2020 ANNUAL REPORT
WE ARE PATTERSON.
We Strengthen the People
Who Keep Us and Our Animals Healthy.
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
ACCELERATING
PERFORMANCE
Fiscal 2020 marked an important turning point for Patterson. Our focus on improving our performance,
enhancing our value proposition, and driving long-term value for our shareholders continued to
gain traction throughout the year. While the acceleration of our business performance was certainly
impacted by COVID-19 near the end of the fiscal year, we are confident the progress we are making,
the valuable support we provide to our customers, and the strength and focus of our team will allow
us to emerge from the pandemic as an even stronger organization.
During fiscal 2020 we focused the organization on key
initiatives designed to accelerate Patterson’s business
performance. We continued to see strong progress in
our core operations which further improved customer
satisfaction. In addition, our investments in digital
platforms and tools for our sales and service teams drove
increased sales productivity and an improved customer
experience. Our team’s focus on mix management,
expense and working capital discipline, and deepening
our value proposition also produced tangible results.
• Through the first 11 months of fiscal 2020, which ended
approximately when COVID-19 began to impact our
markets, total company internal sales1 increased
2.7 percent compared to the same period a year ago,
with growth of 4.6 percent in our Dental business and
1.2 percent in our Animal Health business.
• The impact of the pandemic near the end of the fiscal
year caused total company fiscal 2020 internal sales to
decrease 0.9 percent compared to fiscal 2019.
• We grew internal sales of our higher margin value-added
services by 11.0 percent across the company during
fiscal 2020, further illustrating the strength of our full-
service value proposition to our customers.
• Our focus on working capital management resulted in a
net working capital improvement of $236 million during
fiscal 2020.
• We recorded a GAAP EPS loss of $6.25, due primarily
to a goodwill impairment charge related to our Animal
Health segment. Despite the substantial disruption from
COVID-19, we delivered fiscal 2020 adjusted EPS of
$1.55, a 10.7 percent year-over-year improvement.
• We continued to view our dividend as an effective
means of delivering value to our shareholders and
during fiscal 2020, Patterson Companies returned
$100.4 million to our shareholders.
As COVID-19 began to disrupt our end markets, we
quickly responded to the operational and financial
challenges posed by the pandemic. We implemented
remote work practices and installed strict safety
procedures in all our facilities. We executed a number
of cost-saving measures to both preserve liquidity and
reduce expenses. And importantly, through the disruption
Patterson continued to provide specialized support and
resources to our customers and business partners.
Dental
We drove meaningful improvement in the fundamentals
of our Dental business during fiscal 2020 as we continued
to execute on our key priorities. Before the COVID-19
pandemic required dental practices to close during our
fiscal fourth quarter, our Dental business achieved several
important milestones:
• We returned our consumables business to growth in
the third quarter of fiscal 2020 – the payoff of the
targeted investments we’ve made in our field sales and
support organization.
• We drove momentum in equipment sales as we delivered
technology innovation to our dental customers, who
depend on Patterson and our extensive support for the
entire life cycle of their equipment purchases.
1 The term “internal sales” represents net sales adjusted to exclude foreign currency impact and changes in product selling relationships.
• We delivered strong growth in our value-added services,
further demonstrating our customers’ trust in Patterson
for installation, repair and support services, practice
management software and equipment financing.
We believe our strong relationships with our dental
customers, broad portfolio of products and services, and
our competitive advantages in technology and practice
optimization tools will continue to position us well for
the future.
Animal Health
Patterson’s Animal Health business achieved internal
sales growth and adjusted operating income improvement
during fiscal 2020 despite the COVID-19 impact.
• The positive trend in our Companion Animal business
reflects the strong market fundamentals of increased pet
ownership, and our ability to deliver a compelling value
proposition to our veterinary customers.
• In the Production Animal business, our teams executed
well in the swine market to drive improved performance,
while also managing through softness in the beef and
dairy end markets. We believe we are well-positioned to
drive continued strong sales performance as the global
demand for protein continues to grow.
During these challenging times, our comprehensive value
proposition is appreciated by our customers now more
than ever as we help them drive success in their unique
veterinary practice or production operations.
Looking ahead
Fiscal 2020 represented the second year of our three-
year strategic plan, and our financial performance through
fiscal 2020 demonstrated the growing momentum in
our business. After stabilizing our core business in fiscal
2019, in fiscal 2020 we returned our dental consumables
business back to growth; drove increased adoption of
our software solutions, equipment installation and repair
services; improved our product mix and working capital
discipline; and effectively managed our cost base.
Moving forward, we anticipate the disruption from
COVID-19 will continue to impact our end markets
during fiscal 2021. As we emerge from the impact of
the pandemic, we believe we will be well-positioned to
continue accelerating the performance of our business.
Our near-term recovery plans and initiatives have focused
our team on several key areas:
• Helping our customers restore their practices
and operations
• Continuing to drive operational excellence, productivity
and working capital improvements
• Building our team and culture, including advancing our
diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Generating operating income, free cash flow and
improved shareholder returns
I am excited about the progress we’ve made and the
opportunities that lie ahead at Patterson since I joined
the company nearly three years ago. I am proud of the
team we have assembled, our focused approach and
improved execution, and our renewed commitment to
our purpose, vision and values, which are highlighted
in this Annual Report. We remain confident in the long-
term fundamentals of our end markets, the essential role
we serve for our customers, and our ability to deliver
increased shareholder value.
Mark Walchirk
President and Chief Executive Officer
July 31, 2020
We Are Patterson 1
PATTERSON AT A GLANCE
SERVING HEALTHY,
GROWING MARKETS
PATTERSON DENTAL
Our Dental segment had a very strong year. Our
dedication to offering the right products, services,
equipment and technology, combined with
our extensive local support and the Patterson
Technology Center, is valued by dental customers
across all practice models.
PATTERSON ANIMAL HEALTH
Our Animal Health segment delivered positive
growth this past year, reflecting market fundamentals
of increased pet ownership and global demand for
protein. We introduced a more comprehensive suite
of solutions to help veterinarians and producers
effectively manage their operations and grow their
businesses.
2 Patterson Companies 2020 Annual Report
Our markets are driven by strong macro trends and new opportunities to
serve customers with innovative products, services and support.
Our customers count on us to help provide them with leading solutions
that help strengthen their businesses.
Dental industry trends
FY20 key accomplishments
Stable growth
Favorable demographics, combined with a
growing demand for cosmetic dentistry and
continued innovation in dental products, has the
dental industry poised for continued growth.
Strong linkage between oral health and
overall health
As experts continue to stress the importance of
good oral hygiene in promoting people’s overall
health and well-being, the industry continues to
be seen as an important necessity for patients.
Digital innovation driving practice investment
With an emphasis on safety and patient
experience, dental practices are investing in
innovative equipment to meet the evolving needs
of patients.
Positive revenue growth
Our merchandise revenues returned to growth, and
we experienced continued strong performance in
our private label brands.
Solid equipment performance
We continue to excel in making technology and
equipment decisions easy for our customers, and
having the best field representatives and technical
staff to install and service that technology.
Practice optimization software portfolio
This year we developed and launched a complete
software and clinical education portfolio – REVOLVE
– designed to help businesses run smoothly,
communicate with patients and improve financial
performance.
Animal health industry trends
FY20 key accomplishments
Essential role for the veterinarian
The humanization of pets continues to make
veterinarians essential to pet owners. This leads
to increased spending in pet care and services.
Strong pipeline of new products
The continuous innovation of products in the
category fuels growth in our business, as our
customers depend on our knowledge and
expertise when selecting the right products and
technology.
Supply chain innovation
Production animal operations continue to evolve
as new technology allows for increased efficiency
while maintaining the high levels of quality
customers have come to expect.
Value-added software and technology
We expanded our software and technology portfolio,
proving why we’re much more than a logistics
provider. We’re a trusted partner, and an industry
leader driving innovation.
Focus and growth of private label portfolio
The continued growth of our private label brands
demonstrates that we understand the needs of our
customers, and that they trust our name when it
comes to making purchasing decisions.
Strategic accounts growth
As the companion animal industry continues to
evolve from independent veterinarians to larger
corporate entities, we’re evolving with it and our
growth this year highlights our ability to serve this
market segment.
FY20 total
company sales
$5.5
billion
Dental 39%
Animal Health 61%
FY20 total
Dental sales
Consumables 54%
Equipment and
software 32%
Value-added services
and other 14%
FY20 total
Animal Health
sales
Companion
animal 51%
Production
animal 49%
We Are Patterson 3
PURPOSE VISION VALUES
We Are Patterson.
We Strengthen the People Who Keep Us
and Our Animals Healthy.
Nikki riding
314 ppi
Providing care for even the most unpredictable patients in Airville, PA
When Nikki Scherrer was growing up, she found herself drawn to animals. Today, she’s a clinical
assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine where she
specializes in equine ophthalmology. She says that her work with rescue horses can be unpredictable,
which is why she partners with Patterson. “We see a lot of sick horses and we have to give them the
best quality care. Patterson can quickly ship medicine that we
need for emergency services the next day,” says Dr. Scherrer.
“They help us with medication and vaccine shortages and do a
great job of making sure we have the products that we need.”
“ With animals’ lives on the line,
we need that kind of partnership.
Patterson is predictable even
when our job is not.”
Dr. Nikki Scherrer, University of Pennsylvania School
of Veterinary Medicine
4 Patterson Companies 2020 Annual Report
PURPOSE VISION VALUES
We will be the most indispensable partner for
animal and oral health professionals, guiding them
with bold solutions and a personal touch.
The Smile Studio rises from the ashes in Inglewood, CA
In Inglewood, California, there used to stand an empty building that was destroyed by a fi re. It was an
eyesore to the public, but Carla Thomas, DDS, was able to visualize its potential. As a dentist with a
long-standing relationship with the community, Dr. Thomas saw an opportunity to make it into her own
dental practice. “I’m so passionate about this community,” she says. “The people here should not have
to leave the city to receive quality healthcare.” Thanks to her
commitment to making her vision a reality, and some help
from Patterson, The Smile Studio has become a pillar of the
community, providing a dental experience to smile about.
“ Patterson made me feel
extremely comfortable. They
had knowledgeable people in
each area willing to share their
expertise to make my practice
a success.”
Carla Thomas, DDS, The Smile Studio
We Are Patterson 5
PURPOSE VISION VALUES
We are PASSIONATE.
We are excited about our business and authentic
in our motivation.
“ When I wake up in the morning, I look forward to
going to work. Being passionate about the equipment
side for me is what really drives me to do this job on a
day-to-day basis.”
Shawn Gann, Equipment Specialist, Patterson Veterinary
We are FOCUSED.
We deliver results the right way. We are clear
on our priorities, set high expectations and
are accountable for our commitments to our
customers and each other.
When the Dayton, Ohio, area was hit with
18 tornadoes last May, at least fi ve Patterson
customers’ offi ces were severely damaged.
Patterson Dental Cincinnati acted quickly to help
get practices up and running again, while also
gathering and delivering hygiene kits across
the Dayton area.
We are PEOPLE-FIRST.
We build lasting relationships and invest in our
team members, customers and partners.
“ We really develop such close relationships, either
with each other or with our customers, that we want
to do right by them. We want them to be happy and
we want them to be successful.”
Jaime Pollack, Inside Sales Manager, Patterson Veterinary
We are ALWAYS ADVANCING.
We continually seek fresh ideas and innovative
solutions for our business and our customers.
We challenge ourselves and strive to become
better every day.
The Patterson IT team partnered with the Boone,
Iowa, fulfi llment center to help create more storage
for inventory, and drive better effi ciency. The storage
space increased, and the fi nal result was not only
the best technically, but also the best for our people.
6 Patterson Companies 2020 Annual Report
GIVING BACK
MAKING AN IMPACT
IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
A fundamental aspect of Patterson’s culture is our focus on giving back to our communities.
Patterson and the Patterson Foundation work to build thriving communities and enhance the
quality of life in the communities we serve. Through employee and corporate donations, employee
volunteerism, and the philanthropy of the Patterson Foundation, we focus our charitable efforts in
the following areas: Access to Care, Education, and Strengthening Our Communities.
Last year, the Patterson Foundation gave more than $1.3 million in grants and scholarships, resulting in 114,662 patients receiving
oral health care, and 902 assistance dogs being placed with veterans or individuals with disabilities. Patterson also started an
employee volunteer incentive program this past year, Dollars for Doers, providing donations from the Patterson Foundation to
organizations that are meaningful to employees. One example was in St. Louis, Missouri, where members of the St. Louis Dental
Branch volunteered their time to the Give Kids a Smile Clinic, to help provide free dental services and donations for those in need.
In addition to the volunteers guiding children through the services they would be receiving as well as post-op care instructions,
the Patterson Foundation donated to the organization through Dollars for Doers.
“Dollars for Doers has been a tremendous way for us to connect with our employees and to support their efforts in their local
communities,” said George Henriques, Patterson Foundation president. “Whether it’s helping kids get necessary dental care,
comforting puppies and kittens during a spay and neuter program at a local shelter for homeless pets, or assisting the Girl Scouts
in delivering supplies to those in need in their communities, we’re proud to help our employees embrace their passion and give
back in a meaningful way.”
We Are Patterson 7
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating (loss) income
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc.
Fiscal year ended
April 25, 2020 April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018
$5,490,011
$5,574,523 $5,465,683
1,197,410
1,190,775
1,199,366
(572,119)
(588,446)
137,716
83,628
219,889
200,974
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc.
$ (6.25) $ 0.89
$ 2.16
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital
Total assets
Total long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
$ 77,944
$ 95,646
$ 62,984
467,867
728,651
864,343
2,715,350
3,269,269
3,471,664
587,766
836,444
725,341
922,030
1,480,507
1,461,790
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
The following reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures table is provided to adjust reported GAAP measures, namely net
(loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc., and diluted (loss) earnings per share, for the impact of deal amortization,
integration and business restructuring expenses, certain legal expenses, accelerated debt-related costs, discrete tax matters,
investment gain and goodwill impairment, along with the related tax effects of these items.
Management believes that these non-GAAP measures may provide a helpful representation of the Company’s 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.
The term “internal sales” represents net sales adjusted to exclude foreign currency impact and changes in product selling relationships.
Fiscal year ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
April 25, 2020 April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc. – GAAP
$(588,446)
$ 83,628
$200,974
Deal amortization
Integration and business restructuring expenses
Legal expenses
Accelerated debt-related costs
Discrete tax matters
Investment gain
Goodwill impairment
Net income – non-GAAP
28,208
11,591
74,141
7,457
29,201
26,722
–
5,715
20,740
–
–
–
–
(2,686)
(76,648)
(25,983)
640,627
–
–
–
–
$ 147,595
$130,883
$156,763
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc. – GAAP
$ (6.25)
$ 0.89
$ 2.16
Deal amortization
Integration and business restructuring expenses
Legal expenses
Accelerated debt-related costs
Discrete tax matters
Investment gain
Goodwill impairment
0.30
0.12
0.78
0.08
–
(0.27)
6.74
0.31
–
0.22
–
0.29
0.06
–
–
(0.03)
(0.82)
–
–
–
–
Diluted earnings per share – non-GAAP*
$ 1.55
$ 1.40
$ 1.68
Operating (loss) income as a % of sales – GAAP
Operating (loss) income as a % of sales – non-GAAP
(10.4%)
2.5%
4.3%
3.7%
4.0%
4.9%
*May not sum due to rounding and difference in weighted average shares used to calculate diluted (loss) earnings per share.
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 24, 2020, under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.”
8 Patterson Companies 2020 Annual Report
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 25, 2020
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
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01
PDCO
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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
x Accelerated filer
☐ Emerging growth company
☐
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting
firm that prepared or issued its audit report x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No x
The aggregate market value of voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was
last sold as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter (October 26, 2019) was approximately
$1,627,000,000 (For purposes of this calculation all of the registrant’s executive officers and directors are deemed affiliates.)
As of June 16, 2020, there were 95,975,000 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 25, 2020 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
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
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
SCHEDULE II
SIGNATURES
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34
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37
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42
51
53
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86
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2
Item 1. BUSINESS
Forward-Looking Statements
PART I
The U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to
encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those statements are identified as forward-
looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those disclosed in the statement. Certain information of a non-historical nature
contained in Items 1, 2, 3 and 7 of this Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding
future financial performance, and the objectives and expectations of management. Forward-looking statements
often include words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks” or words of
similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as “will,” “should,” “could” or “may.” Forward-looking statements
are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, such statements, including, but not limited
to, our statements regarding business strategy, growth strategy, competitive strengths, productivity and profitability
enhancement, competition, new product and service introductions and liquidity and capital resources, are based
only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and
strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. as well as on
assumptions made by and information currently available to management, and involve various risks and
uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and
changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results
and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you
should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could affect our
actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those contemplated by any 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 of this Form 10-K, for a discussion of certain factors that
could cause actual operating results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. In
light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will in fact
prove to be accurate. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative
importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive, accordingly, any forward-looking
statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results.
You should carefully consider these and other relevant factors and information which may be contained in this Form
10-K and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, when reviewing any
forward-looking statement. Investors should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks.
As such, you should not consider the risks identified in our SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential
risks or uncertainties.
Any forward-looking statement made in this Form 10-K is based only on information currently available to us and
speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions
to any forward-looking statements whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result
of new information, future developments or otherwise.
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 has a strong competitive position, serves a highly fragmented market that
offers consolidation opportunities and offers relatively low-cost consumable supplies, which makes 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.
3
Impacts of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic, including closures and other steps taken by governmental authorities in response to the
virus, has had a significant impact on our businesses. In March 2020, based upon the recommendations of the
American Dental Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and such organizations’ state-level
counterparts, various dental and veterinary offices announced that they were performing only emergency or limited
procedures, and rescheduled wellness exams and other elective procedures. In addition, many states and countries
imposed restrictions on business operations to protect public health. Finally, the pandemic disrupted meat packing
operations, which impacted our Animal Health segment. These closures materially impacted our fourth quarter sales
and financial results.
In response, management adapted our business practices with respect to employee travel, employee work
locations, and cancellation of physical participation in meetings, events and conferences. Management also took
proactive steps with respect to our liquidity position and near-term cost structure, including through incremental
borrowings on our revolving credit facility to increase cash, reduction of non-critical capital expenditures, executive,
board, and other senior-level employee compensation reductions, employee furloughs, discretionary spending
deferrals and the deferral of payroll taxes under the CARES Act.
The full extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on
future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. As of June 2020, dental and veterinary
offices have resumed operations in many areas that we serve, sometimes subject to social distancing and capacity
restrictions. However, we continue to experience disruptions in our business and would experience heightened
concerns upon a second wave of infection, economic downturn, or other adverse developments.
Refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations,” within this Annual Report for further information on the impacts to our
business and results of operations, our dividends, liquidity and debt arrangements, and associated risks and
uncertainties.
Business Overview
The following table sets forth consolidated net sales (in millions) by segment.
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Consolidated net sales
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
$
$
2,102 $
2,192 $
3,336
52
3,355
28
5,490 $
5,575 $
2,196
3,243
27
5,466
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.
Electronic commerce solutions have become an integral part of dental and animal health supply and distribution
relationships. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense
competition. The continuing advancement of online commerce requires us to cost-effectively adapt to changing
technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address the
changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive
offerings. We believe that our tradition of reliable service, our name recognition and large customer base built on
solid customer relationships, position us well to participate in this significant aspect of the distribution business. We
continue to explore methods to improve and expand our Internet presence and capabilities, including our online
commerce offerings and our use of various social media outlets.
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 55120, and our telephone number is (651) 686-1600. Unless the context specifically
4
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 an 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 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
The dental supply market we serve consists of a sizeable geographically dispersed number of highly 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 approximately
200,000 dentists practicing in the U.S. and 22,000 dentists practicing in Canada. We believe the average dental
practitioner purchases supplies from more than one supplier.
We believe the North American dental supply market continues to experience growth due to an increasing
population, an aging population, advances in dentistry, demand for general, preventive and specialty services,
increasing demand for new technologies that allow dentists to increase productivity, demand for infection control
products, and insurance coverage by dental plans.
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
The animal health supply market is a mix of production animal supply, which primarily consists of beef and dairy
cattle, poultry and swine, and other food-producing animals, and companion animal supply, which primarily consists
of dogs, cats and horses. Similar to the dental supply market, the animal health supply market is highly fragmented
and diverse. 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 70,000 veterinarians in private practice in the U.S. and Canada.
Furthermore, there are approximately 20,000 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.
We believe the animal health supply market continues to experience growth. 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.
5
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 safety and efficiency in livestock production. 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. Substantially all 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, 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, Burkhardt Dental Supply and hundreds of distributors that operate on a regional or local level, or online.
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
Covetrus, Inc., following Henry Schein, Inc.'s spin-off of its animal health business. 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. 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 Covetrus, 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 Covetrus, 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 140 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 approximately 190,000 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 90,000 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.
6
•
•
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 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 strive to maintain optimal inventory levels to satisfy customer demand for prompt and
complete order fulfillment through our distribution of products from strategically located fulfillment centers.
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.
for
platforms
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 among existing
customers,
include www.pattersondental.com,
ordering
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 (“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.
today
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 companies in order to enter new, or more deeply penetrate existing, 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 approximately 100,000 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
7
equipment; innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions;
patient education systems; and office forms and stationery. Patterson Dental offers customers approximately 90,000
SKUs of which more than 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 $2.1 billion and $168 million in fiscal 2020, 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
Value-added services and other (1)
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
54%
32
14
100%
55%
32
13
100%
57%
30
13
100%
(1) Consists of other value-added services, including software and design service, and maintenance and repair.
Patterson Dental obtains products from hundreds of vendors. Substantially all of our relationships with vendors are
non-exclusive. In September 2017, we ended the exclusive portion of our relationship with Sirona Dental Systems to
enable us to better serve the evolving needs of all of our customers and 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. In fiscal 2020 and 2019, Patterson Dental's top ten supply vendors accounted for approximately 63%
and 48% of the total cost of sales, respectively. Its top vendor accounted for 22% and 19% of the total cost of sales
in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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 over 2,000 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 loss were $3.3 billion and $595 million in fiscal 2020, 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
Value-added services and other
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
97%
2
1
100%
97%
2
1
100%
97%
2
1
100%
Patterson Animal Health obtains products from over 2,000 vendors globally. While Patterson Animal Health makes
purchases from many vendors and there is generally more than one source of supply for most of the categories of
products, the concentration of business with key vendors is considerable. In fiscal 2020 and 2019, Patterson Animal
Health’s top 10 manufacturers comprised approximately 70% and 65%, respectively, of the total cost of sales, and
the single largest supplier comprised approximately 20% of the total cost of sales.
8
Sales, Marketing and Distribution
During fiscal 2020, we sold products or services to over 150,000 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 2020, 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. Our 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 highly 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. and Canada, 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-touchpoint 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 segments by geographic area, see Note 13 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Discontinued Operations
In August 2015, we sold Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary responsible for our medical
rehabilitative and assistive products supply business known as Patterson Medical, for $717 million to Madison
Dearborn Partners. For a limited period of time following the disposition, Patterson continued to provide certain
9
transition services to Patterson Medical, as owned by Madison Dearborn Partners, pursuant to a transition services
agreement.
Seasonality and Other Factors Affecting Our Business and Quarterly Results
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. In addition, we experience fluctuations in
quarterly earnings. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors,
which could cause our stock price to decline. Quarterly results may be materially adversely affected by a variety of
factors, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
timing and amount of sales and marketing expenditures;
timing of pricing changes offered by our suppliers;
timing of the introduction of new products and services by our suppliers;
changes in or availability of supplier contracts or rebate programs;
supplier rebates based upon attaining certain growth goals;
changes in the way suppliers introduce or deliver products to market;
costs of developing new applications and services;
our ability to correctly identify customer needs and preferences and predict future needs and preferences;
uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of data security or disruptions of our information
technology systems;
regulatory actions, or government regulation generally;
loss of sales representatives;
costs related to acquisitions and/or integrations of technologies or businesses;
costs associated with our self-insured insurance programs;
general market and economic conditions, as discussed in Item 1A: Risk Factors, including pandemic and
civil unrest, as well as those specific to the supply and distribution industry and related industries;
our success in establishing or maintaining business relationships;
difficulties of manufacturers in developing and manufacturing products;
product demand and availability, or product recalls by manufacturers;
exposure to product liability and other claims in the event that the use of the products we sell results in
injury;
increases in shipping costs or service issues with our third-party shippers;
fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies;
goodwill impairment;
changes in interest rates;
restructuring costs;
the adoption or repeal of legislation;
changes in accounting principles; and
litigation or regulatory judgments, fines, forfeitures, penalties, equitable remedies, expenses or settlements.
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 (the “FDC Act”), and
Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act. We are also subject to comparable foreign regulations.
The 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 introduction, transmission, or
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.”
10
The federal Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013 brought about significant changes with respect to pharmaceutical
supply chain requirements. Title II of this measure, known as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (“DSCSA”), is
being phased in over a period of 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 took effect in January 2015. The DSCSA product tracing requirements replace the former FDA
drug pedigree requirements and pre-empt certain state requirements that are inconsistent with, more stringent than,
or in addition to, the DSCSA requirements.
The DSCSA also establishes certain requirements for the licensing and operation of prescription drug wholesalers
and third party logistics providers (“3PLs”), and includes the eventual 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. The DSCSA requires 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 concerning wholesalers will remain in effect until the FDA
issues new regulations as directed by the DSCSA.
The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 and the Food and Drug Administration Safety and
Innovation Act of 2012 amended the FDC Act to require the FDA to promulgate regulations to implement a unique
device identification (“UDI”) system. The UDI rule phased in the implementation of the UDI regulations over seven
years, generally beginning with the highest-risk devices (i.e., Class III medical devices) and ending with the lowest-
risk devices. The UDI regulations require “labelers” to include unique device identifiers (“UDIs”), with a content and
format prescribed by the FDA and issued under a system operated by an FDA-accredited issuing agency, on the
labels and packages of medical devices, and to directly mark certain devices with UDIs. The UDI regulations also
require labelers to submit certain information concerning UDI-labeled devices to the FDA, much of which
information is publicly available on an FDA database, the Global Unique Device Identification Database. Regulated
labelers include entities such as device manufacturers, repackagers, reprocessors and relabelers that cause a
device’s label to be applied or modified, with the intent that the device will be commercially distributed without any
subsequent replacement or modification of the label, and include certain of our businesses.
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. 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 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 enforcement 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.
11
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.
Certain of our businesses also maintain contracts with governmental agencies and are subject to certain regulatory
requirements specific to government contractors.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia (“USAO-WDVA”)
informed us that our subsidiary, Animal Health International, Inc., had been designated a target of a criminal
investigation. The investigation originally related to Animal Health International’s sales of prescription animal health
products to certain persons and/or locations not licensed to receive them in Virginia and Tennessee in violation of
federal law. After being contacted by the USAO-WDVA, Patterson retained outside legal counsel and began an
internal investigation. Since that time, we produced documents both responsive to grand jury subpoenas and
voluntarily. In December 2018, as a result of our internal investigation, we voluntarily advised the USAO-WDVA that
some of Animal Health International’s shipments of prescription animal health products were made from a
warehouse rather than a pharmacy to end-user customers in the states of Virginia and Tennessee. Thereafter, as
part of our internal investigation, we conducted a comprehensive review of Animal Health International’s distribution
and licensing practices across all 50 U.S. states. That review identified compliance issues in additional states, which
we voluntarily disclosed to the USAO-WDVA in April 2019. Our Board of Directors established a special
investigation committee to oversee and conduct the investigation, to review our licensing, dispensing, distribution
and related sales practices company-wide, and to report on its findings to the Board and to the USAO-WDVA. As a
result of the internal investigation, we modified our licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes
company-wide. We reached an agreement with the USAO-WDVA that resolved the federal government’s criminal
investigation into Animal Health International and other non-compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related
sales processes disclosed during the investigation. Under the terms of the agreement, Animal Health International
paid a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and Animal Health
International pleaded guilty to a strict-liability misdemeanor offense under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
in connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products. In
addition, Animal Health International and Patterson entered into a non-prosecution agreement for other non-
compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes disclosed during the investigation and
committed to undertake additional compliance program enhancements and provide compliance certifications for the
period from the date of signing the non-prosecution agreement through the next three full fiscal years. The
sentencing hearing took place on May 4, 2020, and the court entered a one-year probation period for Animal Health
International. We recorded a reserve of $58.3 million in our Corporate segment for the three and six months ended
October 26, 2019 to account for the then-anticipated settlement of this matter and certain related costs and
expenses. This matter may continue to divert management’s attention and cause us to suffer reputational harm. We
also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable remedies (including but not limited to the suspension,
revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Antitrust
The U.S. federal government, most U.S. states and many foreign countries have antitrust laws that prohibit certain
types of conduct deemed to be anti-competitive. Violations of antitrust laws can result in various sanctions, including
criminal and civil penalties. Private plaintiffs also can bring, and have brought, civil lawsuits against us in the U.S.
for alleged antitrust violations, including claims for treble damages. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” for additional
information.
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. The fraud and abuse laws and regulations
have been subject to varying interpretations, as well as heightened enforcement activity over the past few years,
and significant enforcement activity has been the result of “relators,” who serve as whistleblowers by filing
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complaints in the name of the U.S. (and, if applicable, particular states) under federal and state false claim laws.
Under the federal False Claims Act, relators can be entitled to receive up to 30% of the total recoveries. Also,
violations of the federal False Claims Act can result in treble damages. Most states have adopted similar state false
claims laws, and these state laws have their own penalties which may be in addition to federal False Claims Act
penalties. The U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care and Education
Reconciliation Act, each enacted in March 2010 (the “Health Care Reform Law”), significantly strengthened the
federal False Claims Act and the federal Anti-Kickback Law provisions, which could lead to the possibility of
increased whistleblower or relator suits, and among other things made clear that a federal Anti-Kickback Law
violation can be a basis for federal False Claims Act liability.
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 Health Care Reform Law 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. The continued uncertain status of the Health Care
Reform Law affects our ability to plan.
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 and
distributors with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians,
dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and distributors and for group purchasing
organizations, with regard to certain ownership interests held by physicians in the reporting entity. The Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) publishes information from these reports on a publicly available website,
including amounts transferred and physician, dentist and teaching hospital identities. Amendments expanded the
law to also require reporting, effective Jan. 1, 2022, of payments or other transfers of value to physician assistants,
nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives,
and this new requirement will be effective for data collected beginning in calendar year 2021.
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.
In addition, recently there has been increased scrutiny on drug pricing and concurrent efforts to control or reduce
drug costs by Congress, the President, and various states, including that several related bills have been introduced
at the federal level. Such legislation, if enacted, could have the potential to impose additional costs on our business.
Regulated Software; Electronic Health Records
The FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of computer software and digital health
products intended for use in health care settings, 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.
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In addition, certain of our 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. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can result in
substantial penalties and other liabilities.
Other health information standards, such as regulations under HIPAA, establish standards regarding electronic
health data transmissions and transaction code set rules for specific electronic transactions, such as transactions
involving claims submissions to third party payers. Certain of our electronic practice management products must
meet these requirements. Failure to abide by electronic health data transmission standards could expose us to
breach of contract claims, substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses, costs for remediation and
harm to our reputation.
In addition, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have adopted a new pan-European
General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), effective from May 2018, which increased privacy rights for
individuals in Europe, including individuals who are our customers, suppliers, and employees. The GDPR extended
the scope of responsibilities for data controllers and data processors, and generally imposes increased
requirements and potential penalties on companies that offer goods or services to individuals who are located in
Europe (“Data Subjects”) or monitor their behavior (including by companies based outside of Europe).
Noncompliance can result in penalties of up to the greater of EUR 20 million, or 4% of global company revenues.
Individual member states may impose additional requirements and penalties regarding certain matters such as
employee personal data. With respect to the personal data it protects, the GDPR requires, among other things,
company accountability, consents from Data Subjects or other acceptable legal basis to process the personal data,
breach notifications within 72 hours, data integrity and security, and fairness and transparency regarding the
storage, use or other processing of the personal data. The GDPR also provides rights to Data Subjects relating to
modification, erasure and transporting of the personal data.
In the United States, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), which increases the privacy protections
afforded California residents and was signed into law in June 2018, became effective on January 1, 2020. The
CCPA generally requires companies, such as us, to institute additional protections regarding the collection, use and
disclosure of certain personal information of California residents. The California Attorney General released proposed
CCPA regulations in October 2019, and is required to adopt final regulations on or before July 1, 2020. In addition to
providing for enforcement by the California Attorney General, the CCPA also provides for a private right of action.
Entities in violation of the CCPA may be liable for civil penalties. Other states, as well as the federal government,
have increasingly considered the adoption of similarly expansive personal privacy laws, backed by significant civil
penalties for non-compliance. While we believe we have substantially compliant programs and controls in place to
comply with the GDPR and CCPA requirements, our compliance with these measures is likely to impose additional
costs on us, and we cannot predict whether the interpretations of the requirements, or changes in our practices in
response to new requirements or interpretations of the requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
We also sell products and services that health care providers use to store and manage patient medical or dental
records. These customers, and we, are subject to laws, regulations and industry standards, such as HIPAA and the
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which require the protection of the privacy and security of those
records, and our products may also be used as part of these customers’ comprehensive data security programs,
including in connection with their efforts to comply with applicable 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 or services to comply with applicable legal or contractual data privacy or security 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.
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E-Commerce
Electronic commerce solutions have become an integral part of traditional health care supply and distribution
relationships. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense
competition. The continuing advancement of online commerce requires us to cost-effectively adapt to changing
technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address the
changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive
offerings.
Through our proprietary, technologically based suite of products, we offer customers a variety of competitive
alternatives. We believe that our tradition of reliable service, our name recognition and large customer base built on
solid customer relationships, position us well to participate in this significant aspect of the distribution business. We
continue to explore ways and means to improve and expand our Internet presence and capabilities, including our
online commerce offerings and our use of various social media outlets.
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 Foreign Corrupt Practices 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.
There can be no assurance that regulations that impact our business or customers’ practices will not have a
material adverse effect on our business. As a result of political, economic and regulatory influences, the health care
distribution industry in the U.S. is under intense scrutiny and subject to fundamental changes. 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.
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 25, 2020, we had approximately 7,800 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.
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.
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Information maintained on the website is not being included as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Information About Our Executive Officers
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 16, 2020.
Mark S. Walchirk
Donald J. Zurbay
Kevin M. Pohlman
Eric Shirley
Les B. Korsh
54 President and Chief Executive Officer, Director – Patterson
Companies, Inc.
52 Chief Financial Officer - Patterson Companies, Inc.
57 President - Patterson Animal Health
54 President - Patterson Dental
50 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary - Patterson
Companies, Inc.
Andrea Frohning
50 Chief Human Resources Officer - Patterson Companies, Inc.
Background of Executive Officers
Mark S. Walchirk became our President and Chief Executive Officer in November 2017. Mr. Walchirk previously
served as President of U.S. Pharmaceutical at McKesson Corporation from October 2012 to October 2017, where
he held responsibility for McKesson’s U.S. Pharmaceutical sales, distribution and customer service operations. Mr.
Walchirk joined McKesson in April 2001 and held various leadership positions including President of McKesson
Specialty Care Solutions and Chief Operating Officer of McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical. Before joining McKesson,
he spent 13 years in medical-surgical distribution and manufacturing with Baxter Healthcare, Allegiance Healthcare
and Encompass Group, holding various leadership positions in sales, marketing, operations and business
development. Mr. Walchirk brings strategic and leadership experience, including healthcare services and distribution
experience, to our Board.
Donald J. Zurbay became our Chief Financial Officer in June 2018. Mr. Zurbay most recently served as Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer at global medical device manufacturer St. Jude Medical, Inc. from August
2012 through the January 2017 acquisition of St. Jude Medical by Abbott Laboratories. At St. Jude Medical,
Mr. Zurbay was responsible for all accounting, financial and business development activities. He joined St. Jude
Medical in 2003 and held various leadership positions, including Director of Finance and Vice President and
Corporate Controller. Prior to joining St. Jude Medical, Mr. Zurbay worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for five years
as an Assurance and Business Advisory Services Senior Manager. Before joining PricewaterhouseCoopers, he was
a General Accounting Manager at The Valspar Corporation. Mr. Zurbay started his career at Deloitte & Touche as an
auditor in 1989. In terms of public company board service, Mr. Zurbay served as a director of Avedro, Inc. from its
February 2019 initial public offering through its November 2019 sale, and he has served as a director of Silk Road
Medical, Inc. since its April 2019 initial public offering.
Kevin M. Pohlman became President of Patterson Animal Health in July 2017. Mr. Pohlman joined Animal Health
International, Inc., which was acquired by Patterson in 2015, in August 2001 and was previously its Vice President
of Sales and Marketing. Prior to assuming that role, Mr. Pohlman was President of Corporate Sales and Marketing.
Beginning in 2001, Mr. Pohlman held a variety of leadership roles, including Vice President of Dealer Sales with
oversight of the Marketing department until June 2011. Mr. Pohlman began his career with Pohlman Bros. Supply, a
family-owned dealer and distributor of dairy equipment, animal health supplies and food plan supplies in Ohio.
Eric Shirley became President of Patterson Dental in January 2019. He most recently served as Chief Commercial
Officer at Midmark, a leading provider of medical, dental and veterinary equipment, technology and services. In this
role, Mr. Shirley was responsible for driving revenue, marketing and operational efficiency within the company’s
dental, medical and animal health divisions. Mr. Shirley was employed by Midmark from 2004 to 2019. Prior to his
time at Midmark, Mr. Shirley held leadership positions at Dentsply Preventive Care, Dentsply International and
several other dental manufacturers.
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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.
Andrea Frohning became our Chief Human Resources Officer in May 2018. Ms. Frohning joined Patterson from
Snyder’s-Lance where she held the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer from March 2016
to March 2018, and was responsible for leading all aspects of the company’s human resources. Prior to her tenure
at Snyder’s-Lance, she was Vice President Human Resources at Crane Co. from November 2013 to February
2016. Ms. Frohning also held other human resource managerial positions at Hubbell Inc., General Electric
Consumer Finance and Pepsi Bottling Group.
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.
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 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. Internet-based businesses also sell
direct to consumers, and may 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. If any of our competitors are more successful with respect to any key
competitive factor such as technological advances or newer low-cost business models with the ability to operate at
higher gross margins, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected. Increased competition from any
supplier of dental or animal health products could adversely impact our financial results. Additional competitive
pressure could arise from, among other things, limited demand growth or a significant number of additional
competitive products or services being introduced into a particular market, the emergence of new competitors, the
unavailability of products, price reductions by competitors, and the ability of competitors to capitalize on their
economies of scale. 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. In addition, our ability to deliver market growth is challenged
by an animal health product mix that is weighted toward lower growth, lower margin parts of the value chain. For
example, our current product mix may hamper our ability to tap into specialty areas with strong procedural growth.
Industry consolidation has also adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our margins and product
availability. There has been increasing consolidation among manufacturers as well as distributors, which could
cause the industry to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by competitors, or as
competitors with lower cost business models are able to operate with lower prices and gross profit on products. In
addition, in recent years there has also been a trend towards consolidation in the industries that buy our products
and services, including the consolidation of dental practices into larger clinics and dental service organizations, the
consolidation of veterinary practices as well as producers, and the formation of group purchasing organizations,
provider networks and buying groups designed to leverage volume discounts. We also face pricing pressure from
branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. These competitive pressures could adversely affect our sales and
profitability.
We may be unable to anticipate and effectively respond to competitive change, and our failure to compete
effectively may limit and/or reduce our revenue, profitability and cash flow.
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The COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto have adversely affected our results of
operations and our financial condition, and the full impact of the pandemic will depend on future
developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Global health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have been weighing on the macroeconomic
environment, and the pandemic has significantly increased unemployment and economic uncertainty. Authorities
have implemented numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines,
shelter in place orders, and business shutdowns. These measures negatively impacted consumer spending and
business spending habits, and they also adversely impacted and may further impact our financial results and the
financial results of our customers, suppliers and business partners.
In particular, in March 2020, based upon the recommendations of the American Dental Association, the American
Veterinary Medical Association and such organizations’ state-level counterparts, various dental and veterinary
offices announced that they were performing only emergency or limited procedures, and rescheduled wellness
exams and other elective procedures. In addition, many states and countries imposed restrictions on business
operations to protect public health. As of June 2020, these measures have been lifted in some areas that we serve,
sometimes subject to social distancing and capacity restrictions. However, future closures may be mandated or
recommended by health authorities in some states, cities, or counties depending on the progress of the pandemic.
In addition, even if dental and veterinary offices are open for business in their area, some consumers may continue
to delay elective visits. In addition, the pandemic has also negatively impacted consumer spending and business
spending habits due to increased unemployment and economic uncertainty, all of which may become heightened
concerns upon a second wave of infection or future developments.
Other actual and potential impacts on us from the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to:
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Interruptions in the operations of industries in which our products are used, including production animal
processing. We have experienced significant disruption and economic impact from closures of dental and
veterinary offices, as discussed above. In addition, the interruption in meatpacking operations that occurred
due to the pandemic factored into the full goodwill impairment of the animal health business in fiscal 2020.
Limited supply of the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for dental practice. Supply chain
disruptions for PPE and an increased demand for these products has resulted, and may continue to result,
in backorders of PPE and a potential scarcity in raw materials to make PPE. Prices for PPE have also
increased, and we have had to prepay suppliers in order to obtain PPE for resale to our customers. We may
not be able to supply our customers with the quantity of PPE products they demand. Conversely, PPE
demand could decrease suddenly upon an oversupply relative to demand, depending upon the course of
the pandemic, which could impact our margins.
Actual and potential delays in customer payments, defaults on our customer credit arrangements; or other
failures by third parties such as suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to meet their obligations to our
company due to their economic circumstances. We have experienced delayed or deferred payments from
customers as they, in turn, have been affected by the pandemic. This impacts our cash flow. There is no
assurance when, or if, our customers will be able to resume pre-pandemic payment processes or we will be
able to collect all deferred payments.
Risks of remote work. Most of our corporate employees shifted abruptly to working remotely under stay-at-
home orders imposed in March 2020. While such orders are beginning to lift, often subject to social
distancing and capacity restrictions, there is no assurance that they will not be re-imposed or recommended
in the future depending on the progression of the pandemic. Remote work arrangements could strain our
business continuity plans, introduce operational risk, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks, and
impair our ability to efficiently operate our business. In addition, our rapid transition to remote work
arrangements for corporate employees could have exposed us to continuing cybersecurity risk.
Adapting business practices. The spread of COVID-19 has caused us to modify our business practices,
particularly with respect to our liquidity position and near-term cost structure (including through incremental
borrowings on our revolving credit facility to increase cash, reduction of non-critical capital expenditures,
executive, board, and other senior-level employee compensation reductions, employee furloughs,
discretionary spending deferrals and the deferral of payroll taxes under the CARES Act).
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Potential impact on our ability to meet obligations under credit facilities. The pandemic could impact our
ability to meet our obligations under our amended credit agreement and other outstanding debt, which may
require us to seek covenant relief for a limited period of time. Although there can be no assurance that such
relief would be available, if such relief is available, our lenders may, in exchange, increase the cost of
borrowing, apply more stringent covenants, restrict merger and acquisition activity, and require other terms
and conditions that may limit our business and financing activities.
Disruptions in the financial markets, which could affect our stock price, our ability to meet covenants under
our credit agreement and other outstanding debt, or our ability to secure future debt at acceptable rates.
Personnel resources. Mitigating the effects of COVID-19 has required, and will likely continue to require for
the duration of the pandemic, a large investment of time and resources across our company, and may delay
certain strategic and other plans which could materially adversely affect our business. Furthermore, we
could be impacted by reduced availability of members of management or employees due to quarantine,
illness or death.
Reputational risk associated with response to COVID-19. If we do not respond appropriately to the
COVID-19 pandemic, or if customers do not perceive our response to be adequate, we could suffer damage
to our reputation and our brands, which could materially adversely affect our business.
Interruptions in manufacturing or distribution of our products. Outbreaks in the communities in which we
operate could affect our ability to operate our manufacturing or distribution activities, and our suppliers could
experience similar interruptions.
The full extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on
future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration
and spread of the outbreak within the U.S., Canada and the U.K., its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat
its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. Even after
COVID-19 has subsided, we may continue to experience materially adverse impacts to our business as a result of
its global economic impact, including any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future. There are no
comparable recent events which may provide guidance as to the effect of the spread of COVID-19, and, as a result,
the ultimate impact of COVID-19, or a similar health epidemic or pandemic, is highly uncertain and subject to
change. We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts on our dental and animal health businesses, our
operations or the global economy as a whole. However, the effects could have a material impact on our results of
operations.
Other events affecting general economic conditions could adversely affect our operating results and
financial condition.
Our operating results and financial condition could also be materially affected by generally weak economic
conditions in the U.S. or global economy, or an uncertain economic outlook, influenced by many other events and
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 or data privacy;
tariffs and sanctions;
changes to laws and policies governing foreign trade (including, without limitation, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada
Agreement, or USMCA, and other international trade agreements);
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 regulatory requirements and tax regulations;
increases in interest rates;
availability of capital;
increases in fuel and energy costs;
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the effect of inflation on our ability to procure products and our ability to increase prices over time;
changes in tax rates and the availability of certain tax deductions;
increases in healthcare costs;
the threat or outbreak of war, terrorism or public unrest, including but not limited to civil unrest in areas in
which we have operations; 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 as we have experienced in the wake of
COVID-19, and a prolonged period of economic instability could further 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 mix as our customers
prioritize established, low-margin products rather than innovative, high-margin products, which could reduce our
profit margin.
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 information security. 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.
Our credit agreement contains restrictive covenants and additional limits and our other debt instruments
contain cross-default provisions, which limit our business and financing activities.
The pandemic could impact our ability to meet our obligations under our credit agreement and other outstanding
debt, which may require us to seek covenant relief for a limited period of time. Although there can be no assurance
that such relief would be available, if such relief is available, our lenders may, in exchange, increase the cost of
borrowing, apply more stringent covenants, restrict merger and acquisition activity, and require other terms and
conditions that may limit our business and financing activities.
More generally, the covenants under our existing credit agreement 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. The terms of agreements governing debt that
we may incur in the future may also contain similar covenants. 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, and,
through cross-default provisions, would entitle our other lenders to accelerate their loans. 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.
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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 realize the long-term strategic benefits of our acquisition of Animal Health
International, Inc.
In June 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Achieving the targeted benefits of the acquisition will
depend in part upon whether we can efficiently and effectively integrate Animal Health International, Inc.’s
businesses. The necessity of coordinating geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities and
addressing 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 requires the dedication of significant management resources,
which is likely to distract management’s attention from day-to-day operations. We may not be able to achieve the
targeted 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, 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, civil unrest, 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. We ship almost all of our orders through third-party delivery services, and often
times bear the cost of shipment. 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
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. 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, pandemics 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
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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 countries outside the U.S. including
China. Political or financial instability, increased tariffs, restrictions on trade, currency exchange rates, labor unrest,
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, including the
possibility of creating or expanding a direct sales force or otherwise reducing their reliance on third-party distribution
channels. For example, a supplier may change our relationship from a complete distribution provider, including
logistics and sales support, to only a logistics provider, or to only a sales support provider, or it may decide to
entirely terminate its business relationship with us. 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.
Sales of private label products entail additional risks, including the risk that such sales could adversely
affect our relationships with suppliers.
We offer certain private label products that are available exclusively from us. The sale of such products subjects us
to the risks generally encountered by entities that source, market and sell private label products, including but not
limited to potential product liability risks, mandatory or voluntary product recalls, potential supply chain and
distribution chain disruptions, and potential intellectual property infringement risks. Any failure to adequately address
some or all of these risks could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
In addition, an increase in the sales of our private label products may negatively affect our sales of products owned
by our suppliers which, consequently, could adversely impact certain of our supplier relationships. Our ability to
locate qualified, economically stable suppliers who satisfy our requirements, and to acquire sufficient products in a
timely and effective manner, is critical to ensuring, among other things, that customer confidence is not diminished.
As a distribution company, any failure to develop sourcing relationships with a broad and deep supplier base could
adversely affect our financial performance and erode customer loyalty.
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 may continue acquiring
businesses in the future, consistent with our obligations under our amended credit agreement. These acquisitions
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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;
acquisition-related earnings charges; and acquisition-related cybersecurity risks.
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
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, whether restrictions are imposed by anti-trust
or other regulations, and compliance with the terms and conditions of our amended credit agreement.
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 and 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. In addition, our reputation could be adversely affected
by negative publicity surrounding such events regardless of whether or not claims against us are successful.
Defending against such claims may divert our management’s attention, may be expensive, and may require that we
pay damage awards or settlements, pay fines or penalties, or become subject to equitable remedies (including but
not limited to the revocation of or non-renewal of licenses) that could adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
For example, as further disclosed under “Litigation” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our subsidiary Animal
Health International was recently the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District
of Virginia, which resulted in Animal Health International pleading guilty to a strict-liability misdemeanor offense in
connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products, and
a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52.8 million. In addition, Animal Health International and Patterson entered into
a non-prosecution agreement for other non-compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes
disclosed during the investigation and committed to undertake additional compliance program enhancements and
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provide compliance certifications through fiscal 2023. We also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable
remedies (including but not limited to the suspension, revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation.
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 away from food animal products could adversely affect our business.
The demand for food animal 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, pandemic outbreaks and other factors can cause interruptions in animal processing, which increases
costs to producers and may change their production of animals in the future. Pork shortages caused by closed
processing plants due to COVID-19 also may have affected consumer behavior.
From time to time, we also 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.
Regulatory restrictions and bans on the use of antibiotics and growth promotants in food animals, as well
as changing market demand, could adversely affect our business.
There has been consumer concern and consumer activism with respect to additives (including, without limitation,
antibiotics and growth promotants) used in the production of animal products, including growing consumer
sentiment for proteins and dairy products produced without the use of antibiotics or other products intended to
increase animal production. Negative press resulting from media or consumer advocacy groups, industry litigation,
trade restrictions which could cause the 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 impacting our sales. In addition, consumer concern that the use of antibiotics and growth
promotants in animal feed may lead to increased antibiotic resistance of human pathogens have resulted in
increased regulation and changing market demand. Under the FDA’s guidance and the related rule known as the
Veterinary Feed Directive, the use of shared-class antibiotics in the water or feed of food-producing animals
requires written authorization by a licensed veterinarian. The impact of changes in regulations and market
preferences regarding the use of antibiotics in food animals could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations. If there is an increased public perception that consumption of food
derived from animals that utilize additives we distribute poses a risk to human health, there may be a further decline
in the production of those food products and, in turn, our sales of those products. In addition, antibiotic resistance
concerns may result in additional restrictions or bans, expanded regulations or public pressure to further reduce the
use of antibiotics in food animals, or increased demand for antibiotic-free protein, any of which could materially
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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
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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.
Pressure from animal rights groups may subject us to additional costs to conform our practices to comply
with developing standards or subject us to marketing costs to defend challenges to our current practices.
The utilization of animals in research and development and product commercialization is subject to increasing focus
by animal rights activists. The activities of animal rights groups and other organizations that have protested animal
based research and development programs or boycotted the products resulting from such programs could cause an
interruption in our supply chain. The occurrence of material operational problems could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Adverse changes in supplier rebates could negatively affect our business.
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.
We experience fluctuations in quarterly financial results. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the
expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Our business is subject to quarterly fluctuations. Quarterly results may be materially adversely affected by a variety
of factors, including:
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timing and amount of sales and marketing expenditures;
timing of pricing changes offered by our suppliers;
timing of the introduction of new products and services by our suppliers;
changes in or availability of supplier contracts or rebate programs;
supplier rebates based upon attaining certain growth goals;
changes in the way suppliers introduce or deliver products to market;
costs of developing new applications and services;
our ability to correctly identify customer needs and preferences and predict future needs and preferences;
uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of data security or disruptions of our information
technology systems;
regulatory actions, or government regulation generally;
loss of sales representatives;
costs related to acquisitions and/or integrations of technologies or businesses;
costs associated with our self-insured insurance programs;
general market and economic conditions, as discussed above, including pandemic or civil unrest as well as
those specific to the supply and distribution industry and related industries;
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our success in establishing or maintaining business relationships;
difficulties of manufacturers in developing and manufacturing products;
product demand and availability, or product recalls by manufacturers;
exposure to product liability and other claims in the event that the use of the products we sell results in
injury;
increases in shipping costs or service issues with our third-party shippers;
fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies;
goodwill impairment;
changes in interest rates;
restructuring costs;
the adoption or repeal of legislation;
changes in accounting principles; and
litigation or regulatory judgments, fines, forfeitures, penalties, equitable remedies, expenses or settlements.
Any change in one or more of these or other factors could cause our annual or quarterly financial results to
fluctuate. If our financial results do not meet market expectations, our stock price may decline.
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, but not limited to:
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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, legislation and regulation;
our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and prospects;
stock repurchases;
activism by any single large shareholder or combination of shareholders;
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, including those discussed above; and
the other factors discussed above that may impact our quarterly results.
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 or
derivative litigation has often been instituted against companies. This type of litigation could result in substantial
costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
The formation of group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), provider networks and buying groups may
place us at a competitive disadvantage.
The formation of GPOs, provider networks and buying groups 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 could
in turn negatively impact our financial results. As a full-service distributor with business service capabilities, we
cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully compete with price-oriented distribution models that more
readily enable the pricing typically demanded by GPOs, provider networks and buying groups.
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.
Companion 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, and consumers are increasingly seeking such alternatives sources of supply for their companion animal
health products. Companion animal owners also could decrease their reliance on, and visits to, veterinarians as
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they rely more on online animal-health information and retailers that now offer basic veterinary services. Because
we market our companion animal prescription products primarily through the veterinarian channel, any decrease in
visits to and reliance on veterinarians could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, companion
animal owners may substitute human health products for animal-health products if they deem human health
products to be acceptable, lower-cost alternatives.
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 the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the
U.K. Bribery Act, 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.
Our foreign operations also 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.
Change and uncertainty in the health care industry, including continued implementation of the U.S. Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (the
“Health Care Reform Law”), could materially adversely affect our business.
Laws and regulations affecting the health care industry in the U.S. have changed dramatically in recent years, and
we expect that future and pending legislation, rulemaking, and court decisions on legal challenges to the Health
Care Reform Law will further change the landscape. 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. The continued uncertain status of the Health Care Reform Law
affects our ability to plan.
Recently, there has been increased scrutiny on drug pricing and concurrent efforts to control or reduce drug costs
by Congress, the President, and various states, including that several bills have been introduced on a federal level.
Such legislation, if enacted, could have the potential to impose additional costs on our business.
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 annual reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device
manufacturers and distributors with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to covered recipients
(including physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and distributors 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 covered recipients such as 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, including
those governing the distribution of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances, 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;
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regulate the storage, transportation and disposal of certain of our products that are considered hazardous
materials;
regulate the distribution and storage of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances;
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;
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.
By way of example, we are required to hold valid DEA and state-level registrations and licenses, meet various
security and operating standards and comply with the Controlled Substances Act and its accompanying regulations
governing the storage, sale, marketing and handling of controlled substances. 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 is also 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 and future 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 fines and 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.
For example, as further disclosed under “Litigation” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our subsidiary Animal
Health International was recently the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District
of Virginia, which resulted in Animal Health International pleading guilty to a strict-liability misdemeanor offense in
connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products, and
a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52.8 million. In addition, Animal Health International and Patterson entered into
a non-prosecution agreement for other non-compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes
disclosed during the investigation and committed to undertake additional compliance program enhancements and
provide compliance certifications through fiscal 2023. This matter may continue to divert management's attention
and cause us to suffer reputational harm. We also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable remedies
(including but not limited to the suspension, revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation. The occurrence of
any of these events could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Public concern over the abuse of opioid medications in the U.S., including increased legal and regulatory
action, could negatively affect our business.
Certain governmental and regulatory agencies, as well as state and local jurisdictions, are focused on the abuse of
opioid medications in the U.S. Federal, state and local governmental and regulatory agencies are conducting
investigations of pharmaceutical manufacturers and other pharmaceutical wholesale distributors regarding the
distribution of opioid medications.
For example, as disclosed in our prior periodic reports, two of our subsidiaries were added as co-defendants in civil
litigation brought by private claimants against various manufacturers, distributors and retail pharmacies throughout
the U.S., which claimed that defendants “breached their legal duties under federal law to monitor, detect,
investigate, refuse and report suspicious orders of prescription opiates,” captioned In re National Prescription Opiate
Litigation, MDL No. 2804, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The subsidiaries,
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Patterson Logistics Services Inc. and Patterson Veterinary Supply, Inc., were voluntarily dismissed from this action
without prejudice in January 2020. We may face similar civil claims or governmental investigations in the future.
Managing legal proceedings and responding to government investigations is costly and involves a significant
diversion of management attention. Such proceedings are unpredictable and may develop over lengthy periods of
time. An adverse resolution of the pending litigation or any future lawsuits or investigations may involve substantial
monetary penalties and could have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition
and results of operations.
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
practice management products that offer billing-related functionality.
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 regulators 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.
If we fail to comply with laws and regulations relating to the confidentiality of sensitive personal information
or standards in electronic health records or transmissions, we could be required to make significant
changes to our products, or incur substantial fines, penalties or other liabilities.
The FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of computer software and digital health
products intended for use in health care settings, 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 software and
related products support practice management, and it is possible that the FDA or foreign government authorities
could determine that one or more of our products is subject to regulation as a medical device, which could subject
us or one or more of our businesses to substantial additional requirements with respect to these products.
Our 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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Other health information standards, such as regulations under HIPAA, establish standards regarding electronic
health data transmissions and transaction code set rules for specific electronic transactions, such as transactions
involving claims submissions to third party payers. Certain of our electronic practice management products must
meet these requirements. Failure to abide by electronic health data transmission standards could expose us to
breach of contract claims, substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses, costs for remediation and
harm to our reputation.
We also sell products and services that health care providers use to store and manage patient medical or dental
records. These customers, and we are subject to laws, regulations and industry standards, such as HIPAA and the
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which require the protection of 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 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 or services to comply with applicable legal or contractual data privacy or security 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.
Finally, we are also subject to non-healthcare-specific requirements of the countries and states in which we operate
which govern the handling, storage, use and protection of personal information, such as the California Consumer
Privacy Act, or CCPA, which is a state statute intended to enhance privacy rights and consumer protection for
residents of California, and the pan-European General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.
Both in the U.S. and abroad, these laws and regulations continue to evolve and remain subject to significant
change. In addition, the application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain. If we fail to
comply with such laws and regulations, we could be required to make significant changes to our products or
services, or incur substantial fines, penalties, or other liabilities. For example, if legislation or regulations are
adopted, interpreted or implemented in a manner that is inconsistent with our current business practices and that
require changes to these practices, the design of the products and services we distribute or privacy practices, it
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The
costs of compliance with, and the other burdens imposed by, new or existing laws or regulatory actions may prevent
us from selling the products or services we distribute, or increase the costs of doing so, and may affect our decision
to distribute such products or services. In addition, a determination by a court or government agency that any of our
practices do not meet these standards could result in liability or negative publicity, and could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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 store customer,
product, supplier, and employee 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).
As the breadth and complexity of our IS continue to grow, we will increasingly be exposed to the risks inherent in the
development, integration and ongoing operation of evolving information systems (including third-party systems we
rely on), including:
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disruption, impairment or failure of data centers, telecommunications facilities or other key infrastructure
platforms;
security breaches of, cyberattacks on and other failures or malfunctions in our critical application systems or
their associated hardware; and
excessive costs, excessive delays or other deficiencies in systems development and deployment.
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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. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and are becoming increasingly
sophisticated. Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems, as cyber threats evolve and become more
difficult to detect and successfully defend against, one or more cyber threats might defeat the measures that we or
our vendors take to anticipate, detect, avoid or mitigate such threats. Certain techniques used to obtain
unauthorized access, introduce malicious software, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems may be
designed to remain dormant until a triggering event and we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or
implement adequate preventative measures since techniques change frequently or are not recognized until
launched, and because cyberattacks can originate from a wide variety of sources. These data breaches and any
unauthorized access or disclosure of our information could compromise intellectual property and expose sensitive
business information. Cyber-attacks could also cause us to incur significant remediation costs, disrupt key business
operations and divert attention of management and key information technology resources. 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.
The materialization of any of these risks may impede the processing of data and the day-to-day management of our
business and could result in the corruption, loss or unauthorized disclosure of proprietary, confidential or other data.
Disaster recovery plans, where in place, might not adequately protect us in the event of a system failure. Despite
any precautions we take, damage from fire, floods, hurricanes, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer
viruses, break-ins and similar events at our various computer facilities could result in interruptions in the flow of data
to our servers.
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.
The products we sell are subject to market and technological obsolescence; our software products may
contain undetected errors or bugs when released.
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.
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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 general economic, financial market, competitive, regulatory and other
conditions and the interest rate environment that are beyond our control. If our performance were to suffer, our
access to the capital necessary to run our business may become limited.
Recent significant changes to our executive leadership team and any future loss of members of such team,
and the resulting management transitions might harm our future operating results.
In recent fiscal years, we have experienced significant changes in our senior leadership team. If we experience
additional departures, they could be particularly disruptive in light of difficult market conditions, 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. If we are unable to
mitigate these or other similar risks, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely
affected.
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.
We may experience significant disruptions in our operations resulting from our enterprise resource
planning system.
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. In addition, we
have implemented an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system across certain significant operating locations to
support our operations. The operation of this ERP system requires the investment of human and financial
resources. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur expenses as we continue to enhance and develop our
ERP system. As a result of our ERP system, 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 resulting from our ERP
system, 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.
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Our business could be negatively adversely affected as a result of shareholder activism.
We could face adverse consequences as a result of the actions of activist investors. Campaigns by shareholders to
effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase short-term
shareholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, increased debt, special dividends, stock
repurchases or sales of assets or the entire company. Responding to shareholder activism or engaging in a process
or proxy contest may be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our
management team and our employees from executing our business plan, which could adversely affect our business
and results of operations.
In fiscal 2020, we recorded impairment charges that eliminated our Animal Health segment’s goodwill, and
we may be required in the future to record a significant charge to earnings if our Dental segment’s goodwill
or other intangible assets become impaired.
Our balance sheet includes goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. We recorded a $269.0 million non-cash
pre-tax goodwill impairment charge in our Animal Health segment as part of management’s annual goodwill and
other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests using the beginning of our fiscal 2020 fourth quarter as the
valuation date. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we tested our goodwill for impairment again in April
2020 and recorded an additional $406.1 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of our Animal Health reporting
unit’s goodwill, based on management’s estimates of future cash flows, driven by reduced sales volumes, as well as
reduced EBITDA multiples of comparable companies. As of April 25, 2020, our Animal Health reporting unit had no
remaining goodwill as a result of the total goodwill impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020
of $675.1 million. If future impairment of our Dental segment’s 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.
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 December 2017, the U.S. government enacted legislation referred to as
the Tax Act, which significantly revises the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The legislation is unclear
in certain respects and will require the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to issue regulations and
interpretations, and possibly technical corrections. While there can be no assurance as to the impact of any
additional guidance by the IRS, or of any guidance that may be issued by the SEC or the Financial Accounting
Standards Board relating to the Tax Act, we have completed our accounting for the law change based on
management’s current interpretation of the new legislation.
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. In addition, changes in the method of
determining LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect interest
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rates on our current or future assets and debt and may otherwise adversely affect our business and 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
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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 Amended and Restated 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.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
We own our principal executive offices in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the majority of our distribution 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 25, 2020, PLSI operated the following 13 fulfillment centers (seven primary centers) totaling 1.0 million
square feet:
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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.
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Dental
The Dental segment is headquartered in our principal executive offices, and maintains sales and administrative
offices at approximately 59 locations across 39 states in the U.S. and 9 locations in Canada, the majority of which
are leased. Operations in Canada are supported by fulfillment centers located in Quebec and Alberta. 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., Canada and the U.K., the majority of which are leased. In the U.S., these properties are in 86 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
From time to time, we become involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, government subpoenas, and
government investigations (which may, in some cases, involve our entering into settlement agreements or consent
decrees), relating to antitrust, commercial, environmental, product liability, intellectual property, regulatory,
employment discrimination, securities, and other matters, including matters arising out of the ordinary course of
business. The results of any legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty because such matters are
inherently uncertain. Significant damages or penalties may be sought in some matters, and some matters may
require years to resolve.
We accrue for these matters when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss
can be reasonably estimated. Unless otherwise noted, with respect to the specific legal proceedings and claims
described below, the amount or range or possible losses is not reasonably estimable. Adverse outcomes in some or
all of these matters may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could adversely
affect our ability to conduct our business. There also exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our
financial statements for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and reasonably
estimable.
On August 31, 2012, Archer and White Sales, Inc. (“Archer”) filed a complaint against Henry Schein, Inc. as well as
Danaher Corporation and its subsidiaries Instrumentarium Dental, Inc., Dental Equipment, LLC, Kavo Dental
Technologies, LLC and Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation (collectively, the “Danaher Defendants”) in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Civil Action No. 2:12-CV-00572-JRG, styled as an antitrust
action under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and the Texas Free Enterprise Antitrust Act. Archer alleges a conspiracy
between Henry Schein, an unnamed company and the Danaher Defendants to terminate or limit Archer’s
distribution rights. On August 1, 2017, Archer filed an amended complaint, adding Patterson Companies, Inc. and
Benco Dental Supply Company as defendants, and alleging that Henry Schein, Patterson, Benco and non-
defendant Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc. conspired to pressure and agreed to enlist their common
suppliers, including the Danaher Defendants, to join a price-fixing conspiracy and boycott by reducing the
distribution territory of, and eventually terminating, Archer. Archer seeks injunctive relief, and damages in an amount
to be proved at trial, to be trebled with interest and costs, including attorneys’ fees, jointly and severally. On June 25,
2018, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to review an arbitration issue raised by the Danaher Defendants,
thereby continuing the case stay implemented in March 2018. On October 29, 2018, the Supreme Court heard oral
arguments. On January 8, 2019, the Supreme Court issued its published decision vacating the judgment of the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and remanded the case to the Fifth Circuit for further proceedings on a second
arbitration issue consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion. The Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments on May 1,
2019. On August 14, 2019, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the District Court’s finding that the arbitration provision does not
apply to this litigation. On January 15, 2020, we reached an agreement in principle to settle with Archer. On March
23, 2020, we settled with Archer and the action against Patterson was dismissed on March 31, 2020.
On March 28, 2018, Plymouth County Retirement System (“Plymouth”) filed a federal securities class action
complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc. and its former CEO Scott P. Anderson and former CFO Ann B. Gugino
in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in a case captioned Plymouth County Retirement System v.
Patterson Companies, Inc., Scott P. Anderson and Ann B. Gugino, Case No. 0:18-cv-00871 MJD/SER. On
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November 9, 2018, the complaint was amended to add former CEO James W. Wiltz and former CFO R. Stephen
Armstrong as individual defendants. Under the amended complaint, on behalf of all persons or entities that
purchased or otherwise acquired Patterson’s common stock between June 26, 2013 and February 28, 2018,
Plymouth alleges that Patterson violated federal securities laws by failing to disclose that Patterson’s revenue and
earnings were “artificially inflated by Defendants’ illicit, anti-competitive scheme with its purported competitors,
Benco and Schein, to prevent the formation of buying groups that would allow its customers who were office-based
practitioners to take advantage of pricing arrangements identical or comparable to those enjoyed by large-group
customers.” In its class action complaint, Plymouth asserts one count against Patterson for violating Section 10(b)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and a second, related count
against the individual defendants for violating Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Plymouth seeks compensatory
damages, pre- and post-judgment interest and reasonable attorneys’ fees and experts’ witness fees and costs. On
August 30, 2018, Gwinnett County Public Employees Retirement System and Plymouth County Retirement System,
Pembroke Pines Pension Fund for Firefighters and Police Officers, Central Laborers Pension Fund were appointed
lead plaintiffs. On January 18, 2019, Patterson and the individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended
complaint. On July 25, 2019, the U.S. Magistrate Judge issued a report and recommendation that the motion to
dismiss be granted in part and denied in part. The report and recommendation, among other things, recommends
the dismissal of all claims against individuals defendants Ann B. Gugino, R. Stephen Armstrong and James W.
Wiltz. On September 10, 2019, the District Court adopted the Magistrate Judge’s report and recommendation. While
the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, we believe that the class action complaint is without merit, and we
are vigorously defending ourselves in this litigation. We do not anticipate that this matter will have a material
adverse effect on our financial statements. Patterson has also received, and responded to, requests under
Minnesota Business Corporation Act § 302A.461 to inspect corporate books and records relating to the issues
raised in the securities class action complaint and certain antitrust litigation.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia (“USAO-WDVA”)
informed us that our subsidiary, Animal Health International, Inc., had been designated a target of a criminal
investigation. The investigation originally related to Animal Health International’s sales of prescription animal health
products to certain persons and/or locations not licensed to receive them in Virginia and Tennessee in violation of
federal law. After being contacted by the USAO-WDVA, Patterson retained outside legal counsel and began an
internal investigation. Since that time, we produced documents both responsive to grand jury subpoenas and
voluntarily. In December 2018, as a result of our internal investigation, we voluntarily advised the USAO-WDVA that
some of Animal Health International’s shipments of prescription animal health products were made from a
warehouse rather than a pharmacy to end-user customers in the states of Virginia and Tennessee. Thereafter, as
part of our internal investigation, we conducted a comprehensive review of Animal Health International’s distribution
and licensing practices across all 50 U.S. states. That review identified compliance issues in additional states, which
we voluntarily disclosed to the USAO-WDVA in April 2019. Our Board of Directors established a special
investigation committee to oversee and conduct the investigation, to review our licensing, dispensing, distribution
and related sales practices company-wide, and to report on its findings to the Board and to the USAO-WDVA. As a
result of the internal investigation, we modified our licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes
company-wide. We reached an agreement with the USAO-WDVA that resolved the federal government’s criminal
investigation into Animal Health International and other non-compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related
sales processes disclosed during the investigation. Under the terms of the agreement, Animal Health International
paid a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and Animal Health
International pleaded guilty to a strict-liability misdemeanor offense under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
in connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products. In
addition, Animal Health International and Patterson entered into a non-prosecution agreement for other non-
compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes disclosed during the investigation and
committed to undertake additional compliance program enhancements and provide compliance certifications for the
period from the date of signing the non-prosecution agreement through the next three full fiscal years. The
sentencing hearing took place on May 4, 2020, and the court entered a one-year probation period for Animal Health
International. We recorded a reserve of $58.3 million in our Corporate segment for the three and six months ended
October 26, 2019 to account for the then-anticipated settlement of this matter and certain related costs and
expenses. This matter may continue to divert management’s attention and cause us to suffer reputational harm. We
also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable remedies (including but not limited to the suspension,
revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
36
On October 1, 2018, Sally Pemberton filed a stockholder derivative complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc., as
a nominal defendant, and the following former and current officers and directors of Patterson: Scott Anderson, Ann
Gugino, Mark Walchirk, John Buck, Alex Blanco, Jody Feragen, Sarena Lin, Ellen Rudnick, Neil Schrimsher, Les
Vinney, James Wiltz, Paul Guggenheim, David Misiak and Tim Rogan as individual defendants in the U.S. District
Court for the District of Minnesota in a case captioned Sally Pemberton v. Scott P. Anderson, et al., Case No. 18-
CV-2818 (PJS/HB). Derivatively on behalf of Patterson, plaintiff alleges that Patterson, with Benco and Henry
Schein, “engage[d] in a conspiracy in restraint of trade, whereby the companies agreed to refuse to offer discounted
prices or otherwise negotiate with GPOs, agreed to fix margins on dental supplies and equipment, agreed not to
poach one another’s customers or sales representatives, and agreed to block the entry and expansion of rival
distributors. Plaintiff further alleges that the individual defendants failed to disclose Patterson’s alleged “antitrust
misconduct” to the public and purportedly caused Patterson to repurchase $412.8 million of its own stock at prices
that were artificially inflated. In the derivative complaint, plaintiff asserts six counts against the individual defendants
for: (i) breach of fiduciary duty; (ii) waste of corporate assets; (iii) unjust enrichment; (iv) violations of Section 14(a)
of the Exchange Act; (v) violations of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act and (vi) violations of
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages with pre-judgment and post-judgment
interest, costs, disbursements and reasonable attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, costs and expenses, and an order
awarding restitution from the individual defendants and directing Patterson “to take all necessary actions to reform
and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures.” On September 10, 2019, the Honorable Patrick J.
Schiltz dismissed this action without prejudice because the plaintiff failed to make a pre-suit demand on Patterson’s
Board of Directors. On October 31, 2019, Patterson’s Board received a written demand to initiate litigation against
its officers and directors based on the claims Ms. Pemberton originally presented in her complaint. Following this
demand, and after consultation with legal counsel, effective March 16, 2020, the Board adopted a resolution
appointing Professor John Matheson and The Honorable George McGunnigle, retired Judge of Hennepin County
District Court, as a special litigation committee pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 302A.241. Pursuant to the
resolution, the special litigation committee has complete power and authority to investigate the demand, analyze the
legal rights or remedies of Patterson, determine whether those rights or remedies should be pursued, and respond
to Ms. Pemberton on behalf of Patterson.
On August 28, 2018, Kirsten Johnsen filed a stockholder derivative complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc., as
a nominal defendant, and the following former and current officers and directors of Patterson: Scott Anderson, Ann
Gugino, James Wiltz, John Buck, Jody Feragen, Ellen Rudnick, Les Vinney, Neil Schrimsher, Sarena Lin, Harold
Slavkin, Alex Blanco and Mark Walchirk as individual defendants in Hennepin County District Court in a case
captioned Kirsten Johnsen v. Scott P. Anderson et al., Case No. 27-CV-18-14315. Derivatively on behalf of
Patterson, plaintiff alleges that Patterson “suppressed price competition and maintained supracompetitive prices for
dental supplies and equipment by entering into agreements with Henry Schein and Benco to: (i) fix margins for
dental supplies and equipment; and (ii) block the entry and expansion of lower-margin, lower-priced, rival dental
distributors through threatened and actual group boycotts.” Plaintiff further alleges that the individual defendants
failed to disclose Patterson’s alleged “price-fixing scheme” to the public and purportedly “caused Patterson to
repurchase over $412.8 million worth of its own stock at artificially inflated prices.” In the derivative complaint,
plaintiff asserts three counts against the individual defendants for: (i) breach of fiduciary duty; (ii) waste of corporate
assets; and (iii) unjust enrichment. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages, equitable and injunctive relief as
permitted by law, costs, disbursements and reasonable attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees and experts’ fees, costs
and expenses, and an order awarding restitution from the individual defendants and directing Patterson “to take all
necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures.” On February 19, 2019,
the Hennepin County District Court ordered this litigation stayed pending resolution of the above-described case
brought by Sally Pemberton. On September 10, 2019, the Honorable Patrick J. Schiltz dismissed Pemberton
without prejudice because the plaintiff failed to make a pre-suit demand on Patterson’s Board of Directors. On
November 5, 2019, the defendants in Johnsen moved to dismiss such action based on plaintiff’s failure to make a
pre-suit demand or otherwise properly plead demand futility. On December 12, 2019, in light of the outcome in
Pemberton, the defendants and Johnsen entered into a stipulation for voluntary dismissal of the Johnsen action,
which the court granted on December 13, 2019. On April 27, 2020, Patterson’s Board received a written demand to
initiate litigation against its officers and directors based on the claims Ms. Johnsen originally presented in her
complaint. The Board is in the process of reviewing the demand and determining how to address it.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
37
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.”
Holders
On June 16, 2020, the number of holders on record of common stock was 1,789. The transfer agent for Patterson’s
common stock is EQ Shareowner Services, 1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
55120, telephone: (800) 468-9716.
Dividends
In fiscal 2020, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share was paid throughout the year. We currently expect to
pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, but any future dividend payments will be subject to approval by our Board
of Directors, which will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, operating results and financial condition, as
well as applicable law, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other business considerations that our Board
considers relevant. We are also subject to various financial covenants under our debt agreements including the
maintenance of leverage and interest coverage ratios. The terms of agreements governing debt that we may incur
in the future may also contain similar covenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends
in the future at the same rate or at all.
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
On March 13, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a $500 million share repurchase program through March 13,
2021. No shares were repurchased under the stock repurchase plan during fiscal 2020.
38
Performance Graph
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on $100 invested at the market close on April
25, 2015, through April 25, 2020, with the cumulative return over the same time period on the same amount
invested in the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Healthcare Index.
Patterson Companies, Inc.
S&P 500
S&P 500 Healthcare Index
Fiscal Year Ending
4/25/2015
4/30/2016
4/29/2017
4/28/2018
4/27/2019
4/25/2020
100.00
100.00
100.00
91.75
99.69
95.38
96.24
117.55
105.00
53.03
134.24
118.31
51.21
150.80
128.29
37.87
148.44
148.21
39
DOLLARSCOMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNPatterson Companies, Inc.S&P 500S&P 500 Healthcare Index4/25/20154/30/20164/29/20174/28/20184/27/20194/25/2020050100150200
Item 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
April 25, 2020 (1)
April 27, 2019 (2)
Fiscal Year Ended
April 28, 2018 (3)
April 29, 2017 (4)
April 30, 2016 (5)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Goodwill impairment
Operating (loss) income
Other expense, net
(Loss) income before taxes
Income tax (benefit) expense
Net (loss) income from continuing
operations
Net (loss) income from discontinued
operations
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling
interests
Net (loss) income attributable to
Patterson Companies, Inc.
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
attributable to Patterson Companies,
Inc.:
$ 5,490,011 $ 5,574,523 $ 5,465,683 $ 5,593,127 $ 5,386,703
4,063,955
1,322,748
975,035
—
347,713
(46,020)
301,693
116,009
4,291,730
1,301,397
1,013,469
—
287,928
(37,047)
250,881
77,093
4,383,748
1,190,775
1,053,059
—
137,716
(31,488)
106,228
23,352
4,266,317
1,199,366
979,477
—
219,889
(40,626)
179,263
(21,711)
4,292,601
1,197,410
1,094,474
675,055
(572,119)
(18,288)
(590,407)
(1,040)
(589,367)
82,876
200,974
173,788
185,684
—
(589,367)
—
82,876
—
200,974
(2,895)
170,893
1,500
187,184
(921)
(752)
—
—
—
$
(588,446) $
83,628 $
200,974 $
170,893 $
187,184
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
$
Net diluted (loss) earnings per share $
Weighted average shares - diluted
(6.25) $
—
(6.25) $
0.89 $
—
0.89 $
2.16 $
—
2.16 $
1.82 $
(0.03)
1.79 $
94,154
93,484
93,094
95,567
Dividends per common share
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital
Total assets
Total long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
$
1.04 $
1.04 $
1.04 $
0.98 $
$
467,867 $
728,651 $
864,343 $
899,662 $
2,715,350
587,766
836,444
3,269,269
725,341
1,480,507
3,471,664
922,030
1,461,790
3,507,913
998,272
1,394,433
1.90
0.01
1.91
97,902
0.90
918,206
3,520,804
1,022,155
1,441,746
See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Fiscal 2020 operating expenses include costs and expenses incurred in the first quarter of $17.7 million
related to the settlement of litigation and costs and expenses incurred in the second quarter of $58.3 million
related to the then-probable settlement of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western
District of Virginia. In fiscal 2020, we also recorded non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges totaling
$675.1 million in our Animal Health segment. The goodwill impairments were not fully tax deductible.
Fiscal 2019 operating expenses include a pre-tax charge of $28.3 million related to the settlement of litigation.
Fiscal 2018 includes a provisional discrete net tax benefit of $76.6 million related to the enactment of
comprehensive tax legislation by the U.S. government. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information.
In fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million related to a distribution agreement
intangible asset within operating expenses.
40
(5)
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. 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 of Patterson
Medical. The continuing operations tax impact of $12.3 million from the repatriation was recorded during fiscal
2016.
41
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Overview
Our financial information for fiscal 2020 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.
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
2020, 2019 and 2018 ended on April 25, 2020, April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018, respectively, and all years
consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 will end on April 24, 2021 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.
Factors Affecting Our Results
COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic, including closures and other steps taken by governmental authorities in
response to the virus, has had a significant impact on our businesses. Through March 2020, sales in our Dental and
Animal Health segments were up year over year. In April 2020, our Dental segment sales were down approximately
71% and our Animal Health segment sales were down approximately 9%, as compared to April 2019. In addition,
operating expenses were also down significantly in April 2020, as compared to April 2019, as certain variable
expenses decreased with sales.
Goodwill Impairment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment
charges totaling $675.1 million in our Animal Health segment ("Goodwill Impairment"), which were not fully tax
deductible. The decrease in the fair value of the Animal Health reporting unit below its carrying value was mainly the
result of a reduction in management’s estimates of future cash flows. Future cash flows were affected by a reduction
in future sales volume and operating margins. The sales volume estimate is a reflection of recent sales trends we’ve
experienced. Future operating margins are expected to be lower based on current trends in our markets. These
trends are driven by customer and vendor consolidation. We experienced a further decrease in the fair value of the
Animal Health reporting unit subsequent to our annual goodwill impairment test, which was caused by additional
reductions in management’s estimates of future cash flows, driven by reduced sales volumes, as well as reduced
EBITDA multiples of comparable companies. These estimates and market multiples were negatively affected by
COVID-19. The animal health industry has experienced a reduction in sales volume as a result of stay at home and
shelter in place orders, as well as a result of meat packing plant closures. Our future cash flow estimates for this
business unit reflect the long-term impact of COVID-19.
42
Receivables Securitization Program. In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020, we entered into receivables purchase
agreements with MUFG Bank, Ltd. ("MUFG"). Under these agreements, MUFG acts as an agent to facilitate the
sale of certain Patterson receivables (the “Receivables”) to certain unaffiliated financial institutions (the
“Purchasers”).
The proceeds from the sale of these Receivables comprise a combination of cash and a deferred purchase price
(“DPP”) receivable. The initial transaction in fiscal 2019 was a sale of $237.6 million of net receivables. From this
sale, we received $171.0 million of cash. The proceeds from the initial sale were primarily used to reduce debt. The
transaction in fiscal 2020 reduced our net receivables by $120.1 million and increased cash by $29.0 million as of
January 25, 2020. As of April 25, 2020, the maximum available under the receivables purchase agreements was
$200.0 million, of which $200.0 million was utilized. The DPP receivable was $117.3 million as of April 25, 2020.
The DPP receivable is ultimately realized by Patterson following the collection of the underlying Receivables sold to
the Purchasers. The collection of the DPP receivable is recognized as an increase to net cash provided by investing
activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows, with a corresponding reduction to net cash provided by
operating activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Gain on Investment. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $34.3 million related to one of our investments ("Gain on
Investment") in fiscal 2020. This gain was based on the selling price of preferred stock in this investment that is
similar to the preferred stock we own, and was adjusted for differences in liquidation preferences.
Early Repayment of Debt. In fiscal 2020, we repaid certain indebtedness totaling $373.8 million ("Early Repayment
of Debt"). As a result, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash charge of $9.0 million during fiscal 2020. This charge relates
to the January 2014 forward interest rate swap agreement and accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs.
Fiscal 2020 U.S. Attorney's Office Legal Reserve. We incurred costs and expenses of $58.3 million ("Fiscal 2020
U.S. Attorney's Office Legal Reserve") during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 related to the then-probable
settlement of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia. See "Part I, Item 3.
Legal Proceedings" for additional information.
Fiscal 2020 Legal Reserve. We incurred expenses of $17.7 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 related to
the settlement of litigation with SourceOne Dental, Inc.
Fiscal 2019 Legal Reserve. In September 2018, we signed an agreement to settle the litigation entitled In re Dental
Supplies Antitrust Litigation. Under the terms of the settlement, we paid $28.3 million into escrow upon preliminary
court approval. Such funds were to be released to the settlement fund administrator upon final court approval of the
settlement, which was granted at the fairness hearing held on June 24, 2019. We established a pre-tax reserve of
$28.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 to account for the settlement of this matter.
U.S. Tax Reform. In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly
referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act significantly revised the future ongoing U.S. federal corporate income tax by,
among other things, lowering U.S. federal corporate tax rates and implementing a territorial tax system. Effective
January 1, 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%. For our fiscal year
ending April 28, 2018, we utilized a blended rate of approximately 30.5%. For fiscal 2018, these impacts resulted in
a provisional discrete net tax benefit of $76.6 million, which included provisional amounts of $81.9 million of tax
benefit on U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities, $4.0 million of tax expense for a one-time transition tax on
unremitted foreign earnings and $1.2 million in withholding taxes paid on current year distributions.
43
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results as a percent of net sales:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Goodwill impairment
Operating (loss) income
Other expense, net
(Loss) income before taxes
Income tax (benefit) expense
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc.
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
100.0 %
78.2
21.8
19.9
12.3
(10.4)
(0.4)
(10.8)
(0.1)
(10.7)
—
(10.7) %
100.0 %
78.6
21.4
18.9
—
2.5
(0.6)
1.9
0.4
1.5
—
1.5 %
100.0 %
78.1
21.9
17.9
—
4.0
(0.7)
3.3
(0.4)
3.7
—
3.7 %
Fiscal 2020 Compared to Fiscal 2019
Net sales. Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2020 were $5,490.0 million, a decrease of 1.5% from $5,574.5 million in
fiscal 2019. Foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of 0.4% on fiscal 2020 sales.
Dental segment sales decreased 4.1% to $2,101.9 million in fiscal 2020 from $2,191.8 million in fiscal 2019. Foreign
exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of 0.1% on fiscal 2020 sales. Sales of consumables decreased
6.5%, sales of equipment and software decreased 2.5%, and sales of other services and products increased 2.2%
in fiscal 2020. Dental segment sales were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2020 due to mandated and recommended closures after the American Dental Association announced on
March 16, 2020 that dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures in response to the spread of COVID-19
across the country.
Animal Health segment sales decreased 0.5% to $3,336.3 million in fiscal 2020 from $3,354.5 million in fiscal 2019.
Foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of 0.6% on fiscal 2020 sales. Sales of certain products
previously recognized on a gross basis were recognized on a net basis during fiscal 2020, resulting in an estimated
0.3% unfavorable impact to sales. Animal Health segment sales were also negatively affected by COVID-19 during
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The animal health industry has experienced a reduction in sales volume as a result
of stay at home and shelter in place orders.
Gross profit. Consolidated gross profit margin increased 40 basis points from the prior year to 21.8%. Gross profit
margin rates increased in both the Dental and Animal Health segment. In addition, a greater percentage of sales
came from our Corporate segment sales, resulting in a higher consolidated gross profit margin rate.
Operating expenses. Consolidated operating expenses for fiscal 2020 were $1,094.5 million, a 4.0% increase from
the prior year of $1,053.1 million. We incurred higher operating expenses during fiscal 2020 primarily as a result of
legal fees and settlements in fiscal 2020 being $40.9 million higher than those incurred in fiscal 2019.
Goodwill impairment. In fiscal 2020, we recorded goodwill impairment charges totaling $675.1 million in our
Animal Health segment.
Operating (loss) income. The consolidated operating loss was $572.1 million in fiscal 2020, compared to operating
income of $137.7 million, or 2.5% of sales, in fiscal 2019. The change in operating (loss) income from fiscal 2019
was driven by the Goodwill Impairment and higher legal fees and settlements in fiscal 2020.
Dental segment operating income was $168.3 million for fiscal 2020, a decrease of $10.9 million from fiscal 2019.
The decrease was driven primarily by lower net sales, partially offset by lower operating expenses.
44
Animal Health segment operating loss was $594.7 million for fiscal 2020, as compared to operating income of
$81.5 million for fiscal 2019. The change was primarily driven by the Goodwill Impairment in fiscal 2020.
Corporate segment operating loss was $145.7 million for fiscal 2020, as compared to a loss of $123.0 million for
fiscal 2019. The change was driven primarily by higher legal fees and settlements, partially offset by higher net
sales recorded during fiscal 2020.
Other income (expense), net. Net other expense was $18.3 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $31.5 million in
fiscal 2019. Net other expense was lower during fiscal 2020 due to the Gain on Investment, partially offset by losses
incurred on interest rate swap agreements we utilize to hedge against interest rate fluctuations that impact the
amount of net sales we record related to our customer financing contracts. In addition, interest expense was higher
in fiscal 2020, driven by the Early Repayment of Debt, partially offset by lower long-term debt.
Income tax (benefit) expense. For fiscal 2020, the income tax benefit was $1.0 million on a loss before taxes of
$590.4 million. The Goodwill Impairment and the Fiscal 2020 U.S. Attorney's Office Legal Reserve were not fully
deductible. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2019 was 22.0%.
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc. and (loss) earnings per share. Net loss
attributable to Patterson Companies Inc. was $588.4 million in fiscal 2020, compared to net income attributable to
Patterson Companies Inc. of $83.6 million in fiscal 2019. The loss per diluted share was $6.25 in fiscal 2020,
compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.89 in fiscal 2019. Weighted average diluted shares in fiscal 2020 were
94,154,000, compared to 93,484,000 in fiscal 2019. The fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 cash dividend was $1.04 per
common share.
Fiscal 2019 Compared to Fiscal 2018
See Item 7 in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed June 26, 2019.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities was $(243.5) million in fiscal 2020, compared to $48.2 million in
fiscal 2019 and $178.9 million in fiscal 2018. Net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2020 was primarily due to
the impact of our Receivables Securitization Program, partially offset by a reduction in working capital, which was
driven mainly by an increase in accounts payable. The net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2019 was
primarily driven by a reduction in working capital, partially offset by the impact of our Receivables Securitization
Program. In fiscal 2018, our cash flows from operating activities were primarily driven by net income.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $499.1 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $340.7 million in fiscal 2019
and $17.0 million in fiscal 2018. Collections of deferred purchase price receivables were $540.9 million, $402.4
million and $49.7 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures were $41.8 million, $60.7
million and $43.3 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2019 included a
$14.9 million investment to convert leased property into owned property. We expect to use a total of approximately
$50 million for capital expenditures in fiscal 2021.
Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2020 was $271.2 million. Uses of cash consisted primarily of $460.8
million for the retirement of long-term debt and $100.4 million for dividend payments. In December 2019, we entered
into a $300.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility, as described further below. Net cash used in financing
activities in fiscal 2019 was $355.2 million. Uses of cash consisted primarily of $249.5 million for the retirement of
long-term debt and $99.5 million for dividend payments. Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2018
was $230.2 million. Uses of cash consisted primarily of $164.8 million for the retirement of long-term debt, $99.2
million for dividend payments and $87.5 million for share repurchases. In March 2018, we issued fixed-rate senior
notes with an aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, due fiscal 2028. The proceeds were used to repay
$150.0 million of senior notes that came due in March 2018, which is included in the $164.8 million of debt
retirement noted above.
In fiscal 2020, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share was paid throughout the year. We currently expect to
pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, but any future dividend payments will be subject to approval by our Board
of Directors, which will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, operating results and financial condition, as
well as applicable law, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other business considerations that our Board
45
considers relevant. We are also subject to various financial covenants under our debt agreements including the
maintenance of leverage and interest coverage ratios. The terms of agreements governing debt that we may incur
in the future may also contain similar covenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends
in the future at the same rate or at all.
In fiscal 2017, we entered into an amended credit agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $295.1
million term loan and a $750.0 million revolving line of credit. In March 2019, we permanently reduced the capacity
under the revolving line of credit to $500.0 million. 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. During the quarter ended October 26, 2019, we repaid
the remaining $81.6 million outstanding under the unsecured term loan. As of April 25, 2020, no amount was
outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement unsecured term loan or revolving line of credit. At April 27, 2019,
$87.1 million was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement unsecured term loan at an interest rate of
3.73%, and no amount was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit. The term loan
and revolving line of credit mature no later than January 2022.
In December 2019, we entered into a senior unsecured term loan facility agreement (the “Term Facility Agreement”),
consisting of a $300.0 million term loan. Interest on borrowings is variable and is determined as a base rate plus a
spread. This spread is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Term Facility Agreement. The proceeds were
used to repay certain existing indebtedness, pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Term Facility
Agreement, and finance our ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Term Facility will
mature no later than December 20, 2022. As of April 25, 2020, $300.0 million was outstanding under the Term
Facility at an interest rate of 1.87%.
During the quarter ended January 25, 2020, we repaid certain indebtedness totaling $373.8 million. See Note 6 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the repayments.
On March 13, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a $500 million share repurchase program through March 13,
2021. As of April 25, 2020, $500 million remains available under the current repurchase authorization.
We have $77.9 million in cash and cash equivalents as of April 25, 2020, of which $46.8 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 25, 2020 is $21.8 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 used in
operations, the collection of deferred purchase price receivables, existing cash balances and credit availability
under existing debt facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and to finance our business over the
next fiscal year.
In May 2020, we requested draws on our Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit, resulting in a total of
$450 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility, representing 90% of the full amount available. The
Company elected to drawdown the revolving line of credit to increase its cash position and provide financial
flexibility in light of current economic conditions and uncertainties arising in connection with the COVID-19
pandemic. The proceeds are being used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
As part of our broad-based effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented cost reduction measures,
including base salary reductions for employees at the level of manager through our executive officers of between
10% and 35% during the period from May 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
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.
46
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 the Patterson-
sponsored program, equipment purchased by creditworthy customers 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 MUFG Bank, Ltd. ("MUFG") 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 MUFG. The capacity under the agreement with MUFG at April 25, 2020 was $525
million.
Second, we maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby Fifth Third 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 25, 2020 was $100 million.
Our financing business is described in further detail in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our contractual obligations as of April 25, 2020 follows (in thousands):
Long-term debt principal
Long-term debt interest
Operating leases
Total
Total
$ 591,250 $
59,834
84,919
$ 736,003 $
Payments due by year
Less than
1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
— $ 400,750 $ 150,500 $
16,158
33,195
49,353 $ 469,144 $ 172,081 $
12,444
9,137
26,684
41,710
More than
5 years
40,000
4,548
877
45,425
As of April 25, 2020 our gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $13.7 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 7 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Outlook
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto have had a significant impact on our businesses.
In March 2020, based upon the recommendations of the American Dental Association, the American Veterinary
Medical Association and such organizations’ state-level counterparts, various dental and veterinary offices
announced that they were performing only emergency or limited procedures, and rescheduled wellness exams and
other elective procedures. In addition, many states and countries imposed restrictions on business operations to
protect public health. As of June 2020, these measures have been lifted in some areas that we serve, sometimes
subject to social distancing and capacity restrictions. However, future closures may be mandated or recommended
by health authorities in some states, cities, or counties depending on the progress of the pandemic. In addition,
even if dental and veterinary offices are open for business in their area, some consumers may continue to delay
elective visits. In addition, the pandemic has also negatively impacted consumer spending and business spending
habits due to increased unemployment and economic uncertainty, all of which may become heightened concerns
upon a second wave of infection or future developments. The animal health industry has also experienced a
reduction in sales volume as a result of stay at home and shelter in place orders, as well as due to meat packing
plant closures.
47
We cannot accurately estimate how long and to what extent COVID-19 will continue to impact our business.
Although we have experienced reduced demand, we are unable to predict how significantly the pandemic will
reduce future demand for services provided by dentists and veterinarians, the effect of such decreased demand on
the demand for the dental and companion animal products and services we distribute, or the impact of the
pandemic on the overall healthcare infrastructure and economic outlook in the United States, Canada or the United
Kingdom.
In addition to the impact on procedure volumes, we are experiencing and may experience other disruptions as a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, disruptions or potential disruptions include restrictions on the ability
of our personnel to travel and access customers for sales, service and other support; supplier disruptions; and
additional government requirements to “shelter at home” or other incremental mitigation efforts that may further
impact our capacity to sell and service the products we distribute. Furthermore, the economic effects of the
pandemic and other governmental actions could reduce the demand for food animal products, thereby adversely
affecting our production animal supply business. The total impact of these disruptions could have a material impact
on our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. However, we continue to believe in the long-term
fundamentals of our business and our compelling value proposition to customers.
Working Capital Management
The following table summarizes our average accounts receivable days sales outstanding and average annual
inventory turnover for the past three fiscal years:
Days sales outstanding
Inventory turnover
Foreign Operations
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
29.1
5.4
36.5
5.3
53.1
5.2
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
$21.9 million and $24.3 million in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, while they positively impacted net sales by
$29.5 million in fiscal 2018. 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 and support,
software and support, technical service parts and labor, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when or as
performance obligations are satisfied. Performance obligations are satisfied when the customer obtains control of
the goods or services.
48
Consumable, equipment, software and parts 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. Technical service labor
is recognized as it is provided. Revenue derived from equipment and software support is recognized ratably over
the period in which the support is provided.
In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under arrangements (buy/sell
agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, we earn commissions for services
provided under agency agreements. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that we do not
have control over the transaction, as we do not have the primary responsibility of fulfilling the promise of the good or
service and we do not bill or collect from the customer in an agency relationship. Commissions under agency
agreements are recorded when the services are provided.
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. The receivables that result from
the recognition of revenue are reported net of related allowances. We maintain 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 – 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. 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. As of April 25, 2020, 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 92.0% of the
maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We recognize the expected breakage amount as revenue in
proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer, 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. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level, with
all goodwill assigned to a reporting unit. We have two reporting units as of April 25, 2020; Dental and Animal Health.
Our Corporate reportable segment's assets and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the two
reporting units. We assess goodwill for impairment annually and whenever an event occurs or circumstances
change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Any goodwill impairment is measured as the
amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
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.
49
Our indefinite-lived intangible asset is a trade name, which is assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying
value of the 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 connection with the preparation of these financial statements in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, management
completed its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests using the beginning of our
fiscal 2020 fourth quarter as the valuation date. We determined that there was no impairment of our indefinite-lived
intangible asset. Our annual goodwill impairment test resulted in no impairment to the Dental reporting unit’s
goodwill, and a $269.0 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of our Animal Health reporting unit’s goodwill.
The decrease in the fair value of the Animal Health reporting unit below its carrying value was mainly the result of a
reduction in management’s estimates of future cash flows. Future cash flows were affected by a reduction in future
sales volume and operating margins. The sales volume estimate is a reflection of recent sales trends we’ve
experienced. Future operating margins are expected to be lower based on current trends in our markets. These
trends are driven by customer and vendor consolidation.
Subsequent to the annual test being completed and in connection with the preparation of these financial statements,
we experienced events and circumstances that indicated that the carrying amount of goodwill may be further
impaired. These events and circumstances included a decline in our projected future earnings and a sustained
decrease in our share price. As such, we tested our goodwill for impairment as of the beginning of our fiscal April
2020. This test resulted in no impairment to the Dental reporting unit’s goodwill, and a $406.1 million non-cash pre-
tax impairment charge of our Animal Health reporting unit’s goodwill.
The decrease in the fair value of the Animal Health reporting unit subsequent to the annual goodwill impairment test
was caused by additional reductions in management’s estimates of future cash flows, driven by reduced sales
volumes, as well as reduced EBITDA multiples of comparable companies. These estimates and market multiples
were negatively affected by COVID-19. The animal health industry has experienced a reduction in sales volume as
a result of stay at home and shelter in place orders, as well as a result of meat packing plant closures. Our future
cash flow estimates for this business unit reflect the long-term impact of COVID-19.
As of April 25, 2020, our Animal Health reporting unit had no remaining goodwill as a result of the total goodwill
impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2020 of $675.1 million.
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 relationships, trade names and trademarks. 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.
Related Party Transactions – We have interests in a number of entities that are accounted for using the equity
method. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 we made purchases of $94.2 million, $87.9 million and $84.2 million
from these entities, respectively. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded net sales of $110.3 million, $74.5
million and $19.7 million to these entities, respectively.
Income Taxes – We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant
judgments are required in determining the consolidated provision for income taxes. Changes in interpretation of the
Tax Act could create potential added uncertainties.
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.
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.
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.
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 $85.1 million for
the fiscal year ended April 25, 2020. 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 $0.3
million to (loss) income before taxes for the fiscal year ended April 25, 2020.
In fiscal 2017, we entered into an amended credit agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $295.1
million term loan and a $750.0 million revolving line of credit. In March 2019, we permanently reduced the capacity
under the revolving line of credit to $500.0 million. 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 line of credit mature no
later than January 2022. In December 2019, we entered into a senior unsecured term loan facility agreement (the
“Term Facility Agreement”), consisting of a $300.0 million term loan. Interest on borrowings is variable and is
determined as a base rate plus a spread. This spread is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Term Facility
Agreement. The Term Facility will mature no later than December 20, 2022. Interest on borrowings under the
Amended Credit Agreement and the Term Facility 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 $3.0 million annual impact on our (loss) income 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
51
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 contract 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. In fiscal 2019, we
entered into forward interest rate swap agreements in order to hedge against interest rate fluctuations that impact
the amount of net sales we record related to these contracts. These interest rate swap 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. As a result of entering into these
interest rate swap agreements, we estimate that a 10% change in interest rates would have less than a $1.0 million
annual impact on our (loss) income before taxes.
52
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Patterson Companies, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Patterson Companies, Inc. internal control over financial reporting as of April 25, 2020, based on
criteria established
the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Patterson
Companies, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of April 25, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
Internal Control—Integrated Framework
issued by
in
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Patterson Companies, Inc. (the
Company) as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
April 25, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2)
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”) and our report dated June 24, 2020 expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’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. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with
the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 24, 2020
53
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Patterson Companies, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Patterson Companies, Inc. (the Company) as of
April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive
(loss) income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April
25, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (collectively
referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 25, 2020, in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of April 25, 2020, 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 24, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated
financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1)
relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our
especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not
alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by
communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the
account or disclosure to which it relates.
54
Description of the
Matter
How We Addressed
the Matter in Our
Audit
Goodwill Impairment of the Animal Health Reporting Unit
As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 of the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested
at least annually for impairment or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the asset might be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment assessment over the Animal
Health reporting unit as of January 26, 2020, the first day of its fourth quarter. Subsequent
to the annual assessment date, the Company identified an indicator of impairment
resulting from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and performed an additional
assessment as of March 21, 2020. As a result of both assessments, the Company
concluded that the goodwill for Animal Health was fully impaired based on its estimate of
fair value and recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $675 million in the fourth
quarter.
Auditing management’s goodwill impairment tests for its Animal Health reporting unit was
complex and highly judgmental due to the significant estimation required in determining the
fair value of the reporting unit. The estimates of the fair value of the Animal Health
reporting unit was sensitive to significant assumptions, such as the weighted average cost
of capital, forecasted revenue and related revenue growth rate, operating margin and
terminal growth rates, which are affected by expected future market or economic
conditions.
the operating
We obtained an understanding, evaluated
effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment testing process,
including controls over management’s budgeting and forecasting process used to develop
the projected future revenue, earnings and cash flows used in the fair value estimates, as
well as controls over management’s review of the significant data and assumptions
described above.
the design and
tested
To test the estimated fair value of the Animal Health reporting unit, we performed audit
procedures that included, among others, assessing the valuation methodologies used by
management and testing the significant assumptions discussed above. For example, we
compared the significant assumptions used by management to current industry, market
and economic trends, as well as other relevant factors. We assessed the reasonableness
of forecasted future revenue and operating margins by comparing the forecasts to
historical results. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the
valuation models, methodologies and significant assumptions used by the Company,
specifically the weighted average cost of capital. In addition, we tested the reconciliation of
the fair value of the reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1985.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 24, 2020
55
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,123 and $6,772
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Long-term receivables, net
Goodwill, net
Identifiable intangibles, net
Other non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued payroll expense
Other accrued liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Non-current operating lease liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Other non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 600,000 shares authorized; 95,947 and 95,272
shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Unearned ESOP shares
Total Patterson Companies, Inc. stockholders' equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total stockholders’ equity
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
$
77,944 $
95,646
416,523
812,194
236,104
582,094
761,018
165,605
1,542,765
1,604,363
303,725
79,021
214,915
138,724
313,505
122,695
305,790
—
113,081
816,226
351,153
78,656
$ 2,715,350 $ 3,269,269
$
862,093 $
648,418
68,385
113,714
30,706
—
1,074,898
587,766
49,854
134,547
31,841
73,665
129,654
—
23,975
875,712
725,341
—
163,488
24,221
1,878,906
1,788,762
959
953
146,606
131,460
(97,039)
(88,269)
799,652
1,483,496
(16,061)
(50,381)
834,117
1,477,259
2,327
3,248
836,444
1,480,507
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 2,715,350 $ 3,269,269
See accompanying notes
56
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Goodwill impairment
Operating (loss) income
Other (expense) income:
Other income, net
Interest expense
(Loss) income before taxes
Income tax (benefit) expense
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
$ 5,490,011 $ 5,574,523 $ 5,465,683
4,292,601
4,383,748
4,266,317
1,197,410
1,190,775
1,199,366
1,094,474
1,053,059
979,477
675,055
—
—
(572,119)
137,716
219,889
23,499
8,178
6,117
(41,787)
(39,666)
(46,743)
(590,407)
106,228
(1,040)
(589,367)
23,352
82,876
179,263
(21,711)
200,974
(921)
(752)
—
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc.
$
(588,446) $
83,628 $
200,974
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc.:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
(6.25) $
(6.25) $
0.90 $
0.89 $
2.17
2.16
94,154
94,154
92,755
93,484
92,467
93,094
1.04
Dividends declared per common share
$
1.04 $
1.04 $
Comprehensive (loss) income
Net (loss) income
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain
Cash flow hedges, net of tax
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(589,367) $
82,876 $
200,974
(14,062)
(15,583)
7,999
2,288
15,824
1,871
$
(595,430) $
69,581 $
218,669
See accompanying notes
57
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Number
Amount
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Earnings
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
Non-
controlling
interests
Total
Balance at April 29, 2017
96,534 $
966 $ 72,973 $
(92,669) $ 1,481,234 $
(68,071) $
— $ 1,394,433
Foreign currency translation
Cash flow hedges
Net income
Dividends declared
Common stock issued and
related tax benefits
Repurchases of common
stock
Stock based compensation
ESOP activity
Balance at April 28, 2018
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
369
4
12,403
(2,147)
(22)
—
—
—
—
—
18,400
—
15,824
1,871
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
200,974
(96,964)
—
(87,478)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,345
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15,824
1,871
200,974
(96,964)
12,407
(87,500)
18,400
2,345
94,756
948
103,776
(74,974)
1,497,766
(65,726)
—
1,461,790
Foreign currency translation
Cash flow hedges
Net income
Dividends declared
Common stock issued and
related tax benefits
Stock based compensation
ESOP activity
Increase from asset
acquisition
—
—
—
—
516
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7,999
19,685
—
—
(15,583)
2,288
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
83,628
(97,898)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15,345
—
—
(752)
—
—
—
—
(15,583)
2,288
82,876
(97,898)
8,004
19,685
15,345
—
4,000
4,000
Balance at April 27, 2019
95,272
953
131,460
(88,269)
1,483,496
(50,381)
3,248
1,480,507
Foreign currency translation
Cash flow hedges
Net loss
Dividends declared
Common stock issued and
related tax benefits
Stock based compensation
ESOP activity
Adoption of ASU 2016-02
Adoption of ASU 2018-02
Balance at April 25, 2020
—
—
—
—
675
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(7,790)
22,936
—
—
—
(14,062)
7,999
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,707)
—
—
(588,446)
(99,552)
—
—
—
1,447
2,707
—
—
—
—
—
—
34,320
—
—
—
—
(14,062)
7,999
(921)
(589,367)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(99,552)
(7,784)
22,936
34,320
1,447
—
95,947 $
959 $ 146,606 $
(97,039) $
799,652 $
(16,061) $
2,327 $
836,444
See accompanying notes
58
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in)
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization
Investment gain
Goodwill impairment
Bad debt expense
Non-cash employee compensation
Accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs on early
retirement of debt
Deferred income taxes
Deferred consideration in securitized receivables
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 (used in) provided by operating activities
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
Collection of deferred purchase price receivables
Other investing activities
Net cash provided by investing activities
Financing activities:
Dividends paid
Repurchases of common stock
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Debt issuance costs
Payments on long-term debt
Payments on revolving credit
Other financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net change 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
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
$
(589,367) $
82,876 $
200,974
44,981
37,201
(34,334)
675,055
2,008
37,354
44,371
38,402
—
—
7,333
33,425
45,115
38,701
—
—
6,280
36,532
8,984
(31,800)
(540,944)
—
10,762
(402,367)
—
(41,058)
(49,650)
156,519
(59,258)
219,613
25,474
(102,707)
(92,323)
(243,544)
(41,809)
540,944
—
499,135
227,907
11,547
44,189
512
21,611
(72,410)
48,158
(60,734)
402,367
(906)
340,727
(100,442)
(99,468)
—
300,000
(3,300)
(460,840)
—
(6,647)
(271,229)
(2,064)
(17,702)
95,646
77,944 $
—
—
—
(249,542)
(16,000)
9,764
(355,246)
(977)
32,662
62,984
95,646 $
60,211
(60,475)
(12,103)
(24,726)
(33,795)
12,889
178,895
(43,263)
49,650
10,600
16,987
(99,199)
(87,500)
150,000
—
(164,754)
(43,000)
14,291
(230,162)
2,305
(31,975)
94,959
62,984
12,021 $
25,742
17,530 $
31,045
19,611
36,504
$
$
See accompanying notes
59
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 25, 2020
(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 assets and liabilities of PDC Funding Company, LLC ("PDC
Funding"), PDC Funding Company II, LLC ("PDC Funding II"), PDC Funding Company III, LLC ("PDC Funding III")
and PDC Funding Company IV, LLC ("PDC Funding IV"), which are our wholly owned subsidiaries and separate
legal entities formed under Minnesota law. PDC Funding and PDC Funding II are fully consolidated special purpose
entities established to sell customer installment sale contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of
their business. PDC Funding III and PDC Funding IV are fully consolidated special purpose entity established to sell
certain receivables to unaffiliated financial institutions. The assets of PDC Funding, PDC Funding II, PDC Funding
III and PDC Funding IV would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of its creditors. There are no
known creditors of PDC Funding, PDC Funding II, PDC Funding III or PDC Funding IV. The consolidated financial
statements also include the assets and liabilities of Technology Partner Innovations, LLC, which is further described
in Note 12.
Fiscal Year End
We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. Fiscal
2020, 2019 and 2018 ended on April 25, 2020, April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018, respectively, and all years
consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 will end on April 24, 2021 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.
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. The cost of our
inventory includes the amount we pay to our suppliers to acquire inventory and freight costs incurred in connection
with the delivery of product to our distribution centers and our other locations. 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 83% and 82% of total inventories at April 25, 2020 and
April 27, 2019, respectively.
The accumulated LIFO reserve was $99,726 at April 25, 2020 and $91,342 at April 27, 2019. We believe that
inventory replacement cost exceeds the inventory balance by an amount approximating the LIFO reserve.
60
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.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired.
Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level, with all goodwill assigned to a reporting unit. We
have two reporting units as of April 25, 2020; Dental and Animal Health. Our Corporate reportable segment's assets
and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the two reporting units. We assess goodwill for
impairment annually and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying
amount may be impaired. Any goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying
value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
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.
Our indefinite-lived intangible asset is a trade name, which is assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying
value of the 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 connection with the preparation of these financial statements in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, management
completed its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests using the beginning of our
fiscal 2020 fourth quarter as the valuation date. We determined that there was no impairment of our indefinite-lived
intangible asset. Our annual goodwill impairment test resulted in ### impairment to the Dental reporting unit’s
goodwill, and a $269,000 non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of our Animal Health reporting unit’s goodwill.
The decrease in the fair value of the Animal Health reporting unit below its carrying value was mainly the result of a
reduction in management’s estimates of future cash flows. Future cash flows were affected by a reduction in future
sales volume and operating margins. The sales volume estimate is a reflection of recent sales trends we’ve
experienced. Future operating margins are expected to be lower based on current trends in our markets. These
trends are driven by customer and vendor consolidation.
Subsequent to the annual test being completed and in connection with the preparation of these financial statements,
we experienced events and circumstances that indicated that the carrying amount of goodwill may be further
impaired. These events and circumstances included a decline in our projected future earnings and a sustained
decrease in our share price. As such, we tested our goodwill for impairment as of the beginning of our fiscal April
2020. This test resulted in no impairment to the Dental reporting unit’s goodwill, and a $406,055 non-cash pre-tax
impairment charge of our Animal Health reporting unit’s goodwill.
The decrease in the fair value of the Animal Health reporting unit subsequent to the annual goodwill impairment test
was caused by additional reductions in management’s estimates of future cash flows, driven by reduced sales
volumes, as well as reduced EBITDA multiples of comparable companies. These estimates and market multiples
were negatively affected by COVID-19. The animal health industry has experienced a reduction in sales volume as
a result of stay at home and shelter in place orders, as well as a result of meat packing plant closures. Our future
cash flow estimates for this business unit reflect the long-term impact of COVID-19.
As of April 25, 2020, our Animal Health reporting unit had no remaining goodwill as a result of the total goodwill
impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2020 of $675,055.
61
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 relationships, trade names and trademarks. When impairment exists, the related assets are
written down to fair value using level 3 inputs, as discussed further in Note 9.
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 and support, software and support,
technical service parts and labor, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when or as performance obligations
are satisfied. Performance obligations are satisfied when the customer obtains control of the goods or services.
Consumable, equipment, software and parts 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. Technical service labor
is recognized as it is provided. Revenue derived from equipment and software support is recognized ratably over
the period in which the support is provided.
In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under arrangements (buy/sell
agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, we earn commissions for services
provided under agency agreements. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that we do not
have control over the transaction, as we do not have the primary responsibility of fulfilling the promise of the good or
service and we do not bill or collect from the customer in an agency relationship. Commissions under agency
agreements are recorded when the services are provided.
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. The receivables that result from
the recognition of revenue are reported net of related allowances. We maintain 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.
Contract Balances
Contract balances represent amounts presented in our consolidated balance sheets when either we have
transferred goods or services to the customer or the customer has paid consideration to us under the contract.
These contract balances include accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities.
Contract asset balances as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019 were $1,586 and $0, respectively. Our contract
liabilities primarily relate to advance payments from customers, upfront payments for software and support provided
over time, and options that provide a material right to customers, such as our customer loyalty programs. At April 25,
2020 and April 27, 2019, contract liabilities of $21,205 and $22,004 were reported in other accrued liabilities,
respectively. During the fiscal year ended April 25, 2020, we recognized $19,291 of the amount previously deferred
at April 27, 2019.
62
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. 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. As of April 25, 2020, 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 92.0% of the maximum potential amount that
could be redeemed. We recognize the expected breakage amount as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights
exercised by the customer, and we recognize the estimated value of unused Patterson Advantage dollars as
redemptions occur. 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 operations and other
comprehensive (loss) 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
$5,793, $8,356 and $6,926 for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. There were no deferred direct-marketing
expenses included in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019.
Related Party Transactions
We have interests in a number of entities that are accounted for using the equity method. During fiscal 2020, 2019
and 2018 we made purchases of $94,238, $87,944 and $84,175 from these entities, respectively. During fiscal
2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded net sales of $110,262, $74,489 and $19,743 to these entities, respectively.
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.
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
63
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.
Other Income, Net
Gain on investment
Loss on interest rate swap agreements
Other
Other income, net
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
$
$
34,334 $
(18,712)
7,877
23,499 $
4,477 $
(2,903)
6,604
8,178 $
—
—
6,117
6,117
Comprehensive (loss) income is computed as net (loss) income plus certain other items that are recorded directly to
stockholders’ equity. Significant items included in comprehensive (loss) 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 related to cash flow hedge losses was $2,460, $620 and $938
for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(Loss) Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
The amount of basic EPS is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to Patterson Companies, Inc. by the
weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. The amount of diluted EPS is
computed by dividing net (loss) 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 EPS. There were no material
adjustments to the numerator.
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average shares
94,154
92,755
92,467
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock
purchase plans
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average shares
—
94,154
729
93,484
627
93,094
Potentially dilutive securities representing 2,517, 1,792 and 1,380 shares for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018,
respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive using the
treasury stock method.
For the fiscal year ended April 25, 2020, 905 incremental shares related to dilutive securities were not included in
the diluted EPS calculation because we reported a loss for this period. Shares related to dilutive securities have an
anti-dilutive impact on EPS when a net loss is reported and therefore are not included in the calculation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update
("ASU") No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the
64
balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by most leases, as well as requires additional qualitative and
quantitative disclosures. We adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 on a modified retrospective
basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning retained earnings in the period of adoption. We
elected the transition package of practical expedients provided within the guidance, which eliminated the
requirements to reassess lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs for leases commenced
before the effective date. We elected not to separate lease from non-lease components and to exclude short-term
leases from our consolidated balance sheets.
The impact of adopting the new lease standard primarily relates to the recognition of a lease right-of-use (“ROU”)
asset and current and non-current lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent our
right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease
payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on
the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As we cannot readily determine the rate implicit in most of
our leases, we use an incremental borrowing rate determined by country of lease origin based on the anticipated
lease term as determined at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
The new lease standard resulted in the recognition of lease ROU assets and liabilities of $86,046 and $88,333 as of
April 28, 2019. In addition, $1,447 of net deferred gains on sale-leaseback transactions that existed as of April 27,
2019 were derecognized from our consolidated balance sheet, with the offsetting impact being an adjustment to
retained earnings as of April 28, 2019. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on our
consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income or consolidated statements of cash
flows as of the adoption date. Under the transition method of adoption, comparative information was not restated,
but will continue to be reported under the standards in effect for those periods.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326),” which requires
the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical
experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. We will adopt the new guidance in the
first quarter of fiscal 2021, but do not anticipate any material changes to our consolidated balance sheet or
consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350)”.
Under the new standard, goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value
exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. This ASU eliminates existing guidance that
requires an entity to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by hypothetically
assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired
in a business combination. We were required to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption
permitted. We adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2020 in conjunction with our annual goodwill impairment
testing. See Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets above for the results of our fiscal 2020 goodwill
impairment testing results.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, "Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic
220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which will allow a
reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the tax effects that are
stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax reform. This standard also requires certain
disclosures about stranded tax effects. We adopted ASU No. 2018-02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and applied
it in the period of adoption. As a result of the adoption, $2,707 was reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss to retained earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
2. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:
Cash on hand
Money market funds
Total
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
$
$
74,553 $
3,391
77,944 $
76,117
19,529
95,646
Cash on hand is generally in interest earning accounts. Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated
balance sheets are $21,830 and $34,016 as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, respectively, which represent cash
collected from previously sold customer financing contracts that have not yet been settled. See Note 7 for additional
information.
65
3. Receivables Securitization Program
In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020, we entered into Receivables Purchase Agreements (the “Receivables Purchase
Agreements”) with MUFG Bank, Ltd. ("MUFG") (f.k.a. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.). Under these
agreements, MUFG acts as an agent to facilitate the sale of certain Patterson receivables (the “Receivables”) to
certain unaffiliated financial institutions (the “Purchasers”). The sale of these receivables is accounted for as a sale
of assets under the provisions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. We utilize PDC Funding III and PDC Funding
IV to facilitate the sale to fulfill requirements within the agreement.
Sales of Receivables occur daily and are settled with the Purchasers on a monthly basis. The proceeds from the
sale of these Receivables comprise a combination of cash and a deferred purchase price (“DPP”) receivable. The
DPP receivable is ultimately realized by Patterson following the collection of the underlying Receivables sold to the
Purchasers. The amount available under the Receivables Purchase Agreement fluctuates over time based on the
total amount of eligible Receivables generated during the normal course of business, with maximum availability
of $200,000 as of April 25, 2020, of which $200,000 was utilized.
We have no retained interests in the transferred Receivables, other than our right to the DPP receivable and
collection and administrative service fees. We consider the fees received adequate compensation for services
rendered, and accordingly have recorded no servicing asset or liability. The DPP receivable is recorded at fair value
within the consolidated balance sheets within prepaid expenses and other current assets. The DPP receivable was
$117,327 as of April 25, 2020 and $57,238 as of April 27, 2019. The difference between the carrying amount of the
Receivables and the sum of the cash and fair value of the DPP receivable received at time of transfer is recognized
as a gain or loss on sale of the related Receivables. We recorded a loss on sale of Receivables within operating
expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income during fiscal 2020
and 2019 of $7,242 and $7,622, respectively.
4. 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 25,
2020 are as follows:
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Total
Balance at
April 27, 2019
$ 139,160 $
Impairment
Other Activity
— $
Balance at
April 25, 2020
(436) $ 138,724
677,066
—
(675,055)
—
$ 816,226 $ (675,055) $
(2,011)
—
—
—
(2,447) $ 138,724
See Note 1 for additional information regarding the impairment charges recorded in our Animal Health segment.
Other activity in fiscal 2020 consists of the impact from foreign currency translation.
Balances of other intangible assets, excluding goodwill, were as follows:
April 25, 2020
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Net
Gross
April 27, 2019
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Unamortized - indefinite lived:
Trade name
$ 12,300 $
— $ 12,300 $ 12,300 $
— $ 12,300
Amortized - definite lived:
135,745
72,681
216,724
60,160
353,639
133,202
113,812
61,435
239,827
71,767
352,469
Customer relationships
Trade names and trademarks 132,841
Developed technology and
other
27,259
338,853
Total amortized intangible assets
Total identifiable intangible assets $ 568,128 $ 254,623 $ 313,505 $ 569,610 $ 218,457 $ 351,153
46,197
254,623
43,210
218,457
24,321
301,205
70,469
557,310
70,518
555,828
66
With respect to the amortized intangible assets, future amortization expense is expected to approximate $37,138,
$36,832, $36,457, $35,501 and $35,496 for fiscal 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, 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.
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 (1)
Property and equipment, gross
Accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
$
11,919 $
119,585
29,427
181,986
226,114
89,604
658,635
(354,910)
303,725 $
$
11,969
118,556
28,359
175,774
218,893
75,860
629,411
(323,621)
305,790
Includes $68,728 and $57,006 of unamortized computer software development costs of software to be sold
as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, respectively.
(1)
6. Debt
Our long-term debt consisted of the following:
Senior notes due fiscal 2022 (1)
Senior notes due fiscal 2024 (1)
Senior notes due fiscal 2025 (2)
Senior notes due fiscal 2028 (3)
Term loan due fiscal 2022 (4)
Term loan due fiscal 2023 (5)
Less: Deferred debt issuance costs
Total debt
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Interest Rate
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
Carrying Value
3.59%
3.74%
3.48%
3.79%
3.73%
1.87%
100,750
33,000
117,500
40,000
—
300,000
(3,484)
587,766
—
$
587,766 $
165,000
100,000
250,000
150,000
87,091
—
(2,775)
749,316
(23,975)
725,341
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Issued in December 2011.
Issued in March 2015.
Issued in March 2018.
Issued in June 2015, amended in January 2017.
Issued in December 2019. Interest rate is 1-month LIBOR plus 1.25% as of April 25, 2020.
67
Future principal payments due, based on stated contractual maturities for our long-term debt, are as follows as of
April 25, 2020:
Fiscal Year
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
$
—
100,750
300,000
33,000
117,500
40,000
$
591,250
In fiscal 2017, we entered into an amended credit agreement ("Amended Credit Agreement"), consisting of a
$295,075 term loan and a $750,000 revolving line of credit. In March 2019, we permanently reduced the capacity
under the revolving line of credit to $500,000. 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. During the quarter ended October 26, 2019, we repaid
the remaining $81,558 outstanding under the unsecured term loan. As of April 25, 2020, no amount was outstanding
under the Amended Credit Agreement unsecured term loan or revolving line of credit. At April 27, 2019, $87,091
was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement unsecured term loan at an interest rate of 3.73%, and no
amount was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit. The term loan and revolving
line of credit mature no later than January 2022.
In May 2020, we requested draws on our Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit, resulting in a total of
$450,000 outstanding under the revolving credit facility, representing 90% of the full amount available. The
Company elected to drawdown the revolving line of credit to increase its cash position and provide financial
flexibility in light of current economic conditions and uncertainties arising in connection with the COVID-19
pandemic. The proceeds are being used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
In December 2019, we entered into a senior unsecured term loan facility agreement (the “Term Facility Agreement”),
consisting of a $300,000 term loan. Interest on borrowings is variable and is determined as a base rate plus a
spread. This spread is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Term Facility Agreement. The proceeds were
used to repay certain existing indebtedness, pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Term Facility
Agreement, and finance our ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Term Facility will
mature no later than December 20, 2022. As of April 25, 2020, $300,000 was outstanding under the Term Facility at
an interest rate of 1.87%.
During the three months ended January 25, 2020, we repaid certain indebtedness totaling $373,750. The changes
to the senior notes due between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2028 shown in the table above reflect the aggregate
$373,750 repaid. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash charge of $8,984 during the three months ended
January 25, 2020. This charge relates to the January 2014 forward interest rate swap agreement and accelerated
amortization of debt issuance costs.
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 compliance with the covenants under our debt agreements as of April 25, 2020.
7. Customer Financing
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 the Patterson-
sponsored program, equipment purchased by creditworthy customers 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.
68
First, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper
conduits with MUFG 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 MUFG. At least 9.5% 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 MUFG. The capacity under the agreement
with MUFG at April 25, 2020 was $525,000.
Second, we maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby Fifth Third purchases customers’
financing contracts. PDC Funding II sells its financing contracts to Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the
contracts upon sale to Fifth Third. At least 11.0% 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 25, 2020 was $100,000.
We service 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 DPP receivable, which is
paid to the applicable special purpose entity as payments on the customers’ financing contracts are collected by
Patterson from customers. The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under these
programs and the sum of the cash and fair value of the DPP receivable received at time of transfer is recognized as
a gain on sale of the related receivables and recorded in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations and
other comprehensive (loss) income. Expenses incurred related to customer financing activities are recorded in
operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income.
During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, we sold $357,616, $279,204 and $312,699 of contracts under these
arrangements, respectively. In net sales in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive
(loss) income, we recorded a gain of $43,919, $16,883 and $13,347 during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018,
respectively, related to these contracts sold.
Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets are $21,830 and $34,016 as of April 25,
2020 and April 27, 2019, respectively, which represent cash collected from previously sold customer financing
contracts that have not yet been settled. Included in current receivables in the consolidated balance sheets are
$21,391 and $48,559 as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, respectively, of finance contracts we have not yet sold.
A total of $613,570 of finance contracts receivable sold under the arrangements was outstanding at April 25, 2020.
The DPP receivable under the arrangements was $228,019 and $121,657 as of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019,
respectively. Since the internal financing program began in 1994, bad debt write-offs have amounted to less than
1% of the loans originated.
The arrangements require us to maintain a minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio. We were in
compliance with those covenants at April 25, 2020.
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 25, 2020, PDC Funding had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of
$525,000 and a maturity date of July 2027. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank. As of April 25,
2020, PDC Funding II had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $100,000 and a
maturity date of November 2026. 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.
69
In January 2014, we entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $250,000 and
accounted for it as a cash flow hedge, in order 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 (loss) income, net of tax, and is recognized
as interest expense over the life of the related debt. In fiscal 2020, we repaid certain indebtedness, resulting in
accelerating a portion of this interest expense and recording a pre-tax non-cash charge of $8,134. See Note 6 for
additional information.
We utilize forward interest rate swap agreements to hedge against interest rate fluctuations that impact the amount
of net sales we record related to our customer financing contracts. These interest rate swap 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.
As of April 27, 2019, the remaining notional amount for these interest rate swap agreements was $553,719, with the
latest maturity date in fiscal 2026. During fiscal 2020, we entered into forward interest rate swap agreements with a
notional amount of $317,749. As of April 25, 2020, the remaining notional amount for these interest rate swap
agreements was $634,029, with the latest maturity date in fiscal 2027.
Net cash payments of $1,881 and $89 were made in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, to settle a portion of our
liabilities related to these interest rate swap agreements. These payments are reflected as cash outflows in the
consolidated statements of cash flows within net cash (used in) provided by operating activities.
The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets:
Derivative type
Assets:
Interest rate contracts
Liabilities:
Interest rate contracts
Interest rate contracts
Total liability derivatives
Classification
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
Other non-current assets
$
204 $
380
Other accrued liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
6,789
13,060
19,849 $
1,034
2,160
3,194
$
The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of
operations and other comprehensive (loss) income:
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Interest rate contracts
Income statement location
Interest expense
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
$
(10,458) $
(2,908) $
(2,809)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion)
Fiscal Year Ended
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Income statement location
Interest rate contracts
Other income, net
April 25, 2020
April 27, 2019
April 28, 2018
$
(18,712) $
(2,903) $
—
There were no gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income on cash flow hedging derivatives in
fiscal 2020, 2019 or 2018.
We recorded no ineffectiveness during fiscal 2020, 2019 or 2018. As of April 25, 2020, the estimated pre-tax portion
of accumulated other comprehensive loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve
months is $1,363, which will be recorded as an increase to interest expense.
70
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:
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
DPP receivable - receivables securitization
program
DPP receivable - customer financing
Derivative instruments
Total assets
Liabilities:
April 25, 2020
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
$
3,391 $
3,391 $
— $
—
117,327
228,019
204
—
—
—
—
—
204
117,327
228,019
—
$
348,941 $
3,391 $
204 $
345,346
Derivative instruments
$
19,849 $
— $
19,849 $
—
Assets:
Cash equivalents
DPP receivable - receivables securitization
program
DPP receivable - customer financing
Derivative instruments
Total assets
Liabilities:
April 27, 2019
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
$
19,529 $
19,529 $
— $
—
57,238
121,657
380
—
—
—
—
—
380
57,238
121,657
—
$
198,804 $
19,529 $
380 $
178,895
Derivative instruments
$
3,194 $
— $
3,194 $
—
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.
DPP receivable - receivables securitization program – We value this DPP receivable based on a discounted cash
flow analysis using unobservable inputs, which include 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.
DPP receivable - customer financing – We value this DPP 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.
71
Derivative instruments –Our 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. We adjust the carrying
value of our non-marketable equity securities to fair value when observable transactions of identical or similar
securities occur, or due to an impairment.
During the fiscal year ended April 25, 2020, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $34,334 related to one of our investments
in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income. This gain
was based on the selling price of preferred stock in this investment that is similar to the preferred stock we own, and
was adjusted for differences in liquidation preferences. As of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, this investment had
a carrying value of $51,628 and $17,294, respectively. There were no fair value adjustments to such assets during
the fiscal years ended April 27, 2019 or April 28, 2018.
Our debt is not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of our debt as of
April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019 was $601,856 and $758,121, respectively, as compared to a carrying value of
$587,766 and $749,316 at April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, 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).
The carrying amounts of receivables, net of allowances, accounts payable, and certain accrued and other current
liabilities approximated fair value at April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019.
10. Leases
We lease certain warehouses, office space, vehicles and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or
less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a
straight-line basis over the lease term. We do not separate lease and non-lease components, and instead account
for each lease and non-lease component associated with that lease as a single lease component. Some leases
include one or more options to renew. The exercise of renewal options is at our sole discretion. Our lease
agreements do not contain significant residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants.
Total lease cost for the fiscal year ended April 25, 2020 was $36,302 which includes variable lease costs and short-
term lease costs, which are immaterial.
The following table presents future maturities of lease liabilities:
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
After 2025
Total lease payments
Less: imputed interest
Present value of lease liabilities
$
$
33,195
26,062
15,648
7,181
1,956
877
84,919
(4,359)
80,560
72
The following tables present other supplemental information related to leases:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases
11. Income Taxes
The components of (loss) income before taxes were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25, 2020
$
$
37,934
28,321
April 25, 2020
3.11 years
3.58%
(Loss) income before taxes
United States
International
Total
April 25,
2020
Fiscal Year Ended
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
$
$
(594,431) $
76,035 $
4,024
30,193
(590,407) $
106,228 $
144,278
34,985
179,263
Significant components of income tax (benefit) expense were as follows:
Current:
Federal
Foreign
State
Total current expense
Deferred:
Federal
Foreign
State
Total deferred (benefit) expense
Income tax (benefit) expense
U.S. Tax Reform
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
$
18,300 $
(19) $
7,501
4,959
30,760
9,207
3,402
12,590
(25,918)
164
(6,046)
(31,800)
$
(1,040) $
9,709
(53)
1,106
10,762
23,352 $
5,876
11,228
2,243
19,347
(45,177)
(743)
4,862
(41,058)
(21,711)
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was enacted into law. The Tax Act significantly
revises the future ongoing U.S. federal corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the U.S. federal
corporate tax rate, implementing a territorial tax system, imposing a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain
foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on foreign sourced earnings. Effective
January 1, 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%. For the fiscal years
ended April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, we utilized a 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate. For the fiscal year ended
April 28, 2018, we utilized a blended rate of approximately 30.5%.
Effective for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2019, the Tax Act subjects Patterson to tax on global intangible low-taxed
income (“GILTI”). We have made an accounting policy election to treat the impacts of GILTI as a period cost in the
period incurred.
73
For the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, these impacts resulted in a provisional discrete net tax benefit of $76,648,
which included provisional amounts of $81,871 of tax benefit on U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities, $4,006 of
tax expense for a one-time transition tax on unremitted foreign earnings and $1,217 in withholding tax paid on
current year distributions. During the fiscal year ended April 27, 2019, we completed our accounting for the
previously recorded provisional impacts of the Tax Act and recorded additional remeasurement benefit of $2,355 on
U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities and a reduction to the transition tax cost of $331.
While we have completed our accounting for the impacts of the Tax Act, changes in interpretation of the Tax Act,
analysis of proposed and final regulations as they are issued, current and additional guidance from the Internal
Revenue Service and/or state legislative actions as well as potential changes in accounting standards surrounding
income taxes and the Tax Act may result in further, potentially material, changes to these completed computations.
On March 27, 2020, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act” was signed into law. The
CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of
employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit
refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods
for qualified improvement property. These benefits did not materially impact the Company’s effective tax rate for the
fiscal year ended April 25, 2020. We are continuing to evaluate these tax related provisions as additional guidance
from the Internal Revenue Service and/or state tax authorities becomes available.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in other non-current assets and deferred income taxes on the
consolidated balance sheets. Significant components of our deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Capital accumulation plan
Inventory related items
Bad debt allowance
Stock based compensation expense
Interest rate swap
Foreign tax credit
Lease liability
Other
Gross deferred tax assets
Less: Valuation allowance
Total net deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
LIFO reserve
Amortizable intangibles
Goodwill
Property, plant, equipment
Lease right-of-use asset
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred net long-term income tax liability
April 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
$
2,541 $
10,354
1,857
7,486
1,580
7,248
16,572
2,945
50,583
(14,886)
35,697
3,988
4,887
1,888
6,918
4,041
7,358
—
5,053
34,133
(11,237)
22,896
(32,630)
(69,254)
(11,848)
(39,999)
(16,195)
(169,926)
(134,229) $
(24,098)
(77,126)
(43,903)
(40,793)
—
(185,920)
(163,024)
$
At April 25, 2020, we had a U.S. foreign tax credit asset that will expire in six years. In addition, we have deferred
tax assets which would give rise to tax capital losses if triggered in the future. These losses 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
potential capital loss carryforward attributes totaling $14,886 will not be fully utilized prior to expiration. As a result,
a full valuation allowance has been established against these assets.
With regard to unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries generated after December 31, 2017, we do not currently
provide for U.S. taxes since we intend to reinvest such undistributed earnings indefinitely outside of the United
States. We continue to apply ASC 740 based on the provisions of the tax law that were in effect immediately prior
to the enactment of the new law.
74
Income tax (benefit) 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.
Tax at U.S. statutory rate
State tax provision, net of federal benefit
Effect of foreign taxes
Goodwill impairment
Legal settlement
ESOP
Other permanent differences
Tax reform
Other
Income tax (benefit) expense
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25,
2020
(123,987) $
$
(466)
7,277
107,999
11,088
(2,393)
1,533
—
(2,091)
(1,040) $
$
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
22,306 $
3,492
2,728
—
—
(2,465)
1,074
(2,686)
(1,097)
23,352 $
54,674
4,650
(186)
—
—
(4,036)
(728)
(76,648)
563
(21,711)
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 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, Patterson’s gross unrecognized tax benefits were $11,740 and $13,035,
respectively. If determined to be unnecessary, these amounts (net of deferred tax assets of $2,113 and $2,225,
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 non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
A summary of the changes in the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits 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 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
$
13,035 $
1,182
218
(37)
(2,289)
(369)
11,740 $
$
14,227
972
50
(228)
(1,984)
(2)
13,035
We also recognize both interest and penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income
tax expense. As of April 25, 2020 and April 27, 2019, we had recorded $1,968 and $1,926, respectively, for interest
and penalties. These amounts are also included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
These amounts, net of related deferred tax assets, if determined to be unnecessary, would decrease our effective
tax rate. During the year ended April 25, 2020, we recorded as part of tax expense $394 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 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded an audit of fiscal years ended April
25, 2015 and April 30, 2016. The IRS has either examined or waived examination for all periods up to and including
our fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, 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.
75
12. Technology Partner Innovations, LLC ("TPI")
In fiscal 2019, we entered into an agreement with Cure Partners to form TPI, which offers a cloud-based practice
management software, NaVetor, to its customers. Patterson and Cure Partners each contributed net assets of
$4,000 to form TPI. We determined that TPI is a variable interest entity, and we consolidate the results of operations
of TPI as we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of TPI. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, net loss
attributable to the noncontrolling interest was $921 and $752, respectively, resulting in noncontrolling interests of
$2,327 on the consolidated balance sheets at April 25, 2020.
13. 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 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 (loss) income. The costs to operate the fulfillment centers are allocated to the
business units based on the through-put of the unit.
The following tables present information about our reportable segments and the geographic areas in which we
operate:
Consolidated net sales
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Total
Dental net sales
United States
Canada
Total
Animal Health net sales
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Total
Corporate net sales
United States
Total
April 25,
2020
Fiscal Year Ended
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
$
4,554,345 $
4,638,184 $
4,537,326
608,320
327,346
597,953
338,386
583,057
345,300
5,490,011 $
5,574,523 $
5,465,683
1,900,539 $
1,989,875 $
1,985,398
201,383
201,915
210,680
2,101,922 $
2,191,790 $
2,196,078
2,601,970 $
2,620,104 $
2,524,887
608,320
125,963
597,953
136,471
583,057
134,620
3,336,253 $
3,354,528 $
3,242,564
51,836 $
51,836 $
28,205 $
28,205 $
27,041
27,041
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
76
Consolidated net sales
Consumable
Equipment and software
Value-added services and other
Total
Dental net sales
Consumable
Equipment and software
Value-added services and other
Total
Animal Health net sales
Consumable
Equipment and software
Value-added services and other
Total
Corporate net sales
Value-added services and other
Total
Operating (loss) income
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Consolidated operating (loss) income
Depreciation and amortization
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
April 25,
2020
Fiscal Year Ended
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
$
4,378,018 $
4,482,016 $
4,415,643
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
736,702
375,291
753,805
338,702
709,253
340,787
5,490,011 $
5,574,523 $
5,465,683
1,136,083 $
1,214,814 $
1,251,642
677,548
288,291
694,864
282,112
660,355
284,081
2,101,922 $
2,191,790 $
2,196,078
3,241,935 $
3,267,202 $
3,164,001
59,154
35,164
58,941
28,385
48,898
29,665
3,336,253 $
3,354,528 $
3,242,564
51,836 $
51,836 $
28,205 $
28,205 $
27,041
27,041
April 25,
2020
Fiscal Year Ended
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
168,304 $
179,236 $
(594,743)
(145,680)
81,472
(122,992)
(572,119) $
137,716 $
229,201
78,058
(87,370)
219,889
8,434 $
8,792 $
49,958
23,790
49,362
24,619
7,435
50,892
25,489
83,816
Consolidated depreciation and amortization
$
82,182 $
82,773 $
77
Property and equipment, net
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Total property and equipment, net
Total assets
Dental
Animal Health
Corporate
Total assets
14. Stockholders’ Equity
Dividends
April 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
$
294,169 $
295,381
2,030
7,526
1,976
8,433
$
303,725 $
305,790
April 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
$
704,216 $
641,721
1,485,284
525,850
2,156,723
470,825
$
2,715,350 $
3,269,269
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.
Fiscal year
2020
2019
2018
Share Repurchases
Quarter
1
2
3
4
$
0.26 $
0.26 $
0.26 $
0.26
0.26
0.26
0.26
0.26
0.26
0.26
0.26
0.26
During fiscal 2020 and 2019, we had no repurchases of shares of our common stock. During fiscal 2018, we
repurchased and retired 2,147 shares of our common stock for $87,500, or an average of $40.75 per share.
On March 13, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a $500,000 share repurchase program through March 13,
2021. As of April 25, 2020, $500,000 remains available under the current repurchase authorization.
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. In fiscal 2021, 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.
78
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 25, 2020, a total of 9,592 shares of common stock that have been allocated to participants remained in the
ESOP and had a fair market value of $175,347. Related to the shares from the Thompson transaction, committed-
to-be-released shares were 15 and suspense shares were 379. Finally, with respect to the 2006 note, committed-to-
be-released shares were 467 and suspense shares were 230.
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 2020, 2019 and 2018, the compensation expense
recognized related to the ESOP was $14,419, $13,740 and $18,132, respectively.
We anticipate the allocation of the remaining suspense, or unearned, shares to occur in fiscal 2021. As of April 25,
2020, the fair value of all unearned shares held by the ESOP was $9,319. 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.
15. Stock-based Compensation
The consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018
include pre-tax (after-tax) stock-based compensation expense of $22,935 ($17,789), $19,685 ($15,588) and
$18,400 ($13,037), respectively. Pre-tax expense is included in operating expenses within the consolidated
statements of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income.
As of April 25, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards was $24,461, and it is
expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years.
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan
In September 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan"), which was
amended and restated in September 2018. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued
is 11,500. 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 25, 2020, there were 5,322 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 25, 2020, there were 447 shares outstanding under prior plans.
Inducement Awards
On June 29, 2018, we issued a combination of non-statutory stock options and restricted stock units outside our
Incentive Plan to our Chief Financial Officer. The stock option covers 99 shares of our common stock, has an
exercise price of $22.67 per share, and has a 10-year term. Such award will vest, assuming continued employment,
to the extent of one-third of the award on the first anniversary of the date of grant, one-third of the award on the
second anniversary of the date of grant, and the remaining one-third of the award on the third anniversary of the
79
date of grant. The restricted stock unit award covers 31 shares of our common stock. Such award will vest,
assuming continued employment, to the extent of 50% of the award on the first anniversary of the date of grant and
the remaining 50% of the award on the second anniversary of the date of grant.
On December 1, 2017, we issued a restricted stock unit award outside our Incentive Plan to our Chief Executive
Officer. The award covers 56 shares of common stock and will vest, assuming continued employment, to the extent
of 50% of the award on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining 50% of the award on the second
anniversary of the date of grant.
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
The following is a summary of stock option activity:
Balance as of April 27, 2019
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Balance as of April 25, 2020
Vested or expected to vest as of April 25, 2020
Exercisable as of April 25, 2020
Fiscal Year Ended
April 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
4.7%
26.8%
1.8%
6.0
3.37 $
4.5%
24.6%
2.9%
6.2
3.66 $
2.2%
21.6%
1.9%
6.6
8.18
$
Number
of
Options
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
1,556 $
1,318
—
(441)
2,433 $
2,349 $
402 $
39.96
22.22
—
46.94
29.08 $
29.28 $
41.65 $
—
—
—
The weighted average remaining contractual lives of options outstanding and options exercisable as of April 25,
2020 were 8.1 and 5.9 years, respectively.
Related to stock options exercised, the intrinsic value, cash received and tax benefits realized were $2, $13 and $0,
respectively, in fiscal 2019; and $88, $324 and $3, respectively, in fiscal 2018. No stock options were exercised in
fiscal 2020.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest over a three, five or seven
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 year. 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $8,788,
$5,683 and $6,939, respectively.
80
The following is a summary of restricted stock award activity:
Outstanding at April 27, 2019
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures
Outstanding at April 25, 2020
The following is a summary of restricted stock unit activity:
Outstanding at April 27, 2019
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures
Outstanding at April 25, 2020
Performance Unit Awards
Restricted Stock Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares
167 $
43
(93)
(11)
106 $
37.91
18.71
34.28
43.43
32.71
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
30.97
22.11
31.24
31.69
27.16
Shares
1,125 $
508
(328)
(89)
1,216 $
In fiscal 2020 and 2019, we granted performance unit awards to certain executives 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. In fiscal 2018, 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. No performance unit awards vested in
fiscal 2020, 2019 or 2018. In fiscal 2020, it was determined that a portion of the operating goals established for
performance unit awards granted in fiscal 2019 had been met and 120 shares will vest, assuming continued
employment, at the end of the requisite service period.
The following is a summary of performance unit award activity at target:
Outstanding at April 27, 2019
Granted
Vested
Forfeitures and cancellations
Outstanding at April 25, 2020
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP")
Performance Unit Awards
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares
285 $
151
—
(74)
362 $
34.86
22.25
—
50.80
26.38
We sponsor an ESPP under which a total of 9,000 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
81
December 31 of each calendar year. At April 25, 2020, there were 2,068 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 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 25,
2020
April 27,
2019
April 28,
2018
5.1%
34.3%
1.6%
0.6
4.98 $
5.2%
38.6%
2.5%
0.6
5.21 $
2.8%
28.1%
1.7%
0.6
8.73
$
We also sponsored an employee CAP. A total of 6,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under
the CAP. Key employees of Patterson were 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
was 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.
Effective September 5, 2018, our Board of Directors took the following irrevocable actions with respect to our CAP:
(1) it immediately reduced the number of shares available for purchase under the CAP by 1,500, and (2) it
terminated the CAP for new participants, effective January 1, 2019. At April 25, 2020, 274 shares were available for
purchase under the CAP.
We estimated the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our CAP using the Black-Scholes option pricing
valuation model with the following assumptions. No CAP shares were granted in fiscal 2020 or 2019.
Expected dividend yield
Expected stock price volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Weighted average grant date fair value per share
16. Litigation
April 28,
2018
2.8%
24.4%
1.8%
1.0
12.98
$
From time to time, we become involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings, government subpoenas, and
government investigations (which may, in some cases, involve our entering into settlement agreements or consent
decrees), relating to antitrust, commercial, environmental, product liability, intellectual property, regulatory,
employment discrimination, securities, and other matters, including matters arising out of the ordinary course of
business. The results of any legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty because such matters are
inherently uncertain. Significant damages or penalties may be sought in some matters, and some matters may
require years to resolve.
We accrue for these matters when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss
can be reasonably estimated. Unless otherwise noted, with respect to the specific legal proceedings and claims
described below, the amount or range or possible losses is not reasonably estimable. Adverse outcomes in some or
all of these matters may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could adversely
affect our ability to conduct our business. There also exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our
financial statements for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and reasonably
estimable.
82
On August 31, 2012, Archer and White Sales, Inc. (“Archer”) filed a complaint against Henry Schein, Inc. as well as
Danaher Corporation and its subsidiaries Instrumentarium Dental, Inc., Dental Equipment, LLC, Kavo Dental
Technologies, LLC and Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation (collectively, the “Danaher Defendants”) in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Civil Action No. 2:12-CV-00572-JRG, styled as an antitrust
action under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and the Texas Free Enterprise Antitrust Act. Archer alleges a conspiracy
between Henry Schein, an unnamed company and the Danaher Defendants to terminate or limit Archer’s
distribution rights. On August 1, 2017, Archer filed an amended complaint, adding Patterson Companies, Inc. and
Benco Dental Supply Company as defendants, and alleging that Henry Schein, Patterson, Benco and non-
defendant Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc. conspired to pressure and agreed to enlist their common
suppliers, including the Danaher Defendants, to join a price-fixing conspiracy and boycott by reducing the
distribution territory of, and eventually terminating, Archer. Archer seeks injunctive relief, and damages in an amount
to be proved at trial, to be trebled with interest and costs, including attorneys’ fees, jointly and severally. On June 25,
2018, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to review an arbitration issue raised by the Danaher Defendants,
thereby continuing the case stay implemented in March 2018. On October 29, 2018, the Supreme Court heard oral
arguments. On January 8, 2019, the Supreme Court issued its published decision vacating the judgment of the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and remanded the case to the Fifth Circuit for further proceedings on a second
arbitration issue consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion. The Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments on May 1,
2019. On August 14, 2019, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the District Court’s finding that the arbitration provision does not
apply to this litigation. On January 15, 2020, we reached an agreement in principle to settle with Archer. On March
23, 2020, we settled with Archer and the action against Patterson was dismissed on March 31, 2020.
On March 28, 2018, Plymouth County Retirement System (“Plymouth”) filed a federal securities class action
complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc. and its former CEO Scott P. Anderson and former CFO Ann B. Gugino
in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in a case captioned Plymouth County Retirement System v.
Patterson Companies, Inc., Scott P. Anderson and Ann B. Gugino, Case No. 0:18-cv-00871 MJD/SER. On
November 9, 2018, the complaint was amended to add former CEO James W. Wiltz and former CFO R. Stephen
Armstrong as individual defendants. Under the amended complaint, on behalf of all persons or entities that
purchased or otherwise acquired Patterson’s common stock between June 26, 2013 and February 28, 2018,
Plymouth alleges that Patterson violated federal securities laws by failing to disclose that Patterson’s revenue and
earnings were “artificially inflated by Defendants’ illicit, anti-competitive scheme with its purported competitors,
Benco and Schein, to prevent the formation of buying groups that would allow its customers who were office-based
practitioners to take advantage of pricing arrangements identical or comparable to those enjoyed by large-group
customers.” In its class action complaint, Plymouth asserts one count against Patterson for violating Section 10(b)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and a second, related count
against the individual defendants for violating Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Plymouth seeks compensatory
damages, pre- and post-judgment interest and reasonable attorneys’ fees and experts’ witness fees and costs. On
August 30, 2018, Gwinnett County Public Employees Retirement System and Plymouth County Retirement System,
Pembroke Pines Pension Fund for Firefighters and Police Officers, Central Laborers Pension Fund were appointed
lead plaintiffs. On January 18, 2019, Patterson and the individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended
complaint. On July 25, 2019, the U.S. Magistrate Judge issued a report and recommendation that the motion to
dismiss be granted in part and denied in part. The report and recommendation, among other things, recommends
the dismissal of all claims against individuals defendants Ann B. Gugino, R. Stephen Armstrong and James W.
Wiltz. On September 10, 2019, the District Court adopted the Magistrate Judge’s report and recommendation. While
the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, we believe that the class action complaint is without merit, and we
are vigorously defending ourselves in this litigation. We do not anticipate that this matter will have a material
adverse effect on our financial statements. Patterson has also received, and responded to, requests under
Minnesota Business Corporation Act § 302A.461 to inspect corporate books and records relating to the issues
raised in the securities class action complaint and certain antitrust litigation.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia (“USAO-WDVA”)
informed us that our subsidiary, Animal Health International, Inc., had been designated a target of a criminal
investigation. The investigation originally related to Animal Health International’s sales of prescription animal health
products to certain persons and/or locations not licensed to receive them in Virginia and Tennessee in violation of
federal law. After being contacted by the USAO-WDVA, Patterson retained outside legal counsel and began an
internal investigation. Since that time, we produced documents both responsive to grand jury subpoenas and
voluntarily. In December 2018, as a result of our internal investigation, we voluntarily advised the USAO-WDVA that
some of Animal Health International’s shipments of prescription animal health products were made from a
warehouse rather than a pharmacy to end-user customers in the states of Virginia and Tennessee. Thereafter, as
part of our internal investigation, we conducted a comprehensive review of Animal Health International’s distribution
83
and licensing practices across all 50 U.S. states. That review identified compliance issues in additional states, which
we voluntarily disclosed to the USAO-WDVA in April 2019. Our Board of Directors established a special
investigation committee to oversee and conduct the investigation, to review our licensing, dispensing, distribution
and related sales practices company-wide, and to report on its findings to the Board and to the USAO-WDVA. As a
result of the internal investigation, we modified our licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes
company-wide. We reached an agreement with the USAO-WDVA that resolved the federal government’s criminal
investigation into Animal Health International and other non-compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related
sales processes disclosed during the investigation. Under the terms of the agreement, Animal Health International
paid a total criminal fine and forfeiture of $52,800 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and Animal Health International
pleaded guilty to a strict-liability misdemeanor offense under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in
connection with its failure to comply with federal law relating to the sales of prescription animal health products. In
addition, Animal Health International and Patterson entered into a non-prosecution agreement for other non-
compliant licensing, dispensing, distribution and related sales processes disclosed during the investigation and
committed to undertake additional compliance program enhancements and provide compliance certifications for the
period from the date of signing the non-prosecution agreement through the next three full fiscal years. The
sentencing hearing took place on May 4, 2020, and the court entered a one-year probation period for Animal Health
International. We recorded a reserve of $58,300 in our Corporate segment for the three and six months ended
October 26, 2019 to account for the then-anticipated settlement of this matter and certain related costs and
expenses. This matter may continue to divert management’s attention and cause us to suffer reputational harm. We
also may be subject to other fines or penalties, equitable remedies (including but not limited to the suspension,
revocation or non-renewal of licenses) and litigation. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
On October 1, 2018, Sally Pemberton filed a stockholder derivative complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc., as
a nominal defendant, and the following former and current officers and directors of Patterson: Scott Anderson, Ann
Gugino, Mark Walchirk, John Buck, Alex Blanco, Jody Feragen, Sarena Lin, Ellen Rudnick, Neil Schrimsher, Les
Vinney, James Wiltz, Paul Guggenheim, David Misiak and Tim Rogan as individual defendants in the U.S. District
Court for the District of Minnesota in a case captioned Sally Pemberton v. Scott P. Anderson, et al., Case No. 18-
CV-2818 (PJS/HB). Derivatively on behalf of Patterson, plaintiff alleges that Patterson, with Benco and Henry
Schein, “engage[d] in a conspiracy in restraint of trade, whereby the companies agreed to refuse to offer discounted
prices or otherwise negotiate with GPOs, agreed to fix margins on dental supplies and equipment, agreed not to
poach one another’s customers or sales representatives, and agreed to block the entry and expansion of rival
distributors. Plaintiff further alleges that the individual defendants failed to disclose Patterson’s alleged “antitrust
misconduct” to the public and purportedly caused Patterson to repurchase $412,800 of its own stock at prices that
were artificially inflated. In the derivative complaint, plaintiff asserts six counts against the individual defendants for:
(i) breach of fiduciary duty; (ii) waste of corporate assets; (iii) unjust enrichment; (iv) violations of Section 14(a) of
the Exchange Act; (v) violations of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act and (vi) violations of Section
20(a) of the Exchange Act. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages with pre-judgment and post-judgment interest,
costs, disbursements and reasonable attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, costs and expenses, and an order awarding
restitution from the individual defendants and directing Patterson “to take all necessary actions to reform and
improve its corporate governance and internal procedures.” On September 10, 2019, the Honorable Patrick J.
Schiltz dismissed this action without prejudice because the plaintiff failed to make a pre-suit demand on Patterson’s
Board of Directors. On October 31, 2019, Patterson’s Board received a written demand to initiate litigation against
its officers and directors based on the claims Ms. Pemberton originally presented in her complaint. Following this
demand, and after consultation with legal counsel, effective March 16, 2020, the Board adopted a resolution
appointing Professor John Matheson and The Honorable George McGunnigle, retired Judge of Hennepin County
District Court, as a special litigation committee pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 302A.241. Pursuant to the
resolution, the special litigation committee has complete power and authority to investigate the demand, analyze the
legal rights or remedies of Patterson, determine whether those rights or remedies should be pursued, and respond
to Ms. Pemberton on behalf of Patterson.
On August 28, 2018, Kirsten Johnsen filed a stockholder derivative complaint against Patterson Companies, Inc., as
a nominal defendant, and the following former and current officers and directors of Patterson: Scott Anderson, Ann
Gugino, James Wiltz, John Buck, Jody Feragen, Ellen Rudnick, Les Vinney, Neil Schrimsher, Sarena Lin, Harold
Slavkin, Alex Blanco and Mark Walchirk as individual defendants in Hennepin County District Court in a case
captioned Kirsten Johnsen v. Scott P. Anderson et al., Case No. 27-CV-18-14315. Derivatively on behalf of
Patterson, plaintiff alleges that Patterson “suppressed price competition and maintained supracompetitive prices for
dental supplies and equipment by entering into agreements with Henry Schein and Benco to: (i) fix margins for
dental supplies and equipment; and (ii) block the entry and expansion of lower-margin, lower-priced, rival dental
84
distributors through threatened and actual group boycotts.” Plaintiff further alleges that the individual defendants
failed to disclose Patterson’s alleged “price-fixing scheme” to the public and purportedly “caused Patterson to
repurchase over $412,800 worth of its own stock at artificially inflated prices.” In the derivative complaint, plaintiff
asserts three counts against the individual defendants for: (i) breach of fiduciary duty; (ii) waste of corporate assets;
and (iii) unjust enrichment. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages, equitable and injunctive relief as permitted by
law, costs, disbursements and reasonable attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees and experts’ fees, costs and expenses,
and an order awarding restitution from the individual defendants and directing Patterson “to take all necessary
actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures.” On February 19, 2019, the
Hennepin County District Court ordered this litigation stayed pending resolution of the above-described case
brought by Sally Pemberton. On September 10, 2019, the Honorable Patrick J. Schiltz dismissed Pemberton
without prejudice because the plaintiff failed to make a pre-suit demand on Patterson’s Board of Directors. On
November 5, 2019, the defendants in Johnsen moved to dismiss such action based on plaintiff’s failure to make a
pre-suit demand or otherwise properly plead demand futility. On December 12, 2019, in light of the outcome in
Pemberton, the defendants and Johnsen entered into a stipulation for voluntary dismissal of the Johnsen action,
which the court granted on December 13, 2019. On April 27, 2020, Patterson’s Board received a written demand to
initiate litigation against its officers and directors based on the claims Ms. Johnsen originally presented in her
complaint. The Board is in the process of reviewing the demand and determining how to address it.
17. 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 presented include results for 13 weeks.
Quarter Ended
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating (loss) income
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson
Companies, Inc.
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to
Patterson Companies, Inc.:
$
April 25, 2020 (1)
January 25, 2020
October 26, 2019 (2)
July 27, 2019 (3)
$ 1,286,461 $
1,456,155 $
1,418,744 $ 1,328,651
294,032
(614,463)
(608,797)
(211)
311,830
43,816
22,972
(255)
301,494
(18,146)
(33,349)
(220)
290,054
16,674
29,807
(235)
(608,586) $
23,227 $
(33,129) $
30,042
Basic
Diluted
$
$
(6.44) $
(6.44) $
0.25 $
0.24 $
(0.35) $
(0.35) $
0.32
0.32
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating (loss) income
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net (loss) income attributable to Patterson
Companies, Inc.
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to
Patterson Companies, Inc.:
Quarter Ended
April 27, 2019
January 26, 2019
October 27, 2018
July 28, 2018 (4)
$ 1,436,706 $
1,396,745 $ 1,404,752 $ 1,336,320
312,527
46,623
27,685
299,509
45,363
31,054
295,076
41,216
28,646
(305)
(171)
(223)
283,663
4,514
(4,509)
(53)
$
27,990 $
31,225 $
28,869 $
(4,456)
Basic
Diluted
$
$
0.30 $
0.30 $
0.34 $
0.33 $
0.31 $
0.31 $
(0.05)
(0.05)
85
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded goodwill impairment charges totaling $675,055 in our
Animal Health segment. See Note 1 for additional information. In addition, the COVID-19 virus had a
significant impact on our businesses in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Through March 2020, sales in our
Dental and Animal Health segments were up year over year. In April 2020, our Dental segment sales were
down approximately 71% and our Animal Health segment sales were down approximately 9%, as compared
to April 2019. In addition, operating expenses were also down significantly in April 2020 as certain variable
expenses decreased with sales.
We incurred costs and expenses of $58,300 during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 related to the then-
probable settlement of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia. See
Note 16 for additional information.
We recorded a pre-tax gain of $34,334 related to one of our investments during the first quarter of fiscal
2020. This gain was based on the selling price of preferred stock in this investment that is similar to the
preferred stock we own, and was adjusted for differences in liquidation preferences. In addition, we incurred
expenses of $17,666 during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 related to the settlement of litigation with
SourceOne Dental, Inc.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $28,263 related to a litigation settlement.
18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of April 25, 2020:
AOCL at April 27, 2019
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from AOCL
AOCL at April 25, 2020
Cash Flow
Hedges
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
$
$
(10,830) $
—
5,292
(5,538) $
(77,439) $
(14,062)
—
(91,501) $
Total
(88,269)
(14,062)
5,292
(97,039)
The amounts reclassified from AOCL during fiscal 2020 represent gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of
taxes of $2,460. The impact to the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income
was an increase to interest expense of $10,458, which includes $8,134 of expense related to the early repayment of
debt discussed further in Note 6. In addition, due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02, $2,707 was reclassified from
AOCL to retained earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. See Note 1 for additional information.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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 25, 2020. 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 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.
86
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Patterson Companies, Inc. 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 Exchange Act. 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 25,
2020, 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 25, 2020. 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/ Mark S. Walchirk
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Donald J. Zurbay
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.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)
under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended April 25, 2020 that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
87
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 14, 2020 (the “2020 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
“Information About Our Executive Officers.” 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 “Delinquent
Section 16(a) Reports” in the 2020 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 2020 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 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under
the caption “Executive Compensation” in the 2020 Proxy Statement. Information regarding director compensation is
incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Non-Employee Director
Compensation” in the 2020 Proxy Statement. Information regarding the compensation committee and its report is
incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Our Board of Directors and
Committees - Committee Responsibilities - Our Compensation Committee and Its Report” in the 2020 Proxy
Statement.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by
reference to the information set forth under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2020 Proxy
Statement. Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is
incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management” in the 2020 Proxy Statement.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information regarding transactions with related persons is incorporated herein by reference to the information set
forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the 2020 Proxy Statement. Information
regarding director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption
“Our Board of Directors and Committees” in the 2020 Proxy Statement.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information relating to principal accounting fees and services and pre-approval policies and procedures is
incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Proposal No. 4 Ratification of
Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the 2020
Proxy Statement.
88
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
PART IV
(a)
1. Financial Statements.
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 Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) 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.
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)).
Description of Securities (filed herewith).
Patterson Companies,
Compensation Plan for Fiscal 2020 (filed herewith).**
Inc. Summary of Material Terms of Management
Incentive
Patterson Companies Amended and Restated Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by
reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed December 6, 2018 (File No.
000-20572)).**
Patterson Companies,
Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(incorporated by reference to Annex A to our Definitive Schedule 14A (Proxy Statement), filed
August 2, 2019 (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)).**
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)).**
89
Exhibit
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
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
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
Patterson Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated
by reference to Annex A to our Definitive Schedule 14A (Proxy Statement), filed August 6, 2018
(File No. 000-20572)).**
The Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan (filed herewith).**
Employment Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Mark S. Walchirk,
dated October 23, 2017 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
October 24, 2017 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Inducement RSU Award Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Mark S.
Walchirk, dated December 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form
10-K, filed June 27, 2018 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and
Mark S. Walchirk, dated April 17, 2020 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed April 20, 2020 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Offer Letter by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Donald J. Zurbay, effective May
17, 2018 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2018
(File No. 000-20572)).**
Form of Inducement, Severance & Change in Control Agreement by and between Patterson
Companies, Inc. and Donald J. Zurbay (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2018 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Form of Inducement Non Statutory Stock Option Agreement by and between Patterson
Companies, Inc. and Donald J. Zurbay (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2018 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Form of Inducement RSU Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Donald
J. Zurbay (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 23, 2018
(File No. 000-20572)).**
Inducement, Severance and Change-in-Control Agreement by and between Patterson
Companies, Inc. and Eric Shirley, dated February 4, 2019 (incorporated by reference to our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 26, 2019 (File No. 000-20572).**
Restrictive Covenants, Severance and Change-in-Control Agreement by and between
Patterson Companies, Inc. and Kevin M. Pohlman, dated June 11, 2018 (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 12, 2018 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Restrictive Covenants, Severance and Change-in-Control Agreement by and between
Patterson Companies, Inc. and Les B. Korsh, dated June 11, 2018 (incorporated by reference
to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 12, 2018 (File No. 000-20572)).**
Inducement, Severance and Change-in-Control Agreement by and between Patterson
Companies, Inc. and Andrea Frohning, dated May 21, 2018 (incorporated by reference to our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 26, 2019 (File No. 000-20572).**
Separation Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Scott P. Anderson,
dated July 1, 2019 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
September 4, 2019 (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)).
Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as May 10, 2002, by and among Patterson Dental Supply,
Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc., and PDC Funding Company, LLC, conformed through
Amendment No. 4, dated as of October 9, 2018 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 6, 2019 (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)).
90
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
21
23
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)).
Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of December 3,
2010, among PDC Funding Company, LLC, as seller, Patterson Companies, Inc., as servicer,
the conduits party thereto, the financial institutions party thereto, the purchaser agents party
thereto, and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (f.k.a. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.), as agent,
conformed through Seventeenth Amendment dated June 19, 2020 (filed herewith).
Amended and Restated Contract Purchase Agreement dated as of August 12, 2011, among
PDC Funding Company II, LLC, as seller, Patterson Companies, Inc., as servicer, the
purchasers party thereto, and Fifth Third Bank, as agent, conformed through Thirteenth
Amendment, dated May 19, 2020 (filed herewith).
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)).
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, conformed through Third Amendment, dated April 24, 2020 (filed herewith).
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, conformed through Second Amendment, dated April 24, 2020 (filed
herewith).
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, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
(formerly known as The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.), as administrative agent, and
Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, conformed through Third Amendment, dated
December 20, 2019 (filed herewith).
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2018, among Patterson Companies, Inc.,
and certain of its named subsidiaries as borrowers, and various private lenders, conformed
through Second Amendment, dated April 24, 2020 (filed herewith).
Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 24, 2018, by and among Patterson Dental
Supply, Inc., as servicer, PDC Funding Company III, LLC, as seller, purchasers from time to
time party thereto, and MUFG Bank, Ltd., as agent, conformed through Fourth Amendment,
dated January 15, 2020 (filed herewith).
Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of July 24, 2018, by and between Patterson Dental
Supply, Inc., as seller, and PDC Funding Company III, LLC, as buyer (incorporated by
reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 25, 2018 (File No. 000-20572)).
Loan Agreement, dated December 20, 2019, among Patterson Companies, Inc., the lenders
from time to time parties thereto, and MUFG Bank Ltd., as administrative agent (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2019 (File No.
000-20572).
Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2020, by and among Patterson
Veterinary Supply, Inc., as servicer, PDC Funding Company IV, LLC, as seller, purchasers from
time to time party thereto, and MUFG Bank, Ltd., as agent (incorporated by reference to our
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 17, 2020 (File No. 000-20572).
Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2020, by and between Patterson
Veterinary Supply, Inc., as seller, and PDC Funding Company IV, LLC, as buyer (incorporated
by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 17, 2020 (File No. 000-20572).
Subsidiaries (filed herewith).
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
91
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
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 Financial 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 2020, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the
consolidated balance sheets, (ii) the consolidated statements of operations and other
comprehensive (loss) income, (iii) the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’
equity, (iv) the consolidated statements of cash flows and (v) the notes to the consolidated
financial statements.(*)
(*)
The iXBRL 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.
**
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.
(b) See Index to Exhibits.
(c) See Schedule II.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
92
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 25, 2020
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
LIFO inventory adjustment
Inventory obsolescence reserve
Total inventory reserve
$
$
6,772 $
91,342 $
10,099
$ 101,441 $
2,008 $
8,384 $
27,405
35,789 $
— $
— $
—
— $
3,657 $
— $
11,978
11,978 $
5,123
99,726
25,526
125,252
Year ended April 27, 2019
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
LIFO inventory adjustment
Inventory obsolescence reserve
Total inventory reserve
Year ended April 28, 2018
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
LIFO inventory adjustment
Inventory obsolescence reserve
Total inventory reserve
$
$
$
$
$
$
9,537 $
82,105 $
5,376
87,481 $
7,333 $
9,237 $
30,995
40,232 $
— $
— $
—
— $
10,098 $
— $
26,272
26,272 $
6,772
91,342
10,099
101,441
9,342 $
77,816 $
5,621
83,437 $
6,280 $
4,289 $
22,919
27,208 $
— $
— $
—
— $
6,085 $
— $
23,164
23,164 $
9,537
82,105
5,376
87,481
93
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: June 24, 2020
PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
By /s/ Mark S. Walchirk
Mark S. Walchirk
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/ Mark S. Walchirk
Mark S. Walchirk
/s/ Donald J. Zurbay
Donald J. Zurbay
/s/ John D. Buck
John D. Buck
/s/ Alex N. Blanco
Alex N. Blanco
/s/ Jody H. Feragen
Jody H. Feragen
/s/ Robert C. Frenzel
Robert C. Frenzel
/s/ Francis J. Malecha
Francis J. Malecha
/s/ Ellen A. Rudnick
Ellen A. Rudnick
/s/ Neil A. Schrimsher
Neil A. Schrimsher
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date
June 24, 2020
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
June 24, 2020
Chairman of the Board
June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
94
Executive Officers
Mark S. Walchirk
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Donald J. Zurbay
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
Andrea L. Frohning
Chief Human Resources Officer
Les B. Korsh
Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Kevin M. Pohlman
President, Animal Health
Eric R. Shirley
President, Dental
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
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Stock Transfer Agent
EQ Shareowner Services
1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100
1-800-401-1957
Investor Relations Contact
John M. Wright
Vice President, Investor Relations
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders of
Patterson Companies, Inc. will be held
virtually at 4:30 p.m., Central Daylight
Saving Time, on Monday, September 14,
2020. To attend the annual meeting
online, listen to the meeting live,
submit questions and vote, please visit
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/
PDCO2020.
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 at
the corporate headquarters.
Directors
John D. Buck ( C, E )
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
Whitefish Ventures, LLC
Mark S. Walchirk
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Patterson Companies, Inc.
Alex N. Blanco ( A, B, C)
Former Senior Vice President
and Chief Supply Chain Officer
of Baxter International
Jody H. Feragen ( A, C, D)
Former Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Hormel Foods Corporation
Robert C. Frenzel ( A, D, E)
President and
Chief Operating Officer
Xcel Energy Inc.
Francis J. Malecha ( A, B, D)
Manager of Hidden Lake
Vineyard, LLC
Ellen A. Rudnick ( B, D, E )
Senior Advisor on Entrepreneurship
University of Chicago
Booth School of Business
Neil A. Schrimsher ( B, C, E )
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.
(A) Member of Audit Committee
(B) Member of Compensation Committee
(C) Member of Compliance Committee
(D) Member of Finance and Corporate
Development Committee
(E) Member of Governance and
Nominating Committee
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Patterson Companies, Inc.
1031 Mendota Heights Road
St. Paul, MN 55120-1419
651.686.1600
pattersoncompanies.com
WE ARE PATTERSON.