’s best estimates. 
Goodwill will be measured as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair values of the identifiable 
net assets acquired.  We do not expect the goodwill that will be recorded with this acquisition to be deductible 
for tax purposes.  Integrating the acquired portion of Biotest's diagnostic businesses into Bio-Rad's product 
portfolio is expected to broaden our offering in the area of immunohematology and provide Bio-Rad access to 
the U.S. markets with a range of products. 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
     
     
 
   
     
   
   
 
 
   
     
     
 
   
     
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
     
     
 
   
     
   
   
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
  
  
    
 
 
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

(a) 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, Bio-Rad carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and 
with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of 
the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that 
evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to Bio-Rad is made 
known to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter 
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial 
reporting. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The management of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act 
of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act).  Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements presented in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles. 

An internal control system over financial reporting has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect 
misstatements.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance 
with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 

Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” 
published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the 
effectiveness of Bio-Rad’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.  Based on that 
evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 
December 31, 2009 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America.  We reviewed the results of management’s assessment with 
the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. 

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial 
statements of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2009 and has issued an attestation 
report on the effectiveness of Bio-Rad’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, as 
stated in their report. 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) 

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.  

We have audited Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“the COSO criteria”). Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.’s management is 
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting based on our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We 
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial 
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable 
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and 
(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

In our opinion, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the consolidated financial statements of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. as of and for the year ended 
December 31, 2009 and our report dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  

Palo Alto, California 
February 26, 2010 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

PART III.   

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Part of the information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from portions 
of Bio-Rad’s definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders in connection with our 2010 annual 
meeting of stockholders (the “2010 Proxy Statement”) under “Election of Directors,” “Committees of the Board 
of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.” 

Bio-Rad’s Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Louis Drapeau is the “audit committee financial expert,” 
as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.  Mr. Drapeau is also an “independent” director, as determined 
in accordance with the independence standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, and Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Listed Company Manual.   
The resignation of Mr. Ruediger Naumann-Etienne on December 4, 2009 left us with only two independent 
directors serving on our Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, rather than the three independent directors 
required for compliance with Section 303A.07(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. We are currently 
seeking a replacement for Mr. Naumann-Etienne to serve on our Board of Directors and our Audit Committee, 
and we intend to regain compliance with the requirements of Section 303A.07(a) of the NYSE Listed Company 
Manual as soon as practicable. 

We have adopted a code of business ethics and conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal 
financial officer, controller and all other employees and is available through our Corporate/Investor Relations 
website (www.bio-rad.com).  We will also provide a copy of the code of ethics to any person, without charge, 
upon request, by writing to us at “Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Investor Relations, 1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, 
Hercules, CA  94547.” 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from portions of the 
2010 Proxy Statement under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” 
“Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock 
Vested Table,” “Pension Benefits,” “Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred 
Compensation Plans,” “Potential Payments on Termination or Change in Control,” “Director Compensation” 
and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”  In addition, the information from a 
portion of the 2010 Proxy Statement under “Compensation Committee Report” is incorporated herein by 
reference and furnished on this Form 10-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the 
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the 
Securities Act of 1933. 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OW NERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OW NERS AND 
M ANAGEM ENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER M ATTERS  

Part of the information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from a portion 
of the 2010 Proxy Statement under “Principal and Management Stockholders.” 

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 31, 2009 

Number of 
securities 
to be issued  
upon exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 
(a) 

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Number of securities 
remaining available 
for future issuance 
under equity 
compensation plans 
(excluding securities 
reflected in column 
(a)) 

(b) 

(c) 

1,369,572 

  $  44.72 

1,379,344 

(2) 

-- 

-- 

-- 

1,369,572 

  $  44.72 

1,379,344 

Plan category 

Equity compensation 
  plans approved by  
  security holders (1) 
Equity compensation plans 
  not approved by 
  stockholders 

Total 

(1) 

(2) 

  Consists of the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan, the 2003 Stock Option Plan of 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 2007 Incentive Award Plan and the Bio-
Rad Laboratories, Inc. Amended and Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 

  Consists of 1,150,740 shares available under the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 2007 Incentive Award 
Plan and 228,604 shares available for issuance under the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Amended and 
Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE  

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from portions of the 
2010 Proxy Statement under “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Committees of the Board of Directors.” 

ITEM  14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES   

The information required to be furnished by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the 2010 
Proxy Statement under “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.” 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV .   

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  

(a) 1. 

Index to Financial Statements – See Item 8 “Financial Statements and  
   Supplementary Data”on page 29 for a list of financial statements. 

2. 

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or the required information 
is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. 

3. 

Index to Exhibits 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits on pages 72 through 76 of this report are filed or  
incorporated by reference as part of this report. 

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 
(in thousands) 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable  

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

19,567 
21,410 
15,265 

Additions 
Charged to Costs 
and Expenses 
7,783 
7,602 
3,925 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

2009 
2008 
2007 

Deductions 
  $  (4,250) 
  $  (9,472) 
  $  (3,227) 

Other (A) 
-- 
  $ 
  $ 
27 
  $  5,447 

Balance at 
End of Year 
  $  23,100 
  $  19,567 
  $  21,410 

(A)  Due to acquisitions. 

Valuation allowance for current and long-term deferred tax assets 

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

40,663 
31,119 
26,494 

Additions 
Charged to Income 
Tax Expense 
6,602 
10,570 
9,079 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

2009 
2008 
2007 

Deductions 
  $  (9,339) 
  $  (1,026) 
  $  (5,551) 

Other (B) 
-- 
  $ 
  $ 
-- 
  $  1,097 

Balance at  
End of Year  
  $  37,926 
  $  40,663 
  $  31,119 

(B)  Due to acquisitions. 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. 

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 

By: 

/s/ Sanford S. Wadler 
Sanford S. Wadler 
Secretary 

Date:  February 26, 2010   

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Principal Executive Officer: 
  /s/ Norman Schwartz  
  (Norman Schwartz) 

Principal Financial Officer  
  /s/ Christine A. Tsingos 
  (Christine A. Tsingos) 

Principal Accounting Officer 
  /s/ James R. Stark 
  (James R. Stark) 

Other Directors: 
  /s/ James J. Bennett 
  (James J. Bennett) 

  /s/ Louis Drapeau 
(Louis Drapeau) 

  /s/ Albert J. Hillman 
  (Albert J. Hillman) 

  /s/ Alice N. Schwartz 
  (Alice N. Schwartz) 

  /s/ David Schwartz 
  (David Schwartz)   

President and Director 

February 26, 2010 

Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer 

February 26, 2010 

Corporate Controller 

February 26, 2010 

Director 

February 26, 2010 

Director 

February 26, 2010 

Director 

February 26, 2010 

Director 

February 26, 2010 

Director 

February 26, 2010 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS ITEM 15(a)3 

Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are furnished herewith and should not be deemed to be “filed under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.” 

Exhibit 
No. 

2.1 

Share Purchase Agreement as of May 14, 2007 by and among Bio-Rad Laboratories,  
Inc. and certain selling shareholders regarding the purchase of 77.6765% of the equity 
of DiaMed Holding AG. (17) 

3.1 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as of February 8, 2002. (1) 

3.1.1 

Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., as of May 6, 2004. (2) 

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

4.5 

4.6 

10.1 

Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended February 19,1980. (3) 

Indenture dated as of August 11, 2003 for 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 
among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as  
Trustee. (4) 

The Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 11, 2003 for 
7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013. (4)  

Indenture dated as of December 21, 2004, between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
and Wells Fargo National Bank, as trustee. (6) 

Indenture dated as of May 26, 2009 for 8.00% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016  
Among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as 
Trustee. (24) 

The Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 26, 2009 for 
8.00% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016. (24) 

The Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2004, by 
and between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. (26) 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2005, by and among 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the lenders referred to therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 
(successor by merger to Bank One, NA (Main Office Chicago)), as a lender  
and administrative agent,Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Union Bank of California N.A., 
as syndication agents and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and BNP Paribas, as  
documentation agents. (7) 

10.1.1 

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. (8) 

10.2 

Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2005, between 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (successor by 
merger to Bank One, NA (Main Office Chicago)), as administrative agent. (7) 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.3 

Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2005, between 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (successor by merger to 
Bank One, NA (Main Office Chicago)), as administrative agent. (7) 

10.4 

1994 Stock Option Plan. (9) 

10.4.1 

10.4.2 

10.4.3 

10.4.4 

10.4.5 

Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated April 28, 1998. (10) 

Second Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated December 6, 1999. (10) 

Third Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated September 19, 2000. (10) 

Fourth Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated April 25, 2001. (11) 

Amendment  to  the  1994  Stock  Option  Plan  of  Bio-Rad  Laboratories,  Inc.,  dated 
February 18, 2009. (22) 

10.5 

Amended and Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (12) 

10.5.1 

Amendment to the Amended 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (11) 

10.5.2 

Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Amended and Restated 1988 Employee 
Stock Purchase Plan 

10.6 

Employees’ Deferred Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (Amended and Restated 
effective January 1, 1997). (13) 

10.7 

2003 Stock Option Plan. (14) 

10.7.1 

Amendment to the 2003 Stock Option Plan of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (19) 

10.8 

2007 Incentive Award Plan. (21) 

10.8.1 

Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award 
Agreement under the 2007 Incentive Award Plan. (23) 

10.10 

10.13 

Non-competition and employment continuation agreement with  
James J. Bennett. (15) 

Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 16, 2004 by and between Bio-Rad, 
MJ GeneWorks, Incorporated, Michael J. Finney and John D. Finney, excluding  
exhibits and schedules.  Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(2), the exhibits and  
schedules to this agreement have not been filed.  We agree to furnish supplementally 
a copy of any omitted exhibits or schedules to the SEC upon request.  We have 
requested confidential treatment of certain portions of this agreement. (16) 

10.14 

Connecticut Settlement Agreement dated as of February 9, 2006 by and between 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research, Inc., and Applera Corporation, through its 
Applied Biosystems Group. (16) 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.15 

Real-Time Settlement Agreement dated as of February 9, 2006 by and between  
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research Inc., and Applera Corporation, through  
its Applied Biosystems Group. (16) 

10.15.1  Amendment No. 1 to Real-Time Settlement Agreement dated as of May 4, 2007 by and  

between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research, Inc. and Applera Corporation, 
through its Applied Biosystems Group. (20) 

10.16 

10.17 

Amended and Restated Thermal Cycler Supplier Agreement dated as of February 9, 
2006 by and between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research, Inc. and Applera 
Corporation, through its Applied Biosystems Group. (16) 

Real-Time Instrument Patent License Agreement dated as of February 9, 2006, by 
and between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research, Inc., and Applera  
Corporation through its Applied Biosystems Group. (16) 

10.17.1  Amendment No. 1 to Real-Time Patent License Agreement dated as of May 4, 2007 

by and between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research, Inc. and Applera 
Corporation through its Applied Biosystems Group. (20) 

10.18 

Credit Agreement dated as of September 9, 2003 among Bio-Rad 
Laboratories, Inc., the lenders, Bank One, N.A., as Administrative Agent, 
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Union Bank of California, N.A., as 
Syndication Agents and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and BNP Paribas, as 
Documentation Agents. (4) 

10.18.1  Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of December 8, 2004 

among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the lenders referred to herein, 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (successor by merger to Bank One, NA 
(Illinois)), as lender and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and 
Union Bank of California, N.A., as Syndication Agents and ABN AMRO 
Bank N.V. and BNP Paribas, as Documentation agents. (5) 

10.18.2  Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of  

September 27, 2007 among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the lenders referred to herein, 
and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (successor by merger to Bank One, NA (Main Office  
Chicago)), as lender and contractual representative. (18) 

10.18.3  Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of 

May 18, 2009 among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the lenders referred to herein, 
and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (successor by merger to Bank One, NA (Main Office 
Chicago)), as lender and contractual representative. (25) 

10.19 

10.20 

Pledge Amendment dated as of September 9, 2003 among Bio-Rad 
Laboratories, Inc., and Bank One, N.A., as contractual representative. (4) 

Security Agreement dated as of September 9, 2003 among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., 
as Grantor and Bank One N.A., as Administrative Agent. (4) 

21.1 

Listing of Subsidiaries. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.1 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

23.2 

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP,  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)  
(17CFR 240.13a-14(a)). 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)  
(17CFR 240.13a-14(a)). 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002. 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing for  
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, dated March 28, 2002. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing 
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, dated March 3, 2005. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Registration  
Statement on Form S-7 Registration No. 2-66797, which became 
effective April 22, 1980. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form S-4 filing, dated 
September 19, 2003. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated  
December 14, 2004. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated  
December 22, 2004. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated  
June 24, 2005. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s September 30, 2005 
10-Q filing, dated November 8, 2005. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form S-8 filing, dated 
April 29, 1994. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing for  
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, dated March 28, 2001. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing for  
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, dated March 15, 2004. 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s September 30, 1998  
Form 10-Q filing, dated November 12, 1998. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s September 30, 1997  
Form 10-Q filing, dated November 13, 1997. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s March 31, 2003  
Form 10-Q filing, dated May 13, 2003. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s December 31, 1996  
Form 10-K filing, dated March 27, 1997. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s March 31, 2006 
Form 10-Q filing, dated May 9, 2006. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s June 30, 2007 Form 10-Q  
filing, dated August 8, 2007. 

(18) 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, 

  dated October 3, 2007. 

(19) 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s March 31, 2007 
Form 10-Q filing, dated May 4, 2007. 

(20) 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s June 30, 2007  

  Form 10-Q filing, dated August 8, 2007. 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s S-8 filing, dated  
July 30, 2007. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s June 30, 2009  
Form 10-Q filing, dated August 5, 2009. 

Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s September 30, 2009  
Form 10-Q filing, dated November 4, 2009. 

Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated 
May 26, 2009. 

Incorporated by reference from the exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated 
May 18, 2009. 

(26) 

Incorporated by reference from Bio-Rad’s Form S-4 dated April 20, 2005. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE INFORMATION

D IR ECTO RS

David Schwartz
Chairman of the Board

James J. Bennett
Director

Louis Drapeau
Director 

Albert J. Hillman
Director

Ted W. Love, M.D.
Director

Alice N. Schwartz
Director

Norman Schwartz
Director

OFF IC ER S

David Schwartz
Chairman of the Board

Norman Schwartz
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Brad Crutchfield
Vice President and  
Group Manager,  
Life Science

John Goetz
Vice President and  
Group Manager,  
Clinical Diagnostics

Giovanni Magni
Vice President and  
International Sales Manager

Christine A. Tsingos
Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

Sanford S. Wadler
Vice President,  
General Counsel  
and Secretary

Ronald W. Hutton
Treasurer

Shannon Hall
Manager,  
Laboratory Separations

Chang Hong
Regional Manager,  
Asia Pacific

James R. Stark
Corporate Controller

Michael Jackson
Manager, BioPlex 2200

Scott Jenest
Group Operations Manager,
Life Sciences

Leo Kaabi
Manager, Quality Systems

Bill Kuhlman
Manager,  
Process Chromatography

Ann Madden
Manager,  
Clinical Microbiology

Daniel Merle
Manager,
Business Development,
Clinical Diagnostics

Todd Morrill
Manager,  
Business Development,  
Life Science

Sanjiv Suri
Regional Manager,  
Emerging Markets

Sadashi Suzuki
Regional Manager, Japan

Ted Tisch
Manager, Protein Function

Annette Tumolo
Manager, Gene Expression

OT HE R EXECUTIVES

Steve Binder
Director,  
Technology Development, 
Clinical Diagnostics

Patrick Bugeon
Group Operations Manager,  
France Clinical Diagnostics

John Bussell
Manager,  
Immunohematology

Patrick Carroll
Manager,  
North America Sales,  
Life Science

Jean-Marc Chermette
Manager, Food Science

Colleen Corey
Director, Corporate  
Human Resources

Michael Crowley
Manager,  
North America Sales,  
Clinical Diagnostics

Diane Dahowski
Group Operations Manager,  
U.S. Clinical Diagnostics

Patrice Deletoille
Manager, Blood Virus

David Dutton
Manager, Clinical Systems

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders will be held 
on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 
at 4 PM, Pacific Time, at 
the Corporate Offices of 
the Company in Hercules, 
California.

Bio-Rad will provide without 
charge to each stockholder, 
upon written request to 
the Secretary, a copy of its 
2009 Annual Report filed 
with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on 
Form 10-K.

TRANSFER AGENT

Computershare Investor 
Services LLC
250 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021

Tel: 800-962-4284
Fax: 312-601-2312
www.computershare.com

AUDITORS

Ernst & Young LLP
Palo Alto, California

COMMON STOCK

Traded on the New York 
Stock Exchange

Class A Common Stock
Symbol BIO

Class B Common Stock
Symbol BIOb

Bio-Rad Laboratories

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive
Hercules, CA 94547
510-724-7000
www.bio-rad.com