WOOF-2014.6.30-10Q

 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-16783
___________________________________________________ 
VCA Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
95-4097995
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
12401 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90064-1022
(Address of principal executive offices)
(310) 571-6500
(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 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 [  ]
  
Smaller reporting company [  ]
(Do not check if a 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: common stock, $0.001 par value, 86,214,083 shares as of August 4, 2014.
 
 
 
 
 



VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014
Table of Contents
 
Page
Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except par value)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
122,535

 
$
125,029

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $17,771 and $17,702 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
65,979

 
59,900

Inventory
42,483

 
55,067

Prepaid expenses and other
39,921

 
25,417

Deferred income taxes
28,908

 
28,907

Prepaid income taxes
9,369

 
15,434

Total current assets
309,195

 
309,754

Property and equipment, net
445,199

 
448,366

Goodwill
1,355,396

 
1,330,917

Other intangible assets, net
82,746

 
86,671

Notes receivable
3,199

 
3,454

Deferred financing costs, net
2,383

 
2,987

Other
61,120

 
55,632

Total assets
$
2,259,238

 
$
2,237,781

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
50,808

 
$
51,087

Accounts payable
43,827

 
36,962

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
61,192

 
57,337

Other accrued liabilities
53,168

 
58,762

Total current liabilities
208,995

 
204,148

Long-term debt, less current portion
542,978

 
568,558

Deferred income taxes
100,219

 
100,099

Other liabilities
36,505

 
36,758

Total liabilities
888,697

 
909,563

Commitments and contingencies

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests
10,984

 
10,678

Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

 

VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 87,414 and 88,508 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
87

 
89

Additional paid-in capital
346,792

 
384,721

Retained earnings
1,008,347

 
928,720

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(6,852
)
 
(6,190
)
Total VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity
1,348,374

 
1,307,340

Noncontrolling interests
11,183

 
10,200

Total equity
1,359,557

 
1,317,540

Total liabilities and equity
$
2,259,238

 
$
2,237,781



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

1


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed, Consolidated Income Statements
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)



 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenue
$
489,472

 
$
465,255

 
$
938,979

 
$
903,861

Direct costs
369,057

 
350,961

 
717,113

 
692,644

Gross profit
120,415

 
114,294

 
221,866

 
211,217

Selling, general and administrative expense
39,931

 
39,023

 
81,371

 
78,869

Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets
578

 
(430
)
 
(643
)
 
1,296

Operating income
79,906

 
75,701

 
141,138

 
131,052

Interest expense, net
4,030

 
5,658

 
8,197

 
9,965

Other expense (income)
43

 
(18
)
 
(10
)
 
(27
)
Income before provision for income taxes
75,833

 
70,061

 
132,951

 
121,114

Provision for income taxes
28,925

 
26,601

 
51,128

 
45,831

Net income
46,908

 
43,460

 
81,823

 
75,283

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,324

 
1,798

 
2,196

 
3,136

Net income attributable to VCA Inc.
$
45,584

 
$
41,662

 
$
79,627

 
$
72,147

Basic earnings per share
$
0.52

 
$
0.47

 
$
0.90

 
$
0.82

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.89

 
$
0.81

Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
88,041

 
88,509

 
88,188

 
88,455

Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share
89,191

 
89,653

 
89,312

 
89,531



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

2


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income(1) 
$
46,908

 
$
43,460

 
$
81,823

 
$
75,283

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
4,809

 
(3,597
)
 
(712
)
 
(6,341
)
Other comprehensive gain (loss)
4,809

 
(3,597
)
 
(712
)
 
(6,341
)
Total comprehensive income
51,717

 
39,863

 
81,111

 
68,942

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1) 
1,702

 
1,798

 
2,146

 
3,136

Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Inc.
$
50,015

 
$
38,065

 
$
78,965

 
$
65,806

 ____________________________
(1) 
Includes approximately $1.2 million and $1.9 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.



































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

3


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)


 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
 Total
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balances, December 31, 2012
88,372

 
$
88

 
$
390,359

 
$
791,209

 
$
1,847

 
$
10,890

 
$
1,194,393

Net income (excludes $928 and $992 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively).

 

 

 
72,147

 

 
1,216

 
73,363

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(6,341
)
 

 
(6,341
)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
(850
)
 
(850
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests

 

 
(469
)
 

 

 
(4,082
)
 
(4,551
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
7,419

 

 

 

 
7,419

Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans
560

 
1

 
4,180

 

 

 

 
4,181

Stock repurchases
(327
)
 

 
(7,956
)
 

 

 

 
(7,956
)
Excess tax benefit from stock options

 

 
771

 

 

 

 
771

Balances, June 30, 2013
88,605

 
$
89

 
$
394,304

 
$
863,356

 
$
(4,494
)
 
$
7,174

 
$
1,260,429

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances, December 31, 2013
88,508

 
$
89

 
$
384,721

 
$
928,720

 
$
(6,190
)
 
$
10,200

 
$
1,317,540

Net income (excludes $417 and $739 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively).

 

 

 
79,627

 

 
1,040

 
80,667

Other comprehensive loss (excludes $30 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests).

 

 

 

 
(662
)
 
(20
)
 
(682
)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
933

 
933

Distribution to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 
(970
)
 
(970
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests

 

 
30

 

 

 

 
30

Share-based compensation

 

 
8,571

 

 

 

 
8,571

Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans
377

 

 
467

 

 

 

 
467

Stock repurchases
(1,471
)
 
(2
)
 
(49,089
)
 

 

 

 
(49,091
)
Excess tax benefit from stock options

 

 
2,092

 

 

 

 
2,092

Balances, June 30, 2014
87,414

 
$
87

 
$
346,792

 
$
1,008,347

 
$
(6,852
)
 
$
11,183

 
$
1,359,557



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

4


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
81,823

 
$
75,283

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
39,797

 
37,739

Amortization of debt issue costs
604

 
626

Provision for uncollectible accounts
2,612

 
3,364

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets
(643
)
 
1,296

Share-based compensation
8,571

 
7,419

Deferred income taxes

 
2,868

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
(2,092
)
 
(771
)
Other
(53
)
 
(384
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable
(8,945
)
 
(17,709
)
Inventory, prepaid expense and other assets
(6,610
)
 
(470
)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
1,171

 
4,329

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
3,816

 
1,886

Income taxes
8,062

 
12,595

Net cash provided by operating activities
128,113

 
128,071

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(29,271
)
 
(21,835
)
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions
(1,493
)
 
(510
)
Capital expenditures
(27,979
)
 
(33,095
)
Proceeds from sale or disposal of assets
4,456

 
595

Other
55

 
(1,042
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(54,232
)
 
(55,887
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Repayment of debt
(26,218
)
 
(17,442
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners
(2,259
)
 
(2,234
)
Purchase of existing noncontrolling interests
(326
)
 
(5,030
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans
467

 
4,181

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
2,092

 
771

Repurchase of common stock
(49,091
)
 
(7,956
)
Other
(838
)
 
(99
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(76,173
)
 
(27,809
)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(202
)
 
(540
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(2,494
)
 
43,835

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
125,029

 
68,435

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
122,535

 
$
112,270

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

5


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Continued
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
7,491

 
$
8,145

Income taxes paid
$
42,950

 
$
30,082

 
 
 
 
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Detail of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Fair value of assets acquired
$
32,836

 
$
26,473

Noncontrolling interest
(1,705
)
 
(3,600
)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of acquired cash
(29,271
)
 
(21,835
)
Assumed debt
(736
)
 

Contingent consideration
(374
)
 
(46
)
Holdbacks
(750
)
 
(460
)
Other Liabilities assumed
$

 
$
532

 
 
 
 
Other noncash items:
 
 
 
Capital lease additions
$

 
$
21,668



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

6


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)

 
1.
Nature of Operations
Our company, VCA Inc. (“VCA”) is a Delaware corporation formed in 1986 and is based in Los Angeles, California. We are an animal healthcare company with the following four operating segments: animal hospitals (“Animal Hospital”), veterinary diagnostic laboratories (“Laboratory”), veterinary medical technology (“Medical Technology”), and Vetstreet. Our operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments “Animal Hospital” and “Laboratory”. Our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments are combined in our “All Other” category. See Footnote 8, “Lines of Business within these notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements.
Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. Our animal hospitals treat diseases and injuries, provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet-wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At June 30, 2014, we operated or managed 612 animal hospitals throughout 41 states and four Canadian provinces.
We operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada. Our laboratory network provides sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At June 30, 2014, we operated 59 laboratories of various sizes located strategically throughout the United States and Canada.
Our Medical Technology business sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, provides consulting and mobile imaging services, and sells software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.
Our Vetstreet business provides several different services to the veterinary community including, online communications, professional education, marketing solutions and a home delivery platform for independent animal hospitals.
The practice of veterinary medicine is subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, demand for veterinary services is significantly higher during the warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of flea infestation, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours.

2.
Basis of Presentation
Our accompanying unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements as permitted under applicable rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of our condensed, consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.





7


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


3.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
 
Animal
Hospital
 
Laboratory
 
All Other
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
$
1,216,581

 
$
96,871

 
$
138,276

 
$
1,451,728

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 
(120,811
)
 
(120,811
)
Subtotal
1,216,581

 
96,871

 
17,465

 
1,330,917

Goodwill acquired
26,761

 

 

 
26,761

Foreign translation adjustment
(603
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(606
)
Other (1)
(1,676
)
 

 

 
(1,676
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
1,241,063

 
96,868

 
138,276

 
1,476,207

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 
(120,811
)
 
(120,811
)
Subtotal
$
1,241,063

 
$
96,868

 
$
17,465

 
$
1,355,396

 ____________________________

(1) 
"Other" primarily includes immaterial measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to the sale of an animal hospital.
Other Intangible Assets
Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships
$
110,968

 
$
(47,822
)
 
$
63,146

 
$
109,842

 
$
(41,895
)
 
$
67,947

Covenants not-to-compete
8,672

 
(4,461
)
 
4,211

 
8,843

 
(4,661
)
 
4,182

Favorable lease assets
9,552

 
(4,663
)
 
4,889

 
7,458

 
(4,373
)
 
3,085

Trademarks
12,987

 
(4,696
)
 
8,291

 
13,115

 
(4,194
)
 
8,921

Contracts
608

 
(346
)
 
262

 
608

 
(305
)
 
303

Technology
5,240

 
(3,293
)
 
1,947

 
5,240

 
(3,015
)
 
2,225

Client lists

 

 

 
50

 
(42
)
 
8

Total
$
148,027

 
$
(65,281
)
 
$
82,746

 
$
145,156

 
$
(58,485
)
 
$
86,671


 



8


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


3.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, continued

The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Aggregate amortization expense
$
5,227

 
$
5,521

 
$
10,374

 
$
10,565

The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2014 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of June 30, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2014
$
10,655

2015
19,719

2016
16,777

2017
10,420

2018
6,824

Thereafter
18,351

Total
$
82,746

 

4.
Acquisitions

The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Animal Hospitals:
 
 
 
Acquisitions
10

 
6

Acquisitions, merged
(2
)
 
(1
)
Sold, closed or merged
(5
)
 
(9
)
Net increase (decrease)
3

 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
Laboratories:
 
 
 
Acquisitions

 
1

Created
3

 

Net increase
3

 
1





9


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


4.
Acquisitions, continued
Animal Hospital Acquisitions
The purchase price allocations for the acquisitions in the table below are preliminary. However, adjustments, if any, are not expected to be material. The measurement periods for purchase price allocations do not exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, (in thousands):

 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Consideration:
 
 
 
  Cash
$
29,271

 
$
21,835

  Assumed debt
736

 

  Holdbacks
750

 
460

  Earnout contingent consideration
374

 
46

      Fair value of total consideration transferred
$
31,131

 
$
22,341

 
 
 
 
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
 
 
 
  Tangible assets
$
1,195

 
$
2,548

  Identifiable intangible assets
4,880

 
2,946

  Goodwill (1)
26,761

 
20,979

  Other liabilities assumed

 
(532
)
      Fair value of assets acquired
$
32,836

 
$
25,941

Noncontrolling interest
(1,705
)
 
(3,600
)
Total
$
31,131

 
$
22,341

____________________________

(1)  
We expect that $16.3 million and $20.2 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

In addition to the purchase price listed above, we made cash payments for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals totaling $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. There were $0.5 million in cash payments made for real estate for the six months ended June 30, 2013.







10


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


5.
Other Accrued Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
Deferred revenue
$
11,438

 
$
11,190

Accrued health insurance
4,234

 
5,479

Deferred rent
4,027

 
4,331

Accrued other insurance
4,048

 
4,381

Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)
4,135

 
2,804

Accrued workers' compensation
4,513

 
3,267

Holdbacks and earnouts
2,930

 
3,040

Customer deposits
1,393

 
3,075

Accrued consulting fees
3,217

 
3,028

Accrued lease payments
1,983

 
2,547

Other
11,250

 
15,620

 
$
53,168

 
$
58,762

____________________________
(1)    Includes property, sales and use taxes.

 
6.Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The FASB accounting guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not they are recognized in the accompanying condensed, consolidated balance sheets. Fair value as defined by the guidance is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates of financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we might pay or receive in actual market transactions. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. These balances include cash and cash equivalents with maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Receivables, Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Accounts Payable and Certain Other Accrued Liabilities. Due to their short-term nature, fair value approximates carrying value.
Long-Term Debt. The fair value of debt at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is based upon the ask price quoted from an external source, which is considered a Level 2 input.
The following table reflects the carrying value and fair value of our variable-rate long-term debt (in thousands):
 
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Variable-rate long-term debt
$
533,242

 
$
533,242

 
$
556,914

 
$
556,914

At June 30, 2014, we did not have any material applicable nonrecurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.




11


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)



7. Calculation of Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to VCA Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income attributable to VCA Inc.
$
45,584

 
$
41,662

 
$
79,627

 
$
72,147

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
88,041

 
88,509

 
88,188

 
88,455

Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
265

 
321

 
260

 
298

Nonvested shares and units
885

 
823

 
864

 
778

Diluted
89,191

 
89,653

 
89,312

 
89,531

Basic earnings per share
$
0.52

 
$
0.47

 
$
0.90

 
$
0.82

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.89

 
$
0.81


There were no potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2014. For the three months ended June 30, 2013, potential common shares of 12,909 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.
There were no potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, potential common shares of 26,987 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.

8.
Lines of Business

Our reportable segments are Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in “All Other” in the following tables are our Medical Technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet business, which provides online and printed communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments.
The accounting policies of our segments are essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.
The segment information presented includes a reclassification to eliminate discounts on certain Laboratory contracts that were previously allocated to the All Other operating segment from Eliminations in the prior year financial data. These reclasses better represent the corresponding discounts and thus the operating results of our standalone entities. These changes in segment reporting only revised the presentation within the table below and did not impact our condensed, consolidated financial statements for any period presented.



12


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


 
8.
Lines of Business, continued

The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):

 
Animal
Hospital
 
Laboratory
 
All Other
 
Corporate
 

Eliminations
 
Total
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenue
$
386,776

 
$
81,320

 
$
20,457

 
$

 
$
919

 
$
489,472

Intercompany revenue

 
14,635

 
3,255

 

 
(17,890
)
 

Total revenue
386,776

 
95,955

 
23,712

 

 
(16,971
)
 
489,472

Direct costs
323,440

 
46,863

 
16,064

 

 
(17,310
)
 
369,057

Gross profit
63,336

 
49,092

 
7,648

 

 
339

 
120,415

Selling, general and administrative expense
9,864

 
8,281

 
7,411

 
14,375

 

 
39,931

Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets
53,472

 
40,811

 
237

 
(14,375
)
 
339

 
80,484

Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets
414

 
(7
)
 
97

 
74

 

 
578

Operating income (loss)
$
53,058

 
$
40,818

 
$
140

 
$
(14,449
)
 
$
339

 
$
79,906

Depreciation and amortization
$
15,110

 
$
2,563

 
$
2,004

 
$
826

 
$
(473
)
 
$
20,030

Capital expenditures
$
8,119

 
$
1,304

 
$
920

 
$
1,333

 
$
(316
)
 
$
11,360

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenue
$
365,205

 
$
76,949

 
$
22,229

 
$

 
$
872

 
$
465,255

Intercompany revenue

 
14,281

 
5,243

 

 
(19,524
)
 

Total revenue
365,205

 
91,230

 
27,472

 

 
(18,652
)
 
465,255

Direct costs
305,092

 
46,004

 
18,049

 

 
(18,184
)
 
350,961

Gross profit
60,113

 
45,226

 
9,423

 

 
(468
)
 
114,294

Selling, general and administrative expense
8,720

 
7,965

 
8,041

 
14,297

 

 
39,023

Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets
51,393

 
37,261

 
1,382

 
(14,297
)
 
(468
)
 
75,271

Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets
(160
)
 
(1
)
 
1

 
(270
)
 

 
(430
)
Operating income (loss)
$
51,553

 
$
37,262

 
$
1,381

 
$
(14,027
)
 
$
(468
)
 
$
75,701

Depreciation and amortization
$
14,684

 
$
2,590

 
$
1,937

 
$
735

 
$
(446
)
 
$
19,500

Capital expenditures
$
11,326

 
$
1,818

 
$
1,039

 
$
1,306

 
$
(363
)
 
$
15,126





13


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


8.
Lines of Business, continued

 
Animal
Hospital
 
Laboratory
 
All Other
 
Corporate
 
Intercompany
Eliminations
 
Total
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenue
$
738,364

 
$
156,103

 
$
42,658

 
$

 
$
1,854

 
$
938,979

Intercompany revenue

 
28,386

 
9,175

 

 
(37,561
)
 

Total revenue
738,364

 
184,489

 
51,833

 

 
(35,707
)
 
938,979

Direct costs
626,228

 
92,366

 
34,216

 

 
(35,697
)
 
717,113

Gross profit
112,136

 
92,123

 
17,617

 

 
(10
)
 
221,866

Selling, general and administrative expense
18,992

 
16,299

 
15,759

 
30,321

 

 
81,371

Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets
93,144

 
75,824

 
1,858

 
(30,321
)
 
(10
)
 
140,495

Net loss (gain) on sale and disposal of assets
582

 
(78
)
 
(1,087
)
 
(60
)
 

 
(643
)
Operating income (loss)
$
92,562

 
$
75,902

 
$
2,945

 
$
(30,261
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
141,138

Depreciation and amortization
$
29,852

 
$
5,098

 
$
4,140

 
$
1,645

 
$
(938
)
 
$
39,797

Capital expenditures
$
21,187

 
$
3,285

 
$
1,678

 
$
2,744

 
$
(915
)
 
$
27,979

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenue
$
705,820

 
$
150,588

 
$
45,856

 
$

 
$
1,597

 
$
903,861

Intercompany revenue

 
27,977

 
10,139

 

 
(38,116
)
 

Total revenue
705,820

 
178,565

 
55,995

 

 
(36,519
)
 
903,861

Direct costs
600,508

 
90,874

 
36,938

 

 
(35,676
)
 
692,644

Gross profit
105,312

 
87,691

 
19,057

 

 
(843
)
 
211,217

Selling, general and administrative expense
17,045

 
15,970

 
16,955

 
28,899

 

 
78,869

Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets
88,267

 
71,721

 
2,102

 
(28,899
)
 
(843
)
 
132,348

Net loss (gain) on sale and disposal of assets
1,569

 
(6
)
 
3

 
(270
)
 

 
1,296

Operating income (loss)
$
86,698

 
$
71,727

 
$
2,099

 
$
(28,629
)
 
$
(843
)
 
$
131,052

Depreciation and amortization
$
28,071

 
$
5,097

 
$
3,902

 
$
1,554

 
$
(885
)
 
$
37,739

Capital expenditures
$
25,767

 
$
3,736

 
$
2,372

 
$
1,946

 
$
(726
)
 
$
33,095

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,880,805

 
$
261,786

 
$
87,548

 
$
133,975

 
$
(104,876
)
 
$
2,259,238

At December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,854,609

 
$
247,591

 
$
96,245

 
$
77,153

 
$
(37,817
)
 
$
2,237,781





14


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


9.
Commitments and Contingencies
We have certain commitments including operating leases, purchase agreements and acquisition agreements. These items are discussed in detail in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingencies as follows:
 
a.
Earn-Out Payments
We have contractual arrangements in connection with certain acquisitions, whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired companies upon attainment of specified financial criteria as set forth in the respective agreements. The amount to be paid cannot be determined until the earn-out periods have expired and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $1.9 million.
In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, contingent consideration, such as earn-out agreements, are recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. A liability is initially recorded based upon its acquisition date fair value. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable for each reporting period. The fair value is determined using a contractually stated formula using either a multiple of revenue or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"). The formulas used to determine the estimated fair value are Level 3 inputs. The changes in fair value were immaterial to our condensed, consolidated financial statements when taken as a whole. We recorded $1.6 million and $2.2 million in earnout liabilities as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
b.
Legal Proceedings

On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay regular and overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys’ fees and costs. On May 7, 2014, we obtained partial summary judgment, dismissing 4 of the 8 claims of the complaint, including the claims for failure to pay regular and overtime wages. We intend to continue to vigorously defend against the remaining claims in this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
 
On July 16, 2014, two additional former veterinary assistants filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled La Kimba Bradsbery and Cheri Brakensiek vs. Vicar Operating, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants, kennel assistants, and client service representatives employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay regular and overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, improperly failed to pay reporting time pay, improperly failed to reimburse for certain business-related expenses, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys’ fees and costs. We currently expect that these two actions will be consolidated with, or related before the same judge hearing, the Duran action discussed above. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
On July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of individuals who were engaged by Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC to perform such courier services and alleges, among other allegations, that Logistics Delivery Solutions and Antech Diagnostics improperly classified the plaintiffs as independent contractors, improperly failed to pay overtime wages, and improperly failed to provide proper meal periods. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs. We filed our answer to the complaint on September 13, 2013. Written discovery is currently ongoing. We filed a motion for summary judgment on July 18, 2014, and the motion is scheduled for hearing on October 3, 2014.



15


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


9.
Commitments and Contingencies, continued

This case remains in an early procedural stage and we are vigorously defending this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
On May 12, 2014, an individual client who purchased goods and services from one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, titled Tony M. Graham vs. VCA Antech, Inc. and VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of the plaintiff and other individuals who purchased similar goods and services from our animal hospitals and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly charged such individuals for “biohazard waste management” in connection with the services performed. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified amounts, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs. This case is in an early procedural stage and we intend to vigorously defend this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
c.
Other Contingencies

On May 9, 2014, we entered into a long-term product supply agreement with Abaxis, Inc., a medical products company manufacturing point-of-care blood analysis system, to purchase equipment for placement in the majority of our more than 600 animal hospitals located in North America. As such, under the terms of the agreement, we have a commitment to purchase approximately $2.0 million of products through December 31, 2014.
On May 14, 2014, the headquarters of our Medical Technology business in Carlsbad, California was severely damaged by wildfires. There were no injuries to personnel. However, the fire caused severe damage to a substantial portion of the facility. We have worked diligently to satisfy customer requirements and to prevent supply disruptions. We maintain standard insurance coverage for both property damage and business interruption losses. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded approximately $18.1 million in estimated losses in connection with this event, primarily associated with property damage. This amount is included in operating expenses in our condensed, consolidated income statements, offset by the related insurance recovery of the same amount. We have received insurance proceeds to date of $5.0 million. As of June 30, 2014, we have recorded receivables of $13.1 million from expected insurance recoveries. We continue to assess damages and insurance coverage and we currently do not expect our losses to exceed the applicable insurance coverage.
10.
Income Taxes

The effective tax rate of income attributable to VCA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 38.8% and 39.1%, respectively, as compared to 38.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013.




16


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


11.
Noncontrolling Interests
We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.
 
a.
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are Level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
 
Income
Statement
Impact
 
Mandatorily Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
 
$
11,047

Noncontrolling interest expense
$
992

 
 
Redemption value change
8

 
1,000

Purchase of noncontrolling interests
 
 
(658
)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests
 
 
(357
)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests
 
 
(976
)
Currency translation adjustment
 
 
(498
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
 
$
9,558

 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
 
$
9,355

Noncontrolling interest expense
$
739

 
 
Redemption value change
237

 
976

Distribution to noncontrolling interests
 
 
(679
)
Currency translation adjustment
 
 
(30
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
 
$
9,622




17


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


11.
Noncontrolling Interests, continued

b.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the minority partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the minority partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.
The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):

 
Income
Statement
Impact
 
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
 
$
6,991

Noncontrolling interest expense
$
551

 
 
Redemption value change
377

 
928

Formation of noncontrolling interests
 
 
3,600

Distribution to noncontrolling interests
 
 
(408
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
 
$
11,111

 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
 
$
10,678

Noncontrolling interest expense
$
589

 
 
Redemption value change
(172
)
 
417

Formation of noncontrolling interests
 
 
855

Purchase of noncontrolling interests
 
 
(356
)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests
 
 
(610
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
 
$
10,984

 



18


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


12.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance creating Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Section 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new section will replace Section 605, “Revenue Recognition” and create modifications to various other revenue accounting standards for specialized transactions and industries. The guidance in this update is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) that would remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, and improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets.
    
The new accounting guidance will require companies to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) which include (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The update allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements.

The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, we will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2017. We will further study the implications of this statement in order to evaluate the expected impact on the consolidated financial statements and evaluate the method of adoption we would apply.
    
In April 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which includes amendments that change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations in Subtopic 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. The revised guidance will change how entities identify and disclose information about disposal transactions under U.S. GAAP.

The FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) to provide more decision-useful information to users and to elevate the threshold for a disposal transaction to qualify as a discontinued operation (since too many disposal transactions were qualifying as discontinued operations under existing guidance). Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Under current U.S. GAAP, an entity is prohibited from reporting a discontinued operation if it has certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after the disposal. The new guidance eliminates these criteria. The ASU also requires entities to reclassify assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation for all comparative periods presented in the statement of financial position.

The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.




19


VCA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
June 30, 2014
(Unaudited)


13.
Subsequent Event

On August 1, 2014, we entered into an agreement to acquire the franchise business of D.O.G. Development, LLC, which franchises the right to operate dog boarding and day care services, in addition to other ancillary services, principally under the trademark Camp Bow Wow®.  As of June 30, 2014, there were over 125 Camp Bow Wow® franchise locations operating in 37 states and one Canadian province.  The acquisition, which is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2014, will expand our participation in the dog boarding and day care service segment of the pet health industry and will allow us to, directly and indirectly, serve more pet owners on a more frequent basis.
 



20


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




21


Introduction
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed, consolidated financial statements provided under Part I, Item I of this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q. We have included herein statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We generally identify forward-looking statements in this report using words like “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “plan,” “should plan,” “project,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar expressions. You may find some of these statements below and elsewhere in this report. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make, or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report will be important in determining future results. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Actual future results may vary materially. Factors that may cause our plans, expectations, future financial condition and results to change are described throughout this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in “Risk Factors,” Part I, Item 1A of that report.
The forward-looking information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is as of August 8, 2014, and we undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law. Shareholders and prospective investors can find information filed with the SEC after August 8, 2014 at our website at http://investor.vcaantech.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
We are a leading North American animal healthcare company. We provide veterinary services and diagnostic testing services to support veterinary care and we sell diagnostic imaging equipment and other medical technology products and related services to veterinarians. We also provide both online and printed communications, education and information, and analytical-based marketing solutions to the veterinary community.
Our reportable segments are as follows: 
Our Animal Hospital segment operates the largest network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals in the nation. Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. We treat diseases and injuries, offer pharmaceutical and retail products and perform a variety of pet wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, routine vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At June 30, 2014, our animal hospital network consisted of 612 animal hospitals in 41 states and in four Canadian provinces.
Our Laboratory segment operates the largest network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the nation. Our laboratories provide sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At June 30, 2014, our laboratory network consisted of 59 laboratories serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada.
Our “All Other” category includes the results of our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments. Each of these segments did not meet the materiality thresholds to be reported individually.
The practice of veterinary medicine is subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, demand for veterinary services is significantly higher during the warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of flea infestation, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours.
Consumer spending habits, including spending for pet healthcare, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. These factors continue to impact consumer spending and may continue to cause levels of spending to remain depressed for the foreseeable future. Additionally, these factors may cause pet owners to elect to defer expensive treatment options or to forgo treatment for their pets altogether.




22


Use of Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this management's discussion and analysis, we use supplemental measures of our performance, which are derived from our consolidated financial information, but which are not presented in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These financial measures, which are considered “Non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules, include our Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization computed on a consolidated basis, for our Animal Hospital segment, and the same measures expressed on a same-store basis. Additionally, our Non-GAAP financial measures include our Non-GAAP operating income, Non-GAAP operating margin, Non-GAAP operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, on a consolidated basis. Lastly, our Non-GAAP financial measures also include our Non-GAAP interest expense, Non-GAAP consolidated net income, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, Non-GAAP consolidated net income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization. See “Consolidated Results of Operations Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about our use of these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. All references to Non-GAAP figures in the discussion that follows refer to Non-GAAP results excluding acquisition related amortization.
Executive Overview
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we experienced increases in both consolidated revenue and gross profit. The increases were primarily driven by revenue from our acquisitions, as well as organic growth in our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments. Our Animal Hospital same-store revenue increased 2.2% and 1.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. Our Laboratory internal revenue increased 5.0% for three months ended June 30, 2014 and 3.5%, adjusted for one-half less billing day, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. Our consolidated operating income increased 5.6% and 7.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. Our consolidated operating margin remained flat at 16.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year, while operating margin increased by 50 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Our Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased 6.6% and 5.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, on a 20 basis point increase in Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, for both 2014 periods, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in Non-GAAP consolidated operating income was primarily due to improved results from our Animal Hospital, Laboratory, and Vetstreet business segments.
Share Repurchase Program
In April 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, authorizing us to repurchase up to $125.0 million of our common shares from time to time in open market purchases, pursuant to trading plans established in accordance with SEC rules or through privately negotiated transactions. The extent and timing of our repurchases will depend upon market conditions, our cash requirements to fund the long-term growth investments in our business and other corporate considerations. The repurchases have been and will continue to be be funded by existing cash balances and by our revolving credit facility. The share repurchase program has no expiration date. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Refer to Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and the Use of Proceeds in Part II of this report.
Acquisitions
Our annual growth strategy includes the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. We also evaluate the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses if favorable opportunities are presented. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, we acquired $28.1 million of annualized Animal Hospital revenue. These acquisitions are immaterial individually and accordingly, have not been separately disclosed. We currently anticipate that during the year, we will acquire $100 million to $130 million of annualized Animal Hospital revenue.



23


The following table summarizes the changes in the number of facilities operated by our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Animal Hospitals:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
609

 
609

Acquisitions
10

 
6

Acquisitions, merged
(2
)
 
(1
)
Sold, closed or merged
(5
)
 
(9
)
End of period
612

 
605

 
 
 
 
Laboratories:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
56

 
55

Acquired

 
1

Created
3

 

End of period
59

 
56


Groupe Veteri - Medic Inc.

On July 5, 2013, AVC acquired 90% of the shares of Groupe Veteri - Medic Inc. for approximately CDN $17.2 million, which included contingent consideration. Groupe Veteri - Medic operates three animal hospitals in Montreal, Quebec. The acquisition expanded AVC's presence within the Canadian market by increasing operations into a fourth province, Quebec.
Medical Technology
On May 14, 2014, the headquarters of our Medical Technology business in Carlsbad, California was severely damaged by wildfires. There were no injuries to personnel. However, the fire caused severe damage to a substantial portion of the facility. We have worked diligently to satisfy customer requirements and to prevent supply disruptions. We maintain standard insurance coverage for both property damage and business interruption losses. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded approximately $18.1 million in estimated losses in connection with this event, primarily associated with property damage. This amount is included in operating expenses in our condensed, consolidated income statements offset by the related insurance recovery of the same amount. We have received insurance proceeds to date of $5.0 million. As of June 30, 2014, we have recorded receivables of $13.1 million from expected insurance recoveries. We continue to assess damages and insurance coverage and we currently do not expect our losses to exceed the applicable insurance coverage.

Critical Accounting Policies
Our condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on other factors that management believes to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Critical accounting policies represent the areas where more significant judgments and estimates are used in the preparation of our condensed, consolidated financial statements. A discussion of such critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, goodwill, other intangible assets, and income taxes, can be found in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the policies noted above as of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014. A summary of our valuation of goodwill accounting policy is discussed below.

Valuation of Goodwill

At June 30, 2014, we had $1.4 billion of goodwill, accounting for 60% of our total assets. Our goodwill represents the excess of the cost of our acquired entities over the net of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.




24


We test our goodwill for impairment annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate impairment may exist, in accordance with goodwill guidance. We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date, which allows us time to accurately complete our impairment testing process in order to incorporate the results in our annual financial statements and timely file those statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in accordance with our accelerated filing requirements.

The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed two-step process. We have not presently elected to rely on a qualitative assessment, accordingly we measure our goodwill for impairment based upon the following two-step process:

First we identify potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of our reporting units with the carrying value of our reporting units, with carrying value defined as the reporting unit’s net assets, including goodwill. If the estimated
fair value of our reporting units is greater than our carrying value, there is no impairment and the second step is not needed.
  
If we identify a potential impairment in the first step, we then measure the amount of impairment. The amount of the impairment is determined by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in step one, to the reporting unit's net assets based on fair value as would be done in an acquisition. In this hypothetical purchase price allocation, the residual estimated fair value, after allocation to the reporting units' identifiable net assets, is the implied current fair value of goodwill. If the implied current fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill is considered impaired and written down to the implied current fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. However, if the implied current fair value of goodwill is greater than the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill is not considered impaired and is not adjusted to the implied current fair value. Determining the fair value of the net assets of our reporting units under this step requires significant estimates.
Our estimated fair values are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles related to fair value and utilize generally accepted valuation techniques, consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums, which are based upon the best available market information and are consistent with our long-term strategic plans. The performance of our reporting units, and in turn the risk of goodwill impairment, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside of our control.
Negative changes in the undiscounted cash flows related to variables such as revenue growth rates, margins, or the discount rate could result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could ultimately result in a substantial goodwill impairment charge. We monitor our reporting units on a quarterly basis and have not identified any events subsequent to December 31, 2013, which would indicate any impairment may have occurred in any of our reporting units.

Our Vetstreet reporting unit's estimated fair value, which has a carrying value of approximately $9.2 million of goodwill and $17.2 million of other intangibles as of June 30, 2014, exceeded its carrying value by 10% during the 2013 testing. The fair value of the Vetstreet reporting unit was determined based upon estimated future cash flows generated by the business and market comparables. In the event that we are not able to timely deliver enhancements to our services necessary to reestablish our competitive advantage, our forecasted growth rates may not be attainable and therefore we could incur an impairment charge. During the quarter, we continued to closely monitor the development of these enhancements. Although certain projects have been completed in a timely fashion, we have continued to be impacted by increasing competition. We expect to gain more visibility during the next few months with respect to the projected market impact of our product enhancements and their related impact on our impairment determination. If we are not able to realize the benefits of the enhancements we have made to the Vetstreet business, it is possible we may be required to impair a portion or all of the associated goodwill.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
A discussion of recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 12, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" to the Unaudited Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
  



25


Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table sets forth components of our condensed, consolidated income statements expressed as a percentage of revenue:
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Animal Hospital
79.0
 %
 
78.5
 %
 
78.6
 %
 
78.1
 %
Laboratory
19.6

 
19.6

 
19.7

 
19.8

All Other
4.9

 
5.9

 
5.5

 
6.2

Intercompany
(3.5
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(3.8
)
 
(4.1
)
Total revenue
100.0

 
100.0

 
100.0

 
100.0

Direct costs
75.4

 
75.4

 
76.4

 
76.6

Gross profit
24.6

 
24.6

 
23.6

 
23.4

Selling, general and administrative expense
8.2

 
8.4

 
8.7

 
8.8

Net loss (gain) on sale of assets
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Operating income
16.3

 
16.3

 
15.0

 
14.5

Interest expense, net
0.8

 
1.2

 
0.8

 
1.1

Income before provision for income taxes
15.5

 
15.1

 
14.2

 
13.4

Provision for income taxes
5.9

 
5.7

 
5.5

 
5.1

Net income
9.6

 
9.4

 
8.7

 
8.3

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.2

 
0.3

Net income attributable to VCA Inc.
9.3
 %
 
9.0
 %
 
8.5
 %
 
8.0
 %
Revenue
The following table summarizes our revenue (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
$
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
% of
Total
 
%
Change
 
$
 
% of
Total
 
$
 
% of
Total
 
%
Change
Animal Hospital
$
386,776

 
79.0
 %
 
$
365,205

 
78.5
 %
 
5.9
 %
 
$
738,364

 
78.6
 %
 
$
705,820

 
78.1
 %
 
4.6
 %
Laboratory
95,955

 
19.6
 %
 
91,230

 
19.6
 %
 
5.2
 %
 
184,489

 
19.7
 %
 
178,565

 
19.8
 %
 
3.3
 %
All Other
23,712

 
4.9
 %
 
27,472

 
5.9
 %
 
(13.7
)%
 
51,833

 
5.5
 %
 
55,995

 
6.2
 %
 
(7.4
)%
Intercompany
(16,971
)
 
(3.5
)%
 
(18,652
)
 
(4.0
)%
 
9.0
 %
 
(35,707
)
 
(3.8
)%
 
(36,519
)
 
(4.1
)%
 
2.2
 %
Total revenue
$
489,472

 
100.0
 %
 
$
465,255

 
100.0
 %
 
5.2
 %
 
$
938,979

 
100.0
 %
 
$
903,861

 
100.0
 %
 
3.9
 %

Consolidated revenue increased $24.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $35.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increases in revenue were primarily attributable to revenue from animal hospitals acquired since the beginning of the comparable periods in 2013. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, revenue increased $7.7 million and $6.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, primarily due to organic growth in our Animal Hospital and Laboratory operating segments. The increases were partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation as well as the May 2014 fire-related decline in installations and shipments in our Medical Technology operating segment.



26


Gross Profit
The following table summarizes our consolidated gross profit, Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit and Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization in dollars and as a percentage of applicable revenue (in
thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
$
 
Gross
Margin
 
$
 
Gross
Margin
 
%
Change
 
$
 
Gross
Margin
 
$
 
Gross
Margin
 
%
Change
Animal Hospital
$
63,336

 
16.4
%
 
$
60,113

 
16.5
%
 
5.4
 %
 
$
112,136

 
15.2
%
 
$
105,312

 
14.9
%
 
6.5
 %
Laboratory
49,092

 
51.2
%
 
45,226

 
49.6
%
 
8.5
 %
 
92,123

 
49.9
%
 
87,691

 
49.1
%
 
5.1
 %
All Other
7,648

 
32.3
%
 
9,423

 
34.3
%
 
(18.8
)%
 
17,617

 
34.0
%
 
19,057

 
34.0
%
 
(7.6
)%
Intercompany
339

 
 
 
(468
)
 
 
 
 
 
(10
)
 
 
 
(843
)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated gross profit and gross margin
$
120,415

 
24.6
%
 
$
114,294

 
24.6
%
 
5.4
 %
 
$
221,866

 
23.6
%
 
$
211,217

 
23.4
%
 
5.0
 %
Impact of rent expense adjustment

 
 
 
(1,396
)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(1,396
)
 
 
 
 
Impact of vacant property adjustment

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
2,046

 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit and Non-GAAP gross margin(1)
$
120,415

 
24.6
%
 
$
112,898

 
24.3
%
 
6.7
 %
 
$
221,866

 
23.6
%
 
$
211,867

 
23.4
%
 
4.7
 %
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions
5,160

 
 
 
5,452

 
 
 
 
 
10,240

 
 
 
10,515

 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)
$
125,575

 
25.7
%
 
$
118,350

 
25.4
%
 
6.1
 %
 
$
232,106

 
24.7
%
 
$
222,382

 
24.6
%
 
4.4
 %
 ____________________________
(1) 
Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, are not measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
Consolidated gross profit increased $6.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $10.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the Non-GAAP adjustments detailed in the table above, Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased $7.2 million and $9.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, was primarily attributable to organic revenue growth in our Animal Hospital and Laboratory operating segments.



27


Segment Results
Animal Hospital Segment
Revenue
Animal Hospital revenue increased $21.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $32.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The components of the increase are summarized in the following table (in thousands, except percentages and average revenue per order): 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Same-store facilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Orders (1) 
2,068

 
2,080

 
(0.6
)%
 
3,945

 
4,001

 
(1.4
)%
Average revenue per order (2) 
$
178.11

 
$
173.35

 
2.7
 %
 
$
178.71

 
$
173.82

 
2.8
 %
Same-store revenue (1) 
$
368,262

 
$
360,495

 
2.2
 %
 
$
705,104

 
$
695,404

 
1.4
 %
Acquisitions
21,037

 
1,456

 
 
 
38,339

 
3,833

 
 
Closures
15

 
3,254

 
 
 
514

 
6,583

 
 
Net acquired revenue (3) 
$
21,052

 
$
4,710

 
 
 
$
38,853

 
$
10,416

 
 
Foreign currency impact
(2,538
)
 

 
 
 
(5,593
)
 

 
 
Total
$
386,776

 
$
365,205

 
5.9
 %
 
$
738,364

 
$
705,820

 
4.6
 %
____________________________
(1) 
Same-store revenue and orders were calculated using Animal Hospital operating results, adjusted to exclude the operating results for newly acquired animal hospitals that we did not own, as of the beginning of the comparable periods in 2013. Same-store revenue also includes revenue generated by customers referred from our relocated or combined animal hospitals, including those merged upon acquisition.
(2) 
Computed by dividing same-store revenue by same-store orders. The average revenue per order may not calculate exactly due to rounding.
(3) 
Net acquired revenue represents the revenue from animal hospitals acquired, net of revenue from animal hospitals sold or closed, on or after the beginning of the comparable periods in 2013. Fluctuations in net acquired revenue occur due to the volume, size, and timing of acquisitions and dispositions during the periods from this date through the end of the applicable period.

Our business strategy is to place a greater emphasis on comprehensive wellness visits and advanced medical procedures, which typically generate higher priced orders. The migration of lower priced orders from our animal hospitals to other distribution channels and our emphasis on comprehensive wellness visits has, over the past several years, resulted in a decrease in lower priced orders and an increase in higher priced orders.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we experienced a decrease in the number of lower-priced orders and an increase in the number of higher-priced orders. These results are primarily a consequence of the overall competitive environment and its impact on the mix of procedures performed.
Price increases as well as the aforementioned shift in revenue from lower to higher-priced orders contributed to the overall increase in the average revenue per order. Prices at each of our animal hospitals are reviewed regularly and adjustments are made based on market considerations, demographics and our costs. These adjustments historically approximated 3% to 6% on most services at the majority of our animal hospitals and are typically implemented in November of each year; however, price increases in 2013 generally ranged between 3% and 4%.







28


Gross Profit

Animal Hospital gross profit is calculated as Animal Hospital revenue less Animal Hospital direct costs. Animal Hospital direct costs comprise all costs of services and products at the animal hospitals including, but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and all other animal hospital-based personnel, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expense and costs of goods sold associated with the retail sales of pet food and pet supplies.

The following table summarizes gross profit, gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, for our Animal Hospital segment (in thousands, except percentages) and the same measures on a same-store basis:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Gross profit
$
63,336

 
$
60,113

 
5.4
%
 
$
112,136

 
$
105,312

 
6.5
%
Impact of rent expense adjustment

 
(1,396
)
 
 
 

 
(1,396
)
 
 
Impact of vacant property adjustment

 

 
 
 

 
2,046

 
 
Non-GAAP gross profit(1)
$
63,336

 
$
58,717

 
7.9
%
 
$
112,136

 
$
105,962

 
5.8
%
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions
4,036

 
4,290

 
 
 
7,981

 
8,047

 
 
Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)
$
67,372

 
$
63,007

 
6.9
%
 
$
120,117

 
$
114,009

 
5.4
%
Gross margin
16.4
%
 
16.5
%
 
 
 
15.2
%
 
14.9
%
 
 
Non-GAAP gross margin(1)
16.4
%
 
16.1
%
 
 
 
15.2
%
 
15.0
%
 
 
Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)
17.4
%
 
17.3
%
 
 
 
16.3
%
 
16.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Same-store gross profit
$
61,847

 
$
60,009

 
3.1
%
 
$
110,650

 
$
105,392

 
5.0
%
Impact of rent expense adjustment

 
(1,396
)
 
 
 

 
(1,396
)
 
 
Impact of vacant property adjustment

 

 
 
 

 
2,046

 
 
Non-GAAP same-store gross profit(1)
$
61,847

 
$
58,613

 
5.5
%
 
$
110,650

 
$
106,042

 
4.3
%
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions
3,264

 
4,232

 
 
 
6,476

 
7,934

 
 
Non-GAAP same-store gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)
$
65,111

 
$
62,845

 
3.6
%
 
$
117,126

 
$
113,976

 
2.8
%
Same-store gross margin
16.8
%
 
16.6
%
 
 
 
15.7
%
 
15.2
%
 
 
Non-GAAP same-store gross margin(1)
16.8
%
 
16.3
%
 
 
 
15.7
%
 
15.2
%
 
 
Non-GAAP same-store gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)
17.7
%
 
17.4
%
 
 
 
16.6
%
 
16.4
%
 
 
____________________________
(1) 
Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization and the same measures expressed on a same store basis, are not measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
Consolidated Animal Hospital gross profit increased $3.2 million and $6.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the Non-GAAP adjustments detailed in the table above, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased $4.4 million and $6.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in Non-GAAP



29


consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, was primarily attributable to an increase in Animal Hospital same-store gross margin, which increased as a result of leverage gained from higher same-store revenue, managing costs and additional gross profit from acquired animal hospitals.

Over the last several years, we have acquired a significant number of animal hospitals. Many of these newly acquired animal hospitals had lower gross margins at the time of acquisition than those previously operated by us. We have improved
these lower gross margins, in the aggregate, subsequent to the acquisition primarily through cost efficiencies.

Laboratory Segment
The following table summarizes revenue and gross profit for our Laboratory segment (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Revenue
$
95,955

 
$
91,230

 
5.2
%
 
$
184,489

 
$
178,565

 
3.3
%
Gross profit
$
49,092

 
$
45,226

 
8.5
%
 
$
92,123

 
$
87,691

 
5.1
%
Gross margin
51.2
%
 
49.6
%
 
 
 
49.9
%
 
49.1
%
 
 
Laboratory revenue increased $4.7 million and $5.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The components of the changes in Laboratory revenue are detailed below (in thousands, except percentages and average revenue per requisition):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Internal growth:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of requisitions (1) 
3,496

 
3,532

 
(1.0
)%
 
6,609

 
6,723

 
(1.7
)%
Average revenue per requisition (2) 
$
27.41

 
$
25.83

 
6.1
 %
 
$
27.87

 
$
26.47

 
5.3
 %
Total internal revenue (1) 
$
95,822

 
$
91,230

 
5.0
 %
 
$
184,217

 
$
177,966

 
3.5
 %
Billing-day adjustment (3)

 

 
 
 

 
599

 
 
Acquired revenue (4) 
133

 

 
 
 
272

 

 
 
Total
$
95,955

 
$
91,230

 
5.2
 %
 
$
184,489

 
$
178,565

 
3.3
 %
  ____________________________

(1) 
Internal revenue and requisitions were calculated using Laboratory operating results, which are adjusted (i) to exclude the operating results of acquired laboratories that we did not own as of the beginning of the comparable periods in 2013, and (ii) for the impact resulting from any differences in the number of billing days in comparable periods, if applicable.

(2) 
Computed by dividing internal revenue by the number of requisitions.

(3) 
The billing-day adjustment reflects the impact of one-half less billing day in 2014, as compared to 2013.

(4) 
Acquired revenue represents the current-year period revenue recognized from our acquired laboratories that we did not own as of the beginning of the comparable periods in 2013.
The increase in Laboratory revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the prior-year periods, was due to an increase in average revenue per requisition, primarily as a result of price increases in February 2014 and changes in product mix.
Laboratory gross profit is calculated as Laboratory revenue less direct costs. Laboratory direct cost comprises all costs of laboratory services including, but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, specialists, technicians and other laboratory-based personnel, transportation and delivery costs, facilities rent, occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization and supply costs.



30


Our Laboratory gross margin increased to 51.2% and 49.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to 49.6% and 49.1% for the same periods in the prior year. The improvement in gross margins is primarily attributable to leverage on labor and transportation costs.

Intercompany Revenue
Laboratory revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 included intercompany revenue of $14.6 million and $28.4 million, respectively, generated by providing laboratory services to our animal hospitals, as compared to $14.3 million and $28.0 million for the respective prior year periods. All Other revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 included intercompany revenue of $3.3 million and $9.2 million, respectively, generated by providing products and services to our animal hospitals and laboratories, as compared to $5.2 million and $10.1 million for the respective prior year periods. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany transactions are accounted for as if the transaction was with an independent third party at current market prices. For financial reporting purposes, intercompany transactions are eliminated as part of our consolidation.
  
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
The following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense in both dollars and as a percentage of applicable revenue (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
%
Change
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
%
Change
Animal Hospital
$
9,864

 
2.6
%
 
$
8,720

 
2.4
%
 
13.1
 %
 
$
18,992

 
2.6
%
 
$
17,045

 
2.4
%
 
11.4
 %
Laboratory
8,281

 
8.6
%
 
7,965

 
8.7
%
 
4.0
 %
 
16,299

 
8.8
%
 
15,970

 
8.9
%
 
2.1
 %
All Other
7,411

 
31.3
%
 
8,041

 
29.3
%
 
(7.8
)%
 
15,759

 
30.4
%
 
16,955

 
30.3
%
 
(7.1
)%
Corporate
14,375

 
2.9
%
 
14,297

 
3.1
%
 
0.5
 %
 
30,321

 
3.2
%
 
28,899

 
3.2
%
 
4.9
 %
Total SG&A
$
39,931

 
8.2
%
 
$
39,023

 
8.4
%
 
2.3
 %
 
$
81,371

 
8.7
%
 
$
78,869

 
8.8
%
 
3.2
 %
Consolidated SG&A expense increased $0.9 million and $2.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in consolidated SG&A expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, was primarily due to an increase in compensation related costs incurred at our Animal Hospital segment, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A at our Vetstreet business due to our cost containment efforts. The increase in Animal Hospital SG&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, was primarily due to a reclassification of certain hospital operations related compensation and benefits from our corporate segment.



31


Operating Income
The following table summarizes our consolidated operating income, Non-GAAP consolidated operating income and Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization in both dollars and as a percentage of applicable revenue (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
%
Change
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
$
 
% of
Revenue
 
%
Change
Animal Hospital
$
53,058

 
13.7
%
 
$
51,553

 
14.1
%
 
2.9
 %
 
$
92,562

 
12.5
%
 
$
86,698

 
12.3
%
 
6.8
 %
Laboratory
40,818

 
42.5
%
 
37,262

 
40.8
%
 
9.5
 %
 
75,902

 
41.1
%
 
71,727

 
40.2
%
 
5.8
 %
All Other
140

 
0.6
%
 
1,381

 
5.0
%
 
(89.9
)%
 
2,945

 
5.7
%
 
2,099

 
3.7
%
 
40.3
 %
Corporate
(14,449
)
 
 
 
(14,027
)
 
 
 
(3.0
)%
 
(30,261
)
 
 
 
(28,629
)
 
 
 
(5.7
)%
Eliminations
339

 
 
 
(468
)
 
 
 
172.4
 %
 
(10
)
 
 
 
(843
)
 
 
 
98.8
 %
Total GAAP consolidated operating income
$
79,906

 
16.3
%
 
$
75,701

 
16.3
%
 
5.6
 %
 
$
141,138

 
15.0
%
 
$
131,052

 
14.5
%
 
7.7
 %
Impact of rent expense adjustment

 
 
 
(1,396
)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
(1,396
)
 
 
 
 
Impact of vacant property adjustment

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
3,804

 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP operating income(1)
$
79,906

 
16.3
%
 
$
74,305

 
16.0
%
 
7.5
 %
 
$
141,138

 
15.0
%
 
$
133,460

 
14.8
%
 
5.8
 %
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions
5,227

 
 
 
5,521

 
 
 
 
 
10,374

 
 
 
10,565

 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)
$
85,133

 
17.4
%
 
$
79,826

 
17.2
%
 
6.6
 %
 
$
151,512

 
16.1
%
 
$
144,025

 
15.9
%
 
5.2
 %
 ____________________________
(1) 
Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin, Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization are not measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
Consolidated operating income increased by $4.2 million and $10.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in prior year. Excluding the impact of the Non-GAAP adjustments detailed in the above table, Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased $5.3 million and $7.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to the same periods in prior year. The remaining increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily related to improved results, as mentioned above, in our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments.
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions
Included in our direct costs is amortization expense related to our acquired intangible assets. At acquisition we assign a fair market value to identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill in our purchase price allocation. These assets include non-contractual customer relationships, covenants not-to-compete, trademarks, contracts, technology and client lists. For those identified intangible assets that have finite lives, we amortize those values over the estimated useful lives to direct costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, amortization expense associated with acquisitions was $5.2 million and $10.4 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, amortization expense associated with acquisitions was $5.5 million and $10.6 million, respectively.



32


Interest Expense, Net
The following table summarizes our interest expense, net of interest income (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior term notes
$
2,414

 
$
2,884

 
$
5,078

 
$
5,790

Capital leases and other
1,382

 
850

 
2,574

 
2,251

Amortization of debt costs
300

 
313

 
604

 
627

Non-GAAP interest expense
4,096

 
4,047

 
8,256

 
8,668

Rent expense adjustment

 
1,401

 

 
1,401

Consolidated interest expense
4,096

 
5,448

 
8,256

 
10,069

Interest income
(66
)
 
210

 
(59
)
 
(104
)
Total consolidated interest expense, net of interest income
$
4,030

 
$
5,658

 
$
8,197

 
$
9,965

The decrease in net interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, was primarily attributable to a decline in interest expense related to capital leases as a result of an immaterial out-of-period adjustment related to an operating lease that should have been accounted for as a capital lease in the prior period ending June 30, 2013. Interest expense on our senior term notes has decreased due to a decline in weighted average balance, resulting from scheduled debt repayments, and a decline in weighted average interest rates, resulting from a lower effective LIBOR rate in comparison to the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by the additions of new capital leases from animal hospitals acquired in the current period.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate of income attributable to VCA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 38.8% and 39.1%, respectively, as compared to 38.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our estimated annual effective tax rate is 39.1%.
Inflation
Historically, our operations have not been materially affected by inflation. We cannot assure that our operations will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use Non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows our management to better understand our consolidated financial performance from period to period and in relationship to the operating results of our segments. We also believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows our management to better project our future consolidated financial performance because our forecasts are developed at a level of detail different from that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures. Moreover, we believe these Non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with useful information to help them evaluate our operating results by facilitating an enhanced understanding of our operating performance, and enabling them to make more meaningful period to period comparisons.
The Non-GAAP financial measures presented in this report include Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization computed on a consolidated basis, for our Animal Hospital segment, and the same measures expressed on a same-store basis. Additionally, our Non-GAAP financial measures include our Non-GAAP operating income, Non-GAAP operating margin, Non-GAAP operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization on a consolidated basis. Lastly, our Non-GAAP financial measures also include our Non-GAAP interest expense, Non-GAAP consolidated net income, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, Non-GAAP consolidated net income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization. These Non-GAAP financial measures, as defined by us, represent the comparable GAAP measures adjusted to exclude certain charges or credits, as detailed in the tables above and below. In future fiscal periods, we may exclude such items and may incur income and expenses



33


similar to these excluded items. Accordingly, the exclusion of these items and other similar items in our Non-GAAP presentation should not be interpreted as implying that these items are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual.
There are limitations to the use of the Non-GAAP financial measures presented in this report. Our Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate the Non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. In addition, these items can have a material impact on earnings. Our management compensates for the foregoing limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using Non-GAAP financial measures supplementally. The Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered as indicators of performance in isolation from or as a substitute for consolidated gross profit or gross margin prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We have presented reconciliations of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP measure for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 and encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the Non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods included in this report. Refer to the tables above in the gross profit and operating income sections within Part I, Item 2 of this report for a reconciliation of consolidated gross profit to Non-GAAP gross profit and to Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, consolidated operating income to Non-GAAP operating income and to Non-GAAP operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization.
Our Non-GAAP adjustments include the following:
Rent expense adjustment - We reclassified an operating lease to a capital lease and accordingly recorded a corresponding credit to rent expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013. This adjustment had an immaterial impact on the consolidated income statement and to net income.
Vacant property adjustment - We vacated properties of two animal hospitals whose operations were consolidated into a newly constructed, newly owned animal hospital. Accordingly, we recorded a write-down to fair value and accrued certain lease related costs for the six months ended June 30, 2013.
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions - Our GAAP net income includes amortization expense related to intangible assets in our acquired businesses. The amortization expense related to our acquired intangible assets can vary significantly dependent upon the amount and size of our acquisitions in each period; accordingly, we exclude amortization from our GAAP net income, for all periods presented, to provide investors with more comparable operating results.

The following table reconciles our GAAP net income to Non-GAAP net income, calculates our Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, and reconciles to Non-GAAP net income, excluding acquisition related amortization and calculates our Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization for the adjustments mentioned above:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
GAAP Net income
$
45,584

 
$
41,662

 
$
79,627

 
$
72,147

Impact of vacant property adjustment

 

 

 
3,804

Tax benefit on above adjustments

 

 

 
(1,489
)
Non-GAAP Net income
45,584

 
41,662

 
79,627

 
74,462

Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions, net of tax
3,181

 
3,360

 
6,314

 
6,430

Non-GAAP net income, excluding acquisition related amortization
$
48,765

 
$
45,022

 
$
85,941

 
$
80,892

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.89

 
$
0.83

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization
$
0.55

 
$
0.50

 
$
0.96

 
$
0.90

Shares used for computing adjusted diluted earnings per share
89,191

 
89,653

 
89,312

 
89,531





34


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Introduction
We generate cash primarily from (i) payments made by customers for our veterinary services, (ii) payments from animal hospitals and other clients for our laboratory services, (iii) proceeds received from the sale of our imaging equipment and other related services and (iv) payments received from participating hospitals for Vetstreet subscriptions and reminder notices. Our business historically has experienced strong liquidity, as fees for services provided in our animal hospitals are due at the time of service and fees for laboratory services are collected under standard industry terms. Our cash disbursements are primarily for payments related to the compensation of our employees, supplies and inventory purchases for our operating segments, occupancy and other administrative costs, interest expense, payments on long-term borrowings, capital expenditures and acquisitions. Cash outflows fluctuate with the amount and timing of the settlement of these transactions.
We manage our cash, investments and capital structure so we are able to meet the short-term and long-term obligations of our business while maintaining financial flexibility and liquidity. We forecast, analyze and monitor our cash flows to enable investment and financing within the overall constraints of our financial strategy.
At June 30, 2014, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $122.5 million, representing a decrease of $2.5 million, compared to December 31, 2013. Cash flows generated from operating activities remained relatively flat at $128.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
As of June 30, 2014, $11.5 million of the $122.5 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries. Our intention is to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings in our foreign subsidiaries. If these earnings were used to fund domestic operations, they would be subject to additional income taxes upon repatriation.
We have historically funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, investments in the acquisition of individual hospitals and laboratories, repurchases of our common shares, and other smaller acquisitions, primarily from internally-generated cash flows and we expect to continue to do so in the future. As of June 30, 2014, we have access to an unused $125 million revolving credit facility, which expires in August 2016, allowing us to maintain further operating and financial flexibility.

Historically, we have been able to access the capital markets to fund larger acquisitions that could not be funded out of internally generated cash flows. The availability of financing in the form of debt or equity is influenced by many factors including our profitability, operating cash flows, debt levels, debt ratings, contractual restrictions, and market conditions. Although in the past we have been able to obtain financing for material transactions on terms we believe to be reasonable, there is a possibility that we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms in the future.
Future Cash Flows
Short-Term
We historically have funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, investments in acquisitions of individual hospitals and laboratories, repurchases of our common shares, and other smaller acquisitions, from internally-generated cash flows. We anticipate that our cash on hand and net cash provided by operations and available funds under our revolving credit agreement and incremental facilities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for the next 12 months. If we consummate additional significant acquisitions during this period, we may seek additional debt or equity financing.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we expect to spend $100 million to $130 million for the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. The ultimate number of acquisitions and cash used is largely dependent upon the attractiveness of the candidates and the strategic fit within our operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, we spent $29.3 million in connection with the acquisition of 10 independent animal hospitals. In addition, we expect to spend approximately $80 million in 2014 for both property and equipment additions and capital costs necessary to maintain our existing facilities, of which approximately $28.0 million had been expended at June 30, 2014.
Through June 30, 2014, we have purchased an aggregate of 2.5 million shares of common stock for an aggregate of $77.0 million. We have $48.0 million remaining of $125.0 million under our April 2013 Board of Directors authorized share repurchase program.
Long-Term
Our long-term liquidity needs, other than those related to the day-to-day operations of our business, including commitments for operating leases, generally are comprised of scheduled principal and interest payments for our outstanding long-term indebtedness, capital expenditures related to the expansion of our business and acquisitions in accordance with our growth strategy.



35


We are unable to project with certainty whether our long-term cash flow from operations will be sufficient to repay our long-term debt when it comes due. If this cash flow is insufficient, we expect that we will need to refinance such indebtedness, amend its terms to extend maturity dates, or issue common stock on our company. Our management cannot make any assurances that such refinancing or amendments, if necessary, will be available on attractive terms, if at all.
Debt Related Covenants
Our senior credit facility contains certain financial covenants pertaining to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios. In addition, our senior credit facility has restrictions pertaining to capital expenditures, acquisitions and the payment of cash dividends. As of June 30, 2014, we were in compliance with these covenants, including the two covenant ratios, the fixed-charge coverage ratio and the leverage ratio.
At June 30, 2014, we had a fixed-charge coverage ratio of 1.70 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no less than 1.20 to 1.00. The senior credit facility defines the fixed charge coverage ratio as that ratio that is calculated on a last 12-month basis by dividing pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined by the senior credit facility (“pro forma earnings”), by fixed charges. Fixed charges are defined as cash interest expense, scheduled principal payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, and provision for current cash taxes based on income with respect to such period. Pro forma earnings include 12 months of operating results for businesses acquired during the period.
At June 30, 2014, we had a leverage ratio of 1.68 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no more than 3.00 to 1.00. The senior credit facility defines the leverage ratio as that ratio which is calculated as total debt divided by pro forma earnings.

Historical Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands):
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
128,113

 
$
128,071

Investing activities
(54,232
)
 
(55,887
)
Financing activities
(76,173
)
 
(27,809
)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(202
)
 
(540
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
(2,494
)
 
43,835

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
125,029

 
68,435

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
122,535

 
$
112,270

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $0.04 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to the prior-year period. Operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 included $81.8 million of net income, net non-cash expenses of $48.8 million and net cash used as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities of $2.5 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities included a $8.1 million decrease in prepaid income taxes and a $3.8 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities, offset by a $8.9 million increase in trade accounts receivable and a $6.6 million increase in inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets. The increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities and the decrease in prepaid income taxes were both a result of timing of payment obligations. The increase in trade accounts receivable is due to an increase in receivables related to Antech's service agreements. The increase in inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets is primarily due to the recorded receivable of $13.1 million from insurance recoveries for the amount of losses in connection with the May 2014 fire at our Medical Technology business.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, as compared to the prior-year period. Operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included $75.3 million of net income, net non-cash expenses of $52.2 million and net cash provided as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities of $0.6 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities included a $12.6 million decrease in prepaid income taxes, a $4.3 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, a $1.9 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities, partially offset by a $17.7 million increase in accounts receivable. The increase in accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued payroll and related liabilities and



36


decrease in prepaid income taxes were all a result of timing of payment obligations. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to increases in 2013 net revenue compared to 2012.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The table below presents the components of the changes in investing cash flows (in thousands):

 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
Investing Cash Flows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(29,271
)
 
$
(21,835
)
 
$
(7,436
)
(1) 
Capital expenditures
(27,979
)
 
(33,095
)
 
5,116

(2) 
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions
(1,493
)
 
(510
)
 
(983
)
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
4,456

 
595

 
3,861

 
Other
55

 
(1,042
)
 
1,097

 
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(54,232
)
 
$
(55,887
)
 
$
1,655

 
 ____________________________

(1) 
The number of acquisitions will vary from year to year based upon the available pool of suitable candidates. A discussion of our acquisitions is provided above in our Executive Overview.

(2) 
The cash used for capital expenditures will vary from period to period based on upgrade requirements and the expansion of our animal hospital and laboratory facilities.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The table below presents the components of the changes in financing cash flows (in thousands):
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
Financing Cash Flows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayment of debt
$
(26,218
)
 
$
(17,442
)
 
$
(8,776
)
(1) 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners
(2,259
)
 
(2,234
)
 
(25
)
 
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
(326
)
 
(5,030
)
 
4,704

(2) 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans
467

 
4,181

 
(3,714
)
 
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
2,092

 
771

 
1,321

 
Repurchase of common stock
(49,091
)
 
(7,956
)
 
(41,135
)
(3) 
Other
(838
)
 
(99
)
 
(739
)
 
Net cash used in provided by financing activities
$
(76,173
)
 
$
(27,809
)
 
$
(48,364
)
 
____________________________
(1) 
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, our scheduled principal payments on our senior term notes increased, in comparison to the prior-year, in accordance with our debt agreement.
(2) 
The cash paid to purchase noncontrolling interests will vary based upon differing opportunities and circumstances during each of the respective periods.
(3) 
The cash paid for stock repurchases includes both the repurchase of our common shares, in accordance with our share repurchase program, and income taxes paid on behalf of employees who elected to settle their tax obligation on vested stock with a portion of their vested stock.



37


Future Contractual Cash Requirements
Off-Balance-Sheet Financing Arrangements
Other than operating leases, as of June 30, 2014, we do not have any off-balance-sheet financing arrangements.
Description of Indebtedness
Senior Credit Facility
At June 30, 2014, we had $533.2 million in principal outstanding under our senior term notes and no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
We pay interest on our senior term notes and revolving credit facility based on the interest rate offered to our administrative agent on, the adjusted Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin determined by reference to the leverage ratio in effect from time-to-time, ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% per annum, as set forth in the table in Note 7, Long-Term Obligations, of our 2013 Form 10-K. The senior term notes and the revolving credit facility mature in August 2016.
Other Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
At June 30, 2014, we had a seller note secured by assets of a certain animal hospital and capital leases that totaled $60.5 million, which are included in long-term debt in the condensed, consolidated balance sheet of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Our seller note matures in 2014 and has an interest rate of 10.0%. Our capital leases have various maturities through 2042 and various interest rates ranging from 1.9% to 15.0%.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from those disclosed in Part II, Item 7A, of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation required by the Exchange Act, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During our most recent fiscal quarter, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur, or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. 



38



PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay regular and overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys’ fees and costs. On May 7, 2014, we obtained partial summary judgment, dismissing 4 of the 8 claims of the complaint, including the claims for failure to pay regular and overtime wages. We intend to continue to vigorously defend against the remaining claims in this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
 
On July 16, 2014, two additional former veterinary assistants filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled La Kimba Bradsbery and Cheri Brakensiek vs. Vicar Operating, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants, kennel assistants, and client service representatives employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay regular and overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, improperly failed to pay reporting time pay, improperly failed to reimburse for certain business-related expenses, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys’ fees and costs. We currently expect that these two actions will be consolidated with, or related before the same judge hearing, the Duran action discussed above. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
On July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of individuals who were engaged by Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC to perform such courier services and alleges, among other allegations, that Logistics Delivery Solutions and Antech Diagnostics improperly classified the plaintiffs as independent contractors, improperly failed to pay overtime wages, and improperly failed to provide proper meal periods. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs. We filed our answer to the complaint on September 13, 2013. Written discovery is currently ongoing. We filed a motion for summary judgment on July 18, 2014, and the motion is scheduled for hearing on October 3, 2014. This case remains in an early procedural stage and we are vigorously defending this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
On May 12, 2014, an individual client who purchased goods and services from one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, titled Tony M. Graham vs. VCA Antech, Inc. and VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of the plaintiff and other individuals who purchased similar goods and services from our animal hospitals and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly charged such individuals for “biohazard waste management” in connection with the services performed. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified amounts, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs. This case is in an early procedural stage and we intend to vigorously defend this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
 



39


ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Transactions in Our Equity Securities

For the period covered by this report, we have not engaged in any transactions involving the sale of our unregistered equity securities that were not disclosed in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K. We have not engaged in any sales of registered securities for which the use of proceeds is required to be disclosed.

The following table provides information on shares of our common stock we repurchased during the quarter ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of
 
Approximate Dollar
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Purchased as
 
Value of Shares That
 
 
Total Number
 
Average
 
Part of Publicly
 
May Yet Be Purchased
 
 
of Shares
 
Price Paid
 
Announced Plan
 
Under the Plan
Period
 
Purchased
 
Per Share
 
or Program
 
or Program
(1)
 
(2)
 
(3)
 
(4)
 
(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014
 
1,035

 
$
33.25

 

 
$
82,344,913

May 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014
 
375,000

 
$
30.72

 
375,000

 
$
70,826,288

June 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014
 
788,123

 
$
35.16

 
650,000

 
$
48,037,141

 
 
1,164,158

 
$
33.73

 
1,025,000

 
$
48,037,141

(1)
Information is based on settlement dates of repurchase transactions.

(2)
Consists of shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Of these shares, 1,025,000 shares were repurchased in the open market pursuant to a previously-announced share repurchase program (see (4) below). The balance of the repurchases were related to 139,158 shares of common stock surrendered to us by employees to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and payout of restricted stock units. In the table above, these shares were excluded from column (4) as they do not affect the number of shares that may be repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program.

(3)
The average price paid for shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program excludes commissions paid.

(4)
We have an ongoing authorization, since April 2013 from our Board of Directors to repurchase up to $125 million in shares of our common stock in open market purchases or negotiated transactions.
 



40



ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
 
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None
 
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure, other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 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
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase




41


SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on August 8, 2014.

Date:
August 8, 2014
By: /s/ Tomas W. Fuller
 
 
Tomas W. Fuller
 
 
Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Vice President and Secretary



42


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.SCH
XBRL Extension Schema Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.CAL
XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.LAB
XBRL Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.PRE
XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
Exhibit 101.DEF
XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase Document





43