UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007
Commission file number 001-12215

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

1290 Wall Street West
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
(201) 393-5000

Delaware
(State of Incorporation)

16-1387862
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

 

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 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.
See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer    X       Accelerated filer              Non-accelerated filer          

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes             No    X   

As of April 20, 2007, there were 192,691,402 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value.


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.      Financial Statements      
      Page
  Index to consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report:      
         
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the      
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006   2  
         
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of      
  March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006   3  
         
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the      
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006   4  
         
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   5  
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition      
  and Results of Operations      
         
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial      
     Condition and Results of Operations   21  
         
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      
         
  See Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition   28  
     and Results of Operations”      
         
Item 4. Controls and Procedures      
         
  Controls and Procedures   28  

1


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
         
2006
 
 
Net revenues   $ 1,526,208    
$
1,553,105  
 
 
Operating costs and expenses:                
Cost of services     931,785       916,160  
Selling, general and administrative     384,793       348,514  
Amortization of intangible assets     4,460       2,338  
Other operating expense, net     4,300       27,375  
     Total operating costs and expenses
 
 
1,325,338
   
 
1,294,387
 
 
Operating income     200,870       258,718  
 
Other income (expense):                
Interest expense, net     (26,527 )     (23,493 )
Minority share of income     (6,130 )     (5,408 )
Equity earnings in unconsolidated joint ventures     6,904       8,012  
Other income, net     2,008       17,440  
     Total non-operating expenses, net
    (23,745 )     (3,449 )
 
Income from continuing operations before taxes     177,125       255,269  
Income tax expense     69,610       100,666  
Income from continuing operations     107,515       154,603  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     (1,622 )     (9,967 )
Net income  
$
105,893
   
$
144,636
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - basic:                
Income from continuing operations   $ 0.56    
$
0.78  
Loss from discontinued operations     (0.01 )     (0.05 )
Net income   $ 0.55    
$
0.73  
 
Earnings per common share - diluted:                
Income from continuing operations   $ 0.55    
$
0.77  
Loss from discontinued operations     (0.01 )     (0.05 )
Net income   $ 0.54    
$
0.72  
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                
Basic     193,379       198,395  
Diluted     195,263       201,034  
 
Dividends per common share   $ 0.10    
$
0.10  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2007 AND DECEMBER 31, 2006
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
         
2006
 
 
Assets                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 158,397     $ 149,640  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $208,521                
   and $205,086 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively     810,576       774,414  
Inventories     87,717       78,564  
Deferred income taxes     107,501       120,540  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     82,758       67,860  
   Total current assets     1,246,949       1,191,018  
Property, plant and equipment, net     760,857       752,357  
Goodwill, net     3,724,768       3,391,046  
Intangible assets, net     312,037       193,346  
Other assets     141,931       133,715  
Total assets  
$
6,186,542
   
$
5,661,482
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 800,698     $ 833,996  
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt     767,041       316,874  
   Total current liabilities     1,567,739       1,150,870  
Long-term debt     1,238,265       1,239,105  
Other liabilities     351,306       252,336  
Stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 600,000 shares authorized at                
   both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006; 213,743 and 213,755                
   issued at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively     2,137       2,138  
Additional paid-in capital     2,183,699       2,185,073  
Retained earnings     1,881,749       1,800,255  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     593       (65 )
Treasury stock, at cost; 21,165 and 19,806 shares at March 31, 2007 and                
   December 31, 2006, respectively  
 
(1,038,946
)     (968,230 )
   Total stockholders’ equity  
 
3,029,232
   
 
3,019,171
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
$
6,186,542
   
$
5,661,482
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

3


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2007
         
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net income  
$
105,893    
$
144,636  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating                
   activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     50,335       49,060  
Provision for doubtful accounts     67,508       63,423  
Stock-based compensation expense     16,084       19,379  
Provision for restructuring and other special charges     -       24,841  
Deferred income tax benefit     (8,758 )     (11,633 )
Minority share of income     6,130       5,408  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements     (4,201 )     (12,744 )
Other, net     1,348       (17,591 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
   Accounts receivable     (94,031 )     (106,239 )
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (45,398 )     (1,916 )
   Integration, settlement and other special charges     (2,143 )     (35 )
   Income taxes payable     67,895       98,882  
   Other assets and liabilities, net     (9,109 )  
 
(14,812
)
Net cash provided by operating activities  
 
151,553
   
 
240,659
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (306,627 )     -  
Capital expenditures     (40,126 )     (42,186 )
Proceeds from disposition of assets     1,925       3  
(Increase) decrease in investments and other assets     (1,119 )     14,192  
Net cash used in investing activities  
 
(345,947
)  
 
(27,991
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Proceeds from borrowings     450,000       -  
Repayments of debt     (128,343 )     (60,044 )
Purchases of treasury stock     (105,000 )     (103,977 )
Dividends paid     (19,401 )     (17,877 )
Exercise of stock options     17,552       38,798  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements     4,201       12,744  
Decrease in book overdrafts     (10,158 )     (14,336 )
Distributions to minority partners     (4,743 )     (3,130 )
Financing costs paid     (957 )     (515 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  
 
203,151
   
 
(148,337
)
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     8,757       64,331  
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  
 
149,640
      92,130  
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  
$
158,397
   
$
156,461
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

1.         BASIS OF PRESENTATION

          Background

          Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“Quest Diagnostics” or the “Company”) is the largest clinical laboratory testing business in the United States. As the nation’s leading provider of diagnostic testing and services for the healthcare industry, Quest Diagnostics offers a broad range of clinical laboratory testing services to patients, physicians, hospitals, healthcare insurers, employers, governmental institutions and other commercial clinical laboratories. Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based testing. The Company is also the leading provider of testing for drugs-of-abuse. Through the Company’s national network of laboratories and patient service centers, and its esoteric testing laboratories and development facilities, Quest Diagnostics offers comprehensive and innovative diagnostic testing, information and services used by physicians and other healthcare professionals to make decisions to improve health. The Company is also a leading provider of anatomic pathology services, testing to support clinical trials of new pharmaceuticals worldwide and risk assessment services for the life insurance industry.

          Basis of Presentation

          The interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair statement of financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The interim consolidated financial statements have been compiled without audit. Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

          During the third quarter of 2006, the Company completed its wind down of NID, a test kit manufacturing subsidiary, and classified the operations of NID as discontinued operations. The accompanying consolidated statements of operations and related disclosures have been prepared to report the results of NID as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 9 for a further discussion of discontinued operations.

          Earnings Per Share

          Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, performance share units and restricted common shares granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan and its Amended and Restated Director Long-Term Incentive Plan.

5


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

          The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
         
2006
 
 
Income from continuing operations   $ 107,515    
$
154,603  
Loss from discontinued operations     (1,622 )     (9,967 )
Net income available to common stockholders – basic and diluted  
$
105,893
   
$
144,636
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic     193,379       198,395  
 
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Stock options, restricted common shares and performance share                
   units     1,884       2,639  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted     195,263    
 
201,034
 
 
Earnings per common share – basic:                
Income from continuing operations   $ 0.56     $ 0.78  
Loss from discontinued operations     (0.01 )     (0.05 )
Net income   $ 0.55     $ 0.73  
 
Earnings per common share – diluted:                
Income from continuing operations   $ 0.55     $ 0.77  
Loss from discontinued operations     (0.01 )     (0.05 )
Net income   $ 0.54     $ 0.72  

          Foreign Currency

          The Company predominately uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during each period. The translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included within “other operating expense, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. Transactions gains and losses have not been material.

          Income Taxes

          On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 provides guidance on recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. The Company has identified and categorized its tax positions and these positions have been evaluated and assessed for recognition and measurement under the guidelines of FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in an increase to the Company’s contingent tax liability reserves of $30 million with corresponding charges to retained earnings, goodwill and additional paid-in capital. The contingent liabilities for tax positions under FIN 48 primarily relate to uncertainties associated with the realization of tax benefits derived from certain state net operating loss carry forwards, the allocation of income and expense among state jurisdictions, the characterization and timing of certain tax deductions associated with business combinations and employee compensation, and income and expenses associated with certain intercompany licensing arrangements. As of January 1, 2007, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $92 million which, if recognized, $46 million would affect the effective tax rate.

          The recognition and measurement of certain tax benefits includes estimates and judgment by management and inherently includes subjectivity. Changes in estimates may create volatility in the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods due to settlements with various tax authorities (either favorable or unfavorable), the expiration of the statute of

6


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

limitations on some tax positions and obtaining new information about particular tax positions that may cause management to change its estimates.

          Accruals for interest expense on contingent tax liabilities are classified in income tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Accruals for penalties have historically been immaterial. The total amount of interest charged to earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $1.4 million. As of March 31, 2007 the Company has approximately $17 million accrued, net of the benefit of a federal and state deduction, for the payment of interest on uncertain tax positions.

          After reaching an agreement at the appeals level of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), the Company settled the 2000 and 2001 tax year audits in April 2007. The IRS has recently completed their examination of the 2002 and 2003 income tax returns. The Company is in the process of preparing protests for several of the 2002 and 2003 proposed tax adjustments and anticipates that the appeals process will be completed in 2008. At this time, the Company does not believe that there will be any material additional payments beyond its recorded contingent liability reserves that may be required as a result of the 2002 and 2003 IRS tax audits.

          In the regular course of business, various state and local tax authorities conduct examinations of the Company’s state and local income tax filings. Currently, the states of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia are conducting audits for various years between 2000 and 2004. The Company currently does not expect any significant adjustments beyond its recorded contingent tax liability reserves as a result of these tax examinations.

2.      BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

          2007 Acquisition

          Acquisition of HemoCue

          On January 31, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of POCT Holding AB (“HemoCue”), a Sweden-based company specializing in point-of-care testing, also referred to as near patient testing, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $450 million, including $113 million of assumed debt. HemoCue is the leading international provider in near patient testing for hemoglobin, with a growing share in professional glucose and microalbumin testing. In addition, HemoCue is currently developing new tests including a near patient test to determine white blood cell counts.

          In conjunction with the acquisition of HemoCue, the Company repaid approximately $113 million of debt, representing substantially all of HemoCue’s existing outstanding debt as of January 31, 2007.

          The Company financed the aggregate purchase price of $342 million, which includes transaction costs of approximately $5 million of which $2 million was paid in 2006, and the repayment of substantially all of HemoCue’s outstanding debt with the proceeds from a new $450 million term loan (see Note 5) and cash on-hand.

           The acquisition of HemoCue was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. As such, the cost to acquire HemoCue was allocated to the respective assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date. A preliminary allocation of the cost to acquire HemoCue has been made to certain assets and liabilities of HemoCue based on preliminary estimates. The Company is continuing to assess the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired, including acquired intangible assets. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of HemoCue subsequent to the closing of the acquisition.

7


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

          The following table summarizes the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation of the cost to acquire HemoCue:

   
Estimated
   
Fair Values
   
as of
   
January 31,
   
2007
Current assets      $ 57,719   
Property, plant and equipment       24,973  
Intangible assets       127,489  
Goodwill       319,709  
Other assets       72  
   Total assets acquired       529,962  
 
Current liabilities       20,086  
Long-term liabilities       40,593  
Long-term debt       127,619  
   Total liabilities assumed       188,298  
 
   Net assets acquired     $ 341,664  

          The acquired amortizable intangibles are being amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:

           Weighted average
          useful life
License agreement     $     50,249      10 years
Customer relationships        39,481   20 years
Technology        15,075   8 years

          In addition to the amortizable intangibles noted above, $18.7 million was allocated to tradenames, which is not subject to amortization, and $4.0 million was allocated to in-process research and development (“IPR&D”). The IPR&D was expensed in the Company’s results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 4, “Applicability of FASB Statement No. 2 to Business Combinations Accounted for by the Purchase Method”, and is included in other “operating expense, net” within the consolidated statements of operations.

          Supplemental pro forma combined financial information has not been presented as the acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

          2006 Acquisitions

          Acquisition of Focus Diagnostics

          On July 3, 2006, the Company acquired Focus Diagnostics Technologies Holding Company (“Focus Diagnostics”) in an all-cash transaction valued at $208 million, including approximately $3 million of assumed debt. Focus Diagnostics is a leading provider of infectious and immunologic disease testing and develops and markets diagnostic products. It offers its reference testing services and diagnostic products to large academic medical centers, hospitals and commercial laboratories. The Company financed the aggregate purchase price of $205 million, which includes $0.5 million of related transaction costs, and the repayment of substantially all of Focus Diagnostics’ outstanding debt with $135 million of borrowings under its secured receivables credit facility and with cash on hand.

          The acquisition of Focus Diagnostics was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. As such, the cost to acquire Focus Diagnostics was allocated to the respective assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date. A preliminary allocation of the cost to acquire Focus Diagnostics has been made to certain of its assets and liabilities based on preliminary estimates. The Company is continuing to assess the estimated fair values of certain assets and liabilities acquired. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Focus Diagnostics subsequent to the closing of the acquisition.

8


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

          Of the aggregate purchase price of $205 million, $142 million was allocated to goodwill, $33 million was allocated to customer relationships that are being amortized over 10-15 years and $9.1 million was allocated to tradenames that are not subject to amortization. Substantially all of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

          Supplemental pro forma combined financial information has not been presented as the acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

          Acquisition of Enterix

          On August 31, 2006, the Company completed its acquisition of Enterix Inc. (“Enterix”), a privately held Australia-based company that developed and manufactures the InSure™ Fecal Immunochemical Test, a Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)-cleared test for use in screening for colorectal cancer and other sources of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, for approximately $44 million in cash. The acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3.      INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES

          During the first quarter of 2006, the Company finalized its plan related to the integration of LabOne, Inc. (“LabOne”). The plan focuses on rationalizing the Company’s testing capacity, infrastructure and support services in markets which are served by both LabOne and Quest Diagnostics.

          In conjunction with finalizing the LabOne integration, the Company recorded $23 million of costs during the first quarter of 2006. The majority of these costs relate to employee severance. Employee groups affected as a result of this plan included those involved in the testing of specimens, as well as administrative and other support functions. Of the total costs indicated above, $21 million related to actions that impact Quest Diagnostics’ employees and its operations and were comprised principally of employee severance benefits for approximately 600 employees. These costs were accounted for as a charge to earnings and included in “other operating expense, net” within the consolidated statements of operations.

          In addition, $2.6 million of integration costs, related to actions that impact the employees and operations of LabOne, were accounted for as a cost of the LabOne acquisition and included in goodwill during the first quarter of 2006. Of the $2.6 million, $1.2 million related to asset write-offs with the remainder primarily associated with employee severance benefits for approximately 95 employees.

          As of March 31, 2007, accruals related to the LabOne integration plan totaled $21 million. While the majority of the accrued integration costs are expected to be paid in the remainder of 2007, there are certain severance costs that have payment terms extending into 2008.

          In addition, during the first quarter of 2006, the Company recorded a $4.1 million charge related to consolidating its operations in California into a new facility. The costs, comprised primarily of employee severance costs and the write-off of certain operating assets, were accounted for as a charge to earnings and included in “other operating expense, net” within the consolidated statements of operations.

4.      GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

          Goodwill at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 consisted of the following:

   
March 31,
         
December 31,
 
   
2007
    
2006
 
 
Goodwill  
$
    3,905,957    
$
3,572,238  
Less: accumulated amortization     (181,189 )     (181,192 )
Goodwill, net  
$
3,724,768
   
$
3,391,046
 

9


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

          The changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 and for the year ended December 31, 2006 are as follows:

   
March 31,
     
December 31,
 
   
2007
  
2006
 
 
Balance at beginning of period  
$
     3,572,238  
$
3,385,280  
Goodwill acquired during the period     319,780     196,222  
Other     13,939     (9,264 )
Balance at end of period  
$
3,905,957
 
$
3,572,238
 

          For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the increase in goodwill was primarily related to the acquisition of HemoCue and the impact on goodwill as a result of the adoption of FIN 48. (See Notes 1 and 2 for further discussions.)

          For the year ended December 31, 2006, the increase in goodwill was primarily related to the acquisitions of Focus Diagnostics and Enterix, and adjustments associated with the LabOne purchase price allocation and the LabOne integration plan. These additions were $142 million, $40 million and $10 million, respectively. In connection with the Company’s decision to discontinue the operations of NID in the second quarter of 2006, the Company eliminated the goodwill and related accumulated amortization associated with NID, which had no impact on goodwill, net. In addition, goodwill was reduced $2.4 million primarily related to the favorable resolution of certain pre-acquisition tax contingencies associated with businesses acquired.

          Intangible assets at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 consisted of the following:

    Weighted                                        
    Average                                        
    Amortization                                        
    Period  
March 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
             
Accumulated
               
Accumulated
       
        
Cost
  
Amortization
    
Net
  
Cost
  
Amortization
    
Net
Amortizing intangible assets:                                        
Customer-related                                            
 intangibles   19 years  
$
246,263   $ (50,857 )  
$
195,406   $ 206,880   $ (48,010 )   $ 158,870
Non-compete                                            
 agreements   5 years     47,169     (45,393 )     1,776     47,165     (45,261 )     1,904
Other   10 years     80,523     (4,983 )     75,540     15,372     (3,500 )     11,872
   Total   16 years     373,955     (101,233 )     272,722     269,417     (96,771 )     172,646
 
Intangible assets not subject                                            
 to amortization:                                            
Tradenames         39,315     -       39,315     20,700     -       20,700
 
Total intangible assets      
$
413,270
  $ (101,233 )  
$
312,037
 
$
290,117
  $ (96,771 )  
$
193,346

          Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $4.5 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

10


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

          The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter as of March 31, 2007 is as follows:

Fiscal Year Ending
     
December 31,            
 
Remainder of 2007  
$
15,723
2008     20,718
2009     20,304
2010     20,047
2011     19,841
2012     19,595
Thereafter  
 
156,494
   Total  
$
272,722

5.      DEBT

          On January 31, 2007, the Company entered into a new term loan and borrowed $450 million to finance the acquisition of HemoCue and to repay substantially all of HemoCue’s outstanding debt. Under the new term loan, which matures on January 31, 2008 (the “term loan due January 2008”), interest is based on certain published rates plus an applicable margin that will vary over an approximate range of 45 basis points based on changes in the Company’s public debt rating. At its option, the Company may elect to enter into LIBOR-based interest rate contracts for periods up to six months. Interest on any outstanding amounts not covered under the LIBOR-based interest rate contracts is based on an alternate base rate, which is calculated by reference to the prime rate or federal funds rate. The new term loan is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic wholly owned operating subsidiaries. The new term loan contains various covenants, which are the same covenants to which the Company is already subject to under its existing senior unsecured revolving credit facility. In addition, the new term loan provides for the mandatory pre-payment of the loan in the event of a debt or equity issuance by the Company, subject to certain limited exceptions as set forth in the new term loan.

          A description of the Company’s other indebtedness and related debt service requirements is contained in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

6.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

          In support of its risk management program, the Company has standby letters of credit issued under its letter of credit lines to ensure its performance or payment to third parties, which amounted to $67 million at March 31, 2007. The letters of credit, which are renewed annually, primarily represent collateral for current and future automobile liability and workers’ compensation loss payments.

          The Company is subject to contingent obligations under certain leases and other instruments incurred in connection with real estate activities and other operations associated with LabOne and certain of its predecessor companies. The contingent obligations arise out of certain land leases with two Hawaiian trusts relating to land in Waikiki upon which a hotel is built and a land lease for a parking garage in Reno, Nevada. While its title and interest to the subject leases have been transferred to third parties, the land owners have not released the original obligors, including predecessors of LabOne, from their obligations under the leases. In February 2006, the subtenant of the hotel in Waikiki filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Honolulu. The subtenant has publicly indicated that the filing will have no impact on the operations of the hotel and therefore, the Company believes the subtenant will continue to pay the rent and real estate taxes on the subject leased property. Should the current subtenants of the leased properties fail to pay their rent and real estate taxes for the subject leased property, the default could trigger liability for LabOne as well as other sublessors. The rent payments under the Hawaiian land leases are subject to market value adjustments every ten years beginning in 2007. Given that the Hawaiian land leases are subject to market value adjustments, the total contingent obligations under such leases cannot be precisely estimated, but are likely to total several hundred million dollars. The contingent obligation of the Nevada lease is estimated to be approximately $6 million. The Company believes that the leasehold improvements on the leased properties are significantly more valuable than the related lease obligations. Based on the circumstances above, no liability has been recorded for any potential contingent obligations related to the land leases.

11


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

          The Company is involved in various legal proceedings. Some of the proceedings against the Company involve claims that are substantial in amount.

          During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company and NID each received a subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The subpoenas request a wide range of business records, including documents regarding testing and test kits related to parathyroid hormone (“PTH”) testing. The Company is cooperating with the United States Attorney’s Office. The Company has voluntarily provided information, witnesses and business records of NID and the Company, including documents related to testing and various test kits other than PTH tests, which were not requested in the initial subpoenas. During the third quarter of 2006, the government issued two additional subpoenas, one to NID and one to the Company. The subpoenas cover various records, including records related to test kits in addition to PTH. The government may issue additional subpoenas in the course of its investigation. This investigation could lead to civil and criminal damages, fines and penalties and additional liabilities from third party claims. In the second and third quarters of 2005, the FDA conducted an inspection of NID and issued a Form 483 listing the observations made by the FDA during the course of the inspection. NID responded to the Form 483. Noncompliance with the FDA regulatory requirements or failure to take adequate and timely corrective action could lead to regulatory or enforcement action against NID and/or the Company, including, but not limited to, a warning letter, injunction, fines or penalties, recommendation against award of governmental contracts and criminal prosecution. On April 19, 2006, the Company decided to discontinue the operations of NID. See Note 9 for further details.

          The Company has in the past entered into several settlement agreements with various government and private payers relating to industry-wide billing and marketing practices that had been substantially discontinued. The federal or state governments may bring additional claims based on new theories as to the Company’s practices which management believes to be in compliance with law. In addition, certain federal and state statutes, including the qui tam provisions of the federal False Claims Act, allow private individuals to bring lawsuits against healthcare companies on behalf of government or private payers alleging inappropriate billing practices. The Company is aware of certain pending lawsuits and has received several subpoenas related to billing practices. These lawsuits include class action and individual claims by patients arising out of the Company’s billing practices.

          During the second quarter of 2005, the Company received a subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The subpoena seeks the production of business and financial records regarding capitation and risk sharing arrangements with government and private payers for the years 1993 through 1999. Also, during the third quarter of 2005, the Company received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. The subpoena seeks the production of various business records including records regarding our relationship with health maintenance organizations, independent physician associations, group purchasing organizations, and preferred provider organizations from 1995 to the present. The Company is cooperating with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General.

          During the second quarter of 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the California Attorney General’s Office. The subpoena seeks various documents including documents relating to billings to MediCal, the California Medicaid program. The subpoena seeks documents from various time frames ranging from three to ten years. The Company is cooperating with the California Attorney General’s Office.

          Several of the proceedings discussed above are in their early stages of development and involve responding to and cooperating with various government investigations and related subpoenas. While the Company believes that at least a reasonable possibility exists that losses may have been incurred, based on the nature and status of the investigations, the losses are either currently not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated.

          Management has established reserves in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for the matters discussed above. Such reserves totaled less than $5 million as of March 31, 2007. Although management cannot predict the outcome of such matters, management does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition but may be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such matters is determined or paid. However, there may be pending qui tam claims brought by former employees or other “whistle blowers”, or other pending claims as to which the Company has not been provided with a copy of the complaint and accordingly cannot determine the extent of any potential liability.

          As a general matter, providers of clinical laboratory testing services may be subject to lawsuits alleging negligence or other similar legal claims. These suits could involve claims for substantial damages. Any professional liability litigation could also have an adverse impact on the Company’s client base and reputation. The Company maintains various liability

12


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

insurance coverage for claims that could result from providing or failing to provide clinical laboratory testing services, including inaccurate testing results and other exposures. The Company’s insurance coverage limits its maximum exposure on individual claims; however, the Company is essentially self-insured for a significant portion of these claims. The basis for claims reserves considers actuarially determined losses based upon the Company’s historical and projected loss experience. Management believes that present insurance coverage and reserves are sufficient to cover currently estimated exposures. Although management cannot predict the outcome of any claims made against the Company, management does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition but may be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such claims is determined or paid.

7.         STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          Changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were as follows:

                       
Accumulated
           
    Shares of        
       
Other
 
 
 
    
Common
  
  
Additional
  
  
Compre-
  
Treasury
 
Compre-
    Stock  
Common
 
Paid-In
 
Retained
 
hensive
 
Stock,
 
hensive
   
Outstanding
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
at Cost
  
Income
Balance,                                        
   December 31, 2006   193,949  
$
2,138  
$
2,185,073   $ 1,800,255    $ (65 )
$
(968,230 )    
Net income                     105,893              
$
105,893
Other comprehensive                                        
   income                           658           658
   Comprehensive income                                    
$
106,551
Dividends declared                     (19,253 )                
Issuance of common stock                                        
   under benefit plans   115           (526 )               5,786      
Stock-based compensation                                        
   expense               16,084                        
Exercise of stock options   582           (10,946 )               28,498      
Shares to cover employee                                        
   payroll tax withholdings                                        
   on stock issued under                                        
   benefit plans   (8 )   (1 )   (427 )                      
Tax benefits associated                                        
   with stock-based                                        
   compensation plans               4,882                        
Purchases of treasury stock   (2,060 )                           (105,000 )    
Adjustments upon                                        
   adoption of FASB                                        
   Interpretation No. 48               (10,441 )   (5,146 )                
Balance,                                        
   March 31, 2007   192,578  
$
2,137  
$
2,183,699  
$
1,881,749   $ 593  
$
(1,038,946 )    

          For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $50.98 per share for $105 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company reissued 0.7 million shares for employee benefit plans. Since the inception of the share repurchase program in May 2003 through March 31, 2007, the Company has repurchased 43.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $45.18 for approximately $2 billion. At March 31, 2007, $145 million of the share repurchase authorizations remained available.

          During each of the quarters of 2007 and 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share.

13


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

          Changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2006 were as follows:

Accumulated
Shares of
Other
Common
Additional
Unearned
     
Compre-
     
Treasury
     
Compre-
Stock
     
Common
     
Paid-In
     
Retained
     
Compen-
hensive
Stock, at
hensive
Outstanding
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
sation
 
Income (loss)
 
Cost
 
Income
Balance,                                              
   December 31, 2005   198,455  
$
2,137
 
$
2,175,533  
$
1,292,510   $ (3,321 ) $ (6,205 )
$
(697,670 )    
Net income                     144,636                    
$
144,636
Other comprehensive income                            
 
1,931
          1,931
   Comprehensive income                                          
$
146,567
Dividends declared                     (19,817 )                      
Reclassification upon adoption                                              
   of SFAS123R               (3,321 )         3,321                  
Issuance of common stock                                              
   under benefit plans   185           (522 )                     8,492      
Stock-based compensation                                              
   expense               19,379                              
Exercise of stock options   1,446           (27,930 )                     66,728      
Shares to cover employee                                              
   payroll tax withholdings on                                              
   stock issued under benefit                                              
   plans   (9 )         (497 )                            
Tax benefits associated with                                              
   stock-based compensation                                              
   plans               13,889                              
Purchases of treasury stock   (1,998 )                                 (103,977 )    
Balance,                                              
   March 31, 2006   198,079  
$
2,137
 
$ 2,176,531   $ 1,417,329    $ -      $ (4,274 )
$
(726,427 )    

          For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company repurchased 2.0 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $52.05 per share for $104 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company reissued 1.6 million shares for employee benefit plans.

8.         SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
    
2006
 
 
Depreciation expense  
$
45,875    
$
45,584  
 
Interest expense     (28,090 )     (24,487 )
Interest income  
 
1,563
      994  
Interest expense, net     (26,527 )     (23,493 )
 
Interest paid     20,274       21,896  
Income taxes paid     9,251       8,613  
 
Business acquired:                
Fair value of assets assumed  
$
529,962    
$
-  
Fair value of liabilities assumed     188,298       -  

          Other income, net represents miscellaneous income and expense items related to non-operating activities such as gains and losses associated with investments and other non-operating assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, “other income, net” included a $15.8 million gain on the sale of an investment.

14


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

9.         DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

          During the fourth quarter of 2005, NID instituted its second voluntary product hold within a six-month period, due to quality issues, which adversely impacted the operating performance of NID. As a result, the Company evaluated a number of strategic options for NID. On April 19, 2006, the Company decided to discontinue NID’s operations. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company completed its wind down of NID and classified the operations of NID as discontinued operations. Results of operations for NID have been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and related disclosures for all periods presented.

          The government investigation of NID continues (see Note 6). While management does not believe that these matters will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s overall financial condition, their final resolution could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such matters is determined or paid.

          Summarized financial information for the discontinued operations of NID is set forth below:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
    
2006
 
 
Net revenues   $ -     $ 2,303  
 
Loss from discontinued operations before income                
   taxes     (2,654 )     (14,208 )
Income tax benefit     (1,032 )     (4,241 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes   $ (1,622 )   $ (9,967 )

          Balance sheet information related to NID was not material at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

10.        BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

          Clinical laboratory testing is an essential element in the delivery of healthcare services. Physicians use laboratory tests to assist in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring and treatment of diseases and other medical conditions. Clinical laboratory testing is generally categorized as clinical testing and anatomic pathology testing. Clinical testing is performed on body fluids, such as blood and urine. Anatomic pathology testing is performed on tissues, including biopsies, and other samples, such as human cells. Customers of the clinical laboratory testing business include patients, physicians, hospitals, employers, governmental institutions and other commercial clinical laboratories. The clinical laboratory testing business accounted for greater than 90% of net revenues from continuing operations in 2007 and 2006.

          All other operating segments include the Company’s non-clinical laboratory testing businesses and consist of its risk assessment services business, its clinical trials testing business, its healthcare information technology business, MedPlus, and its diagnostics products businesses. The Company’s risk assessment business, acquired as part of the LabOne acquisition in 2005, provides underwriting support services to the life insurance industry including teleunderwriting, paramedical examinations, laboratory testing and medical record retrieval. The Company’s clinical trials testing business provides clinical laboratory testing performed in connection with clinical research trials on new drugs. MedPlus is a developer and integrator of clinical connectivity and data management solutions for healthcare organizations, physicians and clinicians. The Company’s diagnostics products business manufactures and markets diagnostic test kits and systems. On April 19, 2006, the Company decided to discontinue NID’s operations and results of operations for NID have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 9). During the third quarter of 2006, the Company acquired Focus Diagnostics and Enterix, and in the first quarter of 2007, it acquired HemoCue (see Note 2). Enterix and HemoCue are included in the Company’s other operating segments. The majority of Focus Diagnostics’ operations are included in the Company’s clinical laboratory testing business, with the remainder in other operating segments.

          At March 31, 2007, substantially all of the Company’s services are provided within the United States, and substantially all of the Company’s assets are located within the United States.

          The following table is a summary of segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. Segment asset information is not presented since it is not reported to or used by the chief operating decision maker at the

15


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

operating segment level. Operating earnings (loss) of each segment represents net revenues less directly identifiable expenses. General management and administrative corporate expenses, including amortization of intangible assets, are included in general corporate expenses below. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company as set forth in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 1 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

   
Three Months Ended
   
   
March 31,
   
   
2007
   
2006
   
Net revenues:                  
Clinical laboratory testing business   $ 1,391,274    
$
1,437,487    
All other operating segments     134,934       115,618    
Total net revenues  
$
1,526,208
   
$
1,553,105
   
 
Operating earnings (loss):                  
Clinical laboratory testing business   $ 236,100   
(a)     
$
284,560    (b)
All other operating segments     (2,480 ) (c)   2,838    
General corporate expenses     (32,750 )     (28,680 )  
Total operating income     200,870       258,718    
Non-operating expenses, net     (23,745 )     (3,449 )  
Income from continuing operations                  
     before income taxes
    177,125       255,269    
Income tax expense     69,610       100,666    
Income from continuing operations     107,515       154,603    
Loss from discontinued operations, net                  
     of taxes
    (1,622 )     (9,967 )  
Net income  
$
105,893
   
$
144,636
   

(a)     

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, operating income included $9.9 million of charges, associated with workforce reductions in response to reduced volume levels.

 
(b)

During the three months ended March 31, 2006, operating income included $26.8 million of special charges, primarily associated with integration activities (See Note 3).

 
(c)

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, operating income included a $4.0 million charge related to the expensing of in-process research and development associated with the acquisition of HemoCue (See Note 2) and a $0.8 million charge, associated with workforce reductions in response to reduced volume levels.

11.        SUBSEQUENT EVENT

          On April 16, 2007, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire AmeriPath, Inc., (“AmeriPath”), in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2 billion, including approximately $770 million of debt at closing. AmeriPath is a leading provider of dermatopathology, anatomic pathology and esoteric testing with annualized revenues in excess of $800 million.

          The transaction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2007 and is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including regulatory clearance. The Company intends to finance the purchase price and the repayment of AmeriPath’s existing debt and the amounts outstanding under the term loan due January 2008, with the proceeds of a new $1 billion one-year bridge loan and a new five-year $1.5 billion term loan, both committed to be underwritten by Morgan Stanley. The bridge loan is expected to be refinanced shortly after the closing. In addition, Morgan Stanley will underwrite a $750 million revolving credit facility which will replace the Company’s existing revolving credit facility. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.

16


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

 

12.        SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

          The Company’s 5.125% senior notes due 2010, 5.45% senior notes due 2015 and 7½% senior notes due 2011 are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries that have operations in the United States (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). With the exception of Quest Diagnostics Receivables Incorporated (see paragraph below), the non-guarantor subsidiaries are primarily foreign subsidiaries and less than wholly owned subsidiaries.

          In conjunction with the Company’s secured receivables credit facility, the Company maintains a wholly owned non-guarantor subsidiary, Quest Diagnostics Receivables Incorporated (“QDRI”). The Company and certain of its Subsidiary Guarantors transfer all private domestic receivables to QDRI. QDRI utilizes the transferred receivables to collateralize borrowings under the Company’s secured receivables credit facility. The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors provide collection services to QDRI. QDRI uses cash collections principally to purchase new receivables from the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

          The following condensed consolidating financial data illustrates the composition of the combined guarantors. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the parent using the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings (losses) of subsidiaries are therefore reflected in the parent’s investment accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. Focus Diagnostics and HemoCue have been included in the accompanying condensed consolidating financial data, subsequent to the closing of the acquisitions, as Subsidiary Guarantors.

17


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

           
Subsidiary
   
Non-Guarantor
                 
   
Parent
       
Guarantors
       
Subsidiaries
       
Eliminations
       
Consolidated
 
 
 Net revenues  
$
211,883    
$
1,222,323     $ 170,885    
$
(78,883 )   $ 1,526,208  
 
 Operating costs and expenses:                                        
   Cost of services     123,434       748,039       60,312       -       931,785  
   Selling, general and administrative     52,580       254,328       83,654       (5,769 )     384,793  
   Amortization of intangible assets     85       2,553       1,822       -       4,460  
   Royalty (income) expense     (95,137 )     95,137       -       -       -  
   Other operating (income) expense, net     (7 )     6     4,301       -       4,300  
     Total operating costs and expenses
    80,955      
1,100,063
      150,089       (5,769 )     1,325,338  
 Operating income     130,928       122,260       20,796       (73,114 )     200,870  
 Non-operating expenses, net     (28,337 )     (66,135 )     (2,387 )     73,114       (23,745 )
 Income from continuing operations before taxes     102,591       56,125       18,409       -       177,125  
 Income tax expense     38,958       22,613       8,039       -       69,610  
 Income from continuing operations     63,633       33,512       10,370       -       107,515  
 Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     -       (1,520 )     (102 )     -       (1,622 )
 Equity earnings from subsidiaries     42,260       -       -       (42,260 )     -  
 Net income  
$
105,893
   
$
31,992     $ 10,268    
$
(42,260 )  
$
105,893
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations                                        
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006                                        
 
           
Subsidiary
   
Non-Guarantor
                 
   
Parent
       
Guarantors
       
Subsidiaries
       
Eliminations
       
Consolidated
 
 
Net revenues  
$
231,006    
$
1,243,094     $ 165,605    
$
(86,600)    
$
1,553,105  
 
Operating costs and expenses:                                        
 Cost of services     128,144       730,505       57,511       -       916,160  
 Selling, general and administrative     34,118       252,131       67,733       (5,468 )     348,514  
 Amortization of intangible assets     428       1,910       -       -       2,338  
 Royalty (income) expense     (95,033 )     95,033       -       -       -  
 Other operating expense, net     1,949       24,840       586       -       27,375  
   Total operating costs and expenses     69,606       1,104,419       125,830       (5,468 )  
 
1,294,387
 
Operating income     161,400       138,675       39,775       (81,132 )     258,718  
Non-operating (expenses) income, net     (17,152 )     (68,748 )     1,319       81,132       (3,449 )
Income from continuing operations before taxes     144,248       69,927       41,094       -       255,269  
Income tax expense     56,555       27,930       16,181       -       100,666  
Income from continuing operations     87,693       41,997       24,913       -       154,603  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes     -       (6,470 )     (3,497 )     -       (9,967 )
Equity earnings from subsidiaries     56,943       -       -       (56,943 )     -  
Net income  
$
144,636    
$
35,527     $ 21,416    
$
(56,943 )  
$
144,636
 

18


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
March 31, 2007

                 
Non-
               
         
Subsidiary
   
Guarantor
               
   
Parent
     
Guarantors
       
Subsidiaries
       
Eliminations
       
Consolidated
Assets                                    
Current assets:                                    
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 122,496  
$
10,370     $ 25,531     $ -    
$
158,397
Accounts receivable, net     8,640     128,235       673,701       -       810,576
Other current assets     44,152     127,254       106,570       -       277,976
   Total current assets     175,288     265,859       805,802       -       1,246,949
Property, plant and equipment, net     215,608     504,159       41,090       -       760,857
Goodwill and intangible assets, net     152,839     3,376,975       506,991       -       4,036,805
Intercompany receivable (payable)     134,102     14,403       (148,505 )     -       -
Investment in subsidiaries     3,889,420     -       -       (3,889,420 )     -
Other assets     146,658     6,369       40,604       (51,700 )     141,931
   Total assets  
$
4,713,915
 
$
4,167,765
   
$
1,245,982
   
$
(3,941,120
)  
$
6,186,542
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                    
Current liabilities:                                    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 425,515  
$
328,811     $ 46,372     $ -    
$
800,698
Short-term borrowings and current portion                                    
  of long-term debt
    450,000     16,835       300,206       -       767,041
   Total current liabilities     875,515     345,646       346,578       -       1,567,739
Long-term debt     664,289     289,886       284,090       -       1,238,265
Other liabilities     144,879     189,828       68,299       (51,700 )     351,306
Stockholders’ equity  
 
3,029,232
 
 
3,342,405
      547,015    
 
(3,889,420
)  
 
3,029,232
   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
$
4,713,915
 
$
4,167,765
   
$
1,245,982
   
$
(3,941,120
)  
$
6,186,542
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet                                    
December 31, 2006                                    
                 
Non-
               
         
Subsidiary
   
Guarantor
               
   
Parent
     
Guarantors
       
Subsidiaries
       
Eliminations
       
Consolidated
Assets                                    
Current assets:                                    
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 134,598  
$
7,661     $ 7,381     $ -    
$
149,640
Accounts receivable, net     4,380     139,934       630,100       -       774,414
Other current assets     55,213     124,104       87,647       -       266,964
   Total current assets     194,191     271,699       725,128       -       1,191,018
Property, plant and equipment, net     215,224     520,184       16,949       -       752,357
Goodwill and intangible assets, net     152,903     3,365,359       66,130       -       3,584,392
Intercompany receivable (payable)     124,698     (9,576 )     (115,122 )     -       -
Investment in subsidiaries     3,685,481     -       -       (3,685,481 )     -
Other assets     133,051     6,748       38,909       (44,993 )     133,715
   Total assets  
$
4,505,548
 
$
4,154,414
   
$
731,994
   
$
(3,730,474
)  
$
5,661,482
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                    
Current liabilities:                                    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 444,326  
$
363,074     $ 26,596     $ -    
$
833,996
Short-term borrowings and current portion                                    
  of long-term debt     -     16,874       300,000       -       316,874
   Total current liabilities     444,326     379,948       326,596       -       1,150,870
Long-term debt     933,272     304,854       979       -       1,239,105
Other liabilities     108,779     159,199       29,351       (44,993 )     252,336
Stockholders’ equity  
 
3,019,171
 
 
3,310,413
      375,068    
 
(3,685,481
)  
 
3,019,171
   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
$
4,505,548
 
$
4,154,414
   
$
731,994
   
$
(3,730,474
)  
$
5,661,482

19


QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

           
Subsidiary
   
Non-Guarantor
                 
   
Parent
       
Guarantors
       
Subsidiaries
       
Eliminations
       
Consolidated
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                                        
Net income  
$
105,893    
$
31,992     $ 10,268    
$
(42,260 )  
$
105,893  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                                        
 provided by operating activities:                                        
 Depreciation and amortization     12,091       34,255       3,989       -       50,335  
 Provision for doubtful accounts     3,225       8,185       56,098       -       67,508  
 Other, net     (24,230 )     (2,159 )     (5,268 )     42,260       10,603  
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities     (1,148 )     (22,170 )     (59,468 )     -       (82,786 )
Net cash provided by operating activities     95,831       50,103       5,619       -       151,553  
Net cash used in investing activities     (444,168 )     (23,524 )     (304,882 )     426,627       (345,947 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     336,235       (23,870 )     317,413       (426,627 )     203,151  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (12,102 )     2,709       18,150       -       8,757  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     134,598       7,661       7,381       -       149,640  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  
$
122,496    
$
10,370     $ 25,531    
$
-    
$
158,397  
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows                                        
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006                                        
 
           
Subsidiary
   
Non-Guarantor
                 
   
Parent
       
Guarantors
       
Subsidiaries
       
Eliminations
       
Consolidated
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                                        
Net income  
$
144,636    
$
35,527     $ 21,416    
$
(56,943 )  
$
144,636  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                                        
 provided by (used in) operating activities:                                        
 Depreciation and amortization     11,906       34,278       2,876       -       49,060  
 Provision for doubtful accounts     1,445       14,081       47,897       -       63,423  
 Provision for restructuring     -       24,841       -       -       24,841  
 Other, net     (91,642 )     13,509       4,009       56,943       (17,181 )
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities     144,368       (88,605 )     (79,883 )     -       (24,120 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating                                        
 activities     210,713       33,631       (3,685 )     -       240,659  
 Net cash used in investing                                        
 activities     (59,371 )     (24,471 )     (1,942 )     57,793       (27,991 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing                                        
 activities     (85,162 )     (7,726 )     2,344       (57,793 )     (148,337 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     66,180       1,434       (3,283 )     -       64,331  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     76,941       4,759       10,430       -       92,130  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  
$
143,121
   
$
6,193     $ 7,147    
$
-    
$
156,461
 

20


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

          Critical Accounting Policies

          The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions and select accounting policies that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

          While many operational aspects of our business are subject to complex federal, state and local regulations, the accounting for our business is generally straightforward with net revenues primarily recognized upon completion of the testing process. Our revenues are primarily comprised of a high volume of relatively low dollar transactions, and about one-half of total operating costs and expenses consist of employee compensation and benefits. Due to the nature of our business, several of our accounting policies involve significant estimates and judgments. These accounting policies have been described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

          Recent Changes in Payer-Relationships

          On October 3, 2006, we announced that we would not be a national contracted provider of laboratory services to UnitedHealthcare Group Inc., or UNH, beginning January 1, 2007. After negotiating with UNH and offering to substantially reduce their total costs for laboratory services, UNH abruptly demanded that we execute an agreement that would have significantly reduced fees from what we had offered, and would have given UNH the right to unilaterally dictate certain key terms over a period of up to eight years. We determined that in the long term, signing such an unreasonable agreement would not be in the best interest of our Company and our shareholders.

          UNH accounted for approximately 7% of our net revenues in 2006, with some of our regional laboratories having concentrations as high as 15% to 20%. As one of many contracted providers, we estimate that we served approximately half of UNH’s members or approximately three times as many as our single largest competitor. We believe that this was because physicians and patients preferred using us due to quality and convenience. While we expect to continue to service UNH’s members in certain limited markets as a contracted provider and in other markets as a non-contracted provider, UNH has threatened physicians with penalties if they continue to send laboratory testing to non-contracted providers as of March 1, 2007. We believe UNH’s actions are unprecedented and inappropriate, because they effectively eliminate the choice to use an out-of-network provider, which is embedded in many of the products UNH sells and which employers and patients paid for. In addition, UNH has been aggressively communicating to its members that they may be faced with higher co-payments and deductibles if they use an out-of-network laboratory. While we retained virtually all of our UNH business through December 31, 2006, we estimate that by March 31, 2007, about 70% of our direct UNH business has moved to various contracted providers. We currently expect that the vast majority of the work we perform for UNH members will move to contracted providers before the end of 2007, as a result of the actions UNH is taking. However, it is possible that if patients and physicians are sufficiently dissatisfied with the services they receive from the providers UNH is requiring them to use, we may regain some of the lost business.

          In most cases when we perform testing for UNH members as a non-contracted provider we are entitled to reimbursement and UNH is required to pay for our services, often at rates in excess of what we were previously reimbursed. We plan to aggressively assert and defend our rights to appropriate reimbursement, and challenge certain of UNH’s actions on a number of fronts. In addition, we are educating patients, their physicians and employers that there are important differences between laboratory testing providers, and that their right to choose their testing provider should not be eliminated by inappropriate methods.

          Our current expectation is that no longer being a contracted provider to UNH and becoming a non-contracted provider to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (which accounted for approximately 1% of our net revenues in 2006), will reduce our revenue growth in 2007 by between 7% and 10%, most of that resulting from the direct loss of previously contracted work, and some of it associated with the loss of other work from physicians who choose to consolidate their testing with a single laboratory. Given that we expect a decrease in volume levels in 2007 due to these contract changes, we plan to adjust our cost structure to match the new volume levels. However, due to the fact that a large portion of our costs, approximately 40% or more, are fixed, we do not expect our cost reduction actions will fully mitigate the profit impact of the anticipated volume decline during 2007. Our plans also include examining our structural, or fixed costs, to determine what reductions can be made. The extent to which we will need to reduce structural costs, which in part will be driven by how quickly we replace lost business, will determine how long it will take to complete all of our cost actions. As we do so, top priorities will be maintaining the differentiated level of service we provide to our patients and physicians, and remaining positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities.

21


          Acquisition of Focus Diagnostics

          On July 3, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Focus Technologies Holding Company (“Focus Diagnostics”) in an all-cash transaction valued at $208 million, including approximately $3 million of assumed debt. We financed the acquisition and related transaction costs and the repayment of substantially all of Focus Diagnostics’ outstanding debt with $135 million of borrowings under our secured receivables credit facility and with cash on-hand, as described in Note 2 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

          Focus Diagnostics is a leading provider of infectious and immunologic disease testing and develops and markets diagnostic products. It offers its reference testing services and diagnostic products to large academic medical centers, hospitals and commercial laboratories.

          Acquisition of Enterix

          On August 31, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Enterix Inc. (“Enterix”), a privately held Australia-based company that developed and manufactures the InSure™ Fecal Immunochemical Test, an FDA-cleared test for use in screening for colorectal cancer and other sources of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, for approximately $44 million in cash, as described in Note 2 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

          Acquisition of HemoCue

          On January 31, 2007, we acquired POCT Holding AB (“HemoCue”), a Sweden-based company specializing in near patient testing, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $450 million, including $113 million of assumed debt of HemoCue, as described in Note 2 to the interim consolidated financial statements. The transaction, which was financed through a new term loan, is not expected to have a material impact on our 2007 financial results.

          HemoCue is the leading international provider in near patient testing for hemoglobin, with a growing share in professional glucose and microalbumin testing. In addition, HemoCue is currently developing new tests including a near patient test to determine white blood cell counts. This acquisition complements our near patient testing for infectious disease and cancer, including new tests for colorectal cancer screening and herpes simplex type 2. The acquisition will increase our presence in the growing near patient testing market and leverage HemoCue’s international presence to reach new markets around the world.

          Results of Operations

          Our clinical testing business currently represents our one reportable business segment. The clinical testing business accounted for approximately 91% and 93% of net revenues from continuing operations in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Our other operating segments consist of our risk assessment services business, our clinical trials testing business, our healthcare information technology business, MedPlus, and our diagnostic products business. On April 19, 2006, we decided to discontinue the operations of a test kit manufacturing subsidiary, NID. During the third quarter of 2006, we completed our wind down of NID and classified the operations of NID as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Our business segment information is disclosed in Note 10 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

          Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

          Continuing Operations

          Income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 decreased to $108 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to $155 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, in 2006. The decrease in income from continuing operations was principally associated with our change in contract status with UNH, which reduced revenues by an estimated $75 million and operating income by an estimated $55 million, or $0.17 per share.

          Results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 include pre-tax charges of $11 million, or $0.03 per share, associated with workforce reductions in response to reduced volume levels, and a pre-tax charge of $4.0 million, or $0.01 per share, related to in-process research and development expense associated with the HemoCue acquisition. In addition, results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were unfavorably impacted by severe storms in the central part of the United States, which reduced revenues by approximately $13 million for the quarter and operating income by approximately $10 million, or $0.03 per share.

22


          Results for the three months ended March 31, 2006 include pre-tax charges of $27 million, or $0.08 per share, primarily associated with integration activities and a pre-tax gain of $16 million, or $0.05 per share, associated with the sale of an investment.

          Net Revenues

          Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $1.5 billion, 1.7% below the prior year level. Our acquisitions of Focus Diagnostics, Enterix and HemoCue contributed about 2% to revenue growth for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

          Revenues in our clinical testing business, which accounted for over 90% of our 2007 net revenues, were 3% below the prior year level, on a 7% volume decrease and 4% increase in revenue per requisition. The increase in revenue per requisition was primarily driven by a positive mix shift and an increase in the number of tests ordered per requisition. We estimate that revenues declined approximately 5% due to our change in status with UNH, with volume reduced by approximately 6%, partially offset by a positive impact to revenue per requisition of about 1%. The positive impact to revenue per requisition is associated with higher reimbursement on the retained UNH work. As of March 31, 2007 we estimate that about 70% of our UNH business has moved to various contracted providers. While this is somewhat more than we had anticipated to move by this date, and we believe is due to UNH’s actions, we have retained more of the discretionary work from physicians than we initially estimated. We believe that the higher retention of discretionary business is due to our superior service levels, which we improved during the quarter, and the efforts of our sales force to retain business. In addition, we worked to inform patients and their physicians that they do have a choice in selecting their laboratory provider and that there are important differences among providers.

          While the net revenue impact associated with the UNH change was somewhat less than we had estimated, we saw roughly 2% slower growth than we had anticipated due to focusing our sales force on customer retention and clarifying significant misinformation in the marketplace, which had circulated about the UNH situation during the fourth quarter of 2006 and the first quarter of 2007. However, as we exited the quarter, we were beginning to see underlying improvement in revenue growth, as our sales force began to refocus on winning new accounts and selling additional tests.

          Also impacting revenue growth in the quarter were severe storms in the central part of the United States during the month of February, which reduced revenues and volume by about 1%.

          Our businesses other than clinical laboratory testing accounted for approximately 9% of our net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2007. These businesses include our risk assessment services business, our clinical trials testing business, our healthcare information technology business, MedPlus, and our diagnostic products business. The revenues for these businesses as a group grew 17% over the prior year, with the increase primarily driven by our acquisitions of Focus Diagnostics, Enterix and HemoCue.

          Operating Costs and Expenses

          Total operating costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased $31 million from the prior year period. While costs were reduced associated with lower volume levels and actions taken to reduce the size of our workforce, costs increased associated with annual compensation adjustments, increased expenditures to maintain and improve service levels, and costs associated with clarifying for patients, physicians and employers significant misinformation which had circulated about the UNH contract change. In addition, costs associated with the acquired operations of Focus Diagnostics, Enterix and HemoCue increased costs by approximately $30 million above the prior year. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2007, include $11 million of costs associated with workforce reductions ($3.9 million included in cost of services and $6.8 million included in selling, general and administrative) and $4 million of in-process research and development costs associated with the acquisition of HemoCue, which was recorded in other operating expense, net. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, $26.8 million in special charges are reflected in other operating expense, net and relate principally to costs associated with integrating LabOne, which we acquired in November 2005, and consolidating our operations in California into our new facility in West Hills.

          Cost of services, which includes the costs of obtaining, transporting and testing specimens, was 61.1% of net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2007, increasing from 59.0% of net revenues in the prior year period. The increase over the prior year is primarily due to lower volumes in our clinical testing business and costs associated with workforce reductions. Partially offsetting these increases were improvements related to the increase in average revenue per requisition and efficiency gains resulting from our Six Sigma, standardization and consolidation initiatives.

          Selling, general and administrative expenses, which include the costs of the sales force, billing operations, bad debt expense, and general management and administrative support, were 25.2% of net revenues for the three months ended March

23


31, 2007, compared to 22.4% in the prior year period. The increase over the prior year is primarily due to lower volume levels in our clinical testing business, increased billing and bad debt expense associated with having to bill patients for a portion of the retained UNH work, costs associated with workforce reductions, and costs associated with efforts to retain business and clarify for patients, physicians and employers misinformation regarding the UNH contract change.

          For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, bad debt expense was 4.4% and 4.1% of net revenues, respectively. The higher bad debt rate was principally driven by higher bad debt expense associated with billing patients directly for a portion of the UNH volume.

          Other operating expense, net represents miscellaneous income and expense items related to operating activities, including gains and losses associated with the disposal of operating assets and provisions for restructurings and other special charges. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, other operating expense, net includes a $4.0 million charge related to in-process research and development expense recorded in connection with the acquisition of HemoCue. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, other operating expense, net includes a charge of $20.7 million associated with the integration of LabOne. In addition, other operating expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2006 includes a $4.1 million charge related to consolidating our operations in California into a new facility.

          Operating Income

          Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $201 million, or 13.2% of net revenues, compared to $259 million, or 16.7% of net revenues, in the prior year period. The decrease from the prior year is primarily due to lower volume levels in our clinical testing business and the various items which served to increase costs of sales and selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of revenues.

          Other Income (Expense)

          Interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased $3 million over the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to additional interest expense associated with $450 million of borrowings used to fund the acquisition of HemoCue, as described more fully in Note 5 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

          Other income, net represents miscellaneous income and expense items related to non-operating activities such as gains and losses associated with investments and other non-operating assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, other income, net includes a $15.8 million gain on the sale of an investment.

          Discontinued Operations

          Our discontinued operations are comprised of NID, a test kit manufacturing subsidiary. During the fourth quarter of 2005, NID instituted its second voluntary product hold within a six-month period, due to quality issues, which adversely impacted the operating performance of NID. As a result, we evaluated a number of strategic options for NID. On April 19, 2006, we decided to discontinue NID’s operations. During the third quarter of 2006, we completed the wind down of NID’s operations. Results of NID are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

          Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $1.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to $10.0 million, or $0.05 per diluted share in 2006. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 reflect expenses associated with the on-going government investigation of NID. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2006 reflect losses from NID’s operations, due to its voluntary product hold instituted late in the second quarter of 2005 in connection with a quality review of all its products.

          The government continues to investigate NID. Any costs resulting from this review will be included in discontinued operations. While we do not believe that these matters will have a material adverse impact on our overall financial condition, their final resolution could be material to our results of operations or cash flows in the period in which the impact of such matters is determined or paid. See Note 6 to the interim consolidated financial statements for a further description of these matters.

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          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

          We address our exposure to market risks, principally the market risk of changes in interest rates, through a controlled program of risk management that may include the use of derivative financial instruments. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. We do not believe that our foreign exchange exposure is material to our financial condition or results of operations. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of our financial instruments and hedging activities.

          At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the fair value of our debt was estimated at approximately $2.0 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, using quoted market prices and yields for the same or similar types of borrowings, taking into account the underlying terms of the debt instruments. At March 31, 2007, the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value of the debt by approximately $4.8 million. At December 31, 2006, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value of the debt by approximately $0.4 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates (representing approximately 53 and 59 basis points at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively) would potentially reduce the estimated fair value of our debt by approximately $32 million and $33 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

          Borrowings under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility, our secured receivables credit facility, our term loan due December 2008, and our term loan due January 2008, are subject to variable interest rates. Interest on our secured receivables credit facility is based on rates that are intended to approximate commercial paper rates for highly- rated issuers. Interest rates on our senior unsecured revolving credit facility, term loan due December 2008 and term loan due January 2008 are subject to a pricing schedule that can fluctuate based on changes in our credit ratings. As such, our borrowing cost under these credit arrangements will be subject to both fluctuations in interest rates and changes in our credit ratings. As of March 31, 2007, the borrowing rate for our revolving credit facility was LIBOR plus 0.375%, for our term loan due December 2008 the borrowing rate was LIBOR plus 0.50% and for our term loan due January 2008 the borrowing rate was LIBOR plus 0.40% . At March 31, 2007, the LIBOR rate was 5.32% . At March 31, 2007, there was $60 million outstanding under our term loan due December 2008, $450 million outstanding under our term loan due January 2008, $300 million outstanding under our secured receivables credit facility and no borrowings outstanding under our $500 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility. Based on our net exposure to interest rate changes, a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates on our variable rate indebtedness (representing approximately 54 basis points) would impact annual net interest expense by approximately $4.4 million, assuming no changes to the debt outstanding at March 31, 2007. For details regarding our outstanding debt see Note 5 to the interim consolidated financial statements included in this report and Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

          Risk Associated with Investment Portfolio

          Our investment portfolio includes equity investments in publicly held companies that are classified as available-for-sale securities and other strategic equity holdings in privately held companies. These securities are exposed to price fluctuations and are generally concentrated in the life sciences industry. The carrying values of our available-for-sale equity securities and privately held securities were $27 million at March 31, 2007.

          We do not hedge our equity price risk. The impact of an adverse movement in equity prices on our holdings in privately held companies cannot be easily quantified, as our ability to realize returns on investments depends on, among other things, the enterprises’ ability to raise additional capital or derive cash inflows from continuing operations or through liquidity events such as initial public offerings, mergers or private sales.

          Liquidity and Capital Resources

          Cash and Cash Equivalents

          Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2007 totaled $158 million compared to $150 million at December 31, 2006. Cash flows from operating activities in 2007 were $152 million, which together with cash flows from financing activities of $203 million, were used to fund investing activities of $346 million. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2006 totaled $156 million, compared to $92 million at December 31, 2005. Cash flows from operating activities in 2006 were $241 million, which were used to fund investing and financing activities of $28 million and $148 million, respectively.

          Cash Flows from Operating Activities

          Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $152 million compared to $241 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to lower earnings in the current year and increased payments associated with variable compensation earned in the prior year. Days sales outstanding, a measure of billing and collection efficiency, were 47 days at March 31, 2007 compared to 48 days at December 31, 2006.

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          Cash Flows from Investing Activities

          Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $346 million, consisting principally of $307 million related to the acquisition of HemoCue and capital expenditures of $40 million.

          Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $28 million, consisting of capital expenditures of $42 million, partially offset by $15.8 million in proceeds received in connection with the sale of an investment.

          Cash Flows from Financing Activities

          Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $203 million, consisting primarily of proceeds from borrowings of $450 million, used to finance the acquisition of HemoCue and to fund the repayment of HemoCue’s outstanding debt, and $22 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, including related tax benefits, offset by repayments of debt totaling $128 million, purchases of treasury stock totaling $105 million and dividend payments of $19 million. The $128 million of debt repayment consists of $113 million to repay HemoCue’s outstanding debt and a repayment of $15 million on our term loan due 2008. The $105 million of treasury stock represents 2.1 million shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $50.98 per share.

          Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $148 million, consisting primarily of purchases of treasury stock totaling $104 million, repayment of $60 million of principal outstanding under our secured receivables credit facility and dividend payments of $18 million, partially offset by $52 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, including related tax benefits. The $104 million in treasury stock purchases represents 2 million shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $52.05 per share.

          Dividend Program

          During each of the quarters of 2006, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share. On February 13, 2007, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend per common share of $0.10, payable on April 18, 2007. We expect to fund future dividend payments with cash flows from operations, and do not expect the dividend to have a material impact on our ability to finance future growth.

          Share Repurchase Plan

          For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we repurchased 2.1 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $50.98 per share for $105 million. Through March 31, 2007, we have repurchased approximately 43.4 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $45.18 for $2 billion under our share repurchase program. At March 31, 2007, the total available for repurchases under the remaining authorizations was $145 million.

          Contractual Obligations and Commitments

          A full description of the terms of our indebtedness and related debt service requirements and our future payments under certain of our contractual obligations is contained in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. A full discussion and analysis regarding our minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases and noncancelable commitments to purchase products or services at December 31, 2006 is contained in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Note 1 to the interim consolidated financial statements for information regarding our contingent tax liability reserves. See Note 6 to the interim consolidated financial statements for information regarding the status of legal matters involving the Company.

          Our credit agreements relating to our senior unsecured revolving credit facility, our term loan due December 2008 and our term loan due January 2008 contain various covenants and conditions, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios, that could impact our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness. We do not expect these covenants to adversely impact our ability to execute our growth strategy or conduct normal business operations.

          Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

          We have investments in unconsolidated joint ventures in Phoenix, Arizona; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Dayton, Ohio, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We believe that our transactions with our joint ventures are conducted at arm’s length, reflecting current market conditions and pricing. Total net revenues of our unconsolidated joint ventures equal less than 6% of our consolidated net revenues. Total assets associated with our unconsolidated joint ventures

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are less than 2% of our consolidated total assets. We have no material unconditional obligations or guarantees to, or in support of, our unconsolidated joint ventures and their operations.

          Acquisition of AmeriPath, Inc.

          On April 16, 2007, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire AmeriPath, Inc., (“AmeriPath”), in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2 billion, including approximately $770 million of debt at closing. AmeriPath is a leading provider of dermatopathology, anatomic pathology and esoteric testing with annualized revenues in excess of $800 million.

          The transaction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2007 and is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including regulatory clearance. The acquisition is expected to have minimal impact to the Company’s 2007 earnings per share and be modestly accretive to 2008 earnings per share, before anticipated charges related to the transaction. We intend to pay for the transaction, refinance AmeriPath's existing debt, and the debt from the HemoCue acquisition completed earlier this year with the proceeds of a new $1 billion one-year bridge loan and a new five-year $1.5 billion term loan, both committed to be underwritten by Morgan Stanley. The bridge loan is expected to be refinanced shortly after the closing. In addition, Morgan Stanley will underwrite a $750 million revolving credit facility which will replace the Company’s existing revolving credit facility. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.

          Requirements and Capital Resources

          We estimate that we will invest approximately $200 million during 2007 for capital expenditures to support and expand our existing operations, principally related to investments in information technology, equipment, and facility upgrades.

          As of March 31, 2007, $500 million of borrowing capacity was available under our existing credit facilities.

          We believe that cash from operations and our borrowing capacity under our credit facilities will provide sufficient financial flexibility to meet seasonal working capital requirements and to fund capital expenditures, debt service requirements, cash dividends on common shares, share repurchases and additional growth opportunities for the foreseeable future. We believe that our credit profile should provide us with access to additional financing, if necessary, to fund growth opportunities that cannot be funded from existing sources.

          Forward-Looking Statements

          Some statements and disclosures in this document are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “believe”, “will”, “expect”, “project”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “plan” or “continue”. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could significantly cause our plans and expectations, including actual results, to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or the Litigation Reform Act, provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their companies without fear of litigation.

          We would like to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Litigation Reform Act in connection with the forward-looking statements included in this document. The risks and other factors that could cause our actual financial results to differ materially from those projected, forecasted or estimated by us in forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, unanticipated expenditures, changing relationships with customers, payers, suppliers and strategic partners, competitive environment, changes in government regulations, conditions of the economy and other factors described in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

               See Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

(a)          

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective.

 
(b)

During the first quarter of 2007, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

          See Note 6 to the interim consolidated financial statements for information regarding the status of legal proceedings involving the Company.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

          (d) Approximate Dollar
   
(a) Total
  (c) Total Number of Value of Shares that May
   
Number of
(b) Average
Shares Purchased as Part
Yet Be Purchased Under the
    Shares Price Paid per of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
                   Period
Purchased
Share
Plans or Programs (in thousands)
  January 1, 2007 –        
  January 31, 2007
             -
         -
              -
$249,699
  February 1, 2007 –        
  February 28, 2007
1,031,700
$52.49
1,031,700
$195,544
  March 1, 2007 -
     
  March 31, 2007
1,027,887
$49.47
1,027,887
$144,699
  Total
2,059,587
$50.98
2,059,587
$144,699

          In 2003, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which permitted us to purchase up to $600 million of our common stock. In July 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to an additional $300 million of our common stock. Under a separate authorization from our Board of Directors, in December 2004 we repurchased 5.4 million shares of our common stock for approximately $254 million from GlaxoSmithKline plc. In January 2005, our Board of Directors expanded the share repurchase authorization by an additional $350 million. In January 2006, our Board of Directors expanded the share repurchase authorization by an additional $600 million.

Item 6. Exhibits

           Exhibits:             
  31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
  31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
  32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section
      906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
       
  32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
      of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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Signatures

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

April 27, 2007
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

 

By   /s/ Surya N. Mohapatra
             Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D.
             Chairman, President and
             Chief Executive Officer

 

By   /s/ Robert A. Hagemann
             Robert A. Hagemann
             Senior Vice President and
             Chief Financial Officer

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