LabCorp® (or the “Company”) (NYSE: LH) today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, and increased 2017 guidance.

"We delivered a record quarter of revenue, adjusted operating income and adjusted EPS, led by outstanding growth in the Diagnostics business through a combination of excellent organic growth and strategic acquisitions,” said David P. King, chairman and CEO. “The Drug Development business performed as we expected, highlighted by our third consecutive quarter of robust net orders and improving book-to-bill. We made great progress on our strategic initiatives with use of our combined data, health system partnerships and expansion into the consumer channel, and we are well positioned for growth in the balance of 2017 and in the years ahead."

Consolidated Results

Second Quarter Results

Net revenue for the quarter was $2.50 billion, an increase of 4.9% compared to $2.38 billion in the second quarter of 2016. The increase in net revenue was due to growth from acquisitions of 3.6%, and organic growth (net revenue growth less revenue from acquisitions for the first twelve months after the close of each acquisition) of 1.9%, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation of approximately 60 basis points. In addition, revenue growth was negatively impacted by approximately 1% due to the year-over-year comparison to Leap Year and the timing of the Easter holiday.

Operating income for the quarter was $336.0 million, or 13.4% of net revenue, compared to $365.5 million, or 15.3%, in the second quarter of 2016. The decline in the Company’s operating income was due to restructuring charges and special items of $49.9 million in the quarter, compared to $14.5 million during the same period in 2016. The Company’s operating income benefited from price, mix, acquisitions and productivity, partially offset by higher personnel costs. Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization of $51.4 million, restructuring charges and special items) for the quarter was $437.3 million, or 17.5% of net revenue, compared to $425.3 million, or 17.9%, in the second quarter of 2016. The 40 basis point decline in the Company’s operating margin was due to the impact from the year-over-year comparison to Leap Year and the timing of the Easter holiday.

Net earnings in the quarter were $188.6 million, compared to $204.1 million in the second quarter of 2016. Diluted EPS were $1.82 in the quarter, a decrease of 7.1% compared to $1.96 in the same period in 2016. Adjusted EPS (excluding amortization, restructuring charges and special items) were $2.47 in the quarter, an increase of 4.7% compared to $2.36 in the second quarter of 2016.

Operating cash flow for the quarter was $310.7 million, compared to $349.5 million in the second quarter of 2016. The decline in operating cash flow was due to higher working capital requirements. Capital expenditures totaled $69.3 million, compared to $67.0 million a year ago. As a result, free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $241.4 million, compared to $282.5 million in the second quarter of 2016.

At the end of the quarter, the Company’s cash balance and total debt were $299.9 million and $6.1 billion, respectively. During the quarter, the Company invested $416.2 million in acquisitions, and repurchased $108.0 million of stock representing approximately 0.8 million shares. The Company had $489.5 million of authorization remaining under its share repurchase program at the end of the quarter.

Year-To-Date Results

Net revenue was $4.91 billion, an increase of 4.9% over last year’s $4.68 billion. The increase in net revenue was due to growth from acquisitions of 3.2%, and organic growth of 2.2%, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation of approximately 50 basis points.

Operating income was $668.7 million, or 13.6% of net revenue, compared to $665.0 million, or 14.2%, in the first half of 2016. The Company recorded restructuring charges and special items of $60.9 million in the first half of the year, compared to $43.8 million during the same period in 2016. The Company’s operating income benefited from price, mix, acquisitions and productivity, partially offset by higher personnel costs. Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization of $99.0 million, restructuring and special items) was $828.6 million, or 16.9% of net revenue, compared to $798.4 million, or 17.1%, in the first half of 2016.

Net earnings in the first half of 2017 were $380.8 million, or $3.66 per diluted share, compared to $368.2 million, or $3.54 per diluted share, last year. Adjusted EPS (excluding amortization, restructuring and special items) were $4.69, an increase of 6.3% compared to $4.41 in the first half of 2016.

Operating cash flow was $544.5 million, compared to $477.1 million in the first half of 2016. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to higher cash earnings and lower working capital usage. Capital expenditures totaled $141.5 million, compared to $138.4 million in the first half of 2016. As a result, free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $403.0 million, compared to $338.7 million in the first half of 2016.

***

The following segment results exclude amortization, restructuring charges, special items and unallocated corporate expenses.

Second Quarter Segment Results

LabCorp Diagnostics

Net revenue for the quarter was $1.80 billion, an increase of 8.4% over $1.66 billion for the second quarter of 2016. The increase in net revenue was driven by acquisitions, organic volume (measured by requisitions excluding requisitions from acquisitions for the first twelve months after the close of each acquisition), price and mix, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation of approximately 30 basis points. Total volume (measured by requisitions) increased by 5.0%, of which organic volume was 1.9% and acquisition volume was 3.1%. Volume was negatively impacted by approximately 1.5% due to the year-over-year comparison to Leap Year and the timing of the Easter holiday. Revenue per requisition increased by 3.6%.

Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization, restructuring and special items) for the quarter was $375.0 million, or 20.8% of net revenue, compared to $355.3 million, or 21.4%, in the second quarter of 2016. The increase in operating income was primarily due to strong revenue growth and the LaunchPad business process improvement initiative, partially offset by higher personnel costs. LaunchPad remains on track to deliver net savings of $150 million through the three-year period ending in 2017. The 60 basis point decline in operating margin was due to the unfavorable impact from the year-over-year comparison to Leap Year and the timing of the Easter holiday.

Covance Drug Development

Net revenue for the quarter was $699.7 million, a decline of 3.1% from $722.4 million in the second quarter of 2016. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation of 140 basis points, revenue in the quarter declined by 1.7% year over year. The decline in revenue is primarily due to the previously discussed cancellation by sponsors of two large clinical studies in late 2016.

Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization, restructuring and special items) for the quarter was $95.1 million, or 13.6% of net revenue, compared to $107.6 million, or 14.9%, in the second quarter of 2016. The decline in operating income and margin were primarily due to lower revenue and increased personnel costs, including targeted strategic investments to support growth, partially offset by price, mix, cost synergies, and initial LaunchPad savings. The Company remains on track to deliver cost synergies of $100 million related to the acquisition of Covance through the three-year period ending in 2017.

Net orders and net book-to-bill during the trailing twelve months were $3.44 billion and 1.23, respectively. Backlog at the end of the quarter was $5.53 billion, and the Company expects approximately $2.1 billion of this backlog to convert into revenue in the next twelve months.

Outlook for 2017

The following guidance assumes foreign exchange rates effective as of June 30, 2017 for the remainder of the year, and includes capital allocation.

  • Net revenue growth of 5.0% to 6.5% over 2016 net revenue of $9.44 billion, which includes the negative impact from approximately 10 basis points of foreign currency translation. This is an increase over the prior guidance of 3.5% to 5.5%.
  • Net revenue growth in LabCorp Diagnostics of 7.0% to 8.0% over 2016 net revenue of $6.59 billion. This is an increase over the prior guidance of 5.0% to 7.0% primarily due to continued strong organic growth and acquisitions.
  • Net revenue growth in Covance Drug Development of 1.0% to 3.0% over 2016 net revenue of $2.84 billion, which includes the negative impact from approximately 20 basis points of foreign currency translation. This is an increase over the prior guidance of 0.0% to 2.0% due to the favorable change in the impact of foreign currency translation.
  • Adjusted EPS of $9.30 to $9.65, an increase of approximately 5% to 9% as compared to $8.83 in 2016. This is an increase over the prior guidance of $9.20 to $9.60 due to the Company’s favorable results in the second quarter.
  • Free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) of $925 million to $975 million, an increase of approximately 3% to 9% over the prior year, unchanged from prior guidance.

Use of Adjusted Measures

The Company has provided in this press release and accompanying tables “adjusted” financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP, including Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Operating Income, Free Cash Flow, and certain segment information. The Company believes these adjusted measures are useful to investors as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, GAAP measures, in evaluating the Company’s operational performance. The Company further believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors in evaluating operating results and trends, and growth and shareholder returns, as well as in comparing the Company’s financial results with the financial results of other companies. However, the Company notes that these adjusted measures may be different from and not directly comparable to the measures presented by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables accompanying this press release.

The Company today is furnishing a Current Report on Form 8-K that will include additional information on its business and operations. This information will also be available in the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.labcorp.com. Analysts and investors are directed to the Current Report on Form 8-K and the website to review this supplemental information.

A conference call discussing LabCorp's quarterly results will be held today at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and is available by dialing 844-634-1444 (615-247-0253 for international callers). The access code is 34201781. A telephone replay of the call will be available through August 9, 2017 and can be heard by dialing 855-859-2056 (404-537-3406 for international callers). The access code for the replay is 34201781. A live online broadcast of LabCorp’s quarterly conference call on July 26, 2017 will be available at http://www.labcorp.com/ or at http://www.streetevents.com/ beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This webcast will be archived and accessible continuing through July 20, 2018.

About LabCorp

Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (NYSE: LH), an S&P 500 company, is a leading global life sciences company that is deeply integrated in guiding patient care, providing comprehensive clinical laboratory and end-to-end drug development services. With a mission to improve health and improve lives, LabCorp delivers world-class diagnostic solutions, brings innovative medicines to patients faster and uses technology to provide better care. LabCorp reported net revenues of nearly $9.5 billion for 2016 through the contributions of 52,000 employees in approximately 60 countries. To learn more about LabCorp, visit www.labcorp.com, and to learn more about Covance Drug Development, visit www.covance.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements including with respect to estimated 2017 guidance and the impact of various factors on operating and financial results. Each of the forward-looking statements is subject to change based on various important factors, including without limitation, competitive actions in the marketplace, and adverse actions of governmental and other third-party payers. Actual results could differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to provide any updates to these forward-looking statements even if its expectations change. Further information on potential factors that could affect operating and financial results is included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and subsequent Forms 10-Q, including in each case under the heading risk factors, and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with a review of the Company’s filings with the SEC including the information in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and subsequent Forms 10-Q, under the heading MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

   
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)
             
 
For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
 
2017 2016 2017 2016
 
Net revenues $ 2,498.4 $ 2,382.0 $ 4,906.5 $ 4,677.2
Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses   44.5     48.7     83.4     121.5  
Total revenues 2,542.9 2,430.7 4,989.9 4,798.7
 
Net cost of revenues 1,636.6 1,555.2 3,241.1 3,073.1
Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses   44.5     48.7     83.4     121.5  
Total cost of revenues 1,681.1 1,603.9 3,324.5 3,194.6
 
Gross profit 861.8 826.8 1,665.4 1,604.1
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 435.3 409.4 854.7 823.7
Amortization of intangibles and other assets 51.4 45.3 99.0 89.6
Restructuring and other special charges   39.1     6.6     43.0     25.8  
 
Operating income 336.0 365.5 668.7 665.0
 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (55.0 ) (53.5 ) (107.4 ) (108.0 )
Equity method income, net 4.5 1.9 6.8 3.3
Investment income 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.9
Other, net   (0.8 )   (2.4 )   (4.0 )   4.3  
 
Earnings before income taxes 285.1 311.9 564.8 565.5
 
Provision for income taxes   96.2     107.5     183.4     196.7  
 
Net earnings 188.9 204.4 381.4 368.8

Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest

  (0.3 )   (0.3 )   (0.6 )   (0.6 )
 

Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

$ 188.6   $ 204.1   $ 380.8   $ 368.2  
 
 
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.84   $ 2.00   $ 3.71   $ 3.61  
 
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.82   $ 1.96   $ 3.66   $ 3.54  
 
 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding 102.4 102.2 102.5 101.9
 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 103.7 104.1 104.0 103.9
 
 
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)
             
June 30, December 31,
2017 2016
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 299.9 $ 433.6
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $256.1 and $235.6 at June 30,
2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 1,379.3 1,328.7
Unbilled services 247.3 190.0
Inventory 209.9 205.2
Prepaid expenses and other   379.3     321.2  
Total current assets 2,515.7 2,478.7
 
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,717.9 1,718.6
Goodwill 6,641.4 6,424.4
Intangible assets, net 3,621.2 3,400.5
Joint venture partnerships and equity method investments 67.2 57.6
Deferred income tax assets 2.1 2.1
Other assets, net   337.0     165.1  
Total assets $ 14,902.5   $ 14,247.0  
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 491.7 $ 508.4
Accrued expenses and other 617.0 595.2
Unearned revenue 177.2 176.0
Current portion of long-term debt   519.6     549.5  
Total current liabilities 1,805.5 1,829.1
 
Long-term debt, less current portion 5,608.3 5,300.0
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities 1,193.7 1,204.9
Other liabilities   401.0     392.0  
Total liabilities   9,008.5     8,726.0  
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities - -
Noncontrolling interest 15.9 15.2
 
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock 12.0 12.1
Additional paid-in capital 1,972.7 2,131.7
Retained earnings 5,336.6 4,955.8
Less common stock held in treasury (1,058.9 ) (1,012.7 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income   (384.3 )   (581.1 )
Total shareholders' equity   5,878.1     5,505.8  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 14,902.5   $ 14,247.0  
 
 
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS    
(Dollars in Millions)
                 
For the For the For the For the
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings $ 188.9 $ 204.4 $ 381.4 $ 368.8
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 127.0 125.4 255.1 247.8
Stock compensation 25.0 25.8 52.7 57.6
Loss / (Gain) on sale of assets 0.1 0.5 0.6 (7.9 )
Accreted interest on zero-coupon subordinated notes - 0.4 0.2 0.9
Cumulative earnings less than (in excess of)
distributions from equity affiliates (4.1 ) (0.1 ) (4.0 ) 0.1
Asset impairment 15.1 - 15.1 -
Deferred income taxes (23.3 ) (3.2 ) (4.6 ) 15.0
Change in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net (7.5 ) 6.2 (35.4 ) (99.6 )
(Increase) in unbilled services (26.6 ) (35.7 ) (56.6 ) (50.4 )
(Increase) decrease in inventories (5.6 ) (1.8 ) (0.7 ) 0.6
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other 1.9 25.9 (20.0 ) 3.4
(Decrease) in accounts payable (1.0 ) (20.2 ) (29.0 ) (54.3 )
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue (7.2 ) 12.9 1.1 32.7
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other   28.0     9.0     (11.4 )   (37.6 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   310.7     349.5     544.5     477.1  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (69.3 ) (67.0 ) (141.5 ) (138.4 )
Proceeds from sale of assets 0.2 18.8 1.0 21.3
Proceeds from sale of investments - - - 12.7
Acquisition of licensing technology (1.1 ) - (2.3 ) -
Investments in equity affiliates (5.0 ) (7.8 ) (26.1 ) (9.9 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired   (416.2 )   (50.8 )   (568.0 )   (144.1 )
Net cash used for investing activities   (491.4 )   (106.8 )   (736.9 )   (258.4 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Payments on senior notes offering

- (325.0 ) - (325.0 )
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities 520.0 - 749.7 -
Payments on revolving credit facilities (307.0 ) - (440.7 ) -
Payment on zero-coupon subordinated notes (0.4 ) (13.7 ) (31.2 ) (13.7 )
Payments on long-term lease obligations (2.0 ) (1.5 ) (4.3 ) (3.0 )
Noncontrolling interest distributions (0.2 ) (0.3 ) (0.5 ) (1.6 )
Deferred acquisition costs (0.1 ) 4.0 (1.5 ) (5.8 )
Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees 4.4 28.8 31.4 40.7
Purchase of common stock   (108.0 )   -     (256.0 )   -  
 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities   106.7     (307.7 )   46.9     (308.4 )
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   8.4     8.3     11.8     12.9  
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (65.6 ) (56.7 ) (133.7 ) (76.8 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   365.5     696.3     433.6     716.4  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 299.9   $ 639.6   $ 299.9   $ 639.6  

 

 

   
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
Condensed Combined Non-GAAP Pro Forma Segment Information
(in millions)
           
 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2017 2016 2017 2016

LabCorp Diagnostics

Net Revenue $ 1,799.1 $ 1,659.7 $ 3,517.0 $ 3,250.3
 

Adjusted Operating Income

$ 375.0 $ 355.3 $ 716.0 $ 663.3
Adjusted Operating Margin 20.8 % 21.4 % 20.4 % 20.4 %
 

Covance Drug Development

Net Revenue $ 699.7 $ 722.4 $ 1,390.1 $ 1,425.5
 
Adjusted Operating Income $ 95.1 $ 107.6 $ 178.6 $ 210.7
Adjusted Operating Margin 13.6 % 14.9 % 12.8 % 14.8 %
 

Consolidated

Net Revenue $ 2,498.4 $ 2,382.0 $ 4,906.5 $ 4,675.6
 
Adjusted Segment Operating Income $ 470.1 $ 462.9 $ 894.6 $ 874.0
Unallocated corporate expense $ (32.8 ) $ (37.6 ) $ (66.0 ) $ (75.6 )
Consolidated Adjusted Operating Income $ 437.3 $ 425.3 $ 828.6 $ 798.4
Adjusted Operating Margin 17.5 % 17.9 % 16.9 % 17.1 %
 

The Consolidated Net Revenue and Adjusted Segment Operating Income are presented net of intersegment transaction eliminations. Covance Drug Development’s results for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 exclude the impact from the wind-down of operations relating to a committed minimum volume contract that expired on October 31, 2015. Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Margin are Non-GAAP measures. See the subsequent footnotes for reconciliations of Non-GAAP measures.

 
LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA HOLDINGS
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in millions, except per share data)
               
 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

Adjusted Operating Income

2017 2016 2017 2016
Operating income $ 336.0 $ 365.5 $ 668.7 $ 665.0
Acquisition-related costs 8.0 4.5 12.4 7.4
Restructuring and other special charges 39.1 6.6 43.0 25.8
Consulting fees and executive transition expenses - 0.4 - 4.5
Wind-down of minimum volume contract operations - 1.1 - 2.7
LaunchPad system implementation costs 2.8 1.9 5.5 3.4
Amortization of intangibles and other assets   51.4     45.3     99.0     89.6  
Adjusted operating income $ 437.3   $ 425.3   $ 828.6   $ 798.4  
 

Adjusted EPS

Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.82 $ 1.96 $ 3.66 $ 3.54
Restructuring and special items 0.32 0.10 0.38 0.28
Amortization expense   0.33     0.30     0.65     0.59  
Adjusted EPS $ 2.47   $ 2.36   $ 4.69   $ 4.41  
 

Free Cash Flow:

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 310.7 $ 349.5 $ 544.5 $ 477.1
Less: Capital expenditures   (69.3 )   (67.0 )   (141.5 )   (138.4 )
Free cash flow $ 241.4   $ 282.5   $ 403.0   $ 338.7  
 

Notes to Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

1) During the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded net restructuring and other special charges of $39.1 million. The charges included $19.9 million in severance and other personnel costs along with $4.2 million in costs associated with facility closures and general integration initiatives. The Company reversed previously established reserves of $0.1 million in unused facility reserves. The Company also recognized an asset impairment loss of $15.1 million related to the termination of a software development project.

The Company incurred legal and other costs of $5.7 million relating to recent acquisition activity. The Company also recorded $2.3 million in consulting expenses relating to fees incurred as part of its Covance integration and compensation analysis. In addition, the Company incurred $2.8 million of non-capitalized costs associated with the implementation of a major system as part of its LaunchPad business process improvement initiative (all recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses).

The after tax impact of these charges decreased net earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, by $32.9 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.32 ($32.9 million divided by 103.7 million shares).

During the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded net restructuring and other special charges of $3.9 million. The charges included $2.7 million in severance and other personnel costs along with $1.6 million in costs associated with facility closures and general integration initiatives. The Company reversed previously established reserves of $0.4 million in unused severance reserves.

The Company incurred legal and other costs of $0.9 million relating to recently completed acquisitions. The Company also recorded $2.6 million in consulting expenses relating to fees incurred as part of its Covance integration and compensation analysis, along with $0.9 million in short-term equity retention arrangements relating to the acquisition of Covance. In addition, the Company incurred $2.7 million of non-capitalized costs associated with the implementation of a major system as part of LaunchPad (all recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses).

The after tax impact of these combined charges decreased net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2017, by $39.8 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.38 ($39.8 million divided by 104.0 million shares).

2) During the second quarter of 2016, the Company recorded net restructuring and special items of $6.6 million. The charges included $4.5 million in severance and other personnel costs along with $4.6 million in facility-related costs associated with facility closures and general integration initiatives. The Company reversed previously established reserves of $2.2 million in unused facility-related costs and $0.3 million in unused personnel costs.

The Company incurred additional legal and other costs of $1.1 million relating to the wind-down of its minimum volume contract operations. The Company also recorded $4.0 million in consulting expenses relating to fees incurred as part of its Covance integration and compensation analysis, along with $0.5 million in short-term equity retention arrangements relating to the acquisition of Covance, $0.4 million of accelerated equity compensation relating to the retirement of a Company executive and $1.9 million of non-capitalized costs associated with the implementation of a major system as part of LaunchPad (all recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses). In conjunction with certain international legal entity tax structuring, the Company recorded a one-time tax liability of $1.1 million.

The after tax impact of these charges decreased net earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, by $10.6 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.10 ($10.6 million divided by 104.1 million shares).

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company recorded net restructuring and other special charges of $19.2 million. The charges included $4.5 million in severance and other personnel costs along with $17.0 million in costs associated with facility closures and general integration initiatives. A substantial portion of these costs relate to the planned closure of duplicative data center operations. The Company reversed previously established reserves of $2.3 million in unused severance reserves primarily as the result of selling one of its minimum volume contract facilities to a third party. The Company incurred additional legal and other costs of $1.6 million relating to the wind-down of its minimum volume contract operations. The Company also recorded $1.7 million in consulting expenses relating to fees incurred as part of its Covance integration and compensation analysis, along with $1.2 million in short-term equity retention arrangements relating to the acquisition of Covance and $4.1 million of accelerated equity compensation relating to the announced retirement of a Company executive (all recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses). In addition, the Company incurred $1.5 million of non-capitalized costs associated with the implementation of a major system as part of LaunchPad.

The after tax impact of these charges decreased net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2016, by $29.6 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.28 ($29.6 million divided by 103.9 million shares).

3) The Company continues to grow the business through acquisitions and uses Adjusted EPS Excluding Amortization as a measure of operational performance, growth and shareholder returns. The Company believes adjusting EPS for amortization provides investors with better insight into the operating performance of the business. For the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, intangible amortization was $51.4 million and $45.3 million, respectively ($34.8 million and $30.9 million net of tax, respectively) and decreased EPS by $0.33 ($34.8 million divided by 103.7 million shares) and $0.30 ($30.9 million divided by 104.1 million shares), respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, intangible amortization was $99.0 million and $89.6 million, respectively ($67.2 million and $61.0 million net of tax, respectively) and decreased EPS by $0.65 ($67.2 million divided by 104.0 million shares) and $0.59 ($61.0 million divided by 103.9 million shares), respectively.