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McKesson

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FY2012 Annual Report · McKesson
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Annual Report
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012

Financial Results

Total Revenue  (in billions)

Adjusted EPS*

21% INCREASE

$122.7

$101.7

81% INCREASE

$6.38

$3.53

2008

2012

2008

2012

Five-Year Cumulative Total Return**

McKESSON CORPORATION

S&P 500 INDEX

VALUE LINE HEALTH CARE INDEX

$100.00

$89.81

$156.68

$139.72

$114.92

$60.73

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

**Assumes $100 invested in McKesson’s common stock and in each index on March 31, 2007, and that all dividends are reinvested.

Letter from John Hammergren

Dear Fellow Stockholders,

I am pleased to report that 
McKesson continued its 
strong performance in fi scal 
2012, generating double-digit 
growth in both revenues and 
earnings. Once again, our 
fi nancial results were driven 
by outstanding execution, 
deep customer relationships, 
and a broad portfolio of 
solutions that enable better 
business performance, 
improved care delivery and 
greater connectivity across 
the industry.

McKesson grew revenues to a record $122.7 billion, an increase 

of 10%. Full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share was $6.38*, 

up 20%, and cash flow from operations totaled $2.9 billion. We 

ended fiscal year 2012 with cash and cash equivalents of $3.1 billion, 

providing the financial strength and flexibility to make investments 

that position us for future growth.

Distribution Solutions fueled our strong performance, with revenues 

for the segment up 10% and adjusted operating profit up 13%*. U.S. 

pharmaceutical distribution revenues also increased 10%, reflecting 

market growth and new business with existing customers. We are 

particularly proud that the Department of Veterans Affairs renewed 

its distribution agreement with McKesson, enabling us to continue 

serving our nation’s veterans. Across the distribution segment, 

we enhanced our value to customers through our unmatched service 

levels, global sourcing capabilities and customized solution offerings.

In Technology Solutions, we increased revenues 4% to $3.3 billion 

and grew adjusted operating profit by 21%*. We continued to

expand our solution set for hospitals and health systems, payers, 

pharmacies and physician practices, with a focus on helping them 

use information technology to address their financial, clinical and 

integration needs. We are working closely with our customers in all 

markets to help them prepare for near-term requirements and to 

position them for long-term success in a world of evolving payment 

models, greater consumer empowerment and increased pressure 

to improve quality and efficiency.

Throughout the year, we used our strong balance sheet and cash 

flow to create value for our stockholders. Among the many highlights, 

we acquired the independent banner and franchise businesses 

of the Katz Group Canada Inc., extending our market leadership 

in Canada. Looking forward, we plan to continue our portfolio 
approach to capital deployment with a mix of acquisitions, share 

repurchases, dividends and internal capital spending.

Fiscal 2013 will mark McKesson’s 180th year as a company, and 
I am more optimistic than ever about our future. Working in 

partnership with our customers and suppliers, McKesson is uniquely 

positioned to help improve the business and clinical performance 

of all sectors of the industry, leading to better care for patients, and 

ultimately better health for all. On behalf of the Board of Directors 

and our employees, thank you for your commitment to McKesson.

John Hammergren
Chairman of the Board, President 
and Chief Executive Offi    cer
McKesson Corporation

*See Appendix A to this 2012 Annual Report for a reconciliation of earnings per share and operating profit as reported under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to adjusted earnings per 
share and adjusted operating profit. Non-GAAP measures such as adjusted earnings per share and adjusted operating profit should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, financial results 
prepared in accordance with GAAP.

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 
(cid:59)  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012

OR

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

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from ______ to 

______

Commission File Number 1-13252 
McKESSON CORPORATION 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

94-3207296 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

One Post Street, San Francisco, California 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

94104 
(Zip Code) 

(415) 983-8300 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

(Title of each class) 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value 

(Name of each exchange on which registered) 
New York Stock Exchange 

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

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

Securities Act.  Yes  (cid:59)     No (cid:133)

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  (cid:133)     No (cid:59)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant 
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  (cid:59)
No  (cid:133)

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 
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required 
to submit and post such files).  Yes  (cid:59)     No (cid:133)

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of 
this chapter) 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.  (cid:59)

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

Large accelerated filer  (cid:59)
Non-accelerated filer  (cid:133) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

Accelerated filer  (cid:133)
Smaller reporting company  (cid:133)

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is  a  shell  company  (as  defined  in  Rule  12b-2  of  the  Act).   

Yes (cid:133)     No (cid:59)

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, 
computed by reference to the closing price as of the last business day of  the registrant’s  most recently completed 
second fiscal quarter, September 30, 2011, was approximately $17.8 billion. 

Number of shares of common stock outstanding on April 16, 2012:  235,397,188 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by 

reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Item

Page

PART I 

1. 

Business ...........................................................................................................................................  

3 

1A. 

Risk Factors .....................................................................................................................................  

1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments ...........................................................................................................  

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Properties .........................................................................................................................................  

Legal Proceedings ...........................................................................................................................  

Mine Safety Disclosures ..................................................................................................................  

Executive Officers of the Registrant ...............................................................................................  

PART II 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and  
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ..............................................................................................  

Selected Financial Data ...................................................................................................................  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  .........  

7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.........................................................  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...............................................................................  

11 

22 

22 

22 

22 

23 

24 

27 

28 

50 

51 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ..........  

105 

9A. 

Controls and Procedures ..................................................................................................................  

105 

9B. 

Other Information ............................................................................................................................  

105 

PART III 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ..............................................................  

106 

Executive Compensation .................................................................................................................  

106 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters.............................................................................................................................................  

106 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence .................................  

108 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services .........................................................................................  

108 

PART IV 

15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule .....................................................................................  

109 

Signatures ........................................................................................................................................  

110 

                                                                                            2 

8. 

9. 

 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

PART I 

Item 1. 

Business. 

General 

McKesson Corporation (“McKesson,” the “Company,” the “Registrant” or “we” and other similar pronouns), is 
a Fortune 15 corporation that delivers pharmaceuticals,  medical supplies and health care information technologies 
that make health care safer while reducing costs. 

The Company’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31.  Unless otherwise noted, all references in 

this document to a particular year shall mean the Company’s fiscal year. 

Our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  Quarterly  Reports  on  Form  10-Q,  Current  Reports  on  Form  8-K  and 
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act,”) are available free of charge on our website (www.mckesson.com under the 
“Investors – Financial Information – SEC Filings” caption) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically 
file  such  material  with,  or  furnish  it  to,  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (“SEC”  or  the  “Commission”).  
The content on any website referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this 
report, unless expressly noted otherwise. 

The public may also read or copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room 
at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C.  20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public 
Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy 
and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically 
with the SEC.  The address of the website is http://www.sec.gov.

Business Segments 

We operate in two segments.  The McKesson Distribution Solutions segment distributes ethical and proprietary 
drugs,  medical-surgical  supplies  and  equipment  and  health  and  beauty  care  products  throughout  North  America.  
This  segment  also  provides  specialty  pharmaceutical  solutions  for  biotech  and  pharmaceutical  manufacturers,  and 
practice management, technology, clinical support and business solutions to oncology and other specialty practices 
operating in the community setting.  In addition, this segment sells financial, operational and clinical solutions for 
pharmacies (retail,  hospital, alternate  site) and provides consulting, outsourcing and other services.  This  segment 
includes a 49% interest in Nadro, S.A. de C.V. (“Nadro”), one of the leading pharmaceutical distributors in Mexico. 

The McKesson Technology Solutions segment delivers enterprise-wide clinical, patient care, financial, supply 
chain,  strategic  management  software  solutions,  pharmacy  automation  for  hospitals,  as  well  as  connectivity, 
outsourcing and other services, including remote hosting and managed services, to healthcare organizations.  This 
segment  also  includes  our  Payer  group  of  businesses,  which  includes  our  InterQual®  clinical  criteria  solution, 
medical management tools, claims payment solutions, network performance tools and care management programs.  
This  segment’s  customers  include  hospitals,  physicians,  homecare  providers,  retail  pharmacies  and  payers  from 
North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, other European countries and Israel. 

Net revenues for our segments for the last three years were as follows:  

(Dollars in billions) 
Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 

Total 

2012

2011

2010

  $  119.4 
3.3 
  $  122.7 

97% 
3% 
100% 

  $  108.9 
3.2 
  $  112.1 

97% 
3% 
100% 

  $  105.6 
3.1 
  $  108.7 

97% 
3% 
100% 

                                                                                            3 

 
 
 
 
Distribution Solutions 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

McKesson  Distribution  Solutions  consists  of  the  following  businesses:  U.S.  Pharmaceutical  Distribution, 
McKesson  Canada,  Medical-Surgical  Distribution,  McKesson  Pharmacy  Systems  and  Automation  and  McKesson 
Specialty Health.  This segment also includes our 49% interest in Nadro. 

U.S.  Pharmaceutical  Distribution:    This  business  supplies  pharmaceuticals  and/or  other  healthcare-related 
products  to  customers  in  three  primary  customer  channels:  (1)  retail  national  accounts  (including  national  and 
regional  chains,  food/drug  combinations,  mail  order  pharmacies  and  mass  merchandisers);  (2)  independent  retail 
pharmacies;  and  (3)  institutional  healthcare  providers  (including  hospitals,  health  systems,  integrated  delivery 
networks, clinics and alternate site providers).  This business also provides solutions and services to pharmaceutical 
manufacturers.  This business sources materials and products from a wide-array of different suppliers, including the 
production of certain generic pharmaceutical drugs through a contract-manufacturing program. 

Our  U.S.  pharmaceutical  distribution  business  operates  and  serves  thousands  of  customer  locations  through  a 
network of 28 distribution centers, as well as a primary redistribution center, a strategic redistribution center and two 
repackaging facilities, serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico.  We invest in technology and other systems at all of our 
distribution centers to enhance safety and reliability and provide the best product availability for our customers.  For 
example, in all of our distribution centers we use Acumax® Plus, an award-winning technology that integrates and 
tracks  all  internal  inventory-related  functions  such  as  receiving,  put-away  and  order  fulfillment.    Acumax®  Plus 
uses bar code technology, wrist-mounted computer hardware and radio frequency signals to provide customers with 
real-time  product  availability  and  industry-leading  order  quality  and  fulfillment  in  excess  of  99.9%  adjusted 
accuracy.  In addition, we offer Mobile ManagerSM, which integrates portable handheld technology with Acumax® 
Plus to give customers complete ordering and inventory control.  We also offer McKesson ConnectSM, an Internet-
based ordering system that provides item lookup and real-time inventory availability as well as ordering, purchasing, 
third-party  reconciliation  and  account  management  functionality.    Together,  these  features  help  ensure  customers 
have the right products at the right time for their facilities and patients. 

To maximize distribution efficiency and effectiveness, we follow the Six Sigma methodology — an analytical 
approach  that  emphasizes  setting  high-quality  objectives,  collecting  data  and  analyzing  results  to  a  fine  degree  in 
order to improve processes, reduce costs and  minimize errors.  We continue to implement information systems to 
help achieve greater consistency and accuracy both internally and for our customers.  

The  major  offerings  of  the  McKesson  U.S.  Pharmaceutical  Distribution  business  by  customer  group  can  be 

categorized as retail national accounts, independent retail pharmacies and institutional healthcare providers.  

Retail  National  Accounts  —  Business  solutions  that  help  national  account  customers  increase  revenues  and 

profitability.  Solutions include: 

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

Central  FillSM  —  Prescription  refill  service  that  enables  pharmacies  to  more  quickly  refill  prescriptions 
remotely, more accurately and at a lower cost, while reducing inventory levels and improving customer service. 
Redistribution Centers — Two facilities totaling over 500 thousand square feet that offer access to inventory for 
single source warehouse purchasing, including pharmaceuticals and biologicals.  These distribution centers also 
provide the foundation for a two-tiered distribution network that supports best-in-class direct store delivery.  
EnterpriseRx®  — A Software as a Service (SaaS) pharmacy management system, that allows large retail chain, 
health  system,  and  retail  independent  pharmacies  to  meet  demand  for  prescriptions  while  maximizing  profits 
and optimizing operations.  
RxPakSM — Bulk-to-bottle repackaging service that leverages our purchasing scale and supplier relationships to 
provide pharmaceuticals at reduced prices, help increase inventory turns and reduce working capital investment.  
Inventory Management – An integrated solution comprising forecasting software and automated replenishment 
technologies that reduce inventory-carrying costs. 

(cid:120) McKesson OneStop Generics® — Generic pharmaceutical purchasing program that helps pharmacies maximize 

their cost savings with a broad selection of generic drugs, low pricing and one-stop shopping.  

                                                                                            4 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Independent  Retail  Pharmacies  —  Solutions  for  managed  care  contracting,  branding  and  advertising, 
merchandising,  purchasing,  operational  efficiency  and  automation  that  help  independent  pharmacists  focus  on 
patient care while improving profitability.  Solutions include: 

(cid:120) Health Mart® —Health Mart® is a national network of more than 2,900 independently-owned pharmacies and 
is one of the industry’s most comprehensive pharmacy franchise programs.  Health Mart® provides franchisees 
with  managed  care  that  drives  pharmacy  benefit  manager  recognition,  branding  that  drives  consumer 
recognition along with its Health Mart private label line of products, in-store programs that drive manufacturer 
and payer recognition and community advocacy programs that drive industry recognition.  Health Mart® helps 
franchisees grow their businesses by focusing on the three principles of successful retailing: 
– Attract new customers; 
– Maximize the value of current customers; and 
–

Enhance business efficiency. 

(cid:120) AccessHealth®  —  Comprehensive  managed  care  and  reconciliation  assistance  services  that  help  independent 

pharmacies save time, access competitive reimbursement rates and improve cash flow. 

(cid:120) McKesson  Reimbursement  AdvantageSM  (“MRA”)  —  MRA  is  one  of  the  industry’s  most  comprehensive 
reimbursement optimization packages, comprising financial services (automated claim resubmission), analytic 
services and customer care.  

(cid:120) McKesson OneStop Generics® — described above. 
(cid:120)
(cid:120)

EnterpriseRx® — described above. 
Sunmark® — Complete line of more than 700 products that provide retail independent pharmacies with value-
priced alternatives to national brands. 
FrontEdge™  —  Strategic  planning,  merchandising  and  price  maintenance  program  that  helps  independent 
pharmacies maximize store profitability. 

(cid:120)

(cid:120) McKesson Home Health Care — Comprehensive line of more than 1,800 home health care products, including 
durable medical equipment, diabetes supplies, self-care supplies and disposables from national brands and the 
Sunmark® line. 

Institutional Healthcare Providers — Electronic ordering/purchasing and supply chain management systems that 
help  customers  improve  financial  performance,  increase  operational  efficiencies  and  deliver  better  patient  care.  
Solutions include: 

(cid:120) McKesson Pharmacy Optimization® — An experienced group of pharmacy professionals providing consulting 
services  and  pharmacy  practice  resources.    McKesson  Pharmacy  Optimization®  develops  customized  and 
quantifiable solutions that help hospitals create and sustain financial, operational and clinical results. 
Fulfill-RxSM  —  Ordering  and  inventory  management  system  that  integrates  McKesson  pharmaceutical 
distribution  services  with  our  automation  solutions,  thus  empowering  hospitals  to  optimize  the  often 
complicated and disjointed processes related to unit-based cabinet replenishment and inventory management. 
(cid:120) Asset Management — Award-winning inventory optimization and purchasing management program that helps 

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

institutional providers lower costs while ensuring product availability. 
SKY  Packaging  —  Blister-format  packaging  containing  the  most  widely  prescribed  dosages  and  strengths  in 
generic oral-solid medications.  SKY Packaging enables acute care, long-term care and institutional pharmacies 
to provide cost-effective, uniform packaging. 

(cid:120) McKesson  OneStop  Generics®  —  Generic  pharmaceutical  purchasing  program  that  enables  acute  care  and 

alternate site pharmacies to capture the full potential of purchasing generic pharmaceuticals.   

(cid:120) McKesson  340B  Solution  Suite  —  Solutions  that  help  providers  manage,  track  and  report  on  medication 

replenishment associated with the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. 

(cid:120) High Performance Pharmacy® — Framework that identifies and categorizes hospital pharmacy best practices to 
help  improve  clinical  outcomes  and  financial  results.    The  High  Performance  Pharmacy  Assessment  Tool 
enables  hospital  pharmacies  to  measure  against  comparable  institutions  and  chart  a  step-by-step  path  to  high 
performance.  

                                                                                            5 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

McKesson  Canada:    McKesson  Canada,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  is  one  of  the  largest  pharmaceutical 
distributors  in  Canada.    McKesson  Canada,  through  its  network  of  16  distribution  centers,  provides  logistics  and 
distribution  to  more  than  800  manufacturers  –  delivering  their  products  to  retail  pharmacies,  hospitals,  long-term 
care  centers,  clinics  and  institutions  throughout  Canada.    Beyond  pharmaceutical  distribution,  logistics  and  order 
fulfillment, McKesson Canada has automated over 2,500 retail pharmacies and is also active in hospital automation 
solutions,  dispensing  more  than  100 million  doses  each  year.    In  partnership  with  other  McKesson  businesses, 
McKesson  Canada  provides  a  full  range  of  services  to  Canadian  manufacturers  and  healthcare  providers, 
contributing to the quality and safety of care for patients.  On March 25, 2012, we  acquired substantially all of the 
assets of Drug Trading Company Limited, the independent banner business of the Katz Group Canada Inc. (“Katz 
Group”), and Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc., the franchise business of the Katz Group.  The acquisition of the assets 
from  the  Drug  Trading  Company  Limited  consists  of  a  marketing  and  purchasing  arm  of  more  than  850 
independently  owned  pharmacies  in  Canada.    The  acquisition  of  Medicine  Shoppe  Canada  Inc.  consists  of  the 
franchise business of providing services to more than 160 independent pharmacies in Canada.   

Medical–Surgical  Distribution:    This  business  provides  medical-surgical  supply  distribution,  equipment, 
logistics  and  other  services  to  healthcare  providers  including  physicians’  offices,  surgery  centers,  extended  care 
facilities, homecare and occupational health sites through a network of 28 distribution centers within the U.S.  This 
business is a leading provider of supplies to the full range of alternate-site healthcare facilities, including physicians’ 
offices, clinics and surgery centers (primary care), long-term care, occupational health facilities and homecare sites 
(extended  care).    Through  a  variety  of  technology  products  and  services  geared  towards  the  supply  chain,  our 
Medical-Surgical Distribution business is focused on helping its customers operate more efficiently while providing 
one  of  the  industry’s  most  extensive  product  offerings,  including  our  own  private  label  line.    This  business  also 
includes ZEE® Medical, one of the most extensive product offerings in the industry of first aid, safety and training 
solutions,  providing  services  to  industrial  and  commercial  customers.    This  business  offers  an  extensive  line  of 
products  and  services  aimed  at  maximizing  productivity  and  minimizing  the  liability  and  cost  associated  with 
workplace illnesses and injuries.  

McKesson  Pharmacy  Systems  and  Automation:    This  business  supplies  integrated  pharmacy  management 
systems, automated dispensing systems and related services to retail, outpatient, central fill, specialty and mail order 
pharmacies.  Its primary offering is EnterpriseRx®, a Software as a Service (SaaS) pharmacy management system, 
that  allows  large  retail  chain,  health  system,  and  retail  independent  pharmacies  to  meet  demand  for  prescriptions 
while maximizing profits and optimizing operations.  We also own a 39% interest in Parata, which sells automated 
pharmacy and supply management systems and services to retail and institutional pharmacies.  

McKesson  Specialty  Health:    This  business  provides  solutions  for  oncology  and  other  specialty  practices 
operating in communities across the country, as well as for pharmaceutical and biotech suppliers who manufacture 
specialty  drugs  and  vaccines.    Through  expertise  in  specialty  drug  distribution,  commercialization,  revenue  cycle 
and  practice  management  and  reimbursement  support,  McKesson  Specialty  Health  allows  the  community  patient 
care delivery system and facilitates collaboration among community  healthcare providers, drug manufacturers and 
payers.  We provide direct-to-physician specialty distribution services, ensuring supply chain safety and delivery of 
specialty drugs in  manufacturer recommended conditions.   Third party logistics, or 3PL, are offered primarily for 
vaccine  distribution,  including  our  exclusive  distributor  relationship  in  the  Center  for  Disease  Control  and 
Prevention’s  (CDC)  Vaccines  for  Children  program.   We  also  offer  our  industry  leading  Lynx®  integrated 
technologies, the iKnowMedSM Electronic Health record, and clinical and practice management tools, all of  which 
help community practices improve inventory management, practice workflow and reimbursement processes, as well 
as deliver business efficiencies and clinical-decision support.  McKesson Specialty Health works with manufacturers 
across  all  phases  of  the  product  development  and  commercialization  lifecycle,  including  clinical  research,  to 
optimize  delivery  of  complex  medication  to  patients.    Through  custom  distribution  and  safety  programs,  we  help 
support appropriate product utilization, as well as the development and management of Risk Evaluation Mitigation 
Strategies  (“REMS”),  reimbursement,  healthcare  informatics  and  patient  access  programs,  and  to  enable 
manufacturers to deliver cost effective patient access to needed therapies.  McKesson Specialty Health supports The 
US Oncology Network and US Oncology Research.  The US Oncology Network unites one of the largest network of 
community  oncologists  in  the  United  States,  and  through  collaboration  and  shared  purpose,  provides  the  clinical, 
research,  technology  and  business  resources  to  ensure  the  growth  and  vitality  of  these  independent,  community-
based oncology practices.  US Oncology Research is one of the nation’s largest research networks, specializing in 
Phase I – Phase IV oncology clinical trials. 

                                                                                            6 

Technology Solutions 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Our  Technology  Solutions  segment  provides  a  comprehensive  portfolio  of  software,  automation,  support  and 
services to help healthcare organizations improve quality and patient safety, reduce the cost and variability of care 
and better manage their resources and revenue stream.  This segment also includes our InterQual® clinical criteria 
solution,  medical  management  tools,  claims  payment  solutions,  network  performance  tools  and  care  management 
programs.    Technology  Solutions  markets  its  products  and  services  to  integrated  delivery  networks,  hospitals, 
physician practices,  home healthcare providers, retail pharmacies and payers.  Our solutions and services are sold 
internationally  through  subsidiaries  and/or  distribution  agreements  in  Canada,  United  Kingdom,  Ireland,  other 
European countries and Israel.  

The product portfolio for the Technology Solutions segment is designed to address a wide array of healthcare 
clinical  and  business  performance  needs  ranging  from  medication  safety  and  information  access  to  revenue  cycle 
management, resource utilization and physician adoption of electronic health records (“EHR”).  Analytics software 
enables organizations to measure progress as they automate care processes for optimal clinical outcomes, business 
and operating results and regulatory compliance.  To ensure that organizations achieve the maximum value for their 
information technology investment, we also offer a wide range of services to support the implementation and use of 
solutions as well as assist with business and clinical redesign, process re-engineering and staffing (both information 
technology and back-office). 

Key solution areas are as follows: 

Clinical and financial management:  We provide comprehensive clinical and financial information systems for 
hospitals and  health  systems  of all  sizes. These systems are designed to improve the  safety and quality of patient 
care and improve clinical, financial and operational performance.  Clinical functionality includes a data repository, 
care  planning,  physician  order  entry  and  documentation,  nursing  documentation  with  bar-coded  medication 
administration, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, surgical management, emergency department and ambulatory EHR 
systems, a Web-based physician portal and a comprehensive solution for homecare.  Revenue management solutions 
are designed to improve financial performance by reducing days in accounts receivable, preventing insurance claim 
denials, reducing costs and improving productivity.  Solutions include online patient billing, contract management, 
electronic claims processing and coding compliance checking.   These solutions streamline patient access and help 
organizations  to  forecast  financial  responsibility  for  constituents  before  and  during  care,  allowing  providers  to 
collect their reimbursements more quickly and at a lower cost. 

Enterprise imaging:  In addition to document imaging to facilitate maintenance and access to complete medical 
records,  we  offer  medical  imaging  and  information  management  systems  for  healthcare  enterprises,  including  a 
picture  archiving  communications  system,  a  radiology  information  system  and  a  comprehensive  cardiovascular 
information system.  Our enterprise-wide approach to medical imaging enables organizations to take advantage of 
specialty-specific  workstations  while  building  an  integrated  image  repository  that  manages  all  of  the  images  and 
information captured throughout the care continuum. 

Performance  management:    Performance  management  solutions  are  designed  to  enhance  an  organization’s 
ability to plan and optimize quality care delivery.  Enterprise visibility and performance analytics provide business 
intelligence  that  enables  providers  to  manage  capacity,  outcomes,  productivity  and  patient  flow.    Workforce 
management solutions assist caregivers with staffing and maintaining labor rule continuity between scheduling, time 
and  attendance  and  payroll.  A  comprehensive  supply  chain  management  solution  integrates  enterprise  resource 
planning  applications,  including  financials,  materials,  human  resources/payroll,  with  scheduling,  point  of  use, 
surgical and anesthesia services and enterprise-wide analytics.  

Automation:    Automation  solutions  include  technologies  that  help  hospitals  re-engineer  and  improve  their 
medication  use  processes.    Examples  include  centralized  pharmacy  automation  for  dispensing  unit-dose 
medications, unit-based cabinet technologies for secure medication storage and rapid retrieval and an anesthesia cart 
for dispensing of medications in the operating room.  Based on a foundation of bar-code scanning technology, these 
integrated solutions are designed to reduce errors and bring new levels of safety to patients.  

                                                                                            7 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Physician practice solutions:  We provide a complete solution for physician practices of all sizes that includes 
software, revenue cycle outsourcing and connectivity services.  Software solutions include practice management and 
EHR software for physicians of every size and specialty.  Our physician practice offering also includes outsourced 
billing  and  collection  services  as  well  as  services  that  connect  physicians  with  their  patients,  hospitals,  retail 
pharmacies and payers.  Revenue cycle outsourcing enables physician groups to avoid the infrastructure investment 
and administrative costs of an in-house billing office.  Services include clinical data collection, data input, medical 
coding, billing, contract management, cash collections, accounts receivable management and extensive reporting of 
metrics related to the physician practice.

Connectivity:    Through  our  vendor-neutral  RelayHealth®  and  its  intelligent  network,  the  Company  provides 
health  information  exchange  and  revenue  cycle  management  solutions  that  streamline  clinical,  financial  and 
administrative  communication  between  patients,  providers,  payers,  pharmacies,  manufacturers,  government  and 
financial  institutions.    RelayHealth®  helps  to  accelerate  the  delivery  of  high-quality  care  and  improve  financial 
performance  through  online  consultation  of  physicians  by  patients,  electronic  prescribing  by  physicians,  point-of-
service resolution of pharmacy claims by payers, pre-visit financial clearance of patients by providers and post-visit 
settlement of provider bills by payers and patients.  RelayHealth® securely processes more than 16 billion financial 
and clinical transactions annually. 

In  addition  to  the  product  offerings  described  above,  Technology  Solutions  offers  a  comprehensive  range  of 
services to help organizations derive greater value, enhance satisfaction and return on investment throughout the life 
of the solutions implemented.  The range of services includes: 

Technology  Services:    Technology  services  supports  the  smooth  operation  of  numerous  organizations’ 
information  systems  by  providing  the  technical  infrastructure  designed  to  maximize  application  accessibility, 
availability, security and performance. 

Outsourcing  Services:    With  these  services,  we  help  providers  focus  their  resources  on  delivering  healthcare 
while  managing  their  revenue  cycle  operations  and  information  technology  through  a  comprehensive  suite  of 
managed services.  Services include full and partial revenue cycle outsourcing, remote hosting, managing hospital 
data processing operations, payroll processing, and business office administration. 

Professional  Services:    Professional  services  help  customers  achieve  business  results  from  their  software  or 
automation  investment.    A  wide  array  of  service  options  is  available,  including  consulting  for  business  and/or 
clinical process improvement and re-design as well as implementation, project management, technical and education 
services relating to all products in the Technology Solutions segment. 

Payer  Group:    The  following  suite  of  services  and  software  products  is  marketed  to  payers,  hospitals  and 

government organizations to help manage the cost and quality of care: 

InterQual® Criteria for clinical decision support and utilization management; 
Claims payment solutions to facilitate accurate and efficient medical claim payments; 
Business intelligence tools for measuring, reporting and improving clinical and financial performance; 

(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120) Network management tools enable health plans to transform the performance of their networks;  
(cid:120) Disease  management  programs  to  improve  the  health  status  and  health  outcomes  of  patients  with  chronic 

conditions; 

(cid:120) Nurse advice services to provide health information and recommend appropriate levels of care; and 
Clinical and analytical software to support utilization, case and disease management workflows. 
(cid:120)

Business Combinations and Discontinued Operation 

We  have  undertaken  strategic  initiatives  in  recent  years  designed  to  further  focus  on  our  core  healthcare 
businesses and enhance our competitive position.  We expect to continue to undertake such strategic initiatives in 
the future.  These initiatives are detailed in Financial Notes 2 and 7, “Business Combinations” and “Discontinued 
Operation,” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

                                                                                            8 

Competition 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

In every area of healthcare distribution operations, our Distribution Solutions segment faces strong competition, 
both  in  price  and  service,  from  national,  regional  and  local  full-line,  short-line  and  specialty  wholesalers,  service 
merchandisers,  self-warehousing  chains,  manufacturers  engaged  in  direct  distribution,  third-party  logistics 
companies  and  large  payer  organizations.    In  addition,  this  segment  faces  competition  from  various  other  service 
providers and from pharmaceutical and other healthcare  manufacturers as  well as other potential customers of the 
segment,  which  may  from  time-to-time  decide  to  develop,  for  their  own  internal  needs,  supply  management 
capabilities  that  would  otherwise  be  provided  by  the  segment.    Price,  quality  of  service,  innovation  and,  in  some 
cases, convenience to the customer are generally the principal competitive elements in this segment. 

Our  Technology  Solutions  segment  experiences  substantial  competition  from  many  firms,  including  other 
software services firms, consulting firms, shared service vendors, certain hospitals and hospital groups, payers, care 
management  organizations,  hardware  vendors  and  internet-based  companies  with  technology  applicable  to  the 
healthcare  industry.    Competition  varies  in  size  from  small  to  large  companies,  in  geographical  coverage  and  in 
scope and breadth of products and services offered. 

Intellectual Property 

The  principal  trademarks  and  service  marks  of  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  include:  AccessHealth®, 
AccessMED®,  Acumax®,  Advancing  Cancer  Care  in  America®,  Business  of  PharmacySM,  BoP®,  CaresRxSM,
Central FillSM, Closed Loop DistributionSM, Comprehensive Strategic Alliance (CSA)SM, CypressSM, Cypress Plus®, 
Edwards Medical Supply®, Empowering Healthcare®, EnterpriseRx®, Expect More From MooreSM, FrontEdge™, 
Fulfill-RxSM,  Heal  Living  Well  After  Cancer®,  Health  Mart®,  Heart  Profilers  &  Design®,  High  Performance 
Pharmacy®,  Iknowchart™,  iKnowMedSM,  Innovent®,  LoyaltyScript®,  Lynx®,  Market  FocusSM,  Max  Impact®, 
McKesson®,  McKesson  AdvantageSM,  McKesson  ConnectSM,  McKesson  Empowering  Healthcare®,  McKesson 
High  Volume  SolutionsSM, McKesson  Max  Rewards®,  McKesson  OneStop  Generics®,  McKesson  Pharmacy 
CentralSM,  McKesson  Pharmacy  Optimization®,  McKesson  Priority  Express  OTCSM,  McKesson  Reimbursement 
AdvantageSM,  McKesson  Supply  ManagerSM,  MediNet™,  Medi-Pak®,  Mobile  ManagerSM, Moore  Medical®, 
Moorebrand®, Nexcura®, Northstarx®, Oncology TodaySM, Oncology Today Translating Knowledge Into Cancer 
Care®,  OncologyRx  Care  Advantage®,  Onmark®,  OTN®,  Pharma360®,  PharmacyRx™,  Pharmaserv®, 
Radmap™, Research & Education®, RX PakSM, RxOwnership®, Selectplus Oncology®, ServiceFirstSM, Staydry®, 
Sterling Medical Services®,  Sunmark®, Supply Management OnlineSM, The Supply Experts®, The US Oncology 
NetworkSM,  TrialScript®,  Triangle  Design®,  United  We  WinSM,  US  Cancer  AllianceSM,  US  Oncology®,    Valu-
Rite®, XVIII B Medi Mart®, Zee Medical Service®,  and ZEE®. 

The  substantial  majority  of  technical  concepts  and  codes  embodied  in  our  Technology  Solutions  segment’s 
computer programs and program documentation are protected as trade secrets.  The principal trademarks and service 
marks  for  this  segment  are:    AcuDose-Rx®,  ANSOS  One-Staff™,  Ask-A-Nurse®,  Care  Fully  Connected™, 
CareEnhance®,  Connect-RN™,  Connect-Rx®,  CRMS™,  DataStat®,  ePremis®,  Episode  Profiler™,  E-Script™, 
Fulfill-RxSM,  HealthQuest™,  Horizon  Admin-Rx™,  Horizon  Clinicals®,  Horizon  Enterprise  Revenue 
ManagementTM,  HorizonWP®, 
InterQual®,  Lytec®,  MedCarousel®,  Medisoft®,  ORSOS  One-Call™, 
PACMED™,  PakPlus-Rx™,  Paragon®,  Pathways  2000®,  Patterns  Profiler™,  Per-Se™,  Per-Se  Technologies®, 
PerYourHealth.com®, Practice Partner®, Premis®, ProIntercept®, ProMed®, ProPBM®, RelayHealth®, ROBOT-
Rx®, SelfPace®, Series 2000™, STAR 2000™, SupplyScan™, TRENDSTAR® and WebVisit™. 

We  also  own  other  registered  and  unregistered  trademarks  and  service  marks  and  similar  rights  used  by  our 
business  segments.    Many  of  the  principal  trademarks  and  service  marks  are  registered  in  the  United  States,  or 
registrations have been applied for with respect to such marks, in addition to certain other jurisdictions.  The United 
States federal registrations of these trademarks have terms of ten or twenty years, depending on date of registration, 
and are subject to unlimited renewals.  We believe that we have taken all necessary steps to preserve the registration 
and  duration  of  our  trademarks  and  service  marks,  although  no  assurance  can  be  given  that  we  will  be  able  to 
successfully  enforce  or  protect  our  rights  thereunder  in  the  event  that  they  are  subject  to  third-party  infringement 
claims.  We do not consider any particular patent, license,  franchise or concession  to be  material to our business.  
We also hold copyrights in, and patents related to, many of our products. 

                                                                                            9 

Other Information about the Business 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Customers:    During  2012,  sales  to  our  ten  largest  customers  accounted  for  approximately  52%  of  our  total 
consolidated  revenues.    Sales  to  our  two  largest  customers,  CVS  Caremark  Corporation  (“CVS”)  and  Rite  Aid 
Corporation  (“Rite  Aid”),  accounted  for  approximately  16%  and  10%  of  our  total  consolidated  revenues.    At 
March 31,  2012,  accounts  receivable  from  our  ten  largest  customers  were  approximately  49%  of  total  accounts 
receivable.  Accounts receivable from  CVS, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart”) and Rite Aid  were approximately 
17%,  10%  and  9%  of  total  accounts  receivable.    We  also  have  agreements  with  group  purchasing  organizations 
(“GPOs”),  each  of  which  functions  as  a  purchasing  agent  on  behalf  of  member  hospitals,  pharmacies  and  other 
healthcare providers.  The accounts receivables balances are with individual members of the GPOs.  Substantially all 
of these revenues and accounts receivable are included in our Distribution Solutions segment. 

Suppliers:    We  obtain  pharmaceutical  and  other  products  from  manufacturers,  none  of  which  accounted  for 
more than approximately 6% of our purchases in 2012.  The loss of a supplier could adversely affect our business if 
alternate sources of supply are unavailable.  We believe that our relationships with our suppliers, on the whole, are 
good.  The ten largest suppliers in 2012 accounted for approximately 45% of our purchases. 

A significant portion of our distribution arrangements with the manufacturers provides us compensation based 
on  a  percentage  of  our  purchases.    In  addition,  we  have  certain  distribution  arrangements  with  pharmaceutical 
manufacturers that include an inflation-based compensation component whereby we benefit when the manufacturers 
increase their prices as we sell our existing inventory at the new higher prices.  For these manufacturers, a reduction 
in the frequency and magnitude of price increases, as well as restrictions in the amount of inventory available to us, 
could have a material adverse impact on our gross profit margin. 

Research  and  Development:    Our  development  expenditures  primarily  consist  of  our  investment  in  software 
held for sale.  We spent $487 million, $471 million and $451 million for development activities in 2012, 2011 and 
2010 and of these amounts, we capitalized 10%, 14% and 17%.  Development expenditures are primarily incurred 
by  our  Technology  Solutions  segment.    Our  Technology  Solutions  segment’s  product  development  efforts  apply 
computer technology and installation methodologies to specific information processing needs of hospitals and other 
customers.  We believe that a substantial and sustained commitment to such expenditures is important to the long-
term success of this business.  Additional information regarding our development activities is included in Financial 
Note 1, “Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.

Environmental  Regulation:    Our  operations  are  subject  to  regulations  under  various  federal,  state,  local  and 
foreign  laws  concerning  the  environment,  including  laws  addressing  the  discharge  of  pollutants  into  the  air  and 
water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the cleanup of contaminated sites.  We 
could incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions and third-party damage or 
personal injury claims, if in the future we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws. 

We  are  committed  to  maintaining  compliance  with  all  environmental  laws  applicable  to  our  operations, 
products and services and to reducing our environmental impact across all aspects of our business.  We  meet this 
commitment through an environmental strategy and sustainability program. 

We  sold  our  chemical  distribution  operations  in  1987  and  retained  responsibility  for  certain  environmental 
obligations.  Agreements  with the Environmental Protection Agency and certain states may require environmental 
assessments and cleanups at several closed sites.  These matters are described further in Financial Note 19, “Other 
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K. 

                                                                                            10 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

The  liability  for  environmental  remediation  and  other  environmental  costs  is  accrued  when  the  Company 
considers it probable and can reasonably estimate the costs.  Environmental costs and accruals, including that related 
to  our  legacy  chemical  distribution  operations,  are  presently  not  material  to  our  operations  or  financial  position.  
Although there is no assurance that existing or future environmental laws applicable to our operations or products 
will  not  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  operations  or  financial  condition,  we  do  not  currently  anticipate 
material capital expenditures for environmental matters.  Other than the expected expenditures that may be required 
in  connection  with  our  legacy  chemical  distribution  operations,  we  do  not  anticipate  making  substantial  capital 
expenditures  either  for  environmental  issues,  or  to  comply  with  environmental  laws  and  regulations  in  the  future.  
The amount of our capital expenditures for environmental compliance was not material in 2012 and is not expected 
to be material in the next year. 

Employees:  On March 31, 2012, we employed approximately 37,700 persons compared to 36,400 and 32,500 

on March 31, 2011 and 2010. 

Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations:  Information as to foreign and domestic 
operations is included in Financial Notes 1 and 22, “Significant Accounting Policies” and “Segments of Business,” 
to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This  Annual  Report  to  Stockholders,  including  the  Chairman’s  2012  letter,  “Management’s  Discussion  and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Part II of this report and the “Risk Factors” 
in Item 1A of Part I of this report, contains  forward-looking statements  within the  meaning of section 27A of the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Some of 
these  statements  can  be  identified  by  use  of  forward-looking  words  such  as  “believes,”  “expects,”  “anticipates,” 
“may,”  “will,”  “should,”  “seeks,”  “approximately,”  “intends,”  “plans”  or  “estimates,”  or  the  negative  of  these 
words, or other comparable terminology.  The discussion of financial trends, strategy, plans or intentions may also 
include  forward-looking  statements.    Forward-looking  statements  involve  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause 
actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, or implied.  Although it is not possible to predict 
or identify all such risks and uncertainties, they may include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in Item 1A 
of Part I of this report under “Risk Factors.”  The reader should not consider the list to be a complete statement of all 
potential risks and uncertainties. 

These and other risks and uncertainties are described herein and in other information contained in our publicly 
available  SEC  filings  and  press  releases.    Readers  are  cautioned  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on  these  forward-
looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements were first made.  Except to the extent required 
by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-
looking  statements  to  reflect  events  or  circumstances  after  the  date  hereof,  or  to  reflect  the  occurrence  of 
unanticipated events. 

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors. 

The risks described below could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations, 
liquidity and cash flows.  Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such risks and uncertainties, they may 
include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  the  factors  discussed  below.    Our  business  operations  could  also  be  affected  by 
additional  factors  that  are  not  presently  known  to  us  or  that  we  currently  consider  not  to  be  material  to  our 
operations.  The reader should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all risks and uncertainties. 

We  are  subject  to  legal  proceedings  that  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  financial  position  and 
results of operations. 

From time-to-time and in the ordinary course of our business, we and certain of our subsidiaries may become 
involved  in  various  legal  proceedings  involving  antitrust,  commercial,  employment,  environmental,  intellectual 
property, regulatory, tort and other various claims.  All such legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable, and the 
outcome can result in excessive verdicts and/or injunctive relief that may affect how we operate our business or we 
may enter into settlements of claims for monetary damages.  In some cases, substantial non-economic remedies or 
punitive  damages  may  be  sought.    For  some  complaints  filed  against  the  Company,  we  are  currently  unable  to 
estimate the amount of possible losses that might be incurred should these legal proceedings be resolved against the 
Company. 

                                                                                            11 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

The outcome of litigation and other legal matters is always uncertain and outcomes that are not justified by the 
evidence or existing law can occur.  The Company believes that it has valid defenses to the legal matters pending 
against it and is defending itself vigorously.  Nevertheless, it is possible that resolution of one or any combination of 
more  than  one  legal  matter  could  result  in  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  financial  position  or  results  of 
operations.  For example, we are involved in a number of legal proceedings described in Financial Note 19, “Other 
Commitments  and  Contingent  Liabilities,”  to  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  that  could  have 
such  an  impact,  including  legal  proceedings  alleging  that  we  engaged  in  illegal  conduct  that  caused  average 
wholesale prices to rise for certain prescription drugs during specified periods. 

Litigation is costly, time-consuming and disruptive to normal business operations.  The defense of these matters 
could  also  result  in  continued  diversion  of  our  management’s  time  and  attention  away  from  business  operations, 
which could also harm our business.  Even if these matters are not resolved against us, the uncertainty and expense 
associated  with  unresolved legal proceedings could  harm our business and reputation.   For additional information 
regarding certain of the legal  proceedings in  which  we are involved, see Financial Note 19, “Other Commitments 
and Contingent Liabilities,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Changes  in  the  United  States  healthcare  industry  and  regulatory  environment  could  have  a  material  adverse 
impact on our results of operations. 

Our products and services are primarily intended to function within the structure of the healthcare financing and 
reimbursement  system  currently  being  used  in  the  United  States.    In  recent  years,  the  healthcare  industry  in  the 
United States has changed significantly in an effort to reduce costs.  These changes have included cuts in Medicare 
and  Medicaid  reimbursement  levels,  consolidation  of  pharmaceutical  and  medical-surgical  supply  distributors  and 
the development of large, sophisticated purchasing groups.  We expect the healthcare industry in the United States to 
continue to change and for healthcare delivery models to evolve in the future.   

Changes in the healthcare industry’s or our pharmaceutical suppliers’ pricing, selling, inventory, distribution or 
supply  policies  or  practices  could  significantly  reduce  our  revenues  and  net  income.    Due  to  the  diverse  range  of 
healthcare  supply  management  and  healthcare  information  technology  products  and  services  that  we  offer,  such 
changes  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  results  of  operations,  while  not  affecting  some  of  our 
competitors who offer a narrower range of products and services. 

The majority of our U.S. pharmaceutical distribution business’ agreements with manufacturers are structured to 
ensure  that  we  are  appropriately  and  predictably  compensated  for  the  services  we  provide;  however,  failure  to 
successfully renew these contracts in a timely and favorable  manner could have a  material adverse impact on our 
results of operations.  In addition, branded pharmaceutical price inflation can be the partial economic basis of some 
of  our  distribution  business  agreements  with  pharmaceutical  manufacturers.    If  the  frequency  or  rate  of  branded 
price increases slows, it could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.   

In  addition,  we  distribute  generic  pharmaceuticals,  which  can  be  subject  to  both  price  deflation  and  price 
inflation.  Healthcare and public policy trends indicate that the number of generic drugs will increase next year as a 
result of the expiration of certain drug patents.  In recent years, our financial results have improved from our generic 
drug offerings combined with an increase in the number of generic drug  formularies available in the marketplace.  
Changes in the availability, pricing trends or reimbursement of these generic drugs, or changes in the rate of increase 
in the number of generic drugs, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. 

Generic  drug  manufacturers  are  increasingly  challenging  the  validity  or  enforceability  of  patents  on  branded 
pharmaceutical  products.    During  the  pendency  of  these  legal  challenges,  a  generics  manufacturer  may  begin 
manufacturing and selling a generic version of the branded product prior to the final resolution to its legal challenge 
over  the  branded  product’s  patent.    To  the  extent  we  source,  contract  manufacture,  and  distribute  such  generic 
products,  the  brand-name  company  could  assert  infringement  claims  against  us.    While  we  generally  obtain 
indemnification against such claims from generic manufacturers as a condition of distributing their products, there 
can be no assurances that these rights will be adequate or sufficient to protect us. 

                                                                                            12 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

In  recent  years,  pharmaceutical  suppliers  have  been  subject  to  increasing  consolidation.    As  a  result,  a  small 
number  of  very  large  companies  control  a  significant  share  of  the  market.    Accordingly,  we  depend  on  fewer 
suppliers for our products and therefore we may be less able to negotiate price terms with suppliers.   

Many healthcare organizations also have consolidated to create larger healthcare enterprises with greater market 
power.    If  this  consolidation  trend  continues,  it  could  reduce  the  size  of  our  target  market  and  give  the  resulting 
enterprises  greater  bargaining  power,  which  may  lead  to  erosion  of  the  prices  for  our  products  and  services.    In 
addition, when healthcare organizations combine they often consolidate infrastructure including IT systems, which 
in turn may erode our customer and revenue base. 

The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and further regulation of our distribution businesses and computer-
related  products  and  services  could  impose  increased  costs,  negatively  impact  our  profit  margins,  and  the  profit 
margins  of  our  customers,  delay  the  introduction  or  implementation  of  our  new  products,  or  otherwise  negatively 
impact our business and expose the Company to litigation and regulatory investigations.  

Healthcare  Fraud:    We  are  subject  to  extensive  and  frequently  changing  local,  state  and  federal  laws  and 
regulations relating to healthcare fraud, waste and abuse, and the government, both state and federal, continues to 
strengthen  its position and  scrutiny over practices involving  fraud,  waste and abuse affecting Medicare, Medicaid 
and  other  government  healthcare  programs.    Our  relationships  with  pharmaceutical  and  medical-surgical  product 
manufacturers  and  healthcare  providers,  as  well  as  our  provision  of  products  and  services  to  government  entities, 
subject  our  business  to  laws  and  regulations  on  fraud  and  abuse,  which  among  other  things:  (1)  prohibit  persons 
from  soliciting,  offering,  receiving  or  paying  any  remuneration  in  order  to  induce  the  referral  of  a  patient  for 
treatment or for inducing the ordering or purchasing of items or services that are in any way paid for by Medicare, 
Medicaid or other government-sponsored healthcare programs; (2) impose a number of restrictions upon referring 
physicians and providers of designated health services under Medicare and Medicaid programs; and (3) prohibit the 
knowing submission of a false or fraudulent claim for payment to, and knowing retention of an overpayment by, a 
federal health care program  such as  Medicare and Medicaid.  Many of the regulations applicable to us, including 
those  relating  to  marketing  incentives,  are  vague  or  indefinite  and  have  not  been  interpreted  by  the  courts.    They 
may be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory, or judicial authority in a manner that could require us to 
make changes in our operations.  If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could become liable 
for  damages,  suffer  civil  and  criminal  penalties,  including  the  loss  of  licenses  or  our  ability  to  participate  in 
Medicare, Medicaid and other federal and state healthcare programs.

Reimbursements:  Both our profit margins and the profit margins of our customers may be adversely affected by 
laws and regulations reducing reimbursement rates for pharmaceuticals, medical treatments and related services, or 
changing the methodology by which reimbursement levels are determined.  For example, the Patient Protection and 
Affordable  Care  Act  and  the  Health  Care  and  Education  Reconciliation  Act  (collectively  the  “Affordable  Care 
Act”),  signed  into  law  in  2010,  revised  the  federal  upper  limits  for  Medicaid  reimbursement  for  multiple  source 
generic drugs available for purchase by retail community pharmacies on a nationwide basis to a limit of not less than 
175% of the weighted average (determined on the basis of utilization) of the most recently reported monthly average 
manufacturer price (“AMP”) using a smoothing process.  In addition, Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s 
Health  Insurance  Program  (“SCHIP”)  Extension  Act  of  2007  requires  the  Centers  for  Medicare  and  Medicaid 
Services (“CMS”) to adjust the calculation of the Medicare Part B drug average sales price to an actual sales volume 
basis.  CMS has proposed new rules for calculating AMP (“Revised AMP”) and is also offering states the option to 
replace  traditional  reimbursement  metrics  for  certain  drugs  with  alternatives  such  as  the  average  acquisition  cost 
(“AAC”) method. Under AAC, reimbursement is based on the actual acquisition costs from invoiced amounts and 
from a statistically validated cost of dispensing survey.  We expect that the use of a Revised AMP benchmark or the 
use  of  an  alternative  reimbursement  metric,  such  as  AAC,  would    result  in  a  reduction  in  the  Medicaid 
reimbursement rates to our customers for certain pharmaceuticals, which could indirectly impact the prices that we 
can  charge  our  customers  and  cause  corresponding  declines  in  our  profitability.    There  can  be  no  assurance  that 
these changes would not have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. 

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

Operating,  Security  and  Licensure  Standards:    We  are  subject  to  the  operating  and  security  standards  of  the 
Drug  Enforcement  Administration  (the  “DEA”),  the  U.  S.  Food  and  Drug  Administration  (“FDA”),  various  state 
boards  of  pharmacy,  state  health  departments,  the  U.S.  Department  of  Health  and  Human  Services  (“HHS”),  the 
CMS  and  other  comparable  agencies.    Certain  of  our  businesses  may  be  required  to  register  for  permits  and/or 
licenses with, and comply with operating and security standards of the DEA, FDA, HHS, CMS, various state boards 
of  pharmacy,  state  health  departments  and/or  comparable  state  agencies  as  well  as  foreign  agencies  and  certain 
accrediting  bodies,  depending  upon  the  type  of  operations  and  location  of  product  development,  manufacture, 
distribution, and sale.  As part of these operating, security and licensure standards, we regularly receive requests for 
information  and  occasionally  subpoenas  from  government  authorities.    Although  we  believe  that  we  are  in 
compliance in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that a regulatory 
agency  or  tribunal  would  not  reach  a  different  conclusion  concerning  the  compliance  of  our  operations  with 
applicable laws and regulations.  In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain or renew 
existing  permits,  licenses  or  any  other  regulatory  approvals  or  obtain  without  significant  delay  future  permits, 
licenses or other approvals needed for the operation of our businesses.  Any noncompliance by us with applicable 
laws and regulations or the failure to maintain, renew or obtain necessary permits and licenses could have a material 
adverse impact on our results of operations. 

Pedigree  Tracking: There have been increasing efforts by Congress and state and  federal agencies, including 
state boards of pharmacy and departments of health and the FDA, to regulate the pharmaceutical distribution system 
in  order  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  counterfeit,  adulterated  and/or  mislabeled  drugs  into  the  pharmaceutical 
distribution system (“pedigree tracking”).  Certain states have adopted or are considering laws and regulations that 
are intended to protect the integrity of the pharmaceutical distribution system, while other government agencies are 
currently evaluating their recommendations.  For example, Florida has adopted pedigree tracking requirements and 
California  has  enacted  a  law  requiring  chain  of  custody  technology  using  radio  frequency  tagging  and  electronic 
pedigrees, which will be effective for us in July 2016.   

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007, which went into effect on October 1, 
2007,  requires  the  FDA  to  establish  standards  and  identify  and  validate  effective  technologies  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  the  pharmaceutical  supply  chain  against  counterfeit  drugs.    These  standards  may  include  any  track-and-
trace or authentication technologies, such as radio frequency identification devices and other similar technologies.  
On March 26, 2010, the FDA released the Serialized Numerical Identifier (“SNI”) guidance for manufacturers who 
serialize pharmaceutical packaging.  We expect to be able to accommodate these SNI regulations in our distribution 
operations.  Nonetheless, these pedigree tracking laws and regulations could increase the overall regulatory burden 
and costs associated with our pharmaceutical distribution business, and could have a material adverse impact on our 
results of operations. 

Privacy:  State, federal and foreign laws regulate the confidentiality of sensitive personal information, how that 
information may be used, and the circumstances under which such information may be released.  These regulations 
govern the disclosure and use of confidential personal and patient medical record information and require the users 
of such information to implement specified privacy and security measures.  Regulations currently in place, including 
regulations governing electronic health data transmissions, continue to evolve and are often unclear and difficult to 
apply.    Although  we  modified  our  policies,  procedures  and  systems  to  comply  with  the  current  requirements  of 
applicable state, federal and foreign laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 
(“HIPAA”) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (“HITECH”) Act portion of 
the  American  Recovery  and  Reinvestment  Act  of  2009,  new  laws  and  regulations  in  this  area  could  restrict  the 
ability of our customers to obtain, use or disseminate personal or patient information, or it could require us to incur 
significant  additional  costs  to  re-design  our  products  in  a  timely  manner,  either  of  which  could  have  a  material 
adverse impact on our results of operations.  In addition, the HITECH Act expanded HIPAA privacy and security 
requirements  and  increased  financial  penalties  for  violations.    It  also  extended  certain  provisions  of  the  federal 
privacy  and  security  standards  to  us  in  our  capacity  as  a  business  associate  of  our  payer  and  provider  customers.  
These standards may be interpreted by a regulatory authority in a manner that could require us to make a material 
change  to  our  operations.    Furthermore,  failure  to  maintain  confidentiality  of  sensitive  personal  information  in 
accordance  with  applicable  regulatory  requirements  could  expose  us  to  breach  of  contract  claims,  fines  and 
penalties, costs for remediation and harm to our reputation. 

                                                                                            14 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Health Care Reform:  The Affordable Care Act significantly expanded health insurance coverage to uninsured 
Americans  and  changed  the  way  health  care  is  financed  by  both  governmental  and  private  payers.    Although  the 
U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to strike down some or all of the Act’s provisions, further federal and 
state proposals for healthcare reform are likely.  We do not currently anticipate that the Affordable Care Act or any 
resulting federal and state healthcare reforms  will have a material impact on our business, financial condition and 
results  of  operations.    However,  given  the  scope  of  the  changes  made  and  under  consideration,  as  well  as  the 
uncertainties  associated  with  implementation  of  healthcare  reforms,  we  cannot  predict  their  full  effect  on  the 
Company at this time.

Interoperability  Standards:    There  is  increasing  demand  among  customers,  industry  groups  and  government 
authorities that healthcare software and systems provided by various vendors be compatible with each other.  This 
need for interoperability is leading to the development of standards by various groups, and certain federal and state 
agencies are also developing standards that could become mandatory for systems purchased by these agencies.  For 
example,  the  HITECH  Act  requires  meaningful  use  of  “certified”  healthcare  information  technology  products  by 
healthcare providers in order to receive stimulus funds from the federal government.  Effective September 27, 2010, 
CMS issued a rule that utilizes a staged approach for defining meaningful use criteria.  Under the staged approach, 
CMS  has issued rules that identify  the initial criteria for  meaningful use and is  updating  these initial criteria  with 
additional  rules.  In  addition,  these  standards  are  subject  to  interpretation  by  the  entities  designed  to  certify  such 
technology. A combination of our solutions has been certified as meeting the initial criteria.  However, we may incur 
increased development costs and delays in upgrading our customer software and systems to be in compliance with 
these varying and evolving standards.  In addition, these new standards may lengthen our sales and implementation 
cycle  and  we  may  incur  costs  in  periods  prior  to  the  corresponding  recognition  of  revenue.    To  the  extent  these 
standards are narrowly construed or delayed in publication, or that we are delayed in achieving certification under 
these evolving standards for applicable products, our customers may postpone or cancel their decisions to purchase 
or implement our software and systems. 

FDA  Regulation  of  Medical  Software.    The  FDA  has  increasingly  focused  on  the  regulation  of  medical 
software, computer products and computer-assisted products as medical devices under the federal Food, Drug and 
Cosmetic Act.  For example, effective April 18, 2011, the FDA issued a new rule regulating certain computer data 
systems as medical devices.  If the FDA chooses to regulate any of our products as medical devices, it can impose 
extensive requirements upon us.  If we fail to comply with the applicable requirements, the FDA could respond by 
imposing  fines,  injunctions  or  civil  penalties,  requiring  recalls  or  product  corrections,  suspending  production, 
refusing  to  grant  pre-market  clearance  of  products,  withdrawing  clearances  and  initiating  criminal  prosecution.  
Additionally,  beginning  in  calendar  2013,  the  Affordable  Care  Act  provides  that  a  tax  in  an  amount  equal  to  2.3 
percent of the price for which the manufacturer sells its medical devices will have to be paid by each medical device 
manufacturer.  Since  we  sell  medical  devices,  we  may  be  impacted  by  this  tax.    Any  additional  FDA  regulations 
governing  computer  products,  once  issued,  may  increase  the  cost  and  time  to  market  new  or  existing  products  or 
may prevent us from marketing our products. 

Standards  for  Submission  of  Health  Care  Claims:    HHS  has  adopted  two  new  rules  that  impact  healthcare 
claims  submitted  for  reimbursement.    The  first  rule  modifies  the  standards  for  electronic  health  care  transactions 
(e.g.,  eligibility,  claims  submission  and  payment  and  electronic  remittance)  from  Version  4010/4010A  to  Version 
5010.    The  enforcement  deadline  for  the  5010  rule  has  been  extended  through  June  30,  2012.    The  second  rule 
updated  and  expanded  the  standard  medical  code  sets  for  diagnosis  and  procedure  coding  from  International 
Classification  of  Diseases,  Ninth  Revision  (“ICD-9”)  to  International  Classification  of  Diseases,  Tenth  Revision 
(“ICD-10”).  HHS  has postponed the compliance date for ICD-10 conversion, previously October 1, 2013, for an 
unspecified period.  Updating systems to Version 5010 is required for use of the ICD-10 code set.  Generally, claims 
submitted not using Version 5010 and ICD-10 when required will not be processed, and health plans not accepting 
transactions using Version 5010 and ICD-10 may experience significant increases in customer service inquiries.  We 
may incur increased development costs and delays in delivering solutions and upgrading our software and systems 
to  be  in  compliance  with  these  new  standards.    In  addition,  these  standards  may  lengthen  our  sales  and 
implementation cycle and we may incur costs in periods prior to the corresponding recognition of revenue.  Delays 
in  providing  software  and  systems  that  are  in  compliance  with  the  new  standards  may  result  in  postponement  or 
cancellation of our customers’ decisions to purchase our software and systems. 

                                                                                            15 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Medical Billing and Coding: Medical billing, coding and collection activities are governed by numerous federal 
and state civil and criminal laws.  In connection with these laws, we may be subjected to federal or state government 
investigations and possible penalties may be imposed upon us, false claims actions may have to be defended, private 
payers may file claims against us and we may be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid or other government-funded 
healthcare programs.  Any such proceeding or investigation could have a material adverse impact on our results of 
operations.

Changes in the Canadian healthcare industry and regulatory environment could have a material adverse impact 
on our results of operations.  

The  provincial  governments  in  Canada  provide  partial  funding  for  the  purchase  of  pharmaceuticals  and 
independently regulate the sale and reimbursement of drugs.  Similar to the United States, the Canadian healthcare 
industry has  undergone  significant changes  in recent  years  in an effort to reduce program costs.   For example, in 
2006  the  Ontario  government  significantly  revised  the  drug  reimbursement  system  with  the  passage  of  the 
Transparent Drug System for Patients Act.  In recent years, to reduce the cost for taxpayers, various provinces took 
further steps to reform the rules regarding the sale of generic drugs.  These changes include the significant lowering 
of  prices  for  generic  pharmaceuticals  and,  in  some  provinces,  the  elimination  or  reduction  of  professional 
allowances paid to pharmacists by generic  manufacturers.   These reforms  may adversely affect the distribution of 
drugs  as  well  as  the  pricing  for  prescription  drugs  for  the  Company’s  operations  in  Canada.    Other  provinces  are 
considering  similar  changes,  which  would  also  lower  pharmaceutical  pricing  and  service  fees.    Individually  or  in 
combination, such changes in the Canadian healthcare environment may significantly reduce our Canadian revenue 
and operating profit.   

Competition may erode our profit. 

In every area of healthcare distribution operations, our Distribution Solutions segment faces strong competition, 
both  in  price  and  service,  from  national,  regional  and  local  full-line,  short-line  and  specialty  wholesalers,  service 
merchandisers,  self-warehousing  chains,  manufacturers  engaged  in  direct  distribution,  third-party  logistics 
companies  and  large  payer  organizations.    In  addition,  this  segment  faces  competition  from  various  other  service 
providers and from pharmaceutical and other healthcare  manufacturers as  well as other potential customers of the 
segment,  which  may  from  time-to-time  decide  to  develop,  for  their  own  internal  needs,  supply  management 
capabilities  that  would  otherwise  be  provided  by  the  segment.    Price,  quality  of  service,  and  in  some  cases, 
convenience to the customer are generally the principal competitive elements in this segment. 

Our  Technology  Solutions  segment  experiences  substantial  competition  from  many  firms,  including  other 
software services firms, consulting firms, shared service vendors, certain hospitals and hospital groups, payers, care 
management  organizations,  hardware  vendors  and  internet-based  companies  with  technology  applicable  to  the 
healthcare  industry.    Competition  varies  in  size  from  small  to  large  companies,  in  geographical  coverage  and  in 
scope  and  breadth  of  products  and  services  offered.    These  competitive  pressures  could  have  a  material  adverse 
impact on our results of operations. 

A material reduction in purchases or the loss of a large customer or group purchasing organization, as well as 
substantial  defaults  in  payment  by  a  large  customer  or  group  purchasing  organization,  could  have  a  material 
adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. 

In recent years, a significant portion of our revenue growth has been with a limited number of large customers.  
During 2012, sales to our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 52% of our total consolidated revenues.  
Sales  to  our  two  largest  customers,  CVS  and  Rite  Aid,  accounted  for  approximately  16%  and  10%  of  our  total 
consolidated revenues.  At March 31, 2012, accounts receivable from our ten largest customers were approximately 
49% of total accounts receivable.  Accounts receivable from CVS, Walmart and Rite Aid were approximately 17%, 
10%  and  9%  of  total  accounts  receivable.    As  a  result,  our  sales  and  credit  concentration  is  significant.    We  also 
have agreements with group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), each of which functions as a purchasing agent on 
behalf  of  member  hospitals,  pharmacies  and  other  healthcare  providers,  as  well  as  with  government  entities  and 
agencies.  A material default in payment, change in our customer mix, reduction in purchases, or the loss of a large 
customer  or  GPO  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and 
liquidity. 

                                                                                            16 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

We generally sell our products and services to customers on credit that is short-term in nature and unsecured.  
Any adverse change in general economic conditions can adversely reduce sales to our customers, affect consumer 
buying practices or cause our customers to delay or be unable to pay accounts receivable owed to us, which may in 
turn materially reduce our revenue growth and cause a material decrease in our profitability and cash flow.  Further, 
interest rate fluctuations and changes in capital market conditions may also affect our customers’ ability to obtain 
credit to finance their business under acceptable terms, which in turn may materially reduce our revenue growth and 
cause a decrease in our profitability. 

Contracts  with  the  U.S.  federal  government  and  other  governments  and  their  agencies  pose  additional  risks 
relating to future funding and compliance.

Contracts  with  the  U.S.  federal  government  and  other  governments  and  their  agencies  are  subject  to  various 
uncertainties,  restrictions  and  regulations,  including  oversight  audits  by  various  government  authorities  and  profit 
and cost controls.  Government contracts also are exposed to uncertainties associated with funding.  Contracts with 
the U.S. federal government, for example, are subject to the uncertainties of Congressional funding.  Governments 
are typically under no obligation to maintain funding at any specific level, and funds for government programs may 
even be eliminated.  As a result, our government clients may terminate our contracts for convenience or decide not 
to renew our contracts with little or no prior notice.  The loss of such contracts could have a material adverse impact 
on our results of operations.  

In addition, since government contracts are subject to specific procurement regulations and a variety of other 
socio-economic requirements,  we  must comply  with such requirements.   For example,  for contracts  with the  U.S. 
federal government, with certain exceptions, we must comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Truth in 
Negotiations  Act,  and  the  Cost  Accounting  Standards.    We  must  also  comply  with  various  other  government 
regulations and requirements as well as various statutes related to employment practices, environmental protection, 
recordkeeping and accounting.  These regulations and requirements affect how we transact business with our clients 
and,  in  some  instances,  impose  additional  costs  on  our  business  operations.    Government  contracts  also  contain 
terms that expose us to higher levels of risk and potential liability than non-government contracts.  

We also are subject to government audits, investigations, and proceedings.  For example, government agencies 
routinely  review  and  audit  government  contractors  to  determine  whether  allowable  costs  are  in  accordance  with 
applicable  government  regulations.    These  audits  can  result  in  adjustments  to  the  amount  of  contract  costs  we 
believe are reimbursable by the agencies and the amount of our overhead costs allocated to the agencies. 

If we violate these rules or regulations, fail to comply with a contractual or other requirement or do not satisfy 
an audit, a variety of penalties can be imposed by the government including disallowance of costs claimed, monetary 
damages and criminal and civil penalties.  In addition, any or all of our government contracts could be terminated, 
we  could  be  suspended  or  debarred  from  all  government  contract  work.    The  occurrence  of  any  of  these  actions 
could harm our reputation and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.  

Our  future  results  could  be  materially  affected  by  a  number  of  public  health  issues  whether  occurring  in  the 
United States or abroad. 

Public health issues, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, could disrupt our operations, disrupt the 
operations of suppliers or customers, or have a broader adverse impact on consumer spending and confidence levels 
that  would  negatively  affect  our  suppliers  and  customers.    We  have  developed  contingency  plans  to  address 
infectious disease scenarios and the potential impact on our operations, and we will continue to update these plans as 
necessary.  However, there can be no assurance that these plans will be effective in eliminating the negative impact 
of any such diseases on the Company’s operating results.  We may be required to suspend operations in some or all 
of  our  locations,  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  business,  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations. 

                                                                                            17 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Our Distribution Solutions segment is dependent upon sophisticated information systems.  The implementation 
delay, malfunction, or failure of these systems for any extended period of time or breach of these systems could 
have a material adverse impact on our business. 

We rely on sophisticated information  systems in our business to obtain, rapidly process, analyze and  manage 
data  to:  (1)  facilitate  the  purchase  and  distribution  of  thousands  of  inventory  items  from  numerous  distribution 
centers; (2) receive, process and ship orders and handle other product and services on a timely basis; (3) manage the 
accurate billing and collections for thousands of customers; and (4) process payments to suppliers.  If these systems 
are interrupted, damaged or breached by an unforeseen event or actions of a third party, such as a cyber attack, or 
fail for any extended period of time, we could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

We could experience losses or liability not covered by insurance. 

In order to provide prompt and complete service to our major Distribution Solutions segment’s customers, we 
maintain  significant  product  inventory  at  certain  of  our  distribution  centers.    While  we  seek  to  maintain  property 
insurance coverage in amounts sufficient for our business, there can be no assurance that our property insurance will 
be adequate or available on acceptable terms.  One or more large casualty losses caused by fire, earthquake or other 
natural disaster in excess of our coverage limits could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. 

Our  business  exposes  us  to  risks  that  are  inherent  in  the  distribution,  manufacturing,  dispensing  and 
administration of pharmaceuticals and medical-surgical supplies, the provision of ancillary services, the conduct of 
our payer businesses (which include care management programs and our nurse advice services) and the provision of 
products that assist clinical decision-making and relate to patient medical histories and treatment plans.  If customers 
or  individuals  assert  liability  claims  against  our  products  and/or  services,  any  ensuing  litigation,  regardless  of 
outcome, could result in a substantial cost to us, divert management’s attention from operations and decrease market 
acceptance of our products.  We attempt to limit our liability to customers by contract; however, the limitations of 
liability set forth in the contracts may not be enforceable or may not otherwise protect us from liability for damages.  
Additionally, we may be subject to claims that are not explicitly covered by contract, such as a claim directly by a 
patient.  We also maintain  general liability coverage;  however, this coverage  may  not continue to be available on 
acceptable terms, may not be available in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims against us and may 
include  larger  self-insured  retentions  or  exclusions  for  certain  products.    In  addition,  the  insurer  might  disclaim 
coverage  as  to  any  future  claim.    A  successful  product  or  professional  liability  claim  not  fully  covered  by  our 
insurance could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. 

The failure of our healthcare technology businesses to attract and retain customers due to challenges in software 
product  integration  or  to  keep  pace  with  technological  advances  may  significantly  reduce  our  results  of 
operations. 

Our healthcare technology businesses, the bulk of which resides in our Technology Solutions segment, deliver 
enterprise-wide  clinical,  patient  care,  financial,  supply  chain,  strategic  management  software  solutions  and 
pharmacy  automation  to  hospitals,  physicians,  homecare  providers,  retail  and  mail  order  pharmacies  and  payers.  
Challenges integrating software products could impair our ability to attract and retain customers, and it could have a 
material  adverse  impact  on  our  consolidated  results  of  operations  and  a  disproportionate  impact  on  the  results  of 
operations of our Technology Solutions segment. 

Future  advances  in  the  healthcare  information  systems  industry  could  lead  to  new  technologies,  products  or 
services  that  are  competitive  with  the  technology  products  and  services  offered  by  our  various  businesses.    Such 
technological advances could also lower  the cost of  such  products and services or otherwise result in competitive 
pricing pressure or render our products obsolete.   

The success of our technology businesses will depend, in part, on our ability to be responsive to technological 
developments, pricing pressures and changing business models.  To remain competitive in the evolving healthcare 
information systems marketplace, our technology businesses must also develop new products on a timely basis.  The 
failure to develop competitive products and to introduce new products on a timely basis could curtail the ability of 
our technology businesses to attract and retain customers, and thereby it could have a material adverse impact on our 
results of operations.   

                                                                                            18 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Proprietary protections may not be adequate and products may be found to infringe the rights of third parties.   

We  rely  on  a  combination  of  trade  secret,  patent,  copyright  and  trademark  laws,  nondisclosure  and  other 
contractual provisions and technical measures to protect our proprietary rights in our products and solutions.  There 
can be no assurance that these protections will be adequate or that our competitors will not independently develop 
products or solutions that are equivalent or superior to ours.  In addition, despite protective  measures,  we  may be 
subject to unauthorized use of our technology due to copying, reverse-engineering or other infringement.  Although 
we believe that our products, solutions and services do not infringe the proprietary rights of third parties, from time-
to-time  third  parties  have  asserted  infringement  claims  against  us  and  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  third  parties 
will not assert infringement claims against us in the future.  If we were found to be infringing others’ rights, we may 
be required to pay substantial damage awards and forced to develop non-infringing products or technology, obtain a 
license  or  cease  selling  or  using  the  products  that  contain  the  infringing  elements.    Additionally,  we  may  find  it 
necessary to initiate litigation to protect our trade secrets, to enforce our patent, copyright and trademark rights and 
to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others.  These types of litigation can be costly and 
time  consuming.    These  litigation  expenses,  damage  payments  or  costs  of  developing  replacement  products  or 
technology could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. 

System errors or failures of our products to conform to specifications could cause unforeseen liabilities or injury, 
harm our reputation and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.  

The  software  and  software  systems  (“systems”)  that  we  sell  or  operate  are  very  complex.    As  with  complex 
systems  offered  by  others,  our  systems  may  contain  errors,  especially  when  first  introduced.    For  example,  our 
Technology  Solutions segment’s business  systems are intended to provide information for healthcare providers in 
providing patient care.  Therefore, users of our systems have a greater sensitivity to errors than the general market 
for software products.  If our software or systems lead to faulty clinical decisions or injury to patients, we could be 
subject  to  claims  or  litigation  by  our  clients,  clinicians  or  patients.    In  addition,  such  failures  could  damage  our 
reputation and could negatively affect future sales.  

Failure  of  a  client’s  system  to  perform  in  accordance  with  our  documentation  could  constitute  a  breach  of 
warranty  and  could  require  us  to  incur  additional  expense  in  order  to  make  the  system  comply  with  the 
documentation.    If  such  failure  is  not  remedied  in  a  timely  manner,  it  could  constitute  a  material  breach  under  a 
contract, allowing the client to cancel the contract, obtain refunds of amounts previously paid or assert claims for 
significant damages.  

Various  risks  could  interrupt  customers’  access  to  their  data  residing  in  our  service  center,  exposing  us  to 
significant costs. 

We  provide  remote  hosting  services  that  involve  operating  both  our  software  and  the  software  of  third-party 
vendors for our customers.  The ability to access the systems and the data that we host and support on demand is 
critical to our customers.  Our operations and facilities are vulnerable to interruption and/or damage from a number 
of  sources,  many  of  which  are  beyond  our  control,  including,  without  limitation:  (1)  power  loss  and 
telecommunications failures; (2) fire, flood, hurricane and other natural disasters; (3) software and hardware errors, 
failures  or  crashes;  and  (4)  cyber  attacks,  computer  viruses,  hacking  and  other  similar  disruptive  problems.    We 
attempt to  mitigate these risks through various  means including disaster recovery plans, separate test systems and 
change  controls,  information  security  procedures,  and  continued  development  and  enhancement  of  our  cyber 
security,  but  our  precautions  may  not  protect  against  all  risks.    If  customers’  access  is  interrupted  because  of 
problems  in  the  operation  of  our  facilities,  we  could  be  exposed  to  significant  claims,  particularly  if  the  access 
interruption is associated with problems in the timely delivery of medical care.  If customers’ access is interrupted 
from  failure  or  breach  of  our  operational  or  information  security  systems,  or  those  of  our  third  party  service 
providers, we could suffer reputational harm or be exposed to liabilities arising from the unauthorized and improper 
use  or  disclosure  of  confidential  or  proprietary  information.    We  must  maintain  disaster  recovery  and  business 
continuity plans that rely upon third-party providers of related services and if those vendors fail us at a time that our 
center is not operating correctly, we could incur a loss of revenue and liability for failure to fulfill our contractual 
service  commitments.    Any  significant  instances  of  system  downtime  could  negatively  affect  our  reputation  and 
ability to sell our remote hosting services. 

                                                                                            19 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

The length of our sales and implementation cycles for our Technology Solutions segment could have a material 
adverse impact on our future results of operations. 

Many of the solutions offered by our Technology Solutions segment have long sales and implementation cycles, 
which could range from a few months to two years or more from initial contact with the customer to completion of 
implementation.  How and when to implement, replace, or expand an information system, or modify or add business 
processes,  are  major  decisions  for  healthcare  organizations.    Many  of  the  solutions  we  provide  typically  require 
significant capital expenditures and time commitments by the customer.  Any decision by our customers to delay or 
cancel implementation could  have a  material adverse impact on our results of operations.  Furthermore, delays or 
failures  to  meet  milestones  established  in  our  agreements  may  result  in  a  breach  of  contract,  termination  of  the 
agreement,  damages  and/or  penalties  as  well  as  a  reduction  in  our  margins  or  a  delay  in  our  ability  to  recognize 
revenue.   

We  may  be  required  to  record  a  significant  charge  to  earnings  if  our  goodwill  or  intangible  assets  become 
impaired. 

We  are  required  under  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (“GAAP”)  to  test  our  goodwill  for 
impairment, annually or more frequently if indicators for potential impairment exist.  Indicators that are considered 
include significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results, significant changes in the use of 
the assets,  significant  negative industry, or economic trends or a significant decline in the Company’s  stock price 
and/or market capitalization for a sustained period of time.  In addition, we periodically review our intangible assets 
for  impairment  when  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  the  carrying  value  may  not  be  recoverable.  
Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our intangible assets 
may not be recoverable include slower growth rates and the loss of a significant customer.  We may be required to 
record  a  significant  charge  to  earnings  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements  during  the  period  in  which  any 
impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets is determined.  This could have a material adverse impact on our 
results of operations.  There are inherent uncertainties in management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions used 
in assessing recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets.  Any changes in key assumptions, including failure to 
meet  business  plans,  a  further  deterioration  in  the  market  or  other  unanticipated  events  and  circumstances,  may 
affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates and could potentially result in an impairment charge. 

Our  foreign  operations  may subject  us  to  a  number  of  operating,  economic, political  and  regulatory  risks  that 
may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. 

We  have  operations  based  in,  and  we  source  and  contract  manufacture  pharmaceutical  and  medical-surgical 
products in, a number of foreign countries.  In the future, we look to continue to grow our foreign operations both 
organically and through acquisitions and investments; however, increasing our foreign operations carries additional 
risks.    Operations  outside  of  the  United  States  may  be  affected  by  changes  in  trade  protection  laws,  policies  and 
measures  and  other  regulatory  requirements  affecting  trade  and  investment;  unexpected  changes  in  regulatory 
requirements  for  software,  social,  political,  labor  or  economic  conditions  in  a  specific  country  or  region; 
import/export regulations in both the United States and foreign countries and difficulties in staffing and managing 
foreign operations.  Political changes and natural disasters, some of which may be disruptive, can interfere with our 
supply chain, our customers and all of our activities in a particular location.  We may also be affected by potentially 
adverse tax consequences and difficulties associated with repatriating cash generated or held abroad.  Additionally, 
foreign operations expose us to foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely impact our results of operations 
based on the movements of the applicable foreign currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. 

Foreign  operations  are  also  subject  to  risks  of  violations  of  laws  prohibiting  improper  payments  and  bribery, 
including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar regulations in foreign jurisdictions.  Failure to comply 
with  these  laws  could  subject  us  to  civil  and  criminal  penalties  that  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our 
financial condition and results of operations. 

                                                                                            20 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

We also may experience difficulties and delays inherent in sourcing products and contract manufacturing from 
foreign  countries,  including  but  not  limited  to:  (1)  difficulties  in  complying  with  the  requirements  of  applicable 
federal,  state  and  local  governmental  authorities  in  the  United  States  and  of  foreign  regulatory  authorities;  (2) 
inability  to  increase  production  capacity  commensurate  with  demand  or  the  failure  to  predict  market  demand;  (3) 
other  manufacturing  or  distribution  problems  including  changes  in  types  of  products  produced,  limits  to 
manufacturing capacity due to regulatory requirements, physical limitations, or scarce or inadequate resources that 
could  impact  continuous  supply;  and  (4)  damage  to  our  reputation  due  to  real  or  perceived  quality  issues.  
Manufacturing  difficulties  could  result  in  production  shutdowns,  product  shortages  and  other  similar  delays  in 
product  manufacturing  that  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations. 

Tax legislation initiatives or challenges to our tax positions could have a material adverse impact on our results 
of operations. 

We are a large multinational corporation with operations in the United States and international jurisdictions.  As 
such, we are subject to the tax laws and regulations of the United States federal, state and local governments and of 
many international jurisdictions.  From time-to-time, legislation may be enacted that could adversely affect our tax 
positions.  There can be no assurance that our effective  tax rate and the resulting cash  flow  will  not be adversely 
affected by these changes in legislation.  For example, if legislation is passed to repeal the LIFO (last-in, first-out) 
method of inventory accounting for income tax purposes, it would adversely impact our cash flow, and if legislation 
is passed to change the current U.S. taxation treatment of income from foreign operations, it may adversely impact 
our income tax expense.  The tax laws and regulations of the various countries where we have major operations are 
extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations.  Although we believe that our historical tax positions are 
sound and consistent with applicable laws, regulations and existing precedent, there can be no assurance that these 
tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge. 

Our business could be hindered if we are unable to complete and integrate acquisitions successfully. 

An element of our strategy is to identify, pursue and consummate acquisitions that either expand or complement 
our business.  Since 2010, we have completed approximately $3.4 billion of business acquisitions.  Integration of 
acquisitions  involves  a  number  of  significant  risks,  including  the  diversion  of  management’s  attention  to  the 
assimilation  of  the  operations  of  businesses  we  have  acquired;  difficulties  in  the  integration  of  operations  and 
systems;  the  realization  of  potential  operating  synergies;  the  assimilation  and  retention  of  the  personnel  of  the 
acquired  companies;  accounting,  regulatory  or  compliance  issues  that  could  arise,  including  internal  control  over 
financial reporting; challenges in retaining the customers, including physician affiliates, of the combined businesses.  
Further,  acquisitions  may  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  operating  results  if  unanticipated  expenses  or 
charges to earnings were to occur, including unanticipated depreciation and amortization expenses over the useful 
lives  of  certain  assets  acquired,  as  well  as  costs  related  to  potential  impairment  charges,  assumed  litigation  and 
unknown liabilities.  In addition, we may potentially require additional financing in order to fund future acquisitions, 
which may or may not be attainable and is subject to potential volatility in the credit markets.  If we are unable to 
successfully complete and integrate strategic acquisitions in a timely manner, our business and our growth strategies 
could be negatively affected. 

Volatility and disruption to the global capital and credit markets may adversely affect our ability to access credit, 
our cost of credit and the financial soundness of our customers and suppliers. 

Volatility and disruption in the global capital and credit markets, including the bankruptcy or restructuring of 
certain  financial  institutions,  reduced  lending  activity  by  other  financial  institutions,  decreased  liquidity  and 
increased costs in the commercial paper market and the reduced market for securitizations, may adversely affect the 
availability and cost of credit already arranged and the availability, terms and cost of credit in the future, including 
any arrangements to renew or replace our current credit or financing arrangements.   Although we believe that our 
operating cash flow, financial assets, current access to capital and credit markets, including our existing credit and 
sales  facilities,  will  give  us  the  ability  to  meet  our  financing  needs  for  the  foreseeable  future,  there  can  be  no 
assurance that continued or increased volatility and disruption in the global capital and credit markets will not impair 
our liquidity or increase our costs of borrowing. 

                                                                                            21 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

Our $1.35 billion accounts receivable sales facility is generally renewed annually and will expire in May 2012.  
Historically, we have primarily used the accounts receivable sales facility to fund working capital requirements, as 
needed.  We anticipate renewing this facility before its expiration.  Although we believe we will be able to renew 
this facility, there is no assurance that we will be able to do so. 

Our business could also be negatively impacted if our customers or suppliers experience disruptions resulting 
from tighter capital and credit markets or a slowdown in the general economy.  As a result, customers may modify, 
delay  or  cancel  plans  to  purchase  or  implement  our  products  or  services  and  suppliers  may  increase  their  prices, 
reduce their output or change their terms of sale.  Additionally, if customers’ or suppliers’ 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  accounts  receivable  owed  to  us  and  suppliers  may  restrict  credit,  impose 
different payment terms or be unable to  make payments due to  us  for fees, returned products or incentives.   Any 
inability of customers to pay  us for our products and  services or any demands by  suppliers  for different payment 
terms may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flow. 

Changes  in  accounting  standards  issued  by  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  or  other 
standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our financial statements.   

Our  financial  statements  are  subject  to  the  application  of  U.S.  GAAP,  which  is  periodically  revised  and/or 
expanded.  Accordingly, from time-to-time we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by 
recognized authoritative bodies, including the FASB and the SEC.  It is possible that future accounting standards we 
are  required  to  adopt  could  change  the  current  accounting  treatment  that  we  apply  to  our  consolidated  financial 
statements  and  that  such  changes  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  results  of  operations  and  financial 
condition. 

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments. 

None. 

Item 2. 

Properties. 

Because of the nature of our principal businesses, our plant, warehousing, office and other facilities are operated 
in  widely  dispersed  locations,  mostly  throughout  the  U.S.  and  Canada.    The  warehouses  are  typically  owned  or 
leased on a long-term basis.  We consider our operating properties to be in satisfactory condition and adequate to 
meet  our  needs  for  the  next  several  years  without  making  capital  expenditures  materially  higher  than  historical 
levels.  Information as to material lease commitments is included in Financial Note 17, “Lease Obligations,” to the 
consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings. 

Certain legal proceedings in which we are involved are discussed in Financial Note 19, “Other Commitments 
and Contingent Liabilities,” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures. 

Not applicable. 

                                                                                            22 

Executive Officers of the Registrant  

McKESSON CORPORATION 

The  following  table  sets  forth  information  regarding  the  executive  officers  of  the  Company,  including  their 
principal occupations during the past five years.  The number of years of service with the Company includes service 
with predecessor companies. 

There  are  no  family  relationships  between  any  of  the  executive  officers  or  directors  of  the  Company.    The 
executive officers are elected on an annual basis generally and their term expires at the first meeting of the Board of 
Directors  (“Board”)  following  the  annual  meeting  of  stockholders,  or  until  their  successors  are  elected  and  have 
qualified, or until death, resignation or removal, whichever is sooner. 

Name 

Age

Position with Registrant and Business Experience

John H. Hammergren............  53  Chairman of the Board since July 2002; President and Chief Executive Officer
since April 2001; and a director since July 1999.  Service with the Company –
16 years. 

Jeffrey C. Campbell ..............  51  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  since  April  2004.

Service with the Company – 8 years. 

Patrick J. Blake .....................  48  Executive  Vice  President  and  Group  President  since  June  2009;  President  of
McKesson  Specialty  Care  Solutions  (now  McKesson  Specialty  Health)  from
April 2006 to June 2009.  Service with the Company – 16 years. 

Jorge L. Figueredo ................  51  Executive  Vice  President,  Human  Resources  since  May  2008;  Senior  Vice
President, Human Resources, Dow Jones, Inc. from February 2007 to January
2008.  Service with the Company – 4 years. 

Paul C. Julian ........................  56  Executive Vice President and Group President since April 2004.  Service with

the Company – 16 years. 

Laureen E. Seeger .................  50  Executive  Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and  Chief  Compliance  Officer
since  April  2010  (functionally  has  served  as  chief  compliance  officer  since
March 2006); Executive Vice President and General Counsel from July 2009 to
April  2010;  Executive  Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  from
March 2006 to July 2009.  Service with the Company – 12 years. 

Randall N. Spratt ..................  60  Executive  Vice  President,  Chief  Technology  Officer  and  Chief  Information
Officer since April 2009; Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
from July 2005 to April 2009.  Service with the Company – 26 years. 

                                                                                            23 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

PART II 

Item 5. 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 
of Equity Securities. 

(a)  Market Information:  The principal market on which the Company’s common stock is traded is the New York 

Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). 

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on NYSE for 

each quarterly period of the two most recently completed fiscal years: 

First quarter ........................................................................................ $87.32 
Second quarter .................................................................................... $84.96 
Third quarter ....................................................................................... $85.70 
Fourth quarter ..................................................................................... $88.91 

High

Low 
$77.55 
$70.86 
$66.61 
$74.89 

High
$71.49 
$69.48 
$71.09 
$81.00 

Low
$62.94 
$57.81 
$59.54 
$70.44 

2012 

2011 

(b)  Holders:  The number of record holders of the Company’s common stock at March 31, 2012 was approximately 

7,700. 

(c)  Dividends:  In April 2011, the Company’s quarterly dividend was raised from $0.18 to $0.20 per common share 
for dividends declared after such date, until further action by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).  
The Company declared regular cash dividends of $0.80 per share (or $0.20 per share per quarter) in the  year 
ended March 31, 2012 and $0.72 per share (or $0.18 per share per quarter) in the year ended March 31, 2011.   

The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future.  However, the 
payment and amount of  future dividends remain  within the discretion of the Board and will depend upon the 
Company’s future earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors. 

(d)  Securities  Authorized  for  Issuance  under  Equity  Compensation  Plans:    Information  relating  to  this  item  is 

provided under Part III, Item 12, to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

(e)  Share  Repurchase  Plans:    Stock  repurchases  may  be  made  from  time-to-time  in  open  market  transactions, 
privately  negotiated  transactions,  through  accelerated  share  repurchase  (“ASR”)  programs,  or  by  any 
combination of such methods.  The timing of any repurchases and the actual number of shares repurchased will 
depend  on  a  variety  of  factors,  including  our  stock  price,  corporate  and  regulatory  requirements,  restrictions 
under our debt obligations and other market and economic conditions. 

In  January  2012,  the  Board  authorized  the  repurchase  of  an  additional  $650  million  of  the  Company’s 

common stock, bringing the total authorization outstanding to $1.5 billion.  

In  March  2012,  the  Company  entered  into  an  ASR  program  with  a  third  party  financial  institution  to 
repurchase $1.2 billion of the Company’s common stock.  The program was funded with cash on hand.  As of 
March 31, 2012, the Company had received 12 million shares representing the minimum number of shares due 
under  this    program.    The  total  number  of  shares  to  be  ultimately  repurchased  by  the  Company  under  this 
program  will  be  determined  at  the  completion  of  the  program  based  on  the  average  daily  volume-weighted 
average price of the Company’s common stock during the program, less a discount.  This program is anticipated 
to  be  completed  no  later  than  the  second  quarter  of  2013.    As  of  March  31,  2012,  $0.3  billion  remained 
available for future repurchases under the January 2012 authorization. 

In  April  2012,  the  Board  authorized  the  repurchase  of  an  additional  $700  million  of  the  Company’s 

common stock, bringing the total authorization outstanding to $1.0 billion.  

                                                                                            24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

The following table provides information on the Company’s share repurchases during the fourth quarter of 

2012: 

(In millions, except price per share) 
January 1, 2012 – January 31, 2012 
February 1, 2012 – February 29, 2012 
March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012 

Total 

Share Repurchases (1)

Total  
Number of Shares 
Purchased 

Average Price Paid 
per Share

  $ 

— 
— 
12.0 
12.0 

—
—
87.19 (2)   

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased 
as Part of Publicly 
Announced 
Programs
— 
— 
12.0 
12.0 

Approximate 
Dollar Value of 
Shares that May 
Yet Be Purchased 
Under the 
Programs
1,500 
1,500 
300 
300 

  $ 

(1) This table does not include shares tendered to satisfy the exercise price in connection with cashless exercises of employee 

stock options or shares tendered to satisfy tax-withholding obligations in connection with employee equity awards. 

(2) The  average  price  paid  per  share  under  the  March  2012  ASR  program  was  based  on  the  average  daily  volume-weighted 
average  price  of  our  common  stock  less  a  discount  calculated  as  of  March 31,  2012.  The  final  settlement  price  per  share 
under the March 2012 ASR program will be determined upon completion of the program. 

                                                                                            25 

 
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
McKESSON CORPORATION 

(f)  Stock  Price  Performance  Graph*:    The  following  graph  compares  the  cumulative  total  stockholder  return  on 
the Company’s common stock for the periods indicated with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the Value 
Line Healthcare Sector Index (composed of 158 companies in the health care industry, including the Company). 

McKesson Corporation 

S&P 500 Index 

Value Line Healthcare 
Sector Index 

$180.00

$160.00

$140.00

$120.00

$100.00

$80.00

$60.00

$40.00

$20.00

$0.00

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

McKesson 

Corporation 
S&P 500 Index 
Value Line 

Healthcare 
Sector Index 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

March 31, 

$ 
$ 

100.00 
100.00 

$ 
$ 

89.81 
94.92 

$ 
$ 

60.73 
58.77 

$ 
$ 

114.92 
88.02 

$ 
$ 

139.72 
101.79 

$ 
$ 

156.68 
110.49 

$ 

100.00 

$ 

94.52 

$ 

72.44 

$ 

100.35 

$ 

119.57 

$ 

136.05 

(cid:13) Assumes $100 invested in McKesson’s common stock and in each index on March 31, 2007 and that all dividends are reinvested. 

                                                                                            26 

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data. 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FIVE-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS 

(In millions, except per share data and ratios) 
Operating Results 
Revenues 

Percent change 

Gross profit  
Income from continuing operations before 

income taxes 

Income after income taxes 
Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Net income 

Financial Position 
Working capital 
Days sales outstanding for: (1) 
Customer receivables 
Inventories 
Drafts and accounts payable 

Total assets 
Total debt, including capital lease obligations 
Stockholders’ equity 
Property acquisitions 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 

Common Share Information 
Common shares outstanding at year-end 
Shares on which earnings per common share 

were based 
Diluted  
Basic 

Diluted earnings per common share (2) 

$ 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Total 

Cash dividends declared 
Cash dividends declared per common share 
Book value per common share (2) (3) 
Market value per common share – year end 

Supplemental Data 
Capital employed (4) 
Debt to capital ratio (5) 
Net debt to net capital employed (6) 
Average stockholders’ equity (7) 
Return on stockholders’ equity (8) 

As of and for the Years Ended March 31, 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

$  122,734 

  $ 112,084 

$  108,702 

$  106,632 

  $  101,703 

9.5%   

6,567 

3.1% 

5,970 

1.9% 

5,676 

4.8%   

5,378 

9.4% 

5,009 

1,919 

1,403 
— 
1,403 

1,635 

1,130 
72 
1,202 

1,864 

1,263 
— 
1,263 

1,064 

1,457 

823 
— 
823 

989 
1 
990 

1,917 

3,631 

4,492 

3,065 

2,438 

24 
31 
49 
33,093 
3,980 
6,831 
225 
1,156 

235 

251 
246 

5.59 
— 
5.59 
202 
0.80 
29.07 
87.77 

  $

25 
31 
47 
30,886 
4,004 
7,220 
233 
292 

252 

263 
258 

4.29 
0.28 
4.57 
188 
0.72 
28.65 
79.05 

25 
34 
48 
28,189 
2,297 
7,532 
199 
18 

271 

273 
269 

4.62 
— 
4.62 
131 
0.48 
27.79 
65.72 

$ 

24 
31 
43 
25,267 
2,512 
6,193 
195 
358 

271 

279 
275 

2.95 
— 
2.95 
134 
0.48 
22.87 
35.04 

$ 

22 
33 
44 
24,603 
1,797 
6,121 
195 
610 

277 

298 
291 

3.32 
— 
3.32 
70 
0.24 
22.10 
52.37 

  $ 

10,811 

11,224 

36.8%   
10.8%   
7,108 
19.7%   

35.7 % 
5.1 %  

7,105 
16.9 %  

9,829 
23.4 % 
(23.5)%   
6,768 
18.7 %   

8,705 
28.9 %   
6.1 %   

6,214 
13.2 %   

7,918 
22.7% 
6.6 % 

6,344 
15.6 % 

Footnotes to Five-Year Highlights:  
(1) Based on year-end balances and sales or cost of sales for the last 90 days of the year.   
(2) Certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments. 
(3) Represents stockholders’ equity divided by year-end common shares outstanding. 
(4) Consists of the sum of total debt and stockholders’ equity. 
(5) Ratio is computed as total debt divided by capital employed. 
(6) Ratio  is  computed  as  total  debt,  net  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  (“net  debt”),  divided  by  the  sum  of  net  debt  and 

stockholders’ equity (“net capital employed”). 

(7) Represents a five-quarter average of stockholders’ equity. 
(8) Ratio is computed as net income divided by a five-quarter average of stockholders’ equity. 

                                                                                            27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW 

Item 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  

GENERAL 

Management’s  discussion  and  analysis  of  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations,  referred  to  as  the 
Financial  Review,  is  intended  to  assist  the  reader  in  the  understanding  and  assessment  of  significant  changes  and 
trends related to the results of operations and financial position of the Company together with its subsidiaries.  This 
discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying 
financial notes in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company’s fiscal year begins on April 
1 and ends on March 31.  Unless otherwise noted, all references in this document to a particular year shall mean the 
Company’s fiscal year. 

Certain  statements  in  this  report  constitute  forward-looking  statements.    See  Item  1  –  Business  –  Forward-
Looking Statements in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional factors relating to these statements; 
also  see  Item  1A  –  Risk  Factors  in  Part  I  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  a  list  of  certain  risk  factors 
applicable to our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

We  conduct  our  business  through  two  operating  segments:  McKesson  Distribution  Solutions  and  McKesson 
Technology  Solutions.    See  Financial  Note  22,  “Segments  of  Business,”  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements 
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of these segments. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Overview: 

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2012

2010

Change

2012

2011

Revenues 

Gross Profit 

$  122,734   $  112,084   $  108,702  

10%  

$ 

6,567   $ 

5,970   $ 

5,676  

10%  

Operating Expenses 
Litigation Charges (Credit), Net 
Total Operating Expenses 
Other Income, Net 
Interest Expense 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income 

Taxes  

Income Tax Expense 
Income from Continuing Operations 
Discontinued Operation – gain on sale, net of tax 
Net Income  

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share 

Continuing Operations 
Discontinued Operation 

Total 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,269  
149  
4,418  
21  
(251)  

3,936  
213  
4,149  
36  
(222)  

1,919  
(516)  
1,403  
—  
1,403   $ 

1,635  
(505)  
1,130  
72  
1,202   $ 

3,688  
(20)  
3,668  
43  
(187)  

1,864 
(601)  
1,263  
—  
1,263  

8 
(30)   
6 
(42)   
13 

17 
2 
24 
— 
17 

5.59   $ 
—  
5.59   $ 

4.29   $ 
0.28  
4.57   $ 

4.62  
—  
4.62  

30%  
— 
22 

(7)% 
— 
(1) 

3% 

5% 

7 
— 
13 
(16) 
19 

(12) 
(16) 
(11) 
— 
(5) 

Weighted Average Diluted Common Shares 

251  

263  

273  

(5)% 

(4)% 

Revenues  increased  over  each  of  the  last  two  years  primarily  reflecting  market  growth  in  our  Distribution 
Solutions segment, which accounted for approximately 97% of our consolidated revenues.  Additionally, revenues 
for  2012  and  2011  benefited  from  our  December  30,  2010  acquisition  of  US  Oncology  Holdings,  Inc.  (“US 
Oncology”). 

                                                                                            28 

 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Gross profit and  gross profit  margin increased over each of the last  two  years.   As a percentage of revenues, 
gross  profit  increased  2  basis  points  (“bp”)  to  5.35%  in  2012  and  11  bp  to  5.33%  in  2011.    Gross  profit  margin 
increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to the addition of US Oncology, higher generics income in our 
Distribution  Solutions  segment  and  an  increase  in  higher  margin  revenues  in  our  Technology  Solutions  segment. 
These increases were partially offset by a decline in sell margin and by a $51 million benefit in 2011 associated with 
the receipt of our share of a settlement of an antitrust class action lawsuit brought against a drug manufacturer in our 
Distribution Solutions segment. 

Gross  profit  margin  increased  in  2011  compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  buy  margin,  higher 
generics income and the receipt of $51 million from an antitrust class action settlement in our Distribution Solutions 
segment.  These  increases  were  partially  offset  by  a  decline  in  our  Technology  Solutions  segment  margin,  which 
included a $72 million asset impairment charge.   

Operating  expenses  increased  over  each  of  the  last  two  years  primarily  reflecting  an  increase  in  expenses 
associated with supporting our higher revenues, the addition of US Oncology, and higher employee compensation 
and benefits costs, which includes expenses associated with our Profit Sharing Investment Plan (“PSIP”).  Operating 
expenses  were  also  impacted  by  Average  Wholesale  Price  (“AWP”)  litigation  charges  of  $149  million  and  $213 
million  in  2012  and  2011.      Our  litigation  charges  and  PSIP  expense  are  more  fully  described  under  the  caption 
“Operating Expenses” in this Financial Review. 

Other  income,  net  was  $21  million,  $36  million  and  $43  million  in  2012,  2011  and  2010.    In  2011,  other 
income, net includes the receipt of $16 million representing the reimbursement of post-acquisition interest expense 
by  the  former  shareholders  of  US  Oncology.    In  2010,  other  income,  net  includes  a  $17 million  pre-tax  gain 
($14 million after-tax) from the sale of our 50% equity interest in McKesson Logistic Solutions, LLC (“MLS”).   

Interest expense increased over each of the last two  years  primarily due to the assumption of US Oncology’s 
debt and the subsequent refinancing of the debt, which includes $25 million of bridge loan financing fees incurred in 
2011.  Additionally, 2011 interest expense benefited  from  repayment of $215  million of long-term debt in March 
2010.   

Our  reported  income  tax  rates  were  26.9%,  30.9%  and  32.2%  in  2012,  2011  and  2010.    Fluctuations  in  our 
reported  income  tax  rates  are  primarily  due  to  changes  within  our  business  mix,  including  varying  proportions  of 
income  attributable  to  foreign  countries  that  have  lower  income  tax  rates.    In  addition,  in  2012,  2011  and  2010, 
income tax expense includes $66 million, $34 million and $7 million of net income tax benefits for discrete items, 
which primarily relates to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest.  Included in 
the 2012 discrete tax benefit, is a $31 million credit to income tax expense as a result of the reversal of an income 
tax reserve relating to our AWP litigation. 

Net  income  was  $1,403  million,  $1,202 million  and  $1,263 million  in  2012,  2011  and  2010,  and  diluted 
earnings per common share were $5.59, $4.57 and $4.62.  Net income for 2012 and 2011 includes after-tax AWP 
litigation charges of $60 million and $149 million.  Additionally, net income for 2011 includes a $72 million after-
tax gain (or $0.28 per diluted share) on the sale of our Technology Solutions segment’s wholly-owned subsidiary, 
McKesson  Asia  Pacific  Pty  Limited  (“MAP”),  which  was  sold  in  July  2010.    Historical  financial  results  for  this 
subsidiary  were  not  material.    Diluted  earnings  per  common  share  were  favorably  affected  by  decreases  in  our 
weighted average shares outstanding due to the cumulative effect of share repurchases over the past three years.   

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding decreased over each of the last two years due to our share 

repurchases.  In 2012, 2011, and 2010, we repurchased 20 million, 29 million and 8 million of our common shares.

                                                                                            29 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Revenues: 

(Dollars in millions)
Distribution Solutions 

Direct distribution & services 
Sales to customers’ warehouses 

Total U.S. pharmaceutical distribution & services 

Canada pharmaceutical distribution & services 
Medical-Surgical distribution & services 

Total Distribution Solutions 

Technology Solutions 

Services  
Software & software systems 
Hardware 

Total Technology Solutions 

Total Revenues 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2012

2010

$  85,523   $  77,554   $  72,210  
21,435  
93,645  
9,072  
2,861  
  105,578  

18,631  
96,185  
9,784  
2,920  
  108,889  

20,453  
  105,976  
10,303  
3,145  
  119,424  

2,594  
596  
120  
3,310  

2,439  
571  
114  
3,124  
$  122,734   $  112,084   $  108,702  

2,483  
590  
122  
3,195  

Change

2012

2011

10%  
10 
10 
5 
8 
10 

4 
1 
(2)   
4 
10 

7% 

(13) 
3 
8 
2 
3 

2 
3 
7 
2 
3 

Revenues increased 10% to $122.7 billion in 2012 and 3% to $112.1 billion in 2011.  The increase in revenues 
in  each  year  primarily  reflects  market  growth  in  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment,  which  accounted  for 
approximately 97% of our consolidated revenues, and our acquisition of US Oncology. 

Direct distribution and services revenues increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to market growth, 
which  includes  growing  drug  utilization  and  price  increases,  and  from  our  acquisition  of  US  Oncology.    These 
increases  were  partially  offset  by  price  deflation  associated  with  brand  to  generic  drug  conversions.    Direct 
distribution and services revenues increased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to market growth, the effect of 
a shift of revenues from sales to customers’ warehouses to direct store delivery, the lapping of which was completed 
in the third quarter of 2011, and due to our acquisition of US Oncology.  These increases were partially offset by a 
decline in demand associated with the flu season and the impact of price deflation associated with brand to generic 
drug conversions.   

Sales to customers’ warehouses for 2012 increased compared to 2011 primarily due to a new customer and new 
business with existing customers.  Sales to customers’ warehouses for 2011 decreased compared to 2010 primarily 
reflecting  reduced  revenues  associated  with  existing  customers,  the  effect  of  a  shift  of  revenues  to  direct  store 
delivery,  the  lapping  of  which  was  completed  in  the  third  quarter  of  2011,  and  the  impact  of  price  deflation 
associated with brand to generic drug conversions.   

Sales  to  retail  customers’  warehouses  represent  large  volume  sales  of  pharmaceuticals  primarily  to  a  limited 
number  of  large  self-warehousing  retail  chain  customers  whereby  we  order  bulk  product  from  the  manufacturer, 
receive and process the product through our central distribution facility and subsequently deliver the bulk product 
(generally  in  the  same  form  as  received  from  the  manufacturer)  directly  to  our  customers’  warehouses.    This 
distribution method is typically not marketed or sold by the Company as a stand-alone service; rather, it is offered as 
an  additional  distribution  method  for  our  large  retail  chain  customers  that  have  an  internal  self-warehousing 
distribution network.  Sales to customers’ warehouses provide a benefit to these customers because they can utilize 
the Company as one source for both their direct-to-store business and their warehouse business.  We generally have 
significantly lower gross profit margins on sales to customers’ warehouses as we pass much of the efficiency of this 
low cost-to-serve model on to the customer.  These sales do, however, contribute to our gross profit dollars. 

                                                                                            30 

 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

The customer mix of revenues from our U.S. Pharmaceutical Distribution business was as follows: 

Direct Sales 

Retail Chains  
Institutions 
Independents 
Subtotal 

Sales to retail customers’ warehouses 

Total 

Years Ended March 31, 

2012 

2011 

2010 

34% 
34 
11 
79 
21 
100% 

33% 
34 
12 
79 
21 
100% 

32% 
32 
12 
76 
24 
100% 

As previously described, a limited number of our large retail chain customers purchase products through both 
our direct and  warehouse distribution  methods, the latter of  which  generally  has a  significantly lower gross profit 
margin due to the low cost-to-serve model.  When evaluating and pricing customer contracts, we do so based on our 
assessment  of  total  customer  profitability.    As  a  result,  we  do  not  evaluate  our  performance  or  allocate  resources 
based on sales to customers’ warehouses or gross profit associated with such sales. 

Canadian pharmaceutical distribution and services revenues increased 5% in 2012 compared to 2011. Excluding 
a  favorable  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuation  of  2%  during  2012,  revenues  increased  primarily  due  to 
market growth, five additional sales days and a small acquisition in the second quarter of 2011, partially offset by 
government-imposed  price  reduction  for  generic  pharmaceuticals  in  certain  provinces.    Canadian  pharmaceutical 
distribution and services revenues increased 8% in 2011 compared to 2010.  Excluding a favorable foreign currency 
exchange  rate  fluctuation  of  7%  during  2011,  revenues  increased  1%  in  2011.    Canadian  revenues  for  2011 
increased  due  to  market  growth,  offset  by  a  government-imposed  price  reduction  for  generic  pharmaceuticals  in 
certain provinces and the impact of price deflation associated with brand to generic drug conversions. 

Medical-Surgical  distribution  and  services  revenues  increased  in  2012  compared  to  2011  primarily  due  to 
market growth, new customers and five additional sales days.  Medical-Surgical distribution and services revenues 
increased  in  2011  compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to  market  growth,  partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  demand 
associated with the flu season.   

Technology Solutions revenues increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to higher revenues for claims 
processing,  increased  revenues  associated  with  the  sale  and  installation  of  our  software  products,  an  increase  in 
maintenance  revenues  from  new  and  existing  customers  and  a  number  of  small  acquisitions  made  during  2012. 
Technology  Solutions  revenues  increased  slightly  in  2011  compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in 
maintenance revenues from new and existing customers, increased revenues associated with the sale and installation 
of our software products and higher revenues for claims processing, partially offset by the sale of MAP in July 2010.  

Gross Profit:  

(Dollars in millions) 
Gross Profit  

Distribution Solutions (1) 
Technology Solutions (2) 

Total 

Gross Profit Margin 

Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 

Total 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2012

2010

$ 

$ 

5,057 
1,510 
6,567 

  $

  $

4,565 
1,405 
5,970 

  $ 

  $ 

4,219 
1,457 
5,676 

Change 

2012

11% 
7 
10 

2011

8% 
(4) 
5 

4.23%  

4.19%  

4.00%  

4bp 

45.62 
5.35 

43.97 
5.33 

46.64 
5.22 

165 
2 

19bp 

(267) 
11 

(1) Gross  profit  of  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  for  2011  includes  a  credit  of  $51  million  representing  our  share  of  a 
settlement of an antitrust class action lawsuit brought against a drug manufacturer, which was recorded as a reduction to cost 
of sales. 

(2) Gross profit of our Technology Solutions segment for 2012 and 2011 includes a $31 million product alignment charge and a 

$72 million asset impairment charge for capitalized software held for sale. 

                                                                                            31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Gross profit increased 10% to $6.6 billion in 2012 and 5% to $6.0 billion in 2011.  As a percentage of revenues, 
gross  profit  increased  by  2  bp  in  2012  and  by  11  bp  in  2011.    Gross  profit  margin  increased  in  2012  primarily 
reflecting  higher  gross  profit  margins  from  both  of  our  operating  segments  and  increased  in  2011  primarily 
reflecting higher gross profit margin from our Distribution Solutions segment. 

Distribution Solutions segment’s gross profit margin increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to our 
acquisition of US Oncology and increased sales of higher margin generic drugs, partially offset by a decline in sell 
margin  and  the  receipt  of  $51  million  in  2011  representing  our  share  of  a  settlement  of  an  antitrust  class  action 
lawsuit brought against a drug manufacturer. 

Distribution  Solutions  segment’s  gross  profit  margin  increased  in  2011  compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to 
higher  buy  margin,  increased  sales  of  higher  margin  generic  drugs  and  due  to  our  acquisition  of  US  Oncology, 
partially offset by a decline in demand associated with the flu season and a decrease in sell margin.  Our Distribution 
Solutions segment’s 2011 gross profit margin was also favorably affected by the receipt of $51 million representing 
our  share  of  a  settlement  of  an  antitrust  class  action  lawsuit  brought  against  a  drug  manufacturer.    Buy  margin 
primarily reflects volume and timing of compensation from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Our  last-in,  first-out  (“LIFO”)  net  inventory  expense  was  $11 million  in  2012,  $3 million  in  2011  and 
$8 million for 2010.  Our Distribution Solutions segment uses the LIFO method of accounting for the majority of its 
inventories,  which results in  cost of  sales  that  more closely reflects replacement cost  than  under other accounting 
methods.    The  practice  in  the  Distribution  Solutions  segment’s  distribution  businesses  is  to  pass  on  to  customers 
published  price  changes  from  suppliers.    Manufacturers  generally  provide  us  with  price  protection,  which  limits 
price-related inventory losses.  Price declines on many generic pharmaceutical products in this segment over the last 
few years have moderated the effects of inflation in other product categories, which resulted in minimal overall price 
changes in those years.  During 2012, we experienced a decline in deflationary trends in generic pharmaceuticals as 
a result of a reduction in generic product launches as compared to the prior year.  Additional information regarding 
our  LIFO  accounting  is  included  under  the  caption  “Critical  Accounting  Policies  and  Estimates,”  included  in  this 
Financial Review. 

Technology Solutions segment’s gross profit margin increased in 2012 compared to 2011, primarily due to an 
increase  in  higher  margin  revenues,  a  $72 million  asset  impairment  charge  related  to  our  Horizon  Enterprise 
ManagementTM (“HzERM”)  software product in 2011 and lower amortization expense related to HzERM.  These 
increases were partially offset by product alignment charges of $31 million in 2012. 

Technology  Solutions  segment’s  gross  profit  margin  decreased  in  2011  compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to  a 
$72 million asset impairment charge related to HzERM, the sale of MAP and continued investment in our clinical 
and enterprise revenue management solutions products, partially offset by a shift to higher margin revenue. 

During the third quarter of 2012, we approved a plan to align our hospital clinical and revenue cycle healthcare 
software  products  within  our  Technology  Solutions  segment.  As  part  of  this  alignment  strategy,  we  will  be 
converging  our  core  clinical  and  revenue  cycle  Horizon  and  Paragon  product  lines  onto  Paragon’s  Microsoft®–
based platform over time. Additionally, we have stopped development of our HzERM software product. The plan 
resulted  in  a  pre-tax  charge  of  $51  million  in  2012,  of  which  $31  million  was  recorded  to  cost  of  sales  and  $20 
million  was  recorded  to  operating  expenses  within  our  Technology  Solutions  segment.    The  majority  of  these 
charges  were  incurred  in  the  third  quarter  of  2012.    The  pre-tax  charge  includes  $24  million  of  non-cash  asset 
impairment  charges,  primarily  for  the  write-off  of  prepaid  licenses  and  commissions  and  capitalized  internal  use 
software that were determined to be obsolete as they would not be utilized going forward, $10 million for severance, 
$7 million for customer allowances and $10 million for other charges.  

                                                                                            32 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Our capitalized software held for sale is amortized over three years.  At each balance sheet date, or earlier if an 
indicator of an impairment exists, we evaluate the recoverability of unamortized capitalized software costs based on 
estimated future  undiscounted revenues net of estimated related costs over the remaining amortization period.   At 
the end of the second quarter of 2010, our HzERM software product became generally available.  In October 2010, 
we  decreased  our  estimated  revenues  over  the  next  24  months  for  our  HzERM  software  product  and,  as  a  result, 
concluded that the estimated future revenues, net of estimated related costs, were insufficient to recover its carrying 
value.  Accordingly,  we recorded a $72 million non-cash impairment charge in the second quarter of 2011 within 
our  Technology  Solutions  segment’s  cost  of  sales  to  reduce  the  carrying  value  of  the  software  product  to  its  net 
realizable value.  

Change 

Operating Expenses:   

(Dollars in millions) 
Operating Expenses 

Distribution Solutions (1)
Technology Solutions 
Corporate 
Subtotal 

Litigation Credit, Net 

Total 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2012

2010

$ 

$ 

2,854 
1,151 
413 
4,418 
— 
4,418 

  $

  $ 

2,673 
1,108 
368 
4,149 

2,260 
1,077 
351 
3,688 

—  

(20)   

  $

4,149 

  $ 

3,668 

2012

7% 
4 
12% 
6 
— 
6 

Operating Expenses as a Percentage of Revenues   

Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 

Total 

2.39%  

2.45%  

2.14%  

34.77 
3.60 

34.68 
3.70 

34.48 
3.37 

(6)bp   
9 
(10) 

(1) Operating expenses for 2012 and 2011 include $149 million and $213 million of AWP litigation charges. 

2011

18% 
3 
5 
13 
— 
13 

31bp 
20 
33 

Operating expenses increased 6% to $4.4 billion in 2012 and 13% to $4.1 billion in 2011.  Operating expenses 
include pre-tax charges of $149 million and $213 million in 2012 and 2011 relating to our AWP litigation and a pre-
tax credit of $20 million in 2010 relating to our securities litigation matter.  Operating expenses increased in 2012 
primarily due to the addition of US Oncology, higher employee compensation and benefits costs and an increase in 
expenses associated with supporting higher revenues, partially offset by a lower AWP litigation charge.  Operating 
expenses  increased  in  2011  primarily  due  to  the  AWP  litigation  charge,  higher  costs  associated  with  employee 
compensation  and  benefits,  including  our  Profit  Sharing  Investment  Plan  (“PSIP”),  and  the  acquisition  of  US 
Oncology.   

The McKesson Corporation PSIP was a member of the settlement class in the Consolidated Securities Litigation 
Action.  On April 27, 2009, the court issued an order approving the distribution of the settlement funds.  On October 
9, 2009, the PSIP received approximately $119 million of the Consolidated Securities  Litigation  Action proceeds.  
Approximately  $42 million  of  the  proceeds  were  attributable  to  the  allocated  shares  of  McKesson  common  stock 
owned by the PSIP participants during the Consolidated Securities Litigation Action class-holding period and were 
allocated to the respective participants on that basis in the third quarter of 2010.  Approximately $77 million of the 
proceeds  were  attributable  to  the  unallocated  shares  (the  “Unallocated  Proceeds”)  of  McKesson  common  stock 
owned by the PSIP in an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) suspense account.  In accordance with the plan 
terms, the PSIP distributed all of the Unallocated Proceeds to current PSIP participants after the close of the plan 
year in April 2010.  The receipt of the Unallocated Proceeds by the PSIP was reimbursement for the loss in value of 
the Company’s common  stock held by the PSIP in its ESOP suspense account during the Consolidated Securities 
Litigation  Action  class-holding  period  and  was  not  a  contribution  made  by  the  Company  to  the  PSIP  or  ESOP.  
Accordingly, there were no accounting consequences to the Company’s financial statements relating to the receipt of 
the Unallocated Proceeds by the PSIP. 

As a result of the PSIP’s receipt of the Unallocated Proceeds, in 2010 the Company contributed $1 million to 
the  PSIP.    Accordingly,  PSIP  expense  for  2010  was  nominal.    Commencing  in  2011,  the  Company  resumed  its 
contributions to the PSIP. 

                                                                                            33 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

PSIP expense by segment for the last three years was as follows:  

(In millions) 
Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions
Corporate 

PSIP expense 

Cost of sales (1) 
Operating expenses 
PSIP expense 

2012 

22 
30 
6 
58 

17 
41 
58 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  $ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
23 
32 
4 
59 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

17 
42 
59 

  $ 

  $ 

2010 

— 
1 
— 
1 

— 
1 
1 

(1) Amounts recorded to cost of sales pertain solely to our McKesson Technology Solutions segment.

Acquisition-related expenses were primarily incurred in 2012 and 2011 to acquire and integrate US Oncology. 
Acquisition-related expenses are generally recorded within operating expenses. In 2011, we incurred $25 million of 
bridge loan fees in connection with our acquisition of US Oncology, which  were accounted as interest expense in 
Corporate,  and  we  received  reimbursement  of  post-acquisition  interest  expense  from  former  shareholders  of  US 
Oncology of $16 million, which was accounted as other income. 

Acquisition-related expenses were as follows: 

(In millions)
Operating Expenses: 

Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 
Corporate 
Total 

$ 

Other Income: reimbursement of post-acquisition interest 

expense from former US Oncology shareholders 

Interest Expense: bridge loan fees 

Total Acquisition-related Expenses 

$ 

2012

Years Ended March 31,
2011

2010

24 
6 
1 
31 

— 
— 
31 

$ 

  $ 

41 
— 
2 
43 

(16) 
25 
52 

  $ 

  $ 

— 
— 
— 
— 

—
— 
— 

Amortization  expense  of  acquired  intangible  assets  purchased  in  connection  with  acquisitions  (“acquisition-
related amortization”) increased by $59 million to $191 million in 2012 and by $11 million to $132 million in 2011 
compared to same periods a year ago. The increases were primarily due to our acquisition of US Oncology.   

Acquisition-related amortization was as follows: 

(In millions) 
Cost of Sales: 

Distribution Solutions  
Technology Solutions  

Total 

Operating Expenses:  

Distribution Solutions  
Technology Solutions  

Total 

Total Acquisition-related Amortization 

2012 

Years Ended March 31,  
2011 

2010 

$ 

$ 

1 
19 
20 

120 
51 
171 
191 

$ 

  $ 

— 
16 
16 

70 
46 
116 
132 

  $ 

  $ 

1 
20 
21 

53 
47 
100 
121 

                                                                                            34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Distribution Solutions segment’s operating expenses increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily reflecting 
the  addition  of  US  Oncology,  higher  employee  compensation  and  benefits  expenses  and  an  increase  in  expenses 
associated with supporting higher revenues, partially offset by a lower AWP litigation charge.  Operating expenses 
as a percentage of revenues decreased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to operating leverage, partially offset 
by the addition of US Oncology. 

Distribution  Solutions  segment’s  operating  expenses  and  operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of  revenues 
increased  in  2011  compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to  the  AWP  litigation  charge  of  $213  million  in  2011,  higher 
employee compensation and benefits expenses, including PSIP expenses, the addition of US Oncology and changes 
in foreign currency exchange rates. 

The  Company  has  a  reserve  relating  to  AWP  public  entity  claims,  which  is  reviewed  at  least  quarterly  and 
whenever events or circumstances indicate changes, including consideration of the pace and progress of discussions 
relating  to  potentially  resolving  other  public  entity  claims.  Pre-tax  charges  relating  to  changes  in  the  Company's 
AWP  litigation  reserve,  including  accrued  interest,  are  recorded  in  the  Distribution  Solutions  segment.  The 
Company's AWP litigation reserve is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.  In view 
of the number of outstanding cases and expected future claims, and the uncertainties of the timing and outcome of 
this type of litigation, it is possible that the ultimate costs of these matters may exceed or be less than the reserve.  

The following is the activity related to the AWP litigation reserve for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 

2010: 

(In millions) 
AWP litigation reserve at beginning of period 
Charges incurred 
Payments made 

AWP litigation reserve at end of period 

2012 

330 
149 
(26) 
453 

$ 

$ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

  $ 

  $ 

143 
213 
(26) 
330 

  $ 

  $ 

143 
— 
— 
143 

The  charges  for  2012  primarily  related  to  the  Douglas  County,  Kansas  Action  settlement  and  the  state  and 

federal Medicaid claims. The charges for 2011 primarily related to state and federal Medicaid claims.   

On  April  3,  2012,  the  Company  entered  into  a  settlement  agreement  with  the  United  States  Department  of 
Justice  to  resolve  the  federal  share  of  Medicaid  claims  related  to  AWP.    The  total  settlement  amount  of  $191 
million, which includes interest, was paid on April 9, 2012. 

Refer  to  Financial  Note  19,  “Other  Commitments  and  Contingent  Liabilities,”  to  the  consolidated  financial 

statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information. 

Technology  Solutions  segment’s  operating  expenses  and  operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of  revenues 
increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to continued investment in research and development activities, a 
number  of  small  acquisitions  in  2012  and  a  charge  of  $20 million  for  a  product  alignment  plan.    These  increases 
were partially offset by cost containment efforts.  Technology Solutions segment’s operating expenses and operating 
expenses as a percentage of revenues increased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to our increased investment 
in research and development activities and higher employee compensation and benefit costs, which includes PSIP 
expense, partially offset by the sale of MAP in the second quarter of 2011.   

Corporate expenses for 2012 increased compared to 2011 primarily due to higher employee compensation and 
benefits expenses and a charitable contribution.  Corporate expenses for 2011 increased compared to 2010 primarily 
due to higher compensation and benefits costs and an asset impairment charge for certain tangible property.  These 
increases  were  partially  offset  by  lower  fees  associated  with  our  accounts  receivable  facility.    As  a  result  of  our 
adoption of a new  accounting standard for transfers of  financial assets on  April 1, 2010, fees associated  with our 
accounts  receivable  sales  facility  are  recorded  in  interest  expense.    Prior  to  2011,  these  fees  were  recorded  in 
Corporate administrative expenses.   

                                                                                            35 

 
 
 
   
 
   
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Other Income, Net:   

(Dollars in millions) 
Other Income, Net 
Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 
Corporate 
Total 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2012

2010

Change 

2012

2011

$ 

$ 

16 
5 
— 
21 

  $

  $

5 
4 
27 
36 

  $ 

  $ 

29 
5 
9 
43 

220% 
25 
(100) 
(42) 

(83)% 
(20) 
200 
(16) 

In  2011,  other  income,  net  included  the  receipt  of  $16  million  representing  the  reimbursement  of  post-
acquisition interest expense by the former shareholders of US Oncology, which is recorded in Corporate.  In 2010, 
other income, net included a $17 million pre-tax gain ($14 million after-tax) from the sale of our 50% equity interest 
in MLS.  The gain on sale of our investment in MLS was recorded within our Distribution Solutions segment. 

Segment Operating Profit and Corporate Expenses:  

(Dollars in millions) 
Segment Operating Profit (1) 
Distribution Solutions (2) 
Technology Solutions 

Subtotal 

Corporate Expenses, Net 
Litigation Credit, Net 
Interest Expense 
Income from Continuing Operations Before 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2012

2010

Change 

2012

2011

$ 

2,219 
364 
2,583 
(413) 
— 
(251) 

  $

  $

1,897 
301 
2,198 
(341) 

—  

(222) 

1,988 
385 
2,373 
(342) 
20 
(187) 

17% 
21 
18 
21 
  — 
13 

(5)% 

(22) 
(7) 
— 
  — 
19 

Income Taxes  

$ 

1,919 

  $

1,635 

  $

1,864 

17 

(12) 

Segment Operating Profit Margin 

Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 

1.86%  

11.00 

1.74%  
9.42 

1.88%  

12.32 

12bp 
158 

(14)bp 

(290) 

(1)

Segment  operating  profit  includes  gross  profit,  net  of  operating  expenses,  plus  other  income,  net  for  our  two  operating 
segments. 

(2) Operating expenses  for 2012 and 2011 for our Distribution Solutions segment included $149 million and $213 million of 

AWP litigation charges. 

Operating profit margin for our Distribution Solutions segment increased in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily 
due  to  higher  gross  profit  margin,  which  included  a  full  year  of  results  from  US  Oncology,  and  lower  operating 
expenses as a percentage of revenues, which included a lower AWP litigation charge.  Operating profit margin for 
our Distribution Solutions segment decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to higher operating expenses 
as a percentage of revenue, including a $213 million AWP litigation charge, partially offset by a higher gross profit 
margin, which included the receipt of $51 million representing our share of an antitrust class action lawsuit brought 
against a drug manufacturer.   

Operating profit  margin in our Technology Solutions  segment increased  in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily 
reflecting an increase in gross profit margin, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of 
revenues.    Operating  profit  margin  in  our  Technology  Solutions  segment  decreased  in  2011  compared  to  2010 
primarily reflecting a decrease in gross profit margin, which included the $72 million asset impairment charge, and 
an increase in operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. 

                                                                                            36 

 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Corporate  expenses,  net  of  other  income  increased  in  2012  compared  to  2011  primarily  due  an  increase  in 
operating  expenses  and  a  decrease  in  other  income.    Corporate  expenses,  net  of  other  income  were  flat  in  2011 
compared  to  2010  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  operating  expenses,  which  were  offset  by  an  increase  in  other 
income.  

Litigation Credit, Net:  In 2010, we recorded a net credit of $20 million relating to settlements for a securities 

litigation. 

Interest  Expense:    Interest  expense  increased  in  2012  compared  to  2011  primarily  due  to  the  $1.7  billion  of 
long-term  debt  issued  in  February  2011  in  connection  with  our  acquisition  of  US  Oncology.    Interest  expense 
increased in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to $25 million of bridge loan fees related to the acquisition of US 
Oncology, interest expense associated with the assumed debt and the subsequent refinancing of  the debt, and fees 
from  our  accounts  receivable  sales  facility,  which  are  recorded  in  interest  expense  commencing  in  2011.    These 
increases were partially offset by lower interest expense due to the repayment of $215 million of our long-term debt 
in  March  2010.    Refer  to  our  discussion  under  the  caption  “Credit  Resources”  within  this  Financial  Review  for 
additional information regarding our financing activities. 

Income  Taxes:    Our  reported  income  tax  rates  were  26.9%,  30.9%  and  32.2%  in  2012,  2011  and  2010.  
Fluctuations  in  our  reported  income  tax  rates  are  primarily  due  to  changes  within  our  business  mix,  including 
varying  proportions  of  income  attributable  to  foreign  countries  that  have  lower  income  tax  rates.    In  addition,  in 
2012,  2011  and  2010,  income  tax  expense  included  $66  million,  $34  million  and  $7  million  of  net  income  tax 
benefits  for  discrete  items,  which  primarily  relates  to  the  recognition  of  previously  unrecognized  tax  benefits  and 
accrued interest.  Included in the 2012 discrete tax benefit, is a $31 million credit to income tax expense as a result 
of the reversal of an income tax reserve relating to our AWP litigation. 

We have received tax assessments of $98 million  from the U.S. Internal  Revenue Service (“IRS”) relating to 
2003  through  2006.  We  disagree  with  a  substantial  portion  of  the  tax  assessments  primarily  relating  to  transfer 
pricing.  We  are  pursuing  administrative  relief  through  the  appeals  process  and  an  opening  conference  has  been 
scheduled for May 15, 2012.  We have received assessments from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) for a total 
of $169 million related to transfer pricing for 2003 through 2007.  Payments of most of the assessments to the CRA 
have  been  made  to  stop  the  accrual  of  interest.  We  have  appealed  the  assessment  for  2003  to  the  Tax  Court  of 
Canada  and  have  filed  a  notice  of  objection  for  2004  through  2007.    The  trial  between  McKesson  Canada 
Corporation and the CRA, argued in the Tax Court of Canada, concluded in early February 2012, and we are waiting 
for the decision.  We continue to believe in the merits of our tax positions and that we have adequately provided for 
any  potential  adverse  results  relating  to  these  examinations  in  our  financial  statements.    However,  the  final 
resolution of these issues could result in an increase or decrease to income tax expense.  

Discontinued Operation:   In July 2010, our Technology Solutions segment sold its  wholly-owned subsidiary, 
MAP, a provider of phone and web-based healthcare services in Australia and New Zealand, for net sales proceeds 
of $109 million.  The divestiture generated a pre-tax and after-tax gain of $95 million and $72 million.  As a result 
of  the  sale,  we  were  able  to  utilize  capital  loss  carry-forwards  for  which  we  previously  recorded  a  valuation 
allowance of $15 million.  The release of the valuation allowance is included as a tax benefit in our after-tax gain on 
the  divestiture.    The  after-tax  gain  on  disposition  was  recorded  as  a  discontinued  operation  in  our  consolidated 
statement of operations in 2011.  The historical financial operating results and net assets of MAP were not material 
to our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

Net Income:  Net income was $1,403 million, $1,202 million and $1,263 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010 and 
diluted  earnings  per  common  share  were  $5.59,  $4.57  and  $4.62.    Net  income  and  diluted  earnings  per  common 
share  for  2012  and  2011  include  after-tax  AWP  litigation  charges  of  $60 million  and  $149  million,  or  $0.24  and 
$0.57 per diluted common share.  Net income and diluted earnings per common share for 2010 include an after-tax 
securities litigation credit of $12 million, or $0.04 per diluted common share.  Net income and diluted earnings per 
common share for 2011 also included an after-tax gain of $72 million, or $0.28 per diluted share relating to our sale 
of MAP.  

                                                                                            37 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Weighted Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding:  Diluted earnings per common share was calculated 
based on a weighted average number of shares outstanding of 251 million, 263 million and  273 million for 2012, 
2011  and  2010.    The  decreases  in  the  number  of  weighted  average  diluted  common  shares  outstanding  primarily 
reflect  the  cumulative  effect  of  share  repurchases  over  the  past  three  years,  partially  offset  by  the  exercise  and 
settlement of share-based awards. 

International Operations 

International  operations  accounted  for  8.6%,  8.9%  and  8.6%  of  2012,  2011  and  2010  consolidated  revenues.  
International operations are subject to certain risks, including currency fluctuations.  We monitor our operations and 
adopt strategies responsive to changes in the economic and political environment in each of the countries in which 
we  operate.    Additional  information  regarding  our  international  operations  is  also  included  in  Financial  Note  22, 
“Segments of Business,” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Business Combinations 

On  December  30,  2010,  we  acquired  all  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  US  Oncology  for  approximately  $2.1 
billion, consisting of cash consideration of $0.2 billion, net of cash acquired, and the assumption of liabilities with a 
fair value of $1.9 billion.  The cash paid at acquisition was funded from cash on hand.  As an integrated oncology 
company, US Oncology is affiliated with community-based oncologists, and works with patients, hospitals, payers 
and the  medical industry across all phases of the cancer research and delivery continuum.  The acquisition of US 
Oncology  expands  our  existing  specialty  pharmaceutical  distribution  business  and  adds  practice  management 
services for oncologists.  Financial results for US Oncology have been included in the results of operations within 
our Distribution Solutions segment beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011.   

On  March  25,  2012,  we  acquired  substantially  all  of  the  assets  of  Drug  Trading  Company  Limited,  the 
independent banner business of the Katz Group Canada Inc. (“Katz Group”), and Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc., the 
franchise  business  of  the  Katz  Group  (collectively,  “Katz  Assets”)  for  approximately  $919  million,  net  of  cash 
acquired. The total purchase price is subject to change due to working capital adjustments within 60 days of closing. 
The cash paid at acquisition was funded from cash on hand.  The acquisition of the assets from the Drug Trading 
Company Limited consists of a marketing and purchasing arm of more than 850 independently owned pharmacies in 
Canada.  The acquisition of Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc. consists of the franchise business of providing services to 
more  than  160  independent  pharmacies  in  Canada.    Financial  results  for  this  acquisition  were  not  included  in  the 
results of operations for 2012 as they were not material.  These results will be included in the results of operations 
within our Canadian pharmaceutical distribution and services, which is part of our Distribution Solutions segment, 
beginning in the first quarter of 2013.   

In April 2012, we purchased the remaining 50% interest in our corporate headquarters building located in San 
Francisco, California, for total cash of $90 million.  The cash paid was funded from cash on hand.  We previously 
held a 50% ownership interest and are the primary tenant in this building.  This transaction will be accounted for as 
a step acquisition, which requires that we re-measure our previously held 50% interest to fair value and record the 
difference between the fair value and carrying value as a gain in the consolidated statements of operations.  The re-
measurement to fair value is anticipated to result in a pre-tax gain of approximately $75 million ($46 million after-
tax).    The  pre-tax  gain  will  be  recorded  within  Corporate  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  during  the 
quarter ending June 30, 2012.  

During  the  last  three  years,  we  also  completed  a  number  of  other  smaller  acquisitions  within  both  of  our 
operating segments.  Financial results for our business acquisitions have been included in our consolidated financial 
statements since their respective acquisition dates.  Purchase prices for our business acquisitions have been allocated 
based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. 

                                                                                            38 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Goodwill recognized for our business acquisitions is generally not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  
However, if we acquire the assets of a company, the goodwill may be deductible for tax purposes.  The pro forma 
results  of  operations  for  our  business  acquisitions  and  the  results  of  operations  for  these  acquisitions  since  the 
acquisition  date  have  not  been  presented  because  the  effects  were  not  material  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  on  either  an  individual  or  an  aggregate  basis.  Refer  to  Financial  Notes  2  and  12,  “Business 
Combinations”  and  “Debt  and  Financing  Activities,”  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  appearing  in  this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. 

2013 Outlook 

Information regarding the Company’s 2013 outlook is contained in our Form 8-K dated April 30, 2012.  This 
Form  8-K  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  sections  Item  1  –  Business  –  Forward-Looking  Statements  and 
Item 1A – Risk Factors in Part 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

                                                                                            39 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 

We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if the estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters 
that were uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made and if different estimates that we reasonably could 
have used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period 
to  period,  could  have  a  material  impact  on  our  financial  condition  or  results  from  operations.    Below  are  the 
estimates  that  we  believe  are  critical  to  the  understanding  of  our  operating  results  and  financial  condition.    Other 
accounting  policies  are  described  in  Financial  Note  1,  “Significant  Accounting  Policies,”  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements appearing in  this  Annual  Report on Form 10-K.   Because of the  uncertainty inherent in  such 
estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:  We provide short-term credit and other customer financing arrangements to 
customers  who  purchase  our  products  and  services.    Other  customer  financing  primarily  relates  to  guarantees 
provided to our customers, or their creditors, regarding the repurchase of inventories.  We also provide financing to 
certain customers related to the purchase of pharmacies,  which serve as collateral  for the loans.   We estimate  the 
receivables for  which  we do not expect full collection based on historical collection rates and specific knowledge 
regarding  the  current  creditworthiness  of  our  customers  and  record  an  allowance  in  our  consolidated  financial 
statements for these amounts.  

In determining the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts, which includes portfolio and specific reserves, 
the  Company  reviews  accounts  receivable  aging,  industry  trends,  customer  financial  strength,  credit  standing, 
historical write-off trends and payment history to assess the probability of collection.  If the frequency and severity 
of  customer  defaults  due  to  our  customers’  financial  condition  or  general  economic  conditions  change,  our 
allowance  for  uncollectible  accounts  may  require  adjustment.    As  a  result,  we  continuously  monitor  outstanding 
receivables  and  other  customer  financing  and  adjust  allowances  for  accounts  where  collection  may  be  in  doubt.  
During 2012, sales to our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 52% of our total consolidated revenues.  
Sales  to  our  two  largest  customers,  CVS  Caremark  Corporation  (“CVS”)  and  Rite  Aid  Corporation  (“Rite  Aid”), 
accounted  for  approximately  16%  and  10%  of  our  total  consolidated  revenues.    At  March 31,  2012,  accounts 
receivable  from  our  ten  largest  customers  were  approximately  49%  of  total  accounts  receivable.    Accounts 
receivable from CVS, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart”) and Rite Aid were approximately 17%, 10% and 9% of 
total  accounts  receivable.    As  a  result,  our  sales  and  credit  concentration  is  significant.    A  default  in  payments,  a 
material reduction in purchases from these, or any other large customer or the loss of a large customer could have a 
material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.  

Reserve  methodologies  are  assessed  annually  based  on  historical  losses  and  economic,  business  and  market 
trends.  In addition, reserves are reviewed quarterly and updated if unusual circumstances or trends are present.  We 
believe  the  reserves  maintained  and  expenses  recorded  in  2012  are  appropriate  and  consistent  with  historical 
methodologies employed.  At this time, we are not aware of any internal process or customer issues that might lead 
to  a  significant  increase  in  the  foreseeable  future  in  our  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  as  a  percentage  of  net 
revenue. 

At  March  31,  2012,  trade  and  notes  receivables  were  $8,735 million  prior  to  allowances  of  $111 million.    In 
2012, 2011 and 2010 our provision for bad debts was $30 million, $18 million and $17 million.  At March 31, 2012 
and 2011, the allowance as a percentage of trade and notes receivables was 1.3% and 1.5%.  An increase or decrease 
of  a  hypothetical  0.1%  in  the  2012  allowance  as  a  percentage  of  trade  and  notes  receivables  would  result  in  an 
increase  or  decrease  in  the  provision  for  bad  debts  of  approximately  $9 million.    The  selected  0.1%  hypothetical 
change  does  not  reflect  what  could  be  considered  the  best  or  worst  case  scenarios.    Additional  information 
concerning  our  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  may  be  found  in  Schedule  II  included  in  this  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K. 

                                                                                            40 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Inventories:  We report inventories at the lower of cost or market (“LCM”).  Inventories for our Distribution 
Solutions segment consist of merchandise held for resale.  For our Distribution Solutions segment, the majority of 
the  cost  of  domestic  inventories  is  determined  using  the  LIFO  method  and  the  cost  of  Canadian  inventories  is 
determined  using  the  first-in,  first-out  (“FIFO”)  method.    Technology  Solutions  segment  inventories  consist  of 
computer hardware with cost generally determined by the standard cost method, which approximates average cost.  
Rebates,  fees,  cash  discounts,  allowances,  chargebacks  and  other  incentives  received  from  vendors  are  generally 
accounted  for  as  a  reduction  in  the  cost  of  inventory  and  are  recognized  when  the  inventory  is  sold.    Total 
inventories were $10.1 billion and $9.2 billion at March 31, 2012 and 2011.  

The  LIFO  method  was  used  to  value  approximately  88%  and  87%  of  our  inventories  at  March  31,  2012 and 
2011.    At  March  31,  2012  and  2011,  our  LIFO  reserves,  net  of  LCM  adjustments,  were  $107 million  and 
$96 million.    LIFO  reserves  include  both  pharmaceutical  and  non-pharmaceutical  products.    In  2012,  2011  and 
2010, we recognized net LIFO expense of $11 million, $3 million and $8 million within our consolidated statements 
of operations, which related to our non-pharmaceutical products.  A LIFO expense is recognized when the net effect 
of  price  increases  on  branded  pharmaceuticals  and  non-pharmaceutical  products  held  in  inventory  exceeds  the 
impact of price declines and shifts towards generic pharmaceuticals, including the effect of branded pharmaceutical 
products that have lost market exclusivity.  A LIFO credit is recognized when the net effect of price declines and 
shifts towards generic pharmaceuticals exceeds the impact of price increases on branded pharmaceuticals and non-
pharmaceutical products held in inventory.  

We  believe  that  the  average  cost  or  FIFO  inventory  costing  method  provides  a  reasonable  estimation  of  the 
current cost of replacing inventory (i.e., “market”).  As such, our LIFO inventory is valued at the lower of LIFO or 
market.  Primarily due to continued net deflation in generic pharmaceutical inventories, pharmaceutical inventories 
at  LIFO  were  $76 million  and  $156 million  higher  than  market  as  of  March  31,  2012  and  2011.    As  a  result,  we 
recorded a LCM credit of $80 million in 2012 and a LCM charge of $44 million in 2011  within our consolidated 
statements  of  operations  to  adjust  our  LIFO  inventories  to  market.    During  2012,  we  experienced  a  decline  in 
deflationary trends in generic pharmaceuticals as a result of a reduction in generic product launches as compared to 
the prior year. 

In  determining  whether  inventory  valuation  issues  exist,  we  consider  various  factors  including  estimated 
quantities  of  slow-moving  inventory  by  reviewing  on-hand  quantities,  outstanding  purchase  obligations  and 
forecasted sales.  Shifts in market trends and conditions, changes in customer preferences due to the introduction of 
generic drugs or new pharmaceutical products or the loss of one or more significant customers are factors that could 
affect the value of our inventories.  We write down inventories, which are considered excess and obsolete, as a result 
of these reviews.  These factors could make our estimates of inventory valuation differ from actual results.  

Business Combinations:  We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which 
requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair 
values.    Any  excess  of  the  purchase  price  over  the  estimated  fair  values  of  the  net  assets  acquired  is  recorded  as 
goodwill.  Acquisition-related expenses and related restructuring costs are expensed as incurred.   

Several  methods  may  be  used  to  determine  the  fair  value  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed.    For 
intangible  assets,  we  typically  use  the  income  method.    This  method  starts  with  a  forecast  of  all  of  the  expected 
future net cash flows for each asset.  These cash flows are then adjusted to present value by applying an appropriate 
discount  rate  that  reflects  the  risk  factors  associated  with  the  cash  flow  streams.    Some  of  the  more  significant 
estimates  and  assumptions  inherent  in  the  income  method  or  other  methods  include  the  amount  and  timing  of 
projected future cash flows, the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows and the 
assessment of the asset’s life cycle and the competitive trends impacting the asset, including consideration of any 
technical,  legal,  regulatory,  or  economic  barriers  to  entry.    Determining  the  useful  life  of  an  intangible  asset  also 
requires judgment as different types of intangible assets will have different useful lives and certain assets may even 
be  considered  to  have  indefinite  useful  lives.    Refer  to  Financial  Note  2,  “Business  Combinations,”  to  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  appearing  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  additional  information 
regarding our acquisitions.  

                                                                                            41 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Goodwill:    As  a  result  of  acquiring  businesses,  we  have  $5,032 million  and  $4,364 million  of  goodwill  at 
March 31,  2012  and  2011.    We  maintain  goodwill  assets  on  our  books  unless  the  assets  are  considered  to  be 
impaired.  We perform an impairment test on goodwill balances annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if 
indicators for potential impairment exist.  Indicators that are considered include significant changes in performance 
relative  to  expected  operating  results,  significant  changes  in  the  use  of  the  assets,  significant  negative  industry  or 
economic trends, or a significant decline in the Company’s stock price and/or market capitalization for a sustained 
period of time.  

Impairment  testing  is  conducted  at  the  reporting  unit  level,  which  is  generally  defined  as  a  component  –  one 
level below our Distribution  Solutions and Technology Solutions operating  segments, for which discrete  financial 
information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that unit.  Components 
that have essentially similar operations, products, services and customers are aggregated as a single reporting unit.  
Management  judgment  is  involved  in  determining  which  components  may  be  combined  and  changes  in  these 
combinations could affect the outcome of the testing. 

Impairment  tests  require  that  we  compare  the  carrying  value  of  net  assets  to  the  estimated  fair  value  of  net 
assets  for  the  reporting  units.    Goodwill  is  reviewed  for  impairment  utilizing  either  a  qualitative  or  quantitative 
assessment.  If we decide that it is appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment and conclude that the fair value of 
a  reporting  unit  more  likely  than  not  exceeds  its  carrying  value,  no  further  evaluation  is  necessary.  For  reporting 
units  where  we perform a quantitative assessment, the  fair values can be determined using the  market, income or 
cost approach.  To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we use a combination of the market approach and 
the  income  approach.    Under  the  market  approach,  we  estimate  fair  value  by  comparing  the  business  to  similar 
businesses,  or  guideline  companies  whose  securities  are  actively  traded  in  public  markets.    Under  the  income 
approach, we use a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal 
value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return.  In 
addition,  we  compare  the  aggregate  fair  value  of  our  reporting  units  to  our  market  capitalization  as  further 
corroboration of the fair value. 

Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the goodwill impairment estimation process 
using  the  market  approach  include  the  selection  of  appropriate  guideline  companies,  the  determination  of  market 
value multiples for both the guideline companies and the reporting unit, the determination of applicable premiums 
and discounts based on any differences in marketability between the business and the guideline companies and for 
the  income  approach,  the  required  rate  of  return  used  in  the  discounted  cash  flow  method,  which  reflects  capital 
market conditions and the specific risks associated with the business.  Other estimates inherent in both the market 
and income approaches include long-term growth rates, projected revenues and earnings and cash flow forecasts for 
the reporting units.  

Estimates of fair value result from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely 
heavily  on  estimates  and  assumptions  at  a  point  in  time.   The judgments  made  in  determining  an  estimate  of  fair 
value may materially impact our results of operations.  The valuations are based on information available as of the 
impairment  review  date  and  are  based  on  expectations  and  assumptions  that  have  been  deemed  reasonable  by 
management.  Any changes in key assumptions, including failure to meet business plans, a further deterioration in 
the  market or other  unanticipated events and circumstances,  may affect  the accuracy or validity of such estimates 
and could potentially result in an impairment charge.  

In  2012,  2011  and  2010,  we  concluded  that  there  were  no  impairments  of  goodwill  as  the  fair  value  of  each 

reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.  

Supplier Incentives:  Fees for service and other incentives received from suppliers, relating to the purchase or 
distribution of inventory, are generally reported as a reduction to cost of goods sold.  We consider these fees and 
other incentives to represent product discounts and as a result, the amounts are recorded as a reduction of product 
cost and are recognized through cost of goods sold upon the sale of the related inventory.  

                                                                                            42 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Supplier  Reserves:    We  establish  reserves  against  amounts  due  from  suppliers  relating  to  various  price  and 
rebate  incentives,  including  deductions  or  billings  taken  against  payments  otherwise  due  to  them.    These  reserve 
estimates  are  established  based  on  judgment  after  considering  the  status  of  current  outstanding  claims,  historical 
experience  with  the  suppliers,  the  specific  incentive  programs  and  any  other  pertinent  information  available.    We 
evaluate  the  amounts  due  from  suppliers  on  a  continual  basis  and  adjust  the  reserve  estimates  when  appropriate 
based on changes in factual circumstances.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, supplier reserves were $115 million 
and $102 million.  The ultimate outcome of any outstanding claims may be different from our estimate.  All of the 
supplier  reserves  at  March  31,  2012  and  2011  pertain  to  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment.    An  increase  or 
decrease  in  the  supplier  reserve  as  a  hypothetical  0.1%  of  trade  payables  at  March  31,  2012  would  result  in  an 
increase  or  decrease  in  the  cost  of  sales  of  approximately  $16  million  in  2012.    The  selected  0.1%  hypothetical 
change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios.  

Income  Taxes:    Our  income  tax  expense  and  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  reflect  management’s  best 
assessment  of  estimated  current  and  future  taxes  to  be  paid.    We  are  subject  to  income  taxes  in  the  U.S.  and 
numerous  foreign  jurisdictions.    Significant  judgments  and  estimates  are  required  in  determining  the  consolidated 
income tax provision and in  evaluating income  tax  uncertainties.  We review our tax positions at the end of each 
quarter and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. 

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of 
revenue and expense.  In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive 
and negative evidence including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative net operating losses in the 
most  recent  years  and  our  forecast  of  future  taxable  income.    In  estimating  future  taxable  income,  we  develop 
assumptions  including  the  amount  of  future  federal,  state  and  foreign  pre-tax  operating  income,  the  reversal  of 
temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.  These assumptions 
require  significant  judgment  about  the  forecasts  of  future  taxable  income  and  are  consistent  with  the  plans  and 
estimates  we  use  to  manage  the  underlying  businesses.    We  had  deferred  income  tax  assets  (net  of  valuation 
allowances)  of  $1,335  million  and  $1,297 million  at  March  31,  2012  and  2011  and  deferred  tax  liabilities  of 
$2,495 million  and  $2,261 million.    Deferred  tax  assets  primarily  consist  of  net  loss  and  credit  carryforwards  and 
timing  differences  on  our  compensation  and  benefit  related  accruals.    Deferred  tax  liabilities  primarily  consist  of 
basis  differences  for  inventory  valuation  (including  inventory  valued  at  LIFO)  and  other  assets.    We  established 
valuation allowances of $101 million and $99 million for 2012 and 2011 against certain deferred tax assets, which 
primarily relate to federal, state and foreign loss carryforwards for which the ultimate realization of future benefits is 
uncertain.  Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future.  
Should tax laws change, including those laws pertaining to LIFO, our cash flows could be materially impacted.  

If our assumptions and estimates described above were to change, an increase/decrease of 1% in our effective 
tax  rate  as  applied  to  income  from  continuing  operations  would  have  increased/decreased  tax  expense  by 
approximately $19 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for 2012. 

Share-Based Compensation:  Our compensation programs include share-based compensation.  We account for 
all  share-based  compensation  transactions  using  a  fair-value  based  measurement  method.    The  share-based 
compensation expense, for the portion of the awards that is ultimately expected to vest, is recognized on a straight-
line basis over the requisite service period for those awards with graded vesting and service conditions.  For awards 
with  performance  conditions  and  multiple  vest  dates,  we  recognize  the  expense  on  a  graded  vesting  basis.    For 
awards with performance conditions and a single vest date, we recognize the expense on a straight-line basis.  

We estimate the grant-date fair value of employee stock options using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model.  
Our estimates of employee stock option values rely on estimates of factors we input into the model.  The key factors 
involve an estimate of future uncertain events.  The key factors influencing  the estimation process, among others, 
are  the  expected  life  of  the  option,  the  expected  stock  price  volatility  and  the  expected  dividend  yield.    In 
determining  the  expected  life  of  the  option,  we  primarily  use  historical  experience  as  our  best  estimate  of  future 
exercise patterns.  We use a combination of historical and implied market volatility to determine the expected stock 
price volatility factor.  We believe that this market-based input provides a better estimate of our future stock price 
movements and is consistent with employee stock option valuation considerations.  Once the fair values of employee 
stock options are determined, current accounting practices do not permit them to be changed, even if the estimates 
used are different from actual experience. 

                                                                                            43 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

In addition, we develop an estimate of the number of share-based awards, which will ultimately vest primarily 
based on historical experience.  Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a material effect on share-based 
compensation  expense.    If  the  actual  forfeiture  rate  materially  differs  from  the  estimated  forfeiture  rate,  then  an 
adjustment is made to revise the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in an increase or decrease to the expense 
recognized in the financial statements.  We re-assess the estimated forfeiture rate established upon grant periodically 
throughout  the  requisite  service  period.    As  required,  the  forfeiture  estimates  will  be  adjusted  to  reflect  actual 
forfeitures  when  an  award  vests.    The  actual  forfeitures  in  future  reporting  periods  could  be  materially  higher  or 
lower than our current estimates. 

Our  assessments  of  estimated  share-based  compensation  charges  are  affected  by  our  stock  price  as  well  as 
assumptions regarding a  number of complex and  subjective variables and the related tax impact.  These  variables 
include  the  volatility  of  our  stock  price,  employee  stock  option  exercise  behavior,  timing,  number  and  types  of 
annual  share-based  awards  and  the  attainment  of  performance  goals.    As  a  result,  the  future  share-based 
compensation expense may differ from the Company’s historical amounts. 

Loss  Contingencies: We are subject to various claims, other pending and potential legal  actions  for damages, 
investigations relating to governmental laws and regulations and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of 
our business.  When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, we record a liability in the amount of 
our best estimate for the ultimate loss.  However, the likelihood of a loss with respect to a particular contingency is 
often difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable 
based on the information available and the potential effect of future events and decisions by third parties that will 
determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency.  Moreover, it is not uncommon for such matters to be resolved 
over  many  years,  during  which  time  relevant  developments  and  new  information  must  be  reevaluated  at  least 
quarterly to determine both the likelihood of potential loss and whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range 
of possible loss.  When a loss is probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, disclosure of the proceeding is 
provided.   

Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably 
possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision.  We review all contingencies at least quarterly 
to determine whether the likelihood of loss has changed and to assess whether a reasonable estimate of the loss or 
range  of  the  loss  can  be  made.    As  discussed  above,  development  of  a  meaningful  estimate  of  loss  or  a  range  of 
potential loss is complex when the outcome is directly dependent on negotiations with or decisions by third parties, 
such as regulatory agencies, the court system and other interested parties.  Such factors bear directly on whether it is 
possible to reasonably estimate a range of potential loss and boundaries of high and low estimate. 

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

We  expect  our  available  cash  generated  from  operations,  together  with  our  existing  sources  of  liquidity  from 
our accounts receivable sales facility and short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility and commercial 
paper, will be sufficient to fund our long-term and short-term capital expenditures, working capital and other cash 
requirements.    In  addition,  from  time-to-time,  we  may  access  the  long-term  debt  capital  markets  to  discharge  our 
other liabilities.  

Net  cash  flow  from  operating  activities  was  $2,950 million  in  2012  compared  to  $2,338 million  in  2011  and 
$2,316 million in 2010.  Operating activities for 2012 reflect an increase in drafts and  accounts payable primarily 
associated with longer payment terms for certain purchases, partially offset by an increase in receivables and higher 
inventories primarily associated with revenue growth.  

Operating  activities  for  2011  reflect  an  increase  in  receivables  primarily  associated  with  revenue  growth, 

partially offset by improved management of inventories and longer payment terms for certain purchases. 

Operating activities for 2010 were primarily affected by improved management of drafts and accounts payable, 
partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  inventories  due  to  our  revenue  growth  and  the  AWP  litigation  private  payer 
settlement payments of $350 million. 

                                                                                            44 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Cash  flows  from  operations  can  be  significantly  impacted  by  factors  such  as  the  timing  of  receipts  from 

customers and payments to vendors. 

Net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  was  $1,502 million  in  2012  compared  to  $624 million  in  2011  and 
$309 million  in  2010.    Investing  activities  for  2012  included  $1,156  million  of  cash  payments  for  acquisitions, 
including  $919 million  for  our  acquisition  of  the  Katz  Assets.    Investing  activities  in  2012  also  included  $225
million and $178 million in capital expenditures for property acquisitions and capitalized software. 

Investing activities  for 2011 included $292 million of cash payments  for acquisitions, including $244 million 
for our acquisition of US Oncology, and $109 million of cash received from the sale of MAP. Investing activities in 
2011 also included $233 million and $155 million in capital expenditures for property acquisitions and capitalized 
software. Investing activities for 2010 included $199 million and $179 million in capital expenditures for property 
acquisitions  and  capitalized  software  and  the  release  of  $55 million  of  restricted  cash  from  escrow  related  to  the 
AWP private litigation settlement payments. 

Financing  activities  utilized  cash  of  $1,905 million  in  2012  compared  to  $1,841 million  in  2011  and 
$421 million  in  2010.    Financing  activities  for  2012  included  $1,850  million  of  cash  paid  for  share  repurchases, 
$400 million of cash paid on the  maturity of our 7.75% Notes in February 2012, $195 million of dividends paid, 
$400 million of cash receipts from secured borrowings and $167 million of cash receipts from employees' exercises 
of stock options.  

Financing activities  for 2011 reflect $1,689 million of cash received from the issuance of long-term debt.  In 
February 2011, we issued $600 million of 3.25% notes due 2016, $600 million of 4.75% notes due 2021, and $500 
million  of  6.00%  notes  due  2041.    Net  proceeds  from  the  issuance  of  the  long-term  notes,  after  discounts  and 
offering  expenses,  were  used  to  pay  off  the  $1,730  million  of  debt  assumed  as  part  of  the  acquisition  of  US 
Oncology. Also as part of our acquisition of US Oncology, we borrowed $1,000 million for bridge financing which 
was fully repaid by February 2011.  Financing activities for 2011 also included $2,050 million of cash paid for share 
repurchases, $171 million of cash paid for dividends and $367 million of cash receipts from employees’ exercises of 
stock options. 

Financing activities for 2010 included $323 million of cash paid for share repurchases and $218 million of cash 
paid on our long-term debt, which primarily consisted of $215 million paid on the maturity of our 9.13% Series C 
Senior  Notes  in  March  2010,  $131 million  of  cash  paid  for  dividends  and  $212 million  of  cash  receipts  from 
employees’ exercises of stock options.  

The Company’s Board has authorized the repurchase of McKesson’s common stock from time-to-time in open 
market transactions, privately negotiated transactions,  through accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) programs, or 
by any combination of such methods.  The timing of any repurchases and the actual number of shares repurchased 
will  depend  on  a  variety  of  factors,  including  our  stock  price,  corporate  and  regulatory  requirements,  restrictions 
under our debt obligations and other market and economic conditions.   

The Board authorized the repurchase of the Company’s common stock as follows: $1.0 billion in April 2010, 

$1.0 billion in October 2010, $1.0 billion in April 2011 and $650 million in January 2012.  

Total  share  repurchases  transacted  through  ASR  programs  and  open  market  transactions  over  the  last  three 

years were as follows: 

(In millions, except per share data) 
Number of shares repurchased (1)
Average price paid per share 
Total value of shares repurchased 

(1) Excludes shares surrendered for tax withholding. 

Years Ended March 31, 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$ 
$ 

20 
83.47 
1,850 

  $ 
  $ 

29 
69.62 
2,032 

  $ 
  $ 

8 
41.47 
299 

                                                                                            45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

In 2012 and 2011, the majority of our share repurchases  were transacted through a number of ASR programs 
with  third  party  financial  institutions  as  follows:  $1.0 billion  in  May  2010,  $275 million  in  March  2011, 
$650 million in May 2011 and $1.2 billion in March 2012.  In 2010, all of our share repurchases  were conducted 
through open market transactions.  All programs were funded with cash on hand.   

In  March  2012,  we  entered  into  an  ASR  program  with  a  third  party  financial  institution  to  repurchase  $1.2 
billion of the Company’s common stock.  As of March 31, 2012, we had received 12 million shares representing the 
minimum number of shares due under this program, and the average price paid per share of $87.19 was based on the 
average daily volume-weighted average price of our common stock less a discount calculated as of March 31, 2012.  
The  total  number  of  shares  to  be  ultimately  repurchased  by  us  and  the  final  settlement  price  per  share  will  be 
determined  at  the  completion  of  this  program  based  on  the  average  daily  volume-weighted  average  price  of  our 
common stock during the program, less a discount.  This program is anticipated to be completed no later than the 
second quarter of 2013.   

In April 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of an  additional $700 million of the Company’s common 

stock, bringing the total authorization outstanding to $1.0 billion. 

Although we believe that our operating cash flow, financial assets, current access to capital and credit markets, 
including  our  existing  credit  and  sales  facilities,  will  give  us  the  ability  to  meet  our  financing  needs  for  the 
foreseeable  future,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  continued  or  increased  volatility  and  disruption  in  the  global 
capital and credit markets will not impair our liquidity or increase our costs of borrowing. 

Selected Measures of Liquidity and Capital Resources: 

(Dollars in millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Working capital  
Debt, net of cash and cash equivalents 
Debt to capital ratio (1)
Net debt to net capital employed (2) 
Return on stockholders’ equity (3) 

$ 

2012 
3,149 
1,917 
831 
36.8% 
10.8% 
19.7% 

  $ 

March 31, 
2011 
3,612 
3,631 
392 
35.7% 
5.1% 
16.9% 

$ 

2010 

3,731 
4,492 
(1,434) 
23.4% 
(23.5)% 
18.7% 

(1) Ratio is computed as total debt divided by the sum of total debt and stockholders’ equity. 
(2) Ratio  is  computed  as  total  debt,  net  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  (“net  debt”),  divided  by  the  sum  of  net  debt  and 

stockholders’ equity (“net capital employed”). 

(3) Ratio is computed as net income for the last four quarters, divided by a five-quarter average of stockholders’ equity. 

Our cash and equivalents balance as of March 31, 2012 included approximately $1.4 billion of cash held by our 
subsidiaries outside of the United States.  Our primary intent is to utilize this cash in the foreign operations as well 
as to fund certain research and development activities for an indefinite period of time.  Although the vast majority of 
cash held outside the United States is available for repatriation, doing so could subject us to U.S. federal, state and 
local income tax.  During the fourth quarter of 2011 and pursuant to IRS regulations, we temporarily borrowed and 
repaid $1.0 billion of cash held by our subsidiaries outside the United States.  The duration of this temporary loan to 
the United States was less than 60 days. 

Working  capital  primarily  includes  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  receivables  and  inventories,  net  of  drafts  and 
accounts  payable,  deferred  revenue  and  other  current  liabilities.    Our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  requires  a 
substantial  investment  in  working  capital  that  is  susceptible  to  large  variations  during  the  year  as  a  result  of 
inventory purchase patterns and seasonal demands.  Inventory purchase activity is a function of sales activity and 
other requirements. 

                                                                                            46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Consolidated  working  capital  decreased  at  March  31,  2012  compared  to  March  31,  2011  primarily  due  to 
increases in drafts and accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, partially offset by increases in receivables and 
inventories.  Consolidated working capital decreased at March 31, 2011 compared to March 31, 2010, primarily due 
to  increases  in  drafts  and  accounts  payables,  other  accrued  liabilities  and  the  current  portion  of  long-term  debt, 
partially offset by an increase in receivables. 

Our  ratio  of  net  debt  to  net  capital  employed  increased  at  March  31,  2012  compared  to  March  31,  2011 
primarily due to a lower cash and cash equivalents balance.  Our ratio of net debt to net capital employed increased 
at  March  31,  2011  compared  to  March  31,  2010  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  total  debt  as  a  result  of  the  US 
Oncology acquisition. 

In May 2010, the quarterly dividend was raised from $0.12 to $0.18 per common share and in April 2011, the 
quarterly dividend was raised from $0.18 to $0.20 per common share.  The Company anticipates that it will continue 
to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future.  However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within 
the  discretion  of  the  Board  and  will  depend  upon  the  Company’s  future  earnings,  financial  condition,  capital 
requirements and other factors.  In 2012, 2011 and 2010, we paid total cash dividends of $195 million, $171 million 
and $131 million. 

Contractual Obligations: 

The table below presents our significant financial obligations and commitments at March 31, 2012: 

$ 

(In millions) 
On balance sheet 
Long-term debt (1) 
Other  (2) 
Off balance sheet 
Interest on borrowings (3) 
Purchase obligations  (4) 
Operating lease obligations (5)  
Customer guarantees (6) 

Total 

$ 

Total 

  Within 1 

  Over 1 to 3 

  Over 3 to 5 

After 5 

Years 

  $ 

3,580 
405 

  $ 

508 
49 

  $ 

353 
180 

  $ 

1,100 
66 

1,787 
576 
868 
166 
7,382 

  $ 

195 
476 
188 
107 
1,523 

  $ 

313 
90 
280 
35 
1,251 

  $ 

269 
10 
167 
3 
1,615 

  $ 

1,619 
110 

1,010 
— 
233 
21 
2,993 

(1) Represents maturities of the Company’s long-term obligations including an immaterial amount of capital lease obligations.   
(2) Represents  our  estimated  benefit  payments  for  the  unfunded  benefit  plans  and  minimum  funding  requirements  for  the 

pension plans.  
Primarily represents interest that will become due on our fixed rate long-term debt obligations. 

(3)
(4) A purchase obligation is defined as an arrangement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on 
the Company.  These obligations primarily relate to inventory purchases, capital commitments and service agreements.  

(5) Represents minimum rental payments for operating leases. 
(6) Represents  primarily  agreements  with  certain  of  our  Canadian  customers’  financial  institutions  under  which  we  have 
guaranteed  the  repurchase  of  our  customers’  inventory  or  our  customers’  debt  in  the  event  these  customers  are  unable  to 
meet their obligations to those financial institutions.  We also have  an agreement  with one software customer that, under 
limited  circumstances,  may  require  us  to  secure  standby  financing.    Because  the  amount  of  the  standby  financing  is  not 
explicitly stated, the overall amount of this guarantee cannot reasonably be estimated. 

At March 31, 2012, the liability recorded for uncertain tax positions, excluding associated interest and penalties, 
was  approximately  $504 million.    Since  the  ultimate  amount  and  timing  of  any  future  cash  settlements  cannot  be 
predicted with reasonable certainty, the estimated liability has been excluded from the contractual obligations table. 

In addition, at March 31, 2012, our banks and insurance companies have issued $86 million of standby letters of 
credit and surety bonds, which were issued on our behalf mostly related to our customer contracts and in order to 
meet the security requirements for statutory licenses and permits, court and fiduciary obligations and our workers’ 
compensation and automotive liability programs.  

                                                                                            47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Credit Resources: 

We  fund  our  working  capital  requirements  primarily  with  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  as  well  as,  short-term 
borrowings  under  the  accounts  receivable  sales  facility,  revolving  credit  facility  and  from  commercial  paper 
issuances.  

Senior Bridge Term Loan Facility 

In connection with our execution of an agreement to acquire US Oncology, in November 2010, we entered into 
a $2.0 billion unsecured Senior Bridge Term Loan Agreement (“Bridge Loan”). In December 2010, we reduced the 
Bridge Loan commitment to $1.0 billion. On January 31, 2011, we borrowed $1.0 billion under the Bridge  Loan.  
On February 28, 2011, we repaid the funds obtained under the Bridge Loan with long-term debt, as further described 
below, and the Senior Bridge Term Loan Agreement was terminated.  During the time it was outstanding, the Bridge 
Loan bore interest of 1.76%, which  was based on the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a  margin based on the 
Company’s credit rating.  Bridge Loan fees in 2011 of $25 million were included in interest expense. 

US Oncology Debt Acquired 

Upon  our  purchase  of  US  Oncology  in  December  2010,  we  assumed  the  outstanding  debt  of  US  Oncology 
Holdings,  Inc.  and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary  US  Oncology,  Inc.    Immediately  prior  to  our  acquisition,  US 
Oncology Holdings, Inc. called for redemption all of its outstanding Senior Unsecured Floating Rate Toggle Notes 
due  2012,  and  US  Oncology,  Inc.  called  for  redemption  all  of  its  outstanding  9.125%  Senior  Secured  Notes  due 
2017  and  10.75%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes  due  2014.    In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2011,  we  paid  interest  of  $50 
million and redeemed these notes, including the remaining accrued interest, for $1,738 million using cash on hand 
and borrowings under our Bridge Loan. 

Long-Term Debt 

On  February  28,  2011,  we  issued  3.25%  notes  due  March  1,  2016  in  an  aggregate  principal  amount  of 
$600 million, 4.75% notes due March 1, 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and 6.00%  notes 
due March 1, 2041 in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million.  Interest is payable on March 1 and September 
1 of each year beginning on September 1, 2011.  We utilized net proceeds, after discounts and offering expenses, of 
$1,673 million  from  the  issuance  of  these  notes  for  general  corporate  purposes,  including  the  repayment  of 
borrowings under the Bridge Loan.   

We repaid our $400 million 7.75% Notes in February 2012 and our $215 million 9.13% Series C Senior notes 

in March 2010, both of which had matured.

Accounts Receivable Sales Facility 

In  May  2011,  we  renewed  our  existing  accounts  receivable  sales  facility  for  a  one  year  period  under  terms 
substantially similar to those previously in place.  The committed capacity of this facility is $1.35 billion, although, 
from time-to-time, the available amount of this facility may be less than $1.35 billion based on accounts receivable 
concentration limits and other eligibility requirements.  During 2012, we borrowed $400 million under this facility.  
There  were  no  borrowings  in  2011  under  this  facility.  At  March 31,  2012,  there  were  $400  million  in  secured 
borrowings  and  $400 million  of  related  securitized  accounts  receivable  outstanding,  which  are  included  in  short-
term  borrowings  and  receivables  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets,  under  this  facility.  At  March  31,  2011  there 
were no secured borrowings or related securitized accounts receivables outstanding under this facility.  The current 
accounts receivable sales facility will expire in May 2012.  We anticipate renewing this facility before its expiration. 

Additional information regarding our accounts receivable sales facility is included in Financial Notes 1 and 12, 
“Significant  Accounting  Policies”  and  “Debt  and  Financing  Activities,”  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements 
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

                                                                                            48 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Continued) 

Revolving Credit Facility 

In September 2011, we renewed our existing syndicated $1.3 billion five-year senior unsecured revolving credit 
facility,  which  was  scheduled  to  mature  in  June  2012.    This  renewed  credit  facility  has  terms  and  conditions 
substantially similar to those previously in place and matures in September 2016.  Borrowings under this renewed 
credit  facility  bear  interest  based  upon  either  the  London  Interbank  Offered  Rate  or  a prime  rate.   There  were  no 
borrowings under this credit facility during 2012, 2011 and 2010.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no 
borrowings outstanding under this credit facility. 

Commercial Paper 

There  were  no  commercial  paper  issuances  during  2012,  2011  and  2010  and  no  amount  outstanding  at 

March 31, 2012 and 2011.   

Debt Covenant 

Our  various  borrowing  facilities  and  long-term  debt  are  subject  to  certain  covenants.    Our  principal  debt 
covenant is our debt to capital ratio under our unsecured revolving credit facility, which cannot exceed 56.5%.  For 
the  purpose  of  calculating  the  debt  to  capital  ratio  under  this  covenant,  borrowings  under  the  accounts  receivable 
sales facility are excluded.  If we exceed this ratio, repayment of debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility 
could be accelerated.  As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with our financial covenants.  A reduction in 
our  credit  ratings,  or  the  lack  of  compliance  with  our  covenants,  could  negatively  impact  our  ability  to  finance 
operations or issue additional debt at acceptable interest rates.   

Funds necessary for future debt maturities and our other cash requirements are expected to be met by existing 

cash balances, cash flow from operations, existing credit sources and other capital market transactions.  

RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS  

Information  regarding  our  related  party  balances  and  transactions  is  included  in  Financial  Note  21,  “Related 
Party  Balances  and  Transactions,”  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  appearing  in  this  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K.   

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

New accounting pronouncements that we have recently adopted, as well as those that have been recently issued 

but not yet adopted by us, are included in Financial Note 1, “Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated 
financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

                                                                                            49 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL REVIEW (Concluded) 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

Interest  rate  risk:    Our  long-term  debt  bears  interest  predominately  at  fixed  rates,  whereas  our  short-term 
borrowings are at variable interest rates.  If the underlying weighted average interest rate on our variable rate debt 
were to have changed by a  hypothetical 50 bp in 2012, interest expense  would not  have been  materially different 
from that reported.   

Our cash and cash equivalents balances earn interest at variable rates.  Should interest rates decline, our interest 
income  may  be  negatively  impacted.    If  the  underlying  weighted  average  interest  rate  on  our  cash  and  cash 
equivalents  balances  changed  by  50  bp  in  2012,  interest  income  would  have  increased  or  decreased  by 
approximately  $18 million.    The  selected  hypothetical  change  in  interest  rates  does  not  reflect  what  could  be 
considered the best or worst case scenarios. 

As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, the net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to interest rate 
risk  was  approximately  $4.1 billion  and  $4.3  billion.    The  estimated  fair  value  of  our  long-term  debt  and  other 
financing  was  determined  using  quoted  market  prices  and  other  inputs  that  were  derived  from  available  market 
information and may not be representative of actual values that could have been realized or that will be realized in 
the future.  Fair value is subject to fluctuations based on our performance, our credit ratings, changes in the value of 
our stock and changes in interest rates for debt securities with similar terms.   

Foreign  exchange  risk:    We  derive  revenues  and  earnings  from  Canada,  the  United  Kingdom,  Ireland,  other 
European countries, Israel and Mexico, which exposes us to changes in foreign exchange rates.  We seek to manage 
our foreign exchange risk in part through operational means, including managing same currency revenues in relation 
to same currency costs, and same currency assets in relation to same currency liabilities.  Foreign exchange risk is 
also managed through the use of foreign currency forward-exchange contracts.  These contracts are used to offset 
the potential earnings effects from mostly intercompany foreign currency investments and loans.  As of March 31, 
2012, a hypothetical adverse 10% change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would not have had a material 
impact on our net fair value of financial instruments that have exposure to foreign currency risk.   

                                                                                            50 

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Consolidated Financial Statements: 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Financial Notes 

Page
52 
53 

54
55 
56
57
58

                                                                                            51 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The management of McKesson Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system 
of internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f).  
With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an 
assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria 
established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework,  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of 
the Treadway Commission.  Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over 
financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2012.  

Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  audited  the  financial  statements 
included  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  and  has  also  audited  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal 
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012.  This audit report appears on page 53 of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.  

May 2, 2012 

/s/ John H. Hammergren 
John H. Hammergren 
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

/s/ Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer) 

                                                                                            52 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of McKesson Corporation: 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  McKesson  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  (the 
“Company”) as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash 
flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended March 31, 2012.  Our audits also included the consolidated financial
statement schedule (“financial statement schedule”) listed in the Index at Item 15.  We also have audited the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework 
issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission.    The  Company’s  management  is 
responsible  for  these  financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule,  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 Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule, and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting 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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all 
material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by 
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included  obtaining  an  understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness 
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits 
also  included  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the  circumstances.    We  believe  that  our  audits 
provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.  

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s 
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board 
of directors, management, and other personnel 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  the  inherent  limitations  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  including  the  possibility  of  collusion  or 
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a 
timely  basis.    Also,  projections of  any  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  future 
periods are subject to the risk that the 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of McKesson Corporation and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their 
cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  fiscal  years  in  the  period  ended  March  31,  2012,  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, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information 
set forth therein.  Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting  as  of  March  31,  2012,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

/S/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 
San Francisco, California 
May 2, 2012 

                                                                                            53 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(In millions, except per share amounts) 

Revenues 
Cost of Sales 
Gross Profit 

Operating Expenses 

Selling 
Distribution 
Research and development 
Administrative 
Litigation charges (credit), net 

Total Operating Expenses 

Operating Income 
Other Income, Net 
Interest Expense  

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes  

Income Tax Expense 

Income from Continuing Operations 

Discontinued Operation – gain on sale, net of tax 

Net Income 

Earnings Per Common Share 

Diluted 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operation – gain on sale 

Total 

Basic 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operation – gain on sale 

Total 

Weighted Average Common Shares 

Diluted 
Basic 

Years Ended March 31, 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$ 

122,734 
116,167 
6,567 

  $ 

112,084 
106,114 
5,970 

  $ 

108,702 
103,026 
5,676 

764 
997 
440 
2,068 
149 
4,418 
2,149 
21 
(251) 
1,919 
(516) 
1,403 

—  

$ 

1,403 

  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

5.59 

  $ 

—  

5.59 

  $ 

5.70 

  $ 

—  

5.70 

  $ 

251 
246 

767 
920 
407 
1,842 
213  
4,149 
1,821 
36 
(222) 
1,635 
(505) 
1,130 
72 
1,202 

4.29 
0.28 
4.57 

4.37 
0.28 
4.65 

263 
258 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

746 
882 
376 
1,684 
(20) 
3,668 
2,008 
43 
(187) 
1,864 
(601) 
1,263 
— 
1,263 

4.62 
— 
4.62 

4.70 
— 
4.70 

273 
269 

See Financial Notes 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(In millions, except per share amounts) 

ASSETS
Current Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Receivables, net 
Inventories, net 
Prepaid expenses and other 
Total Current Assets 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 
Goodwill 
Intangible Assets, Net 
Other Assets 

Total Assets 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities 

Drafts and accounts payable 
Short-term borrowings 
Deferred revenue 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Current portion of long-term debt 
Other accrued liabilities 

Total Current Liabilities 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Long-Term Debt 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities 
Other Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 19) 
Stockholders’ Equity 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 800 shares authorized at March 31, 2012 and 2011, 

373 and 369 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and 2011 

Additional Paid-in Capital 
Retained Earnings 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 
Other 
Treasury Shares, at Cost, 138 and 117 at March 31, 2012 and 2011 

Total Stockholders’ Equity 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 

  $ 

March 31,

2012

2011

3,149 
9,977 
10,073 
404 
23,603 

1,043 
5,032 
1,750 
1,665 
33,093 

16,114 
400 
1,423 
1,092 
508 
2,149 
21,686 
3,072 
1,504 

— 

4 
5,571 
9,451 
5 
4 
(8,204) 
6,831 
33,093 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

3,612 
9,187 
9,225 
333 
22,357 

991 
4,364 
1,456 
1,718 
30,886 

14,090 
— 
1,321 
1,037 
417 
1,861 
18,726 
3,587 
1,353 

— 

4 
5,339 
8,250 
87 
10 
(6,470) 
7,220 
30,886 

See Financial Notes 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Years Ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
(In millions, except per share amounts) 

Common 
Stock 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Shares  Amount  Capital 

Other  Retained 
Capital  Earnings 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 

Treasury 

Common 
Shares 

Amount 

Stockholders’ 
Equity

Other 
Comprehensive 
Income

238

(53)
1,263

6,193  
194 
114 

11 

238  $ 

(53) 
1,263 
(299) 

(131) 
2 
7,532  
353 
137 

$ 

1,448 

113 

76  $ 

1,202 
(2,032) 

(188) 
27 
7,220 
143 
154 

 $ 

46 
(56)  $ 

(21) 
1,403 
(1,850) 

(202) 
(6) 
6,831   $ 

76
1,202

5
1,283 

(56)

(21)
1,403

(5)
1,321 

Balances, March 31, 2009 
Issuance of shares under employee plans 
Share-based compensation 
Tax benefit related to issuance of shares 

under employee plans 
Translation adjustments 
Unrealized net loss and other 

components of benefit plans, net of 
tax benefit of $32 

Net income 
Repurchase of common stock 
Cash dividends declared, $0.48 per 

common share 

Other 
Balances, March 31, 2010 
Issuance of shares under employee plans 
Share-based compensation 
Tax benefit related to issuance of shares 

under employee plans 
Translation adjustments 
Net income 
Repurchase of common stock 
Cash dividends declared, $0.72 per 

common share 

Other 
Balances, March 31, 2011 
Issuance of shares under employee plans 
Share-based compensation 
Tax benefit related to issuance of shares 

under employee plans 
Translation adjustments 
Unrealized net loss and other 

components of benefit plans, net of 
tax benefit of $9 

Net income 
Repurchase of common stock 
Cash dividends declared, $0.80 per 

common share 

Other 
Balances, March 31, 2012 

351 $ 
8 

4   $ 

4,417   $ 
218  
114  

11  

(8)  $ 

6,103  $ 

(179)

(80)   $  (4,144)   $ 
(1)  

(24)  

1,263 

(4) 

(12)  $ 

(131) 
1 
7,236  $ 

1,202 

(188) 

22 
10  $ 

8,250  $ 

238

(53)

(7)  

(299)  

6

(88)   $  (4,458)   $ 

9  

(17)  

(29)  

(1,995)  

(117)   $  (6,470)   $ 

(1)  

(24)  

76

5
87

(56)

(21)

1,403 

(202) 

(20)  

(1,710)  

359  $ 

4   $ 

10 

369  $ 
4 

4  $ 

(4)  
4,756   $ 
370  
137  

113  

(37)  

5,339   $ 
167  
154  

46  

(140)  

373  $ 

4  

$ 

5  
5,571   $ 

(6) 

4  $ 

9,451  $ 

(5) 
5

(138)   $  (8,204)   $ 

See Financial Notes 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In millions) 

2012

1,403 
— 

$ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

  $ 

1,202 
(72) 

  $ 

2010

1,263 
— 

140 
411 
30 
242 
154 
—  
66 

(770) 
(878) 
2,027 
66 
15 
149 
(26) 
(78) 
(1) 
2,950 

(225) 
(178) 
(1,156) 

—  
(32) 
89 
(1,502) 

400 

—  
—  

(430) 

167 
(1,874) 
(195) 
27 
(1,905) 
(6) 
(463) 
3,612 
3,149 

  $ 

139 
357 
18 
184 
137 
72 
12 

(673) 
367 
533 
42 
33 
213 
(26) 
(56) 
(144) 
2,338 

(233) 
(155) 
(292) 
109 
— 
(53) 
(624) 

1,000 
(1,000) 
1,689 
(1,730) 

367 
(2,050) 
(171) 
54 
(1,841) 
8 
(119) 
3,731 
3,612 

  $ 

  $ 

228 
337 

  $ 

244 
347 

—   $ 

(1,891) 

  $ 

148 
326 
17 
161 
114 
— 
(20) 

(133) 
(782) 
1,340 
27 
88 
(20) 
(350) 
116 
21 
2,316 

(199) 
(179) 
(18) 
1 
55 
31 
(309) 

5 
(6) 
— 
(218) 

212 
(323) 
(131) 
40 
(421) 
36 
1,622 
2,109 
3,731 

188 
234 

— 

Operating Activities 
Net income 
Discontinued operation – gain on sale, net of tax 
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities: 

Depreciation 
Amortization 
Provision for bad debts 
Other deferred taxes 
Share-based compensation expense 
Impairment of capitalized software held for sale 
Other non-cash items 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 

Receivables 
Inventories 
Drafts and accounts payable 
Deferred revenue 
Taxes 

Litigation charges (credit) 
Litigation settlement payments 
Deferred tax (benefit) expense on litigation 
Other 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing Activities
Property acquisitions 
Capitalized software expenditures 
Acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired 
Proceeds from sale of businesses 
Restricted cash for litigation charges 
Other 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing Activities
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 
Repayments of short-term borrowings 
Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt 
Repayments of long-term debt 
Common stock transactions: 

Issuances 
Share repurchases, including shares surrendered for tax withholding 
Dividends paid 

Other 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information 
Cash paid for: 
Interest 
Income taxes, net of refunds 

Non-cash item: 

Fair value of debt assumed on acquisition 

$ 

$ 

$ 

See Financial Notes 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES

1.  Significant Accounting Policies 

Nature  of  Operations:  McKesson  Corporation  (“McKesson,”  the  “Company,”  the  “Registrant”  or  “we”  and 
other  similar  pronouns)  delivers  pharmaceuticals,  medical  supplies  and  health  care  information  technologies  that 
make health care safer while reducing costs.  We conduct our business through two operating segments, McKesson 
Distribution Solutions and McKesson Technology Solutions, as further described in Financial Note 22, “Segments 
of Business.” 

Basis  of  Presentation:  The  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes  are  prepared  in 
accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  The consolidated financial statements of 
McKesson  include  the  financial  statements  of  all  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  and  majority-owned  or  controlled 
companies.    We  also  evaluate  our  ownership,  contractual  and  other  interests  in  entities  to  determine  if  they  are 
variable interest entities (“VIEs”), if we have a variable interest in those entities and the nature and extent of those 
interests.    These  evaluations  are  highly  complex  and  involve  judgment  and  the  use  of  estimates  and  assumptions 
based  on  available  historical  information  and  management’s  judgment,  among  other  factors.    Based  on  our 
evaluations,  if  we  determine  we  are  the  primary  beneficiary  of  such  VIEs  we  consolidate  such  entities  into  our 
financial  statements.    The  consolidated  VIEs  are  not  material  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements.  
Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. 

Fiscal Period: The Company’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31.  Unless otherwise noted, all 

references to a particular year shall mean the Company’s fiscal year. 

Reclassifications: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires that we make 
estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
accompanying notes.  Actual amounts could differ from those estimated amounts. 

Cash  and  Cash  Equivalents:  All  highly  liquid  debt  instruments  purchased  with  original  maturity  of  three 

months or less at the date of acquisition are included in cash and cash equivalents. 

 Cash is primarily held in non-interest bearing accounts and is fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation regardless of the dollar amount.  Cash equivalents are primarily invested in AAA rated prime  money 
market  funds  denominated  in  US  dollars,  Canadian  government  securities  and  a  AAA  rated  prime  money  market 
fund denominated in British pound sterling. 

The remaining cash and cash equivalents are deposited with several financial institutions.  We mitigate the risk 
of our short-term investment portfolio by depositing funds with reputable financial institutions and monitoring risk 
profiles and investment strategies of money market funds. 

Restricted  Cash:  Cash  that  is  subject  to  legal  restrictions  or  is  unavailable  for  general  operating  purposes  is 
classified as restricted cash and is included within prepaid expenses and other in the consolidated balance sheets.  At 
March 31, 2012 and 2011, restricted cash was not material.

Marketable Securities Available for Sale: We carry our  marketable securities,  which are available  for sale, at 
fair value and they are included in prepaid expenses and other in the consolidated balance sheets.  The net unrealized 
gains and losses,  net of the related tax effect, computed in  marking these securities to  market have been reported 
within stockholders’ equity.  At March 31, 2012 and 2011, marketable securities were not material. 

58 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Receivables: Our trade receivables are subject to a concentration of credit 
risk with customers primarily in our Distribution Solutions segment.  During 2012, sales to our ten largest customers 
accounted  for  approximately  52%  of  our  total  consolidated  revenues.    Sales  to  our  two  largest  customers,  CVS 
Caremark Corporation (“CVS”) and Rite Aid Corporation (“Rite Aid”), accounted for approximately 16% and 10% 
of  our  total  consolidated  revenues.    At  March 31,  2012,  accounts  receivable  from  our  ten  largest  customers  were 
approximately  49%  of  total  accounts  receivable.    Accounts  receivable  from  CVS,  Wal-Mart  Stores,  Inc. 
(“Walmart”) and Rite Aid were approximately 17%, 10% and 9% of total accounts receivable.  As a result, our sales 
and  credit  concentration  is  significant.    We  also  have  agreements  with  group  purchasing  organizations  (“GPOs”), 
each  of  which  functions  as  a  purchasing  agent  on  behalf  of  member  hospitals,  pharmacies  and  other  healthcare 
providers. The accounts receivables balances are  with  individual  members of the GPOs.   A default in payment, a 
material reduction in purchases from these, or any other large customers or the loss of a large customer could have a 
material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.  In addition, trade receivables 
are subject to a concentration of credit risk with customers in the institutional, retail and healthcare provider sectors, 
which  can  be  affected  by  a  downturn  in  the  economy  and  changes  in  reimbursement  policies.    This  credit  risk  is 
mitigated  by  the  size  and  diversity  of  the  customer  base  as  well  as  its  geographic  dispersion.    We  estimate  the 
receivables for which we do not expect full collection based on historical collection rates and ongoing evaluations of 
the creditworthiness of our customers.  An allowance is recorded in our consolidated financial statements for these 
amounts. 

Financing Receivables: We assess and monitor credit risk associated with financing receivables, namely lease 
and  notes  receivables,  through  regular  review  of  our  collection  experience  in  determining  our  allowance  for  loan 
losses.    On  an  ongoing  basis,  we  also  evaluate  credit  quality  of  our  financing  receivables  utilizing  aging  of 
receivables  and  write-offs,  as  well  as  consider  existing  economic  conditions,  to  determine  if  an  allowance  is 
necessary.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, financing receivables and the related allowance were not material to our 
consolidated financial statements. 

Inventories:  We  report  inventories  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  market  (“LCM”).    Inventories  for  our  Distribution 
Solutions segment consist of merchandise held for resale.  For our Distribution Solutions segment, the majority of 
the cost of domestic inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method and the cost of Canadian 
inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.  Technology Solutions segment inventories 
consist  of  computer  hardware  with  cost  generally  determined  by  the  standard  cost  method,  which  approximates 
average cost.  Rebates, fees, cash discounts, allowances, chargebacks and other incentives received from vendors are 
generally accounted for as a reduction in the cost of inventory and are recognized when the inventory is sold.   

The  LIFO  method  was  used  to  value  approximately  88%  and  87%  of  our  inventories  at  March  31,  2012 and 
2011.    At  March  31,  2012  and  2011,  our  LIFO  reserves,  net  of  LCM  adjustments,  were  $107 million  and 
$96 million.    LIFO  reserves  include  both  pharmaceutical  and  non-pharmaceutical  products.    In  2012,  2011  and 
2010, we recognized net LIFO expense of $11 million, $3 million and $8 million within our consolidated statements 
of operations, which related to our non-pharmaceutical products.  A LIFO expense is recognized when the net effect 
of  price  increases  on  branded  pharmaceuticals  and  non-pharmaceutical  products  held  in  inventory  exceeds  the 
impact of price declines and shifts towards generic pharmaceuticals, including the effect of branded pharmaceutical 
products that have lost market exclusivity.  A LIFO credit is recognized when the net effect of price declines and 
shifts towards generic pharmaceuticals exceeds the impact of price increases on branded pharmaceuticals and non-
pharmaceutical products held in inventory. 

We  believe  that  the  average  cost  or  FIFO  inventory  costing  method  provides  a  reasonable  estimation  of  the 
current cost of replacing inventory (i.e., “market”).  As such, our LIFO inventory is valued at the lower of LIFO or 
market.  Primarily due to continued net deflation in generic pharmaceutical inventories, pharmaceutical inventories 
at  LIFO  were  $76  million  and  $156 million  higher  than  market  as  of  March  31,  2012  and  2011.    As  a  result,  we 
recorded a LCM credit of $80 million in 2012 and a LCM charge of $44 million in 2011  within our consolidated 
statements of operations to adjust our LIFO inventories to market. 

59 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Shipping  and  Handling  Costs:  We  include  all  costs  to  warehouse,  pick,  pack  and  deliver  inventory  to  our 

customers in distribution expenses. 

Property, Plant and Equipment: We state our property, plant and equipment at cost and depreciate them under 
the  straight-line  method  at  rates  designed  to  distribute  the  cost  of  properties  over  estimated  service  lives  ranging 
from one to 30 years. 

Goodwill:  Goodwill  is  tested  for  impairment  on  an  annual  basis  in  the  fourth  quarter  or  more  frequently  if 
indicators  for  potential  impairment  exist.  Impairment  testing  is  conducted  at  the  reporting  unit  level,  which  is 
generally defined as a component — one level below our Distribution Solutions and Technology Solutions operating 
segments,  for  which  discrete  financial  information  is  available  and  segment  management  regularly  reviews  the 
operating results of that unit.  Components that have essentially similar operations, products, services and customers 
are aggregated as a single reporting unit.  

Impairment tests require that we compare the carrying value of our reporting units to the estimated fair value of 
the reporting units.  Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment.  If 
we decide that it is appropriate to perform a qualitative assessment and conclude that the fair value of a reporting 
unit more likely than not exceeds its carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary.  For reporting units where we 
perform  a  quantitative  assessment,  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  based  upon  a  number  of  considerations 
including projections of revenues, earnings and discounted cash flows and determination of market value multiples 
for similar businesses or guideline companies whose securities are actively traded in public markets.  The discount 
rate  used  for  cash  flows  reflects  capital  market  conditions  and  the  specific  risks  associated  with  the  business.    In 
addition,  we compare the aggregate of  the reporting  units’  fair  value to the Company’s  market capitalization as a 
further  corroboration  of  the  fair  value.    The  testing  requires  a  complex  series  of  assumptions  and  judgment  by 
management  in  projecting  future  operating  results,  selecting  guideline  companies  for  comparisons  and  assessing 
risks.    The  use  of  alternative  assumptions  and  estimates  could  affect  the  fair  values  and  change  the  impairment 
determinations.  There were no goodwill impairments during 2012, 2011, or 2010. 

Intangible Assets: Currently all of our intangible assets are subject to amortization and are generally amortized 
on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from one to twenty years.  We review identifiable 
intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the 
assets may not be recoverable.  Determination of recoverability is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated 
undiscounted  cash  flows  resulting  from  use  of  the  asset  and  its  eventual  disposition.    Measurement  of  any 
impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.  There were no material 
impairments of intangible assets during 2012, 2011 or 2010. 

Capitalized Software Held for Sale: Development costs  for software  held  for sale,  which primarily pertain to 
our Technology Solutions segment, are capitalized once a project has reached the point of technological feasibility.  
Completed  projects  are  amortized  after  reaching  the  point  of  general  availability  using  the  straight-line  method 
based on an estimated useful life of approximately three years.  At each balance sheet date, or earlier if an indicator 
of an impairment exists, we evaluate the recoverability of unamortized capitalized software costs based on estimated 
future undiscounted revenues net of estimated related costs over the remaining amortization period.   As of March 
31,  2012  and  2011,  capitalized  software  held  for  sale  was  $144 million  and  $152 million,  net  of  accumulated 
amortization and was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Additional information regarding our capitalized software held for sale is as follows: 

(In millions) 
Amounts capitalized 
Amortization expense 
Impairment charge 
Third-party royalty fees paid 

$ 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

  $ 

47 
53 
—
95 

  $ 

64 
75 
72 
72 

75 
67 
— 
63 

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Capitalized  Software  Held  for  Internal  Use:  We  capitalize  costs  of  software  held  for  internal  use  during  the 
application development stage of a project and amortize those costs over the assets’ estimated useful lives ranging 
from one to ten years.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, capitalized software held for internal use was $445 million 
and  $446 million,  net  of  accumulated  amortization  of  $902 million  and  $778 million,  and  was  included  in  other 
assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Insurance Programs: Under our insurance programs, we seek to obtain coverage for catastrophic exposures as 
well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract.  It is our policy to retain a significant portion of certain 
losses  primarily  related  to  workers’  compensation  and  comprehensive  general,  product  and  vehicle  liability.  
Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based upon our estimate of the aggregate liability 
for  claims  incurred  as  well  as  for  claims  incurred  but  not  yet  reported.    Such  estimates  utilize  certain  actuarial 
assumptions followed in the insurance industry. 

Revenue  Recognition:  Revenues  for  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  are  recognized  when  product  is 
delivered and title passes to the customer or when services have been rendered and there are no further obligations to 
the customer. 

Revenues are recorded net of sales returns, allowances, rebates and other incentives.    Our sales return policy 
generally allows customers to return products only if they can be resold for value or returned to suppliers for full 
credit.    Sales  returns  are  accrued  based  on  estimates  at  the  time  of  sale  to  the  customer.    Sales  returns  from 
customers were approximately $1.6 billion in 2012, $1.4 billion in 2011 and $1.2 billion in 2010.  Taxes collected 
from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis; that is, they are excluded from 
revenues. 

The revenues for our Distribution Solutions segment include large volume sales of pharmaceuticals to a limited 
number  of  large  customers  who  warehouse  their  own  product.    We  order  bulk  product  from  the  manufacturer, 
receive and process the product through our central distribution facility and deliver the bulk product (generally in the 
same  form  as  received  from  the  manufacturer)  directly  to  our  customers’  warehouses.    Sales  to  customers’ 
warehouses  amounted  to  $20.5  billion  in  2012,  $18.6 billion  in  2011,  and  $21.4 billion  in  2010.    We  also  record 
revenues for direct store deliveries from most of these same customers.  Direct store deliveries are shipments from 
the manufacturer to our customers of a limited category of products that require special handling.  We assume the 
primary liability to the manufacturer for these products. 

Revenues  are  recorded  gross  when  we  are  the  primary  party  obligated  in  the  transaction,  take  title  to  and 
possession of the inventory, are subject to inventory risk, have latitude in establishing prices, assume the risk of loss 
for collection from customers as well as delivery or return of the product, are responsible for fulfillment and other 
customer service requirements, or the transactions have several but not all of these indicators. 

Our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  also  engages  in  multiple-element  arrangements,  which  may  contain  a 
combination  of  various  products  and  services.    Revenue  from  a  multiple  element  arrangement  is  allocated  to  the 
separate  elements  based  on  estimates  of  fair  value  and  recognized  in  accordance  with  the  revenue  recognition 
criteria  applicable  to  each  element.    If  fair  value  cannot  be  established  for  any  undelivered  element,  all  of  the 
arrangement’s revenue is deferred until delivery of the last element has occurred and services have been performed 
or until fair value can objectively be determined for any remaining undelivered elements.  Effective April 1, 2011, 
revenue  from  a  multiple  element  arrangement  is  allocated  to  the  separate  elements,  based  on  the  best  estimate  of 
selling prices if neither objective evidence nor third party evidence of selling prices exists for all new arrangements 
or materially modified existing arrangements. 

Revenues  for  our  Technology  Solutions  segment  are  generated  primarily  by  licensing  software  and  software 
systems  (consisting  of  software,  hardware  and  maintenance  support),  and  providing  outsourcing  and  professional 
services.  Revenue for this segment is recognized as follows: 

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Software systems are marketed under information systems agreements as well as service agreements.  Perpetual 
software arrangements are recognized at the time of delivery or under the percentage-of-completion method based 
on the terms and conditions in the contract.  Contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method are 
generally  measured based on the ratio of labor costs incurred to date to total estimated labor costs to be incurred.  
Changes in estimates to complete and revisions in overall profit estimates on these contracts are charged to earnings 
in the period in which they are determined.  We accrue for contract losses if and when the current estimate of total 
contract costs exceeds total contract revenue. 

Hardware  revenues  are  generally  recognized  upon  delivery.    Revenue  from  multi-year  software  license 
agreements is recognized ratably over the term of the agreement.  Software implementation fees are recognized as 
the  work  is  performed  or  under  the  percentage-of-completion  method.    Maintenance  and  support  agreements  are 
marketed  under  annual  or  multi-year  agreements  and  are  recognized  ratably  over  the  period  covered  by  the 
agreements.  Subscription, content and transaction processing fees are generally marketed under annual and multi-
year agreements and are recognized ratably over the contracted terms beginning on the service start date for fixed 
fee arrangements and recognized as transactions are performed beginning on the service start date for per-transaction 
fee arrangements.  Remote processing service fees are recognized monthly as the service is performed.  Outsourcing 
service revenues are recognized as the service is performed. 

We  also  offer  certain  products  on  an  application  service  provider  basis,  making  our  software  functionality 
available  on  a  remote  hosting  basis  from  our  data  centers.    The  data  centers  provide  system  and  administrative 
support,  as  well  as  hosting  services.    Revenue  on  products  sold  on  an  application  service  provider  basis  is 
recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the contract beginning on the service start date of products hosted. 

This segment also engages in multiple-element arrangements, which may contain any combination of software, 
hardware, implementation or consulting services, or maintenance services.  When some elements are delivered prior 
to others in an arrangement and vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”) exists for the undelivered 
elements, revenue for the delivered elements is recognized  upon delivery of such items.   The segment establishes 
VSOE for hardware and implementation and consulting services based on the price charged when sold separately, 
and  for  maintenance  services,  based  on  renewal  rates  offered  to  customers.    Revenue  for  the  software  element  is 
recognized under the residual method only when fair value has been established for all of the undelivered elements 
in an arrangement.  If fair value cannot be established for any undelivered element, all of the arrangement’s revenue 
is deferred until the delivery of the last element or until the fair value of the undelivered element is determinable.  
Effective  April  1,  2011,  we  adopted  the  revised  revenue  recognition  guidance  which  removed  from  the  scope  of 
software  revenue  recognition  guidance  tangible  products  containing  software  component  and  non-software 
component that function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality.  This amended accounting guidance 
was applied prospectively for all arrangements entered into after April 1, 2011 or materially modified after that date. 

Our  Technology  Solutions  segment  also  includes  revenues  from  disease  management  programs  provided  to 
various  states’  Medicaid  programs.    These  service  contracts  include  provisions  for  achieving  certain  cost-savings 
and clinical targets.  If the targets are not met for certain of these contracts, a portion, or all, of the revenue must be 
refunded to the customer.  We recognize revenue during the term of the contract by assessing actual performance 
against contractual targets and then determining the amount the customer would be legally obligated to pay if the 
contract terminated as of the measurement date.  These assessments include estimates of medical claims and other 
data in accordance with the contract methodology.  Because complete data is unavailable until six to nine months 
after the measurement period, there is generally a significant time delay between recording the accrual and the final 
settlement  of  the  contract.    If  data  is  insufficient  to  assess  performance  or  we  have  not  met  the  targets,  we  defer 
recognition of the revenue.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, we had deferred $3 million and $25 million related to 
these types of contracts, which was included in deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.  We generally 
have been successful in achieving performance targets under these agreements.

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Supplier Incentives: Fees for  service and other incentives received from  suppliers, relating to the purchase or 
distribution of inventory, are generally reported as a reduction to cost of goods sold.  We consider these fees and 
other incentives to represent product discounts and as a result, the amounts are recorded as a reduction of product 
cost and are recognized through cost of goods sold upon the sale of the related inventory.

Supplier  Reserves:  We  establish  reserves  against  amounts  due  from  suppliers  relating  to  various  price  and 
rebate  incentives,  including  deductions  or  billings  taken  against  payments  otherwise  due  to  them.    These  reserve 
estimates  are  established  based  on  judgment  after  considering  the  status  of  current  outstanding  claims,  historical 
experience  with  the  suppliers,  the  specific  incentive  programs  and  any  other  pertinent  information  available.    We 
evaluate  the  amounts  due  from  suppliers  on  a  continual  basis  and  adjust  the  reserve  estimates  when  appropriate 
based on changes in factual circumstances.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, supplier reserves were $115 million 
and $102 million.  The ultimate outcome of any outstanding claim may be different than our estimate.  All of the 
supplier reserves at March 31, 2012 and 2011 pertain to our Distribution Solutions segment.

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 difference 
between the  financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities  using enacted tax rates in effect  for the 
year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are recognized when 
it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related 
appeals  or  litigation  processes,  based  on  the  technical  merits.    The  amount  recognized  is  measured  as  the  largest 
amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon effective settlements.  Deferred 
taxes  are  not  provided  on  undistributed  earnings  of  our  foreign  operations  that  are  considered  to  be  permanently 
reinvested. 

Foreign Currency Translation: Our international subsidiaries generally consider their local currency to be their 
functional currency.  Assets and liabilities of these international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-
end exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year.  Cumulative 
currency  translation  adjustments  are  included  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  or  losses  in  the 
stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.  Realized gains and losses from currency exchange 
transactions are recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material to 
our consolidated results of operations in 2012, 2011 or 2010. 

Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative  financial instruments are used principally in the  management of 
foreign currency and interest rate exposures and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.  If a 
derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item 
attributable to the hedged risk are recognized as a charge or credit to earnings.  If the derivative is designated as a 
cash  flow  hedge, the effective portions of changes in the  fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated 
other  comprehensive  income  or  losses  and  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  when  the 
hedged item affects earnings.  We periodically evaluate hedge effectiveness, and ineffective portions of changes in 
the  fair  value  of  cash  flow  hedges  are  recognized  as  a  charge  or  credit  to  earnings.    Derivative  instruments  not 
designated  as  hedges  are  marked-to-market  at  the  end  of  each  accounting  period  with  the  change  included  in 
earnings.   

Share-Based Compensation: We account for all share-based compensation transactions using a fair-value based 
measurement  method.    The  share-based  compensation  expense,  for  the  portion  of  the  awards  that  is  ultimately 
expected to vest, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for those awards with graded 
vesting and service conditions.  For awards with performance conditions and multiple vest dates, we recognize the 
expense on a graded vesting basis.  For awards with performance conditions and a single vest date, we recognize the 
expense  on  a  straight-line  basis.    The  compensation  expense  recognized  has  been  classified  in  the  consolidated 
statements of operations or capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets in the same manner as cash compensation 
paid to our employees.

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Loss Contingencies: We are subject to various claims, other pending and potential legal  actions  for damages, 
investigations relating to governmental laws and regulations and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of 
our business.  When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, we record a liability in the amount of 
our best estimate for the ultimate loss.  However, the likelihood of a loss with respect to a particular contingency is 
often difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable 
based on the information available and the potential effect of future events and decisions by third parties that will 
determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency.  Moreover, it is not uncommon for such matters to be resolved 
over  many  years,  during  which  time  relevant  developments  and  new  information  must  be  reevaluated  at  least 
quarterly to determine both the likelihood of potential loss and whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range 
of possible loss.  When a loss is probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, disclosure of the proceeding is 
provided.   

Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably 
possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision.  We review all contingencies at least quarterly 
to determine whether the likelihood of loss has changed and to assess whether a reasonable estimate of the loss or 
range  of  the  loss  can  be  made.    As  discussed  above,  development  of  a  meaningful  estimate  of  loss  or  a  range  of 
potential loss is complex when the outcome is directly dependent on negotiations with or decisions by third parties, 
such as regulatory agencies, the court system and other interested parties.  Such factors bear directly on whether it is 
possible to reasonably estimate a range of potential loss and boundaries of high and low estimate. 

Business Combinations: We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which 
requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair 
values.    Any  excess  of  the  purchase  price  over  the  estimated  fair  values  of  the  net  assets  acquired  is  recorded  as 
goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and related restructuring costs are expensed as incurred. 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements 

Revenue Recognition:  On April 1, 2011, we adopted amended accounting guidance on a prospective basis for 
multiple-element arrangements entered into or materially modified on or after April 1, 2011. The amended guidance 
incorporates the use of a vendor’s best estimate of selling  price, if  neither  vendor specific objective evidence  nor 
third  party  evidence  of  selling  price  exists,  to  allocate  arrangement  consideration  and  eliminates  the  use  of  the 
residual method. Implementation of this new guidance did not have a material impact on reported net revenues as 
compared  to  net  revenues  under  previous  guidance  as  the  incorporation  of  the  use  of  a  vendor’s  best  estimate  of 
selling  price  and  the  elimination  of  the  residual  method  for  the  allocation  of  arrangement  consideration  did  not 
materially  change  how  we  allocate  arrangement  consideration  to  our  various  products  and  services  or  the  amount 
and timing of reported net revenues. 

On  April 1,  2011,  we  adopted  amended  guidance  for  certain  revenue  arrangements  that  include  software 
elements.  The  guidance  amends  pre-existing  software  revenue  guidance  by  removing  from  its  scope  tangible 
products  that  contain  both  software  and  non-software  components  that  function  together  to  deliver  the  product’s 
functionality. The amended guidance was adopted on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or 
materially modified on or after April 1, 2011. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a material effect 
on our consolidated financial statements.  

                                                                                         64 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

On  April 1, 2011,  we adopted amended accounting guidance for vendors  who apply the  milestone  method of 
revenue  recognition  to  research  and  development  arrangements.  The  amended  guidance  applies  to  arrangements 
with  payments  that  are  contingent,  at  inception,  upon  achieving  substantively  uncertain  future  events  or 
circumstances.  The  amended  guidance  was  adopted  on  a  prospective  basis  for  milestones  achieved  on  or  after 
April 1, 2011. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial 
statements.  

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: In 2012, we adopted amended guidance related to clarification on 
how to measure fair values and additional disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements and the roll-
forward activity of Level 3 fair value measurements, which are measured based on significant unobservable inputs.  
The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

Goodwill:  In  2012,  we  adopted  amended  guidance  related  to  goodwill  impairment  testing.    The  amended 
guidance provides the option to perform a qualitative assessment by applying a more likely than not determination 
as to whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, which may then allow a company to 
skip  the  annual  two-step  quantitative  goodwill  impairment  test  depending  on  the  determination.    This  amended 
guidance was effective for us commencing in the first quarter of 2013.  Early adoption was permitted.  The amended 
guidance was early adopted and did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

Multiemployer Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans: In 2012, we adopted amended guidance related 
to  an  employer’s  participation  in  multiemployer  pension  and  other  postretirement  benefit  plans,  which  require 
employers  to  provide  additional  quantitative  and  qualitative  disclosures  for  these  types  of  plans.   The  amended 
guidance  was  adopted  on  a  retrospective  basis.    The  adoption  of  this  amended  guidance  did  not  have  a  material 
effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted 

In June 2011, amended guidance related to the presentation of other comprehensive income  was issued.  The 
amended guidance requires that comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other 
comprehensive  income  be  presented  either  in  a  single  continuous  statement  of  comprehensive  income  or  in  two 
separate  but  consecutive  statements.  While  the  new  guidance  changes  the  presentation  of  comprehensive  income, 
there  are  no  changes  to  the  components  that  are  recognized  in  net  income  or  other  comprehensive  income  as 
determined  under  current  accounting  guidance.  In  December  2011,  an  amendment  to  this  guidance  was  issued, 
which  defers  the  requirement  to  present  reclassification  adjustments  for  each  component  of  other  comprehensive 
income in both net income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements. The amended 
guidance is effective for us on a retrospective basis commencing in the first quarter of 2013. We do not expect the 
adoption of the amended guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  

In  December  2011,  disclosure  guidance  related  to  the  offsetting  of  assets  and  liabilities  was  issued.  The 
guidance  requires  an  entity  to  disclose  information  about  offsetting  and  related  arrangements  for  recognized 
financial  and  derivative  instruments  to  enable  users  of  its  financial  statements  to  understand  the  effect  of  those 
arrangements  on  its  financial  position. The  amended  guidance  is  effective  for  us  on  a  retrospective  basis 
commencing  in  the  first  quarter  of  2014. We  are  currently  evaluating  the  impact  of  this  new  guidance  on  our 
consolidated financial statements.

2.  Business Combinations 

On  December  30,  2010,  we  acquired  all  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  US  Oncology  Holdings,  Inc.  (“US 
Oncology”) for approximately $2.1 billion, consisting of cash consideration of $0.2 billion, net of cash acquired, and 
the assumption of liabilities with a fair value of $1.9 billion.  The cash paid at acquisition was funded from cash on 
hand.  As an integrated oncology company, US Oncology is affiliated with community-based oncologists, and works 
with  patients,  hospitals,  payers  and  the  medical  industry  across  all  phases  of  the  cancer  research  and  delivery 
continuum.    The  acquisition  of  US  Oncology  expands  our  existing  specialty  pharmaceutical  distribution  business 
and adds practice management services for oncologists.  Financial results for US Oncology have been included in 
the results of operations within our Distribution Solutions segment beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011.   

                                                                                         65 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

During the third quarter of 2012, the fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the 
acquisition date were completed. The following table summarizes the final amounts of the fair values recognized for 
the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  as  of  the  acquisition  date,  as  well  as  measurement  period  adjustments 
made  in  the  first  nine  months  of  2012  to  the  amounts  initially  recorded  in  2011.   The  measurement  period 
adjustments during the first nine months of 2012 did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of 
operations,  balance  sheets  or  cash  flows  in  any  period,  and,  therefore,  we  have  not  retrospectively  adjusted  our 
financial statements.   

$ 

(In millions) 
Current assets, net of cash acquired 
Goodwill 
Intangible assets 
Other long-term assets 
Current liabilities 
Current portion of long-term debt 
Other long-term liabilities 
Other stockholders’ equity 

Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 

Amounts 
Previously 
Recognized as of 
Acquisition Date 
(Provisional) (1)
662 
808 
1,007 
354 
(489) 
(1,735) 
(338) 
(25) 
244 

$

$

Measurement 
Period 
Adjustments
(13)
20 
(14) 
(6) 
(1) 
—
16 
(2) 
—

Amounts 
Recognized as of 
Acquisition Date 
(Final as 
Adjusted)
649 
828 
993 
348 
(490) 
(1,735) 
(322) 
(27) 
244 

$ 

$ 

(1) As previously reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011. 

Included in the purchase price allocation are acquired identifiable intangibles of $993 million, the fair value of 
which was determined by using Level 3 inputs, which are estimated using significant unobservable inputs.  Acquired 
intangible assets primarily consist of $721 million of  service agreements and $185 million of customer lists.  The 
estimated weighted average lives of the service agreements, customer lists and total acquired intangible assets are 18 
years, 10 years and 16 years.  The fair value of the debt acquired was determined primarily by using Level 3 inputs.  
Refer  to  Financial  Note  12,  “Debt  and  Financing  Activities,”  for  additional  information  on  the  assumption  and 
funding of acquired debt.  The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded 
as goodwill, which primarily reflects the expected future benefits to be realized upon integrating the business.    

On  March  25,  2012,  we  acquired  substantially  all  of  the  assets  of  Drug  Trading  Company  Limited,  the 
independent banner business of the Katz Group Canada Inc. (“Katz Group”), and Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc., the 
franchise  business  of  the  Katz  Group  (collectively,  “Katz  Assets”)  for  approximately  $919  million,  net  of  cash 
acquired. The total purchase price is subject to change due to working capital adjustments within 60 days of closing.  
The cash paid at acquisition was funded from cash on hand.  The acquisition of the assets from the Drug Trading 
Company Limited consists of a marketing and purchasing arm of more than 850 independently owned pharmacies in 
Canada.  The acquisition of Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc. consists of the franchise business of providing services to 
more than 160 independent pharmacies in Canada.    

                                                                                         66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The following table summarizes the preliminary recording of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities 

assumed as of the acquisition date:   

(In millions)
Current assets, net of cash acquired 
Goodwill 
Intangible assets 
Other long-term assets 
Current liabilities 
Long-term deferred tax liabilities 
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents 

Amounts  
Recognized as of 
Acquisition Date 
(Provisional)
33 
506 
441 
15 
(37) 
(39) 
919 

$ 

$ 

Due to the recent timing of the acquisition, these amounts are subject to change within the measurement period 

as our fair value assessments are finalized. 

Included in the purchase price allocation are acquired identifiable intangibles of $441 million, the fair value of 
which was determined by using Level 3 inputs, which are estimated using significant unobservable inputs.  Acquired 
intangibles primarily consist of $317 million of service agreements and $114 million of trademarks and trade names.  
Service  agreements,  trademarks  and  trade  names  and  total  acquired  intangibles  assets  each  has  an  estimated 
weighted average life of 20 years.  The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets of 
approximately $506  million  was recorded as goodwill,  which primarily reflects the expected future benefits  to be 
realized  upon  integrating  the  business.    The  amount  of  goodwill  expected  to  be  deductible  for  tax  purposes  is 
$287 million. 

Financial results  for the acquired Katz  Assets  were  not included in the results of operations  for 2012 as they 
were not material.  These results will be included in the results of operations within our Canadian pharmaceutical 
distribution and services, which is part of our Distribution Solutions segment, beginning in the first quarter of 2013.  

During  the  last  three  years,  we  also  completed  a  number  of  other  smaller  acquisitions  within  both  of  our 
operating segments.  Financial results for our business acquisitions have been included in our consolidated financial 
statements since their respective acquisition dates.  Purchase prices for our business acquisitions have been allocated 
based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. 

Goodwill recognized for our business acquisitions is generally not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  
However, if we acquire the assets of a company, the goodwill may be deductible for tax purposes.  The pro forma 
results  of  operations  for  our  business  acquisitions  and  the  results  of  operations  for  these  acquisitions  since  the 
acquisition  date  have  not  been  presented  because  the  effects  were  not  material  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements on either an individual or an aggregate basis.  

3.  Share-Based Compensation 

We provide share-based compensation for our employees, officers and non-employee directors, including stock 
options, an employee  stock purchase plan, restricted  stock  units (“RSUs”) and performance-based restricted stock 
units  (“PeRSUs”)  (collectively,  “share-based  awards”).    Most  of  our  share-based  awards  are  granted  in  the  first 
quarter of each fiscal year. 

Compensation expense for the share-based awards is recognized for the portion of awards ultimately expected 
to  vest.    We  estimate  the  number  of  share-based  awards,  which  will  ultimately  vest  primarily  based  on  historical 
experience.    The  estimated  forfeiture  rate  established  upon  grant  is  re-assessed  throughout  the  requisite  service 
period.    As  required,  the  forfeiture  estimates  are  adjusted  to  reflect  actual  forfeitures  when  an  award  vests.    The 
actual forfeitures in future reporting periods could be higher or lower than current estimates.   

                                                                                         67 

 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The  compensation  expense  recognized  has  been  classified  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  or 
capitalized  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  in  the  same  manner  as  cash  compensation  paid  to  our  employees.  
There was no material share-based compensation expense capitalized as part of the cost of an asset in 2012, 2011
and 2010.

Impact on Net Income 

The components of share-based compensation expense and related tax benefits are as follows: 

(In millions) 
RSUs (1) 
PeRSUs (2) 
Stock options 
Employee stock purchase plan 

Share-based compensation expense 

Tax benefit for share-based compensation expense (3) 
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax 

2012

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

2010

$ 

$ 

97 
24 
23 
10 
154 
(55) 
99 

  $ 

  $ 

79 
27 
22 
9
137 
(48) 
89 

  $ 

  $ 

47 
39 
19 
9 
114 
(41) 
73 

(1) This expense was primarily the result of PeRSUs awarded in prior years, which converted to RSUs due to the attainment of 

goals during the applicable years’ performance period. 

(2) Represents estimated compensation expense for PeRSUs that are conditional upon attaining performance objectives during 

(3)

the current year’s performance period. 
Income  tax  expense  is  computed  using  the  tax  rates  of  applicable  tax  jurisdictions.    Additionally,  a  portion  of  pre-tax 
compensation expense is not tax-deductible. 

Stock Plans 

The  2005  Stock  Plan  provides  our  employees,  officers  and  non-employee  director’s  share-based  long-term 
incentives.    The  2005  Stock  Plan  permits  the  granting  of  up  to  42.5 million  shares  in  the  form  of  stock  options, 
restricted  stock,  RSUs,  PeRSUs  and  other  share-based  awards.    As  of  March  31,  2012,  9.3 million  shares  remain 
available for future grant under the 2005 Stock Plan.  

Stock Options 

Stock options are granted at no less than fair market value and those options granted under the 2005 Stock Plan 

generally have a contractual term of seven years and follow a four-year vesting schedule. 

Compensation expense for stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period 
and  is  based  on  the  grant-date  fair  value  for  the  portion  of  the  awards  that  is  ultimately  expected  to  vest.    We 
continue to use the Black-Scholes options-pricing  model to estimate the fair value of our stock options.  Once the 
fair value of an employee stock option is determined, current accounting practices do not permit it to be changed, 
even if the estimates used are different from actual.  The options-pricing model requires the use of various estimates 
and assumptions as follows: 

–

–

–

–

Expected stock price volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our common stock and 
implied market volatility.  We believe that this market-based input provides a better estimate of our future 
stock price movements and is consistent with employee stock option valuation considerations. 

Expected dividend yield is based on historical experience and investors’ current expectations. 

The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the constant maturity 
U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant. 

Expected  life  of  the  options  is  based  primarily  on  historical  employee  stock  option  exercises  and  other 
behavior data and reflects the impact of changes in contractual life of current option grants compared to our 
historical grants. 

                                                                                         68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of employee stock options were as follows: 

Expected stock price volatility 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life (in years) 

2012

27% 
1.0% 
2% 
5 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011

29% 
1.1% 
3% 
5 

2010

33% 
0.7% 
2% 
5 

The following is a summary of options outstanding at March 31, 2012: 

Range of Exercise 
Prices 

$  27.35 
-  $  41.02 
$  41.03  -  $  54.70 
$  54.71  -  $  68.37 
$  68.38  -  $  84.41 

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable 

Number of 
Options 
Outstanding 
At Year End 
(In millions) 
3 
1 
3 
1 
8 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Life (Years)
3 
1 
4 
6 

  $ 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise 
Price
38.09 
45.99 
63.01 
83.04 

Number of 
Options 
Exercisable 
at Year End 
(In millions) 
1 
1 
2 
— 
4 

  $ 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise 
Price
36.52 
46.36 
61.20 
74.57 

The following table summarizes stock option activity during 2012, 2011 and 2010: 

(In millions, except per share data and years) 
Outstanding, March 31, 2009 
Granted 
Exercised 
Outstanding, March 31, 2010 
Granted 
Exercised 
Outstanding, March 31, 2011 
Granted 
Exercised 
Outstanding, March 31, 2012 

Shares 
19 
2 
(5) 
16 
1 
(8) 
9 
1 
 (2) 
8 

Vested and expected to vest (1) 
Vested and exercisable, March 31, 2012   

7 
4 

Weighted-
Average Exercise 
Price

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

39.28 
40.59 
33.34 
41.26 
67.95 
37.63 
49.01 
83.30 
42.20 
56.88 

56.71 
49.86 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual
Term (Years) 

3 

  $ 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic  
Value (2)
33 

3 

  $ 

394 

4 

  $ 

269 

  $ 

  $ 

4 

4 
3 

226 

225 
142 

(1) The number of options expected to vest takes into account an estimate of expected forfeitures. 
(2) The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the period-end market price of the Company’s common stock and 

the exercise price of “in-the-money” options. 

                                                                                         69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The following table provides data related to stock option activity: 

(In millions, except per share data and years) 
Weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option  $ 
$ 
Aggregate intrinsic value on exercise 
$ 
Cash received upon exercise 
$ 
Tax benefits realized related to exercise 
Total fair value of stock options vested 
$ 
Total compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, 

related to unvested stock options not yet recognized, 
pre-tax 

$ 

Weighted-average period in years over which stock 

2012 
20.32 
108 
113 
40 
23 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
18.37 
276 
319 
106 
21 

  $ 
 $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

40 

  $ 

41 

  $ 

option compensation cost is expected to be recognized  

1

1 

RSUs and PeRSUs 

2010 
12.56 
115 
165 
37 
16 

37 

1 

RSUs,  which  entitle  the  holder  to  receive  at  the  end  of  a  vesting  term  a  specified  number  of  shares  of  the 
Company’s  common  stock,  are  accounted  for  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of  grant.    Total  compensation  expense  for 
RSUs under our stock plans is determined by the product of the number of shares that are expected to vest and the 
grant  date  market  price  of  the  Company’s  common  stock.    The  Compensation  Committee  determines  the  vesting 
terms at the time of grant.  These awards generally vest in three to four years.  We recognize expense for RSUs with 
a single vest date on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  We have elected to expense the grant date 
fair value of RSUs with only graded vesting and service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service 
period. 

Non-employee directors receive an annual grant of RSUs, which vest immediately and are expensed upon grant.  
The  director  may  choose  to  receive  payment  immediately  or  defer  receipt  of  the  underlying  shares  if  they  meet 
director stock ownership guidelines.  At March 31, 2012, 128,000 RSUs for our directors are vested, but shares have 
not been issued. 

PeRSUs are RSUs for which the number of RSUs awarded may be conditional upon the attainment of one or 
more  performance  objectives  over  a  specified  period.    PeRSUs  are  accounted  for  as  variable  awards  until  the 
performance  goals  are  reached  and  the  grant  date  is  established.    Total  compensation  expense  for  PeRSUs  is 
determined by the product of the number of shares eligible to be awarded and expected to vest, and the market price 
of  the  Company’s  common  stock,  commencing  at  the  inception  of  the  requisite  service  period.    During  the 
performance  period,  the  compensation  expense  for  PeRSUs  is  re-computed  using  the  market  price  and  the 
performance  modifier  at  the  end  of  a  reporting  period.    At  the  end  of  the  performance  period,  if  the  goals  are 
attained, the awards are granted and classified as RSUs and accounted for on that basis.  For PeRSUs granted during 
or prior to 2009, for which the related RSU grant has multiple vesting dates, we recognize the compensation expense 
of  these  awards  on  a  graded vesting  basis  over  the  requisite  aggregate  service  period  of  four  years.    For  PeRSUs 
granted  during  or  after  2009,  for  which  the  related  RSU  has  a  single  vesting  date,  we  recognize  compensation 
expense of these awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite aggregate service period of four years. 

                                                                                         70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The following table summarizes RSU activity during 2012, 2011 and 2010: 

(In millions, except per share data)
Nonvested, March 31, 2009 
Granted 
Vested 
Nonvested, March 31, 2010 
Granted 
Vested 
Nonvested, March 31, 2011 
Granted 
Vested 
Nonvested, March 31, 2012 

The following table provides data related to RSU activity:  

(Dollars in millions) 
Total fair value of shares vested 
Total compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, 

related to nonvested RSU awards not yet recognized, 
pre-tax 

Weighted-average period in years over which RSU cost 

$ 

$ 

Weighted-
Average 
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share 

Shares 
3 
2 
(1) 
4 
3 
(1) 
6 
2 
(1) 
7 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

54.70 
40.94 
50.42 
49.21 
67.84 
61.05 
57.79 
82.71 
57.95 
65.14 

2010 

74 

61 

2 

2012 

44 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
43 

  $ 

  $ 

143 

  $ 

131 

  $ 

is expected to be recognized 

3 

2 

In May 2011, the Compensation Committee approved 1 million PeRSU target share units representing the base 
number of awards that could be granted, if goals are attained, and would be granted in the first quarter of 2013 (the 
“2012 PeRSU”).  These target share units are not included in the table above as they have not been granted in the 
form of RSUs.  As of March 31, 2012, the total pre-tax compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related 
to  nonvested  2012  PeRSUs  not  yet  recognized  was  approximately  $81 million,  (based  on  the  period-end  market 
price  of  the  Company’s  common  stock)  and  the  weighted-average  period  over  which  the  cost  is  expected  to  be 
recognized is 3 years. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) 

The Company has an ESPP under which 16 million shares have been authorized for issuance.  The ESPP allows 
eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions.  The deductions occur over 
three-month  purchase  periods  and  the  shares  are  then  purchased  at  85%  of  the  market  price  at  the  end  of  each 
purchase period.  Employees are allowed to terminate their participation in the ESPP at any time during the purchase 
period prior to the purchase of the shares.  The 15% discount provided to employees on these shares is included in 
compensation expense.  The shares related to funds outstanding at the end of a quarter are included in the calculation 
of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.  These amounts have not been significant.  In 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
1 million shares were issued under the ESPP and 2 million shares remain available for issuance at March 31, 2012. 

                                                                                         71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

4.  Product Alignment and Asset Impairment Charges 

During the third quarter of 2012, we approved a plan to align our hospital clinical and revenue cycle healthcare 
software  products  within  our  Technology  Solutions  segment.  As  part  of  this  alignment  strategy,  we  will  be 
converging  our  core  clinical  and  revenue  cycle  Horizon  and  Paragon  product  lines  onto  Paragon’s  Microsoft®–
based  platform  over  time.  Additionally,  we  have  stopped  development  of  our  Horizon  Enterprise  Revenue 
Management™ (“HzERM”) software product. The plan resulted in a pre-tax charge of $51 million in 2012, of which 
$31million was recorded to cost of sales and $20 million was recorded to operating expenses within our Technology 
Solutions  segment.  The  majority  of  these  charges  were  incurred  in  the  third  quarter  of  2012.    The  pre-tax  charge 
includes  $24  million  of  non-cash  asset  impairment  charges,  primarily  for  the  write-off  of  prepaid  licenses  and 
commissions and capitalized internal use software that were determined to be obsolete as they would not be utilized 
going forward, $10 million for severance, $7 million for customer allowances and $10 million for other charges.  

Our capitalized software held for sale is amortized over three years. At each balance sheet date, or earlier if an 
indicator of an impairment exists, we evaluate the recoverability of unamortized capitalized software costs based on 
estimated future undiscounted revenues net of estimated related costs over the remaining amortization period. At the 
end of the second quarter of 2010, our HzERM software product became generally available. In October 2010, we 
decreased  our  estimated  revenues  over  the  next  24  months  for  our  HzERM  software  product  and  as  a  result, 
concluded that the estimated future revenues, net of estimated related costs, were insufficient to recover its carrying 
value. Accordingly, we recorded a $72 million non-cash impairment charge in the second quarter of 2011 within our 
Technology  Solutions  segment’s  cost  of  sales  to  reduce  the  carrying  value  of  the  software  product  to  its  net 
realizable value.  

5.  Other Income, Net 

(In millions) 
Interest income 
Equity in earnings (loss), net (1) 
Reimbursement of post-acquisition interest expense 
Gain on sale of investment (1) 
Impairment of an investment 
Other, net 
Total 

2012 

19 
9 
— 
— 
(6) 
(1) 
21 

$ 

$ 

(1) Recorded within our Distribution Solutions segment. 

  $ 

  $ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
18 
(6) 
16 
— 
— 
8 
36 

  $ 

  $ 

2010 

16 
6 
— 
17 
— 
4 
43 

In 2011, other income, net included a credit of $16 million representing the reimbursement of post-acquisition 

interest expense by the former shareholders of US Oncology, which is recorded in Corporate.  

In 2010, we sold our 50% equity interest in McKesson Logistics Solutions LLC, a Canadian logistics company, 

for a pre-tax gain of $17 million or $14 million after-tax. 

We evaluate our investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 

values of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value.

                                                                                         72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

6. 

Income Taxes 

(In millions) 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes

U.S. 
Foreign 

Total income from continuing operations before 

income taxes 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

1,316 
603 

  $ 

1,161 
474 

  $ 

2010 

1,340 
524 

1,919 

  $ 

1,635 

  $ 

1,864 

$ 

$ 

The provision for income taxes related to continuing operations consists of the following:  

(In millions) 
Current 
Federal 
State and local 
Foreign 

Total current 

Deferred
Federal 
State and local 
Foreign 

Total deferred 

Income tax provision 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

$ 

$ 

271 
52 
28 
351 

129 
29 
7
165 
516 

  $ 

  $ 

283 
40 
54 
377 

121 
1 
6 
128 
505 

  $ 

  $ 

255 
25 
44 
324 

269 
13 
(5) 
277 
601 

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, income tax expense included $66 million, $34 million and $7 million of net income tax 
benefits  for  discrete  items,  which  primarily  relate  to  the  recognition  of  previously  unrecognized  tax  benefits  and 
accrued interest.  Included in the 2012 discrete tax benefit, is a $31 million credit to income tax expense as a result 
of the reversal of an income tax reserve relating to our AWP litigation.   

We have received tax assessments of $98 million  from the U.S. Internal  Revenue Service (“IRS”) relating to 
2003  through  2006.    We  disagree  with  a  substantial  portion  of  the  tax  assessments  primarily  relating  to  transfer 
pricing.    We  are  pursuing  administrative  relief  through  the  appeals  process  and  an  opening  conference  has  been 
scheduled for May 15, 2012.  We have also received assessments from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) for a 
total of $169 million related to transfer pricing for 2003 through 2007.  Payments of most of the assessments to the 
CRA have been made to stop the accrual of interest.  We have appealed the assessment for 2003 to the Tax Court of 
Canada  and  have  filed  a  notice  of  objection  for  2004  through  2007.    The  trial  between  McKesson  Canada 
Corporation and the CRA, argued in the Tax Court of Canada, concluded in early February 2012, and we are waiting 
for the decision.  We continue to believe in the merits of our tax positions and that we have adequately provided for 
any  potential  adverse  results  relating  to  these  examinations  in  our  financial  statements.    However,  the  final 
resolution of these issues could result in an increase or decrease to income tax expense. 

In November 2011, the IRS began its examination of 2007 through 2009.  We anticipate the audit fieldwork will 
last more than two years.  In nearly all jurisdictions, the tax years prior to 2003 are no longer subject to examination.   

Significant  judgments  and  estimates  are  required  in  determining  the  consolidated  income  tax  provision  and 
evaluating  income  tax  uncertainties.    Although  our  major  taxing  jurisdictions  are  the  U.S.  and  Canada,  we  are 
subject  to  income  taxes  in  numerous  foreign  jurisdictions.    Our  income  tax  expense,  deferred  tax  assets  and 
liabilities and uncertain tax liabilities reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to 
be paid.  We believe that we have made adequate provision for all income tax uncertainties. 

                                                                                         73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations and statutory tax rate is 

as follows: 

(In millions) 
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate 
State and local income taxes net of federal tax benefit 
Foreign income taxed at various rates 
Unrecognized tax benefits and settlements 
Tax credits 
Other, net 

Income tax provision 

$ 

$ 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

672 
57 
(176) 
(18) 
(13) 
(6) 
516 

  $ 

  $ 

572 
33 
(105) 
14 
(16) 
7 
505 

  $ 

  $ 

2010 
652 
25 
(144) 
53 
(8) 
23 
601 

At March 31, 2012, undistributed earnings of our foreign operations totaling $3.3 billion were considered to be 
permanently  reinvested.    No  deferred  tax  liability  has  been  recognized  on  the  basis  difference  created  by  such 
earnings since it is our intention to utilize those earnings in the foreign operations as well as to fund certain research 
and development activities for an indefinite period of time.  The determination of the amount of deferred taxes on 
these  earnings  is  not  practicable  because  the  computation  would  depend  on  a  number  of  factors  that  cannot  be 
known until a decision to repatriate the earnings is made. 

Deferred tax balances consisted of the following:   

(In millions)
Assets
Receivable allowances 
Deferred revenue 
Compensation and benefit related accruals 
AWP litigation accrual 
Loss and credit carryforwards 
Other 

Subtotal 

Less: valuation allowance 

Total assets 

Liabilities
Inventory valuation and other assets 
Fixed assets and systems development costs 
Intangibles 
Other 

Total liabilities 

Net deferred tax liability 

Current net deferred tax liability 
Long-term deferred tax asset 
Long-term deferred tax liability  

Net deferred tax liability 

March 31, 

2012 

2011 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

44 
114 
447 
175 
400 
256 
1,436 
(101) 
1,335 

(1,635) 
(263) 
(544) 
(53) 
(2,495) 
(1,160) 

(1,092) 
20 
(88) 
(1,160) 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

48 
107 
409 
97 
494 
241 
1,396 
(99) 
1,297 

(1,450) 
(221) 
(532) 
(58) 
(2,261) 
(964) 

(1,036) 
72 
— 
(964) 

                                                                                         74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

We have federal, state and foreign income tax net operating loss carryforwards of $173 million, $2,456 million 
and $249 million.  The federal and state net operating losses will expire at various dates from 2013 through 2032.  
Substantially all of our foreign net operating losses have indefinite lives.  We believe that it is more likely than not 
that the benefit from certain state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards may not be realized.  In recognition 
of this risk, we have provided valuation allowances of $10 million and $66 million on the deferred tax assets relating 
to these state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards.  We also have federal and state capital loss carryforwards 
of  $9 million  and  $28 million,  which  will  expire  at  various  dates  from  2013  through  2017.    We  have  provided 
valuation  allowances  of  $1 million  on  the  deferred  tax  assets  relating  to  the  state  capital  loss  carryforwards.  
Recognition  of  a  deferred  tax  asset  for  excess  tax  benefits  due  to  stock  option  exercises  that  have  not  yet  been 
realized through a reduction in income taxes payable is prohibited. Such unrecognized deferred tax benefits totaled 
$11 million as of March 31, 2012 and will be accounted for as a credit to shareholders’ equity, if and when realized 
through a reduction in income taxes payable. 

We  also  have  federal  and  state  income  tax  credit  carryforwards  of  $131 million,  which  are  primarily  federal 
alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards that have an indefinite life.  However, we believe that it is more likely 
than not that the benefit from certain state tax credits of $9 million may not be fully realized.  In recognition of this 
risk,  we  have  provided  a  valuation  allowance  of  $2 million.    In  addition,  we  have  Canadian  research  and 
development credit carryforwards of $13 million, and we believe it is more likely than not that these credits will be 
realized.  The Canadian research and development credits will expire at various dates from 2029 to 2032. 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  activity  related  to  our  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits  for  the  last  three 

years: 

(In millions) 
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period 
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years 
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years 
Additions based on tax positions related to current year 
Reductions based on settlements 
Reductions based on the lapse of the applicable statutes of 

limitations 
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period 

$ 

$ 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

635 
11 
(72) 
37 
(1) 

(15) 
595 

  $ 

  $ 

619 
32 
(60) 
50 
(6) 

— 
635 

  $ 

  $ 

526 
50 
(12) 
72 
(16) 

(1) 
619 

Of the total $595 million in unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2012, $387 million would reduce income 
tax expense and the effective tax rate if recognized.  During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that 
audit  resolutions,  the  expiration  of  statutes  of  limitations  and  tax  accounting  method  changes  could  potentially 
reduce  our  unrecognized  tax  benefits  by  up  to  $232 million.    However,  this  amount  may  change  because  we 
continue to have ongoing negotiations with various taxing authorities throughout the year. 

We report interest and penalties on tax deficiencies as income tax expense.  At March 31, 2012, before any tax 
benefits, our accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits amounted to $140 million.  We recognized an income tax 
expense of $7 million, before any tax effect, related to interest in our consolidated statements of operations during 
2012.  We have no material amounts accrued for penalties.

7.  Discontinued Operation 

In July 2010, our Technology Solutions segment sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, McKesson Asia Pacific Pty 
Limited  (“MAP”),  a  provider  of  phone  and  web-based  healthcare  services  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand,  for  net 
sales  proceeds  of  $109  million.    The  divestiture  generated  a  pre-tax  and  after-tax  gain  of  $95  million  and  $72 
million.  As a result of the sale, we were able to utilize capital loss carry-forwards for which we previously recorded 
a valuation allowance of $15 million.  The release of the valuation allowance is included as a tax benefit in our after-
tax  gain  on  the  divestiture.    The  after-tax  gain  on  disposition  was  recorded  as  a  discontinued  operation  in  our 
consolidated statement of operations in 2011.  The historical financial operating results and net assets of MAP were 
not material to our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

                                                                                         75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

8.  Earnings Per Common Share 

Basic  earnings  per  common  share  are  computed  by  dividing  net  income  by  the  weighted  average  number  of 
common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted earnings per common share are computed similar 
to basic earnings per common share except that it reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities 
or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.   

The computations for basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:  

(In millions, except per share amounts) 
Income from continuing operations 
Discontinued operation - gain on sale, net of tax 
Net income 

2012 
1,403 
— 
1,403 

$ 

$ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
1,130 
72 
1,202 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Weighted average common shares outstanding: 
Basic 
Effect of dilutive securities: 

Options to purchase common stock 
Restricted stock units 

Diluted 

Earnings per common share: (1)

Basic 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operation, net 

Total 

Diluted 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operation, net 

Total 

246 

2 
3 
251 

5.70 
— 
5.70 

5.59 
— 
5.59 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

258 

3 
2 
263 

4.37 
0.28 
4.65 

4.29 
0.28 
4.57 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2010 

1,263 
— 
1,263 

269 

3 
1 
273 

4.70 
— 
4.70 

4.62 
— 
4.62 

(1) Certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments. 

Potentially dilutive securities primarily include outstanding stock options, RSUs and PeRSUs.  Approximately 
4 million, 6 million and 8 million of potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the computations of diluted 
net earnings per common share in 2012, 2011 and 2010, as they were anti-dilutive. 

9.  Receivables, Net 

(In millions) 
Customer accounts 
Other 

Total 
Allowances 

Net 

March 31, 

2012 
8,562 
1,537 
10,099 
(122) 
9,977 

  $ 

  $ 

2011 

7,982 
1,341 
9,323 
(136) 
9,187 

  $ 

  $ 

Other  receivables  primarily  include  amounts  due  from  suppliers  and  customer  unbilled  receivables.    The 

allowances are primarily for estimated uncollectible accounts.   

                                                                                         76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

10.  Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 

(In millions)
Land 
Building, machinery, equipment and other 
Total property, plant and equipment 

Accumulated depreciation 

Property, plant and equipment, net 

March 31, 

2012 

68 
2,107 
2,175 
(1,132) 
1,043 

$ 

$ 

2011 

70 
1,973 
2,043 
(1,052) 
991 

$ 

$ 

11.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows: 

(In millions) 
Balance, March 31, 2010 
Goodwill acquired 
Acquisition accounting and other adjustments 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
Balance, March 31, 2011
Goodwill acquired 
Acquisition accounting and other adjustments 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
Balance, March 31, 2012

Distribution 
Solutions 
1,871 
819 
(32) 
4 
2,662 
511 
20 
(3) 
3,190 

$ 

  $ 

$ 

Technology 
Solutions 
1,697 
8 
(13) 
10 
1,702 
151 
—
(11) 
1,842 

$ 

  $ 

  $ 

$ 

$ 

$

Total 
3,568 
827 
(45) 
14 
4,364 
662 
20 
(14) 
5,032 

Information regarding intangible assets is as follows: 

March 31, 2012 

March 31, 2011 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Amortization 
Period 
(Years)
7 
18 
18 
4
8

(Dollars in millions) 
Customer lists 
Service agreements 
Trademarks and trade names 
Technology 
Other 

Total 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount
1,081 
1,022 
192 
244 
76 
2,615 

$

$

Accumulated 
Amortization

  $

  $

(554) 
(52) 
(38) 
(190) 
(31) 
(865) 

$

Net  
Carrying  
Amount 
527 
970 
154 
54 
45 
$  1,750 

Gross  
Carrying 
Amount
1,057 
723 
76 
204 
76 
2,136 

$

$

Accumulated 
Amortization
$

(444)
(11) 
(31) 
(170) 
(24) 
(680) 

$

  $

Net  
Carrying 
Amount
613 
712 
45 
34 
52 
  $ 1,456 

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $191 million, $132 million and $121 million for 2012, 2011 and 
2010.    Estimated  annual  amortization  expense  of  intangible  assets  is  as  follows:  $200 million,  $186 million, 
$166 million,  $142 million  and  $122 million  for  2013  through  2017,  and  $934 million  thereafter.    All  intangible 
assets were subject to amortization as of March 31, 2012 and 2011.   

                                                                                         77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

12.  Debt and Financing Activities 

(In millions)
7.75% Notes due February 1, 2012 
5.25% Notes due March 1, 2013 
6.50% Notes due February 15, 2014 
3.25% Notes due March 1, 2016 
5.70% Notes due March 1, 2017 
7.50% Notes due February 15, 2019 
4.75% Notes dues March 1, 2021 
7.65% Debentures due March 1, 2027 
6.00% Notes due March 1, 2041 
Other 

Total debt 

Less current portion 

Total long-term debt 

Senior Bridge Term Loan Facility 

2012 

— 
500 
350 
598 
499 
349 
598 
175 
493 
18 
3,580 
(508) 
3,072 

$ 

$ 

March 31, 

  $ 

  $ 

2011 
399 
499 
350 
598 
499 
349 
598 
175 
493 
44 
4,004 
(417) 
3,587 

In connection with our execution of an agreement to acquire US Oncology, in November 2010 we entered into a 
$2.0 billion unsecured Senior Bridge Term Loan Agreement (“Bridge Loan”). In December 2010, we reduced the 
Bridge Loan commitment to $1.0 billion. On January 31, 2011, we borrowed $1.0 billion under the Bridge  Loan.  
On February 28, 2011, we repaid the funds obtained under the Bridge Loan with long-term debt, as further described 
below, and the Senior Bridge Term Loan Agreement was terminated.  During the time it was outstanding, the Bridge 
Loan bore interest of 1.76%, which  was based on the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a  margin based on the 
Company’s credit rating.  Bridge Loan fees in 2011 of $25 million were included in interest expense. 

US Oncology Debt Acquired 

Upon  our  purchase  of  US  Oncology  in  December  2010,  we  assumed  the  outstanding  debt  of  US  Oncology 
Holdings,  Inc.  and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary  US  Oncology,  Inc.    Immediately  prior  to  our  acquisition,  US 
Oncology Holdings, Inc. called for redemption all of its outstanding Senior Unsecured Floating Rate Toggle Notes 
due 2012 and US Oncology, Inc. called for redemption all of its outstanding 9.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 
and 10.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, we paid interest of $50 million and 
redeemed  these  notes,  including  the  remaining  accrued  interest  for  $1,738  million  using  cash  on  hand  and 
borrowings under our Bridge Loan. 

Long-Term Debt 

On  February  28,  2011,  we  issued  3.25%  notes  due  March  1,  2016  in  an  aggregate  principal  amount  of 
$600 million, 4.75% notes due March 1, 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and 6.00%  notes 
due March 1, 2041 in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million.  Interest is payable on March 1 and September 
1 of each year beginning on September 1, 2011.  We utilized net proceeds, after discounts and offering expenses, of 
$1,673 million  from  the  issuance  of  these  notes  (each  note  constitutes  a  “Series”)  for  general  corporate  purposes, 
including the repayment of borrowings under the Bridge Loan. 

Each Series constitutes an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Company and ranks equally with all 
of  the  Company’s  existing  and  future  unsecured  and  unsubordinated  indebtedness  outstanding  from  time-to-time.  
Each Series is governed by materially similar indentures and an officers’ certificate specifying certain terms of each 
Series. 

                                                                                         78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Upon 30 days notice to holders of a Series, we may redeem that Series at any time prior to maturity, in whole or 
in  part,  for  cash  at  redemption  prices  that  include  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  and  a  make-whole  premium,  as 
specified in the indenture and officers’ certificate relating to that Series.  In the event of the occurrence of both (1) a 
change  of  control  of  the  Company  and  (2)  a  downgrade  of  a  Series  below  an  investment  grade  rating  by  each  of 
Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services within a specified period, an 
offer will be made to purchase that Series from the holders at a price in cash equal to 101% of the then outstanding 
principal amount of that Series, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of repurchase.  The 
indenture and the related officers’ certificate for each Series, subject to the exceptions and in compliance with the 
conditions  as  applicable,  specify  that  we  may  not  incur  liens,  enter  into  sale  and  leaseback  transactions  or 
consolidate,  merge or sell all  or substantially all of our assets.  The indentures also contain customary events and 
default provisions. 

In February 2012, we repaid our $400 million 7.75% Notes which had matured.  In March 2010, we repaid our 

$215 million 9.13% Series C Senior Notes which had matured.   

Scheduled  future  payments  of  long-term  debt  are  $508  million  in  2013,  $351 million  in  2014,  $2 million  in 

2015, $600 million in 2016, $500 million in 2017 and $1,619 million thereafter. 

Accounts Receivable Sales Facility 

In May 2011, we renewed our existing accounts receivable sales facility (the “Facility”) for a one year period 
under  terms  substantially  similar  to  those  previously  in  place.    The  committed  capacity  of  the  Facility  is  $1.35 
billion,  although,  from  time-to-time,  the  available  amount  of  the  Facility  may  be  less  than  $1.35  billion  based on 
accounts  receivable  concentration  limits  and  other  eligibility  requirements.    The  accounts  receivable  sales  facility 
will expire in May 2012.  We anticipate renewing the Facility before its expiration. 

Through the Facility, McKesson Corporation, the parent company, transfers certain U.S. pharmaceutical trade 
accounts  receivable  on  a  non-recourse  basis  to  a  special  purpose  entity  (“SPE”),  which  is  a  wholly-owned, 
bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of McKesson Corporation that is consolidated in our financial statements.  This SPE 
then  sells  undivided  interests  in  the  pool  of  accounts  receivable  to  third-party  purchaser  groups  (the  “Purchaser 
Groups”), which include financial institutions and commercial paper conduits. 

Since April 1, 2010, transactions under the Facility have been accounted for as secured borrowings rather than 
asset sales primarily because the Company’s retained interest in the pool of accounts receivable is subordinated to 
the  Purchaser  Groups  to  the  extent  there  is  any  outstanding  balance  in  the  Facility.  Consequently,  the  related 
accounts receivable continue to be recognized on our consolidated balance sheets and proceeds from the Purchaser 
Groups are shown as secured borrowings. 

The Facility contains requirements relating to the performance of the accounts receivable and covenants relating 
to  the  SPE  and  the  Company.    If  we  do  not  comply  with  these  covenants,  our  ability  to  use  the  Facility  may  be 
suspended and repayment of any outstanding balances under the Facility may be required. At March 31, 2012, we 
were in compliance with all covenants.  

We continue  servicing accounts receivable  subject to the  Facility.  However, no  servicing asset or liability  is 
recorded  at  the  time  the  Facility  is  utilized  as  there  is  no  service  fee  or  other  income  received  and  the  costs  of 
servicing the receivables subject to the Facility are not material.  Servicing costs are recognized as incurred over the 
servicing period.  

During  2012,  we  borrowed  $400 million  under  the  Facility.    There  were  no  borrowings  in  2011  under  the 
Facility.  At March 31, 2012, there were $400 million in secured borrowings and $400 million of related securitized 
accounts  receivable  outstanding,  which  are  included  in  short-term  borrowings  and  receivables  in  the  consolidated 
balance  sheets,  under  the  Facility.    At  March  31,  2011,  there  were  no  secured  borrowings  or  related  securitized 
accounts receivables outstanding under the Facility.  Fees and charges on the facility were $6 million, $9 million and 
$11 million  in  2012,  2011  and  2010  and  were  recorded  as  interest  expense  in  2012  and  2011  and  in  operating 
expenses  in  2010.    Should  we  default  under  the  Facility,  the  Purchaser  Groups  are  entitled  to  receive  only 
collections on the accounts receivable owned by the SPE and in the amount necessary to recover the interest, fees 
and principal amounts due the Purchaser Groups under the terms of the Facility. 
                                                                                         79 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The delinquency ratio for the qualifying receivables represented less than 1% of the total qualifying receivables 

as of March 31, 2012 and 2011.   

Revolving Credit Facility 

In September 2011, we renewed our existing syndicated $1.3 billion five-year senior unsecured revolving credit 
facility,  which  was  scheduled  to  mature  in  June  2012.    This  renewed  credit  facility  has  terms  and  conditions 
substantially similar to those previously in place and matures in September 2016.  Borrowings under this renewed 
credit  facility  bear  interest  based  upon  either  the  London  Interbank  Offered  Rate  or  a prime  rate.   There  were  no 
borrowings under this credit facility during 2012, 2011 and 2010.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no 
borrowings outstanding under this credit facility. 

Commercial Paper 

There were no commercial paper issuances during 2012, 2011 and 2010 and no amount outstanding at March 

31, 2012 and 2011.   

Debt Covenants 

Our  various  borrowing  facilities  and  long-term  debt  are  subject  to  certain  covenants.    Our  principal  debt 
covenant is our debt to capital ratio under our unsecured revolving credit facility, which cannot exceed 56.5%.  For 
the  purpose  of  calculating  this  ratio,  borrowings  under  the  accounts  receivable  sales  facility  are  excluded.    If  we 
exceed  this  ratio,  repayment  of  debt  outstanding  under  the  revolving  credit  facility  could  be  accelerated.    As  of 
March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with our financial covenants. 

13.  Variable Interest Entities 

We  are  involved  with  VIEs,  which  we  do  not  consolidate  because  we  do  not  have  the  power  to  direct  the 
activities  that  most  significantly  impact  their  economic  performance  and  thus  are  not  considered  the  primary 
beneficiary  of  the  entities.    Our  relationships  include  equity  investment,  lending,  leasing,  contractual  or  other 
relationships  with  the  VIEs.    Our  most  significant  relationships  are  with  oncology  and  other  specialty  practices. 
Under these practice arrangements, we generally own or lease all of the real estate and the equipment used by the 
affiliated practices and manage the practices’ administrative functions.  Our maximum exposure to loss (regardless 
of probability) as a result of all VIEs was $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion at March 31, 2012 and 2011, which primarily 
represents  the  value  of  intangible  assets  related  to  service  agreements  and  lease  and  loan  receivables.    These 
amounts  exclude  the  customer  loan  guarantees  discussed  in  Financial  Note  18,  “Financial  Guarantees  and 
Warranties.”  We believe that there is no material loss exposure on these assets or from these relationships. 

14.  Pension Benefits 

We  maintain  a  number  of  qualified  and  nonqualified  defined  benefit  pension  plans  and  defined  contribution 

plans for eligible employees.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans 

Eligible U.S. employees who were employed by the Company as of December 31, 1995 are covered under the 
Company-sponsored defined benefit retirement plan.  In 1997, the plan was amended to freeze all plan benefits as of 
December 31, 1996.  Benefits for the defined benefit retirement plan are based primarily on age of employees at date 
of retirement, years of creditable service and the average of the highest 60 months of pay during the 15 years prior to 
the  plan  freeze  date.    We  also  have  defined  benefit  pension  plans  for  eligible  Canadian  and  United  Kingdom 
employees  as  well  as  an  unfunded  nonqualified  supplemental  defined  benefit  plan  for  certain  U.S.  executives.  
Defined benefit plan assets and obligations are measured as of the Company’s fiscal year-end. 

                                                                                         80 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The net periodic expense for our pension plans is as follows: 

(In millions) 
Service cost—benefits earned during the year 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 
Expected return on assets 
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss, prior 
service costs and net transitional obligation 
Net periodic pension expense 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

$ 

$ 

7 
31 
(31) 

27 
34 

  $ 

  $ 

6 
31 
(29) 

28 
36 

  $ 

  $ 

4 
35 
(24) 

25 
40 

The  projected  unit  credit  method  is  utilized  in  measuring  net  periodic  pension  expense  over  the  employees’ 
service life for the U.S. pension plans.  Unrecognized actuarial losses exceeding 10% of the greater of the projected 
benefit obligation or the market value of assets are amortized straight-line over the average remaining future service 
periods. 

Information regarding the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for our pension plans is as follows:  

Years Ended March 31, 

2012

2011

625 
7 
31 
42 
(34) 
(1) 
670 

416 
12 
17 
(34) 
(1) 
410 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

593 
6 
31 
21 
(32) 
6 
625 

391 
40 
11 
(32) 
6 
416 

(260) 

  $ 

(209) 

— 
(13) 
(247) 
(260) 

  $ 

  $ 

4 
(4) 
(209) 
(209) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(In millions) 
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligation at beginning of period 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Actuarial loss 
Benefit payments 
Foreign exchange impact and other 

Benefit obligation at end of period (1) 

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 
Actual return on plan assets 
Employer and participant contributions 
Benefits paid 
Foreign exchange impact and other 

Fair value of plan assets at end of period 

Funded status at end of period

Amounts recognized on the balance sheet
Long-term assets 
Current liabilities 
Long-term liabilities 

Total 

(1) The benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. 

                                                                                         81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The  accumulated  benefit  obligations  for  our  pension  plans  were  $667  million  at  March  31,  2012  and 
$622 million at March 31, 2011. The following table provides the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit 
obligation and fair value of plan assets for all our pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of 
plan assets. 

(In millions) 
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation 
Fair value of plan assets 

$ 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:  

(In millions) 
Net actuarial loss
Prior service cost 
Net transition obligation 

Total 

$ 

$ 

March 31, 

  $ 

March 31, 

  $ 

  $ 

2012 
670 
667 
410 

2012 
274 
1 
1 
276 

2011 
533 
529 
319 

2011 
239 
2 
1 
242 

Other  changes  in  plan  assets  and  benefit  obligations  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  during  the 

reporting periods were as follows:  

(In millions)
Net actuarial loss
Prior service credit 
Amortization of:  

Net actuarial loss 
Prior service cost 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other 

$ 

2012
61 
— 

(25) 
(2) 

comprehensive loss (income) 

$ 

34 

$ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
10 
— 

$ 

  $ 

(26) 
(2) 

(18) 

$ 

2010 
59 
(2) 

(23) 
(2) 

32 

We expect to amortize $2 million of prior service cost and $30 million of actuarial loss  for the pension plans 
from stockholders’ equity to pension expense in 2013.  Comparable 2012 amounts were $2 million and $25 million. 

Projected  benefit  obligations  relating  to  our  unfunded  U.S.  plans  were  $167 million  and  $154 million  at 
March 31, 2012 and 2011.  Pension obligations for our unfunded plans are funded based on the recommendations of 
independent actuaries. 

Expected  benefit  payments  for  our  pension  plans  are  as  follows:  $43 million,  $33 million,  $144 million, 
$36 million and $33 million for 2013 to 2017 and $190 million for 2018 through 2022.  Expected benefit payments 
are based on the same assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations and include estimated future employee 
service.  Expected contributions to be made for our pension plans are $38 million for 2013. 

                                                                                         82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the net periodic pension expense and the actuarial present value 

of benefit obligations were as follows: 

Net periodic pension expense 
Discount rates 
Rate of increase in compensation 
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
Benefit obligation 
Discount rates 
Rate of increase in compensation 

Years Ended March 31, 

2012 

4.98% 
3.74 
7.60 

4.23% 
3.56 

2011 

5.30% 
3.75 
7.79 

4.99% 
3.74 

2010 

7.68% 
3.62 
7.90 

5.33% 
3.75 

Our  U.S.  defined  benefit  pension  plan  liabilities  are  valued  using  a  discount  rate  based  on  a  yield  curve 
developed from a portfolio of high quality corporate bonds rated AA or better whose maturities are aligned with the 
expected benefit payments of our plans.  For March 31, 2012, we used a weighted average discount rate of 4.15%, 
which represents a decrease of 73 basis points from our 2011 weighted-average discount rate of 4.88%. 

Sensitivity to changes in the weighted-average discount rate for our U.S. pension plans is as follows: 

(In millions) 
Increase (decrease) on projected benefit obligation 
Increase (decrease) on net periodic pension cost 

One Percentage 
Point Increase
(38) 
(2) 

$

One Percentage 
Point Decrease
44 
3 

$

Plan Assets  

Investment  Strategy:  The  overall  objective  for  McKesson’s  pension  plan  assets  is  to  generate  long-term 
investment  returns  consistent  with  capital  preservation  and  prudent  investment  practices,  with  a  diversification  of 
asset types and investment strategies.  Periodic adjustments are made to provide liquidity for benefit payments and 
to rebalance plan assets to their target allocations. 

The  target  allocations  for  plan  assets  at  March  31,  2012  are  53%  equity  investments,  35%  fixed  income 
investments and 12% to all other types of investments including cash and cash equivalents.  The target allocations 
for plan assets at March 31, 2011 were 61% equity investments, 32% fixed income investments and 7% to all other 
types  of  investments  including  cash  and  cash  equivalents.    Equity  investments  include  common  stock,  preferred 
stock,  and  equity  commingled  funds.    Fixed  income  investments  include  corporate  bonds,  government  securities, 
mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, other directly held fixed income investments, and fixed income 
commingled funds.  Other investments include real estate funds, hedge funds, other commingled funds and cash and 
cash equivalents.   

We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumption based on the projected performance of the asset 
classes in which plan assets are invested.  Our target asset allocation was determined based on the liability and risk 
tolerance characteristics of the plans and at times may be adjusted to achieve our overall investment objectives. 

                                                                                         83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Fair Value Measurements:  The following tables represent  our pension plan assets as of March 31, 2012 and 
2011, using the fair value hierarchy by asset class. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability 
of  the  inputs  used  to  determine  fair  value.    Level  1  refers  to  fair  values  determined  based  on  unadjusted  quoted 
prices in active markets for identical assets.  Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable 
inputs and Level 3 includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.  

(In millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Equity securities: 
Common stock 
Equity commingled funds 

Fixed income securities: 
Government securities 
Corporate bonds 
Mortgage-backed securities 
Asset-backed securities and other 
Fixed income commingled funds 

Other: 

Real estate funds 
Other commingled funds 
Total 

Receivables (1) 
Payables  (1) 
Total 

(1) Represents pending trades at March 31, 2012. 

March 31, 2012 

Level 1
14 

$ 

Level 2
14 

$ 

Level 3
— 

$ 

Total
28 

$ 

100 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
114 

$ 

— 
134 

11 
48 
21 
20 
25 

— 
12 
285 

$ 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

17 
— 
17 

$ 

100 
134 

11 
48 
21 
20 
25 

17 
12 
416 
6 
(12) 
410 

$ 

(In millions) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Equity securities: 

Common and preferred stock 
Equity commingled funds 

Fixed income securities: 
Government securities 
Corporate bonds 
Mortgage-backed securities 
Asset-backed securities and other 
Fixed income commingled funds 

Other: 

Real estate funds 
Hedge funds 
Total  

Receivables (1) 
Payables  (1) 
Total  

March 31, 2011

Level 1
14 

$ 

Level 2
31 

$ 

Level 3
— 

$ 

Total
45 

$ 

104 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
118 

$ 

1 
144 

20 
26 
28 
19 
34 

— 
— 
303 

$ 

  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

5 
5 
10 

$ 

105 
144 

20 
26 
28 
19 
34 

5 
5 
431 
19 
(34) 
416 

$ 

(1) Represents pending trades at March 31, 2011.   

                                                                                         84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investment funds that maintain daily 
liquidity and aim to have constant unit values of $1.00. The funds invest in short-term fixed income securities and 
other  securities  with  debt-like  characteristics  emphasizing  short-term  maturities  and  high  credit  quality.    Directly 
held  cash  and  cash  equivalents  are  classified  as  Level  1  investments.    Cash  and  cash  equivalents  include 
commingled funds, which have daily net asset values derived from the underlying securities; these are classified as 
Level 2 investments. 

Common and preferred stock – This investment class consists of common and preferred shares issued by U.S. 
and non-U.S. corporations.  Common shares are traded actively on exchanges and price quotes are readily available.  
Preferred  shares  may  not  be  actively  traded.    Holdings  of  common  shares  are  generally  classified  as  Level  1 
investments.  Preferred shares are classified as Level 2 investments. 

Equity commingled funds – Some equity investments are held in commingled funds, which have daily net asset 
values  derived  from  quoted  prices  for  the  underlying  securities  in  active  markets;  these  are  classified  as  Level  2 
investments. 

Fixed  income  securities  —  Government  securities  consist  of  bonds  and  debentures  issued  by  central 
governments  or  federal  agencies;  corporate  bonds  consist  of  bonds  and  debentures  issued  by  corporations; 
mortgage-backed  securities  consist  of  debt  obligations  secured  by  a  mortgage  or  pool  of  mortgages;  and  asset-
backed securities primarily consist of debt obligations secured by an asset or pool of assets other than mortgages. 
Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, and inputs that are 
observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset.  Multiple prices and 
price  types  are  obtained  from  pricing  vendors  whenever  possible,  which  enables  cross-provider  validations.    The 
Company  obtains  an  understanding  of  how  these  prices  are  derived,  including  the  nature  and  observability  of  the 
inputs used in deriving such prices.  Fixed income securities are generally classified as Level 2 investments. 

Fixed income commingled funds – Some fixed income investments are held in commingled funds, which have 

daily net asset values derived from the underlying securities; these are classified as Level 2 investments.   

Real  estate  funds  –  The  value  of  the  real  estate  funds  is  reported  by  the  fund  manager  and  is  based  on  a 
valuation  of  the  underlying  properties.    Inputs  used  in  the  valuation  include  items  such  as  cost,  discounted  future 
cash flows, independent appraisals and market based comparable data.  The real estate funds are classified as Level 
3 investments. 

Hedge funds – The hedge funds are invested in fund-of-fund structures and consist of multiple investments in 
interest and currency funds designed to hedge the risk of rate fluctuations.  Given the complex nature of valuation 
and the broad spectrums of investments, the hedge funds are classified as Level 3 investments. 

Other  commingled  funds  –  The  other  commingled  funds  are  invested  in  equities,  bonds,  commodities,  other 
alternative investments and cash and cash equivalents.  These funds are valued  generally based on the weekly net 
asset  values  derived  from  the  quoted  prices  for  the  underlying  securities  in  active  markets  and,  for  alternative 
investments,  based  on  other  complex  valuation  techniques.    Other  commingled  funds  are  classified  as  Level  2 
investments. 

                                                                                         85 

 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The  following  table  represents  a  reconciliation  of  Level  3  plan  assets  held  during  the  years  ended 

March 31, 2012 and 2011: 

(In millions)
Balance at March 31, 2010 
Purchases, sales and settlements 
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3 
Balance at March 31, 2011 
Unrealized gain on plan assets still held
Purchases, sales and settlements 
Balance at March 31, 2012 

$ 

Real Estate 
Funds
19 
(14) 
— 
5 
1 
11 
17 

$ 

$ 

Hedge 
Funds
5 
— 
— 
5 
—
(5) 
—

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

Other
2 
— 
(2) 
— 
—
— 
— 

 $

 $

$

Total
26 
(14) 
(2) 
10 
1 
6 
17 

 $ 

 $ 

 $ 

Concentration of Credit Risk:  We evaluated our pension plans’ asset portfolios for the existence of significant 
concentrations of credit risk as of March 31, 2012.  Types of concentrations that were evaluated include investment 
funds that represented 10% or more of the pension plans’ net assets.  As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, 10% and 11% 
of our plan assets are comprised of Bartram International Fund, which predominantly holds actively traded stock.

Multiemployer Plans 

We  also  contribute  to  a  number  of  multiemployer  pension  plans  under  the  terms  of  collective-bargaining 
agreements  that  cover  union-represented  employees.    The  risks  of  participating  in  these  multiemployer  plans  are 
different  from  single-employer  pension  plans  in  the  following  aspects:  (i) assets  contributed  to  the  multiemployer 
plan  by  one  employer  may  be  used  to  provide  benefits  to  employees  of  other  participating  employers;  (ii) if  a 
participating  employer  stops  contributing  to  the  plan,  the  unfunded  obligations  of  the  plan  may  be  borne  by  the 
remaining  participating  employers;  and  (iii) if  the  Company  chooses  to  stop  participating  in  some  of  its 
multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status 
of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.  Actions taken by other participating employers may lead to adverse 
changes  in  the  financial  condition  of  a  multiemployer  benefit  plan  and  our  withdrawal  liability  and  contributions 
may  increase.    Contributions  to  the  plans  and  amounts  accrued  were  not  material  for  the  years  ended  March  31, 
2012, 2011, and 2010.

Defined Contribution Plans 

We have a contributory profit sharing investment plan (“PSIP”) for U.S. employees not covered by collective 
bargaining arrangements.  Effective January 1, 2011, eligible employees may contribute to the PSIP up to 75% of 
their  monthly  eligible  compensation  for  pre-tax  contributions  and  up  to  75%  of  compensation  for  catch-up 
contributions not to exceed IRS limits.  The Company makes matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of 
the employee’s first 3% of pay contributed and 50% for the next 2% of pay contributed.  The Company also may 
make an additional annual  matching contribution  for each  plan  year to enable participants to receive a  full  match 
based on their annual contribution. 

The Company’s leveraged employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) had purchased an aggregate of 24 million 
shares of the Company’s common stock since its inception.  These purchases were financed by 10 to 20 year loans 
from or guaranteed by us.  At March 31, 2010, there were no outstanding ESOP loans nor the related receivables 
from the ESOP as the ESOP fully repaid the loans during 2010.  The loans were repaid by the ESOP from interest 
earnings  on  cash  balances  and  common  dividends  on  unallocated  shares  and  Company  cash  contributions.    The 
ESOP  loan  maturities  and  rates  were  identical  to  the  terms  of  related  Company  borrowings.    Stock  was  made 
available from the ESOP based on debt service payments on ESOP borrowings.  In the first quarter of 2011, all of 
the 24 million common shares had been allocated to plan participants.  In 2012, 2011 and 2009, the Company made 
contributions  primarily  in  cash  or  with  the  issuance  of  treasury  shares.    Future  PSIP contributions  will  be  funded 
with cash or treasury shares. 

                                                                                         86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The McKesson Corporation PSIP was a member of the settlement class in the Consolidated Securities Litigation 
Action.  On April 27, 2009, the court issued an order approving the distribution of the settlement funds.  On October 
9, 2009, the PSIP received approximately $119 million of the Consolidated Securities  Litigation  Action proceeds.  
Approximately  $42 million  of  the  proceeds  were  attributable  to  the  allocated  shares  of  McKesson  common  stock 
owned by the PSIP participants during the Consolidated Securities Litigation Action class-holding period and were 
allocated to the respective participants on that basis in the third quarter of 2010.  Approximately $77 million of the 
proceeds  were  attributable  to  the  unallocated  shares  (the  “Unallocated  Proceeds”)  of  McKesson  common  stock 
owned by the PSIP in an ESOP suspense account.  In accordance with the plan terms, the PSIP distributed all of the 
Unallocated Proceeds to current PSIP participants after the close of the plan year in April 2010.  The receipt of the 
Unallocated Proceeds by the PSIP was reimbursement for the loss in value of the Company’s common stock held by 
the  PSIP  in  its  ESOP  suspense  account  during  the  Consolidated  Securities  Litigation  Action  class-holding  period 
and  was  not  a  contribution  made  by  the  Company  to  the  PSIP  or  ESOP.    Accordingly,  there  were  no  accounting 
consequences to the Company’s financial statements relating to the receipt of the Unallocated Proceeds by the PSIP. 

As a result of the PSIP’s receipt of the Unallocated Proceeds, in 2010 the Company contributed $1 million to 
the PSIP.  Accordingly, the PSIP expense for 2010 was nominal.  Commencing in 2011, the Company resumed its 
contributions to the PSIP. 

PSIP expense by segment for the last three years was as follows: 

(In millions) 
Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions
Corporate 

PSIP expense 

Cost of sales (1) 
Operating expenses 
PSIP expense 

2012 

22 
30 
6 
58 

17 
41 
58 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  $ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
23 
32 
4 
59 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

17 
42 
59 

  $ 

  $ 

2010 

— 
1 
— 
1 

— 
1 
1 

(1) Amounts recorded to cost of sales pertain solely to our McKesson Technology Solutions segment. 

15.  Postretirement Benefits  

We  maintain  a  number  of  postretirement  benefits,  primarily  consisting  of  healthcare  and  life  insurance 
(“welfare”)  benefits,  for  certain  eligible  U.S.  employees.    Eligible  employees  consist  of  those  who  retired  before 
March  31,  1999  and  those  who  retired  after  March  31,  1999,  but  were  an  active  employee  as  of  that  date,  after 
meeting  other  age-related  criteria.    We  also  provide  postretirement  benefits  for  certain  U.S.  executives.    Defined 
benefit plan obligations are measured as of the Company’s fiscal year-end. 

The net periodic expense (income) for our postretirement welfare benefits is as follows: 

(In millions) 
Service cost—benefits earned during the year 
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation 
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss (gain) and 

$ 

prior service costs 

Net periodic postretirement expense (income) 

$ 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

2 
7 

(1) 
8 

  $ 

  $ 

1 
8 

(4) 
5 

  $ 

  $ 

1 
9 

(25) 
(15) 

                                                                                         87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Information regarding the changes in benefit obligations for our postretirement welfare plans is as follows:  

(In millions) 
Benefit obligation at beginning of period 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Actuarial loss (gain) 
Benefit payments 

Benefit obligation at end of period 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 
2012 
152 
2
7
(4) 
(13) 
144 

154 
1 
8 
2 
(13) 
152 

  $ 

The  components  of  the  amount  recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  for  the  Company’s 
other postretirement benefits at March 31, 2012 and 2011 were net actuarial losses of $2 million and $5 million and 
net  prior  service  credits  of  $2 million  and  $2 million.    Other  changes  in  benefit  obligations  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive  income  were  net  actuarial  gain  of  $3  million  in  2012  and  losses  of  $6 million  and  $51 million  in 
2011 and 2010. 

We estimate that the amortization of the actuarial loss from stockholders’ equity to other postretirement expense 

in 2013 will be $1 million. Comparable 2012 amounts were $1 million. 

Other postretirement benefits are funded as claims are paid.  Expected benefit payments for our postretirement 
welfare benefit plans, net of expected Medicare subsidy receipts of $1 million annually, are as follows: $11 million 
annually  for  2013  to  2017  and  $50 million  cumulatively  for  2018  through  2022.    Expected  benefit  payments  are 
based  on  the  same  assumptions  used  to  measure  the  benefit  obligations  and  include  estimated  future  employee 
service.  Expected contributions to be made for our postretirement welfare benefit plans are $13 million for 2013. 

Weighted-average discount rates used to estimate postretirement welfare benefit expenses were 5.09%, 5.33% 
and  7.86%  for  2012,  2011  and  2010.    Weighted-average  discount  rates  for  the  actuarial  present  value  of  benefit 
obligations were 4.44%, 5.09% and 5.33% for 2012, 2011 and 2010. 

Actuarial gain or loss for the postretirement welfare benefit plan is amortized to income or expense over a three-
year  period.    The  assumed  healthcare  cost  trends  used  in  measuring  the  accumulated  postretirement  benefit 
obligation were 8.0% and 8.5% for prescription drugs, 7.5% and 7.5% for medical and 5.5% and 5.8% for dental in 
2012 and 2011.  For 2012, 2011 and 2010, a one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare 
cost trend rate would not have a material impact on the postretirement benefit obligations.

16.  Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities 

At  March  31,  2012  and  2011,  the  carrying  amounts  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  restricted  cash,  marketable 
securities, receivables, drafts and accounts payable, short-term borrowings and other current liabilities approximated 
their  estimated  fair  values  because  of  the  short  maturity  of  these  financial  instruments.    All  highly  liquid  debt 
instruments purchased with original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition are included in cash 
and cash equivalents.  Included in cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2012 and 2011, were money market fund 
investments of $0.8 billion and $1.7 billion,  which are reported at fair  value.  The  fair  value of these  investments 
was determined by using quoted prices for identical investments in active markets, which are considered to be Level 
1  inputs  under  the  fair  value  measurements  and  disclosures  guidance.    The  carrying  value  of  all  other  cash 
equivalents approximates fair value due to their relatively short-term nature. 

                                                                                         88 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of our long-term debt and other  financing  was $3.6 billion and 
$4.1 billion at March 31, 2012 and $4.0 billion and $4.3 billion at March 31, 2011.  The estimated fair value of our 
long-term debt and other financing was determined using quoted market prices and other inputs that  were derived 
from available  market information.  These are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value  measurements 
and disclosure guidance, and may not be representative of actual values that could have been realized or that will be 
realized in the future. 

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations.  At 
times we limit these risks through the use of derivatives such as interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange 
contracts.  In accordance with our policy, derivatives are only used for hedging purposes.  We do not use derivatives 
for trading or speculative purposes.   

Foreign currency rate risk 

The majority of our operations are conducted in US dollars however, certain assets and liabilities, revenues and 
expense  and  purchasing  activities  are  incurred  in  and  exposed  to  other  currencies.    We  have  established  certain 
foreign  currency  rate  risk  programs  that  manage  the  impact  of  foreign  currency  fluctuation.    These  programs  are 
utilized on a transactional basis when we consider there to be a risk in fair value or volatility in cash flows.  These 
programs reduce but do not entirely eliminate foreign currency rate risk.  Currently, our foreign currency rate risk 
programs include: 

In  March  2012,  we  entered  into  a  number  of  forward  contracts  to  hedge  Canadian  dollar  denominated  cash 
flows.  These contracts mature over a period of eight years and have a gross notional value of $528 million.  These 
contracts  have  been  designated  for  hedge  accounting  and  accordingly,  changes  in  the  contracts’  fair  value will  be 
recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the 
hedged transaction affects earnings.  At March 31, 2012, the fair value of these contracts was not material and no 
amounts were reclassified to earnings in 2012.   

In 2012, we entered into a number of forward contracts to hedge British pound denominated cash flows.  These 
contracts mature in 2013 and have a gross notional value of $151 million.  These contracts have not been designated 
for  hedge  accounting  and  accordingly,  changes  in  these  contracts’  fair  value  are  recorded  directly  in  earnings.  At 
March 31, 2012, the fair value of these contracts was not material and net gains or losses for the year ended March 
31, 2012 were also not material.   

The  fair  values  of  all  derivatives  are  considered  to  be  Level  2  inputs  under  the  fair  value  measurements  and 
disclosure  guidance  and  may  not  be  representative  of  actual  values  that  could  have  been  realized  or  that  will  be 
realized in the future. 

17.  Lease Obligations 

We lease facilities and equipment almost solely under operating leases.   At March 31, 2012, future minimum 
lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of 
one year for years ending March 31 are: 

(In millions) 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Thereafter 

Total minimum lease payments (1) 

Noncancelable 
Operating
Leases

  $ 

  $ 

188 
157 
123 
92 
75 
233 
868 

(1)

 Minimum  lease  payments  have  not  been  reduced  by  minimum  sublease  rentals  of  $74  million  due  under  future 
noncancelable subleases. 

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Rental  expense  under  operating  leases  was  $240 million,  $157 million  and  $154 million  in  2012,  2011  and 
2010.    We  recognize  rent  expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  term  of  the  lease,  taking  into  account,  when 
applicable, lessor incentives for tenant improvements, periods where no rent payment is required and escalations in 
rent payments over the term of the lease.  Deferred rent is recognized for the difference between the rent expense 
recognized on a straight-line basis and the payments made per the terms of the lease.  Remaining terms for facilities 
leases generally range from one to seven years, while remaining terms for equipment leases range from one to three 
years.    Most  real  property  leases  contain  renewal  options  (generally  for  five-year  increments)  and  provisions 
requiring us to pay property taxes and operating expenses in excess of base period amounts.  Sublease rental income 
was not material for 2012, 2011 and 2010.

18.  Financial Guarantees and Warranties 

Financial Guarantees 

We  have  agreements  with  certain  of  our  Canadian  customers’  financial  institutions  under  which  we  have 
guaranteed  the  repurchase  of  our  customers’  inventory  or  our  customers’  debt  in  the  event  these  customers  are 
unable  to  meet  their  obligations  to  those  financial  institutions.    For  our  inventory  repurchase  agreement,  among 
other  requirements,  inventories  must  be  in  resalable  condition  and  any  repurchase  would  be  at  a  discount.    The 
inventory repurchase agreements mostly range from one to two years.  Customers’ debt guarantees range from one 
to  five  years  and  were  primarily  provided  to  facilitate  financing  for  certain  customers. The  majority  of  our 
customers’  debt  guarantees  are  secured  by  certain  assets  of  the  customer.    We  also  have  an  agreement  with  one 
software  customer  that,  under  limited  circumstances,  may  require  us  to  secure  standby  financing.    Because  the 
amount of the standby financing is not explicitly stated, the overall amount of this guarantee cannot reasonably be 
estimated.    At  March  31,  2012,  the  maximum  amounts  of  inventory  repurchase  guarantees  and  customers’  debt 
guarantees were $125 million and $41 million, none of which had been accrued. 

The expirations of the above noted financial guarantees are as follows: $107 million, $22 million, $13 million, 

$2 million and $1 million from 2013 through 2017 and $21 million thereafter. 

In addition, at March 31, 2012, our banks and insurance companies have issued $86 million of standby letters of 
credit and surety bonds, which were issued on our behalf mostly related to our customer contracts and in order to 
meet the security requirements for statutory licenses and permits, court and fiduciary obligations and our workers’ 
compensation and automotive liability programs. 

Our  software  license  agreements  generally  include  certain  provisions  for  indemnifying  customers  against 
liabilities if our software products infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights.  To date, we have not incurred 
any material costs as a result of such indemnification agreements and have not accrued any liabilities related to such 
obligations. 

In  conjunction  with  certain  transactions,  primarily  divestitures,  we  may  provide  routine  indemnification 
agreements (such as retention of previously existing environmental, tax and employee liabilities) whose terms vary 
in  duration  and  often  are  not  explicitly  defined.    Where  appropriate,  obligations  for  such  indemnifications  are 
recorded as liabilities.  Because the amounts of these indemnification obligations often are not explicitly stated, the 
overall maximum amount of these commitments cannot be reasonably estimated.  Other than obligations recorded as 
liabilities  at  the  time  of  divestiture,  we  have  historically  not  made  significant  payments  as  a  result  of  these 
indemnification provisions.

Warranties 

In the normal course of business, we provide certain warranties and indemnification protection for our products 
and  services.    For  example,  we  provide  warranties  that  the  pharmaceutical  and  medical-surgical  products  we 
distribute are in compliance with the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other applicable laws and regulations.  We 
have received the same warranties from our suppliers, which customarily are the manufacturers of the products.  In 
addition, we have indemnity obligations to our customers for these products, which have also been provided to us 
from our suppliers, either through express agreement or by operation of law. 

                                                                                         90 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

We  also  provide  warranties  regarding  the  performance  of  software  and  automation  products  we  sell.    Our 
liability under these warranties is to bring the product into compliance with previously agreed upon specifications.  
For software products, this may result in additional project costs, which are reflected in our estimates used for the 
percentage-of-completion  method  of  accounting  for  software  installation  services  within  these  contracts.    In 
addition,  most  of  our  customers  who  purchase  our  software  and  automation  products  also  purchase  annual 
maintenance agreements.  Revenues from these maintenance agreements are recognized on a straight-line basis over 
the  contract  period  and  the  cost  of  servicing  product  warranties  is  charged  to  expense  when  claims  become 
estimable.  Accrued warranty costs were not material to the consolidated balance sheets. 

19.  Other Commitments and Contingent Liabilities   

In addition to commitments and obligations in the ordinary course of business, we are subject to various claims, 
other pending and potential legal actions for damages, investigations relating to governmental laws and regulations 
and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of our business.  As described below, many of these proceedings 
are at preliminary stages and many seek an indeterminate amount of damages. 

When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable,  we record a liability in the amount of our best 
estimate  for  the  ultimate  loss.  However,  the  likelihood  of  a  loss  with  respect  to  a  particular  contingency  is  often 
difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable based 
on  the  information  available  and  the  potential  effect  of  future  events  and  decisions  by  third  parties  that  will 
determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency. Moreover, it is not uncommon for such matters to be resolved 
over  many  years,  during  which  time  relevant  developments  and  new  information  must  be  reevaluated  at  least 
quarterly to determine both the likelihood of potential loss and whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range 
of possible loss.  When a loss is probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, disclosure of the proceeding is 
provided.   

Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably 
possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision.  We review all contingencies at least quarterly 
to determine whether the likelihood of loss has changed and to assess whether a reasonable estimate of the loss or 
range of loss can be made. As discussed above, development of a meaningful estimate of loss or a range of potential 
loss is complex when the outcome is directly dependent on negotiations with or decisions by third parties, such as 
regulatory agencies, the court system and other interested parties. Such factors bear directly on whether it is possible 
to reasonably estimate a range of potential loss and boundaries of high and low estimates. 

We  are  party  to  the  legal  proceedings  described  below.    Unless  otherwise  stated,  we  are  currently  unable  to 
estimate a range of reasonably possible losses for the unresolved proceedings described below.  Should any one or a 
combination  of  more  than  one  of  these  proceedings  be  successful,  or  should  we  determine  to  settle  any  or  a 
combination  of  these  matters,  we  may  be  required  to  pay  substantial  sums,  become  subject  to  the  entry  of  an 
injunction or be forced to change the manner in which we operate our business, which could have a material adverse 
impact on our financial position or results of operations. 

I. Average Wholesale Price Litigation 

The following matters involve a benchmark referred to as “AWP,” which is utilized by some public and private 
payers to calculate a portion of the amount that pharmacies and other providers are reimbursed for dispensing certain 
covered prescription drugs. 

A.

In re McKesson Governmental Entities Average Wholesale Price Litigation 

Commencing  in  May  of  2008,  a  series  of  complaints  were  filed  in  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the 
District of Massachusetts by various public payers — governmental entities that paid a portion of the price of certain 
prescription  drugs  —  alleging  that  in  late  2001  the  Company  and  First  DataBank,  Inc.  (“FDB”),  a  publisher  of 
pharmaceutical pricing information, conspired to improperly raise the published AWP for certain prescription drugs, 
and  that  this  alleged  conduct  resulted  in  higher  drug  reimbursement  payments  by  plaintiffs  and  others  similarly 
situated.  These  actions  were  all  consolidated  under  the  caption  In  re  McKesson  Governmental  Entities  Average 
Wholesale Price Litigation. A description of the actions pending during fiscal year 2012 is as follows:

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The Douglas County, Kansas Nationwide Class Action

On August 7, 2008, an action was filed by the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, Kansas on 
behalf  of  itself  and  a  purported  national  class  of  state,  local  and  territorial  governmental  entities  against  the 
Company and FDB alleging violations of RICO and federal antitrust laws, and seeking treble damages, as well as 
injunctive  relief,  interest,  attorneys’  fees  and  costs  of  suit,  all  in  unspecified  amounts,  Board  of  County 
Commissioners of Douglas County, Kansas v. McKesson Corporation, et al., (No. 1:08-CV-11349-PBS) (“Douglas 
County, Kansas Action”). 

On  December 24,  2008,  an  amended  and  consolidated  class  action  complaint  was  filed  abandoning  the 
previously  alleged  antitrust  claims,  and  adding  as  named  plaintiffs  the  City  of  Panama  City,  Florida;  the  State  of 
Oklahoma;  the  County  of  Anoka,  Minnesota;  Baltimore,  Maryland;  Columbia,  South  Carolina;  and  Goldsboro, 
North Carolina. On March 3, 2009, a second amended and consolidated class action complaint was filed, adding the 
State of Montana as a plaintiff, adding Montana state law claims, and adding a claim for tortious interference. On 
February 10, 2009, plaintiffs filed a notice of dismissal without prejudice of defendant FDB.  

On May 20, 2009, an action was filed by Oakland County, Michigan and the City of Sterling Heights, Michigan 
against  the  Company  as  the  sole  defendant  asserting  claims  under  RICO,  Michigan’s  Antitrust  Reform  Act, 
Michigan’s  Consumer  Protection  Act,  California’s  antitrust  statute,  and  for  fraud,  and  seeking  damages,  treble 
damages,  interest  and  attorneys’  fees,  all  in  unspecified  amounts,  Oakland  County,  Michigan  et  al.  v.  McKesson 
Corporation,  (No. 1:09-CV-10843-PBS)  (“Michigan  Counties  Action”).  On  August 4,  2009,  the  court  granted  the 
Company’s motion to stay the Michigan Counties Action. 

On March 4, 2011, the court entered an order granting, in part, and denying, in part, plaintiffs’ motion for class 
certification in the Douglas County, Kansas Action. Specifically, the court certified a nationwide class comprised of 
all  non-federal  and  non-state  governmental  entities  for  liability  and  equitable  relief  for  the  period  from  August 1, 
2001, to June 2, 2005, and for damages for the period August 1, 2001, to December 31, 2003. On March 30, 2011, 
the  court  granted,  in  part,  plaintiffs’  motion  for  reconsideration  by  extending  the  liability-only  class  period  from 
June 2, 2005, to October 6, 2006.  On May 13, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied 
the Company’s petition and the plaintiffs’ cross-petition seeking permission to appeal the district court’s March 4, 
2011 class certification order.   

On  June 28  and  June 29,  2011,  respectively,  the  Company  executed  settlement  agreements  with  the  States  of 
Oklahoma  and  Montana  with  respect  to  the  claims  those  States  asserted  on  behalf  of  their  respective  Medicaid 
programs  in  the  Douglas  County,  Kansas  Action.  On  December 6,  2011,  the  Company  executed  a  settlement 
agreement  with the State of Oklahoma with respect to the claims it asserted on behalf of the Oklahoma State and 
Education Employees Group Insurance Board. Pursuant to these settlements, the court dismissed with prejudice all 
claims asserted by the States of Oklahoma and Montana in the Douglas County, Kansas Action.   

On October 25, 2011, the Company executed a settlement agreement with the certified class of plaintiffs in the 
Douglas County, Kansas Action.  The settlement provides that the Company will pay $82 million in settlement of all 
claims on behalf of a nationwide class of cities, counties, and other non-federal and non-state governmental entities. 
The settlement amount of $82 million is to be paid into a settlement escrow in installments following preliminary 
and final approvals of the settlement by the court.  The escrow account shall be used for settlement administration 
costs,  including  notice,  attorneys’  fees  as  approved  by  the  court,  and  the  remainder  will  be  distributed  to  class 
members in a manner determined by plaintiffs and subject to court approval. The settlement also provides that the 
settlement class will release all claims against the Company relating to FDB’s allegedly inflated AWPs, whenever 
such claims were incurred, and includes an express denial of any liability on the part of the Company.   

The  court  granted  preliminary  approval  of  the  settlement  on  November 8,  2011,  and,  on  April  19,  2012,  the 
court granted final approval of the settlement and entered final judgment.  To date, approximately $32 million has 
been paid by the Company into the settlement escrow, and the balance of the $82 million is expected to be paid into 
the settlement escrow during the first quarter of 2013.

                                                                                         92 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

On January 5, 2012, the Company and the plaintiffs in the Michigan Counties Action filed a stipulated order of 
dismissal with prejudice, which the court entered on January 12, 2012, and which became effective upon the court 
granting final approval of the settlement in the Douglas County, Kansas Action on April 19, 2012.

State Medicaid AWP Cases 

Beginning  in  September 2010,  a  series  of  suits  were  filed  by  individual  states  in  jurisdictions  other  than  the 
United  States  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Massachusetts  based  on  essentially  the  same  factual  allegations  as 
alleged in In re McKesson Governmental Entities Average Wholesale Price Litigation. A description of the actions 
pending during fiscal year 2012 is as follows: 

The Kansas Action

On  September 13,  2010,  an  action  was  filed  in  the  Kansas  state  court  of  Wyandotte  County  by  the  State  of 
Kansas against the Company and FDB asserting claims under Kansas’s Restraint of Trade Act, Kansas’s Consumer 
Protection Act, and Kansas’s false claims statute, and for civil conspiracy, fraud, unjust enrichment, and breach of 
contract, and seeking damages, treble damages, civil penalties, as well as injunctive relief, interest, disgorgement of 
profits, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, all in unspecified amounts, State of Kansas ex rel. Steve Six v. McKesson 
Corporation, et al., (No. 10CV1491). On February 24, 2011, the court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss the 
State’s complaint and set trial for August 7, 2012.  On February 15, 2012, the court granted the Company’s motion 
for a continuance and reset trial for May 28, 2013.  Discovery is ongoing.

The Mississippi Action

On  October 8,  2010,  an  action  was  filed  in  the  Mississippi  state  court  of  Hinds  County  by  the  State  of 
Mississippi against the Company as the sole defendant asserting claims under RICO, Mississippi’s Medicaid Fraud 
Control  Act,  Mississippi’s  Consumer  Protection  Act,  and  for  civil  conspiracy,  tortious  interference  with  contract, 
unjust enrichment, and fraud, and seeking damages, treble damages, civil penalties, restitution, as well as injunctive 
relief,  interest,  attorneys’  fees  and  costs  of  suit,  all  in  unspecified  amounts,  State  of  Mississippi  v.  McKesson 
Corporation, et al., (No. 251-10-862CIV).  On November 9, 2010, the Company filed a Notice of Removal to the 
United States District Court, for the Southern District of Mississippi. On January 27, 2011, the case was remanded 
back to Mississippi state court after the State dismissed its RICO claim. On February 15, 2011, the Company filed a 
motion to transfer the Mississippi Action from the Circuit Court of Hinds County to the Chancery Court of Hinds 
County, or in the alternative, to dismiss the State’s claim under Mississippi’s Consumer Protection Act for lack of 
subject matter jurisdiction. On July 1, 2011, the court denied the Company’s motion to transfer or, in the alternative, 
to  dismiss.  On  July  22,  2011,  the  Company  filed  a  petition  with  the  Supreme  Court  of  Mississippi  seeking 
permission to appeal the trial court’s July 1, 2011 order. On December 15, 2011, the Supreme Court of Mississippi 
denied the Company’s petition but ordered the trial court to dismiss the State’s claim under Mississippi’s Consumer 
Protection Act.  On July 26, 2011, a second amended complaint was filed that formally abandoned the previously 
alleged RICO claims and added claims on behalf of the Mississippi state employee health plan. On August 25, 2011, 
the Company filed a motion to dismiss the State’s claim under Mississippi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Act, which the 
court denied on March 12, 2012.  On March 9, 2012, the Company filed a motion to extend the scheduling deadlines 
set by the court, including the trial date. On April 6, 2012, the parties filed a stipulated scheduling order requesting 
the court to continue the previously set trial date of November 26, 2012, to a date after March 1, 2013.  The court 
has not yet ruled on this request.  Discovery is ongoing.

The Alaska Action

On October 12, 2010, an action was filed in Alaska state court by the State of Alaska against the Company and 
FDB asserting claims under Alaska’s unfair and deceptive trade practices statute, and for fraud and civil conspiracy, 
and  seeking  damages,  treble  damages,  punitive  damages,  civil  penalties,  disgorgement  of  profits,  as  well  as 
declaratory relief, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, all in unspecified amounts, State of Alaska v. McKesson 
Corporation, et al., (No. 3AN-10-11348-CI). On May 24, 2011, the court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss 
the State’s complaint. Discovery is ongoing, and trial is set for February 4, 2013. 

                                                                                         93 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The Utah Action

On  October 20,  2010,  an  action  was  filed  in  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the  Northern  District  of 
California by the State of Utah against the Company as the sole defendant asserting claims under RICO and for civil 
conspiracy,  tortious  interference  with  contract,  and  unjust  enrichment,  and  seeking  damages,  treble  damages, 
restitution, as well as injunctive relief, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, all in unspecified amounts, State of 
Utah v. McKesson Corporation, et al., (No. CV 10-4743-SC). On July 19, 2011, the court denied the Company’s 
motion to dismiss the State’s complaint. Discovery is ongoing, and trial is set for March 11, 2013.

The Arizona Administrative Proceeding

On November 5, 2010, the Company received a Notice of Proposed Civil Monetary Penalty from the Office of 
Inspector  General  for  the  Arizona  Health  Care  Cost  Containment  System  (“AHCCCS”)  purporting  to  initiate  an 
administrative claim process against the Company, and seeking civil penalties in the amount of $101 million and an 
assessment  in  the  amount  of  $112 million  for  false  claims  allegedly  submitted  to  the  Arizona  Medicaid  program 
(No. 2010-1218).    On  February 28,  2011,  the  Company  filed  a  complaint  in  Arizona  Superior  Court,  County  of 
Maricopa, against AHCCCS and its Director, alleging that the administrative proceeding commenced by AHCCCS 
violates the Arizona Administrative Procedure Act and the Due Process Clauses of the Arizona Constitution and the 
United States Constitution, and seeking to enjoin AHCCCS’s administrative proceeding, a declaratory judgment that 
AHCCCS lacks jurisdiction and legal authority to impose penalties or assessments against the Company, as well as 
costs of suit, McKesson Corporation v. AHCCCS, (No. CV-2011-004446). On April 28, 2011, the court ruled that 
AHCCCS has no jurisdiction to impose penalties or assessments against the Company and enjoined AHCCCS from 
prosecuting or reinitiating any penalty proceeding against the Company.  On May 31, 2011, the court entered final 
judgment  in  favor  of  the  Company.  On  June  16,  2011,  AHCCCS  filed  a  notice  of  appeal.  The  briefing  on 
AHCCCS’s appeal is complete, but a hearing date has not yet been set. 

The Hawaii Action

On November 10, 2010, an action was filed in Hawaii state court by the State of Hawaii against the Company 
and FDB asserting claims under Hawaii’s false claims statute, Hawaii’s unfair and deceptive trade practices statute, 
and  for  fraud  and  civil  conspiracy,  and  seeking  damages,  treble  damages,  punitive  damages,  civil  penalties, 
disgorgement  of  profits,  as  well  as  interest,  attorneys’  fees  and  costs  of  suit,  all  in  unspecified  amounts,  State  of 
Hawaii v. McKesson Corporation, et al., (CV. No. 10-1-2411-11-GWBC). On April 12, 2011, the court denied the 
Company’s motion to dismiss the State’s complaint. Discovery is ongoing, and trial is set for April 15, 2013. 

The Louisiana Action

On  December 20,  2010,  an  action  was  filed  in  Louisiana  state  court  by  the  State  of  Louisiana  against  the 
Company  as  the  sole  defendant  asserting  claims  under  Louisiana’s  unfair  and  deceptive  trade  practices  statute, 
Louisiana’s  Medical  Assistance  Programs  Integrity  Law,  Louisiana’s  antitrust  statute,  and  for  fraud,  negligent 
misrepresentation,  civil  conspiracy,  and  unjust  enrichment,  and  seeking  damages,  statutory  fines,  civil  penalties, 
disgorgement  of  profits,  as  well  as  interest,  attorneys’  fees  and  costs  of  suit,  all  in  unspecified  amounts,  State  of 
Louisiana v. McKesson Corporation, (No. C597634 Sec. 23). On June 2, 2011, the court granted the State’s motion 
to consolidate for all purposes, including trial, the State’s suit against the Company with the State’s pending action 
against  numerous  drug  manufacturers,  State  of  Louisiana  v.  Abbott  Laboratories,  Inc.,  et  al.,  (No. C596164).  On 
September 8,  2011,  the  trial  court  entered  an  order  granting  the  State’s  motion  to  voluntarily  dismiss  its  antitrust 
claims. The Louisiana Court of Appeals, on September 20, 2011, denied the Company’s appeal challenging the trial 
court’s June 2, 2011 consolidation order.  On December 14, 2011, the trial court denied the Company’s motion to 
dismiss the State’s complaint. On December 19, 2011, the Company filed an application for a supervisory writ, with 
the Louisiana Court of Appeals, seeking to challenge the trial court’s ruling that the State is the proper party to assert 
damages claims on behalf of Louisiana’s Medicaid program, which application was denied.  No trial date has been 
set.

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McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

The Michigan Action

On  June 2,  2011,  an  action  was  filed  in  Michigan  state  court,  County  of  Ingham,  by  the  State  of  Michigan 
against the Company, FDB, and the Hearst Corporation asserting claims under Michigan’s false claims statute, and 
for  fraud  based  on  false  representation,  silent  fraud,  civil  conspiracy  to  commit  fraud,  tortious  interference  with 
contract, and unjust enrichment, and seeking damages, treble damages, civil penalties, restitution, disgorgement of 
profits, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, all in unspecified amounts, Bill Schuette ex rel. State of Michigan v. 
McKesson  Corporation,  et  al.,  (11-629-CZ).  On  November  29,  2011,  the  court  denied  the  Company’s  motion  to 
dismiss the State’s complaint. No trial date has been set.

The Virginia Action

On June 8, 2011, an action was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California 
by  the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia  against  the  Company  and  two  of  its  employees  asserting  claims  under  RICO, 
Virginia’s false claims statute, Virginia’s fraud statute, and for conspiracy to defraud, and seeking damages, treble 
damages,  civil  penalties,  interest,  and  costs  of  suit,  all  in  unspecified  amounts,  Commonwealth  of  Virginia  v. 
McKesson  Corporation,  et  al.,  (C11-02782-SI).  On  October  13,  2011,  the  court  denied  the  Company’s  motion  to 
dismiss the Commonwealth’s complaint. Discovery is ongoing, and trial is set for March 11, 2013. 

The Indiana Action

On July 13, 2011, the Company was named as a co-defendant to FDB in an action filed in Indiana state court, 
County of Marion, by the State of Indiana asserting claims under Indiana’s false claims statute, Indiana’s Medicaid 
fraud statute, Indiana’s theft statute, and for fraud and civil conspiracy, and seeking damages, treble damages, civil 
penalties, disgorgement of profits, interest, injunctive and declaratory relief, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, all in 
unspecified  amounts,  State  of  Indiana  v.  McKesson  Corp.  et  al.,  (No.  49D11-1106-PL-021595).  On  January  20, 
2012,  the  court  granted,  in  part,  and  denied,  in  part,  the  Company’s  motion  to  dismiss  the  State’s  complaint.  
Specifically,  the  court  dismissed  without  prejudice  the  State’s  claims  under  Indiana’s  Medicaid  fraud  statute  and 
Indiana’s theft statute, and for fraud. On February 21, 2012, a second amended complaint was filed asserting claims 
under Indiana’s false claims statute, and for fraud and civil conspiracy.  On March 22, 2012, McKesson moved to 
dismiss the fraud claim in the second amended complaint.  Discovery is ongoing, and trial is set for April 7, 2014.  

The Kentucky Action

On July 15, 2011, the Company was named as a co-defendant to FDB in an action filed in Kentucky state court, 
Franklin  County,  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Kentucky  asserting  claims  under  Kentucky’s  consumer  protection 
statute,  Kentucky’s  Medicaid  fraud  statute,  Kentucky’s  theft  by  deception  statute,  Kentucky’s  false  advertising 
statute,  and  for  fraud,  negligent  misrepresentation,  and  civil  conspiracy,  and  seeking  damages,  punitive  damages, 
civil penalties, disgorgement of profits, interest, injunctive and declaratory relief, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, all 
in unspecified amounts, Commonwealth of Kentucky v. McKesson Corp. et al., (No. 11-CI-00935). On March 12, 
2012, the court held a hearing on the Company’s motion to dismiss the Commonwealth’s complaint but the court 
has not yet issued a ruling. No trial date has been set. 

The Oregon Action 

On  November 11,  2011,  an  action  was  filed  in  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the  Northern  District  of 
California by the State of Oregon against the Company as the sole defendant asserting claims under RICO, Oregon’s 
RICO statute, and for unjust enrichment, civil conspiracy, tortious interference with contract, and fraud, and seeking 
damages, treble damages, punitive damages, a constructive trust, as well as interest, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, 
all in unspecified amounts, State of Oregon v. McKesson  Corporation, No. C11-05384-SI. The Company  filed an 
answer to the State’s complaint on January 9, 2012. Discovery is ongoing, and trial is set for July 8, 2013. 

                                                                                         95 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

B. The New Jersey United States Attorney’s Office AWP Investigation 

In  June  2007,  the  Company  was  informed  that  a  relator  had  previously  filed  a  qui  tam  action  in  the  United 
States  District  Court  for  the  District  of  New  Jersey,  purportedly  on  behalf  of  the  United  States,  twelve  states 
(California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas 
and Virginia) and the District of Columbia against the Company and seven other defendants. In January 2009, the 
Company was provided with a courtesy copy of the relator’s third amended complaint, which alleges claims against 
the  Company  and  seven  other  defendants  under  the  False  Claims  Act  and  various  state  false  claims  statutes.  The 
claims arise out of alleged manipulation of AWP by the defendants. This qui tam action is brought on behalf of the 
United States and various states, and seeks damages, treble damages and civil penalties, as well as attorneys’ fees 
and costs of suit.  

C. General 

On  January  30,  2012,  the  Company  reached  an  agreement  in  principle  with  a  coalition  of  State  Attorneys 
General  to  resolve  state  Medicaid  claims  relating  to  AWP  for  payment  by  the  Company  of  approximately  $173 
million. This  amount  shall  be  reduced  by  the  total  amount  allocated  to  any  state  that  declines  to  subscribe  to  the 
settlement. This agreement is subject to execution of written settlement agreements acceptable to the Company and 
each participating state. Although the Company believes that there will be substantial participation by the states, the 
final level of participation is not yet known. The Company will continue to defend vigorously any action pursued by 
a non-settling state. The Company has fully reserved for the financial effect of this agreement in principle. 

The  Company  has  a  reserve  relating  to  AWP  public  entity  claims,  which  is  reviewed  at  least  quarterly  and 
whenever events or circumstances indicate changes, including consideration of the pace and progress of discussions 
relating  to  potentially  resolving  other  public  entity  claims.  Pre-tax  charges  relating  to  changes  in  the  Company's 
AWP  litigation  reserve,  including  accrued  interest,  are  recorded  in  the  Distribution  Solutions  segment.  The 
Company's AWP litigation reserve is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.  In view 
of the number of outstanding cases and expected future claims, and the uncertainties of the timing and outcome of 
this type of litigation, it is possible that the ultimate costs of these matters may exceed or be less than the reserve.  

The following is the activity related to the AWP litigation reserve for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 

2010: 

(In millions) 
AWP litigation reserve at beginning of period 
Charges incurred 
Payments made 

AWP litigation reserve at end of period 

2012 

330 
149 
(26) 
453 

$ 

$ 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

  $ 

  $ 

143 
213 
(26) 
330 

  $ 

  $ 

2010 

143 
— 
— 
143 

The  charges  for  2012  primarily  related  to  the  Douglas  County,  Kansas  Action  settlement  and  the  state  and 

federal Medicaid claims.  The charges for 2011 primarily related to the state and federal Medicaid claims.   

On  April  3,  2012,  the  Company  entered  into  a  settlement  agreement  with  the  United  States  Department  of 
Justice  to  resolve  the  federal  share  of  Medicaid  claims  related  to  AWP.    The  total  settlement  amount  of  $191 
million, which includes interest, was paid on April 9, 2012.  Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the United States 
Department of Justice filed a notice seeking the dismissal with prejudice of the claims on behalf of the United States 
asserted  by  the  relator  in  the  qui  tam  action  pending  in  New  Jersey  federal  court  to  the  extent  those  claims  are 
encompassed by the settlement release in the parties’ agreement. 

                                                                                         96 

 
 
 
   
 
   
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

II. Other Litigation and Claims  

On  October 3,  2008,  the  United  States  filed  a  complaint  in  intervention  in  a  pending  qui  tam  action  in  the 
United  States  District  Court  for  the  Northern  District  of  Mississippi,  naming  as  defendants,  among  others,  the 
Company and  its former indirect subsidiary, McKesson Medical-Surgical MediNet Inc. (“MediNet”), now merged 
into and doing business as McKesson Medical-Surgical MediMart Inc., United States ex rel. Jamison v. McKesson 
Corporation,  et  al.,  (No. 2:08-CV-00214-SA).  The  United  States  (“USA”)  alleges  violations  of  the  federal  False 
Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. Sections 3729-33, in connection with billing and supply services rendered by MediNet to the 
long-term  care  facility  operator  co-defendants.  The  action  seeks  monetary  damages  in  an  unstated  amount.  On 
July 7, 2009, defendants filed motions to dismiss the action filed by the relator, arguing that the relator was not the 
original source of the claims which he attempts to pursue in his qui tam action. On March 25, 2010, the trial court 
granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the relator and his complaint, which ruling was later affirmed on appeal by 
the  United  States  Court  of  Appeals  for  the  Fifth  Circuit.    On  June 2,  2010,  the  USA  filed  a  motion  for  partial 
summary  judgment,  seeking  a  finding  that  the  Company’s  co-defendant,  a  Medicare  Part B  supplier,  failed  to 
comply  with  certain  of  the  21  Supplier  Standards  (“Standards”)  established  by  federal  regulations  covering  such 
Medicare suppliers, and that the relevant claims for which MediNet provided contract billing and/or supply services 
were  rendered  “false”  by  reason  of  such  non-compliance.  On  July 2,  2010  the  Company  and  MediNet  filed  their 
opposition  to  the  USA’s  motion  and  themselves  moved  for  summary  judgment  as  to  certain  counts  based  on 
numerous arguments, including that the USA cannot, as a matter of law, establish that the co-defendant Medicare 
Part B supplier failed to meet the Standards.  On March 28, 2011, the trial court issued its order denying the motion 
of the USA and granting the partial summary judgment motions of the Company and its co-defendants on grounds 
that, as a matter of law, the Standards had not been violated.  All causes of action based on the alleged failure to 
comply with the Standards were dismissed.  In September of 2011, the Company and MediNet moved for summary 
judgment on the USA’s remaining causes of action which motions were denied on February 14, 2012.  In its pretrial 
filings, the USA stated that it intends to seek damages, which after trebling as allowed by the False Claims Act, total 
$82 million, and will additionally seek between $407 million to $814 million in fines and penalties.  The McKesson 
defendants strongly dispute any liability, disagree with those claims for damages, fines and penalties and, based on 
experience,  believe  that  such  claimed  damages  amounts  are  not  meaningful  indicators  of  potential  liability.    On 
February 21, 2012, a non-jury trial commenced.  On March 8, 2012, the court set April 30, 2012 for the continuation 
of the trial to allow the USA to present its revised claim for damages which the USA represented at trial would be 
reduced from the amounts stated in pretrial filings.  No rulings on liability or damages have been made yet.  

As previously reported, the Company’s subsidiary, McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc. (“MMS”), has been named 
as a defendant in  multiple cases pending in Nevada state court alleging that plaintiffs contracted Hepatitis C after 
being  administered  the  drug  Propofol  during  medical  procedures  conducted  by  third  parties.    All  but  seven  cases 
have been settled with no contribution from MMS, including the previously reported case with a jury verdict against 
MMS for $6 million in compensatory damages and $18 million in punitive damages.  Of the seven remaining cases, 
the next trial date is January 2013.  

Our subsidiary, Northstar Rx LLC, is one of multiple defendants in approximately 425 active cases alleging that 
plaintiffs were injured after ingesting Reglan and/or its generic equivalent, metoclopramide. There are an additional 
52 cases in California, currently stayed, involving over 2,000 plaintiffs. The cases usually include state law claims 
for strict liability, failure to warn, negligence, and breach of warranty. Most of these cases are pending in state courts 
in Pennsylvania, California and New Jersey, with other cases pending in Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, 
Oregon and Tennessee. Northstar Rx’s insurers are providing coverage for these cases. The Company believes that 
all of these cases are subject to dismissal pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2011 ruling in Pliva, Inc. v. Mensing, 
which  barred  certain  types  of  claims  involving  generic  pharmaceuticals.    The  Company  is  also  named  in 
approximately 850 cases as a distributor of these products.  

On  January 4,  2011,  the  Company  was  served  with  a  qui  tam  complaint  that  was  originally  filed  in 
November 2005 in the United States District  Court  for the  Eastern District of Pennsylvania by a relator, a former 
employee of a Johnson & Johnson affiliate, against the Company, Johnson & Johnson and its affiliate companies, 
and Omnicare, Inc., alleging that the Company received illegal “kickbacks” from the Johnson & Johnson defendants 
in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act and various state false claims statutes, and 
seeking  damages,  treble  damages,  civil  penalties,  interest,  attorneys’  fees  and  costs  of  suit,  all  in  unspecified 
amounts, United States ex rel. Scott Bartz v. Ortho McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc., et al., (No. 2:05-cv-06010). The 
United States declined to intervene in the suit.   

                                                                                         97 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

On  February 23,  2011,  the  case  was  transferred  to  the  District  of  Massachusetts.  On  May  27,  2011,  the 
Company filed a motion to dismiss the relator’s complaint. On June 10, 2011, the relator filed a notice of intent to 
voluntarily dismiss the Company from the action, subject to approval by the United States and the various states on 
whose behalf the relator filed suit. On March 2, 2012, the court granted, in part, and denied, in part, the Johnson & 
Johnson  defendants’  motion  to  dismiss.  Specifically,  the  court  ruled  that  it  lacked  jurisdiction  over  the  relator’s 
claims  under  the  False  Claims  Act,  and  it  declined  to  exercise  supplemental  jurisdiction  over  the  relator’s  claims 
under various state false claims statutes.  On April 19, 2012, the Court granted the relator’s unopposed motion to 
dismiss the Company from the action. 

III. Government Investigations and Subpoenas  

From  time-to-time,  the  Company  receives  subpoenas  or  requests  for  information  from  various  government 
agencies. The Company  generally responds to such subpoenas and requests in a cooperative, thorough and timely 
manner. These responses sometimes require considerable time and effort and can result in considerable costs being 
incurred  by  the  Company.  Such  subpoenas  and  requests  also  can  lead  to  the  assertion  of  claims  or  the 
commencement of civil or criminal legal proceedings against the  Company and other  members of the  health care 
industry, as well as to settlements.  Examples of such requests and subpoenas include the following two items. 

First, prior to its recent acquisition by the Company, US Oncology was informed that the United States Federal 
Trade  Commission  (“FTC”)  and  the  Attorney  General  for  the  State  of  Texas  (“Texas  AG”)  had  opened 
investigations to determine whether a transaction in which certain Austin, Texas based oncology physicians became 
employees of an existing Texas US  Oncology affiliated oncology practice  group violated relevant  state or  federal 
antitrust  laws.  US  Oncology  has  responded  to  requests  for  information  from  the  government  agencies  and  the 
Company has continued to cooperate with the FTC and the Texas Attorney General regarding these investigations.  
US Oncology has reached an agreement with the Texas AG fully resolving its inquiry, and the FTC has informed 
US Oncology that it has closed its file regarding the matter. 

Second, the Company has been informed of an investigation by the Regie de l’assurance maladie Du Quebec 
(“RAMQ”) to which the Company’s subsidiary, McKesson Canada Corporation (“MCC”), has responded.  RAMQ 
is a provincial government agency  with administrative authority over the conduct of pharmaceutical businesses in 
Quebec  Province.    MCC  has  cooperated  fully  with  the  investigation  which  has  been  conducted,  with  substantial 
interruptions,  from  2009  through  the  present.    The  Company  believes  that  the  investigation  is  focused  on  certain 
discounts and payments offered to pharmacies in the Quebec Province.  

IV. Environmental Matters  

Primarily as a result of the operation of the Company’s former chemical businesses, which were fully divested 
by 1987, the Company is involved in various matters pursuant to environmental laws and regulations. The Company 
has  received  claims  and  demands  from  governmental  agencies  relating  to  investigative  and  remedial  actions 
purportedly required to address environmental conditions alleged to exist at eight sites where it, or entities acquired 
by  it,  formerly  conducted  operations  and  the  Company,  by  administrative  order  or  otherwise,  has  agreed  to  take 
certain  actions  at  those  sites,  including  soil  and  groundwater  remediation.  In  addition,  the  Company  is  one  of 
multiple recipients of a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency directive and a separate United 
States  Environmental  Protection  Agency  directive  relating  to  potential  natural  resources  damages  (“NRD”) 
associated with one of these eight sites. Although the Company’s potential allocation under either directive cannot 
be  determined  at  this  time,  it  has  agreed  to  participate  with  a  potentially  responsible  party  (“PRP”)  group  in  the 
funding of an NRD assessment, the costs of which are reflected in the aggregate estimates set forth below.  

Based  on  a  determination  by  the  Company’s  environmental  staff,  in  consultation  with  outside  environmental 
specialists and counsel, the current estimate of the Company’s probable loss associated with the remediation costs 
for  these  eight  sites  is  $7 million,  net  of  approximately  $1.7 million  that  third  parties  have  agreed  to  pay  in 
settlement  or  is  expected,  based  either  on  agreements  or  nonrefundable  contributions  which  are  ongoing,  to  be 
contributed  by  third  parties.  The  $7 million  is  expected  to  be  paid  out  between  April 2012  and  March 2032.  The 
Company’s  estimated  probable  loss  for  these  environmental  matters  has  been  entirely  accrued  for  in  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  

                                                                                         98 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

In addition, the Company has been designated as a PRP under the Superfund law for environmental assessment 
and cleanup costs as the result of its alleged disposal of hazardous substances at 13 sites. With respect to these sites, 
numerous other PRPs have similarly been designated and while the current state of the law potentially imposes joint 
and several liability upon PRPs, as a practical matter, costs of these sites are typically shared with other PRPs. At 
one of these sites, the United State Environmental Protection Agency has recently selected a preferred remedy with 
an  estimated  cost  of  approximately  $70  million.  It  is  not  certain  at  this  point  in  time  what  proportion  of  this 
estimated  liability  will  be  borne  by  the  Company  or  by  the  other  PRPs.  Accordingly,  the  Company’s  estimated 
probable loss at those 13 sites is approximately $1 million, which has been entirely accrued for in the accompanying 
consolidated balance sheets.  The aggregate settlements and costs paid by the Company in Superfund matters to date 
have not been significant. 

V. Other Matters  

The Company is involved in various other litigation and governmental proceedings, not described above, that 
arise in the normal course of business. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate outcome or the duration of 
any such litigation or governmental proceedings, the Company believes, based on current knowledge and the advice 
of counsel, that such litigation and proceedings will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position 
or results of operations. 

20.  Stockholders’ Equity 

Each  share  of  the  Company’s  outstanding  common  stock  is  permitted  one  vote  on  proposals  presented  to 
stockholders and is entitled to share equally in any dividends declared by  the  Company’s Board of Directors (the 
“Board”).   

In April 2011, the quarterly dividend was raised from $0.18 to $0.20 per common share for dividends declared 
after such date, until further action by the Board.  Dividends were $0.80 per share in 2012, $0.72 per share in 2011 
and $0.48 per share in 2010.  The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the 
future.  However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Board and will 
depend upon the Company’s future earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

Share Repurchases 

Stock  repurchases  may  be  made  from  time-to-time  in  open  market  transactions,  privately  negotiated 
transactions, through accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) programs, or by any combination of such methods.  The 
timing of any repurchases and the actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including 
our stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions under our debt obligations and other market and 
economic conditions. 

The Board authorized the repurchase of the Company’s common stock as follows: $1.0 billion in April 2010, 

$1.0 billion in October 2010, $1.0 billion in April 2011 and $650 million in January 2012.  

Total  share  repurchases  transacted  through  ASR  programs  and  open  market  transactions  over  the  last  three 

years were as follows: 

(In millions, except per share data) 
Number of shares repurchased (1)
Average price paid per share 
Total value of shares repurchased 

(1) Excludes shares surrendered for tax withholding. 

Years Ended March 31, 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$ 
$ 

20 
83.47 
1,850 

  $ 
  $ 

29 
69.62 
2,032 

  $ 
  $ 

8 
41.47 
299 

                                                                                         99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

In 2012 and 2011, the majority of our share repurchases  were transacted through a number of ASR programs 
with  third  party  financial  institutions  as  follows:  $1.0 billion  in  May  2010,  $275 million  in  March  2011, 
$650 million in May 2011 and $1.2 billion in March 2012.  In 2010, all of our share repurchases  were conducted 
through open market transactions.  All programs were funded with cash on hand.   

In  March  2012,  we  entered  into  an  ASR  program  with  a  third  party  financial  institution  to  repurchase  $1.2 
billion of the Company’s common stock.  As of March 31, 2012, we had received 12 million shares representing the 
minimum number of shares due under this program, and the average price paid per share of $87.19 was based on the 
average daily volume-weighted average price of our common stock less a discount calculated as of March 31, 2012.  
The  total  number  of  shares  to  be  ultimately  repurchased  by  us  and  the  final  settlement  price  per  share  will  be 
determined  at  the  completion  of  this  program  based  on  the  average  daily  volume-weighted  average  price  of  our 
common stock during the program, less a discount.  This program is anticipated to be completed no later than the 
second quarter of 2013. 

In April 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of an  additional $700 million of the Company’s common 

stock, bringing the total authorization outstanding to $1.0 billion. 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 

Information regarding our accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows: 

(In millions) 
Unrealized net loss and other components of benefit plans, net of tax
Translation adjustments 
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax 

Total 

March 31, 

2012 
(178) 
188 
(5) 
5 

  $ 

  $ 

2011 
(157) 
244 
—
87 

$ 

$ 

21.  Related Party Balances and Transactions 

Notes  receivable  outstanding  from  certain  of  our  current  and  former  officers  totaled  $15  million  at 
March 31, 2012  and  2011.    These  notes  related  to  purchases  of  common  stock  under  our  various  employee  stock 
purchase plans.  The notes bear interest at rates ranging from 4.7% to 7.1% and were due at various dates through 
February 2004.  Interest income on these notes is recognized only to the extent that cash is received.  These notes, 
which are included in other capital in the consolidated balance sheets, were issued for amounts equal to the market 
value of the stock on the date of the purchase and are at full recourse to the borrower.  At March 31, 2012, the value 
of  the  underlying  stock  collateral  was  $15 million.    The  collectability  of  these  notes  is  evaluated  on  an  ongoing 
basis.  At March 31, 2012 and 2011, we provided a reserve of nil and approximately $1 million for the outstanding 
notes. 

We incurred $10 million in 2012 and $11 million in 2011 and 2010 of annual rental expense paid to an equity-

held investment. 

                                                                                         100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

22.  Segments of Business 

We  report  our  operations  in  two  operating  segments:  McKesson  Distribution  Solutions  and  McKesson 
Technology  Solutions.    The  factors  for  determining  the  reportable  segments  included  the  manner  in  which 
management  evaluates  the  performance  of  the  Company  combined  with  the  nature  of  the  individual  business 
activities.  We evaluate the performance of our operating segments on a number of measures, including operating 
profit before interest expense, income taxes and results from discontinued operations.   

The  Distribution  Solutions  segment  distributes  ethical  and  proprietary  drugs,  medical-surgical  supplies  and 
equipment  and  health  and  beauty  care  products  throughout  North  America.    This  segment  also  provides  specialty 
pharmaceutical  solutions  for  biotech  and  pharmaceutical  manufacturers,  sells  financial,  operational  and  clinical 
solutions  for  pharmacies  (retail,  hospital,  alternate  site)  and  provides  consulting,  outsourcing  and  other  services.  
This  segment  includes  a  49%  interest  in  Nadro,  S.A.  de  C.V.  (“Nadro”),  one  of  the  leading  pharmaceutical 
distributors in Mexico. 

The  Technology  Solutions  segment  delivers  enterprise-wide  clinical,  patient  care,  financial,  supply  chain, 
strategic  management  software  solutions,  pharmacy  automation  for  hospitals,  as  well  as  connectivity,  outsourcing 
and other services, including remote hosting and managed services, to healthcare organizations.  This segment also 
includes  our  Payer  group  of  businesses,  which  includes  our  InterQual®  clinical  criteria  solution,  medical 
management  tools,  claims  payment  solutions,  network  performance  tools  and  care  management  programs.    The 
segment’s  customers  include  hospitals,  physicians,  homecare  providers,  retail  pharmacies  and  payers  from  North 
America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, other European countries and Israel. 

Revenues for our Technology Solutions segment are classified in one of three categories: services, software and 
software  systems  and  hardware.    Services  revenues  primarily  include  fees  associated  with  installing  our  software 
and  software  systems,  as  well  as  revenues  associated  with  software  maintenance  and  support,  remote  processing, 
disease and medical management, and other outsourcing and professional services.  Software and software systems 
revenues  primarily  include  revenues  from  licensing  our  software  and  software  systems,  including  the  segment’s 
clinical auditing and compliance and InterQual® businesses. 

Corporate includes expenses associated with Corporate functions and projects and the results of certain equity-
held investments.  Corporate expenses are allocated to the operating segments to the extent that these items can be 
directly attributable to the segment.   

Effective April 1, 2011, we centralized certain information technology functions from our operating segments to 
Corporate.  Corporate now manages, provides and charges these services to our operating segments.  As a result of 
this  centralization,  certain  assets  were  transferred  from  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  to  Corporate  effective 
April  1,  2011.    Segment  depreciation  and  amortization,  expenditures  for  long-lived  assets  and  assets  have  been 
recast for 2011 and 2010 to reflect the change in the composition of our operating segments.  There was no material 
change in segment revenue or operating profit as a result of this change. 

                                                                                         101 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Financial information relating to our reportable operating segments and reconciliations to the consolidated totals 

is as follows:

(In millions) 
Revenues 
Distribution Solutions (1) 

Direct distribution & services 
Sales to customers’ warehouses 

Total U.S. pharmaceutical distribution & services 

Canada pharmaceutical distribution & services 
Medical-Surgical distribution & services 

Total Distribution Solutions 

Technology Solutions 

Services 
Software & software systems 
Hardware 

Total Technology Solutions 
Total 
Operating profit 
Distribution Solutions (2) 
Technology Solutions (3) 

Total 
Corporate 
Litigation credit, net 
Interest expense 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 
Depreciation and amortization(4) (5)
Distribution Solutions
Technology Solutions
Corporate
Total

Expenditures for long-lived assets (5) (6)
Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 
Corporate 
Total 

Segment assets, at year end (5) 
Distribution Solutions 
Technology Solutions 

Total 
Corporate 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Other 

Total 

$

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2012 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

2010 

85,523 
20,453 
105,976 
10,303 
3,145
119,424

2,594 
596 
120 
3,310 
122,734 

2,219 
364 
2,583 
(413) 
— 
(251) 
1,919 

225 
209 
117 
551 

175 
22 
28 
225 

25,374 
3,575 
28,949 

3,149 
995 
33,093 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

77,554 
18,631 
96,185 
9,784 
2,920 
108,889 

2,483 
590 
122 
3,195 
112,084 

1,897 
301 
2,198 
(341) 
— 
(222) 
1,635 

167 
209 
120 
496 

158 
26 
49 
233 

22,732 
3,504 
26,236 

3,612 
1,038 
30,886 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

72,210 
21,435 
93,645 
9,072
2,861
105,578

2,439 
571 
114 
3,124 
108,702 

1,988 
385 
2,373 
(342) 
20 
(187) 
1,864 

154 
212 
111 
477 

90 
31 
78 
199 

19,599 
3,635 
23,234 

3,731 
1,224 
28,189 

(1) Revenues derived from services represent less than 2% of this segment’s total revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010. 
(2) Operating profit for 2012 and 2011 includes AWP litigation charges of $149 million and $213 million, which were recorded 
in operating expenses.  Operating profit for 2011 includes the receipt of $51 million representing our share of a settlement of 
an antitrust class action lawsuit brought against a drug manufacturer, which was recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.   
(3) Operating  profit  for  2012  includes  product  alignment  charges  of  $51 million.  Operating  profit  for  2011  includes  a  $72 

million asset impairment charge for capitalized software held for sale, which was recorded in cost of sales. 

(4) Amounts primarily include amortization of acquired intangible assets purchased in connection with acquisitions, capitalized 

software held for sale and capitalized software for internal use. 

(5) Amounts  have  been  recast  for  2011  and 2010  to  reflect  the  transfer  of  assets  from  our  Distribution  Solutions  segment  to 

Corporate effective April 1, 2011. 

(6) Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment. 

                                                                                         102 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Continued)

Revenues and property, plant and equipment by geographic areas were as follows: 

(In millions) 
Revenues 
United States 
International 

Total 

Property, plant and equipment, net, at year end 
United States 
International 

Total 

2012 

112,230 
10,504 
122,734 

952 
91 
1,043 

Years Ended March 31, 
2011 

  $ 

$ 

$ 

  $ 

102,089 
9,995 
112,084 

901 
90 
991 

  $ 

$ 

$ 

  $ 

2010 

99,387 
9,315 
108,702 

764 
87 
851 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

International  operations  primarily  consist  of  our  operations  in  Canada,  the  United  Kingdom,  Ireland,  other 
European  countries,  Asia  Pacific  and  Israel.    We  also  have  an  equity-held  investment  (Nadro)  in  Mexico.    Net 
revenues were attributed to geographic areas based on the customers’ shipment locations. 

23.  Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

(In millions, except per share amounts) 
Fiscal 2012
Revenues 
Gross profit  
Net income (1)(2) 
Earnings per common share (1)(2)(6) 

Diluted 
Basic 

Fiscal 2011
Revenues 
Gross profit 
Net income (1)(3)(4)(5)  
Earnings per common share (1)(3)(4)(5)(6) 

Diluted 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operation (5)

Total 

Earnings per common share (1)(3)(4)(5)(6) 

Basic 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operation (5)

Total 

First  
Quarter 

Second 
Quarter 

Third  
Quarter 

Fourth  
Quarter  

$  29,980 
1,509 
286 

$ 

1.13 
1.15 

$  27,450 
1,392 
298 

$ 

$ 

$ 

30,216 
1,647 
296 

1.18 
1.20 

27,534 
1,366 
327 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.10 

$ 

—  

1.10 

  $ 

1.12 

—  

1.12 

$ 

$ 

0.97 
0.28 
1.25 

0.99 
0.28 
1.27 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

30,839 
1,566 
300 

1.20 
1.22 

28,247 
1,461 
155 

0.60 
—
0.60 

0.61 
—
0.61 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

31,699 
1,845 
521 

2.09 
2.14 

28,853 
1,751 
422 

1.62 
—
1.62 

1.65 
—
1.65 

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Financial results for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2012 include AWP litigation charges of $118 million pre-tax 
($77 million after-tax), $27 million pre-tax ($15 million after-tax) and $4 million pre-tax (benefit of $32 million after-tax),
which  were  recorded  in  operating  expenses.    Financial  results  for  the  second  and  third  quarters  of  2011  include  AWP 
litigation  charges  of  $24  million  pre-tax  ($16  million  after-tax)  and  $189  million  pre-tax  ($133  million  after-tax),  which 
were recorded in operating expenses. 
Financial results for the third and fourth quarters of 2012 include product alignment charges of $42 million and $9 million. 
Financial results for the first quarter of 2011 include the receipt of $51 million representing our share of a settlement of an
antitrust class action lawsuit brought against a drug manufacturer, which was recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.   
Financial results for the second quarter of 2011 include a $72 million asset impairment charge for capitalized software held 
for sale, which was recorded to cost of sales.   
Financial results for the second quarter of 2011 include a $95 million pre-tax ($72 million after-tax) gain from the sale of 
MAP. 

(6) Certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments. 

                                                                                         103 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

FINANCIAL NOTES (Concluded)

24.  Subsequent Event 

In April 2012, we purchased the remaining 50% interest in our corporate headquarters building located in San 
Francisco, California, for total cash of $90 million.  The cash paid was funded from cash on hand.  We previously 
held  a  50%  ownership  interest  and  are  the  primary  tenant  in  this  building.   As  a  result,  this  transaction  will  be 
accounted for as a step acquisition, which requires that we re-measure our previously held 50% interest to fair value 
and  record  the  difference  between  the  fair  value  and  carrying  value  as  a  gain  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
operations.   

 The total fair value of the net assets acquired was $180 million, which was preliminarily allocated as follows: 
buildings and improvements of $113 million and land of $58 million with the remainder allocated to settlement of 
our pre-existing lease and lease intangible assets.  The fair value of the buildings and improvements was determined 
based on current market replacement costs less depreciation and unamortized tenant improvement costs, as well as, 
other relevant market information, and has a weighted average useful life of 30 years.  The fair value of the land was 
determined using comparable sales of land within the surrounding market. 

The  re-measurement  to  fair  value  is  anticipated  to  result  in  a  pre-tax  gain  of  approximately  $75 million 
($46 million  after-tax).    The  pre-tax  gain  will  be  recorded  within  Corporate  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
operations during the quarter ending June 30, 2012.  

                                                                                         104 

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

None. 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures. 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  our  Chief  Financial  Officer,  with  the  participation  of  other  members  of  the 
Company’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” 
(as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this 
report,  and  have  concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are  effective  based  on  their  evaluation  of 
these controls and procedures as required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15. 

Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Management’s  report  on  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  such  term  is  defined  in 
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) and the related report of our independent registered public accounting 
firm  are  included  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  under  the  headings,  “Management’s  Annual  Report  on 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and are 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Changes in Internal Controls 

There  were  no  changes  in  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  identified  in  connection  with  the 
evaluation  required  by  paragraph  (d)  of  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15  or  15d-15  that  occurred  during  our  fourth 
quarter of 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over 
financial reporting. 

Item 9B.  Other Information. 

None. 

                                                                                         105 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

PART III 

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

Information  about  our  Directors  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the  discussion  under  Item  1  of  our  Proxy 
Statement  for  the  2012  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  (the  “Proxy  Statement”)  under  the  heading  “Election  of 
Directors.”  Information about compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference from 
the  discussion  under  the  heading  “Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance”  in  our  Proxy 
Statement.    Information  about  our  Audit  Committee,  including  the  members  of  the  committee  and  our  Audit 
Committee Financial Expert, is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headings “Audit Committee 
Report” and “Audit Committee Financial Expert” in our Proxy Statement. 

Information  about  the  Code  of  Ethics  governing  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer, 
Controller  and  Financial  Managers  can  be  found  on  our  website,  www.mckesson.com,  under  the  Investors  – 
Corporate  Governance  tab.    The  Company’s  Corporate  Governance  Guidelines  and  Charters  for  the  Audit  and 
Compensation  Committees  and  the  Committee  on  Directors  and  Corporate  Governance  can  also  be  found  on  our 
website under the Investors – Corporate Governance tab. 

The Company intends to disclose required information regarding any amendment to or waiver under the Code 
of  Ethics  referred  to  above  by  posting  such  information  on  our  website  within  four  business  days  after  any  such 
amendment or waiver. 

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation. 

Information  with  respect  to  this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the  discussion  under  the  heading 

“Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement. 

Item 12. 

Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related  Stockholder 
Matters. 

Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference 

from the discussion under the heading “Principal Stockholders” in our Proxy Statement. 

                                                                                         106 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

The  following  table  sets  forth  information  as  of  March  31,  2012  with  respect  to  the  plans  under  which  the 

Company’s common stock is authorized for issuance: 

Plan Category 
(In millions, except per share amounts) 
Equity compensation plans approved by 

security holders 

Equity compensation plans not approved by 

security holders 

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

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights (1)

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

13.2(2) 

  $ 

0.6(4) 

  $ 

59.24 

32.70 

10.9(3) 

— 

(1) The  weighted-average  exercise  price  set  forth  in  this  column  is  calculated  excluding  outstanding  restricted  stock  unit 
(“RSU”) awards, since recipients are not required to pay an exercise price to receive the shares subject to these awards. 
(2) Represents options and RSUs awarded under the following plans: (i) 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan; (ii) 1997 

Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan; and (iii) the 2005 Stock Plan. 

(3) Represents  1,599,560  shares  available  for  purchase  under  the  2000  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  and  9,278,617  shares 

available for grant under the 2005 Stock Plan. 

(4) Represents options and RSUs awarded under the following plans:  (i) 1999 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan; and (ii) 

the 1998 Canadian Stock Incentive Plan.  No further awards will be made under either of these plans. 

The following are descriptions of equity plans that have been approved by the Company’s stockholders.  The 
plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, except for the portion of the 2005 
Stock Plan related to Non-Employee Directors, which is administered by the Board of Directors or its Committee on 
Directors and Corporate Governance. 

2005 Stock Plan:  The 2005 Stock Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on May 25, 2005 and approved 
by the Company’s stockholders on July 27, 2005.  The 2005 Stock Plan permits the granting of up to 42.5 million 
shares  in  the  form  of  stock  options,  restricted  stock  (“RS”),  RSUs,  performance-based  restricted  stock  units 
(“PeRSUs”)  and  other  share-based  awards.    For  any  one  share  of  common  stock  issued  in  connection  with  a  RS, 
RSU, PeRSU or other share-based award, two shares shall be deducted from the shares available for future grants.  
Shares of common stock not issued or delivered as a result of the net exercise of a stock option, shares used to pay 
the  withholding  taxes  related  to  a  stock  award  or  shares  repurchased  on  the  open  market  with  proceeds  from  the 
exercise of options shall not be returned to the reserve of shares available for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan. 

Stock options are granted at no less than fair market value and those options granted under the 2005 Stock Plan 
generally have a contractual term of seven years.  Prior to 2005, stock options typically had a contractual term of ten 
years.  Options generally become exercisable in  four equal annual installments beginning one  year after the grant 
date  or  after  four  years  from  the  date  of  grant.    The  vesting  of  RS  or  RSUs  is  determined  by  the  Compensation 
Committee at the time of grant.  RS and RSUs generally vest over four years.  Vesting of PeRSUs ranges from one 
to  three-year  periods  following  the  end  of  the  performance  period  and  may  follow  the  graded  or  cliff  method  of 
vesting. 

Non-employee directors may be granted an award on the date of each annual meeting of the stockholders for up 
to 5,000 RSUs, as determined by the Board.  Such non-employee director award is fully vested on the date of the 
grant. 

1997 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan.  The 1997 Non-Employee Directors’ 
Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on July 30, 1997; however, 
stockholder approval of the 2005 Stock Plan on July 27, 2005 had the effect of terminating the 1997 Non-Employee 
Directors’ Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan such that no new awards would be granted under the 1997 Non-
Employee Directors’ Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan. 

                                                                                         107 

 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.  The 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan expired by its 

terms on October 18, 2004, ten years after approval by the Board of Directors on October 19, 1994.  

2000  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (the  “ESPP”):  The  ESPP  is  intended  to  qualify  as  an  “employee  stock 
purchase  plan”  within  the  meaning  of  Section  423  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code.    In  March  2002,  the  Board 
amended the ESPP to allow for participation in the plan by employees of certain of the Company’s international and 
certain  other  subsidiaries.    As  to  those  employees,  the  ESPP  does  not  qualify  under  Section  423  of  the  Internal 
Revenue Code.  Currently, 16 million shares have been approved by stockholders for issuance under the ESPP. 

The  ESPP  is  implemented  through  a  continuous  series  of  three-month  purchase  periods  (“Purchase  Periods”) 

during which contributions can be made toward the purchase of common stock under the plan. 

Each eligible employee may elect to authorize regular payroll deductions during the next succeeding Purchase 
Period,  the  amount  of  which  may  not  exceed  15%  of  a  participant’s  compensation.    At  the  end  of  each  Purchase 
Period,  the  funds  withheld  by  each  participant  will  be  used  to  purchase  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock.  
The purchase price of each share of the Company’s common stock is based on 85% of the fair market value of each 
share  on  the  last  day  of  the  applicable  Purchase  Period.    In  general,  the  maximum  number  of  shares  of  common 
stock that may be purchased by a participant for each calendar year is determined by dividing $25,000 by the fair 
market value of one share of common stock on the offering date. 

The  following  are  descriptions  of  equity  plans  that  have  not  been  submitted  for  approval  by  the  Company’s 

stockholders: 

On  July  27,  2005,  the  Company’s  stockholders  approved  the  2005  Stock  Plan  which  had  the  effect  of 
terminating the 1999 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan, the 1998 Canadian Stock Incentive Plan and certain 
1999  one-time  stock  option  plan  awards,  which  plans  had  not  been  submitted  for  approval  by  the  Company’s 
stockholders,  and,  as  noted  above,  the  1997  Non-Employee  Directors’  Equity  Compensation  and  Deferral  Plan, 
which had previously been approved by the Company’s stockholders.  Prior grants under these plans include stock 
options, RS and RSUs.  Stock options under the terminated plans generally have a ten-year life and vest over four 
years.    RS  contains  certain  restrictions  on  transferability  and  may  not  be  transferred  until  such  restrictions  lapse.  
Each of these plans has outstanding equity grants, which are subject to the terms and conditions of their respective 
plans, but no new grants will be made under these terminated plans. 

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence. 

Information with respect to certain transactions with management is incorporated by reference from the Proxy 
Statement  under the heading  “Certain  Relationships and Related Transactions.”   Additional information regarding 
certain related party balances and transactions is included in the Financial Review section of this Annual Report on 
Form  10-K  and  Financial  Note  21,  “Related  Party  Balances  and  Transactions,”  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 14. 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 

Information  regarding  principal  accounting  fees  and  services  is  set  forth  under  the  heading  “Ratification  of 
Appointment  of  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP  as  the  Company’s  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm  for 
Fiscal 2013” in our Proxy Statement and all such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

                                                                                         108 

McKESSON CORPORATION 

PART IV 

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule. 

(a)(1)   Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................................................

Report of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Financial Notes 

(a)(2)   Financial Statement Schedule 

Page

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts .....................................................................................  111 

All other schedules not included have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which 
they are required or because the required information, where material, is shown in the financial 
statements, financial notes or supplementary financial information. 

(a)(3)   Exhibits submitted with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC and those 
incorporated by reference to other filings are listed on the Exhibit Index ..................................................  112 

                                                                                         109 

 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

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. 

Dated:  May 2, 2012 

MCKESSON CORPORATION

/s/ Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 

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 date indicated: 

* 

John H. Hammergren 
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer  
(Principal Executive Officer)

*

Jeffrey C. Campbell
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer)

Nigel A. Rees 
Vice President and Controller 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Andy D. Bryant, Director

Wayne A. Budd, Director 

Alton F. Irby III, Director 

*

*

*

*

M. Christine Jacobs, Director

Marie L. Knowles,  Director 

* 

*

*

David M. Lawrence, M.D., Director 

Edward A. Mueller, Director

*

*

Jane E. Shaw, Director 

/s/ Laureen E. Seeger 

Laureen E. Seeger 
*Attorney-in-Fact

Dated: May 2, 2012

                                                                                         110 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

SCHEDULE II 

SUPPLEMENTARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE 
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
For the Years Ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
(In millions) 

Description 

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Year 

Charged to 
Costs and 
Expenses 

Charged to 
Other 
Accounts (3)

Deductions 
From 
Allowance 
Accounts (1)

Balance at 
End of  
Year (2)

Additions 

Year Ended March 31, 2012 
Allowances for doubtful 

accounts ..................................  $ 

Other allowances ........................   
$

Year Ended March 31, 2011 
Allowances for doubtful 

accounts ..................................  $ 

Other allowances ........................   

$ 

Year Ended March 31, 2010 
Allowances for doubtful 

accounts ..................................  $ 

Other allowances ........................   
$ 

124 
16 

140 

131 
24 
155 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

152 
12 
164 

  $ 

  $ 

30 
5 

35 

18 
—
18 

17 
6 
23 

$

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—
—

— 

  $ 

  $ 

(43) 
(7) 

(50) 

5 
(2) 
3 

  $ 

  $ 

(30) 
(6) 
(36) 

  $ 

  $ 

7 
10 
17 

  $ 

  $ 

(45) 
(4) 
(49) 

  $ 

  $ 

111 
14 

125 

124 
16 
140 

131 
24 
155 

(1)  Deductions: 
  Written off .......................................................................... $ 

Credited to other accounts...................................................  
Total .................................................................................... $ 

2012 

2011 

2010 

(44) 
(6) 
(50) 

  $ 

  $ 

(36) 
— 
(36) 

  $ 

  $ 

(49) 
— 
(49) 

(2)  Amounts shown as deductions from current and non-

current receivables .......................................................... $ 

125 

  $ 

140 

  $ 

155 

(3) Primarily represents reclassifications from other balance sheet accounts. 

                                                                                         111 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

The agreements included as exhibits to this report are included to provide information regarding their terms and 
not intended to provide any other  factual or disclosure information about the Company  or the other parties to the 
agreements.    The  agreements  may  contain  representations  and  warranties  by  each  of  the  parties  to  the  applicable 
agreement that were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement, and; 

(cid:120)

should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk 
to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; 

(cid:120) may apply standards of  materiality in a  way that is different  from  what  may be  viewed as  material  to  you or 

other investors; and 

(cid:120) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the 

agreement and are subject to more recent developments. 

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they 

were made or at any other time.  

Exhibits identified under “Incorporated by Reference” in the table below are on file with the Commission and 

are incorporated by reference as exhibits hereto. 

Exhibit 
Number 

Description 

3.1  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 

of the Company, as filed with the Delaware Secretary 
of State on July 27, 2011. 

Incorporated by Reference 

File

Form 
10-Q 

Number  Exhibit 
1-13252 

3.1 

Filing Date 
August 2, 2011 

3.2  Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, as 

8-K 

1-13252 

3.2 

August 2, 2011 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

amended July 27, 2011. 

Indenture, dated as of March 11, 1997, by and 
between the Company, as Issuer, and The First 
National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee. 

Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2002, between the 
Company, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York, as 
Trustee. 

Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2007, by and between 
the Company, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York 
Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 
February 28, 2011, to the Indenture, dated as of 
March 5, 2007, among the Company, as Issuer, the 
Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. 
(formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust 
Company, N.A.), and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as Trustee. 

10-K 

1-13252 

4.4 

June 19, 1997 

10-K 

1-13252 

4.6 

June 12, 2002 

8-K 

1-13252 

4.1 

March 5, 2007 

8-K 

1-13252 

4.2 

February 28, 2011 

10.1*  McKesson Corporation 1994 Stock Option and 

10-K 

1-13252

10.4 

June 12, 2002 

Restricted Stock Plan as amended through July 31, 
2001. 

10.2*  McKesson Corporation 1999 Stock Option and 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.2 

May 7, 2008 

Restricted Stock Plan, as amended through May 26, 
2004. 

10.3*  McKesson Corporation 1997 Non-Employee 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.4 

June 10, 2004 

Directors’ Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan, 
as amended through January 29, 2003. 

                                                                                         112 

 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

Exhibit 
Number 

Description 

10.4*  McKesson Corporation Supplemental Profit Sharing 
Investment Plan, as amended and restated on January 
29, 2003. 

Incorporated by Reference 

File

Form 
10-K 

Number  Exhibit 
1-13252 

10.6 

Filing Date 
June 6, 2003 

10.5*  McKesson Corporation Supplemental Profit Sharing 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.1 

October 29, 2008 

Investment Plan II, as amended and restated on 
October 24, 2008. 

10.6*  McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.6 

May 13, 2005 

Administration Plan, as amended and restated as of 
October 28, 2004. 

10.7*  McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.7 

May 7, 2008 

Administration Plan II, as amended and restated as of 
October 28, 2004, and Amendment No. 1 thereto 
effective July 25, 2007. 

10.8*  McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation 
Administration Plan III, as amended and restated 
October 24, 2008. 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.2 

October 29, 2008 

10.9*  McKesson Corporation Option Gain Deferral Plan, as 
amended and restated as of October 28, 2004. 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.8 

May 13, 2005 

10.10*  McKesson Corporation Executive Benefit Retirement 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.3 

October 29, 2008 

Plan, as amended and restated on October 24, 2008. 

10.11*  McKesson Corporation Executive Survivor Benefits 

8-K 

1-13252 

10.1 

January 25, 2010 

Plan, as amended and restated as of January 20, 2010. 

10.12*  McKesson Corporation Severance Policy for 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.12 

May 5, 2009 

Executive Employees, as amended and restated  
December 29, 2008.  

10.13*  McKesson Corporation Change in Control Policy for 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.2 

February 1, 2011 

Selected Executive Employees, as amended and 
restated on October 26, 2010. 

10.14*  McKesson Corporation 2005 Management Incentive 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.3 

July 30, 2010 

Plan, as amended and restated on April 21, 2010, 
effective July 28, 2010.  

10.15*  Form of Statement of Terms and Conditions 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.15 

May 4, 2010 

Applicable to Awards Pursuant to the McKesson 
Corporation 2005 Management Incentive Plan, 
effective April 20, 2010. 

10.16*  McKesson Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, as 
amended and restated effective May 26, 2010. 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.1 

July 30, 2010 

10.17*  Form of Statement and Terms and Conditions 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.2 

July 30, 2010 

Applicable to Awards Pursuant to the McKesson 
Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, made on or 
after May 26, 2009. 

10.18*  McKesson Corporation 2005 Stock Plan, as amended 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.4 

July 30, 2010 

and restated on July 28, 2010. 

                                                                                         113 

 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

Exhibit 
Number 
10.19*  Forms of (i) Statement of Standard Terms and 

Description 

Conditions applicable to Options, Restricted Stock, 
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares, (ii) 
Stock Option Grant Notice and (iii) Restricted Stock 
Unit Agreement, under the McKesson Corporation 
2005 Stock Plan, as amended and restated on October 
26, 2010. 

Incorporated by Reference 

File

Form 
10-Q 

Number  Exhibit 
1-13252 

10.1 

Filing Date 
February 1, 2011 

10.20  Fourth Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.1 

July 28, 2011 

Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2011, among the 
Company, as Servicer, CGSF Funding Corporation, 
as Seller, the several conduit purchasers from time to 
time party to the Agreement, the several committed 
purchasers from time to time party to the Agreement, 
the several managing agents from time to time party 
to the Agreement, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 
as Collateral Agent. 

10.21  Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2011, 
among the Company and McKesson Canada 
Corporation, collectively, the Borrowers, Bank of 
America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Bank of 
America, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch), as 
Canadian Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase 
Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as Co-Syndication Agents, Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association as L/C Issuer, The Bank 
of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD., The Bank of Nova 
Scotia and U.S. Bank National Association as       
Co-Documentation Agents, and The Other Lenders 
Party Thereto, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & 
Smith Incorporated, Sole Lead Arranger and Sole 
Book Manager. 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.1 

October 25, 2011 

10.22  Senior Bridge Term Loan Agreement, dated as of 

8-K 

1-13252 

10.1 

November 23, 2010, among The Company, Bank of 
America N.A., as Administrative Agent, and The 
Other Lenders party thereto. 

November 29, 
2010 

10.23*  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.10  October 29, 2008 

effective as of November 1, 2008, by and between 
the Company and its Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer. 

10.24*  Letter dated March 27, 2012 relinquishing certain 

8-K 

1-13252 

10.1 

April 2, 2012 

rights provided in the Amended and Restated 
Employment Agreement by and between the 
Company and its Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer. 

10.25*  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, 

10-Q 

1-13252 

10.12  October 29, 2008 

effective as of November 1, 2008, by and between 
the Company and its Executive Vice President and 
Group President. 

                                                                                         114 

 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION 

10.26*  Form of Director and Officer Indemnification 

10-K 

1-13252 

10.27 

May 4, 2010 

Agreement. 

12†  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 

21†  List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 

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

24† 

Power of Attorney. 

31.1†  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 
Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and adopted 
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. 

31.2†  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 
Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, and adopted 
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

32††  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as 

— 

— 

— 

adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002. 

101†  The following materials from the McKesson 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, formatted in 
Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) 
the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) 
Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated 
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) 
related notes. 

*  Management  contract  or  compensation  plan  or  arrangement  in  which  directors  and/or  executive  officers  are 

eligible to participate. 
† 
Filed herewith. 
††  Furnished herewith. 

Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of each instrument defining the rights of 
security holders with respect to issues of long-term debt of the registrant, the authorized principal amount of which 
does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant. 

                                                                                         115 

Exhibit 31.1 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
RULE 13a-14(a) AND RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT, AS ADOPTED 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

I, John H. Hammergren, certify that: 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of McKesson Corporation; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

4. The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the 
period in which this report is being prepared; 

b)  Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; 

c)  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an 
annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I  have disclosed, based on our  most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

a)  All  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and 

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date: May 2, 2012 

/s/ John H. Hammergren 
John H. Hammergren 

  Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 

Executive Officer 

                                                                                    
Exhibit 31.2 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
RULE 13a-14(a) AND RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT, AS ADOPTED 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

I, Jeffrey C. Campbell, certify that: 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of McKesson Corporation; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements 
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

4. The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:   

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  us  by  others  within  those  entities,  particularly  during  the 
period in which this report is being prepared; 

b)  Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; 

c)  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an 
annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I  have disclosed, based on our  most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

a)  All  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and  

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

Date: May 2, 2012 

/s/ Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 

                                                                                         
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32 

In connection with the annual report of McKesson Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended 
March  31,  2012  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  the  date  hereof  (the  “Report”),  the 
undersigned, in the capacities and on the dates indicated below, each hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, 
as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of their knowledge: 

1. The Report fully complies  with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange  Act of 

1934; and 

2. The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and 

results of operations of the Company. 

/s/ John H. Hammergren 
John H. Hammergren 
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer 
May 2, 2012 

/s/ Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Jeffrey C. Campbell 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
May 2, 2012 

This  certification  accompanies  the  Report  pursuant  to  §  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002,  and  shall  not, 
except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for the purposes 
of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to McKesson Corporation and 
will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

                                                                                         
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP EARNINGS PER SHARE TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (NON-GAAP)

Appendix A

Diluted earnings per share from continuing
  operations (GAAP)
Adjustments, net of tax:

Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
Acquisition-related expenses
Litigation reserve adjustments

Adjusted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) 1

(1) May not add due to rounding.

2012

Years Ended March 31,
2010

2011

2009

2008

$          

5.59

$          

4.29

$          

4.62

$          

2.95

$

3.32

0.47
0.08
0.24
6.38

$         

0.31
0.14
0.57
5.31

$         

0.26
—
(0.04)
4.85

$         

0.28
—
1.11
4.35

$          

0.22
0.01
(0.01)
3.53

$

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP SEGMENT OPERATING PROFIT TO ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT (NON-GAAP)
(In millions)

Income from continuing operations before
  interest expense and income taxes (GAAP)
Adjustments:

Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
Acquisition-related expenses
Litigation reserve adjustments

Adjusted income from continuing operations before 
  interest expense and income taxes (Non-GAAP)

Income from continuing operations before
  interest expense and income taxes (GAAP)
Adjustments:

i

i

A
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
i i i
f
Acquisition-related expenses
Litigation reserve adjustments

ibl

d i

l

Adjusted income from continuing operations before 
  interest expense and income taxes (Non-GAAP)

Distribution
Solutions

Year Ended March 31, 2012
Technology
Solutions

Corporate

Total

$        

2,219

$           

364

$          

(413)

$

2,170

121
24
149

70
6
—

—
1
—

191
31
149

$        

2,513

$           

440

$          

(412)

$

2,541

Distribution
Solutions

Year Ended March 31, 2011
Technology
Solutions

Corporate

Total

$        

1,897

$           

301

$          

(341)

$

1,857

70
70
41
213

62
62
—
—

—
(14)
—

132
132
27
213

$        

2,221

$           

363

$          

(355)

$

2,229

Year-over-Year Change - GAAP
Year over Year Change - Non-GAAP

17%
13%

21%
21%

21%
16%

17%
14%

Adjusted Earnings (Non-GAAP) Financial Information
Adjusted Earnings represents income from continuing operations, excluding the effects of the following items from the Company’s U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (“GAAP”) financial results, including the related income tax effects:

Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles - Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets purchased in connection with acquisitions by the Company. 

Acquisition-related expenses - Transaction and integration expenses that are directly related to acquisitions by the Company.  Examples include transaction closing 
costs, professional service fees, restructuring or severance charges, retention payments, employee relocation expenses, facility or other exit-related expenses, 
recoveries of acquisition-related expenses or post-closing expenses, or bridge loan fees.

Litigation reserve adjustments - Adjustments to the Company’s  reserves, including accrued interest, for estimated probable losses for its Average Wholesale Price
and Securities Litigation matters, as such terms were defined in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 and 2009.

Income taxes on Adjusted Earnings are calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740, “Income Taxes,” which is the same accounting 
principles used by the Company when presenting its GAAP financial results.

The Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted Earnings provides useful supplemental information to investors with regard to its 
core operating performance, as well as assists with the comparison of its past financial performance to the Company’s future financial results.  Moreover, the Company 
believes that the presentation of Adjusted Earnings assists investors’ ability to compare its financial results to those of other companies in the same industry.  However, 
the Company's Adjusted Earnings measure may be defined and calculated differently by other companies in the same industry.

The Company internally uses non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted Earnings in connection with its own financial planning and reporting processes.
Specifically, Adjusted Earnings serves as one of the measures management utilizes when allocating resources, deploying capital and assessing business performance 
and employee incentive compensation.  Nonetheless, non-GAAP financial results and related measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute 
for, nor superior to, financial results and measures as determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP.

            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
           
            
             
               
               
                 
                 
             
             
               
              
             
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Directors and Offi    cers

Corporate Information

Board of Directors 

Corporate Officers

Common Stock

John H. Hammergren

John H. Hammergren

Chairman of the Board, 

Chairman of the Board, 

President and 

President and 

McKesson Corporation common stock is listed on the New York 

Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MCK) and is quoted in the daily stock 

tables carried by most newspapers.

Chief Executive Officer, 

Chief Executive Officer

Stockholder Information

McKesson Corporation

Patrick J. Blake

Andy D. Bryant

Executive Vice President and 

Chairman of the Board, 

Group President

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, 1110 Centre Point Curve, Suite 

101, Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100, acts as transfer agent, registrar, 

dividend-paying agent and dividend reinvestment plan agent 

for McKesson Corporation stock and maintains all registered 

Intel Corporation

Wayne A. Budd

Senior Counsel, 

Goodwin Procter LLP

Alton F. Irby III

Chairman and 

Founding Partner, 

London Bay Capital

M. Christine Jacobs

Chairman of the Board, 

President and 

Chief Executive Officer, 

Theragenics Corporation

Marie L. Knowles

Executive Vice President and 

Chief Financial Officer, Retired, 

Atlantic Richfield Company

David M. Lawrence, M.D.

Chairman of the Board and 

Chief Executive Officer, Retired, 
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, 

Jeffrey C. Campbell

stockholder records for the Company. For information about 

Executive Vice President and 

McKesson Corporation stock or to request replacement of lost dividend 

Chief Financial Officer

checks, stock certificates or 1099-DIVs, or to have your dividend 

Jorge L. Figueredo

Executive Vice President, 

Human Resources 

check deposited directly into your checking or savings account, 

stockholders may call Wells Fargo Shareowner Services’ telephone 

response center at (866) 614-9635. For the hearing impaired call 

(651) 450-4144. Wells Fargo Shareowner Services also has a website— 

Paul C. Julian

www.wellsfargo.com/shareownerservices—that stockholders may 

Executive Vice President and 

use 24 hours a day to request account information.

Group President

Dividends and Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

Laureen E. Seeger

Dividends are generally paid on the first business day of January, 

Executive Vice President, 

April, July and October. McKesson Corporation’s Dividend 

General Counsel and 

Reinvestment Plan offers stockholders the opportunity to reinvest 

Chief Compliance Officer

dividends in common stock and to purchase additional shares of 

Randall N. Spratt

Executive Vice President, 

Chief Technology Officer and 

Chief Information Officer

common stock. Stock in an individual’s Dividend Reinvestment 

Plan is held in book entry at the Company’s transfer agent, Wells 

Fargo Shareowner Services. For more information, or to request 

an enrollment form, call Wells Fargo Shareowner Services’ telephone 

response center at (866) 614-9635. From outside the United States, 

Nicholas A. Loiacono

call +1-651-450-4064.

Vice President and Treasurer

Annual Meeting

Nigel A. Rees

McKesson Corporation’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders will 

Inc. and Kaiser Foundation 

Vice President and Controller

be held at 8:30 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at the Crowne 

Willie C. Bogan

Secretary

Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404.

Hospitals

Edward A. Mueller

Chairman of the Board and 

Chief Executive Officer, Retired,

Qwest Communications 

International Inc.

Jane E. Shaw, Ph.D.

Chairman of the Board, Retired,

Intel Corporation;

Chairman of the Board and 

Chief Executive Officer, Retired,

Aerogen, Inc.

McKesson Corporation

One Post Street

San Francisco, CA 94104

www.mckesson.com

© 2012 McKesson Corporation. All rights reserved.