Unassociated Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________.
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-19271
 
IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
DELAWARE
01-0393723
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
 or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
ONE IDEXX DRIVE, WESTBROOK, MAINE
04092
(Address of principal executive offices)
(ZIP Code)
 
207-556-0300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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

 
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
         
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  
Smaller reporting company
¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.10 par value, was 57,344,180 on April 18, 2011.

 
 

 

IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

Item No.
   
Page
       
   
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1
 
Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011 and 2010
4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011 and 2010
5
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Item 2
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17
Item 3
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
27
Item 4
 
Controls and Procedures
28
   
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A
 
Risk Factors
28
Item 2
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
34
Item 6
 
Exhibits
35
Signatures
36
Exhibit Index
 

 
2

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Financial Statements.

IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
     
2011
     
2010
 
                 
ASSETS
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
153,459
   
$
156,915
 
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $3,361 in 2011 and $2,828 in 2010
   
137,551
     
120,080
 
Inventories, net
   
127,054
     
127,885
 
Deferred income tax assets
   
25,990
     
26,203
 
Other current assets
   
21,387
     
29,508
 
Total current assets
   
465,441
     
460,591
 
Long-Term Assets:
               
Property and equipment, net
   
202,748
     
201,725
 
Goodwill
   
152,498
     
149,112
 
Intangible assets, net
   
54,715
     
55,752
 
Other long-term assets, net
   
34,076
     
29,964
 
Total long-term assets
   
444,037
     
436,553
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
909,478
   
$
897,144
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
23,334
   
$
22,669
 
Accrued liabilities
   
107,650
     
118,598
 
Line of credit
   
126,590
     
128,999
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
877
     
863
 
Current portion of deferred revenue
   
14,119
     
13,983
 
Total current liabilities
   
272,570
     
285,112
 
Long-Term Liabilities:
               
Deferred income tax liabilities
   
20,008
     
18,661
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
   
3,194
     
3,418
 
Long-term deferred revenue, net of current portion
   
4,514
     
4,627
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
12,284
     
11,045
 
Total long-term liabilities
   
40,000
     
37,751
 
Total liabilities
   
312,570
     
322,863
 
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
               
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
Common stock, $0.10 par value: Authorized: 120,000 shares;
    Issued: 98,561 and 97,968 shares in 2011 and 2010, respectively
   
9,856
     
9,797
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
665,035
     
641,645
 
Deferred stock units: Outstanding: 123 and 118 units in 2011 and 2010, respectively
   
4,742
     
4,433
 
Retained earnings
   
1,002,152
     
965,540
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
19,587
     
13,467
 
Treasury stock, at cost: 41,244 and 40,657 shares in 2011 and 2010, respectively
   
(1,104,504
)
   
(1,060,647
)
Total IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders’ equity
   
596,868
     
574,235
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
40
     
46
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
596,908
     
574,281
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
909,478
   
$
897,144
 

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

 
3

 

IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     
2011
     
2010
 
                 
Revenue:
               
Product revenue
 
$
188,385
     
176,761
 
Service revenue
   
104,287
     
91,764
 
Total revenue
   
292,672
     
268,525
 
Cost of Revenue:
               
Cost of product revenue
   
73,705
     
68,634
 
Cost of service revenue
   
64,042
     
57,530
 
Total cost of revenue
   
137,747
     
126,164
 
Gross profit
   
154,925
     
142,361
 
Expenses:
               
Sales and marketing
   
50,985
     
44,416
 
General and administrative
   
32,596
     
32,808
 
Research and development
   
17,812
     
16,709
 
Income from operations
   
53,532
     
48,428
 
Interest expense
   
(728
)
   
(365
)
Interest income
   
369
     
53
 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
53,173
     
48,116
 
Provision for income taxes
   
16,567
     
15,088
 
Net income
   
36,606
     
33,028
 
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(6
)
   
2
 
Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders
 
$
36,612
     
33,026
 
Earnings per Share:
               
Basic
 
$
0.64
     
0.57
 
Diluted
 
$
0.62
     
0.55
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
               
Basic
   
57,457
     
58,033
 
Diluted
   
59,090
     
60,029
 

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

 
4

 

IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     
2011
     
2010
 
                 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
               
Net income
 
$
36,606
     
33,028
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
11,464
     
11,246
 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
   
310
     
1,092
 
Increase in deferred compensation liability
   
88
     
101
 
Provision for uncollectible accounts
   
601
     
385
 
Provision for deferred income taxes
   
2,501
     
769
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
3,965
     
3,344
 
Tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units
   
(7,018
)
   
(3,318
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
   
(14,433
)
   
(17,393
)
Inventories
   
897
     
(12,179
)
Other assets
   
2,662
     
1,441
 
Accounts payable
   
548
     
5,081
 
Accrued liabilities
   
(12,618
)
   
(4,916
)
Deferred revenue
   
(355
)
   
524
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
25,218
     
19,205
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(9,575
)
   
(8,473
)
Proceeds from disposition of pharmaceutical product lines
   
3,000
     
-
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
82
     
27
 
Acquisitions of intangible assets
   
-
     
(144
)
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(6,493
)
   
(8,590
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
(Payments) borrowings on revolving credit facilities, net
   
(2,487
)
   
38,523
 
Payment of notes payable
   
(210
)
   
(200
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(39,940
)
   
(57,728
)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options and employee stock purchase plans
   
12,169
     
6,483
 
Tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units
   
7,018
     
3,318
 
Net cash used by financing activities
   
(23,450
)
   
(9,604
)
Net effect of changes in exchange rates on cash
   
1,269
     
(1,385
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(3,456
)
   
(374
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
156,915
     
106,728
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
153,459
     
106,354
 

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

 
5

 

IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1.        BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (“IDEXX,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the requirements of Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01 for financial statements required to be filed as a part of Form 10-Q.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of our management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2010 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Reclassifications had no material impact on previously reported results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

NOTE 2.        ACCOUNTING POLICIES
  
The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are consistent with those discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. There were no new accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2011 that had a material impact on our financial statements.
 
NOTE 3.        SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 
The fair value of options, restricted stock units, deferred stock units with vesting conditions and employee stock purchase rights awarded during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 totaled $21.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for unvested share-based compensation awards outstanding at March 31, 2011 was $39.3 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average of approximately 2.3 years.
 
 
6

 
 
Options

We determine the assumptions used in the valuation of option awards as of the date of grant. Differences in the stock price volatility, expected term or risk-free interest rate may result in distinct valuation assumptions at each grant date. As such, we may use different assumptions for options granted throughout the year. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock at the date of grant. We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock and we have no present intention to pay a dividend; therefore, we assume that no dividends will be paid over the expected terms of option awards. The weighted averages of the valuation assumptions used to determine the fair value of each option award on the date of grant and the weighted average estimated fair values were as follows:

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Expected stock price volatility
    33 %     31 %
Expected term, in years
    4.8       4.9  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.4 %     2.3 %
                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
  $ 24.99     $ 16.53  

NOTE 4.        INVENTORIES

Inventories include material, labor and overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. The components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
     
2011
     
2010
 
                 
Raw materials
 
$
29,340
   
$
26,758
 
Work-in-process
   
14,383
     
13,790
 
Finished goods
   
83,331
     
87,337
 
   
$
127,054
   
$
127,885
 

NOTE 5.        GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The increase in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2011 resulted from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The decrease in intangible assets other than goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2011 resulted from the continued amortization of our intangible assets, partly offset by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

NOTE 6.        ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
March 31,
2011
   
December 31, 
2010
 
                 
Accrued expenses
 
$
38,643
   
$
36,150
 
Accrued employee compensation and related expenses
   
36,181
     
47,914
 
Accrued taxes
   
8,217
     
12,320
 
Accrued customer programs
   
24,609
     
22,214
 
   
$
107,650
   
$
118,598
 

NOTE 7.        WARRANTY RESERVES

We provide for the estimated cost of instrument warranties in cost of product revenue at the time revenue is recognized based on the estimated cost to repair the instrument over its warranty period. As we sell new instruments, our provision for warranty expense increases. Cost of product revenue reflects not only estimated warranty expense for the systems sold in the current period, but also any changes in estimated warranty expense for the installed base that results from our quarterly evaluation of service experience. Our actual warranty obligation is affected by instrument performance in the customers’ environment and costs incurred in servicing instruments. Should actual service rates or costs differ from our estimates, which are based on historical data and projections of future costs, revisions to our estimated warranty liability would be required. The liability for warranties is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 
7

 

The following is a summary of changes in accrued warranty reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 2,196     $ 3,104  
Provision for warranty expense
    614       1,082  
Change in estimate, balance beginning of period
    (83 )     (478 )
Settlement of warranty liability
    (964 )     (1,076 )
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,763     $ 2,632  

NOTE 8.        TREASURY STOCK

The following is a summary of our open market treasury stock purchases for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Shares repurchased
    538       1,092  
Total cost of treasury shares repurchased
  $ 39,940     $ 57,728  
Average cost per share
  $ 74.21     $ 52.88  

We primarily acquire shares by means of repurchases in the open market. However, we also acquire shares that are surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes due on the vesting of restricted stock units and the settlement of deferred stock units. We acquired 51,407 shares at a total cost of $4.0 million in connection with such employee surrenders for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to 48,275 shares at a total cost of $2.6 million for the same period of the prior year.

We began issuing shares of treasury stock upon the vesting of certain restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2011. The number of shares of treasury stock issued during this period was not significant.

NOTE 9.        INCOME TAXES

The following is a summary of our effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Effective income tax rate
    31.2 %     31.4 %

The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period of the prior year was due primarily to federal research and development tax incentives that were available during the three months ended March 31, 2011, but not available during the three months ended March 31, 2010. This decrease was largely offset by scheduled modifications related to international incentives and higher relative earnings subject to domestic tax rates that are higher than international tax rates.

 
8

 

NOTE 10.     COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following is a summary of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net income
  $ 36,606       33,028  
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (6 )     2  
Net income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders
    36,612       33,026  
Other comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders:
               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    8,141       (5,548 )
Change in fair value of foreign currency contracts classified as hedges, net of tax
    (2,252 )     2,275  
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps classified as hedges, net of tax
    176       (582 )
Change in fair value of investments, net of tax
    55       57  
Comprehensive income attributable to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. stockholders
  $ 42,732       29,228  

NOTE 11.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and vested deferred stock units outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and assumed issuance of unvested restricted stock units and unvested deferred stock units using the treasury stock method, unless the effect is anti-dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share:
           
Weighted average shares outstanding
    57,337       57,911  
Weighted average vested deferred stock units outstanding
    120       122  
      57,457       58,033  
                 
Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share:
               
Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
    57,457       58,033  
Dilutive effect of share-based payment awards
    1,633       1,996  
      59,090       60,029  

Vested deferred stock units outstanding are included in shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share because the associated shares of our common stock are issuable for no cash consideration, the number of shares of our common stock to be issued is fixed and issuance is not contingent.

 
9

 

Certain options to acquire shares and restricted stock units have been excluded from the calculation of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. The following table presents information concerning those anti-dilutive options and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive options
    256       605  
                 
Weighted average number of shares underlying anti-dilutive restricted stock units
    53       -  

NOTE 12.     COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES

As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, in January 2010, we received a letter from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“ FTC”), stating that it was conducting an investigation to determine whether we or others have engaged in, or are engaging in, unfair methods of competition in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), through pricing or marketing policies for companion animal veterinary products and services, including but not limited to exclusive dealing or tying arrangements with distributors or end-users of those products or services. The letter stated that the FTC has not concluded that we or anyone else has violated Section 5 of the FTC Act. In April 2010, we received a subpoena from the FTC requesting that we provide the FTC with documents and information relevant to this investigation. We are cooperating fully with the FTC in its investigation.

In November 2010, we received notification that the United Kingdom Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) was conducting an investigation to determine whether we had engaged in, or are engaging in, practices foreclosing the supply of companion animal diagnostic testing services in violation of the United Kingdom Competition Act of 1998.  We have provided the OFT with documents and information relevant to this investigation as requested and we are cooperating fully with the OFT on this matter.
 
 
Significant commitments, contingencies and guarantees at March 31, 2011 are consistent with those discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

NOTE 13.     SEGMENT REPORTING

We operate primarily through three business segments: diagnostic and information technology-based products and services for the veterinary market, which we refer to as our Companion Animal Group (“CAG”), water quality testing products (“Water”) and products for livestock and poultry health, which we refer to as Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics (“LPD”). We also operate two smaller operating segments that comprise products for testing milk quality (“Dairy”) and products for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market (“OPTI Medical”). Financial information about our Dairy and OPTI Medical operating segments is combined and presented with one of our remaining pharmaceutical product lines and our out-licensing arrangements in an “Other” category because they do not meet the quantitative or qualitative thresholds for reportable segments.

The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those discussed in Notes 1 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, except for the change in our measure of segment profitability during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as discussed below. Intersegment revenues, which are not included in the table below, were not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

 
10

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we changed the measure of profitability for our reportable segments. As a result of this change, a portion of corporate support function expenses and personnel-related expenses, certain manufacturing costs and certain foreign currency exchange gains and losses are no longer allocated to our reportable segments and, instead, are reported under the caption “Unallocated Amounts.” Similar to our treatment of share-based compensation expense, we estimate corporate support function expenses and certain personnel-related costs and allocate the estimated expense to the operating segments. This allocation differs from the actual expense and consequently yields a difference that is now reported under the caption “Unallocated Amounts.”  With respect to manufacturing costs, the costs reported in our operating segments include our standard cost for products sold and any variances from standard cost for products purchased or manufactured within the period. We capitalize these variances for inventory on hand at the end of the period to record inventory in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We then record these costs as cost of product revenue as that inventory is sold. The impact to cost of product revenue resulting from this variance capitalization and subsequent expense recognition is now reported within the caption “Unallocated Amounts.” Prior to the three months ended March 31, 2011, ”Unallocated Amounts” included primarily corporate research and development expenses that do not align with one of our existing business or service categories and the difference between estimated and actual share-based compensation expense. The segment income (loss) from operations discussed within this report for the three months ended March 31, 2010 have been restated to conform to our new measure of segment profitability. This change in measure of segment profitability did not have a material impact on the results of operations for any of our individual segments. There was no change to the business composition of our reportable segments.
 
The following is a summary of segment performance for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

    
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
CAG
   
Water
   
LPD
   
Other
   
Unallocated
Amounts
   
Consolidated
Total
 
2011
                                   
Revenue
  $ 240,589     $ 18,965     $ 23,939     $ 9,179     $ -     $ 292,672  
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 42,972     $ 6,947     $ 7,150     $ (550 )   $ (2,987 )   $ 53,532  
Interest expense, net
                                            (359 )
Income before provision for income taxes
                                            53,173  
Provision for income taxes
                                            16,567  
Net income
                                            36,606  
Less: Net (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
                                            (6 )
Net income attributable to IDEXX  Laboratories, Inc. stockholders
                                          $ 36,612  
                                                 
2010
                                               
Revenue
  $ 221,417     $ 17,864     $ 19,941     $ 9,303     $ -     $ 268,525  
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 40,822     $ 7,512     $ 4,578     $ 550     $ (5,034 )   $ 48,428  
Interest expense, net
                                            (312 )
Income before provision for income taxes
                                            48,116  
Provision for income taxes
                                            15,088  
Net income
                                            33,028  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
                                            2  
Net income attributable to IDEXX  Laboratories, Inc. stockholders
                                          $ 33,026  

 
11

 

The following is a summary of revenue by product and service category for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CAG segment revenue:
           
Instruments and consumables
  $ 93,887     $ 83,382  
Rapid assay products
    38,617       39,443  
Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services
    89,128       79,840  
Practice information management systems and digital radiography
    18,957       18,752  
CAG segment revenue
    240,589       221,417  
                 
Water segment revenue
    18,965       17,864  
LPD segment revenue
    23,939       19,941  
Other segment revenue
    9,179       9,303  
                 
Total revenue
  $ 292,672     $ 268,525  

NOTE 14.     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. U.S. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
 
Level 1
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
   
Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Foreign currency exchange contracts classified as derivative instruments are valued based on the present value of the forward rate less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. The product of this calculation is then adjusted for counterparty risk. Interest rate swaps classified as derivative instruments are valued utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve and adjusted for counterparty risk.
   
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had no Level 3 assets or liabilities.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. We did not have any significant nonfinancial assets or nonfinancial liabilities which required remeasurement during the three months ended March 31, 2011. We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 measurements during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 
12

 

The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2011 and at December 31, 2010 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

As of March 31, 2011
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Balance at
March 31, 2011
 
                         
Assets
                       
Money market funds(1)
  $ 67,027     $ -     $ -     $ 67,027  
Equity mutual funds(2)
    2,312       -       -       2,312  
Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)
    -       1,252       -       1,252  
Liabilities
                               
Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)
    -       6,744       -       6,744  
Deferred compensation(4)
    2,312       -       -       2,312  
Interest rate swaps(5)
    -       1,331       -       1,331  

As of December 31, 2010
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Balance at
 December 31,
2010
 
                         
Assets
                       
Money market funds(1)
  $ 67,025     $ -     $ -     $ 67,025  
Equity mutual funds(2)
    2,222       -       -       2,222  
Liabilities
                               
Foreign currency exchange contracts(3)
    -       2,234       -       2,234  
Deferred compensation(4)
    2,222       -       -       2,222  
Interest rate swaps(5)
    -       1,611       -       1,611  
  

(1)
Money market funds are included within cash and cash equivalents.
(2)
Equity mutual funds relate to a deferred compensation plan that was assumed as part of a previous business combination. This amount is included within other long-term assets, net. See number (5) below for a discussion of the related deferred compensation liability.
(3)
Foreign currency exchange contracts are included within other current assets; other long-term assets, net; accrued liabilities; or other long-term liabilities depending on the gain (loss) position and anticipated settlement date.
(4)
Deferred compensation plans are included within other long-term liabilities. The fair value of our deferred compensation plan is indexed to the performance of the underlying equity mutual funds discussed in number (2) above.
(5)
Interest rate swaps are included within accrued liabilities.

The estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and the current portion of notes payable approximate carrying value due to their short maturity.

Based on current market conditions, we believe that we could obtain an unsecured short-term revolving credit facility similar to our current unsecured short-term revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) at prevailing market rates. Applicable interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facility generally range from 0.375 to 0.875 percentage points (“Credit Spread”) above the London interbank rate or the Canadian Dollar-denominated bankers’ acceptance rate, dependent on our leverage ratio. We believe that the Credit Spread on a new facility would most likely be approximately 0.75 percentage points higher than the Credit Spread on our current Credit Facility. Based on this difference, the fair value of our current Credit Facility would be approximately $993 thousand per $1 million of principal outstanding as of March 31, 2011, assuming the amounts outstanding at March 31, 2011 remained consistent for the duration of the Credit Facility.

The estimated fair value of long-term debt approximates the carrying value based on current market prices for similar debt issues with similar remaining maturities.

 
13

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and derivatives. To mitigate such risk with respect to cash, cash equivalents and investments, we place our cash with highly-rated financial institutions, in non-interest bearing accounts that are fully insured by the United States (“U.S.”) government and money market funds invested in government securities. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited to certain customers to whom we make substantial sales. To reduce risk, we routinely assess the financial strength of our most significant customers and monitor the amounts owed to us, taking appropriate action when necessary. As a result, we believe that accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts, but historically have not experienced any significant losses related to an individual customer or group of customers in any particular industry or geographic area. To mitigate concentration of credit risk with respect to derivatives we enter into transactions with highly-rated financial institutions and frequently monitor the credit worthiness of our counterparties.

NOTE 15.     DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING

Disclosure within this footnote is presented to provide transparency about how and why we use derivative instruments, how the instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how the instruments and related hedged items affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities at fair value with a corresponding offset to other comprehensive income (“OCI”), which is net of tax.

We are exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks that we manage by using derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk. Our subsidiaries enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the exchange risk associated with their forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales for the next year. From time to time, we may also enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations associated with specific, significant transactions. We have entered into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk associated with $80 million of our variable-rate debt.

The primary purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to protect against the volatility associated with foreign currency transactions. We also utilize natural hedges to mitigate our transaction and commitment exposures. Our corporate policy prescribes the range of allowable hedging activity. We enter into exchange contracts with large multinational financial institutions and we do not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management. Our accounting policies for these contracts are based on our designation of such instruments as hedging transactions. Market gains and losses are deferred in OCI until the contract matures, which is the period when the related obligation is settled. We primarily utilize forward exchange contracts with durations of less than 24 months. We do not present our derivative assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Cash Flow Hedges

We have designated our foreign currency exchange contracts and variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. For derivative instruments that are designated as hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We de-designate derivative instruments from hedge accounting when the probability of the hedged transaction occurring becomes less than probable, but remains reasonably possible. For de-designated instruments, the gain or loss from the time of de-designation through maturity of the instrument is recognized in earnings. Any gain or loss in OCI at the time of de-designation is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We did not de-designate any instruments from hedge accounting treatment during the three months ended March 31, 2011 or 2010. We immediately record in earnings the extent to which a hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged item. Gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were not material. At March 31, 2011, the estimated net amount of losses that are expected to be reclassified out of accumulated OCI and into earnings within the next 12 months is $4.4 million if exchange and interest rates do not fluctuate from the levels at March 31, 2011.

We enter into foreign currency exchange contracts for amounts that are less than the full value of forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales. Our hedging strategy related to intercompany inventory purchases and sales is to employ the full amount of our hedges for the succeeding year at the conclusion of our budgeting process for that year, which is complete by the end of the preceding year. Quarterly, we enter into contracts to hedge incremental portions of anticipated foreign currency transactions for the current and following year. As a result, the notional value of foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding may be higher throughout the year in comparison to the amounts outstanding at the end of the year. Accordingly, our risk with respect to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may vary throughout each annual cycle.

 
14

 

In March 2009, we entered into two forward fixed interest rate swap agreements to manage the economic effect of variable interest obligations on amounts borrowed under the terms of our Credit Facility. Under these agreements, beginning on March 31, 2010 the variable interest rate associated with $80 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility became effectively fixed at 2% plus the Credit Spread through March 30, 2012. The critical terms of the interest rate swap agreements match the critical terms of the underlying borrowings, including notional amounts, underlying market indices, interest rate reset dates and maturity dates.

The notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge forecasted intercompany inventory purchases and sales consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Currency Sold
 
U.S. Dollar Equivalent
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Euro
  $ 75,319     $ 59,360  
British Pound
    25,601       21,144  
Canadian Dollar
    26,753       21,776  
Australian Dollar
    8,956       7,930  
Japanese Yen
    12,637       10,427  
    $ 149,266     $ 120,637  

Currency Purchased
 
U.S. Dollar Equivalent
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Swiss Franc
  $ 21,148     $ 12,542  

The notional amount of forward fixed interest rate swap agreements to manage variable interest obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
U.S. Dollar Equivalent
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Interest rate swaps
  $ 80,000     $ 80,000  

The fair values of derivative instruments and their respective classification in the condensed consolidated balance sheet consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Asset Derivatives
 
   
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
   
Balance Sheet
Classification
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Classification
 
Fair Value
 
                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                     
Foreign currency exchange contracts
 
Other current assets
 
$
1,128
 
Other current assets
 
$
-
 
Foreign currency exchange contracts
 
Other long-term assets, net
   
124
 
Other long-term assets, net
   
-
 
Total derivative instruments
     
$
1,252
     
$
-
 

 
15

 

   
Liability Derivatives
 
   
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
   
Balance Sheet
Classification
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Classification
 
Fair Value
 
                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                     
Foreign currency exchange contracts
 
Accrued expenses
 
$
6,218
 
Accrued expenses
 
$
2,234
 
Foreign currency exchange contracts
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
526
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
-
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,331
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,611
 
Total derivative instruments
     
$
8,075
     
$
3,845
 

The effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on
Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion)
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Derivative instruments
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Foreign currency exchange contracts, net of tax
  $ (2,252 )   $ 2,275  
Interest rate swaps, net of tax
    176       (582 )
Total derivative instruments, net of tax
  $ (2,076 )   $ 1,693  

The effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Classification of
Gain (Loss) 
     
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective
Portion)
 
   
Reclassified from
OCI into Income
     
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Derivative instruments
       
(Effective Portion)
     
2011
   
2010
 
                     
Foreign currency exchange contracts
 
Cost of revenue
      $ (1,291 )   $ (411 )
Interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense
        (170 )     -  
              (1,461 )     (411 )

 
16

 

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which, to the extent they are not statements of historical fact, constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements about our business and expectations within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, include statements relating to future revenue growth rates, earnings and other measures of financial performance; the effect of economic conditions on our business performance; demand for our products; realizability of assets; future cash flow and uses of cash; future repurchases of common stock; future levels of indebtedness and capital spending; interest expense; warranty expense; share-based compensation expense; and competition. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “may,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “would,” “will,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “should,” and similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events; are based on current estimates, projections, beliefs, and assumptions; and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties as more fully described under the heading “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The risks and uncertainties discussed herein do not reflect the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions or dispositions. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of the day this Quarterly Report was first filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials released to the public. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates or expectations change.

■ Business Overview and Trends

Operating segments. We operate primarily through three business segments: diagnostic and information technology-based products and services for the veterinary market, which we refer to as our Companion Animal Group (“CAG”), water quality testing products (“Water”) and products for livestock and poultry health, which we refer to as Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics (“LPD”). We also operate two smaller operating segments that comprise products for testing milk quality (“Dairy”) and products for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market (“OPTI Medical”). Financial information about our Dairy and OPTI Medical operating segments is combined and presented with one of our remaining pharmaceutical product lines and our out-licensing arrangements in an “Other” category because they do not meet the quantitative or qualitative thresholds for reportable segments. See Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for financial information about our segments and the section entitled “Description of Business by Segment” under the heading “Item 1. Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional description of our segments.

CAG develops, designs, manufactures and distributes products and performs services for veterinarians, primarily related to diagnostics and information management. Water develops, designs, manufactures and distributes a range of products used in the detection of various microbiological parameters in water. LPD develops, designs, manufactures and distributes diagnostic tests and related instrumentation that are used to detect a wide range of diseases and to monitor health status in livestock and poultry. Dairy develops, designs, manufactures and distributes products to detect contaminants in milk. OPTI Medical develops, designs, manufactures and distributes point-of-care electrolyte and blood gas analyzers and related consumable products for the human medical diagnostics market. Further, OPTI Medical manufactures our VetStat® Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzer, a component of our Catalyst Dx® Analyzer and electrolyte consumables used with our Catalyst Dx® Analyzer.

 
17

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we changed the measure of profitability for our reportable segments. As a result of this change, a portion of corporate support function expenses and personnel-related expenses, certain manufacturing costs and certain foreign currency exchange gains and losses are no longer allocated to our reportable segments and, instead, are reported under the caption “Unallocated Amounts.” Similar to our treatment of share-based compensation expense, we estimate corporate support function expenses and certain personnel-related costs and allocate the estimated expense to the operating segments. This allocation differs from the actual expense and consequently yields a difference that is now reported under the caption “Unallocated Amounts.” With respect to manufacturing costs, the costs reported in our operating segments include our standard cost for products sold and any variances from standard cost for products purchased or manufactured within the period. We capitalize these variances for inventory on hand at the end of the period to record inventory in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). We then record these costs as cost of product revenue as that inventory is sold. The impact to cost of product revenue resulting from this variance capitalization and subsequent expense recognition is now reported within the caption “Unallocated Amounts.” Prior to the three months ended March 31, 2011, ”Unallocated Amounts” included primarily corporate research and development expenses that do not align with one of our existing business or service categories and the difference between estimated and actual share-based compensation expense. The segment income (loss) from operations discussed within this report for the three months ended March 31, 2010 have been restated to conform to our new measure of segment profitability. This change in measure of segment profitability did not have a material impact on the results of operations for any of our individual segments. There was no change to the business composition of our reportable segments.
 
Effects of Certain Factors on Results of Operations

Distributor Purchasing and Inventories. The instrument consumables and rapid assay products in our CAG segment are sold in the U.S. and certain other geographies by third party distributors, who purchase products from us and sell them to veterinary practices, which are the end users. As a result, distributor purchasing dynamics have an impact on our reported sales of these products. Distributor purchasing dynamics may be affected by many factors and may be unrelated to underlying end-user demand for our products. Consequently, reported results may reflect fluctuations in distributors’ inventories and not necessarily reflect changes in underlying end-user demand. Therefore, we believe it is important to track distributor sales to end users and to distinguish between the impact of end-user demand and the impact of distributor purchasing dynamics on reported revenue.

Where growth rates are affected by changes in end-user demand, we refer to the impact of practice-level sales on growth. Where growth rates are affected by distributor purchasing dynamics, we refer to the impact of changes in distributors’ inventories on growth. If during the current year, distributors’ inventories grew by less than those inventories grew in the comparable period of the prior year, then changes in distributors’ inventories have a negative impact on our reported sales growth in the current period. Conversely, if during the current year, distributors’ inventories grew by more than those inventories grew in the comparable period of the prior year, then changes in distributors’ inventories have a positive impact on our reported sales growth in the current period.

At the end of a quarter, we believe that our U.S. CAG distributors typically hold inventory equivalent to approximately four weeks of our anticipated end-user demand for instrument consumables and rapid assay products.

Currency Impact. For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, approximately 26% and 25%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from products manufactured in the U.S. and sold internationally in local currencies. Strengthening of the rate of exchange for the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies has a negative impact on our revenues derived in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and on profits of products manufactured in the U.S. and sold internationally, and a weakening of the U.S. dollar has the opposite effect. Similarly, to the extent that the U.S. dollar is stronger in current or future periods relative to the exchange rates in effect in the corresponding prior periods, our growth rate will be negatively affected. The impacts of foreign currency denominated operating expenses and foreign currency denominated supply contracts partly offset this exposure.
 
The impact on revenue from changes in foreign currency exchange rates is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, which is a numerical measure the components of which do not align with the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This particular measure is calculated by applying the differences between the average exchange rates during the current year period and the comparable previous year period to foreign currency denominated revenues for the current year period.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010, changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased total company revenue by approximately $3.2 million, due primarily to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar, Japanese Yen and Canadian dollar. These favorable impacts were partly offset by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro. These changes in foreign currency exchange rates impacted the revenues generated by each of our individual operating segments in a manner similar to the impact on the company as a whole.

 
18

 

Effects of Economic Conditions. Demand for many of our products and services has been negatively affected by economic conditions since approximately mid-2008. In our CAG segment, we believe that low economic growth and relatively high unemployment have led to negative or cautious consumer sentiment, which has affected the number of patient visits to veterinary clinics. Since the beginning of the economic slowdown, patient visits have been flat to slightly down in each year-over-year period. We continued to observe this trend during the three months ended March 31, 2011 relative to the same period in 2010. We believe the essentially flat patient visits have negatively affected the growth rate of sales of rapid assay tests, instrument consumables and reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services. In addition, we believe the rate of growth of sales of our instruments and digital radiography systems, which are larger capital purchases for veterinarians, has been negatively affected by continued caution among veterinarians regarding economic conditions. Weaker economic conditions have also caused our customers to remain sensitive to the pricing of our products and services resulting in lower growth due to limited price increases for certain products.

We also believe that current economic conditions have affected purchasing decisions by certain customer groups in our Water business. Lower water testing volumes have resulted from a decline in municipal non-compliance testing and new home construction testing.

We believe that the diversity and innovative nature of our products and services, and the geographic diversity of our markets, will partially mitigate the effects of the continuing slow economic growth and negative consumer sentiment. However, until we see improvements in broad factors that measure the economic climate both in the United States and Europe, we expect our growth rates will continue to be negatively affected.

■ Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are consistent with those discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The critical accounting policies and the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are consistent with those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in the section under the heading “Part 2, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

 
19

 

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Revenue

Total Company. The following table presents revenue by operating segment:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Net Revenue
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
   
Percentage
Change from
Currency (1)
   
Percentage 
Change from
Acquisitions (2)
   
Organic
Revenue
Growth (3)
 
                                           
CAG
  $ 240,589     $ 221,417     $ 19,172       8.7 %     1.3 %     0.1 %     7.3 %
Water
    18,965       17,864       1,101       6.2 %     1.5 %     -       4.7 %
LPD
    23,939       19,941       3,998       20.0 %     -       -       20.0 %
Other
    9,179       9,303       (124 )     (1.3 %)     1.2 %     -       (2.5 %)
Total
  $ 292,672     $ 268,525     $ 24,147       9.0 %     1.2 %     -       7.8 %
  
(1)
The percentage change from currency is a non-U.S. GAAP measure. It represents the percentage change in revenue resulting from the difference between the average exchange rates during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the same period of the prior year applied to foreign currency denominated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
(2)
Represents the percentage change in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010 attributed to incremental revenues from acquisitions subsequent to December 31, 2009.
(3)
Organic revenue growth is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and represents the percentage change in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010 net of acquisitions and the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The following revenue analysis and discussion reports on organic revenue growth. Organic revenue growth should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for or superior to, revenues reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Management believes that reporting organic revenue growth provides useful information to investors by facilitating easier comparisons of our revenue performance with prior and future periods and to our peers. We exclude the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates because changes in foreign currency exchange rates are not under management’s control, are subject to volatility and can obscure underlying business trends. We exclude the effect of acquisitions and divestitures because the nature, size and number of acquisitions can vary dramatically from period to period and therefore can also obscure underlying business trends.

Companion Animal Group. The following table presents revenue by product and service category for CAG:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Net Revenue
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
   
Percentage
Change from
Currency (1)
   
Percentage 
Change from
Acquisitions (2)
   
Organic
Revenue
Growth (3)
 
                                           
Instruments and Consumables
  $ 93,887     $ 83,382     $ 10,505       12.6 %     1.6 %     -       11.0 %
Rapid assay products
    38,617       39,443       (826 )     (2.1 %)     0.5 %     -       (2.6 %)
Reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services
    89,128       79,840       9,288       11.6 %     1.5 %     0.1 %     10.0 %
Practice information management systems and digital radiography
    18,957       18,752       205       1.1 %     0.6 %     -       0.5 %
Net CAG revenue
  $ 240,589     $ 221,417     $ 19,172       8.7 %     1.3 %     0.1 %     7.3 %
  
(1)
The percentage change from currency is a non-U.S. GAAP measure. It represents the percentage change in revenue resulting from the difference between the average exchange rates during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and the same period of the prior year applied to foreign currency denominated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
(2)
Represents the percentage change in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010 attributed to incremental revenues from acquisitions subsequent to December 31, 2009.
(3)
Organic revenue growth is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and represents the percentage change in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010 net of acquisitions and the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.


 
20

 
Instruments revenue was $19.1 million and $17.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Consumables revenue was $63.9 million and $56.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Instrument service and accessories revenue was $10.7 million and $9.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The remaining sources of revenue are not significant to overall instruments and consumables revenue. The $1.6 million increase in instruments revenue was due primarily to sales of our ProCyte Dx® instrument, our new hematology analyzer that we began shipping during the third quarter of 2010. The revenue generated from sales of our ProCyte Dx® instrument was partly offset by lower sales volumes of our other instruments, primarily our LaserCyte® hematology instrument as some of our sales focus has shifted from LaserCyte® to ProCyte Dx®. The $7.7 million increase in consumables revenue was due primarily to higher sales volumes of consumables used with our Catalyst Dx® chemistry instrument, partly offset by lower sales of consumables used with our VetTest® chemistry instrument as customers continue to upgrade from VetTest® instruments to Catalyst Dx® instruments. The $1.2 million increase in instrument service and accessories revenue was primarily a result of the increase in our active installed base of instruments. The impact from changes in distributors’ inventory levels contributed 2% to instruments and consumables revenue growth.
 
The decrease in rapid assay revenue was due primarily to the unfavorable impact from changes in distributors’ inventory levels, which reduced revenue growth by 7%. This unfavorable impact was partly offset by an increase in U.S. practice-level sales of our canine heartworm and combination test products.

The increase in reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services revenue resulted primarily from the impact of higher testing volumes and price increases. Higher testing volumes were driven largely by the acquisition of new customers.

Practice information management systems and digital radiography revenue increased slightly as an increase in service and support revenue and, to a lesser extent, an increase in sales volume of practice information management systems, was substantially offset by a decrease in sales of our digital radiography systems. Sales of digital radiography systems decreased in the first quarter of 2011 due in part to an increase in placement activity under customer acquisition related programs for which the consideration and related revenue will be received and recognized over future periods.

Water. The increase in Water revenue resulted primarily from higher Colilert® product sales volume and, to a lesser extent, higher Quanti-Tray® product sales volume. These increases were partly offset by lower average unit sales prices of these products due, in part, to higher relative sales in geographies where our products are sold at lower average unit sales prices.

Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics. The increase in LPD revenue resulted primarily from higher sales volume of certain bovine tests and, to a lesser extent, higher sales volume of certain swine tests. The increased sales volume of certain bovine tests was due, in part, to the timing of sales in Germany where we have won several government tenders for testing in connection with a country-wide eradication program for a virus impacting beef and dairy production yields. These increases were partly offset by lower average unit sales prices of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (“BSE” or “mad cow disease”) tests due to increasing competitive pressures. Effective January 1, 2009, the age at which healthy cattle to be slaughtered are required to be tested for BSE in the European Union was increased from 30 months to 48 months, which reduced the population of cattle tested. Effective July 1, 2011, the age will be further increased to 72 months, which will likely further reduce the population of cattle tested for this disease.

Other. The decrease in Other revenue was attributable primarily to lower sales volume of our Dairy SNAP® Beta Lactam test used for the detection of antibiotic residue in milk.
 
 
21

 
 
Gross Profit

Total Company. The following table presents gross profit and gross profit percentages by operating segment:

 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Gross Profit
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
2010
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
                                     
CAG
  $ 123,351       51.3 %   $ 113,743       51.4 %   $ 9,608       8.4 %
Water
    11,391       60.1 %     11,575       64.8 %     (184 )     (1.6 %)
LPD
    16,547       69.1 %     13,208       66.2 %     3,339       25.3 %
Other
    3,742       40.8 %     4,373       47.0 %     (631 )     (14.4 %)
Unallocated amounts
    (106 )     N/A       (538 )     N/A       432       80.3 %
Total Company
  $ 154,925       52.9 %   $ 142,361       53.0 %   $ 12,564       8.8 %

Companion Animal Group. Gross profit for CAG increased due to higher sales. The gross profit percentage for CAG remained at 51% as higher average sales prices were offset by higher freight costs as a result of rising fuel prices, increased personnel costs due primarily to the impact of severance charges related to a restructuring of transportation services in our reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services business and the net unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, due primarily to higher hedging losses.

Water. Gross profit for Water decreased as higher sales were more than offset by a decrease in the gross profit percentage to 60% from 65%. The decrease in the gross profit percentage was due to the timing of certain manufacturing costs, higher freight costs as a result of rising fuel prices and lower average unit sales prices.

Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics. Gross profit for LPD increased due to higher sales and an increase in the gross profit percentage to 69% from 66%. The increase in the gross profit percentage was due to lower overall manufacturing costs and higher relative sales of certain swine and bovine tests that yield higher margins. The decrease in overall manufacturing costs was due primarily to benefits achieved from economies of scale as a result of an increase in sales volume. These favorable impacts were partly offset by an increase in foreign currency hedging losses during the three months ended March 31, 2011 in comparison to the same period of the prior year.

Other. Gross profit for Other operating units decreased due to a decrease in sales and a decrease in the gross profit percentage to 41% from 47%. The decrease in the gross profit percentage was due primarily to lower average unit sales prices of certain of our OPTI Medical instruments, higher freight and distribution costs in our Dairy business as a result of rising fuel prices and, to a lesser extent, higher relative sales of lower margin products.
 
 
22

 
 
Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Total Company. The following tables present operating expenses and operating income by operating segment:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Operating Expenses
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
2010
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
                                     
CAG
  $ 80,379       33.4 %   $ 72,921       32.9 %   $ 7,458       10.2 %
Water
    4,444       23.4 %     4,063       22.7 %     381       9.4 %
LPD
    9,397       39.3 %     8,630       43.3 %     767       8.9 %
Other
    4,292       46.8 %     3,823       41.0 %     469       12.3 %
Unallocated amounts
    2,881       N/A       4,496       N/A       (1,615 )     (35.9 %)
Total Company
  $ 101,393       34.6 %   $ 93,933       35.0 %   $ 7,460       7.9 %

Operating Income
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
2010
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
                                     
CAG
  $ 42,972       17.9 %   $ 40,822       18.4 %   $ 2,150       5.3 %
Water
    6,947       36.6 %     7,512       42.1 %     (565 )     (7.5 %)
LPD
    7,150       29.9 %     4,578       23.0 %     2,572       56.2 %
Other
    (550 )     (6.0 %)     550       5.9 %     (1,100 )     (200.0 %)
Unallocated amounts
    (2,987 )     N/A       (5,034 )     N/A       2,047       40.7 %
Total Company
  $ 53,532       18.3 %   $ 48,428       18.0 %   $ 5,104       10.5 %
 
Companion Animal Group. The following table presents CAG operating expenses by functional area:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Operating Expenses
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
2010
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
                                     
Sales and marketing
  $ 43,334       18.0 %   $ 37,884       17.1 %   $ 5,450       14.4 %
General and administrative
    25,388       10.6 %     24,088       10.9 %     1,300       5.4 %
Research and development
    11,657       4.9 %     10,949       4.9 %     708       6.5 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 80,379       33.4 %   $ 72,921       32.9 %   $ 7,458       10.2 %

The increase in sales and marketing expense resulted primarily from increased personnel-related costs. The increase in general and administrative expense resulted primarily from increased personnel-related costs and, to a lesser extent, an increase in costs attributable to investments in information technology. These increases were partly offset by a $0.5 million payment that we earned in the first quarter of 2011 pursuant to the terms of a license agreement. The increase in research and development expense resulted primarily from increased personnel-related costs.

Water. The following table presents Water expenses by functional area:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Operating Expenses
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
2010
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
                                     
Sales and marketing
  $ 2,315       12.2 %   $ 1,883       10.5 %   $ 432       22.9 %
General and administrative
    1,606       8.5 %     1,569       8.8 %     37       2.4 %
Research and development
    523       2.8 %     611       3.4 %     (88 )     (14.4 %)
Total operating expenses
  $ 4,444       23.4 %   $ 4,063       22.7 %   $ 381       9.4 %

The increase in sales and marketing expense resulted primarily from higher personnel-related costs and increased spending on market research, advertising and promotional activities. The decrease in research and development expense resulted primarily from a reduction in field trial costs.
 
 
23

 
 
Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics. The following table presents LPD operating expenses by functional area:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Operating Expenses
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
2010
   
Percent of
Revenue
   
Dollar
Change
   
Percentage
Change
 
                                     
Sales and marketing
  $ 3,702       15.5 %   $ 3,388       17.0 %   $ 314       9.3 %
General and administrative
    2,995       12.5 %     3,101       15.6 %     (106 )     (3.4 %)
Research and development
    2,700       11.3 %     2,141       10.7 %     559       26.1 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 9,397       39.3 %   $ 8,630       43.3 %   $ 767       8.9 %

The increase in sales and marketing expense resulted primarily from an increase in personnel-related costs and the unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The increase in personnel-related costs was due primarily to higher commissions in connection with increased sales. The decrease in general and administrative expense was due primarily to lower personnel-related costs, partly offset by the unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The increase in research and development expense was due primarily to higher personnel-related costs.

Other. Operating expenses for Other operating units increased $0.5 million to $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 due primarily to higher personnel-related sales and marketing costs in our OPTI Medical business.
 
Unallocated Amounts. Operating expenses that are not allocated to our operating segments decreased $1.6 million to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 due primarily to certain foreign exchange gains and lower losses incurred related to the write-off and disposal of property and equipment during the three months ended March 31, 2011 in comparison to the same period of the prior year, partly offset by increased legal and other fees incurred in connection with the United Kingdom Office of Fair Trading and U.S. Federal Trade Commission investigations, discussed in more detail under the heading “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
  
Interest Income and Interest Expense

Interest income was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and $0.1 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in interest income was due primarily to higher effective interest rates.

Interest expense was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2010. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to higher effective interest rates, partly offset by lower average balances outstanding on our unsecured short-term revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”). With the commencement of our interest rate swap agreements on March 31, 2010, we effectively fixed our interest rate at 2% plus 0.375 to 0.875 percentage points (“Credit Spread”) on $80 million of funds borrowed under the Credit Facility through March 31, 2012. Because the fixed interest rate under the interest rate swap agreements is higher than the weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2010, interest expense was higher for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period of the prior year.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rates were 31.2% and 31.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period of the prior year was due primarily to federal research and development tax incentives that were available during the three months ended March 31, 2011, but not available during the three months ended March 31, 2010. This decrease was largely offset by scheduled modifications related to international incentives and higher relative earnings subject to domestic tax rates that are higher than international tax rates.
 
 
24

 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A discussion of recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 3(q) to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. There were no new accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2011 that had a material impact on our financial statements.

■ Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

We fund the capital needs of our business through cash on hand, funds generated from operations, and amounts available under the Credit Facility. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had $153.5 million and $156.9 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents, and working capital of $192.9 million and $175.5 million, respectively. Additionally, at March 31, 2011, we had remaining borrowing availability of $72.4 million under our $200 million Credit Facility. We believe that, if necessary, we could obtain additional borrowings at prevailing market interest rates to fund our growth objectives. We further believe that current cash and cash equivalents, funds generated from operations, and available borrowings under our existing Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operations, capital purchase requirements, and strategic growth needs for the next twelve months, and that these resources will be sufficient in the long-term to fund our business as currently being conducted.

We consider the majority of the operating earnings of certain non-United States subsidiaries to be indefinitely invested outside the United States. Changes to this position could have adverse tax consequences. We manage our worldwide cash requirements considering available funds among all of our subsidiaries. Our foreign cash balances are generally available without restrictions to fund ordinary business operations outside the U.S. We expect to continue to fund our operations within the U.S. through a combination of cash flows generated from domestic operating activities and through utilization of our Credit Facility when necessary. As a result, we expect our cash balance to continue to grow for the foreseeable future as sources of foreign cash flows are expected to be greater than uses outside of the U.S.
 
The following table presents additional key information concerning working capital:

   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
2011
   
December 31, 
2010
 
September 30,
2010
   
June 30, 
2010
   
March 31,
2010
 
                               
Days sales outstanding(1)
    40.2       38.7       41.9       41.8       41.7  
Inventory turns(2)
    1.8       1.8       1.7       1.9       2.0  

(1) Days sales outstanding represents the average of the accounts receivable balances at the beginning and end of each quarter divided by revenue for that quarter, the result of which is then multiplied by 91.25 days.
(2) Inventory turns represents inventory-related cost of product sales for the 12 months preceding each quarter-end divided by the inventory balance at the end of the quarter.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table presents cash provided (used):

   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Change
 
                   
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 25,218     $ 19,205     $ 6,013  
Net cash used by investing activities
    (6,493 )     (8,590 )     2,097  
Net cash used by financing activities
    (23,450 )     (9,604 )     (13,846 )
Net effect of changes in exchange rates on cash
    1,269       (1,385 )     2,654  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (3,456 )   $ (374 )   $ (3,082 )
 
 
25

 
 
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $25.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $19.2 million for the same period in 2010. The total of net income and net non-cash charges, excluding the impact of reclassifying the tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units to a financing activity, was $55.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $50.0 million for the same period in 2010, resulting in incremental operating cash flows of $5.5 million. The increase was driven primarily by the increase in net income. The total of changes in operating assets and liabilities, and the tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units decreased cash by $30.3 million and $30.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, resulting in an incremental increase in cash of $0.4 million.

The following table presents cash flows from changes in operating assets and liabilities, and the tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units:

   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Change
 
                   
Accounts receivable
  $ (14,433 )   $ (17,393 )   $ 2,960  
Inventories
    897       (12,179 )     13,076  
Other assets
    2,662       1,441       1,221  
Accounts payable
    548       5,081       (4,533 )
Accrued liabilities
    (12,618 )     (4,916 )     (7,702 )
Deferred revenue
    (355 )     524       (879 )
Tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units
    (7,018 )     (3,318 )     (3,700 )
Total change in cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities and the tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units
  $ (30,317 )   $ (30,760 )   $ 443  

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the same period of the prior year, the decrease in accrued liabilities resulted primarily from decreased income tax liabilities due to higher tax deductions from share-based compensation expense recognized for tax purposes and the impact of bonus depreciation. The timing of inventory receipts, most significantly of slides used with our chemistry analyzers, contributed to an increase in cash flow, which was partly offset by associated decreases in cash flow from the timing of payments for inventory.

We historically have experienced proportionally lower net cash flows from operating activities during the first quarter and proportionally higher cash flows from operating activities for the remainder of the year and for the annual period. Several factors contribute to the seasonal fluctuations in cash flows generated by operating activities, including the following:

 
·
We have management and non-management employee incentive programs that provide for the payment of annual bonuses in the first quarter following the year for which the bonuses were earned.
 
 
·
We have agreements with certain suppliers that require us to make minimum annual inventory purchases, in some cases in order to retain exclusive distribution rights, and we have other agreements with suppliers that provide for lower pricing based on annual purchase volumes. We may place a higher volume of purchase orders for inventory during the fourth quarter in order to meet our minimum commitments or realize volume pricing discounts and we receive that inventory in the fourth or first quarters and pay in the first quarter. The specific facts and circumstances that we consider in determining the timing and level of inventory purchases throughout the year related to these agreements may yield inconsistent cash flows from operations, most typically in the first and fourth quarters. The timing of inventory receipts also impacts our inventory turnover metrics. To the extent we receive large inventory shipments at the end of a quarter our inventory turnover will be negatively affected.
 
Investing Activities. Cash used by investing activities was $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to cash used of $8.6 million for the same period in 2010. The decrease in cash used by investing activities was due primarily to the receipt of milestone payments aggregating $3.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 in connection with the gain and receivable recorded related to the achievement of certain sales milestones by the acquirer of our feline insulin product in the third and fourth quarters of 2010. The decrease in cash used by investing activities was partly offset by additional investments in manufacturing equipment and information technology projects. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we invested approximately $2.1 million and $2.0 million in manufacturing equipment and information technology projects, respectively, compared to $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, during the same period of the prior year. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we also invested $0.6 million into the expansion of our Memphis, Tennessee location.
 
 
26

 
 
We anticipate capital expenditures in 2011 of approximately $50 million.

Financing Activities. Cash used by financing activities was $23.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to cash used of $9.6 million for the same period in 2010. The increase in cash used by financing activities was due primarily to an increase in net payments under the Credit Facility, partly offset by a decrease in cash used to purchase treasury stock and an increase in cash provided by the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plans, including the related tax benefits.

Net borrowing and repayment activity under our Credit Facility resulted in an incremental use of cash of $41.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2011, we had $126.6 million outstanding under the Credit Facility, of which $3.6 million was borrowed by our Canadian subsidiary and denominated in Canadian dollars. The general availability of funds under the Credit Facility was further reduced by $1.0 million for a letter of credit issued related to our worker’s compensation policy covering claims for the years ending 2009, 2010 and 2011. The Credit Facility contains financial and other affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary events of default, which provide for the acceleration of amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, or restrict our ability to borrow thereunder, in the event of noncompliance. Our financial covenant requires our ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, defined as the consolidated leverage ratio under the terms of the Credit Facility, not to exceed 3-to-1. At March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Facility.

Cash used to purchase treasury stock decreased by $17.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period of the prior year. Our board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 44 million shares of our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. From the inception of the program in August 1999 to March 31, 2011, we repurchased 40.7 million shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we purchased 0.5 million shares for an aggregate cost of $39.9 million compared to purchases of 1.1 million shares for an aggregate cost of $57.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. We believe that the repurchase of our common stock is a favorable investment, and we also repurchase to offset the dilutive effect of our share-based compensation programs. Repurchases of our common stock may vary depending upon the level of other investing activities and the share price. See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information about our share repurchases.

Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plans increased by $5.7 million and the related tax benefits increased by $3.7 million. The increase in cash proceeds was due primarily to an increase in the number of stock options exercised and an increase in the weighted average exercise price. The increase in the tax benefit from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units was due to the increase in exercise activity combined with the increase in our stock price.

Other Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

Significant commitments, contingencies and guarantees at March 31, 2011 are consistent with those discussed in the section under the heading “Part 2, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting IDEXX, see the section under the heading “Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. As of the date of this report, there have been no material changes to the market risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
 
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Item 4.           Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by the SEC in its Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures at March 31, 2011, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level to achieve their stated purpose.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended March 31, 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.        Risk Factors

Our future operating results involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in this report. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report.
 
The following discussion includes one revised risk factor (“Changes in Testing Patterns Could Negatively Affect our Operating Results”) that reflects developments subsequent to the discussion of that risk factor included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and we have eliminated from the discussion one risk factor (“The Loss of Our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Could Adversely Affect Our Business”), which was included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Our Failure to Successfully Execute Certain Strategies Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Growth and Profitability

The companion animal health care industry is highly competitive and we anticipate increasing levels of competition from both existing competitors and new market entrants. Our ability to maintain or enhance our growth rates and our profitability depends on our successful execution of many elements of our strategy, which include:
 
 
·
Developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative new in-clinic laboratory analyzers that drive sales of IDEXX VetLab® instruments, grow our installed base of instruments, and increase demand for related consumable products, services and accessories;
 
 
·
Developing and introducing new proprietary diagnostic tests and services that provide valuable medical information to our customers and effectively differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors;
 
 
·
Increasing the value to our customers of our companion animal products and services by enhancing the integration of these products and the management of diagnostic information derived from our products;
 
 
·
Achieving cost improvements in our worldwide network of laboratories by implementing global best practices including lean processing techniques, incorporating technological enhancements including laboratory automation and a global laboratory information management system, employing purchasing strategies to maximize leverage of our global scale, increasing the leverage of existing infrastructure and consolidating testing in high volume laboratory hubs;
 
 
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·
Achieving cost improvements in the manufacture and service of our in-clinic laboratory analyzers by employing the benefits of economies of scale in both negotiating supply contracts and leveraging manufacturing overhead, and by improving reliability of our instruments;
 
 
·
Expanding our served market and growing our market share by strengthening our sales and marketing activities both within the U.S. and in geographies outside of the U.S.; and
 
 
·
Developing and implementing new technology and licensing strategies.

If we are unsuccessful in implementing some or all of these strategies, our rate of growth or profitability may be negatively impacted.

Our Dependence on a Limited Number of Suppliers Could Limit Our Ability to Sell Certain Products or Reduce Our Profitability

We currently purchase many products and materials from sole or single sources. Some of the products that we purchase from these sources are proprietary and, therefore, cannot be readily or easily replaced by alternative sources. These products include our ProCyte Dx® hematology, IDEXX VetAutoread hematology, VetLyte® electrolyte, IDEXX VetLab® UA urinalysis, VetTest® chemistry, and Coag Dx blood coagulation analyzers and related consumables and accessories; image capture plates used in our digital radiography systems; Catalyst Dx® and VetTest® consumables; and certain components and raw materials used in our SNAP® rapid assay devices, water testing products, livestock and poultry diagnostic tests, dairy testing products and LaserCyte® hematology analyzers. To mitigate risks associated with sole and single source suppliers we seek when possible to enter into long-term contracts that ensure an uninterrupted supply of products at predictable prices. However, some suppliers decline to enter into long-term contracts and we are required to purchase products on a purchase order basis. There can be no assurance that suppliers with which we do not have contracts will continue to supply our requirements for products, that suppliers with which we do have contracts will always fulfill their obligations under these contracts, or that any of our suppliers will not experience disruptions in their ability to supply our requirements for products. In cases where we purchase sole and single source products or components under purchase orders, we are more susceptible to unanticipated cost increases or changes in other terms of supply. In addition, under some contracts with suppliers we have minimum purchase obligations and our failure to satisfy those obligations may result in loss of some or all of our rights under these contracts or require us to compensate the supplier. If we are unable to obtain adequate quantities of sole and single source products in the future, we may be unable to supply the market, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our Biologic Products Are Complex and Difficult to Manufacture, Which Could Negatively Affect Our Ability to Supply the Market

Many of our rapid assay, livestock and poultry diagnostic, water and dairy products are biologics, which are products that are comprised of materials from living organisms, such as antibodies, cells and sera. Manufacturing biologic products is highly complex. Unlike products that rely on chemicals for efficacy (such as most pharmaceuticals), biologics are difficult to characterize due to the inherent variability of biological input materials. Difficulty in characterizing biological materials or their interactions creates greater risk in the manufacturing process. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain adequate sources of biological materials or that biological materials that we maintain in inventory will yield finished products that satisfy applicable product release criteria. Our inability to produce or obtain necessary biological materials or to successfully manufacture biologic products that incorporate such materials could result in our inability to supply the market with these products, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

A Weak Economy Could Result in Reduced Demand for Our Products and Services

A substantial percentage of our sales are made worldwide to the companion animal veterinary market. Demand for our companion animal diagnostic products and services is driven in part by the number of pet visits to veterinary hospitals and the practices of veterinarians with respect to diagnostic testing. Economic weakness in our significant markets in recent years has caused and could continue to cause pet owners to skip or defer visits to veterinary hospitals or could affect their willingness to treat certain pet health conditions, approve certain diagnostic tests or continue to own a pet. In addition, concerns about the financial resources of pet owners could cause veterinarians to be less likely to recommend certain diagnostic tests and concerns about the economy may cause veterinarians to defer purchasing capital items such as our instruments. A decline in pet visits to the hospital, in the willingness of pet owners to treat certain health conditions or approve certain tests, in pet ownership, or in the inclination of veterinarians to recommend certain tests or make capital purchases could result in a decrease in sales of diagnostic products and services. This, in turn, may cause deterioration in the financial condition of our distributors and customers, which could inhibit their ability to pay us amounts owed for products delivered or services provided.
 
 
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Demand for our water products is driven in part by the availability of funds at the government laboratories, water utilities and private certified laboratories that utilize our products. Availability of funds also affects demand by the government laboratories and cattle, swine and poultry producers that utilize our livestock and poultry diagnostic products, and by users of our human point of care diagnostic instruments. Economic weakness in our markets has caused and could continue to cause our consumers to reduce their investment in such testing.

Strengthening of the Rate of Exchange for the U.S. Dollar Has a Negative Effect on Our Business

Any strengthening of the rate of exchange for the U.S. dollar against the Euro, the British Pound, the Canadian Dollar, the Japanese Yen and the Australian Dollar adversely affects our results, as it reduces the dollar value of sales that are made in those currencies and reduces the profits on products manufactured or sourced in U.S. dollars and exported to international markets. For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, approximately 26% and 25%, respectively, of IDEXX sales were derived from products manufactured in the U.S. and sold internationally in local currencies. To mitigate such foreign currency exposure, we utilize non-speculative forward currency exchange contracts. A strengthening U.S. dollar could also negatively impact the ability of customers outside the U.S. to pay for purchases denominated in U.S. dollars.
 
Various Government Regulations Could Limit or Delay Our Ability to Market and Sell Our Products

In the U.S., the manufacture and sale of our products are regulated by agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). Our infectious disease diagnostic tests for animal health applications, including most rapid assay canine and feline SNAP® tests and livestock and poultry diagnostic tests, must be approved by the USDA prior to sale in the U.S. Our water testing products must be approved by the EPA before they can be used by customers in the U.S. as a part of a water quality monitoring program required by the EPA. Our dairy testing products require approval by the FDA. The manufacture and sale of our OPTI® line of human point-of-care electrolytes and blood gas analyzers are regulated by the FDA and these products require approval by the FDA before they may be sold commercially in the U.S. The manufacture and sale of our products are subject to similar laws in many foreign countries. Any failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the manufacture and sale of our products in the U.S. or in other countries could result in fines and sanctions against us or suspensions or discontinuations of our ability to manufacture or sell our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, delays in obtaining regulatory approvals for new products or product upgrades could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability.

The Duration and Resolution of Government Investigations into Our Marketing and Sales Practices for Companion Animal Veterinary Products and Services are Unpredictable

In January 2010, we received a letter from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), stating that it was conducting an investigation to determine whether IDEXX or others have engaged in, or are engaging in, unfair methods of competition in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), through pricing or marketing policies for companion animal veterinary products and services, including but not limited to exclusive dealing or tying arrangements with distributors or end-users of those products or services. The letter requested that we preserve all materials potentially relevant to this investigation. The letter stated that the FTC has not concluded that IDEXX or anyone else has violated Section 5 of the FTC Act.

We received a subpoena from the FTC on April 15, 2010 requesting that we provide the FTC with documents and information relevant to this investigation and we are cooperating fully with the FTC in its investigation. We cannot predict how long any investigation might be ongoing.

In November 2010, we received notification that the United Kingdom Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) was conducting an investigation to determine whether IDEXX had engaged in, or is engaging in, practices foreclosing the supply of companion animal diagnostic testing services in violation of the United Kingdom Competition Act of 1998.  We have provided the OFT with documents and information relevant to this investigation as requested and we are cooperating fully with the OFT on this matter. We cannot predict how long any investigation might be ongoing.
 
 
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We believe that our marketing and sales practices for companion animal veterinary products and services do not violate the antitrust laws of the U.S., U.K. or any other country. However, we cannot predict whether government investigations will lead to enforcement proceedings, or what the outcomes of those proceedings will be. Were any investigation to lead to an enforcement proceeding, we would defend ourselves vigorously. Were we to be unsuccessful in defending an enforcement proceeding and any applicable appeal processes, we could be subject to fines and/or restrictions on certain of our marketing and sales practices. We believe that any such fines would be unlikely to be material to our business and that any required changes in our marketing or sales practices would not have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our Success Is Heavily Dependent Upon Our Proprietary Technologies

We rely on a combination of patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright laws to protect our proprietary rights. If we do not have adequate protection of our proprietary rights, our business may be affected by competitors who utilize substantially equivalent technologies that compete with us.

We cannot ensure that we will obtain issued patents, that any patents issued or licensed to us will remain valid, or that any patents owned or licensed by us will provide protection against competitors with similar technologies. Even if our patents cover products sold by our competitors, the time and expense of litigating to enforce our patent rights could be substantial, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, expiration of patent rights could result in substantial new competition in the markets for products previously covered by those patent rights. In June 2009, one of the U.S. patents covering our SNAP® FIV/FeLV Combo and SNAP® Feline Triple tests expired. We had licensed this broad patent exclusively from the University of California. Expiration of this patent could result in increased competition in the U.S. market for feline immunodeficiency virus tests and if this competition arises, we expect that revenues and profit margins associated with sales of our SNAP® FIV/FeLV Combo and SNAP® Feline Triple tests likely will decline.
 
In the past, we have received notices claiming that our products infringe third-party patents and we may receive such notices in the future. Patent litigation is complex and expensive, and the outcome of patent litigation can be difficult to predict. We cannot ensure that we will win a patent litigation case or negotiate an acceptable resolution of such a case. If we lose, we may be stopped from selling certain products and/or we may be required to pay damages and/or ongoing royalties as a result of the lawsuit. Any such adverse result could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Distributor Purchasing Patterns Could Negatively Affect Our Operating Results

We sell many of our products, including substantially all of the rapid assays and instrument consumables sold in the U.S., through distributors. Distributor purchasing patterns can be unpredictable and may be influenced by factors unrelated to the end-user demand for our products. In addition, our agreements with distributors may generally be terminated by the distributors for any reason on 60 days notice. Because significant product sales are made to a limited number of distributors, the unanticipated loss of a distributor or unanticipated changes in the frequency, timing or size of distributor purchases, could have a negative effect on our results of operations.

Distributors of veterinary products have entered into business combinations resulting in fewer distribution companies. Consolidation within distribution channels increases our customer concentration level, which could increase the risks described in the preceding paragraph. See “Part 1. Item 1 Business – Marketing and Distribution” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information.

Increased Competition and Technological Advances by Our Competitors Could Negatively Affect Our Operating Results

We face intense competition within the markets in which we sell our products and services and we expect that future competition may become even more intense. The entrance of new competitors into our markets and the introduction of new and competitive products and services by any of our competitors could result in a decline in sales and/or profitability of our products and services. In addition, competitors may develop products or services that are superior to our products and services, which could cause us to lose existing customers and market share. Some of our competitors and potential competitors, including large diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies, have substantially greater financial resources than us, and greater experience in manufacturing, marketing, research and development and obtaining regulatory approvals than we do.
 
 
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Changes in Testing Patterns Could Negatively Affect Our Operating Results

The market for our companion animal and livestock and poultry diagnostic tests and our dairy and water testing products could be negatively impacted by a number of factors impacting testing practices. The introduction or broad market acceptance of vaccines or preventatives for the diseases and conditions for which we sell diagnostic tests and services could result in a decline in testing. Changes in accepted medical protocols regarding the diagnosis of certain diseases and conditions could have a similar effect. Eradication or substantial declines in the prevalence of certain diseases also could lead to a decline in diagnostic testing for such diseases. Our livestock and poultry products business in particular is subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in disease prevalence. In addition, changes in government regulations or in the availability of government funds available for monitoring programs could negatively affect sales of our products that are driven by compliance testing, such as our livestock and poultry, dairy and water products. Declines in testing for any of the reasons described, along with lost opportunities associated with a reduction in veterinary visits, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Effective January 1, 2009, the age at which healthy cattle to be slaughtered are required to be tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (“BSE”) in the European Union was increased from 30 months to 48 months, which reduced the population of cattle tested by approximately 30%. In February 2011, the European Union’s Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health agreed to allow its member states to further raise the recommended testing age to 72 months, effective July 1, 2011, which will likely further reduce the population of cattle tested, depending on the extent to which each country in the European Union decides to adopt the new guidelines. The demand for this product may be negatively impacted as a result of these regulatory changes.

Consolidation of Veterinary Hospitals Could Negatively Affect Our Business

An increasing percentage of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. is owned by corporations that are in the business of acquiring veterinary hospitals and/or opening new veterinary hospitals nationally or regionally. Major corporate hospital owners in the U.S. include VCA Antech, Inc., National Veterinary Associates and Banfield Pet Hospital, each of which is currently a customer of IDEXX. A similar trend exists in the U.K. and may in the future also develop in other countries. Corporate owners of veterinary hospitals could attempt to improve profitability by leveraging the buying power they derive from their scale to obtain favorable pricing from suppliers, which could have a negative impact on our results. While we have strong supplier relationships with several corporate hospital groups that we believe are positive for our business, decisions by larger corporate owners, in particular Banfield Pet Hospital, to shift their purchasing of products and services away from us and to a competitor would have a negative impact on our results, which could be material. In addition, certain corporate owners, most notably VCA Antech, our primary competitor in the U.S. and Canadian markets for veterinary reference laboratory diagnostic services, also operate reference laboratories that serve both their hospitals and unaffiliated hospitals. Any hospitals acquired by these companies generally use their reference laboratory services almost exclusively and shift a large portion of their testing from in-clinic testing to their reference laboratories. Furthermore, because these companies compete with us in the reference laboratory services marketplace, hospitals acquired by these companies may cease to be customers or potential customers of our other companion animal products and services, which would cause our sales of these products and services to decline.

Our Limited Experience and Small Scale in the Human Point-of-Care Market Could Inhibit Our Success in this Market

We have limited experience in the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market and we operate at a small scale in this market. This market differs in many respects from the veterinary medical market. Significant differences include the impact of third party reimbursement on diagnostic testing, more extensive regulation, greater product liability risks, larger competitors, a more segmented customer base, and more rapid technological innovation. Our limited experience and small scale in the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market could negatively affect our ability to successfully manage the risks and features of this market that differ from the veterinary medical market. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in achieving growth and profitability in the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market comparable to the results we have achieved in the veterinary medical market.
 
 
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Risks Associated with Doing Business Internationally Could Negatively Affect Our Operating Results

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, 42% and 40%, respectively, of our revenue was attributable to sales of products and services to customers outside the U.S. Various possible risks associated with foreign operations may impact our international sales, including disruptions in transportation of our products, the differing product and service needs of foreign customers, difficulties in building and managing foreign operations, import/export duties and licensing requirements, natural disasters and unexpected regulatory, economic or political changes in foreign markets. Prices that we charge to foreign customers may be different than the prices we charge for the same products in the U.S. due to competitive, market or other factors. As a result, the mix of domestic and international sales in a particular period could have a material impact on our results for that period.

Our Operations are Vulnerable to Interruption as a Result of Natural and Man-Made Disasters or System Failures

The operation of all of our facilities may be vulnerable to interruption as a result of natural and man-made disasters, interruptions in power supply or other system failures. While we maintain plans to continue business under such circumstances, there can be no assurance that such plans will be successful in fully or partially mitigating the effects of such events.

We manufacture many of our significant companion animal products, including our rapid assay devices and certain instruments, many of our water testing products and certain of our livestock and poultry testing products, at a single facility in Westbrook, Maine. We also manufacture certain of our livestock and poultry testing products in Bern, Switzerland and Montpellier, France. In addition, we maintain major distribution facilities in North America and in the Netherlands and major reference laboratories in Memphis, Tennessee; Ludwigsburg, Germany; Sacramento, California; Elmhurst, Illinois; North Grafton, Massachusetts; East Brisbane, Australia; and Wetherby, the United Kingdom. Therefore, interruption of operations at any of these facilities could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We rely on several information systems throughout our company to keep financial records, process customer orders, manage inventory, process shipments to customers and operate other critical functions. If we were to experience a system disruption in the information technology systems that enable us to interact with customers and suppliers, it could result in the loss of sales and customers and significant incremental costs, which could adversely affect our business.

We maintain property and business interruption insurance to insure against the financial impact of certain events of this nature. However, this insurance may be insufficient to compensate us for the full amount of any losses that we may incur. In addition, such insurance will not compensate us for the long-term competitive effects of being off the market for the period of any interruption in operations.

We Could Be Subject to Class Action Litigation Due to Stock Price Volatility, which, if it Occurs, Could Result in Substantial Costs or Large Judgments Against Us

The market for our common stock may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations, which may be unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance or prospects. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market prices of their securities. We may be the target of similar litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, which could have a negative effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

If Our Quarterly or Annual Results of Operations Fluctuate, This Fluctuation May Cause Our Stock Price to Decline, Resulting in Losses to You

Our prior operating results have fluctuated due to a number of factors, including seasonality of certain product lines; changes in our accounting estimates; the impact of acquisitions; timing of distributor purchases, product launches, operating expenditures, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, litigation and claim-related expenditures; changes in competitors’ product offerings; changes in the economy affecting consumer spending; and other matters. Similarly, our future operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter or year to year due to these and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If our operating results or projections of future operating results do not meet the expectations of market analysts or investors in future periods, our stock price may fall.
 
 
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Future Operating Results Could Be Negatively Affected by the Resolution of Various Uncertain Tax Positions and by Potential Changes to Tax Incentives

In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. We periodically assess our exposures related to our worldwide provision for income taxes and believe that we have appropriately accrued taxes for contingencies. Any reduction of these contingent liabilities or additional assessment would increase or decrease income, respectively, in the period such determination was made. Our income tax filings are regularly under audit by tax authorities and the final determination of tax audits could be materially different than that which is reflected in historical income tax provisions and accruals. Additionally, we benefit from certain tax incentives offered by various jurisdictions. If we are unable to meet the requirements of such incentives, or if they expire or are renewed at less favorable terms, our inability to realize these benefits could have a material negative effect on future earnings.

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

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we repurchased common shares as described below:

Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(a)
   
Average Price
Paid per Share
(b)
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
(c)
   
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(d)
 
                         
January 1 to January 31, 2011
    140,842     $ 69.17       140,842       3,665,630  
February 1 to February 28, 2011
    223,918       75.69       172,511       3,493,119  
March 1 to March 31, 2011
    224,824       76.67       224,824       3,268,295  
Total
    589,584     $ 74.51       538,177       3,268,295  

Our board of directors has approved the repurchase of up to 44 million shares of our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. The plan was approved and announced on August 13, 1999, and subsequently amended on October 4, 1999, November 16, 1999, July 21, 2000, October 20, 2003, October 12, 2004, October 12, 2005, February 14, 2007, February 13, 2008 and February 10, 2010 and does not have a specified expiration date. There were no other repurchase plans outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2011, and no repurchase plans expired during the period. Repurchases of 538,177 shares were made during the three months ended March 31, 2011 in transactions made pursuant to our repurchase plan.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we received 51,407 shares of our common stock that were surrendered by employees in payment for the minimum required withholding taxes due on the vesting of restricted stock units and settlement of deferred stock units. In the above table, these shares are included in columns (a) and (b), but excluded from columns (c) and (d). These shares do not reduce the number of shares that may be purchased under the repurchase plan.
 
 
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Item 6.     Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.1*
 
Executive Employment Agreement dated March 22, 2011, between the Company and Jonathan W. Ayers.
     
10.2*
 
Executive Employment Agreement dated March 22, 2011, between the Company and Merilee Raines.
     
10.3*
 
Form of Executive Employment Agreement dated March 22, 2011, between the Company and each of William E. Brown III, PhD, Johnny D. Powers, PhD and Michael J. Williams, PhD.
     
31.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer.
     
31.2
 
Certification by Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
     
32.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification by Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
     
*
 
Management contract or compensatory arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 6 of Form 10-Q.
     
  
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed “not filed” for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act, and otherwise are not subject to liability under that section.
 
 
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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.

 
IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC.
   
 
/s/ Merilee Raines
Date: April 21, 2011
Merilee Raines
 
Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
 
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
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Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.1*
 
Executive Employment Agreement dated March 22, 2011, between the Company and Jonathan W. Ayers.
     
10.2*
 
Executive Employment Agreement dated March 22, 2011, between the Company and Merilee Raines.
     
10.3*
 
Form of Executive Employment Agreement dated March 22, 2011, between the Company and each of William E. Brown III, PhD, Johnny D. Powers, PhD and Michael J. Williams, PhD.
     
31.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer.
     
31.2
 
Certification by Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
     
32.1
 
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification by Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
     
*
 
Management contract or compensatory arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 6 of Form 10-Q.
     
  
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed “not filed” for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act, and otherwise are not subject to liability under that section.