2017 Annual Report
A HISTORY
OF LOOKING
FORWARD
Celebrating 140 years
LOOKING FORWARD FOR 140 YEARS Since our founding in 1877,
Patterson Companies has a rich history of looking forward and leading change
in the markets we serve. Our “customer fi rst” approach drives us to listen to,
learn from and serve our customers as they manage their individual busi-
ness or corporate entity.
95%
of adults say they value
keeping their mouth healthy.
Source: The American Dental Association’s Health
Policy Institute
50% of dentists are
considering the purchase of
a digital impression device in
the next 3 years.
Source: 2016 Manufacturer Industry Survey
1877
1987
1997
Founded in 1877
John and M.F. Patterson purchased
D.L. Saslow Co. acquisition
Patterson acquired D.L. Saslow Co.
EagleSoft acquisition
Patterson acquired EagleSoft Inc. dental
a Milwaukee drugstore and began
and strengthened its position as a
practice software, which positioned
selling dental and surgical supplies
national dental supplier.
Patterson as a leader in technology and
in addition to their regular stock of
medicines and toiletries.
practice management.
1891
1992
2000
Headquarters relocation
The company relocated to St. Paul,
Patterson goes public
Patterson became a publicly traded
Patterson Foundation founded
The Patterson Foundation was
Minnesota, and grew to locations in
company on Nasdaq with the stock
founded by former Patterson
multiple states. By 1959, 40 branch
ticker PDCO.
locations were established.
Companies chairman and CEO
Peter L. Frechette and other
executives of the company.
Our markets are driven by compelling trends, strong growth prospects
and opportunities to serve customers with innovative products and compre-
hensive support. As we celebrate our 140th anniversary, we wish to thank
our customers, employees, supplier partners and shareholders for their
contributions to our heritage and success.
68%
of U.S. households
own a pet.
Annual protein production
will need to rise over
200 million tons by 2050 to
meet forecasted demand.
Source: 2017-2018 American Pet Products
Association National Pet Owners Survey
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations
2001
2013
J.A. Webster acquisition
Patterson acquired J.A. Webster Inc.
National Veterinary Services acquisition
Patterson completed the acquisition of
Animal Health International acquisition of Turnkey
In 2013, Animal Health International, which would
(also known as Webster Veterinary)
National Veterinary Services Limited
later be acquired by Patterson Companies, acquired
and Patterson entered the animal
(NVS), Staff ordshire, U.K.
Amarillo, Texas-based Turnkey, a premier provider of
health industry.
accounting and management systems for the com-
mercial cattle feeding industry.
2011
2015
2017
Patterson Technology Center
The current Patterson Technology
Animal Health International acquisition
Patterson completed the $1.1 billion ac-
Entry to the Fortune 500
Patterson was named to the
Center (PTC), which supports more
quisition of Animal Health International,
Fortune 500 list of America’s largest
than 100,000 customers nationwide
Greeley, Colorado.
and has provided support services
to customers since 2000, opened
in Effi ngham, Illinois.
companies by revenue for the fi rst
time in its 140-year history.
1
FOCUSED ON
PERFORMANCE
As we celebrate 140 years since our company’s formation, it
$5.6 billion, landing Patterson Companies in the Fortune 500.
is important to reflect on the foundational attributes that are
Adjusting for the effects of currency translation and the extra
unmistakably Patterson, qualities that anchor our ability to
week in the prior fiscal year, sales grew 6.5 percent. GAAP
succeed and position us for an exciting future. Our unique
earnings from continuing operations were $1.82 per diluted
combination of values, people, customers and partners has
share and adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing
always motivated us to adapt and grow. Since 1877, Patterson
operations* totaled $2.34 per diluted share, including the
has transformed many times, leading our customers through
impact of our transformation initiatives. For the full fiscal
significant change and converting our formidable expertise
year, Patterson Companies returned $221 million to our
into fresh opportunities that drive growth and deliver value
shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases.
to shareholders. During this current period of change, we are
grounded in our proven history of overcoming challenges and
looking forward.
Today, we rely once again on these qualities as we continue
to transform Patterson and adapt to market realities and
new opportunities. We are modernizing our technology
infrastructure and currently implementing our new enterprise
resource planning initiative, which hit promising milestones
in fiscal 2017. While this multi-year effort is not yet complete,
we have already begun harvesting actionable data to help us
drive revenue, realize new efficiencies and be able to serve
customers at an even higher level. We are working diligently
to improve our operating margin with a number of initiatives
that we expect will drive more disciplined sourcing, working
capital improvement and expense management to build a
leaner, stronger Patterson. Currently, we are in a leadership
transition and the board of directors is committed to finding
the right individual to lead the company’s next phase of
growth and development.
Our fiscal 2017 financial performance reflected the necessary
strategic change and associated disruption we are experiencing
as an organization. Reported net sales grew 3.8 percent to
Dental
The dental market in fiscal 2017 reflected stable-to-improving
end market conditions and our strong core equipment sales
performance demonstrated that dentists continue to invest in
their practices to improve the patient experience.
Our customers’ definition of digital dentistry is expanding.
Our decision to broaden our portfolio of technology offerings,
while creating near-term revenue headwinds, is expected
to fuel additional growth for the long term. In fiscal 2018, we
will work diligently to bring additional technology product
options into our sales, service and technical support platform
to serve a wider range of customers. Most importantly, as
dental practices evolve and become more technology driven
and dependent, Patterson’s competitive advantage of training,
service and support will grow even more compelling. We
are excited to see the future of dentistry moving toward
Patterson’s core strengths.
In addition, as we work to improve our consumables
performance, we are putting new data and insights to
work, much of it from our new enterprise resource planning
system, to help accelerate through this period of change.
$5.6
billion
Total sales
57% Animal Health
43% Dental
$3.2
billion
Animal Health sales
52% Companion
15% Beef
13% Dairy
13% Swine
7% Other
$2.4
billion
Dental sales
55% Consumables
33% Equipment and
Software
12% Technical Service
and Other
2
what we believe will be the largest, most effective animal
health partner in the industry. Our focus for fiscal 2018 is
to maintain sales momentum and enhance our profitability
through refining our marketing approach and mix, as well as
enterprise-wide cost-saving disciplines to address our bottom
line challenges.
A history of looking forward
The strongest, most resilient organizations are able to adapt
and grow — over decades of economic and end-market
change — to arrive at new levels of performance and success.
We believe Patterson embodies that strength and resilience.
As we look forward to fiscal 2018, we are committed to
accelerating through this period of transition, to putting our
learnings to effective use and to setting the stage for stronger
top- and bottom-line growth. We are embracing both our
opportunities and our challenges and are confident we have
the strategies in place to execute on our objectives. Finally,
we wish to thank our customers, employees, suppliers and
shareholders for their support of our commitment to focus on
performance in the year ahead.
John D. Buck
Chairman of the Board
James W. Wiltz
Interim President and
Chief Executive Officer
New tools in the hands of our highly skilled and motivated
sales and service team will continue to drive strong customer
relationships, a hallmark of Patterson for 140 years.
Animal Health
In animal health, we experienced a consistently strong
companion animal market and an improving production animal
market as we moved through fiscal 2017. Our animal health
segment is anchored by compelling demographic trends. Pet
ownership continues to rise, accompanied by increased spend
per pet, and Patterson is serving the veterinary community
with solutions to profitably grow their practices. The increasing
global middle class is driving demand for animal protein. As
John D. Buck
U.S. livestock producers strive to meet this demand, we intend
Chairman of the Board
to preserve our market-leading position as the supplier of
choice for effective products and customized logistics that
our production animal customers depend on to raise healthy
animals and maximize profitability.
James W. Wiltz
We recognize our need for additional progress to realize the
full potential of this platform as we continue to integrate our
companion animal and production animal businesses into
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
Net sales
(Dollars in millions)
Diluted earnings per share
from continuing operations*
(As adjusted)
Cash returned to shareholders
(Dollars in millions)
$3,911
2015
$5,387
2016
$5,593
2017
$1.89
2015
$2.47
2016
$2.34
2017
$129
2015
$291
2016
$221
2017
*See Financial Highlights for reconciliation to GAAP.
3
DEDICATED
PARTNERS
Patterson Companies is committed
to bringing the most comprehensive
suite of products, workfl ow solutions
and customer support to the dental and animal health markets we
serve. Our customers are managing increasingly complex businesses
DIGITAL WORKFLOWS
TAKE VARIOUS FORMS
Long recognized as the industry leader
in selling CAD/CAM technology, Patterson
is expanding our portfolio to meet the
digital needs of all customer segments
in the dental market. Along with our
CLOUD-BASED
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
RELIABLE SUPPORT FOR
COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY
Patterson Dental’s new cloud-based
The Patterson Technology Center
practice management solution was truly
aims to be the expert in technology so
dreamed by dentists and built by experts.
FuseTM seamlessly connects across loca-
tions and functions, making it perfect for
customers don’t have to be. Dedicated
support teams engage in more than
a million customer support calls with
committed sales and support teams, we
multi-location practices and tech-savvy
nearly 100,000 dental and animal
will continue building upon our 20-year
private practices alike. Its intuitive inter-
health customers each year.
partnership with Dentsply Sirona while
face, clinical timeline and other unique
also bringing new partners and solutions
features are all backed by Patterson’s
to our customers.
unrivaled support and training.
4
and choose a relationship with Patterson to help them handle the
challenges of today and the uncertainties of the future. From off ering
a broadened portfolio for digital workfl ows in dentistry to empowering
veterinarians and livestock producers with exciting tools to manage their
businesses, Patterson is committed to being the partner of tomorrow.
IMPROVING CUSTOMER
PROFITABILITY
EMPOWERING VETS
TO GROW
The AxcessTM Automated Locker System
provides our livestock producer customers
with increased accountability and item
Patterson Veterinary has partnered with
Vet2PetTM and VetSuccessTM to bring
powerful “software as a service” products
MODERNIZING THE
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Patterson is updating our IT infrastructure
to deliver new capabilities and benefi ts to
our customers. Improvements in ordering,
control. This system reduces loss and
with attractive, subscription-based pricing
service scheduling and analytics are just
monitors inventory of mission-critical
models to veterinary clients. These
a few of the benefi ts customers will experi-
parts, supplies and consumables.
powerful technology products deliver
ence as we complete the implementation
data, insights, eff ective marketing and
of our new Enterprise Resource Planning
client communication tools to busy
(ERP) system. Our new system currently
veterinarians.
distributes over 32,000 packages every
day — and counting.
5
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
April 29, 2017
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income*
Net income*
Diluted earnings per share*
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital
Total assets
Total long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
$5,593,127
1,301,397
287,928
173,788
1.82
94,959
899,662
$
$
3,507,913
998,272
1,394,433
Fiscal year ended
April 30, 2016
$5,386,703
1,322,748
347,713
185,684
$
1.90
$ 137,453
918,206
3,520,804
1,022,155
1,441,746
April 25, 2015
$3,910,865
1,060,549
304,586
180,083
$
1.81
$ 347,260
995,540
2,945,248
722,542
1,514,123
The following reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures table is provided to adjust reported GAAP measures, namely earnings
from continuing operations, net income from continuing operations, and earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, for the
impact of transaction related costs, deal amortization, intangible asset impairment, integration and business restructuring expenses,
accelerated debt issuance costs and discrete tax matters.
Management believes that these non-GAAP measures may provide a helpful representation of the full year performance, and
enable comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance. These
non-GAAP financial measures are presented solely for informational and comparative purposes and should not be regarded as a
replacement for corresponding, similarly captioned, GAAP measures.
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
April 29, 2017
Net income – reported*
Transaction-related costs
Deal amortization
Intangible asset impairment
Integration and business restructuring expenses
Accelerated debt issuance costs
Discrete tax matters
Net income – adjusted*
$173,788
1,032
26,188
23,049
4,080
–
(4,789 )
$223,348
Diluted earnings per share – reported*
$
Transaction-related costs
Deal amortization
Intangible asset impairment
Integration and business restructuring expenses
Accelerated debt issuance costs
Discrete tax matters
Diluted earnings per share – adjusted*
*from continuing operations
1.82
0.01
0.27
0.24
0.04
–
(0.05 )
$
2.34
Fiscal year ended
April 30, 2016
$185,684
10,360
25,417
–
4,443
3,205
12,300
$241,409
$
$
1.90
0.11
0.26
–
0.05
0.03
0.13
2.47
April 25, 2015
$180,083
928
7,721
–
–
–
–
$188,732
$
1.81
0.01
0.08
–
–
–
–
$
1.89
Forward-looking statements made in this report are subject to the cautionary statements in the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June 28, 2017, under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
6
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017
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 No. 0-20572
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
41-0886515
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1031 Mendota Heights Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55120
(Address of principal executive offices including Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (651) 686-1600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $.01
Name of exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market
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
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company,
or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price as quoted on
the NASDAQ Global Select Market on October 29, 2016, was approximately $4,175,000,000 (For purposes of this calculation all of the
registrant’s executive officers and directors are deemed affiliates of the registrant.)
As of June 20, 2017, there were 96,342,000 shares of Common Stock of the registrant issued and outstanding.
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year-end
of April 29, 2017 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
1
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
FORM 10-K INDEX
BUSINESS
RISK FACTORS
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
PROPERTIES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
OTHER INFORMATION
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
SIGNATURES
SCHEDULE II
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Page
3
3
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24
25
25
26
27
27
30
31
40
40
70
70
71
72
72
72
72
72
72
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77
78
79
2
Item 1. BUSINESS
PART I
Certain information of a non-historical nature contained in Items 1, 2, 3 and 7 of this Form 10-K includes forward-
looking statements. Reference is made to “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7, for a discussion of certain factors that could cause actual
operating results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
General
Patterson Companies, Inc. is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply
markets and the U.S., Canadian and U.K. animal health supply markets. Patterson operates through its two strategic
business units, Patterson Dental and Patterson Animal Health, offering similar products and services to different
customer bases. Each business is a market leader with a strong competitive position, serves a fragmented market
that offers consolidation opportunities and offers relatively low-cost consumable supplies, making our value-added
business proposition highly attractive to our customers. We believe that we have a strong brand identity as a value-
added, full-service distributor with broad product and service offerings, having begun distributing dental supplies in
1877.
In fiscal 2017, we continued the transformation of Patterson that began in fiscal 2016, when we more than doubled
the size of our animal health business through the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., for $1.1 billion in
June 2015. This acquisition added a leading production animal supply business to our preexisting companion animal
supply business, resulting in the creation of our animal health segment. In August 2015, we completed the disposition
of our rehabilitative and assistive products supply business, Patterson Medical, for $717 million; the results of this
business are now presented as discontinued operations. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
further information about the sale of Patterson Medical.
The following table sets forth consolidated net sales (in millions) by segment.
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Consolidated net sales
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
Fiscal Year Ended
$
$
2,390 $
3,160
43
5,593 $
2,476 $
2,862
49
5,387 $
2,415
1,457
39
3,911
Our strategically located fulfillment centers enable us to better serve our customers and increase our operating
efficiency. This infrastructure, together with broad product and service offerings at competitive prices, and a strong
commitment to customer service, enables us to be a single source of supply for our customers’ needs. Our infrastructure
also allows us to provide convenient ordering and rapid, accurate and complete order fulfillment.
Patterson became publicly traded in 1992 and is a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Minnesota.
We are headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our principal executive offices are located at 1031 Mendota Heights
Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, and our telephone number is (651) 686-1600. Unless the context specifically requires
otherwise, the terms the “Company,” “Patterson,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Patterson Companies, Inc., a Minnesota
corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The Specialty Distribution Markets We Serve
We provide manufacturers with cost effective logistics and high-caliber sales professionals to access a
geographically diverse customer base, which is critical to the supply chain for the markets we serve. We provide our
customers with a vast array of value-added services, a dedicated and highly skilled sales team, and a broad selection
of products through a single channel, thereby helping them efficiently manage their ordering process. Due in part to
the inability of our customers to store and manage large quantities of supplies at their locations, the distribution of
supplies and small equipment has been characterized by frequent, small-quantity orders, and a need for rapid, reliable
3
and substantially-complete order fulfillment. Supplies and small equipment are generally purchased from more than
one distributor, with one generally serving as the primary supplier.
We believe that consolidation within the industry will continue as distributors, particularly those with limited financial,
operating and marketing resources, seek to combine with larger companies that can provide growth opportunities.
This consolidation also may continue to result in distributors seeking to acquire companies that can enhance their
current product and service offerings or provide opportunities to serve a broader customer base.
Dental Supply Market
We estimate the dental supply market we serve to be approximately $7.7 billion annually and our share of this
market, when direct distribution by manufacturers is included, to be approximately 31%. This market consists of a
sizeable geographically dispersed number of fragmented dental practices. Customers range in size from sole
practitioners to large group practices or service organizations. According to the American Dental Association and the
Canadian Dental Association, there are over 196,000 dentists practicing in the U.S. and 21,000 dentists practicing in
Canada, respectively. We believe the average dental practitioner purchases supplies from more than one vendor.
We believe the dental supply market continues to experience growth due to U.S. population growth, the aging
population, advances in dentistry, demand for preventive dentistry and specialty services, the need for increased office
productivity, demand for infection control products, and coverage by dental plans. Demographic trends indicate that
our markets are growing, as an aging U.S. population is increasingly using dental services. In the dental industry, there
is predicted to be a rise in oral health care expenditures as the 45 and older segment of the population increases. There
is increasing demand for new technologies that allow dentists to increase productivity, and this is being driven in the
U.S. by lower insurance reimbursement rates.
We support dental professionals through the many stock keeping units (“SKUs”) that we offer, as well as through
important value-added services, including practice management software, electronic claims processing, financial
services and continuing education, all designed to help maximize a practitioner’s efficiency.
Animal Health Supply Market
We estimate the animal health supply market we serve to be approximately $14 billion annually and our share of
this market, when direct distribution by manufacturers is included, to be approximately 23%. Similar to the dental supply
market, the animal health supply market is fragmented and diverse. The animal health supply market is a mix of the
production animal supply market, which primarily consists of beef and dairy cattle, poultry and swine, and other food-
producing animals, and the companion animal supply market, which primarily consists of dogs, cats and horses. Our
production animal customers include large animal veterinarians, beef producers (cow/calf, stocker and feedlots), dairy
producers, poultry producers, swine producers and retail customers. According to the American Veterinary Medical
Association, there are more than 68,000 veterinarians in private practice in the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, there
are approximately 22,000 veterinarians in the U.K. practicing in veterinary outlets; however, we believe there has been
a shift in the U.K. market toward consolidation of veterinary practices. National Veterinary Services Limited, our
veterinary products distributor in the U.K., has the highest percentage of buying groups and corporations as customers
compared to its competitors.
The animal health supply market, impacted by growing companion pet ownership and care, as well as increased
focus on safety and efficiency in livestock production, provides growth opportunities for us. We support our animal
health customers through the distribution of biologicals, pharmaceuticals, parasiticides, supplies and equipment and
by actively engaging in the development, sale and distribution of inventory, accounting and health management systems.
Within the companion animal supply market, we anticipate increasing demand for veterinary services due to the
following factors: the increasing number of households with companion animals, increased expenditures on animal
health and preventative care, an aging pet population, advancements in animal health products and diagnostic testing,
and extensive marketing programs sponsored by companion animal nutrition and pharmaceutical companies.
Product sales in the production animal supply market are impacted by volatility in commodity prices such as milk,
grains, livestock and poultry. Changes in weather patterns also influence how long cattle will graze and consequently
the number of days an animal is on feed during a finishing phase. In addition, changes in the general economy can
shift the number of animals treated, the timing of when animals are treated, to what extent they are treated and with
which products they are treated. Historically, sales in this market have been largely driven by spending on animal
health products to improve productivity, weight gain and disease prevention, as well as a growing focus on food safety.
4
Within the production animal supply market, we anticipate an increasing demand for protein as consumption continues
to increase with the growing population.
Competition
The distribution industry is highly competitive. It consists principally of national, regional and local full-service
distributors, mail-order distributors and, increasingly, Internet-based businesses. Most of the products we sell are
available to customers from a number of suppliers. In addition, our competitors could obtain exclusive rights from
manufacturers to market particular products. Some manufacturers also sell directly to end-users, thereby eliminating
or reducing our role and that of other distributors.
We compete with other distributors, as well as several manufacturers, of dental and animal health products,
primarily on the basis of price, breadth of product line, customer service and value-added products and services. To
differentiate ourselves from our competition we deploy a strategy of premium customer service with multiple value-
added components, a highly qualified and motivated sales force, highly-trained and experienced service technicians,
an extensive breadth and mix of products and services, technology solutions allowing customers to easily access our
inventory, accurate and timely delivery of product, strategic location of sales offices and fulfillment centers, and
competitive pricing.
In the U.S. and Canadian dental supply market, we compete against Henry Schein, Inc., Benco Dental Supply
Company, at least 15 full-service distributors that operate on a regional level, and hundreds of small local distributors.
Also, as noted above, some manufacturers sell directly to end users. With regard to our dental practice management
software, we compete against numerous companies, including Carestream Health, Inc. and Henry Schein, Inc.
In the U.S. and Canadian animal health supply market, our primary competitors are AmerisourceBergen and
Henry Schein, Inc. We also compete against a number of regional and local animal health distributors, as well as a
number of manufacturers, including pharmaceutical companies that sell directly to production animal operators, animal
health product retailers and veterinarians. To a lesser extent, we also compete with mail order distributors and buying
groups. We face significant competition in the animal health supply market in the U.K., where we compete on the basis
of price and customer service with several large competitors, including Henry Schein, Inc. and AmerisourceBergen.
We also compete directly with pharmaceutical companies who sell certain products or services directly to the customer.
In the animal health practice management market, our primary competitors are IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and Henry
Schein, Inc.
Successful distributors are increasingly providing value-added services in addition to the products they have
traditionally provided. We believe that to remain competitive we must continue to add value to the distribution channel,
while removing unnecessary costs associated with product movement. Significant price reductions by our competitors
could result in competitive harm. Any of these competitive pressures may materially adversely affect our operating
results.
Competitive Strengths
We have more than 130 years of experience in distributing products resulting in strong awareness of the Patterson
brand. Although further information regarding these competitive strengths is set forth below in the discussion of our
two strategic business units, our competitive strengths include:
•
•
Broad product and service offerings at competitive prices. We offer over 189,000 SKUs to our
customers, including many proprietary branded products. We believe that our proprietary branded
products and our competitive pricing strategy have generated a loyal customer base that is confident
in our brands. Of the SKUs offered, approximately 89,000 are offered to our dental customers and
approximately 100,000 are offered to our animal health customers. Our product offerings include
consumables, equipment and software. Our service offerings include software and design services,
repair and maintenance, and equipment financing.
Focus on customer relationships and exceptional customer service. Our sales and marketing efforts
are designed to establish and solidify customer relationships through personal visits by field sales
representatives, interaction via phone with sales representatives, web-based activities including e-
commerce and frequent direct marketing, emphasizing our broad product lines, competitive prices
5
and ease of order placement. We focus on providing our customers with exceptional order fulfillment
and a streamlined ordering process.
•
Cost-effective purchasing and efficient distribution. We believe that cost-effective purchasing is a key
element to maintaining and enhancing our position as a competitive-pricing provider of dental and
animal health products. We distribute our products from strategically located fulfillment centers. We
strive to maintain optimal inventory levels in order to satisfy customer demand for prompt and complete
order fulfillment.
Business Strategy
Our objective is to continue to expand as a leading value-added distributor of dental and animal health products
and services. To accomplish this, we will apply our competitive strengths in executing the following strategies:
•
•
•
•
Emphasizing our value-added, full-service capabilities. We are positioned to meet virtually all of the
needs of dental practitioners, veterinarians, production animal operators and animal health product
retailers by providing a broad range of consumable supplies, technology, equipment and software and
value-added services. We believe our knowledgeable sales representatives can create special
relationships with customers by providing an informational link to the overall industry. Our value-added
strategy is further supported by our equipment specialists who offer consultation on design, equipment
requirements and financing, our service technicians who perform equipment installation, maintenance
and repair services, our business development professionals who provide business tools and
educational programs to our customers, and our technology advisors who provide guidance on
integrating technology solutions.
existing
platforms
customers,
predominant
Using technology to enhance customer service. As part of our commitment to providing superior
customer service, we offer our customers easy order placement. Although we offer computerized order
entry systems that we believe help establish relationships with new customers and increase loyalty
include
among
www.pattersondental.com, www.pattersonvet.com and www.animalhealthinternational.com. The use
of these methods of ordering enables our sales representatives to spend more time with existing and
prospective customers. Our Internet environment includes order entry, customer support for digital
and our proprietary products, customer-loyalty program reports and services, and access to articles
and manufacturers’ product information. We also provide real-time customer and sales information to
our sales force, managers and vendors via the Internet. In addition, the Patterson Technology Center
(the “PTC”) differentiates Patterson from our competition by positioning Patterson as a single-source
solution for digital components. In addition to trouble-shooting through the PTC’s support center,
customers can access various service capabilities offered by the PTC, including electronic claims and
statement processing and system back-up capabilities.
ordering
today
for
Continuing to improve operating efficiencies. We continue to implement programs designed to improve
our operating efficiencies and allow for continued sales growth. This strategy includes our continuing
investment in management information systems and consolidation and leveraging of fulfillment centers
and sales branches between our operating segments. In addition, we have established shared sales
branch offices in several locations.
Growing through internal expansion and acquisitions. We intend to continue to grow by hiring
established sales representatives, hiring and training skilled sales professionals, opening additional
locations as needed, and acquiring other distributors in order to enter new, or more deeply penetrate
existing, geographic markets, gain access to additional product lines, and expand our customer base.
We believe both of our operating segments are well positioned to take advantage of expected continued
consolidation in our markets.
Dental Segment - Products, Services and Sources of Supply
Patterson Dental, one of the two largest distributors of dental products in North America, has operations in the
U.S. and Canada. As a full-service, value-added supplier to over 114,000 dentists, dental laboratories, institutions, and
other healthcare professionals, Patterson Dental provides consumable products (including infection control, restorative
materials, hand instruments and sterilization products); basic and advanced technology dental equipment; exclusive,
6
innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions; patient education
systems; and office forms and stationery. Patterson Dental offers customers more than 89,000 SKUs of which
approximately 4,000 are private-label products sold under the Patterson brand. Patterson Dental also offers customers
a range of related services including software and design services, maintenance and repair, and equipment financing.
Net sales and operating income were $2.4 billion and $264 million in fiscal 2017, respectively.
The following table sets forth the percentage of total sales by the principal categories of products and services
offered to our dental segment customers:
Consumable
Equipment and software
Other (1)
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
56%
33
11
100%
56%
33
11
100%
55%
34
11
100%
(1) Consists of other value-added services, including software and design service, and maintenance and repair.
Patterson Dental obtains products from more than 800 vendors. Although our relationships with most vendors
are non-exclusive, we do obtain certain products on an exclusive basis. During the course of fiscal 2017, we made
the decision to end the exclusive portion of our relationship with Sirona in September 2017. This decision is consistent
with our strategy of serving the evolving needs of all of our customers and is expected to allow us to better serve the
full range of practice models, including the Dental Support Organizations (“DSOs”) that represent an increasing share
of the dental market.
While Patterson Dental makes purchases from many suppliers, and there is generally more than one source of
supply for most of the categories of products we sell, the concentration of business with key suppliers is considerable.
Our top ten supply vendors accounted for approximately 61% and 57% of the cost of products sold in fiscal 2017 and
fiscal 2016, respectively. Of these ten, the top vendor accounted for 30% for fiscal 2017 and 25% for fiscal 2016 cost
of sales.
Animal Health Segment - Products, Services and Sources of Supply
Patterson Animal Health is a leading distributor of animal health products in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We
sell more than 100,000 SKUs sourced from 3,500 manufacturers to over 50,000 customers in the highly fragmented
animal health supply market. Products we distribute include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics,
prescription and non-prescription diets, nutritionals, consumable supplies, equipment and software. We offer a private
label portfolio of products to veterinarians, producers, and retailers through our Aspen, First Companion and Patterson
Veterinary brands. We also provide a range of value-added services to our customers. Within our companion animal
supply market, our principal customers are companion-pet and equine veterinarians, veterinary clinics, public and
private institutions, and shelters. In our production animal supply market, our principal customers are large animal
veterinarians, production animal operators and animal health product retailers. Net sales and operating income were
$3.2 billion and $88 million in fiscal 2017, respectively.
The following table sets forth the percentage of total sales by the principal categories of products and services
offered to our animal health segment customers:
Consumable
Equipment and software
Other
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
97%
2
1
100%
97%
2
1
100%
95%
3
2
100%
Patterson Animal Health obtains products from 2,600 vendors in the U.S. and Canada and 900 vendors in the
U.K. While Patterson Animal Health makes purchases from many vendors and there is generally more than one
7
source of supply for most of the categories of products, the concentration of business with key vendors is
considerable. In fiscal 2017 and 2016, Patterson Animal Health’s top 10 manufacturers comprised approximately
70% of the total cost of sales, and the single largest supplier comprised 18% of the total cost of sales.
Sales, Marketing and Distribution
During fiscal 2017, we sold products or services to over 164,000 customers who made one or more purchases
during the year. Our customers include dentists, laboratories, institutions, other healthcare professionals, veterinarians,
other animal health professionals, production animal operators and animal health product retailers. No single customer
accounted for more than 10% of sales during fiscal 2017, and we are not dependent on any single customer or
geographic group of customers.
We have offices throughout the U.S. and Canada so that we can provide a presence in the market and decision-
making near the customer. Patterson Animal Health also has a central office in the U.K. These offices, or sales branches,
are staffed with a complete complement of our capabilities, including sales, customer service and technical service
personnel, as well as a local manager who has decision-making authority with regard to customer-related transactions
and issues.
A primary component of our value-added approach is our sales force. Due to the fragmented nature of the markets
we serve, we believe that a large sales force is necessary to reach potential customers and to provide full service.
Sales representatives provide an informational link to the overall industry, assist practitioners in selecting and purchasing
products and help customers efficiently manage their supply inventories. Our need for a large dedicated sales force
in the U.K. is reduced due to the presence of buying groups and corporate customers as well as the significant number
of orders placed electronically in the U.K.
In the U.S., customer service representatives in call centers work in tandem with our sales representatives,
providing a dual coverage approach for individual customers. In addition to processing orders, customer service
representatives are responsible for assisting customers with ordering, informing customers of monthly promotions,
and responding to general inquiries. In the U.K., our customer service team is primarily responsible for handling
customer inquiries and resolving issues.
To assist our customers with their purchasing decisions, we provide a multi-touch point shopping experience.
From print to digital, this seamless experience is inclusive of products and services information. Patterson offers online
and in-print showcases of our expansive merchandise and equipment offerings, including digital imaging and computer-
aided design and computer-aided manufacturing ("CAD/CAM") technologies, hand-held and similar instruments,
sundries, office design, e-services, repair and support assistance, as well as financial services. We also promote select
products and services through our monthly magazine, Insight, in the U.S. and Canada, and our quarterly magazine,
The Cube, in the U.K. Additional direct marketing tools that we utilize include customer loyalty programs, social media,
and participation in trade shows.
We believe that responsive delivery of quality supplies and equipment is key to customer satisfaction. We ship
consumable supplies from our strategically located fulfillment centers in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.K., orders are
accepted in a centralized fulfillment center and shipped nationwide to one of our depots located throughout the country
at which pre-packed orders are sorted by route for delivery to customers. Orders for consumable supplies can be
placed through our sales representatives, customer service representatives or electronically 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Rapid and accurate order fulfillment is another principal component of our value-added approach.
In order to assure the availability of our broad product lines for prompt delivery to customers, we must maintain
sufficient inventories at our fulfillment centers. Purchasing of consumables and standard equipment is centralized, and
our purchasing department uses a real-time perpetual inventory system to manage inventory levels. Our inventory
consists mostly of consumable supply items and pharmaceutical products.
Geographic Information
For information on revenues and long-lived assets of our dental and animal health segments by geographic area,
see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
8
Discontinued Operations
In August 2015, we sold Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary responsible for our
rehabilitation supply business known as Patterson Medical, for $717 million to Madison Dearborn Partners. For a
limited period of time following the disposition, Patterson will continue to provide certain transition services to Patterson
Medical, as owned by Madison Dearborn Partners, pursuant to a transition services agreement. See Note 4 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Seasonality
Our business in general is not seasonal; however, there are some products that typically sell more often during
the winter or summer season. In any given month, unusual weather patterns (e.g., unusually hot or cold weather) could
impact the sales volumes of these products, either positively or negatively.
Governmental Regulation
Operating, Security and Licensure Standards
Our dental and animal health supply businesses involve the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices,
and in this regard we are subject to various local, state, federal and foreign governmental laws and regulations applicable
to the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Among the U.S. federal laws applicable to us are the
Controlled Substances Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and Section 361 of the Public
Health Service Act. We are also subject to comparable foreign regulations.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDC Act”) and similar foreign laws generally regulate the introduction,
manufacture, advertising, labeling, packaging, storage, handling, reporting, marketing and distribution of, and record
keeping for, pharmaceuticals and medical devices shipped in interstate commerce, and states may similarly regulate
such activities within the state. Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act, which provides authority to prevent the
spread of communicable diseases, serves as the legal basis for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”)
regulation of human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products, also known as “HCT/P products.”
The federal Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013 brought about significant changes with respect to pharmaceutical
supply chain requirements and pre-empts state law. Title II of this measure, known as the Drug Supply Chain Security
Act (“DSCSA”), will be phased in over 10 years, and is intended to build a national electronic, interoperable system to
identify and trace certain prescription drugs as they are distributed in the U.S. The law’s track and trace requirements
applicable to manufacturers, wholesalers, repackagers and dispensers (e.g., pharmacies) of prescription drugs began
to take effect in January 2015. The DSCSA product tracing requirements replace the former FDA drug pedigree
requirements and pre-empt state requirements that are inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to, the
DSCSA requirements. Also in January 2015, the DSCSA required manufacturers and wholesale distributors to have
systems in place by which they can identify whether a product in their possession or control is a “suspect” or “illegitimate”
product, and handle it accordingly.
The DSCSA also establishes certain requirements for the licensing and operation of prescription drug wholesalers
and third party logistics providers (“3PLs”), and includes the creation of national wholesaler and 3PL licenses in cases
where states do not license such entities. The DSCSA requires that wholesalers and 3PLs distribute drugs in accordance
with certain standards regarding the recordkeeping, storage and handling of prescription drugs. Beginning January 1,
2015, the DSCSA required wholesalers and 3PLs to submit annual reports to the FDA, which include information
regarding each state where the wholesaler or 3PL is licensed, the name and address of each facility and contact
information. According to FDA guidance, states are pre-empted from imposing any licensing requirements that are
inconsistent with, less stringent than, directly related to, or covered by the standards established by federal law in this
area. Current state licensing requirements will likely remain in effect until the FDA issues new regulations as directed
by the DSCSA.
The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (“FDAAA”) and the Food and Drug Administration
Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 (“FDASIA”) amended the FDC Act to require the FDA to promulgate regulations to
implement a Unique Device Identification System. The FDA issued a final rule in September 2013 implementing the
Unique Device Identification System, requiring the labels of most medical devices to bear a unique device identifier
(“UDI”), and prescribing the content and format of the UDI. The rule also requires the submission of certain information
9
concerning UDI-labeled devices to an FDA database, the Global Unique Device Identification Database (“GUDID”).
Additional FDA UDI guidance has subsequently been issued, and the FDA’s UDI regulations are being phased in over
seven years from the rule’s promulgation in September 2013, beginning with the highest-risk devices (i.e., Class III
medical devices) and ending with the lowest-risk devices. For the lowest-risk, Class I medical devices, a Universal
Product Code may take the place of a UDI on the device’s label.
The FDA’s UDI regulations require certain entities, referred to as “labelers,” to develop and include UDIs on the
labels of medical devices, and to directly mark certain devices with UDIs. Labelers are entities that cause a device’s
label to be applied or modified, without any subsequent replacement or modification. Typically, these entities are device
manufacturers, specification developers, single-use device reprocessors, convenience kit assemblers, repackagers
and relabelers.
Violations of the UDI regulations, including failure to include a UDI on a device’s label after the effective date for
the device type, result in the misbranding of the device. The FDC Act makes it unlawful to introduce or deliver for
introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device. It is also unlawful to cause a device to become misbranded.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, as a distributor of controlled substances, we are required to obtain and
renew annually registrations for our facilities from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) permitting us to
handle controlled substances. We are also subject to other statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the storage,
sale, marketing, handling and distribution of such drugs, in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act and its
implementing regulations, and these requirements have been subject to heightened enforcement activity in recent
times. We are subject to inspection by the DEA.
Certain of our businesses are also required to register for permits and/or licenses with, and comply with operating
and security standards of, the DEA, the FDA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and various state
boards of pharmacy, state health departments and/or comparable state agencies as well as comparable foreign
agencies, and certain accrediting bodies depending on the type of operations and location of product distribution,
manufacturing or sale. These businesses include those that distribute, manufacture and/or repackage prescription
pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices and/or HCT/P products, or own pharmacy operations, or install, maintain or
repair equipment. In addition, Section 301 of the National Organ Transplant Act, and a number of comparable state
laws, impose civil and/or criminal penalties for the transfer of certain human tissue (for example, human bone products)
for valuable consideration, while generally permitting payments for the reasonable costs incurred in procuring,
processing, storing and distributing that tissue. We are also subject to foreign government regulation of such products.
The DEA, the FDA and state regulatory authorities have broad inspection and enforcement powers, including the ability
to suspend or limit the distribution of products by our fulfillment centers, seize or order the recall of products and impose
significant criminal, civil and administrative sanctions for violations of these laws and regulations. Foreign regulations
subject us to similar foreign powers. Furthermore, compliance with legal requirements has required and may in the
future require us to institute voluntary recalls of products we sell, which could result in financial losses and potential
reputational harm. Our customers are also subject to significant federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation.
Certain of our businesses are subject to various additional federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations,
including with respect to the sale, transportation, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous
substances, and safe working conditions. There have also been increasing efforts by various levels of government
globally to regulate the pharmaceutical distribution system in order to prevent the introduction of counterfeit, adulterated
or misbranded pharmaceuticals into the distribution system.
Certain of our businesses also maintain contracts with governmental agencies and are subject to certain regulatory
requirements specific to government contractors.
Health Care Fraud
Certain of our businesses are subject to federal and state (and similar foreign) health care fraud and abuse,
referral and reimbursement laws and regulations with respect to their operations. Some of these laws, referred to as
“false claims laws,” prohibit the submission or causing the submission of false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement
to federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Other laws, referred to as “anti-kickback laws,” prohibit
soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient or ordering, purchasing,
leasing or arranging for or recommending ordering, purchasing or leasing, of items or services that are paid for by
federal, state and other health care payers and programs.
10
Failure to comply with fraud and abuse laws and regulations could result in significant civil and criminal penalties
and costs, including the loss of licenses and the ability to participate in federal and state health care programs, and
could have a material adverse effect on our business. Also, these measures 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 or
incur substantial defense and settlement expenses. Even unsuccessful challenges by regulatory authorities or private
relators could result in reputational harm and the incurring of substantial costs. In addition, many of these laws are
vague or indefinite and have not been interpreted by the courts, and have been subject to frequent modification and
varied interpretation by prosecutorial and regulatory authorities, increasing the risk of noncompliance.
Health Care Reform
The U.S. Health Care Reform Law adopted through the March 2010 enactment of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act increased federal oversight of private health
insurance plans and included a number of provisions designed to reduce Medicare expenditures and the cost of health
care generally, to reduce fraud and abuse, and to provide access to increased health coverage.
A Health Care Reform Law provision, generally referred to as the Physician Payment Sunshine Act or Open
Payments Program, has imposed reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device manufacturers with regard
to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians, dentists and teaching
hospitals), and for such manufacturers and for group purchasing organizations, with regard to certain ownership
interests held by physicians in the reporting entity. On February 1, 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (“CMS”) released the final rule to implement the Physician Payment Sunshine Act. Under this rule, data
collection activities began on August 1, 2013, and as required under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, CMS
publishes information from these reports on a publicly available website, including amounts transferred and physician,
dentist and teaching hospital identities.
Under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act we are required to collect and report detailed information regarding
certain financial relationships we have with physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals. The Physician Payment
Sunshine Act pre-empts similar state reporting laws, although we or our subsidiaries may also be required to report
under certain state transparency laws that address circumstances not covered by the Physician Payment Sunshine
Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the federal law, can be ambiguous. We are also subject to foreign
regulations requiring transparency of certain interactions between suppliers and their customers. Our compliance with
these rules imposes additional costs on us.
Regulated Software; Electronic Health Records
The FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of medical device software, and has
developed and continues to develop policies on regulating clinical decision support tools and other types of software
as medical devices. Certain of our businesses involve the development and sale of software and related products to
support physician and dental practice management, and it is possible that the FDA or foreign government authorities
could determine that one or more of our products is a medical device, which could subject us or one or more of our
businesses to substantial additional requirements with respect to these products.
In addition, our businesses that involve physician and dental practice management products include electronic
information technology systems that store and process personal health, clinical, financial and other sensitive information
of individuals. These information technology systems may be vulnerable to breakdown, wrongful intrusions, data
breaches and malicious attack, which could require us to expend significant resources to eliminate these problems
and address related security concerns, and could involve claims against us by private parties and/or governmental
agencies. For example, we are directly or indirectly subject to numerous and evolving federal, state, local and foreign
laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of such information, such as the privacy and security provisions
of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and implementing regulations
(“HIPAA”). HIPAA requires, among other things, the implementation of various recordkeeping, operational, notice and
other practices intended to safeguard that information, limit its use to allowed purposes and notify individuals in the
event of privacy and security breaches.
We also sell products and services that health care providers, such as physicians and dentists, use to store and
manage patient medical or dental records. These customers are subject to laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, which
require that they protect the privacy and security of those records, and our products may be used as part of these
customers’ comprehensive data security programs, including in connection with their efforts to comply with applicable
11
privacy and security laws. Perceived or actual security vulnerabilities in our products or services, or the perceived or
actual failure by us or our customers who use our products to comply with applicable legal requirements, may not only
cause us significant reputational harm, but may also lead to claims against us by our customers and/or governmental
agencies and involve substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses and costs for remediation.
International Transactions
In addition, U.S. and foreign import and export laws and regulations require us to abide by certain standards
relating to the importation and exportation of products. We also are subject to certain laws and regulations concerning
the conduct of our foreign operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other
anti-bribery laws and laws pertaining to the accuracy of our internal books and records, as well as other types of foreign
requirements similar to those imposed in the U.S.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of additional burdens, risks and regulatory developments that may
affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Proprietary Rights
We hold trademarks relating to the “Patterson®” name and logo, as well as certain other trademarks. Our U.S.
trademark registrations have 10-year terms, and may be renewed for additional 10-year terms. We intend to protect
our trademarks to the fullest extent practicable.
Employees
As of April 29, 2017, we had approximately 7,500 full-time employees. We have not experienced a shortage of
qualified personnel in the past and believe that we will be able to attract such employees in the future. We believe our
relations with employees to be good.
Available Information
We make available free of charge through our website, www.pattersoncompanies.com, our Annual Report on
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, statements of beneficial ownership of
securities on Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments to these reports and statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section
13(a) and Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials
are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. This material may
be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of our website.
The above information is also available at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m., or obtainable by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website at
www.sec.gov, where the above information can be viewed.
Information relating to our corporate governance, including our Principles of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics,
and information concerning executive officers, Board of Directors and Board committees, and transactions in Patterson
securities by directors and officers, is available on or through our website, www.pattersoncompanies.com in the Investor
Relations section.
Information maintained on the website is not being included as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Set forth below is the name, age and position of the executive officers of Patterson, who are elected annually
and serve at the discretion of our Board of Directors, as of June 20, 2017.
12
James W. Wiltz
Ann B. Gugino
David G. Misiak
John E. Adent
Les B. Korsh
Kelly A. Baker
72 Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Director – Patterson
Companies, Inc.
45 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer –
Patterson Companies, Inc.
51 President - Patterson Dental North America
49 Chief Executive Officer - Patterson Animal Health
47 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary - Patterson
Companies, Inc.
48 Chief Human Resources Officer - Patterson Companies, Inc.
Background of Executive Officers
James W. Wiltz became our Interim President and Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2017. Mr. Wiltz served as
our President and Chief Executive Officer from May 2005 until his retirement in April 2010. Mr. Wiltz served as our
President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2003 through May 2005. He began working with us in September
1969. From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Wiltz served as President of our subsidiary, Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. Since January
2010, Mr. Wiltz has served as a director of HealthEast Care System, a non-profit healthcare provider, and on its audit
and finance committees. He has been one of our directors since March 2001.
Ann B. Gugino became Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in November 2014 and was
promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in June 2015. She previously served as
Vice President, Strategy & Planning since April 2012. Before that, she was Vice President of Finance and Operations
- Patterson Dental from 2008 until April 2012. She joined Patterson in 2000 as an assistant controller and became
Controller - Patterson Dental in 2004. Prior to her career with Patterson, she worked for Ernst & Young LLP and achieved
her Certified Public Accountant designation.
David G. Misiak became President of Patterson Dental North America in November 2016. Mr. Misiak, who has
been employed by our company for more than 20 years in various sales and management roles of increasing
responsibility, most recently served as President of Patterson Dental U.S. from July 2015 through October 2016. He
also serves as President of the Patterson Foundation Board of Directors.
John E. Adent, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Patterson Animal Health, served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Animal Health International, Inc. from 2004 through Patterson’s acquisition of that
company in June 2015.
Les B. Korsh became Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Patterson in July 2015. Mr. Korsh served
as Patterson’s Associate General Counsel since June 2014. Prior to joining Patterson, Mr. Korsh held positions as
Vice President and Associate General Counsel for MoneyGram International, Inc. from May 2004 to May 2014, and
was a principal in the law firm of Gray Plant Mooty, P.A. from June 1999 to May 2004. He has served as a director of
the Patterson Foundation since June 2016.
Kelly A. Baker became Chief Human Resources Officer in February 2016. Prior to joining Patterson, Ms. Baker
was employed at General Mills for more than 20 years in multiple human resources roles. Her most recent position at
General Mills was Vice President, Human Resources for the U.S. Retail Operating Segment of General Mills, a position
she held from April 2014 to January 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Baker was Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate
Groups of General Mills since February 2009.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risks described below could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition
and/or the trading price of our common stock. 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. You should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all risks and uncertainties. The order in
which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority.
13
The dental and animal health supply markets are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete
successfully.
Our competitors include national, regional and local full-service distributors, mail-order distributors and,
increasingly, Internet-based businesses. Some of our competitors have greater resources than we do, or operate
through different sales and distribution models that could allow them to compete more successfully. For example, many
of our suppliers are manufacturers, some of whom compete with us by selling directly to customers. Furthermore,
Internet-based businesses may be able to offer the same product at a lower cost.
Most of our products are available from multiple sources, and our customers tend to have relationships with
several different distributors who can fulfill their orders. Our competitors could obtain exclusive rights to market particular
products, which we would then be unable to market. Manufacturers also could increase their efforts to sell directly to
end-users and thereby eliminate or reduce the role of distributors. These suppliers could sell their products at lower
prices and maintain a higher gross margin on the product sales than we can. Increased competition from any supplier
of dental or animal health products could significantly reduce our market share and adversely impact our financial
results.
Industry consolidation among suppliers, price competition, the unavailability of products, or the emergence of
new competitors also could increase competition. There has also been increasing consolidation among manufacturers,
which could have a material adverse effect on our margins and product availability. This consolidation could cause the
industry to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by competitors, or as competitors
with new lower cost business models are able to operate with lower prices and gross profit on products. These
competitive pressures could adversely affect our sales and profitability. Our failure to compete effectively may limit
and/or reduce our revenue, profitability and cash flow.
General economic conditions could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Uncertain weak economic conditions in the U.S. or global economy, or an uncertain economic outlook, could
materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. These uncertainties, including, among other
things:
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changes to laws and policies governing foreign trade;
greater restrictions on imports and exports;
changes in laws and policies governing health care;
tariffs and sanctions;
the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union;
election results;
sovereign debt levels;
the inability of political institutions to effectively resolve actual or perceived economic, currency or budgetary
crises or issues;
consumer confidence;
unemployment levels (and a corresponding increase in uninsured and underinsured population);
changes in regulations, including tax regulations;
increases in interest rates;
availability of capital;
increases in fuel and energy costs;
changes in tax rates and the availability of certain tax deductions;
increases in healthcare costs;
the threat or outbreak of terrorism or public unrest; and
changes in laws and policies in countries where we do business.
Changes in government, government debt and/or budget crises may lead to reductions in government spending
in certain countries and/or higher income or corporate taxes, which could depress spending overall. In addition,
recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending may cause customers to reduce,
modify, delay, or cancel purchasing our products and services, and a prolonged period of economic instability could
reduce their ability to make payments. Furthermore, such conditions could cause our suppliers to reduce their
production, decrease their number of product offerings, or change their terms of sale to us. Increasing commodity
prices may also increase our cost of operations, either directly through increased energy costs or indirectly through
what we are charged by our suppliers. Recessionary economic conditions could also cause changes in our product
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mix as our customers prioritize established, low-margin products rather than innovative, high-margin products, which
could reduce our profit margin.
We are dependent on our relationships with our sales representatives, service technicians and our customers.
The inability to attract or retain qualified employees, particularly sales representatives and service technicians
who relate directly with our customers, or our inability to build or maintain relationships with customers in the dental
and animal health markets, may have an adverse effect on our business. Due to the specialized nature of many of our
products and services, generally only highly qualified and trained personnel have the necessary skills to market such
products and provide such services. These individuals develop relationships with our customers that could be damaged
if these employees are not retained. We face intense competition for the hiring of these professionals, and many
professionals in the field that may otherwise be attractive candidates for us to hire may be bound by non-competition
agreements with our competitors. Any failure on our part to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified
professionals would damage our business.
We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of Animal Health International, Inc. or realize
targeted cost savings and other benefits of the acquisition.
In June 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Achieving the targeted benefits of the acquisition will
depend in part upon whether we can integrate Animal Health International, Inc.’s businesses in an efficient and effective
manner. We may not be able to accomplish this integration process smoothly or successfully. The necessity of
coordinating geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities and addressing possible differences in
business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies may increase the difficulties of integration.
We and Animal Health International, Inc. operate numerous systems, including those involving management
information, purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, billing, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, the integration
of our respective operations will require the dedication of significant management resources, which is likely to distract
management’s attention from day-to-day operations. Employee uncertainty and lack of focus during the integration
process may also disrupt our business and result in undesired employee attrition. An inability of management to
successfully integrate the operations of the two companies could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, our actual cost-savings could differ materially from our initial estimates of synergies to be realized
from the Animal Health International, Inc. acquisition. Actual cost-savings, the costs required to realize the cost-savings
and the source of the cost-savings could differ materially from our estimates, and we cannot assure you that we will
achieve cost-savings, or that these cost-savings programs will not have other adverse effects on our business.
Finally, we may not be able to achieve the targeted operating or long-term strategic benefits of the Animal Health
International, Inc. acquisition. An inability to realize the full extent of, or any of, the anticipated benefits of the Animal
Health International, Inc. acquisition, as well as any delays encountered in the integration process, could have an
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Disruption to our distribution capabilities, including service issues with our third-party shippers, could
materially adversely affect our results.
Weather, natural disaster, fire, terrorism, pandemic, strikes, geopolitical events or other reasons could impair our
ability to distribute our products and conduct our business. If we are unable to manage effectively such events if they
occur, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Similarly,
increases in service costs or service issues with our third-party shippers, including strikes or other service interruptions,
could cause our operating expenses to rise and materially adversely affect our ability to deliver products on a timely
basis. Our ability to provide same-day shipping and next-day delivery is an integral component of our business strategy
and any significant increase in shipping rates or service interruptions could adversely impact our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
Our business development efforts may suffer if we fail to provide our sales force and customers with the latest
customer relationship and order management tools.
Due to generational and other trends in the dental and animal health industries, our customer base is increasingly
comfortable with and reliant upon the latest technologies to manage their businesses. As part of our commitment to
providing superior customer service, we offer our customers computerized order entry, customer support for digital
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and proprietary products, including the Patterson Technology Center, customer-loyalty program reports and services,
and access to articles and manufacturers’ product information. We also provide real-time customer and sales information
to our sales force, managers and vendors via the Internet to enable them to compete in the digital marketplace. While
we have had past success with implementing customer relationship and order management technologies, our business
development efforts may suffer if we fail to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies and customer expectations.
We are dependent on our suppliers because we generally do not manufacture the products we sell.
Interruptions in supply could adversely affect our operating results. If a supplier is unable to deliver product in a
timely and efficient manner, whether due to financial difficulties, natural disasters or other reasons, we could experience
lost sales. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers that commit them to producing products
for us and there is considerable concentration within our animal health and dental businesses with a few key suppliers.
In addition, because we generally do not control the actual production of the products we sell, we may be subject to
delays caused by interruption in production based on conditions outside of our control, including the failure to comply
with applicable government requirements. The failure of manufacturers of products regulated by the FDA or other
governmental agencies to meet these requirements, could result in product recall, cessation of sales or other market
disruptions. An extended interruption in the supply of our products would have an adverse effect on our results of
operations.
In addition, a portion of our products is sourced, directly or indirectly, from outside the U.S. Political or financial
instability, increased tariffs, restrictions on trade, currency exchange rates, labor unrest, outbreak of pandemics or
other events could slow distribution activities, affect foreign trade beyond our control and adversely affect our results
of operations.
Material changes in our purchasing relationship with suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Our ability to sustain our gross profits depends, in part, on the structure of our relationship with our suppliers.
Such relationships are subject to change from time to time, such as changing from a “buy/sell” to an agency relationship,
or from an agency to a “buy/sell” relationship, either of which could adversely affect our revenues and operating income.
Suppliers may also choose to change the method in which products are taken to market. A supplier may change our
relationship from a complete distribution provider, including logistics and sales support, to only a logistics provider, or
only a sales support provider. A reduction in our role as a value-added service provider would result in reduced margins
on product sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Patterson’s continued success is substantially dependent on positive perceptions of Patterson’s reputation.
One of the reasons why customers choose to do business with Patterson and why employees choose Patterson
as a place of employment is the reputation that Patterson has built over many years. To be successful in the future,
Patterson must continue to preserve, grow and leverage the value of Patterson’s brand. Reputational value is based
in large part on perceptions of subjective qualities. Even an isolated incident, or the aggregate effect of individually
insignificant incidents, can erode trust and confidence, particularly if they result in adverse publicity, governmental
investigations or litigation, and as a result, could tarnish Patterson’s brand and lead to adverse effects on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Risks inherent in acquiring other businesses could offset the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions and
we may face difficulty in efficiently and effectively integrating acquired businesses.
As a part of our business strategy, we have acquired businesses in the ordinary course and expect to continue
acquiring businesses in the future. These acquisitions can involve a number of risks and challenges, any of which
could cause significant operating inefficiencies and adversely affect our growth and profitability, and may not result in
the benefits and revenue growth we expect. Such risks and challenges include underperformance relative to our
expectations and the price paid for the acquisition; unanticipated demands on our management and operational
resources; difficulty in integrating personnel, operations and systems; retention of customers of the combined
businesses; assumption of contingent liabilities; and acquisition-related earnings charges.
As we operate through two strategic business units, we consolidate the distribution, information technology, human
resources, financial and other administrative functions of those business units jointly to meet their needs while
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addressing distinctions in the individual markets of those segments. We may not be able to do so effectively and
efficiently.
Our ability to continue to make acquisitions will depend upon our success in identifying suitable targets, which
requires substantial judgment in assessing their values, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential profitability, as
well as the availability of suitable candidates at acceptable prices, and whether restrictions are imposed by anti-trust
or other regulations.
Our acquired technology or developed technology may not be successful in maintaining existing customers
or gaining new customers, or the technology may fail to produce its intended results.
The process of acquiring or developing new technology products and solutions is inherently complex and uncertain.
It requires accurate anticipation of customers’ changing needs and emerging technological trends. We must make
long-term investments and commit significant resources before knowing whether these investments will eventually
result in products or services that achieve customer acceptance and generate the revenue required to provide desired
returns. If we fail to accurately anticipate and meet our customers’ needs through the development of new products
and technologies and service offerings or if we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, or if our new
products are not widely accepted or if our current or future products fail to meet applicable regulatory requirements,
we could lose customers to our competitors and that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations
and financial condition. In addition, if technology investments do not achieve the intended results, we may write-off
the investments, and we face the risk of claims from system users that the systems failed to produce the intended
result or negatively affected the operation of our customers’ businesses. Any such claims, even those without merit,
could be expensive and time-consuming to defend, cause us to lose customers and the associated revenue, divert
management’s attention and resources, or require us to pay damages.
We are subject to a variety of litigation that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial
condition.
We are subject to a variety of litigation incidental to our business, including product liability claims, intellectual
property claims, employment claims, commercial disputes, governmental inquiries and investigations, and other matters
arising out of the ordinary course of our business, including antitrust litigation. We also may be subject to securities
litigation. From time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of products. Additionally,
purchasers of private-label products may seek recourse directly from us, rather than the ultimate product manufacturer,
for product-related claims. Another potential risk we face in the distribution of our products is liability resulting from
counterfeit or tainted products infiltrating the supply chain. In addition, some of the products that we transport and sell
are considered hazardous materials. The improper handling of such materials or accidents involving the transportation
of such materials could subject us to liability. Defending against such claims may divert our management’s attention,
may be expensive, and may require that we pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies
that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. A successful claim brought against us in
excess of available insurance or not covered by insurance or indemnification agreements, or any claim that results in
significant adverse publicity against us, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our reputation.
Furthermore, the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain.
Changes in consumer preferences could adversely affect our business.
The demand for production animal health products is heavily dependent upon consumer demand for beef, dairy,
poultry and swine. The food industry in general is subject to changing consumer trends, demands and preferences.
Trends within the food industry change often and our failure to anticipate, identify or react to changes in these trends
could lead to, among other things, reduced demand and price reductions for our animal health products, and could
have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, even if we do anticipate and identify these trends, we may
be unable to react effectively. For example, changes in consumer diets may negatively affect consumer demand for
beef, dairy, poultry and/or swine, and therefore reduce the demand for our production animal health products which
could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, there has been consumer concern and consumer activism with respect to the use of antibiotics and
growth promotants in animal feed. A sustained campaign of negative press resulting from media or consumer advocacy
groups, industry litigation, loss of export markets or other factors could adversely affect the public’s perception of the
industry as a whole, or lead to reluctance by consumers to buy protein or other products. Concern over the impact of
growth promotants on animal welfare could result in the removal from the market of products in that category, adversely
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impacting our sales. In addition, heightened consumer concern over the use of antibiotics and growth promotants in
animal feed could result in increased government regulation in response to that concern. Any such event may affect
the growth of the production animal market and lead to a decrease in the sales of the products we distribute, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time, we experience changes in customer and product mix that affect gross margin. Changes in
customer and product mix result primarily from business acquisitions, changes in customer demand, customer
acquisitions, selling and marketing activities and competition. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain
historical gross margins in the future.
Our business may be directly and indirectly affected by the cyclicality of the livestock market, including the
effect of poor or unusual weather conditions, that could reduce demand for the production animal products
we distribute.
Poor or unusual weather conditions can significantly affect the purchasing decisions of our production animal
customers. The timing and quantity of rainfall are two of the most important factors in agricultural production. Drought
can affect the availability and price of feed for livestock. Faced with a reduction in readily available feed or an increase
in costs for such feed, our customers may decide to reduce herd size, which would ultimately decrease the demand
for the products we distribute, including micro feed ingredients, animal health products, dairy sanitation solutions, as
well as the development and implementation of systems for feed, health, information and production animal
management.
The outbreak of an infectious disease within either the production animal or companion animal population
could have a significant adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
An outbreak of disease affecting animals, such as foot-and-mouth disease, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus,
Newcastle disease, avian flu or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly referred to as “mad cow disease,” could
result in the widespread destruction of affected animals and consequently result in a reduction in demand for animal
health products. In addition, outbreaks of these or other diseases or concerns of such diseases could create adverse
publicity that may have a material adverse effect on consumer demand for meat, dairy and poultry products, and, as
a result, on our customers’ demand for the products we distribute. It could also harm export markets for such products
and lead to increased government regulation. The outbreak of a disease among the companion animal population
which could cause a reduction in the demand for companion animals could also adversely affect our business.
Pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers or adverse changes in supplier rebates could
negatively affect our business.
We face pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. In addition, the terms on which we
purchase or sell products from many suppliers of animal health products may entitle us to receive a rebate based on
the attainment of certain growth goals. Suppliers may reduce or eliminate rebates offered under their programs, or
increase the growth goals or other conditions we must meet to earn rebates to levels that we cannot achieve. Increased
competition either from generic or equivalent branded products could result in us failing to earn rebates that are
conditioned upon achievement of growth goals. Additionally, factors outside of our control, such as customer
preferences, consolidation of suppliers or supply issues, can have a material impact on our ability to achieve the growth
goals established by our suppliers, which may reduce the amount of rebates we receive. The occurrence of any of
these events could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
The formation of group purchasing organizations (“GPO”) or provider networks may place us at a competitive
disadvantage.
The formation of GPOs and provider networks may shift purchasing decisions to entities or persons with whom
we do not have a historical relationship. This may threaten our ability to compete effectively, which would in turn
negatively impact our financial results. Although we are seeking to obtain access to lower prices demanded by GPO
contracts or other contracts, and develop relationships with provider networks and new GPOs, we cannot assure that
such terms will be obtained or contracts will be executed.
We may experience competition from third-party online commerce sites.
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Traditional distribution relationships are being challenged by online commerce solutions. Such competition will
require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technology, to continue to provide enhanced service offerings and to
continue to differentiate our business (including with additional value-added services) to address demands of consumers
and customers on a timely basis. The emergence of such competition and our inability to anticipate and effectively
respond to changes on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Increases in over-the-counter sales of companion animal products, or sales of companion animal products
from non-veterinarian sources, could adversely affect our business.
Animal health products are becoming increasingly available to consumers at competitive prices from sources
other than veterinarians, including human health product pharmacies, Internet pharmacies and big-box retailers. Any
increase competition from such channels could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or
results of operations.
Our international operations are subject to inherent risks that could adversely affect our operating results.
There are a number of risks inherent in foreign operations, including complex regulatory requirements, staffing
and management complexities, import and export costs, other economic factors and political considerations, all of
which are subject to unanticipated changes. Additionally, foreign operations expose us to foreign currency fluctuations.
Because our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the
U.S. dollar and other currencies will have an impact on our income. Currency exchange rate fluctuations may adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we generally do not hedge translation exposure
with respect to foreign operations.
The U.S. Health Care Reform Law could materially adversely affect our business.
Provisions of the U.S. Health Care Reform Law could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally,
further federal and state proposals for health care reform in the U.S. are likely, and foreign government authorities may
also adopt reforms of their health systems. We cannot predict what further reform proposals, if any, will be adopted,
when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on us.
Reporting and disclosure obligations under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act provisions of the Health
Care Reform Law increase the cost of our regulatory compliance.
The Physician Payment Sunshine Act imposes reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device
manufacturers with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians,
dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and for group purchasing organizations, with regard to
certain ownership interests held by physicians in the reporting entity. Under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act we
are required to collect and report detailed information regarding certain financial relationships we have with physicians,
dentists and teaching hospitals. We may also be required to report under certain state transparency laws that address
circumstances not covered by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the
federal law, can be ambiguous. We are also subject to foreign regulations requiring transparency of certain interactions
between suppliers and their customers. Our compliance with these rules imposes additional costs on us.
Failure to comply with existing and future U.S. and foreign laws and regulatory requirements could subject
us to claims or otherwise harm our business.
Our business is subject to requirements under various local, state, federal and international laws and regulations
applicable to the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and human cells, tissue and cellular and tissue-
based products, also known as HCT/P products, and animal feed and supplements. Among other things, such laws,
and the regulations promulgated thereunder:
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regulate the storage and distribution, labeling, packaging, handling, reporting, record keeping, introduction,
manufacturing and marketing of drugs, HCT/P products and medical devices;
subject us to inspection by the FDA and the DEA;
regulate the storage, transportation and disposal of certain of our products that are considered hazardous
materials;
require us to advertise and promote our drugs and devices in accordance with applicable FDA requirements;
require registration with the FDA and the DEA and various state agencies;
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require record keeping and documentation of transactions involving drug products;
require us to design and operate a system to identify and report suspicious orders of controlled substances
to the DEA;
require us to manage returns of products that have been recalled and subject us to inspection of our recall
procedures and activities; and
impose reporting requirements if a pharmaceutical, HCT/P product or medical device causes serious
illness, injury or death.
Applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations also may require us to meet various standards
relating to, among other things, licensure or registration, sales and marketing practices, product integrity and supply
tracking to the manufacturer of the product, personnel, privacy and security of health or other personal information,
installation, maintenance and repair of equipment, and the importation and exportation of products. Our business also
is subject to requirements of similar and other foreign governmental laws and regulations affecting our operations
abroad.
The failure to comply with any of these regulations, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, or the
imposition of any additional laws and regulations, could materially adversely affect our business. Allegations by a
governmental body that we have not complied with these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If it is determined that we have not complied with these laws, we are potentially subject to penalties including warning
letters, civil and criminal penalties, mandatory recall of product, seizure of product and injunction, consent decrees,
and suspension or limitation of product sale and distribution. If we enter into settlement agreements to resolve allegations
of non-compliance, we could be required to make settlement payments or be subject to civil and criminal penalties,
including fines and the loss of licenses. Non-compliance with government requirements could adversely affect our
ability to participate in federal and state government health care programs, and damage our reputation.
If we fail to comply with laws and regulations relating to health care fraud or other laws and regulations, we
could suffer penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations, which could materially
adversely affect our business.
We are subject to federal and state (and similar foreign) health care fraud and abuse, referral and reimbursement
laws and regulations. Some of these laws, referred to as “false claims laws,” prohibit the submission or causing the
submission of false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement to federal, state and other health care payers and programs.
Other laws, referred to as “anti-kickback laws,” prohibit soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration in order
to induce the referral of a patient or ordering, purchasing, leasing or arranging for or recommending ordering, purchasing
or leasing, of items or services that are paid for by federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Health
care fraud measures may implicate, for example, our relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, our pricing and
incentive programs for physician and dental practices, and our dental and physician practice management products
that offer billing-related functionality.
If we fail to comply with laws and regulations relating to the confidentiality of sensitive personal information
or standards in electronic health data transmissions, we could be required to make significant changes to our
products, or incur substantial fines, penalties or other liabilities.
Our dental practice management products include electronic information technology systems that store and
process personal health, clinical, financial and other sensitive information of individuals. These information technology
systems may be vulnerable to breakdown, wrongful intrusions, data breaches and malicious attack, which could require
us to expend significant resources to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns, and could
involve claims against us by private parties and/or governmental agencies. For example, we are directly or indirectly
subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of such
information, such as HIPAA. HIPAA requires, among other things, the implementation of various recordkeeping,
operational, notice and other practices intended to safeguard that information, limit its use to allowed purposes and
notify individuals in the event of privacy and security breaches. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could
expose us to breach of contract claims, substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses, costs for
remediation and harm to our reputation. Also, evolving laws and regulations in this area could restrict the ability of our
customers to obtain, use or disseminate patient information, or could require us to incur significant additional costs to
re-design our products in a timely manner to reflect these legal requirements, either of which could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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Risks generally associated with our information systems and cyber-security attacks could adversely affect
our results of operations.
We rely on information systems (“IS”) in our business to obtain, rapidly process, analyze and manage data to,
among other things:
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facilitate the purchase and distribution of thousands of inventory items through numerous fulfillment centers;
receive, process and ship orders on a timely basis;
accurately bill and collect from thousands of customers;
process payments to suppliers; and
provide products and services that maintain certain of our customers’ electronic medical or dental records
(including protected health information of their human patients).
Our IS are vulnerable to natural disasters, power losses, computer viruses, telecommunication failures and other
problems. In addition, information security risks have generally increased in recent years. Increased IS security threats
and more sophisticated computer crime, including advanced persistent threats, pose a potential risk to the security of
our IS, customers and other business partners, as well as the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data,
customers and other business partners. A cyber-security attack that bypasses our IS security causing an IS security
breach may lead to a material disruption of our IS and/or the loss of business information, which could adversely affect
our business. These risks may include, among others, the following:
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future results could be adversely affected due to the theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation or release
of confidential data or intellectual property;
operational or business delays resulting from the disruption or damage of IS and subsequent clean-up
and mitigation activities, including our ability to process orders, maintain proper levels of inventories, collect
accounts receivable and disburse funds;
negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with our customers, suppliers or industry peers;
and
lawsuits for, or regulatory proceedings relating to, a breach of personal financial and health information
belonging to our customers and their patients.
We also increasingly rely upon server- and Internet-based technologies to run our business and to store our data
as well as our customers’ data. The use of such technologies may carry additional cyber-security risks relative to those
posed by legacy technologies. Our Internet-based services also depend on our ability and the ability of our customers
access the Internet. In the event of any difficulties, outages or delays by Internet service providers, we may be impeded
from providing such services, which may have a material adverse effect on our business and our reputation.
Our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected if our IS are interrupted, damaged by
unforeseen events, are subject to cyber-security attacks, or fail for any extended period of time. If our business continuity
plans do not provide effective alternative processes on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to
manage or conduct our operations, which may adversely affect our business. We may need to expend additional
resources in the future to continue to protect against, or to address problems caused by, any business interruptions
or data security breaches.
Breaches of information systems security could damage our reputation, disrupt operations, increase costs
and/or decrease revenues.
We collect and store confidential information from customers so that they may, among other things, purchase
products or services, use our software or practice management systems, enroll in promotional programs, register on
our websites, engage in data conversion or otherwise communicate or interact with us. We also acquire and retain
information about suppliers, employees and others in the normal course of business. We may be unable to protect
sensitive data and/or the integrity of our IS. In addition, compliance with evolving privacy and information security laws
and standards may result in significant additional expense due to increased investment in technology and the
development of new operational processes. We could be subject to liability for failure to comply with these laws and
standards, failure to protect information, or failure to respond appropriately to an incident or misuse of information,
including use of information for unauthorized marketing purposes.
The products we sell are subject to market and technological obsolescence; our software products may contain
undetected errors or bugs when released.
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Some of the products we distribute are subject to technological obsolescence outside of our control, since we do
not manufacture the majority of the products we sell. If our customers discontinue purchasing a given product, we
might have to record expense related to the diminution in value of inventories we have in stock, and depending on the
magnitude, that expense could adversely impact our operating results.
Furthermore, we cannot be sure that we will be successful in introducing and marketing new software, software
enhancements, or e-services, or that such software, software enhancements and e-services will be released on time
or accepted by the market. Our software and applicable e-services products, like software products generally, may
contain undetected errors or bugs when introduced, or as new versions are released. We cannot be sure that future
problems with post-release software errors or bugs will not occur. Any such defective software may result in increased
expenses related to the software and could adversely affect our relationships with the customers using such software,
as well as our reputation. We do not have any patents on our software or e-services, and rely upon copyright, trademark
and trade secret laws, as well as contractual and common-law protections. We cannot provide assurance that such
legal protections will be available or enforceable to protect our software or e-services products.
Volatility in the financial markets could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Volatility and other disruptions in the financial markets could adversely affect the cost and availability of credit to
us, as well as the cost of, and ability to sell, finance contracts we receive from customers to outside financial institutions.
Reduced access to capital for our customers limits the amount of investment that they can make in their businesses,
and with limited investment by the customer, our revenue from equipment sales could be adversely affected.
Our ability to make payments on our debt obligations depends on our performance.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, our debt obligations depends on our operational and
financial performance, which is subject to economic conditions and financial market conditions beyond our control. If
our performance were to suffer, our access to the capital necessary to run our business may become limited.
The market price for our common stock may be highly volatile.
The market price for our common stock may be highly volatile. A variety of factors may have a significant impact
on the market price of our common stock, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the publication of earnings estimates or other research reports and speculation in the press or investment
community;
changes in our industry and competitors;
changes in government or legislation;
our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and prospects;
stock repurchases;
any future issuances of our common stock, which may include primary offerings for cash, stock splits,
issuances in connection with business acquisitions, issuances of restricted stock/units and the grant or
exercise of stock options from time to time;
general market and economic conditions; and
any outbreak or escalation of hostilities in areas where we do business.
In addition, the NASDAQ Stock Market can experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that can be unrelated
or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies listed on NASDAQ. Broad market and industry
factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of actual operating performance. In
the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation
has often been instituted against companies. This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a
diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our ability to execute our business strategies and retain key employees may be adversely affected by
uncertainty associated with the transition to a successor Chief Executive Officer.
In June 2017, we announced a leadership transition involving our Chief Executive Officer. Although we have
employed an interim Chief Executive Officer, we are currently conducting a search for a successor. This type of
management change has the potential to disrupt our operations due to the diversion of efforts of our executive
22
management team toward managing the transition, the sufficiency of management resources to drive key business
initiatives forward, the potential deterioration of morale, and the potential for departures among senior management.
This change also increases our dependency on members of the executive leadership team who remain with us. These
individuals are not contractually obligated to remain employed by us and may leave at any time. Such a departure
could be particularly disruptive in light of the transition we are currently undergoing. In addition, the loss of any of these
individuals could significantly delay, prevent the achievement of, or make it more difficult for us to pursue and execute
on our business objectives, and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We also expect to incur costs related to the transition, including transitional salary and severance payments, as well
as recruiting costs, including equity awards, non-equity incentive awards and potential relocation payments, relating
to the hiring of a successor Chief Executive Officer.
Our future success depends on our leadership development and succession planning.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to recruit skilled personnel and then train our personnel to
support the long-term growth of our business. While our Board of Directors and management actively monitor our
succession plans and processes, our business could suffer if we lose key personnel unexpectedly. In addition,
competition for senior management is intense and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel.
If we experience significant disruptions in our operations during our enterprise resource planning system
implementation, our business may be adversely affected.
We depend on our information technology systems and our financial shared services for the efficient functioning
of our business, including accounting, billing, data storage, purchasing and inventory management. We are working
on implementing a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system across our significant operating locations. Although
we believe we are more than halfway through the rollout, our ERP system implementation will require the investment
of significant human and financial resources. During implementation, we may encounter difficulties in operating our
business, which could disrupt our operations, including our ability to timely ship and track customer orders, determine
inventory requirements, manage our supply chain, manage customer billing and otherwise adequately service our
customers, and lead to increased costs and other difficulties. If we experience significant disruptions during our ERP
implementation, we may not be able to repair our systems in an efficient and timely manner. Accordingly, such events
may disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our entire operation and have a material adverse effect on our operating results
and cash flows.
We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if our goodwill or other intangible assets become
impaired.
Our balance sheet includes goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. If impairment of our goodwill or other
identifiable intangible assets is determined, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in the period
of such determination under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Our credit agreement contains restrictive covenants, which limit our business and financing activities.
In order to fund our financial obligations in connection with the Animal Health International, Inc. acquisition, we
entered into a credit agreement, which includes customary covenants that impose restrictions on our business and
financing activities, subject to certain exceptions or the consent of our lenders, including, among other things, limits
on our ability to incur additional debt, create liens, enter into merger, acquisition and divestiture transactions, pay
dividends and engage in transactions with affiliates. The credit agreement contains certain customary affirmative
covenants, including a requirement that we maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum
consolidated interest coverage ratio, and customary events of default. Our ability to comply with these covenants may
be adversely affected by events beyond our control, including economic, financial and industry conditions. A breach
of the credit agreement covenants may result in an event of default, which could allow our lenders to terminate the
commitments under the credit agreement, declare all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement (if any), together
with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable, and exercise other rights and remedies. If this occurs, we
may not be able to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, or otherwise repay the
accelerated indebtedness.
23
Audits by tax authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods, and tax legislation could
materially adversely affect our financial results and tax liabilities.
The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities
and by non-U.S. tax authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from our reserves, our future results
may include unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities.
We are subject to the tax laws and regulations of the U.S. federal, state and local governments, as well as foreign
jurisdictions. From time to time, various legislative initiatives may be proposed that could materially adversely affect
our tax positions. There can be no assurance that our effective tax rate will not be materially adversely affected by
legislation resulting from these initiatives. In addition, tax laws and regulations 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, they can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by
relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge.
We are exposed to the risk of changes in interest rates.
Our balance sheet includes certain non-current assets that are sensitive to movements in short-term interest
rates. The variable rates are comprised of both LIBOR and commercial paper rates plus a spread and reset on certain
dates, as set forth in the respective agreements. In addition, our balance sheet includes fixed rate long-term debt,
whose fair value could be adversely affected by movements in interest rates. We finance purchases by our customers
using finance contracts that are issued at fixed interest rates, and sell these contracts under various funding
arrangements that are priced using variable interest rates. Sudden and dramatic changes in the interest rates within
relevant markets could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our governing documents, other documents to which we are a party, and Minnesota law may discourage
takeovers and business combinations that our shareholders might consider to be in their best interests.
Anti-takeover provisions of our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and Minnesota law could diminish the opportunity
for shareholders to participate in acquisition proposals at a price above the then current market price of our common
stock. For example, while we have no present plans to issue any preferred stock, our Board of Directors, without further
shareholder approval, may issue up to approximately 30 million shares of undesignated preferred stock and fix the
powers, preferences, rights and limitations of such class or series, which could adversely affect the voting power of
our common stock. Further, as a Minnesota corporation, we are subject to provisions of the Minnesota Business
Corporation Act, or MBCA, regarding “control share acquisitions” and “business combinations.” We may, in the future,
consider adopting additional anti-takeover measures. The authority of our Board of Directors to issue undesignated
preferred stock and the anti-takeover provisions of the MBCA, as well as any future anti-takeover measures adopted
by us, may, in certain circumstances, delay, deter or prevent takeover attempts and other changes in control of our
company not approved by our Board of Directors.
In addition, our Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan provides that awards issued under that plan are
fully vested and all restrictions on the awards lapse in the event of a change in control, as defined in such plan.
Additionally, our Capital Accumulation Plan provides that on an event of acceleration, as defined in the plan, the
restrictions on shares of restricted stock lapse and such stock becomes fully vested. An event of acceleration occurs
if (a) a person has acquired a beneficial ownership interest in 30% or more of the voting power of our company, (b) a
tender offer is made to acquire 30% or more of our company, (c) a solicitation subject to Rule 14a-11 of the Exchange
Act relating to the election or removal of 50% or more of our Board of Directors occurs, or (d) our shareholders approve
a merger, consolidation, share exchange, division or sale of our company’s assets. Furthermore, if the surviving or
acquiring company in a change in control does not assume our company’s outstanding incentive awards or provide
for their equivalent substitutes, our 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for accelerated vesting of incentive awards
following a change in control upon the termination of the employee’s service and in certain other circumstances,
provided such event occurs within two years of a change in control.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
24
Item 2. PROPERTIES
We own our principal executive offices in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the majority of our distribution and manufacturing
facilities. Leases of other distribution and administrative facilities generally are on a long-term basis, expiring at various
times, with options to renew for additional periods. Most sales offices are leased for varying and usually shorter periods,
with or without renewal options. We believe our properties are in good operating condition and are suitable for the
purposes for which they are being used.
Patterson Logistics Services
The majority of assets we use to distribute product are owned and operated by Patterson Logistics Services, Inc.
(“PLSI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, which operates the distribution function for the benefit of our dental and animal
health segments in the U.S. PLSI also advises on the operations of our fulfillment centers outside of the U.S., but these
properties are not owned by PLSI.
As of April 29, 2017, PLSI operated the following 13 fulfillment centers (seven primary centers) totaling 1.0 million
square feet:
•
•
•
two dental fulfillment centers (Hawaii and Texas);
four animal health fulfillment centers (Alabama, Colorado and Texas (two)); and
seven fulfillment centers that distribute dental and animal health products (California, Florida, Indiana,
Iowa, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington).
Approximately 90% of the PLSI fulfillment center space is owned.
Dental
In addition to the locations operated by PLSI, Patterson Dental utilizes an owned location in Illinois to produce
and ship printed office products. Operations in Canada are supported by fulfillment centers located in Quebec and
Alberta. This segment is headquartered in our principal executive offices, and maintains sales and administrative
offices at approximately 75 locations across 40 states in the U.S. and 10 locations in Canada, the majority of which
are leased. In addition, this segment operates the Patterson Technology Center, a 100,000 square-foot facility in Illinois.
Animal Health
In addition to the locations operated by PLSI, Patterson Animal Health has approximately 100 properties
located in the U.S. and Canada, the majority of which are leased. In the U.S., these properties are in 89 locations
across 27 states, and comprise fulfillment centers, storage locations, sales and administrative offices, retail stores and
call centers. In Canada, operations are supported by two fulfillment centers located in Alberta and Ontario. The
segment’s operations in the U.K. are supported by a primary distribution facility in Stoke-on-Trent and an additional
nine depots used as secondary distribution points throughout the U.K. The headquarters for this segment are located
in a leased office in Colorado.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In September 2015, we were served with a summons and complaint in an action commenced in the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled SourceOne Dental, Inc. v. Patterson Companies, Inc., Henry Schein,
Inc. and Benco Dental Supply Company, Civil Action No. 15-cv-05440-JMA-GRB. SourceOne, as plaintiff, alleges that,
through its website, it markets and sells dental supplies and equipment to dentists. SourceOne alleges in the complaint,
among other things, that we, along with the defendants Henry Schein and Benco, conspired to eliminate plaintiff as a
competitor and to exclude them from the market for the marketing, distribution and sale of dental supplies and equipment
in the U.S. and that defendants unlawfully agreed with one another to boycott dentists, manufacturers, and state dental
associations that deal with, or considered dealing with, plaintiff. Plaintiff asserts the following claims: (i) unreasonable
restraint of trade in violation of state and federal antitrust laws; (ii) tortious interference with prospective business
relations; (iii) civil conspiracy; and (iv) aiding and abetting the other defendants’ ongoing tortious and anticompetitive
conduct. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, punitive damages,
interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. We are vigorously defending
ourselves in this litigation. We do not anticipate that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition.
25
Beginning in January 2016, purported class action complaints were filed against defendants Henry Schein, Inc.,
Benco Dental Supply Co. and Patterson Companies, Inc. Although there were factual and legal variations among
these complaints, each alleged that defendants conspired to foreclose and exclude competitors by boycotting
manufacturers, state dental associations, and others that deal with defendants’ competitors. On February 9, 2016,
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered all of these actions, and all other actions filed
thereafter asserting substantially similar claims against defendants, consolidated for pre-trial purposes. On February
26, 2016, a consolidated class action complaint was filed by Arnell Prato, D.D.S., P.L.L.C., d/b/a Down to Earth Dental,
Evolution Dental Sciences, LLC, Howard M. May, DDS, P.C., Casey Nelson, D.D.S., Jim Peck, D.D.S., Bernard W.
Kurek, D.M.D., Larchmont Dental Associates, P.C., and Keith Schwartz, D.M.D., P.A. (collectively, the "putative class
representatives") in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled In re Dental Supplies Antitrust
Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:16-CV-00696-BMC-GRB. Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc. was added as a defendant
on October 22, 2016. Subject to certain exclusions, the putative class representatives seek to represent all persons
who purchased dental supplies or equipment in the U.S. directly from any of the defendants, since August 31, 2008.
In the consolidated class action complaint, putative class representatives allege a nationwide agreement among Henry
Schein, Benco, Patterson and Burkhart not to compete on price. The consolidated class action complaint asserts a
single count under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly
and severally, interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. Putative class
representatives have not specified a damage amount in their complaint. While the outcome of litigation is inherently
uncertain, we believe the consolidated class action complaint is without merit, and we are vigorously defending
ourselves in this litigation.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
26
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Patterson’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market® under the symbol “PDCO.”
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sale prices for Patterson’s common stock for each full
quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years. Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-
up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Fiscal 2017
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Holders
High
Low
Dividends
per share
$
50.40 $
49.69
49.26
46.13
42.69 $
42.08
36.46
40.68
50.94
53.07
48.87
46.64
45.32
42.62
38.51
40.17
0.24
0.24
0.24
0.26
0.22
0.22
0.22
0.24
On June 20, 2017, the number of holders on record of common stock was 1,858. The transfer agent for Patterson’s
common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 161 North Concord Exchange, South St. Paul, Minnesota, 55075-0738,
telephone: (651) 450-4064.
Dividends
In fiscal 2017, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share was paid throughout the year, except in the fourth
quarter when the dividend was increased to $0.26 per share. We expect to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend
for the foreseeable future; however, the payment of dividends is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will
depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, operating results and financial condition among other factors.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
For information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, see Part III,
Item 12.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
In March 2013, Patterson’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan by which up to 25,000,000
shares may be purchased in open market transactions through March 19, 2018.
The following table presents activity under the stock repurchase plan during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017:
27
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
per Share
42.15
44.92
44.95
44.28
201,250 $
461,030
206,711
868,991 $
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
or Programs
201,250
461,030
206,711
868,991
Maximum
Number of
Shares
That May Yet
Be
Purchased
Under
the Plan
14,309,791
13,848,761
13,642,050
13,642,050
January 29, 2017 to February 25, 2017
February 26, 2017 to March 25, 2017
March 26, 2017 to April 29, 2017
Performance Graph
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on $100 invested at the market close on April
28, 2012, through April 29, 2017, with the cumulative return over the same time period on the same amount invested
in the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group Index, consisting of seven companies (including our company) based on the
same Standard Industrial Classification Code.* The chart below the graph sets forth the actual numbers depicted on
the graph.
28
Patterson Companies, Inc.
S&P 500
Peer Group
Fiscal Year Ending
4/28/2012
4/27/2013
4/26/2014
4/25/2015
4/30/2016
4/29/2017
100.00
100.00
100.00
112.08
115.32
112.83
124.42
138.69
134.78
149.29
160.85
161.76
136.97
160.35
178.76
143.68
189.08
183.88
*
The current composition of SIC Code 5047 – Wholesale – Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies –
is as follows: Fuse Medical, Inc., Henry Schein, Inc., Millennium Healthcare, Inc., Owens & Minor, Inc., Cerebain
Biotech Corp., Vet Supply, Inc. and Patterson Companies, Inc.
29
Item 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
April 29,
2017 (2)
April 30,
2016 (3)
April 25,
2015
April 26,
(4)
2014
April 27,
2013
Fiscal Year Ended
Statement of Income Data:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Other expense, net
Income from continuing operations
before taxes
Income tax expense
Net income from continuing
operations
Net income (loss) from discontinued
operations
Net income
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations (1)
Net diluted earnings per share
Weighted average shares and
potentially dilutive shares
outstanding
Dividends per common share
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital
Total assets
Total long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
$ 5,593,127 $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 $ 3,135,215
2,138,468
996,747
711,532
285,215
(33,670)
4,291,730
1,301,397
1,013,469
287,928
(37,047)
4,063,955
1,322,748
975,035
347,713
(46,020)
2,850,316
1,060,549
755,963
304,586
(30,268)
2,566,444
1,018,697
724,971
293,726
(32,463)
250,881
77,093
301,693
116,009
274,318
94,235
261,263
89,931
251,545
86,629
173,788
185,684
180,083
171,332
164,916
(2,895)
170,893 $
1,500
187,184 $
43,178
29,280
223,261 $
200,612 $
45,356
210,272
1.82 $
(0.03)
1.79 $
1.90 $
0.01
1.91 $
1.81 $
0.43
2.24 $
1.69 $
0.28
1.97 $
1.59
0.44
2.03
95,567
97,902
99,694
101,643
0.98 $
0.90 $
0.82 $
0.68 $
899,662 $
918,206 $
995,540 $
872,254 $
3,507,913
998,272
1,394,433
3,520,804
1,022,155
1,441,746
2,945,248
722,542
1,514,123
2,863,191
723,514
1,471,664
103,807
0.58
912,817
2,679,862
723,084
1,394,455
$
$
$
$
$
See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(1) Fiscal 2014 includes a pre-tax restructuring charge of $15.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted share on an after-tax
basis.
(2) Fiscal 2017 includes a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million, or $23.0 million after taxes or $0.24
(3)
(4)
per diluted share. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In June 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Prior to our acquisition, Animal Health International,
Inc. generated sales and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of $1.5 billion
and $68 million, respectively, during the 12 months ended March 2015. In connection with this acquisition, we
incurred pre-tax transaction costs of $13.7 million, or $0.11 per diluted share from continuing operations on an
after-tax basis. Also in fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200.0 million of foreign
earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health
International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part
of the sale transaction. The continuing operations tax impact of $12.3 million from the repatriation was recorded
during fiscal 2016. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In August 2013, we acquired National Veterinary Services Limited ("NVS"), which had revenues of more than
£315 million, or approximately $493 million, in its fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 prior to acquisition. NVS
results beginning on the date of the acquisition are included in continuing operations.
30
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Overview
Our financial information for fiscal 2017 is summarized in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the
Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes. The following background is provided to readers to assist in
the review of our financial information.
We present three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Dental and Animal Health are
strategic business units that offer similar products and services to different customer bases. Dental provides a virtually
complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and value-added
services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America. Animal Health is a leading, full-line distributor
in North America and the U.K. of animal health products, services and technologies to both the production-animal and
companion-pet markets. Our Corporate segment is comprised of general and administrative expenses, including home
office support costs in areas such as information technology, finance, legal, human resources and facilities. In addition,
customer financing and other miscellaneous sales are reported within Corporate results.
In August 2015, we divested our wholly-owned subsidiary Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc. ("Patterson Medical"),
the entity through which we operated the rehabilitation supply business. We classified the results of operations of
Patterson Medical as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income and
other comprehensive income.
Operating margins of the animal health business are considerably lower than the dental business. While operating
expenses run at a lower rate in the animal health business when compared to the dental business, gross margins in
the animal health business are substantially lower due generally to the low margins experienced on the sale of
pharmaceutical products.
We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April.
Fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 ended on April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015, respectively. Fiscal
years 2017 and 2015 consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2016 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2018 will end
on April 28, 2018 and will consist of 52 weeks.
We believe there are several important aspects of our business that are useful in analyzing it, including: (1) growth
in the various markets in which we operate; (2) internal growth; (3) growth through acquisition; and (4) continued focus
on controlling costs and enhancing efficiency. Management defines internal growth as the increase in net sales from
period to period, adjusting for differences in the number of weeks in fiscal years, excluding the impact of changes in
currency exchange rates, and excluding the net sales, for a period of twelve months following the transaction date, of
businesses we have acquired.
The following significant activities occurred in fiscal 2016 or 2017:
Enterprise Resource Planning System Initiatives. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we completed the
application development stage of our enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system, and we began depreciating our
investment in such system. We incurred increased depreciation and other operating expenses of approximately $25.0
million in the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 as compared to the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, related to this
implementation.
Intangible Asset Impairment. In fiscal 2006, we extended our exclusive North American distribution relationship
with Sirona Dental Systems for Sirona’s CEREC 3D dental restorative system. At that time, we paid a $100.0 million
distribution fee to extend the existing exclusive relationship for at least a 10-year period beginning in 2007. This
distribution fee has been accounted for as an intangible asset that has been amortized since 2007. Based on our
November 2016 decision not to extend sales exclusivity for the full Sirona portfolio of products, we recorded a pre-tax
non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million, or $23.0 million after taxes or $0.24 per diluted share in our Dental
segment in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, related to the distribution fee associated with the CEREC product component
of this arrangement.
Animal Health International Acquisition. In June 2015, we completed the acquisition of Animal Health
International, Inc., a leading production animal health distribution company in the U.S. Prior to our acquisition, Animal
Health International, Inc. generated sales and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
31
of $1.5 billion and $68 million, respectively, during the 12 months ended March 2015. Our acquisition more than doubled
the revenue of our legacy animal health business, which was previously focused on the companion animal market.
Our animal health business now offers an expanded range of products and services to a broader base of customers
in North America and the U.K. During fiscal 2016, we incurred $10.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, on an after-
tax basis, of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc.
Patterson Medical Sale. In August 2015, we sold Patterson Medical for $716.9 million. See Note 4 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Cash Repatriation. In fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200.0 million of foreign
earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International,
Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction.
A continuing operations tax impact of $12.3 million from the repatriation was recorded during fiscal 2016. During fiscal
2017, we recorded a $2.4 million tax benefit related to a change in estimate of the tax impact of the cash repatriation.
See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results from continuing operations as a percent of sales from continuing
operations:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income from continuing operations
Other income (expense)
Income from continuing operations before taxes
Income tax expense
Net income from continuing operations
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Continuing Operations
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
100.0%
76.7
23.3
18.2
5.1
(0.6)
4.5
1.4
3.1%
100.0%
75.4
24.6
18.1
6.5
(0.9)
5.6
2.2
3.4%
100.0%
72.9
27.1
19.3
7.8
(0.8)
7.0
2.4
4.6%
Net Sales. Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2017 were $5,593.1 million, an increase of 3.8% from $5,386.7 million
in fiscal 2016. The inclusion of Animal Health International, Inc. results for approximately six additional weeks in fiscal
2017 had a 3.6% favorable impact on sales, foreign exchange rate changes had an estimated 1.7% unfavorable impact
on fiscal 2017 sales, and one less week of results in fiscal 2017 had a 1.0% unfavorable impact on sales, resulting in
internal growth of 2.9%.
Dental segment sales decreased 3.5% to $2,390.2 million in fiscal 2017 from $2,476.2 million in fiscal 2016. One
less week of results in the current period had an estimated 1.1% unfavorable impact on sales. Adjusting for this
difference in number of weeks, sales decreased 2.4%. Sales of consumables decreased 4.1%, primarily due to having
one less week of results in the current period and to a sales force realignment in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Dental
equipment and software sales decreased 3.2%, primarily due to a decrease in sales of digital products, partially offset
by increased sales of core equipment. Other dental sales, consisting primarily of technical service parts and labor,
software support services and artificial teeth, decreased 1.0% in fiscal 2017.
Animal Health segment sales grew 10.4% to $3,159.8 million in fiscal 2017 from $2,862.2 million in fiscal 2016.
Incremental sales attributed to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. contributed 6.8% to this sales growth,
foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of 3.1% on fiscal 2017 sales, and one less week of results
in fiscal 2017 had a 1.0% unfavorable impact on sales, resulting in internal growth of 7.7%. In addition, due to changes
in certain vendor relationships, sales of certain products previously recognized on an agency basis were recognized
on a buy/sell basis during fiscal 2017, resulting in a 2.5% favorable impact to sales.
32
Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit margin decreased 130 basis points from the prior year to 23.3%. The
decrease in the gross profit margin rate was predominantly the result of the inclusion of sales and cost of sales from
Animal Health International, Inc. in our results for a full year in fiscal 2017, as that business traditionally has lower
gross margins than our historical businesses. In addition, the Animal Health segment gross margin rate declined when
compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers,
execution challenges associated with integration activities in our Animal Health segment and unfavorable product mix.
Operating Expenses. Consolidated operating expenses for fiscal 2017 were $1,013.5 million, a 3.9% increase
from the prior year of $975.0 million. The increase was predominantly the result of the $36.3 million intangible asset
impairment charge recognized in fiscal 2017 in our Dental segment, increased expenses related to our ERP system
initiatives and the inclusion of Animal Health International, Inc. results for a full year in fiscal 2017, partially offset by
reduced transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., synergy capture in our Animal
Health segment and cost containment efforts. The consolidated operating expense ratio of 18.2% decreased 10 basis
points from the prior year due to these same factors.
Operating Income from Continuing Operations. Operating income from continuing operations was $287.9
million, or 5.1% of net sales, in fiscal 2017, compared to $347.7 million, or 6.5% of sales, in fiscal 2016. The decrease
in operating income from continuing operations and operating income as a percent of sales were driven primarily by
the impairment charge and increased expenses related to our ERP system initiative. The decrease in operating income
as a percent of sales was mainly due to these same factors.
Dental segment operating income was $263.7 million for fiscal 2017, a decrease of $48.5 million from the prior
year period. The decrease was driven primarily by the impairment charge, increased expenses related to our ERP
system initiatives and lower sales volumes.
Animal Health segment operating income was $88.1 million for fiscal 2017, a decrease of $6.2 million from the
prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by lower gross margins, which decreased as a result of pricing
pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers, execution challenges associated with integration activities,
unfavorable product mix and increased expenses related to our ERP system initiatives. Synergy capture, cost
containment efforts and lower bad debt expense in fiscal 2017 partially offset these factors.
Corporate segment operating loss was $63.9 million for fiscal 2017, as compared to a loss of $58.8 million from
the prior year period. The change was driven primarily by lower net sales related to our customer financing contracts
and increased legal expenses, partially offset by reduced transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health
International, Inc.
Other Income (Expense), Net. Net other expense was $37.0 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $46.0 million
in fiscal 2016. The decrease was mainly due to $5.2 million of accelerated debt issuance cost amortization incurred
in fiscal 2016.
Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate was 30.7% in fiscal 2017 and 38.5% in fiscal 2016. The
decrease in the rate was primarily due to the prior year impact of cash repatriation and transaction-related costs incurred
in the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, the current year rate included excess tax benefits
from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
on this adoption.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations. Net income from continuing operations
decreased 6.4% to $173.8 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $185.7 million in the prior year. Earnings per diluted
share from continuing operations were $1.82 in fiscal 2017, compared to $1.90 in the prior year. Weighted average
diluted shares in fiscal 2017 were 95,567,000, compared to 97,902,000 in the prior year. The fiscal 2017 cash dividend
was $0.98 per common share, compared to $0.90 in the prior year.
Discontinued Operations
Net loss from discontinued operations was $2.9 million in fiscal 2017, compared to net income from discontinued
operations of $1.5 million in fiscal 2016. The net loss incurred during fiscal 2017 was due to a change in estimate of
the tax impact of the sale of Patterson Medical.
33
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Continuing Operations
Net Sales. Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2016 were $5,386.7 million, an increase of 37.7% from $3,910.9 million
in fiscal 2015. The growth in sales includes a 35.7% contribution from acquisitions and a 1.8% unfavorable impact of
changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Dental segment sales rose 2.5% to $2,476.2 million in fiscal 2016 from $2,415.0 million in fiscal 2015. The growth
included a 1.3% unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Consumable sales increased
4.5%. Dental equipment and software sales decreased 1.4%, driven by a 1.3% unfavorable impact from changes in
foreign currency exchange rates. Other dental sales, consisting primarily of technical service parts and labor, software
support services and artificial teeth, increased 4.7% in fiscal 2016.
Animal Health segment sales grew 96.5% to $2,862.2 million in fiscal 2016 from $1,456.6 million in fiscal 2015.
Our acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. in fiscal 2016 drove most of the increase in sales, contributing
$1,396.1 million in sales in fiscal 2016. Consumables increased 101.4%, driven almost entirely by sales from Animal
Health International, Inc. Equipment and software sales increased 7.2%, and other sales increased 17.3%, with both
increases driven by organic growth and partially offset by unfavorable impacts from changes in foreign currency
exchange rates.
Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit margin for fiscal 2016 decreased 250 basis points from the prior year to
24.6%. The decrease in gross profit margin was predominantly the result of the inclusion of sales and cost of sales
from Animal Health International, Inc. in our results, as that business traditionally has lower gross margins than our
historical businesses.
Operating Expenses. Consolidated operating expenses for fiscal 2016 were $975.0 million, a 29.0% increase
from the prior year of $756.0 million. Operating expenses mainly increased due to the acquisition of Animal Health
International, Inc. and transaction-related costs. The consolidated operating expense ratio of 18.1% decreased 120
basis points from the prior year, primarily due to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., which has a lower
operating expense ratio than our other business.
Operating Income from Continuing Operations. Operating income from continuing operations was $347.7
million, or 6.5% of net sales, in fiscal 2016, compared to $304.6 million, or 7.8% of sales, in fiscal 2015. The decrease
in operating income as a percent of net sales was mainly due to the inclusion of results of Animal Health International,
Inc. and transaction-related costs.
Dental segment operating income was $312.2 million for fiscal 2016, an increase of $11.8 million from the prior
year period. The increase was driven primarily by higher sales volumes.
Animal Health segment operating income was $94.3 million for fiscal 2016, an increase of $37.6 million from the
prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of results of Animal Health International, Inc.,
which contributed $37.2 million of operating income in fiscal 2016.
Corporate segment operating loss was $58.8 million for fiscal 2016, as compared to a loss of $52.4 million from
the prior year period. The change was driven primarily by transaction costs incurred in fiscal 2016.
Other Income (Expense), Net. Net other expense was $46.0 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $30.3 million
in fiscal 2015. The increase was mainly due to increased interest expense related to the credit agreement entered into
in connection with the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., including $5.2 million of accelerated debt issuance
cost amortization incurred in fiscal 2016 as a result of early repayment of debt.
Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate was 38.5% in fiscal 2016 and 34.4% in fiscal 2015. The
increase in the rate was primarily due to the fiscal 2016 impact of cash repatriation and transaction-related costs
incurred related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations. Net income from continuing operations
increased 3.1% to $185.7 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $180.1 million in the prior year. Earnings per diluted share
from continuing operations were $1.90 in fiscal 2016 compared to $1.81 in the prior year. Weighted average diluted
34
shares in fiscal 2016 were 97,902,000 compared to 99,694,000 in the prior year. The fiscal 2016 cash dividend was
$0.90 per common share compared to $0.82 in the prior year.
Discontinued Operations
Net income from discontinued operations was $1.5 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $43.2 million in fiscal 2015.
The decrease was primarily due to there being twelve months of operations in the prior year as compared to less than
four months of operations in fiscal 2016, as well as by transaction-related costs related to the sale of Patterson Medical,
which reduced income before taxes from discontinued operations by $10.5 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal
2015.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Patterson’s operating cash flow has been our principal source of liquidity in the last three fiscal years. During
each of these fiscal years, we used our revolving credit facility as a source of liquidity in addition to operating cash
flow. Net cash provided by operating activities was $162.7 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $156.3 million in fiscal
2016 and $262.7 million in fiscal 2015. Our cash flows from operating activities are primarily driven by net income
from continuing operations, partially offset by uses of cash within discontinued operations of $2.9 million in fiscal 2017
and $38.5 million in fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2015, net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations
was $57.6 million.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $1.2 million in fiscal 2017, compared to net cash flows used
in investing activities of $400.6 million and $9.6 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Capital expenditures were
$47.0 million, $79.4 million and $60.7 million in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Significant expenditures
in each year included investments in our ERP system initiatives. We expect to use a total of approximately $50 million
for capital expenditures in fiscal 2018. Fiscal 2016 included the purchase of Animal Health International, Inc. for $1,106.6
million, which was partially offset by the receipt of net cash proceeds of $714.4 million from completion of the sale of
Patterson Medical. Fiscal years 2016 and 2015 included the sale of securities of $48.7 million and $40.8 million,
respectively.
During fiscal 2016, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), under which the lenders provided
us with senior unsecured lending facilities of up to $1.5 billion, consisting of a $1.0 billion unsecured term loan and a
$500 million unsecured revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement was due to expire in fiscal 2021.
During fiscal 2017, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”),
consisting of a $295.1 million term loan and a $750 million revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings is variable
and is determined as a base rate plus a spread. This spread, as well as a commitment fee on the unused portion of
the facility, is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The term loan and revolving
credit facilities will mature no later than January 2022. As of April 29, 2017, $291.4 million of the Amended Credit
Agreement unsecured term loan was outstanding at an interest rate of 2.24%, and $59.0 million was outstanding under
the Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 2.19%. At April 30, 2016, $317.6 million
was outstanding under the Credit Agreement unsecured term loan at an interest rate of 1.81%, and $20.0 million was
outstanding under the Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 3.88%.
In fiscal 2015, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, under which we issued fixed rate Senior Notes in
an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million at an interest rate of 3.48% per annum, due March 2025. The proceeds
were used to repay $250.0 million of Senior Notes that came due in March 2015. Also in fiscal 2015, a cash payment
of $29.0 million was made to settle an interest rate swap. We originally entered into this swap in January 2014 to
hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of refinancing the Senior Notes that came due on in March 2015.
Total dividends paid in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $95.9 million, $90.6 million and $81.8 million,
respectively. We expect to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend for the foreseeable future. In fiscal 2017, we
repurchased 2.9 million shares of common stock for $125.4 million. In fiscal 2016, we repurchased 4.4 million shares
of common stock for $200.0 million. In fiscal 2015, we repurchased 1.2 million shares of common stock for $47.5
million. Under a share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in March 2013, Patterson may repurchase
up to 25.0 million shares of its common stock. This authorization remains in effect through March 19, 2018. As of
April 29, 2017, approximately 13.6 million shares remain available under the current repurchase authorization.
35
We have $95.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of April 29, 2017, of which $49.8 million is in foreign bank
accounts. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our intention to
permanently reinvest these funds. Included in cash and cash equivalents as of April 29, 2017 is $17.9 million of cash
collected from previously sold customer financing arrangements that have not yet been settled with the third party.
See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. We expect funds generated from
operations, existing cash balances and credit availability under existing debt facilities will be sufficient to meet our
working capital needs and to finance anticipated expansion plans and strategic initiatives over the next fiscal year.
We expect to continue to obtain liquidity from the sale of equipment finance contracts. Patterson sells a significant
portion of our finance contracts (see below) to a commercial paper funded conduit managed by a third party bank, and
as a result, commercial paper is indirectly an important source of liquidity for Patterson. Patterson is allowed to
participate in the conduit due to the quality of our finance contracts and our financial strength. Cash flows could be
impaired if our financial strength diminishes to a level that precluded us from taking part in this facility or other similar
facilities. Also, market conditions outside of our control could adversely affect the ability for us to sell the contracts.
Customer Financing Arrangements
As a convenience to our customers, we offer several different financing alternatives, including a third party program
and a Patterson-sponsored program. For the third party program, we act as a facilitator between the customer and
the third party financing entity with no on-going involvement in the financing transaction. Under our sponsored program,
equipment purchased by customers with strong credit may be financed up to a maximum of $1 million. We generally
sell our customers’ financing contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of our business. We currently
have two arrangements under which we sell these contracts.
First, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper
conduits with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. ("BTMU") serving as the agent. We utilize PDC Funding, a
consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, to fulfill a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We
receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to BTMU. The capacity under the agreement with BTMU at April 29,
2017 was $575 million.
Second, we also maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby the bank purchases
customers’ financing contracts. PDC Funding II, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, sells financing contracts to
Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to Fifth Third. The capacity under the agreement with
Fifth Third at April 29, 2017 was $100 million.
Our financing business is described in further detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our contractual obligations as of April 29, 2017 follows (in thousands):
Long-term debt principal
Long-term debt interest
Operating leases
Total
Total
$ 1,016,387 $
164,891
71,028
$ 1,252,306 $
Payments due by year
Less than
1 year (1)
1-3 years
3-5 years
164,754 $
100,573 $
401,060 $
35,241
22,690
50,353
27,682
45,717
14,841
222,685 $
178,608 $
461,618 $
More than
5 years
350,000
33,580
5,815
389,395
(1)
Includes $150,000 classified as long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as we have both the intent
and ability to refinance at the time the debt is set to mature in March 2018.
As of April 29, 2017 our gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $15.4
million. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over an
extended period of time or whether a cash settlement of the liability will be required. Therefore, these amounts have
been excluded from the schedule of contractual obligations.
For a more complete description of our contractual obligations, see Notes 6 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
36
Outlook
We believe certain strategic decisions made will have an effect on our future results of operations. In the near
term, we believe that our decision to not extend our exclusive relationship with Sirona for its full portfolio of products
and a realignment of our sales force will have a negative effect on sales. In addition, we expect to incur increased
operating expenses associated with our ERP system initiatives. While these strategic decisions are expected to impact
our near-term performance, we believe that we are making the right strategic moves to facilitate growth in our two key
operating businesses.
Asset Management
The following table summarizes our accounts receivable days sales outstanding (“DSO”) and average annual
inventory turnover for the past three fiscal years:
DSO (1)
Inventory turnover
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29, 2017
55
6.0
April 30, 2016
49
7.1
April 25, 2015
48
6.2
(1)
Calculation includes approximately $50 million, $18 million and $12 million as of April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016
and April 25, 2015, respectively, of receivables from finance contracts received from customers related to certain
financing promotions.
Foreign Operations
We derive foreign sales from Dental operations in Canada, and Animal Health operations in Canada and the U.K.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates have not significantly impacted earnings, as these fluctuations impact sales,
cost of sales and operating expenses. However, changes in exchange rates adversely affected net sales by $89.9
million, $69.4 million, and $37.1 million in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Changes in currency exchange
rates are a risk accompanying foreign operations, but this risk is not considered material with respect to our consolidated
operations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Patterson has adopted various accounting policies to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Management believes that our policies are conservative and
our philosophy is to adopt accounting policies that minimize the risk of adverse events having a material impact on
recorded assets and liabilities. However, the preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and
judgments regarding the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities based on the information available to
management at the time. Changes subsequent to the preparation of the financial statements in economic, technological
and competitive conditions may materially impact the recorded values of Patterson’s assets and liabilities. Therefore,
the users of the financial statements should read all the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and be aware
that conditions currently unknown to management may develop in the future. This may require a material adjustment
to a recorded asset or liability to consistently apply to our significant accounting principles and policies that are discussed
in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The financial performance and condition of Patterson may also
be materially impacted by transactions and events that we have not previously experienced and for which we have
not been required to establish an accounting policy or adopt a generally accepted accounting principle.
Revenue Recognition – Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment, software
products and services, technical service parts and labor, freight and delivery charges, and other sources. Revenues
are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been
rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sale. Estimates for
returns, damaged goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue
is recognized based on the historical experience for such items. In addition to revenues generated from the distribution
of consumable products under conventional arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the
product is recorded as revenue, the animal health segment may earn a small amount of commission income for services
provided under agency agreements with certain pharmaceutical manufacturers. The services generally consist of
37
detailing the product and taking the customer’s order. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that
the animal health segment does not purchase and handle the product or bill and collect from the customer in an agency
relationship with a vendor.
Consumable product sales are recorded upon delivery, except in those circumstances where terms of the sale
are FOB shipping point, in which case sales are recorded upon shipment. Commissions under agency agreements
are recorded when the services are provided.
Equipment and software product revenues are recognized upon delivery and, if necessary, installation. In those
circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, revenues are recognized when products are transferred
to the shipping carrier. Revenue derived from post contract customer support for software is deferred and recognized
ratably over the period in which the support is provided. Patterson provides financing for select equipment and software
sales. Revenue is recorded at the present value of the finance contract, with discount, if any, and interest income
recognized over the life of the finance contract as other income, net in our consolidated statement of income. See
Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding customer financing.
Other revenue, including freight and delivery charges and technical service parts and labor, is recognized when
the related product revenue is recognized or when the product or services are provided to the customer.
The receivables that result from the recognition of revenue are reported net of the related allowances discussed
above. Patterson maintains a valuation allowance based upon the expected collectability of receivables held. Estimates
are used to determine the valuation allowance and are based on several factors, including historical collection data,
economic trends and credit worthiness of customers. Receivables are written off when we determine the amounts to
be uncollectible, typically upon customer bankruptcy or non-response to continuous collection efforts. The portions of
receivable amounts that are not expected to be collected during the next twelve months are classified as long-term.
Patterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 1%
of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as
collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well.
Patterson Advantage Loyalty Program – Patterson Dental provides a point-based awards program to qualifying
customers involving the issuance of “Patterson Advantage dollars” which can be used toward equipment and technology
purchases. The program was initiated in January 2009 and runs on a calendar year schedule. Patterson Advantage
dollars earned during a program year expire one year after the end of the program year. The cost and corresponding
liability associated with the program is recognized as contra-revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605-50, “Revenue
Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives.” As of April 29, 2017, we believe we have sufficient experience with
the program to reasonably estimate the amount of Patterson Advantage dollars that will not be redeemed and thus
have recorded a liability for 87% of the maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We use the redemption
recognition method, and we recognize the estimated value of unused Patterson Advantage dollars as redemptions
occur. Breakage recognized was immaterial to all periods presented.
Inventory and Reserves – Inventory consists primarily of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of
cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for all inventories, except for foreign
inventories and manufactured inventories, which are valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. We continually
assess the valuation of inventories and reduce the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess
of forecasted usage to estimated realizable value. Estimates are made of the net realizable value of such inventories
based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market
requirements.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets – Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value
of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We have two reporting units as of April 29, 2017; dental and animal
health. Our Corporate reportable segment's assets and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the
two reporting units. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets include copyrights, trade names and trademarks.
We evaluate goodwill at least annually. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than
its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment
is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test. In fiscal 2017, we determined it was appropriate to
perform a two-step impairment test.
The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with
its fair value, as determined by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value,
38
the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded.
The determination of fair value involves uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to
apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. Patterson
conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions,
as well as future expectations. Additionally, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the reasonableness of the implied
control premium is considered based on market capitalizations and recent market transactions.
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of an asset
with its fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the
excess. The determination of fair value involves assumptions, including projected revenues and gross profit levels, as
well as consideration of any factors that may indicate potential impairment.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, management completed its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible
asset impairment tests and determined there was no impairment, and that our dental reporting unit was not at risk of
failing step 1. The animal health reporting unit has a higher level of sensitivity to impairment as management currently
assesses the various estimates and assumptions used to conduct these tests. Adverse changes to one or more of
these estimates or assumptions could cause us to recognize a material impairment charge on this reporting unit. At
April 29, 2017, the estimated fair value of the animal health reporting unit exceeded its book value by approximately
11%.
Long-Lived Assets – Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable
through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets
primarily consist of customer lists. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value using
level 3 inputs, as discussed further in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a
non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million related to a distribution agreement intangible asset. Refer to Note 3 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Income Taxes – We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant
judgments are required in determining the consolidated provision for income taxes.
During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax
determination is uncertain. As a result, we recognize tax liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes and
interest will be due. These tax liabilities are recognized when, despite our belief that our tax return position is supportable,
we believe that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. We believe that our accruals
for tax liabilities are adequate for all open audit years based on our assessment of many factors including past experience
and interpretations of tax law. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of
complex judgments about future events. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the
amounts recorded, such differences will impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made
and could materially affect our financial results.
Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets if, after assessment of available positive and negative
evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized. The valuation allowance reflected
in the footnote disclosure relates primarily to foreign tax credit carryovers generated in fiscal 2016.
Self-insurance – Patterson is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile,
workers’ compensation and medical claims. We estimate our liabilities based upon an analysis of historical data and
actuarial estimates. While current estimates are believed reasonable based on information currently available, actual
results could differ and affect financial results due to changes in the amount or frequency of claims, medical cost
inflation or other factors. Historically, actual results related to these types of claims have not varied significantly from
estimated amounts.
Stock-based Compensation – We recognize stock-based compensation based on certain assumptions including
inputs within valuation models, estimated forfeitures and estimated performance outcomes. These assumptions require
subjective judgment and changes in the assumptions can materially affect fair value estimates. Management assesses
the assumptions and methodologies used to estimate forfeitures and to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based
compensation on a regular basis. Circumstances may change, and additional data may become available over time,
which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact the fair value
determination or estimates of forfeitures. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, the amount of
compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation may differ significantly from what was recorded in
the current period.
39
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk consisting of foreign currency rate fluctuations and changes in interest rates.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in our operating statement due to transactions
denominated primarily in Canadian Dollars and British Pounds. Although we are not currently involved with foreign
currency hedge contracts, we continually evaluate our foreign currency exchange rate risk and the different mechanisms
for use in managing such risk. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our most significant
foreign currency exposures would have changed net sales by approximately $79 million for the fiscal year ended
April 29, 2017. This amount is not indicative of the hypothetical net earnings impact due to the partially offsetting impact
of the currency exchange movements on cost of sales and operating expenses. We estimate that if foreign currency
exchange rates changed by 10%, the impact would have been approximately $3 million to earnings before income
taxes for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.
During fiscal 2016, we entered into the Credit Agreement under which the lenders provided us with senior
unsecured lending facilities of up to $1.5 billion, consisting of a $1.0 billion unsecured term loan and a $500 million
unsecured revolving line of credit, which was due to expire in fiscal 2021. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we entered
into an amendment of the Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $295.1 million term
loan and a $750 million revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement is variable.
Due to the interest rate being variable, fluctuations in interest rates may impact our earnings. Based on our current
level of debt, we estimate that a 100 basis point change in interest rates would have a $3.5 million annual impact on
our net income from continuing operations before taxes.
Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in short-term interest rates through the investment of cash balances
and the practice of selling fixed rate equipment finance contracts under agreements with both a commercial paper
conduit and a bank that provide for pricing based on variable interest rates.
When considering the exposure under the agreements whereby we sell equipment finance contracts to both a
commercial paper conduit and bank, we have the ability to select pricing based on interest rates ranging from 30 day
LIBOR up to twelve month LIBOR. In addition, the majority of the portfolio of installment contracts generally turns over
in less than 48 months, and we can adjust the rate we charge on new customer contracts at any time. Therefore, in
times where the interest rate markets are not rapidly increasing or decreasing, the average interest rate in the portfolio
generally moves with the interest rate markets and thus would parallel the underlying interest rate movement of the
pricing built into the sale agreements. In calculating the gain on the contract sales, we use an interest rate curve that
approximates the maturity period of the then-outstanding contracts. If increases in the interest rate markets occur, the
average interest rate in our contract portfolio may not increase at the same rate, resulting in a reduction of gain on the
contracts sales as compared to the gain that would be realized if the average interest rate in our portfolio were to
increase at a more similar rate to the interest rate markets. We estimate that a 10% change in interest rates would
have an approximate $1 million annual impact on our net income from continuing operations before taxes.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Patterson Companies, Inc.
We have audited Patterson Companies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2017, based on
criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Patterson Companies, Inc.’s management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting appearing in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this Annual report on Form 10-
K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit.
40
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect
the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have
a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
In our opinion, Patterson Companies, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of April 29, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Patterson Companies, Inc. as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, and
the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2017, and our report dated June 28, 2017 expressed
an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 28, 2017
41
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Patterson Companies, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Patterson Companies, Inc. as of April 29, 2017
and April 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, changes in
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2017. Our audits also
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Patterson Companies, Inc. at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2017, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), Patterson Companies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2017, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated June 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 28, 2017
42
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
$
94,959 $
137,453
796,693
722,140
91,255
1,747,541
293,315
88,248
816,592
509,297
65,811
$ 3,507,913 $ 3,520,804
884,803
711,903
111,928
1,803,593
298,452
101,529
813,547
425,436
65,356
$
616,859 $
56,881
156,437
14,754
59,000
903,931
998,272
191,686
19,591
2,113,480
566,253
75,448
151,134
16,500
20,000
829,335
1,022,155
206,896
20,672
2,079,058
966
72,973
(92,669)
1,481,234
(68,071)
1,394,433
991
48,477
(67,964)
1,529,158
(68,916)
1,441,746
$ 3,507,913 $ 3,520,804
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,342 and $12,008
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Long-term receivables, net
Goodwill
Identifiable intangibles, net
Other non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued payroll expense
Other accrued liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt
Borrowings on revolving credit
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value: 600,000 shares authorized; 96,534 and 99,107
shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Unearned ESOP shares
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
See accompanying notes
43
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Fiscal Year Ended
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income from continuing operations
Other income (expense):
Other income, net
Interest expense
Income from continuing operations before taxes
Income tax expense
Net income from continuing operations
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net diluted earnings per share
Weighted average shares:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends declared per common share
Comprehensive income
Net income
Foreign currency translation loss
Cash flow hedges, net of tax
Comprehensive income
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
$ 5,593,127 $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865
2,850,316
1,060,549
755,963
304,586
4,291,730
1,301,397
1,013,469
287,928
4,063,955
1,322,748
975,035
347,713
6,013
(43,060)
250,881
77,093
173,788
(2,895)
170,893 $
4,045
(50,065)
301,693
116,009
185,684
1,500
187,184 $
3,425
(33,693)
274,318
94,235
180,083
43,178
223,261
1.83 $
1.91 $
(0.03)
0.02
1.80 $
1.93 $
1.82 $
(0.03)
1.79 $
1.90 $
0.01
1.91 $
1.82
0.44
2.26
1.81
0.43
2.24
94,897
95,567
97,222
97,902
0.98 $
0.90 $
98,989
99,694
0.82
170,893 $
(26,450)
1,745
146,188 $
187,184 $
(9,552)
1,934
179,566 $
223,261
(73,271)
(12,445)
137,545
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
See accompanying notes
44
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
Total
Balance at April 26, 2014
Foreign currency translation
Cash flow hedges
Net income
Dividends declared
Common stock issued and
related tax benefits
Repurchase of common
stock
Stock based compensation
ESOP activity
Balance at April 25, 2015
Foreign currency translation
Cash flow hedges
Net income
Dividends declared
Common stock issued and
related tax benefits
Repurchase of common
stock
Stock based compensation
ESOP activity
Balance at April 30, 2016
Foreign currency translation
Cash flow hedges
Net income
Dividends declared
Common stock issued and
related tax benefits
Repurchase of common
stock
Stock based compensation
ESOP activity
Balance at April 29, 2017
Common Stock
Number
103,965 $1,040 $
Amount
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
—
507
5
11,331
(1,194)
—
—
103,278
(12)
(5,747)
— 15,442
—
—
21,026
1,033
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
208
2
12,875
(4,379)
—
—
99,107
—
—
—
—
282
(44)
—
— 14,576
—
—
48,477
991
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
6,786
(2,855)
—
—
(28)
—
— 17,710
—
—
96,534 $ 966 $ 72,973 $
25,370 $1,531,198 $ (85,944) $1,471,664
(73,271)
(73,271)
—
—
(12,445)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
223,261
(82,531)
—
(41,780)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,206
(12,445)
223,261
(82,531)
11,336
(47,539)
15,442
8,206
(60,346) 1,630,148
(77,738)
1,514,123
(9,552)
1,934
—
—
—
—
—
187,184
(88,218)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(9,552)
1,934
187,184
(88,218)
12,877
— (199,956)
— (200,000)
—
—
—
—
—
8,822
14,576
8,822
(67,964) 1,529,158
(68,916)
1,441,746
(26,450)
1,745
—
—
—
—
—
170,893
(93,461)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(26,450)
1,745
170,893
(93,461)
6,789
— (125,356)
— (125,384)
—
—
17,710
845
(92,669) $1,481,234 $ (68,071) $1,394,433
—
845
—
—
See accompanying notes
45
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Operating activities:
Net income
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization
Intangible asset impairment
Bad debt expense
Non-cash employee compensation
Accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs on early
retirement of debt
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquired:
Receivables
Inventory
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Long term receivables
Other changes from operating activities, net
Net cash provided by operating activities- continuing
operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities-
discontinued operations
Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
Acquisitions and equity investments, net of cash assumed
Proceeds from sale of securities
Purchase of investments
Other investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities- continuing
operations
Net cash provided by investing activities- discontinued
operations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Financing activities:
Dividends paid
Repurchases of common stock
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Debt issuance costs
Debt amendment costs
Retirement of long-term debt
Settlement of swap
46
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
$
170,893 $
(2,895)
187,184 $
1,500
173,788
185,684
223,261
43,178
180,083
40,004
43,814
36,312
1,642
19,025
60
—
(13,713)
(103,181)
(961)
59,654
(9,009)
(63,976)
(17,845)
34,315
48,068
—
8,246
28,851
5,153
(2,656)
(16,034)
(57,249)
(118,351)
119,690
(4,055)
(38,882)
2,093
23,768
20,755
—
2,546
23,070
—
(255)
460
(40,696)
(21,754)
10,286
42,555
814
(36,568)
165,614
194,873
205,064
(2,895)
162,719
(38,544)
156,329
57,627
262,691
(47,019)
—
—
—
48,212
(79,354)
(1,106,583)
48,744
—
22,320
(60,662)
(10,515)
40,775
(543)
18,035
1,193
(1,114,873)
(12,910)
—
1,193
714,239
(400,634)
3,311
(9,599)
(95,910)
(125,384)
—
—
(1,266)
(26,238)
—
(90,597)
(200,000)
1,000,000
(11,600)
—
(682,375)
—
(81,760)
(47,539)
250,000
—
—
(250,000)
(29,003)
Draw on revolver
Common stock issued, net
ESOP activity
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental disclosures:
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
39,000
8,721
(1,086)
—
(202,163)
(4,243)
(42,494)
137,453
94,959 $
20,000
4,825
(133)
2,749
42,869
(8,371)
(209,807)
347,260
137,453 $
—
7,300
(188)
255
(150,935)
(19,805)
82,352
264,908
347,260
108,394 $
151,662 $
34,972
37,883
110,909
34,076
$
$
See accompanying notes
47
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 29, 2017
(Dollars, except per share amounts, and shares in thousands)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Patterson Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as “Patterson” or in the first person notations “we,” “our,” and “us”)
is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply and the U.S., Canadian and U.K.
animal health supply markets. Patterson has three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The respective assets of PDC Funding Company,
LLC and PDC Funding Company II, LLC would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of their respective
creditors. There are no known creditors of PDC Funding Company, LLC or PDC Funding Company II, LLC.
Fiscal Year End
We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April.
Fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 ended on April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015, respectively. Fiscal
years 2017 and 2015 consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2016 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2018 will end
on April 28, 2018 and will consist of 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
None.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist primarily of investments in money market funds and government securities. The maturity
of these securities at the time of purchase is 90 days or less. All cash and cash equivalents are classified as available-
for-sale and carried at fair value, which approximates cost.
Inventory
Inventory consists of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for all inventories, except for foreign inventories, which are valued using the
first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories valued at LIFO represented 84% and 84% of total inventories at April 29,
2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively.
The accumulated LIFO reserve was $77,816 at April 29, 2017 and $76,501 at April 30, 2016. We believe that
inventory replacement cost exceeds the inventory balance by an amount approximating the LIFO reserve.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over estimated
useful lives of up to 39 years for buildings or the expected remaining life of purchased buildings, the term of the lease
for leasehold improvements, 3 to 10 years for computer hardware and software, and 5 to 10 years for furniture and
equipment.
48
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We
have two reporting units as of April 29, 2017; dental and animal health. Our Corporate reportable segment's assets
and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the two reporting units. Other indefinite-lived intangible
assets include copyrights, trade names and trademarks.
We evaluate goodwill at least annually. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than
its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment
is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test. In fiscal 2017, we determined it was appropriate to
perform a two-step impairment test.
The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with
its fair value, as determined primarily by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair
value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be
recorded. The determination of fair value involves uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions
and to apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies.
Patterson conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic
conditions, as well as future expectations. Additionally, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the reasonableness of
the implied control premium is considered based on market capitalizations and recent market transactions.
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of an asset
with its fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the
excess. The determination of fair value involves assumptions, including projected revenues and gross profit levels, as
well as consideration of any factors that may indicate potential impairment.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, management completed its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible
asset impairment tests and determined there was no impairment, and that our dental reporting unit was not at risk of
failing step 1. The animal health reporting unit has a higher level of sensitivity to impairment as management currently
assesses the various estimates and assumptions used to conduct these tests. Adverse changes to one or more of
these estimates or assumptions could cause us to recognize a material impairment charge on this reporting unit. At
April 29, 2017, the estimated fair value of the animal health reporting unit exceeded its book value by approximately
11%.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of
customer lists. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value using level 3 inputs, as
discussed further in Note 9. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 related to a distribution
agreement intangible asset. Refer to Note 3 for more information.
Financial Instruments
We account for derivative financial instruments under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")
Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Our use of derivative financial instruments is generally limited to managing well-
defined interest rate risks. We do not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading purposes.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment, software products and services,
technical service parts and labor, freight and delivery charges, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is
fixed or determinable, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sale. Estimates for returns, damaged
goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue is recognized based
on the historical experience for such items. In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable
products under conventional arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded
as revenue, the animal health segment may earn a small amount of commission income for services provided under
agency agreements with certain pharmaceutical manufacturers. The services generally consist of detailing the product
and taking the customer’s order. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that the animal health
49
segment does not purchase and handle the product or bill and collect from the customer in an agency relationship
with a vendor.
Consumable product sales are recorded upon delivery, except in those circumstances where terms of the sale
are FOB shipping point, in which case sales are recorded upon shipment. Commissions under agency agreements
are recorded when the services are provided.
Equipment and software product revenues are recognized upon delivery and, if necessary, installation. In those
circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, revenues are recognized when products are transferred
to the shipping carrier. Revenue derived from post contract customer support for software is deferred and recognized
ratably over the period in which the support is provided. Patterson provides financing for select equipment and software
sales. Revenue is recorded at the present value of the finance contract, with discount, if any, and interest income
recognized over the life of the finance contract as other income, net in our consolidated statement of income. See
Note 7 for more information regarding customer financing.
Other revenue, including freight and delivery charges and technical service parts and labor, is recognized when
the related product revenue is recognized or when the product or services are provided to the customer.
The receivables that result from the recognition of revenue are reported net of the related allowances discussed
above. Patterson maintains a valuation allowance based upon the expected collectability of receivables held. Estimates
are used to determine the valuation allowance and are based on several factors, including historical collection data,
economic trends and credit worthiness of customers. Receivables are written off when we determine the amounts to
be uncollectible, typically upon customer bankruptcy or non-response to continuous collection efforts. The portions of
receivable amounts that are not expected to be collected during the next twelve months are classified as long-term.
Patterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 10%
of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as
collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well.
Net sales do not include sales tax as we are considered a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales
tax.
Patterson Advantage Loyalty Program
The Dental segment provides a point-based awards program to qualifying customers involving the issuance of
“Patterson Advantage dollars” which can be used toward equipment and technology purchases. The program was
initiated on January 1, 2009 and runs on a calendar year schedule. Patterson Advantage dollars earned during a
program year expire one year after the end of the program year. The cost and corresponding liability associated with
the program are recognized as contra-revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605-50, “Revenue Recognition-Customer
Payments and Incentives.” As of April 29, 2017, we believe we have sufficient experience with the program to reasonably
estimate the amount of Patterson Advantage dollars that will not be redeemed and thus have recorded a liability for
87% of the maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We use the redemption recognition method and we
recognize the estimated value of unused Advantage dollars as a percentage of Patterson Advantage dollars earned.
Breakage recognized was immaterial to all periods presented.
Freight and Delivery Charges
Freight and delivery charges are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
Advertising
We expense all advertising and promotional costs as incurred, except for direct marketing expenses, which are
expensed over the shorter of the life of the asset or one year. Total advertising and promotional expenses were $10,128,
$12,113 and $10,181 for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were no deferred direct-marketing
expenses included in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016.
Income Taxes
The liability method is used to account for income tax expense. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and
are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
50
Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets if, after assessment of available positive and negative
evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
Compensation expense related to our defined contribution ESOP is computed based on the shares allocated
method.
Self-insurance
Patterson is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’
compensation and medical claims. We estimate our liabilities based upon an analysis of historical data and actuarial
estimates. While current estimates are believed reasonable based on information currently available, actual results
could differ and affect financial results due to changes in the amount or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation or
other factors. Historically, actual results related to these types of claims have not varied significantly from estimated
amounts.
Stock-based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on estimated grant date fair values. The grant date
fair value of stock options and stock purchases made through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and our Capital
Accumulation Plan are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The grant date fair value
of performance stock units that vest upon meeting certain market conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo
valuation model. These valuations require estimates to be made including expected stock price volatility which considers
historical volatility trends, implied future volatility based on certain traded options and other factors. We estimate the
expected life of awards based on several factors, including types of participants, vesting schedules, contractual terms
and various factors surrounding exercise behavior of different groups.
The grant date fair value of time-based restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is calculated based on
the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized over the requisite service period (or
to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier) for awards that are expected to vest.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is computed as net income plus certain other items that are recorded directly to
stockholders’ equity. Significant items included in comprehensive income are foreign currency translation adjustments
and the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments do not include a
provision for income tax because earnings from foreign operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside
the U.S. The income tax expense (benefit) related to cash flow hedge losses was $1,057, $883 and $(10,843) for the
fiscal years ended April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015, respectively.
Earnings Per Share
The amount of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number
of outstanding common shares during the period. The amount of diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing
net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents, when
dilutive, during the period.
The following table sets forth the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. There
were no material adjustments to the numerator.
51
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average
shares
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and
stock purchase plans
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted
average shares
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
94,897
97,222
98,989
670
680
705
95,567
97,902
99,694
Potentially dilutive securities representing 1,133, 765 and 147 shares for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effects were anti-dilutive.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU")
No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)". ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes the revenue
recognition requirements in "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)," and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way
that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to
which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the
effective date of this pronouncement by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after
that date. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date, which for annual periods was
December 15, 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the
standard. We plan to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and are currently evaluating the standard,
including the method we will use for adoption and the effect it will have on our financial statements. We do not expect
the standard to materially affect our consolidated net earnings, financial position, or cash flows. We are currently
evaluating the new standard as it relates to certain sales transactions in which products are shipped directly from the
vendor to our customers. We currently report these sales on a gross basis, and are evaluating if we will be required
to report these sales on a net basis. Such sales represented approximately 2% of consolidated net sales in fiscal
2017. Any change to net presentation would not impact gross margin or earnings.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of
Inventory." ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than LIFO or the retail inventory method
to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market.
Subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. We are required to
adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, and plan to do so at that time. We are evaluating the
effect of adopting this pronouncement, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our financial statements
once implemented.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 "Financial Instruments- Recognition and Measurement of
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10)", which amends certain aspects of recognition,
measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including the requirement to measure certain equity
investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We are required to adopt the ASU No.
2016-01 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and plan to do so at that time. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating
the impact of adopting this pronouncement.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize
assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by most leases, as well as requires
additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. We are required to adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of fiscal
2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718):
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU No. 2016-09 eliminates the additional paid-in
capital pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement
when awards are settled. ASU No. 2016-09 also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows
classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. During the first quarter
of fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2016-09. As a result of this adoption, we recognized $2,493 of excess tax benefits
52
related to share-based payments in our provision for income taxes for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. These
items were historically recorded in additional paid-in capital. In addition, for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, cash
flows related to excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity along with other income tax cash flows. No
prior period amounts have been adjusted. Cash paid on employees' behalf related to shares withheld for tax purposes
continues to be classified as a financing activity. Our share-based compensation expense in each period continues to
reflect estimated forfeitures.
In August 2016, the FASB issues ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash
Receipts and Payments." ASU No. 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective
of reducing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December
15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted
ASU No. 2016-15 and it had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
2. Cash and Cash Equivalents
At April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:
Cash on hand
Money market funds
Total
Cash on hand is generally in interest earning accounts.
April 29, 2017
$
88,161 $
6,798
$
94,959 $
April 30, 2016
122,844
14,609
137,453
3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for each of our reportable segments for the fiscal year ended
April 29, 2017 are as follows:
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Total
Balance at
April 30, 2016
$ 139,129 $
677,463
—
$ 816,592 $
Activity in fiscal 2017 primarily consists of the impact from foreign currency translation.
Balances of other intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are as follows:
Other
Activity
Balance at
April 29, 2017
(840) $ 138,289
675,258
—
(3,045) $ 813,547
(2,205)
—
April 29, 2017
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Net
Gross
April 30, 2016
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
$
29,900 $
— $
29,900 $
29,900 $
— $
29,900
353,237
129,426
67,483
35,580
285,754
93,846
356,707
130,516
44,953
22,454
311,754
108,062
Unamortized - indefinite lived:
Copyrights, trade names and
trademarks
Amortized - definite lived:
Customer relationships
Trade names and trademarks
Developed technology and
other
38,273
59,581
479,397
141,336
Total amortized intangible assets
Total identifiable intangible assets $ 566,772 $ 141,336 $ 425,436 $ 671,136 $ 161,839 $ 509,297
154,013
641,236
94,432
161,839
15,936
395,536
54,209
536,872
In fiscal 2006, we extended our exclusive North American distribution relationship with Sirona Dental Systems
for Sirona’s CEREC 3D dental restorative system. At that time, we paid a $100,000 distribution fee to extend the
53
existing exclusive relationship for at least a 10-year beginning in 2007. This distribution fee has been accounted for
as an intangible asset in our Dental segment that has been amortized since 2007.
Based on our November 2016 decision not to extend sales exclusivity for the full Sirona portfolio of products, we
recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 in our Dental segment in the third quarter fiscal 2017,
related to the distribution fee associated with the CEREC product component of this arrangement. This charge was
recorded within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.
With respect to the amortized intangible assets, future amortization expense is expected to approximate $38,811,
$36,320, $35,022, $34,919 and $34,602 for fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Actual amounts
of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, changes
in foreign currency exchange rates, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and
other events.
4. Discontinued Operations
In August 2015, we sold all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., our
wholly owned subsidiary responsible for our rehabilitation supply business ("Patterson Medical"), for $716,886 in cash
to Madison Dearborn Partners. As additional consideration for the shares of Patterson Medical, we obtained a number
of common units of the parent company of the buyer equal to 10% of the common units outstanding at closing. Unlike
the other common units, these units will only become entitled to begin participating in distributions to the common unit
holders at such time, if any, as the Madison Dearborn Partners’ investor cash inflows equal or exceed 2.5 times the
Madison Dearborn Partners’ investor cash outflows. These units are non-transferable.
In connection with the above described transaction, we also entered into a transition services agreement with
our former subsidiary, pursuant to which Patterson Medical, as owned by Madison Dearborn Partners, is paying us to
provide, among other things, certain information technology, distribution, facilities, finance, tax and treasury, and human
resources services for up to 24 months after closing.
We classified Patterson Medical’s results of operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented in
the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income. The operations and cash flows of Patterson
Medical have been eliminated from our continuing operations, which were previously recorded as the rehabilitation
supply reportable segment. Net sales from discontinued operations were $168,504 for fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.
For the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, net loss from discontinued operations was $2,895, which was due to a change
in estimate of the tax impact of the sale of Patterson Medical.
5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following items:
Land
Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and equipment
Computer hardware and software
Construction-in-progress
Property and equipment, gross
Accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
6. Debt
Our long-term debt consists of the following:
April 29, 2017
$
11,518 $
April 30, 2016
11,585
111,386
26,291
169,110
141,727
95,450
555,549
(262,234)
293,315
110,807
25,173
159,886
206,402
36,211
549,997
(251,545)
298,452 $
$
54
Senior notes due fiscal 2018 (1)
Senior notes due fiscal 2019 (2)
Senior notes due fiscal 2022 (2)
Senior notes due fiscal 2024 (2)
Senior notes due fiscal 2025 (3)
Term loan due fiscal 2022 (4)
Less: Deferred debt issuance costs
Total debt
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Interest Rate
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
Carrying Value
5.75% $
150,000 $
2.95%
3.59%
3.74%
3.48%
2.24%
60,000
165,000
100,000
250,000
291,387
(3,361)
1,013,026
(14,754)
150,000
60,000
165,000
100,000
250,000
317,625
(3,970)
1,038,655
(16,500)
$
998,272 $
1,022,155
(1) Issued in March 2008.
(2) Issued in December 2011.
(3) Issued in March 2015.
(4) Issued in June 2015, amended in January 2017. Interest rate is LIBOR plus 1.25% as of April 29, 2017.
Future principal payments due, based on stated contractual maturities for our long-term debt, are as follows as
of April 29, 2017:
Fiscal Year
2018 (1)
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
$
164,754
76,598
23,975
29,508
371,552
350,000
$ 1,016,387
(1) Includes $150,000 classified as long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as we have both the intent and
ability to refinance at the time the debt is set to mature in March 2018.
During fiscal 2016, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), under which the lenders provided
us with senior unsecured lending facilities of up to $1,500,000, consisting of a $1,000,000 unsecured term loan and
a $500,000 unsecured revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement was due to expire in fiscal 2021.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit
Agreement”), consisting of a $295,075 term loan and a $750,000 revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings is
variable and is determined as a base rate plus a spread. This spread, as well as a commitment fee on the unused
portion of the facility, is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The term loan and
revolving credit facilities will mature no later than January 2022. As of April 29, 2017, $291,387 of the Amended Credit
Agreement unsecured term loan was outstanding at an interest rate of 2.24%, and $59,000 was outstanding under
the Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 2.19%. At April 30, 2016, $317,625 was
outstanding under the Credit Agreement unsecured term loan at an interest rate of 1.81%, and $20,000 was outstanding
under the Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 3.88%.
We are subject to various financial covenants under our debt agreements including the maintenance of leverage
and interest coverage ratios. In the event of our default, any outstanding obligations may become due and payable
immediately. We were in material compliance with the covenants under our debt agreements as of April 29, 2017.
7. Customer Financing
55
As a convenience to our customers, we offer several different financing alternatives, including a third party program
and a Patterson-sponsored program. For the third party program, we act as a facilitator between the customer and
the third party financing entity with no on-going involvement in the financing transaction. Under our sponsored program,
equipment purchased by customers with strong credit may be financed up to a maximum of $1,000. We generally sell
our customers’ financing contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of our business. These financing
arrangements are accounted for as a sale of assets under the provisions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. We
currently have two arrangements under which we sell these contracts.
First, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper
conduits with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. ("BTMU") serving as the agent. We utilize PDC Funding to fulfill
a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale
to BTMU. At least 9% of the proceeds are held by the conduit as security against eventual performance of the portfolio.
This percentage can be greater and is based upon certain ratios defined in the agreement with BTMU. The capacity
under the agreement with BTMU at April 29, 2017 was $575,000.
Second, we maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby the bank purchases customers’
financing contracts. PDC Funding II sells financing contracts to Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the contracts
upon sale to Fifth Third. At least 10% of the proceeds are held by the conduit as security against eventual performance
of the portfolio. This percentage can be greater and is based upon certain ratios defined in the agreement with Fifth
Third. The capacity under the agreement with Fifth Third at April 29, 2017 was $100,000.
We retain servicing responsibilities for the financing contracts under both arrangements, for which we are paid
a servicing fee. The servicing fees we receive are considered adequate compensation for services rendered.
Accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded.
The portion of the purchase price for the receivables held by the conduits is deemed a deferred purchase price
receivable, which is paid to the applicable special purpose entity as payments on the customers’ financing contracts
are collected from customers. The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under these programs
and the sum of the cash and the current fair value of the deferred purchase price receivables is recognized as a gain
on sale of the related receivables and recorded in net sales in the consolidated statements of income and other
comprehensive income. Expenses incurred related to customer financing activities were recorded in operating
expenses in our consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.
During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, we sold $357,965, $359,646 and $312,303, respectively, of contracts under
these arrangements. We recorded net sales in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income
of $20,580, $30,123 and $21,668 during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to these contracts sold.
Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets are $17,902 and $27,186 as of April 29,
2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively, which represent cash collected from previously sold customer financing
arrangements that have not yet been settled. Included in current receivables in the consolidated balance sheets are
$124,098, net of unearned income of $940, and $87,406, net of unearned income of $1,768, as of April 29, 2017 and
April 30, 2016, respectively, of finance contracts that had not yet been sold as of those dates. A total of $613,586 of
finance contracts receivable sold under the arrangements was outstanding at April 29, 2017. The deferred purchase
price receivable under the arrangements was $119,798 and $108,837 as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,
respectively. Since the internal financing program began in 1994, bad debt write-offs have amounted to less than 1%
of the loans originated.
The agreements require us to maintain a minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio. We were in material
compliance with those covenants at April 29, 2017.
8. Derivative Financial Instruments
We are a party to certain offsetting and identical interest rate cap agreements entered into to fulfill certain covenants
of the equipment finance contract sale agreements. The interest rate cap agreements also provide a credit enhancement
feature for the financing contracts sold by PDC Funding and PDC Funding II to the commercial paper conduit.
The interest rate cap agreements are canceled and new agreements are entered into periodically to maintain
consistency with the dollar maximum of the sale agreements and the maturity of the underlying financing contracts.
As of April 29, 2017, PDC Funding had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $575,000
56
and a maturity date of November 2023. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank. As of April 29, 2017,
PDC Funding II had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $100,000 and a maturity
date of July 2024. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank.
These interest rate cap agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and, accordingly, we record
the fair value of the agreements as an asset or liability and the change as income or expense during the period in
which the change occurs.
In March 2008 we entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements, each with notional amounts
of $100,000 and accounted for as cash flow hedges, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of the issuance
of the senior notes due fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2018. Upon issuance of the hedged debt, we settled the forward starting
interest rate swap agreements and recorded a $1,000 increase, net of income taxes, to other comprehensive income
(loss), which is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the life of the related debt.
In January 2014 we entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $250,000 and
accounted for as a cash flow hedge, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of refinancing the 5.17% senior
notes due March 25, 2015. These notes were repaid on March 25, 2015 and replaced with new $250,000 3.48% senior
notes due March 24, 2025. A cash payment of $29,003 was made in March 2015 to settle the interest rate swap. This
amount is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and will be recognized as interest expense over
the life of the related debt.
The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets:
Derivative type
Assets:
Classification
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
Interest rate cap agreements
Other noncurrent assets
Liabilities:
Interest rate cap agreements
Other noncurrent liabilities
$
$
1,188 $
1,188 $
816
816
The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the
consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income ("OCI"):
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Interest rate swap
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
$
— $
— $
(23,343)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
Fiscal Year Ended
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion)
Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Interest rate swap
Income statement location
Interest expense
April 29, 2017
April 30, 2016
April 25, 2015
$
(2,802) $
(2,817) $
(56)
We recorded no ineffectiveness during fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. As of April 29, 2017, the estimated pre-tax
portion of accumulated other comprehensive loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve
months is $2,817, which will be recorded as an increase to interest expense.
9. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable,
willing parties. The fair value hierarchy of measurements is categorized into one of three levels based on the lowest
level of significant input used:
57
Level 1 –
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities at the measurement date.
Level 2 –
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar
assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in
markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by
observable market data.
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available. These inputs reflect
management’s assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Our hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
Assets:
Cash equivalents
Deferred purchase price receivable
Derivative instruments
Total assets
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments
Assets:
Cash equivalents
Deferred purchase price receivable
Derivative instruments
Total assets
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments
April 29, 2017
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,798 $
6,798 $
— $
—
119,798
1,188
—
—
—
1,188
119,798
—
127,784 $
6,798 $
1,188 $
119,798
1,188 $
— $
1,188 $
—
April 30, 2016
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
14,609 $
14,609 $
— $
—
108,837
816
—
—
—
816
108,837
—
124,262 $
14,609 $
816 $
108,837
816 $
— $
816 $
—
Cash equivalents – We value cash equivalents at their current market rates. The carrying value of cash equivalents
approximates fair value and maturities are less than three months.
Deferred purchase price receivable – We value the deferred purchase price receivable based on a discounted
cash flow analysis using unobservable inputs, which include a forward yield curve, the estimated timing of payments
and the credit quality of the underlying creditor. Significant changes in any of the significant unobservable inputs in
isolation would not result in a materially different fair value estimate. The interrelationship between these inputs is
insignificant.
Derivative instruments – Patterson’s derivative instruments consist of interest rate cap agreements and interest
rate swaps. These instruments are valued using inputs such as interest rates and credit spreads.
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value
on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments under certain circumstances, such as when there is
evidence of impairment. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 related to a distribution
agreement intangible asset. Refer to Note 3 for more information. There were no fair value adjustments to such assets
in fiscal years 2016 or 2015.
Our debt is not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of our debt
as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 was $1,025,761 and $1,064,752, respectively, as compared to a carrying value
of $1,013,026 and $1,038,655 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively. The fair value of debt was measured
using a discounted cash flow analysis based on expected market based yields (i.e. level 2 inputs).
58
The carrying amounts of receivables, net of allowances, accounts payable, and certain accrued and other current
liabilities approximated fair value at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016.
10. Lease Commitments
Patterson leases facilities for its branch office locations, a few small distribution facilities, and certain equipment.
These leases are accounted for as operating leases. Future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating
leases are as follows at April 29, 2017:
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
$
$
22,690
15,166
12,516
9,207
5,634
5,815
71,028
Rent expense was $24,502, $23,315 and $16,909 for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
11. Income Taxes
The components of income from continuing operations before taxes are as follows:
Income from continuing operations before taxes
United States
International
Total
April 29,
2017
Fiscal Year Ended
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
$
$
217,529 $
270,501 $
33,352
31,192
250,881 $
301,693 $
235,421
38,897
274,318
Significant components of income tax expense are as follows:
Current:
Federal
Foreign
State
Total current
Deferred:
Federal
Foreign
State
Total deferred
Income tax expense
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
$
72,339 $
105,104 $
9,100
9,367
90,806
11,690
15,249
132,043
(11,802)
(28)
(1,883)
(13,713)
77,093 $
(14,308)
323
(2,049)
(16,034)
116,009 $
$
73,004
11,764
9,007
93,775
497
44
(81)
460
94,235
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in other non-current assets and deferred income taxes on the
consolidated balance sheets. Significant components of Patterson’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of April 29, 2017
and April 30, 2016 are as follows:
59
Deferred tax assets:
Capital accumulation plan
Inventory related items
Bad debt allowance
Stock based compensation expense
Interest rate swap
Foreign tax credit
Net operating loss carryforwards
Other
Gross deferred tax assets
Less: Valuation allowance
Total net deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
LIFO reserve
Amortizable intangibles
Goodwill
Property, plant, equipment
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred net long-term income tax liability
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
$
$
7,676 $
6,236
2,317
8,663
8,656
8,917
—
14,269
56,734
(14,053)
42,681
5,898
6,776
2,649
9,985
9,749
9,300
363
11,979
56,699
(14,007)
42,692
(25,833)
(133,037)
(61,108)
(14,389)
(234,367)
(191,686) $
(21,294)
(156,782)
(57,405)
(11,748)
(247,229)
(204,537)
At April 29, 2017, we had a U.S. foreign tax credit asset that will expire in 9 years. In addition, we have deferred
tax assets which would give rise to tax capital losses if triggered in the future. These losses have a 5 year carryforward
period and can only be used against capital gain income. At this time, we believe that it is more likely than not that
the foreign tax credit and capital loss carryforward attributes totaling $14,053 will not be fully utilized prior to expiration.
As a result, a full valuation allowance has been established against these assets.
No provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
that we intend to permanently invest or that may be remitted substantially tax-free. The total undistributed earnings
that would be subject to federal income tax if remitted under existing law are approximately $121,347 as of April 29,
2017. Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable because of
the complexities with its hypothetical calculation. If a future distribution of these earnings is made, we will be subject
to U.S. taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign governments. A credit for foreign taxes already paid
may be available to reduce the U.S. tax liability.
In fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time
repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain
foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The continuing
operations tax impact of $12,300 from the repatriation was recorded in fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2017, we recorded a
$2,406 benefit related to a change in estimate of the tax impact of the cash repatriation. We have previously asserted
that our foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. Except for the repatriations described above, there is no change
in our on-going assertion.
Income tax expense varies from the amount computed using the U.S. statutory rate. The reasons for this difference
and the related tax effects are shown below:
60
Tax at U.S. statutory rate
State tax provision, net of federal benefit
Effect of foreign taxes
Permanent differences
Tax on dividends, net of foreign tax credit
Other
Income tax expense
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
87,807 $
5,217
(2,602)
(6,861)
(2,406)
(4,062)
77,093 $
April 30,
2016
105,593 $
7,364
(1,195)
(3,693)
12,300
(4,360)
116,009 $
April 25,
2015
96,012
6,479
(1,806)
(5,363)
—
(1,087)
94,235
$
$
We have accounted for the uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with
ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”. This standard clarifies the separate identification and reporting of estimated amounts
that could be assessed upon audit. The potential assessments are considered unrecognized tax benefits, because, if
it is ultimately determined they are unnecessary, the reversal of these previously recorded amounts will result in a
beneficial impact to our financial statements.
As of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, Patterson’s gross unrecognized tax benefits were $14,211 and $13,560,
respectively. If determined to be unnecessary, these amounts (net of deferred tax assets of $3,883 and $3,800,
respectively, related to the tax deductibility of the gross liabilities) would decrease our effective tax rate. The gross
unrecognized tax benefits are included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
A summary of the changes in the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 29, 2017
and April 30, 2016 is shown below:
Balance at beginning of period
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Statute expirations
Settlements
Balance at end of period
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
$
$
13,560 $
1,900
418
(194)
(1,145)
(328)
14,211 $
16,661
1,794
560
(1,599)
(3,486)
(370)
13,560
We also recognize both interest and penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income
tax expense. As of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, we had recorded $1,568 and $1,438, respectively, for interest
and penalties. These amounts are also included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These
amounts, net of related deferred tax assets, if determined to be unnecessary, would decrease our effective tax rate.
During the year ended April 29, 2017, we recorded as part of tax expense $350 related to an increase in our estimated
liability for interest and penalties.
Patterson files income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local and foreign
jurisdictions. During fiscal year 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) began an audit of fiscal years ended April
25, 2015 and April 30, 2016. During fiscal 2016, the IRS completed an audit of our fiscal years ended April 27, 2013
and April 27, 2014. The outcome of this audit did not have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. The
IRS has either examined or waived examination for all periods up to and including our fiscal year ended April 27, 2013,
resulting in these periods being closed. In addition to the IRS, periodically, state, local and foreign income tax returns
are examined by various taxing authorities. We do not believe that the outcome of these various examinations will
have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
12. Segment and Geographic Data
We present three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Dental and Animal Health are
strategic business units that offer similar products and services to different customer bases. Dental provides a virtually
complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and value-added
services to dentists, dental laboratories, institutions, and other healthcare professionals throughout North America.
Animal Health is a leading, full-line distributor in North America and the U.K. of animal health products, services and
61
technologies to both the production-animal and companion-pet markets. Our Corporate segment is comprised of
general and administrative expenses, including home office support costs in areas such as information technology,
finance, legal, human resources and facilities. In addition, customer financing and other miscellaneous sales are
reported within Corporate results. Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
property and equipment and long-term receivables. We evaluate segment performance based on operating income.
The costs to operate the fulfillment centers are allocated to the operating units based on the through-put of the unit.
The following table presents information about our reportable segments:
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
Net sales
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Consolidated net sales
Operating income (loss)
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Consolidated operating income
Depreciation and amortization
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Consolidated depreciation and amortization
Total assets
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Total assets
$ 2,390,219 $ 2,476,234 $ 2,415,003
1,456,570
39,292
$ 5,593,127 $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865
2,862,249
48,220
3,159,826
43,082
$
263,671 $
312,176 $
88,132
(63,875)
287,928 $
94,318
(58,781)
347,713 $
300,357
56,670
(52,441)
304,586
11,840 $
50,144
21,834
83,818 $
18,903 $
44,243
19,237
82,383 $
18,568
8,861
17,094
44,523
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
$
$
$
$
863,970 $
994,113
2,064,302
462,389
$ 3,507,913 $ 3,520,804
2,119,512
524,431
The following table presents sales information by product for all of our reportable segments:
62
Consolidated
Consumable
Equipment and software
Other
Total
Dental
Consumable
Equipment and software
Other
Total
Animal Health
Consumable
Equipment and software
Other
Total
Corporate
Other
Total
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
$ 4,400,888 $ 4,153,921 $ 2,697,581
865,013
348,271
$ 5,593,127 $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865
834,526
357,713
857,001
375,781
$ 1,321,764 $ 1,378,886 $ 1,319,407
818,342
277,254
$ 2,390,219 $ 2,476,234 $ 2,415,003
780,868
287,587
806,993
290,355
$ 3,079,124 $ 2,775,035 $ 1,378,174
46,671
31,725
$ 3,159,826 $ 2,862,249 $ 1,456,570
50,008
37,206
53,658
27,044
43,082
43,082 $
48,220
48,220 $
39,292
39,292
$
The following table presents information by geographic area. There were no material sales between geographic
areas.
Net sales
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Total
Property and equipment, net
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Total
13. Stockholders’ Equity
Dividends
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
$ 4,725,322 $ 4,457,254 $ 3,029,541
547,968
319,837
626,603
302,846
649,541
231,783
$ 5,593,127 $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
$
286,178 $
1,947
10,327
$
298,452 $
278,667
2,459
12,189
293,315
The following table presents our declared and paid cash dividends per share on our common stock for the past
three years. Dividends were declared and paid in the same period. We expect to continue paying a quarterly cash
dividend into the foreseeable future.
63
Fiscal year
2017
2016
2015
Share Repurchases
Quarter
1
2
3
4
$
0.24 $
0.24 $
0.24 $
0.22
0.20
0.22
0.20
0.22
0.20
0.26
0.24
0.22
During fiscal 2017, we repurchased and retired 2,855 shares of our common stock for $125,384, or an average
of $43.91 per share. During fiscal 2016, we repurchased and retired 4,379 shares of our common stock for $200,000,
or an average of $45.68 per share. During fiscal 2015, we repurchased and retired 1,194 shares of our common stock
for $47,539, or an average of $39.81 per share.
In March 2013, Patterson’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan. Under the plan, up to 25,000
shares may be repurchased in open market transactions through March 19, 2018. As of April 29, 2017, 13,642 shares
remain available under the current repurchase authorization.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
During 1990, Patterson’s Board of Directors adopted a leveraged ESOP. In fiscal 1991, under the provisions of
the plan and related financing arrangements, Patterson loaned the ESOP $22,000 (the “1990 note”) for the purpose
of acquiring its then outstanding preferred stock, which was subsequently converted to common stock. The Board of
Directors determines the contribution from the Company to the ESOP annually. The contribution is used to retire a
portion of the debt, which triggers a release of shares that are then allocated to the employee participants. Shares of
stock acquired by the plan are allocated to each participant who has completed 1000 hours of service during the plan
year. In fiscal 2011, the final payment on the 1990 note was made and all remaining shares were released for allocation
to participants.
In fiscal 2002, Patterson’s ESOP and an ESOP sponsored by the Thompson Dental Company (“Thompson”)
were used to facilitate the acquisition and merger of Thompson into Patterson. The net result of this transaction was
an additional loan of $12,612 being made to the ESOP and the ESOP acquiring 666 shares of common stock. The
loan bears interest at current rates but principal did not begin to amortize until fiscal 2012. Beginning in fiscal 2012
and through fiscal 2020, an annual payment of $200 plus interest is due and in fiscal 2020, a final payment of any
outstanding principal and interest balance is due. Prepayments of principal can be made at any time without penalty.
Of the 666 shares issued in the transaction, 98 were previously allocated to Thompson employees. The remaining
568 shares began to be allocated in fiscal 2004 as interest was paid on the loan.
In September 2006, we entered into a third loan agreement with the ESOP and loaned $105,000 (the “2006
note”) for the sole purpose of enabling the ESOP to purchase shares of our common stock. The ESOP purchased
3,160 shares with the proceeds from the 2006 note. Interest on the unpaid principal balance accrues at a rate equal
to six-month LIBOR, with the rate resetting semi-annually. Interest payments were not required during the period from
and including September 11, 2006 through April 30, 2010. On April 30, 2010, accrued and unpaid interest was added
to the outstanding principal balance under the note, with interest thereafter accruing on the increased principal amount.
Unpaid interest accruing after April 30, 2010 is due and payable on each successive April 30 occurring through
September 10, 2026. Principal payments aren't due until September 10, 2026; however, prepayments can be made
without penalty. In fiscal 2012, Patterson contributed $20,214 to the ESOP, which then purchased 844 shares for
allocation to the participants. No shares secured by the 2006 note were released prior to fiscal 2011.
At April 29, 2017, a total of 10,552 shares of common stock that have been allocated to participants remained
in the ESOP and had a fair market value of $469,465. Related to the shares from the Thompson transaction, committed-
to-be-released shares were 11 and suspense shares were 436. Finally, with respect to the 2006 note, committed-to-
be-released shares were 18 and suspense shares were 1,783.
Unearned ESOP shares are not considered outstanding for the computation of earnings per share until the shares
are committed for release to the participants. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, the compensation expense recognized
related to the ESOP was $1,315, $11,953 and $9,939, respectively.
64
We anticipate the allocation of the remaining suspense, or unearned, shares to occur over a period of
approximately 5 to 10 years. As of April 29, 2017, the fair value of all unearned shares held by the ESOP was $98,696.
We will recognize an income tax deduction as the unearned ESOP shares are released. Such deductions will be limited
to the ESOP’s original cost to acquire the shares.
Dividends on allocated shares are passed through to the ESOP participants. Dividends on unallocated shares
are used by the ESOP to make debt service payments on the notes due to Patterson.
14. Stock-based Compensation
The consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015
include pre-tax (after-tax) stock-based compensation expense of $17,710 ($11,910), $16,898 ($11,120) and $13,958
($9,171). Pre-tax expense is included in operating expenses within the consolidated statements of income and other
comprehensive income.
As of April 29, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards was $33,154, and
it is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan
In September 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan"). The
aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued is 4,000. The Incentive Plan authorizes various
award types to be issued under the plan, including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock
appreciation rights, performance awards, non-employee director awards, cash-based awards and other stock-based
awards. We issue new shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock award grants and also for vesting of restricted
stock units and performance stock units. Awards that expire or are canceled without delivery of shares generally
become available for reissuance under the plan.
At April 29, 2017, there were 2,900 shares available for awards under the Incentive Plan.
As a result of the approval of the Incentive Plan, awards are no longer granted under any prior equity incentive
plan, but all outstanding awards previously granted under such prior plans will remain outstanding and subject to the
terms of such prior plans. At April 29, 2017, there were 1,576 shares outstanding under prior plans.
Stock Option Awards
Stock options granted to employees expire no later than ten years after the date of grant. Awards typically vest
over three or five years.
The fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following assumptions:
Expected dividend yield
Expected stock price volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Weighted average grant date fair value per share
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
2.0%
21.2%
1.2%
6.6
1.8%
25.6%
2.1%
6.7
$
8.32
$
9.66
$
2.0%
26.3%
2.1%
7.0
9.78
65
The following is a summary of stock option activity:
Balance as of April 30, 2016
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Balance as of April 29, 2017
Vested or expected to vest as of April 29, 2017
Exercisable as of April 29, 2017
Number
of
Options
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
1,110 $
189
(27)
(80)
1,192 $
1,145 $
44 $
52.09
48.46
35.75
48.47
52.12 $
52.14 $
36.78 $
1,155
1,091
350
The weighted average remaining contractual lives of options outstanding and options exercisable as of April 29,
2017 were 8.0 and 5.2 years, respectively.
Related to stock options exercised, the intrinsic value, cash received and tax benefits realized were $266, $958
and $36, respectively, in fiscal 2017; $901, $3,173 and $854, respectively, in fiscal 2016; and $290, $1,710 and $286,
respectively, in fiscal 2015.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest over a five, seven or nine
year period. Certain restricted stock awards, which are held by branch managers, are subject to accelerated vesting
provisions beginning three years after the grant date, based on certain operating goals. Restricted stock awards are
also granted to non-employee directors annually and vest over one or three years. The grant date fair value of restricted
stock awards and restricted stock units is based on the closing stock price on the day of the grant. The total fair value
of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that vested in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $8,528, $19,805
and $8,474, respectively.
The following is a summary of restricted stock award activity:
Outstanding at April 30, 2016
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures
Outstanding at April 29, 2017
The following is a summary of restricted stock unit activity:
Outstanding at April 30, 2016
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures
Outstanding at April 29, 2017
Performance Unit Awards
66
Restricted Stock Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares
760 $
18
(170)
(129)
479 $
38.18
45.78
39.10
37.15
38.41
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares
71
265
(16)
(16)
304 $
44.26
48.19
43.60
48.41
47.50
In fiscal 2017 and 2016, we granted performance unit awards with a market-based condition to certain executives.
The number of shares to be received at vesting will range from 0% - 200% of the target number of stock units based
on Patterson's total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the performance of companies in the S&P Midcap 400 Index
measured over a three year period. We estimate the grant date fair value of the TSR awards using the Monte Carlo
valuation model. In fiscal 2015, we granted performance unit awards, primarily to executive management, which are
earned at the end of a three year period if certain operating goals are met. Accordingly, we recognize expense over
the requisite service period based on the outcome that is probable for these awards. No performance unit awards
vested in fiscal 2017 or 2015. The total fair value of performance unit awards that vested in fiscal 2016 was $2,966.
The following is a summary of performance unit award activity at target:
Outstanding at April 30, 2016
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures and cancellations
Outstanding at April 29, 2017
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP")
Performance Unit Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares
157 $
86
—
(13)
230 $
47.56
56.60
—
48.37
50.88
We sponsor an ESPP under which a total of 6,750 shares have been reserved for purchase by employees.
Eligible employees may purchase shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of our common stock on the
beginning of the annual offering period, or on the end of each quarterly purchase period, which occur on March 31,
June 30, September 30 and December 31. The offering periods begin on January 1 of each calendar year and end
on December 31 of each calendar year. At April 29, 2017, there were 993 shares available for purchase under the
ESPP.
We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our ESPP using the Black-Scholes option pricing
valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected dividend yield
Expected stock price volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Weighted average grant date fair value per share
Capital Accumulation Plan ("CAP")
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
2.3%
32.9%
0.7%
0.6
2.0%
21.1%
0.5%
0.6
1.6%
31.0%
0.1%
0.5
$
10.33
$
9.16
$
10.74
We also sponsor an employee CAP. A total of 6,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under
the CAP. Key employees of Patterson are eligible to participate by purchasing common stock through payroll deductions
at 75% of the price of the common stock at the beginning of or the end of the calendar year, whichever is lower. The
shares issued are restricted stock and are held in the custody of Patterson until the restrictions lapse. The restriction
period is typically three years from the beginning of the plan year, and shares are subject to forfeiture provisions. At
April 29, 2017, 1,926 shares were available for purchase under the CAP.
67
We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our CAP using the Black-Scholes option pricing
valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected dividend yield
Expected stock price volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Weighted average grant date fair value per share
15. Litigation
Fiscal Year Ended
April 29,
2017
April 30,
2016
April 25,
2015
2.3%
28.3%
0.9%
1.0
2.0%
19.7%
0.6%
1.0
1.6%
31.0%
0.3%
1.0
$
15.21
$
14.13
$
17.67
In September 2015, we were served with a summons and complaint in an action commenced in the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled SourceOne Dental, Inc. v. Patterson Companies, Inc., Henry Schein,
Inc. and Benco Dental Supply Company, Civil Action No. 15-cv-05440-JMA-GRB. SourceOne, as plaintiff, alleges that,
through its website, it markets and sells dental supplies and equipment to dentists. SourceOne alleges in the complaint,
among other things, that we, along with the defendants Henry Schein and Benco, conspired to eliminate plaintiff as a
competitor and to exclude them from the market for the marketing, distribution and sale of dental supplies and equipment
in the U.S. and that defendants unlawfully agreed with one another to boycott dentists, manufacturers, and state dental
associations that deal with, or considered dealing with, plaintiff. Plaintiff asserts the following claims: (i) unreasonable
restraint of trade in violation of state and federal antitrust laws; (ii) tortious interference with prospective business
relations; (iii) civil conspiracy; and (iv) aiding and abetting the other defendants’ ongoing tortious and anticompetitive
conduct. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, punitive damages,
interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. We are vigorously defending
ourselves in this litigation. We do not anticipate that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition.
Beginning in January 2016, purported class action complaints were filed against defendants Henry Schein, Inc.,
Benco Dental Supply Co. and Patterson Companies, Inc. Although there were factual and legal variations among
these complaints, each alleged that defendants conspired to foreclose and exclude competitors by boycotting
manufacturers, state dental associations, and others that deal with defendants’ competitors. On February 9, 2016,
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered all of these actions, and all other actions filed
thereafter asserting substantially similar claims against defendants, consolidated for pre-trial purposes. On February
26, 2016, a consolidated class action complaint was filed by Arnell Prato, D.D.S., P.L.L.C., d/b/a Down to Earth Dental,
Evolution Dental Sciences, LLC, Howard M. May, DDS, P.C., Casey Nelson, D.D.S., Jim Peck, D.D.S., Bernard W.
Kurek, D.M.D., Larchmont Dental Associates, P.C., and Keith Schwartz, D.M.D., P.A. (collectively, the "putative class
representatives") in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled In re Dental Supplies Antitrust
Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:16-CV-00696-BMC-GRB. Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc. was added as a defendant
on October 22, 2016. Subject to certain exclusions, the putative class representatives seek to represent all persons
who purchased dental supplies or equipment in the U.S. directly from any of the defendants, since August 31, 2008.
In the consolidated class action complaint, putative class representatives allege a nationwide agreement among Henry
Schein, Benco, Patterson and Burkhart not to compete on price. The consolidated class action complaint asserts a
single count under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly
and severally, interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. Putative class
representatives have not specified a damage amount in their complaint. While the outcome of litigation is inherently
uncertain, we believe the consolidated class action complaint is without merit, and we are vigorously defending
ourselves in this litigation.
16. Quarterly Results (unaudited)
Quarterly results are determined in accordance with the accounting policies used for annual data and include
certain items based upon estimates for the entire year. All fiscal quarters include results for 13 weeks except for the
quarter ended August 1, 2015, which included 14 weeks.
68
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net diluted earnings per share
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net diluted earnings per share
Quarter Ended
April 29,
2017
January 28,
2017 (1)
October 29,
2016
July 30,
2016
$ 1,445,032 $ 1,397,418 $ 1,418,241 $ 1,332,436
317,178
65,416
38,906
—
38,906
329,761
46,554
27,769
(3,229)
24,540
318,960
79,803
45,756
—
45,756
335,498
96,155
61,357
334
61,691
$
$
$
$
0.65 $
0.01
0.66 $
0.65 $
—
0.65 $
0.29 $
(0.03)
0.26 $
0.29 $
(0.03)
0.26 $
Quarter Ended
0.48 $
—
0.48 $
0.48 $
—
0.48 $
0.41
—
0.41
0.40
—
0.40
April 30,
2016
January 30,
2016
October 31,
2015
August 1,
2015
(2)
$ 1,453,770 $ 1,400,853 $ 1,389,210 $ 1,142,870
288,244
62,177
20,311
9,392
29,703
339,864
95,729
57,190
(750)
56,440
330,899
83,463
42,563
(7,142)
35,421
363,741
106,344
65,620
—
65,620
$
$
$
$
0.69 $
—
0.69 $
0.68 $
—
0.68 $
0.60 $
(0.01)
0.59 $
0.60 $
(0.01)
0.59 $
0.43 $
(0.07)
0.36 $
0.43 $
(0.07)
0.36 $
0.20
0.10
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.30
(1)
(2)
In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 within operating
income from continuing operations. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Included in this quarter
are approximately six weeks of results of operations from this acquisition. We incurred $9,302, or $0.09 per
diluted share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis, of transaction costs related to the acquisition
of Animal Health International, Inc. during this quarter. Also during this quarter, we approved a one-time
repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall
costs of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson
Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The tax impact of the repatriation
recorded during this quarter was $11,800, or $0.12 per diluted per share from continuing operations on an
after-tax basis.
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of April 29, 2017:
69
AOCL at April 30, 2016
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
AOCL at April 29, 2017
Cash Flow
Hedges
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
$
$
(16,734) $
—
1,745
(14,989) $
(51,230) $
(26,450)
—
(77,680) $
Total
(67,964)
(26,450)
1,745
(92,669)
The amounts reclassified from AOCL during fiscal 2017 represent gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of
taxes of $1,057. The impact to the consolidated statements of income was an increase to interest expense of $2,802.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Patterson Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management
and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 29,
2017, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 29, 2017. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered
public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an unqualified report on our internal control over
financial reporting.
/s/ James W. Wiltz
Interim President and Chief Executive
Officer
/s/ Ann B. Gugino
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting is
included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).
Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls
and procedures were effective as of April 29, 2017. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by Rules 13a-15
(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by Patterson in reports filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and
70
procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including
our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
On June 16, 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc., which was a privately-held company prior to
the acquisition. As permitted by SEC regulation, we integrated Animal Health International, Inc.’s operations into the
scope of our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 report on internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended
April 29, 2017.
In addition, we are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. During the
quarter ended April 29, 2017, the transaction activity within the new ERP system became material, and as a result,
the new ERP system and related processes were integrated into the scope of our Sarbanes-Oxley 404 report on
internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.
There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended
April 29, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
71
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding the directors of Patterson is incorporated herein by reference to the descriptions set forth
under the caption “Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors” in Patterson’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on September 18, 2017 (the “2017 Proxy Statement”). Information regarding executive officers
of Patterson is incorporated herein by reference to Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive
Officers of the Registrant.” Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2017 Proxy Statement. The information called for by Item 10, as to the audit
committee and the audit committee financial expert, is set forth under the captions “Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors”
and “Our Board of Directors and Committees” in the 2017 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by
reference herein.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted Principles of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Directors and all employees. Our Code of Ethics
is available on our website
(www.pattersoncompanies.com) under the section “Investor Relations – Corporate Governance.” We intend to satisfy
the disclosure requirement of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Ethics
by posting such information on our website at the address and location specified above.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation and director compensation is incorporated herein by reference
to the information set forth under the captions “Non-Employee Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation”
and “Our Board of Directors and Committees – Committee Responsibilities – Our Compensation Committee and Its
Report” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein
by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions
“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Our Board of Directors and Committees” in the 2017 Proxy
Statement.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information relating to principal accounting fees and services and pre-approval policies and procedures is set
forth under the caption “Proposal No. 4 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm –
Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the 2017 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference
herein.
72
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. Financial Statements.
PART IV
The following Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data of Patterson and its subsidiaries
are included in Part II, Item 8:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
The following financial statement schedule is filed herewith: Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedules other than that listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required
information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits.
Exhibit
3.1
3.2
4.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
Document Description
Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q, filed September 9, 2004 (File No. 000-20572)).
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K,
filed December 13, 2013 (File No. 000-20572)).
Specimen form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q, filed September 9, 2004 (File No. 000-20572)).
Patterson Companies, Inc. Fiscal 2017 Incentive Plan (filed herewith).
Patterson Companies, Inc. Fiscal 2016 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File No. 000-20572)).
Patterson Companies Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report
on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File No. 000-20572)).
2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report
on Form 10-K, filed July 25, 2002 (File No. 000-20572)).
Patterson Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated
by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 7, 2012 (File No. 000-20572)).
Patterson Dental Company Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, effective
May 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 25, 2002
(File No. 000-20572)).
73
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
Stock Option Plan for Canadian Employees, effective June 13, 2000 (incorporated by reference
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 11, 2003 (File No. 000-20572)).
Deferred Profit Sharing Plan for the Employees of Patterson Dental Canada Inc. (incorporated
by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed July 28, 2008 (File No. 000-20572)).
Patterson Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 7, 2012 (File No. 000-20572)).
Patterson Companies, Inc. 2014 Sharesave Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive
Proxy Statement, filed August 5, 2014 (File No. 000-20572)).
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed
August 7, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).
ESOP Loan Agreement dated April 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on
Form 10-K, filed July 24, 2003 (File No. 000-20572)).
Promissory Note dated April 1, 2002 between GreatBanc Trust Company, an Illinois corporation,
not in its individual or corporate capacity, but solely as trustee of the Thompson Dental Company
Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust and Thompson Dental Company (incorporated by
reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 24, 2003 (File No. 000-20572)).
ESOP Loan Agreement dated September 11, 2006 (incorporated by reference to our Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed September 12, 2006 (File No. 000-20572)).
ESOP Note dated September 11, 2006 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed September 12, 2006 (File No. 000-20572)).
Note Purchase Agreement dated March 19, 2008 among Patterson Companies, Inc., Patterson
Medical Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Supply, Inc., Patterson Dental Holdings, Inc., Patterson
Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc. and Webster Management, LP (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 24, 2008 (File No. 000-20572)).
Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 2011, among Patterson Companies, Inc., and JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and U.S. Bank NA, Wells Fargo Bank,
NA, and Bank of America, N.A. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K,
filed December 6, 2011 (File No. 000-20572)).
Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 8, 2011, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc.,
Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Supply, Inc., Patterson Dental Holdings, Inc.,
Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc., Webster Management, LP
(incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2011 (File No.
000-20572)).
Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 2015, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc.,
Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Supply, Inc., Patterson Dental Holdings, Inc.,
Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Patterson Veterinary Supply, Inc., and Patterson Management, LP
(incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 25, 2015 (File No.
000-20572)).
74
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
Commitment Letter, dated May 2, 2015, by and between Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Bank Of America, N.A., The Bank Of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Patterson
Companies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 4, 2015
(File No. 000-20572)).
Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 2015 by and among Patterson Companies, Inc., the
lenders from time to time parties thereto, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as administrative
agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent (incorporated by reference to our Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed June 17, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).
Amended and Restated Contract Purchase Agreement dated August 12, 2011 among PDC
Funding Company II, LLC, Patterson Companies, Inc., and Fifth Third Bank (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2011 (File No. 000-20572)).
Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as May 10, 2002, by and among Patterson Dental Supply,
Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc., and PDC Funding Company, LLC (incorporated by reference
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 25, 2002 (File No. 000-20572)).
Amended and Restated Receivables Sales Agreement dated August 12, 2011 by and among
Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc. and PDC Funding Company II,
LLC incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 24, 2015 (File No.
000-20572)).
Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated December 3, 2010
between PDC Funding Company, LLC, Patterson Companies, Inc., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi
UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch (the “Bank”) and a commercial paper conduit managed by the Bank
(incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 8, 2010 (File No.
000-20572)).
Assignment and Assumption and Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Receivables
Purchase Agreement dated December 20, 2010, by and among The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi
UFJ, Ltd., Victory Receivables Corporation, PDC Funding Company, LLC, Patterson Companies,
Inc., Royal Bank of Canada and Thunder Bay Funding, LLC (incorporated by reference to our
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2010 (File No. 000-20572)).
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 2, 2015, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc.,
Rams Merger Sub, Inc., Animal Health International, Inc. and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
(incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 4, 2015 (File No.
000-20572)).
Stock Purchase Agreement between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Lanai Holdings III, Inc. dated
July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 1, 2015
(File No. 000-20572)).
Employment Agreement between John Adent and Animal Health International, Inc., dated May
2, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File
No. 000-20572)).
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 27, 2017, by and among Patterson
Companies, Inc., the lenders from time to time parties thereto, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ,
Ltd., as administrative agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2017 (File No. 000-20572)).
Transition Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Scott P. Anderson, dated
June 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 1, 2017
(File No. 000-20572)).
75
21
23
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016
(File No. 000-20572)).
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
(Filed Electronically) The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for fiscal 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the consolidated
balance sheets, (ii) the consolidated statements of income, (iii) the consolidated statements of
cash flows, (iv) the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and (v) the notes
to the consolidated financial statements.(*)
(*)
The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed “filed” for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of
that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.
(b) See Index to Exhibits.
(c) See Schedule II.
76
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.
SIGNATURES
Dated: 6/28/2017
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
By /s/ James W. Wiltz
James W. Wiltz,
Interim President and Chief
Executive Officer, Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ James W. Wiltz
James W. Wiltz
/s/ Ann B. Gugino
Ann B. Gugino
/s/ John D. Buck
John D. Buck
/s/ Scott P. Anderson
Scott P. Anderson
/s/ Alex N. Blanco
Alex N. Blanco
/s/ Jody H. Feragen
Jody H. Feragen
/s/ Sarena S. Lin
Sarena S. Lin
/s/ Ellen A. Rudnick
Ellen A. Rudnick
/s/ Neil A. Schrimsher
Neil A. Schrimsher
/s/ Les C. Vinney
Les C. Vinney
Interim President and Chief Executive
Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date
June 28, 2017
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
June 28, 2017
Chairman of the Board
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
77
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
(In thousands)
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Charged
to Other
Accounts
Deductions
Balance at
End of
Period
Year ended April 29, 2017
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
LIFO inventory adjustment
Inventory obsolescence reserve
Total inventory reserve
Year ended April 30, 2016
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
LIFO inventory adjustment
Inventory obsolescence reserve
Total inventory reserve
Year ended April 25, 2015
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
LIFO inventory adjustment
Inventory obsolescence reserve
Total inventory reserve
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
12,008 $
76,501 $
6,621
83,122 $
1,825 $
1,315 $
18,026
19,341 $
— $
— $
—
— $
4,491 $
— $
19,026
19,026 $
7,678 $
73,381 $
4,218
77,599 $
8,246 $
3,120 $
15,547
18,667 $
1,947 $
— $
1,550
1,550 $
5,863 $
— $
14,694
14,694 $
8,322 $
71,596 $
3,498
75,094 $
2,546 $
1,785 $
17,624
19,409 $
— $
— $
—
— $
3,190 $
— $
16,904
16,904 $
9,342
77,816
5,621
83,437
12,008
76,501
6,621
83,122
7,678
73,381
4,218
77,599
78
Exhibit 10.1
Patterson Companies, Inc. Fiscal 2017 Incentive Plan.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
Exhibit 101
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a),
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(Filed Electronically) The following financial information from our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for fiscal 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language
(XBRL): (i) the consolidated balance sheets, (ii) the consolidated statements of income,
(iii) the consolidated statements of cash flows, (iv) the consolidated statements of
changes in stockholders’ equity and (v) the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.(*)
(*)
The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed “filed” for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of
that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.
79
CORPORATE
INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters
1031 Mendota Heights Road
St. Paul, MN 55120-1419
651.686.1600
www.pattersoncompanies.com
Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Legal Counsel
Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
Minneapolis, MN
Stock Transfer Agent
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Mendota Heights, MN
1.800.468.9716
Investor Relations Contact
John M. Wright
Vice President, Investor Relations
Annual Meeting
Executive Officers
James W. Wiltz
Interim President and
Chief Executive Officer
Ann B. Gugino
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
Kelly A. Baker
Chief Human Resources Officer
Les B. Korsh
Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Dave G. Misiak
President, Patterson Dental
Kevin M. Pohlman
President,
Patterson Animal Health
Directors
John D. Buck (A, G, S)
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
Whitefish Ventures, LLC
James W. Wiltz
Interim President and
Chief Executive Officer
Patterson Companies, Inc.
Scott P. Anderson
Special Advisor and Director
Patterson Companies, Inc.
Alex N. Blanco (A, C)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Ecolab Inc.
Jody H. Feragen (A, F, G, S)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (retired)
Hormel Foods Corporation
Sarena S. Lin (C)
President
Cargill Feed and Nutrition
The annual meeting of shareholders will
be held at 4:30 p.m. on September 18, 2017,
at Patterson’s corporate headquarters,
1031 Mendota Heights Road, St. Paul, MN.
Ellen A. Rudnick (C, F, G, S)
Senior Advisor on Entrepreneurship
University of Chicago
Booth School of Business
Form 10-K
A copy of our annual report on Form 10-K is
available to shareholders without charge in
the investor relations section of the Patterson
website (www.pattersoncompanies.com) or
by writing to: John M. Wright, Vice President,
Investor Relations.
Neil A. Schrimsher (C, F, G, S)
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.
Les C. Vinney (F)
President and
Chief Executive Officer (retired)
STERIS Corporation
(A) Member of Audit Committee
(C) Member of Compensation Committee
(F) Member of Finance and Corporate
Development Committee
(G) Member of Governance and
Nominating Committee
(S) Member of Search Committee
CORPORATE
INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters
1031 Mendota Heights Road
St. Paul, MN 55120-1419
651.686.1600
www.pattersoncompanies.com
Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Legal Counsel
Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
Minneapolis, MN
Stock Transfer Agent
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Mendota Heights, MN
1.800.468.9716
Investor Relations Contact
John M. Wright
Vice President, Investor Relations
Annual Meeting
Executive Officers
James W. Wiltz
Interim President and
Chief Executive Officer
Ann B. Gugino
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
Kelly A. Baker
Chief Human Resources Officer
Les B. Korsh
Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Dave G. Misiak
President, Patterson Dental
Kevin M. Pohlman
President,
Patterson Animal Health
Directors
John D. Buck (A, G, S)
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
Whitefish Ventures, LLC
James W. Wiltz
Interim President and
Chief Executive Officer
Patterson Companies, Inc.
Scott P. Anderson
Special Advisor and Director
Patterson Companies, Inc.
Alex N. Blanco (A, C)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Ecolab Inc.
Jody H. Feragen (A, F, G, S)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (retired)
Hormel Foods Corporation
Sarena S. Lin (C)
President
Cargill Feed and Nutrition
The annual meeting of shareholders will
be held at 4:30 p.m. on September 18, 2017,
at Patterson’s corporate headquarters,
1031 Mendota Heights Road, St. Paul, MN.
Ellen A. Rudnick (C, F, G, S)
Senior Advisor on Entrepreneurship
University of Chicago
Booth School of Business
Form 10-K
A copy of our annual report on Form 10-K is
available to shareholders without charge in
the investor relations section of the Patterson
website (www.pattersoncompanies.com) or
by writing to: John M. Wright, Vice President,
Investor Relations.
Neil A. Schrimsher (C, F, G, S)
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.
Les C. Vinney (F)
President and
Chief Executive Officer (retired)
STERIS Corporation
(A) Member of Audit Committee
(C) Member of Compensation Committee
(F) Member of Finance and Corporate
Development Committee
(G) Member of Governance and
Nominating Committee
(S) Member of Search Committee
A MILLION-DOLLAR YEAR
FOR GIVING
The Patterson Foundation was established in
2000 to give back to the employees, industries
and communities that make Patterson Companies
successful. To fulfill this purpose, the Foundation
endeavors to make a meaningful difference in
society through its scholarship and grants programs.
In December 2016, the Patterson Foundation
achieved a historic milestone. For the first time,
the Foundation’s annual giving surpassed the
$1 million mark. Because of the generosity and
support of Patterson Companies employees and
its many other partners, this achievement was
made possible.
View the Foundation’s 2016 Annual Report at
http://pattersonfoundation.net/annual-report.
OUR COMMITMENT TO
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
At Patterson, we’re committed to improving the way
we run our business by focusing on philanthropic,
environmental and social responsibility efforts.
Every two years, we release a Corporate Responsi-
bility Report that reflects our achievements in these
areas and our priorities for the future.
Download the 2017 Corporate Responsibility
Report at http://www.pattersoncompanies.com/
CorporateResponsibility.
Highlights of the 2017 report include:
• Our renewed commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Innovative ways we invest in our people, includ-
ing our new volunteer time off program
• A record-breaking $1.2 million in total giving
through the Patterson Foundation in 2016
• Our most recent sustainability efforts, including
solar energy
• Raising awareness around gray market products
1031 Mendota Heights Road
St. Paul, MN 55120-1419
651.686.1600
pattersoncompanies.com
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