UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

Commission file number 0-27078

HENRY SCHEIN, INC.

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (631) 843-5500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01
(Title of class)

      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.

      Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

      The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price as quoted on the NASDAQ National Market on June 26, 2004 was approximately $2,825,035,000.

      As of March 1, 2005 there were 86,590,754 shares of registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1. Business

General

      We are the largest distributor of healthcare products and services primarily to office-based healthcare practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. We serve more than 475,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions. We believe that we have a strong brand identity due to our more than 72 years of experience distributing healthcare products.

      We are headquartered in Melville, New York, employ nearly 10,000 people and have operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. We also have affiliates in Iceland and Israel.

      We have established strategically located distribution centers to enable us to better serve our customers and increase our operating efficiency. This infrastructure, together with broad product and service offerings at competitive prices, and a strong commitment to customer service, enables us to be a single source of supply for our customers’ needs. Our infrastructure also allows us to provide convenient ordering and rapid, accurate and complete order fulfillment.

      We conduct our business through two segments: healthcare distribution and technology. These segments offer different products and services to the same customer base. The healthcare distribution segment consists of our dental, medical (including veterinary) and international groups. Products distributed consist of consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large dental equipment, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection control products and vitamins.

      Our dental group serves approximately 80% of the estimated 135,000 office-based dental practices in the combined United States and Canadian dental market. Based upon an estimated $4.7 billion combined United States and Canadian dental market, we estimate our share of this market was approximately 34% in 2004.

      Our medical group serves approximately 50% of the estimated 250,000 office-based physician practices, as well as surgical centers and other alternate-care settings throughout the United States. We also serve over 70% of the estimated 27,000 veterinarian clinics in the United States. Based upon an estimated $7.4 billion combined market, we estimate our share of this market was approximately 19% in 2004.

      Our international group serves approximately 210,000 practices in 17 countries outside of North America and is what we believe to be a leading Pan-European healthcare supplier serving office-based dental, medical, and veterinary practices. Based upon an estimated $7.4 billion Western and Central European combined dental, medical and veterinary market in which we operate, we estimate our share of this market was approximately 12% in 2004.

      Our technology group provides software, technology, and other value-added services to healthcare providers, primarily in the United States and Canada. Our value-added practice solutions include practice management software systems for dental and medical practices and veterinary clinics. Our technology group offerings also include financial services and continuing education services for practitioners.

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Industry

      The healthcare products distribution industry as it relates to office-based healthcare practitioners is highly fragmented and diverse. This industry, which encompasses the dental, medical and veterinary markets, was estimated to produce revenues of approximately $19.5 billion in 2004 in the combined North American and Western and Central European markets. The industry ranges from sole practitioners working out of relatively small offices to group practices or service organizations comprising anywhere from a few practitioners to a large number of practitioners who have combined or otherwise associated their practices.

      Due in part to the inability of office-based healthcare practitioners to store and manage large quantities of supplies in their offices, the distribution of healthcare supplies and small equipment to office-based healthcare practitioners has traditionally been characterized by frequent, small quantity orders, and a need for rapid, reliable and substantially complete order fulfillment. The purchasing decisions within an office-based healthcare practice are typically made by the practitioner or an administrative assistant, and supplies and small equipment are generally purchased from more than one distributor, with one distributor generally serving as the primary supplier.

      The healthcare products distribution industry continues to experience growth due to the aging population, increased healthcare awareness, the proliferation of medical technology and testing, new pharmacology treatments and expanded third-party insurance coverage. In addition, the physician market continues to benefit from procedures and diagnostic testing shifting from hospitals to alternate-care sites, particularly physicians’ offices. As the cosmetic surgery and elective procedure markets continue to grow, physicians are increasingly performing more of these procedures in their offices.

      We believe that consolidation within the industry will continue to result in a number of distributors, particularly those with limited financial and marketing resources, seeking to combine with larger companies that can provide opportunities for growth. This consolidation may also continue to result in distributors seeking to acquire companies that can enhance their current product and service offerings or provide opportunities to serve a broader customer base.

Competition

      The distribution and manufacture of healthcare supplies and equipment is highly competitive. Many of the healthcare distribution products we sell are available to our customers from a number of suppliers. In addition, our competitors could obtain exclusive rights from manufacturers to market particular products. Manufacturers could also seek to sell directly to end-users, and thereby eliminate or reduce the role of distributors, like us.

      In the United States, we compete with other distributors, as well as several major manufacturers of dental, medical and veterinary products, primarily on the basis of price, breadth of product line, customer service and value-added products and services. In the sale of our dental products, our principal national competitor is Patterson Companies, Inc. (formerly Patterson Dental Company). In addition, we compete against a number of other distributors that operate on a national, regional and local level. Our principal competitors in the sale of medical products are PSS World Medical, Inc., the General Medical division of McKesson Corp. and the Allegiance division of Cardinal Health, Inc., which are national distributors. In the veterinary market, our two principal national competitors include The Butler Company and Burns Veterinary Supply, Inc. We also compete against a number of regional and local medical and veterinary distributors, as well as a number of manufacturers that sell directly to physicians and veterinarians. With regard to our practice management software, we compete against numerous other firms, including firms such as PracticeWorks, Inc., a subsidiary of the Eastman Kodak Company, which primarily targets dental practices, and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., which serves veterinary practices. We compete in Canada substantially on the same basis as in the United States.

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      We also face significant competition internationally, where we compete on the basis of price and customer service against several large competitors, including the GACD Group, Pluradent AG & Co., Planmeca Oy, Omega Pharma NV and Bilricay, as well as a large number of dental product distributors and manufacturers in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

      Significant price reductions by our competitors could result in a similar reduction in our prices. Any of these competitive pressures may materially adversely affect operating results.

Competitive Strengths

      We have more than 72 years of experience in distributing products to healthcare practitioners resulting in strong awareness of the “Henry Schein” name. Our competitive strengths include:

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Products

      The following table sets forth the principal categories of products offered by our healthcare distribution and technology segments and certain top selling types of products in each category, with the percentage of consolidated net sales by year:

Business Strategy

      Our objective is to continue to expand as a value-added distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based healthcare practitioners. To accomplish this, we will apply our competitive strengths in executing the following strategies:

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Markets Served

      Demographic trends indicate that our markets are growing, as an aging U.S. population is increasingly using healthcare services. Between 2003 and 2010, the 45 and older population is expected to grow by approximately 16% and between 2003 and 2020, the 45 and older population is expected to grow by approximately 32%. This compares with expected total U.S. population growth rates of 7% between 2003 and 2010 and 16% between 2003 and 2020.

      In the dental industry, there is predicted to be an attendant rise in oral healthcare expenditures as this segment of the population increases. Cosmetic dentistry is another growing aspect of dental practices as new technologies allow dentists to offer cosmetic solutions patients seek. At the same time, there is an increase in dental insurance coverage. Approximately 57% of the U.S. population now has some form of dental coverage, up from 47% in 1995.

      We support our dental professionals through the many SKUs we offer, as well as through important value-added services, including practice management software, electronic claims processing, financial services and continuing education, all designed to help maximize a practitioner’s efficiency and profitability.

      We believe our medical group is the fastest growing distributor among the major competitors in the physician and alternate-care markets. There continues to be a migration of procedures from acute-care settings to physicians’ offices, a trend that may provide additional opportunity for us. There is also the continuing use of vaccines, injectables and other pharmaceuticals in alternate-care settings. We believe we have established a leading position as a vaccine supplier to the office-based medical practitioner.

      We believe our international group is a leading Pan-European healthcare supplier servicing office-based dental and medical practices. We are in the process of attempting to replicate our U.S. infrastructure in Europe. Additionally, we are expanding our dental full-service model throughout Europe and our medical offerings in countries where opportunities exist. Through our “Schein Direct” program, we can provide door-to-door air package delivery to practitioners in 125 countries around the world.

      On June 18, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding equity shares of Demedis GmbH (excluding its Austrian operations), which we believe to be a leading full-service distributor of dental consumables and equipment in Germany, Austria, and the Benelux countries; and Euro Dental Holding GmbH, which included KRUGG S.p.A., Italy’s leading distributor of dental consumable products, and DentalMV GmbH (otherwise known as Muller & Weygandt, or “M&W”). We refer to these entities collectively as the “Demedis Group.”

      As part of our agreement with the German regulatory authorities, we agreed to divest M&W shortly after the consummation of the acquisition effected through exercising a put option back to the previous owners. On July 16, 2004, this divestiture was completed for EUR 50.0 million (or $62.2 million), including the

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assumption of debt of approximately EUR 27.5 million (or $34.2 million), resulting in a reduction of the purchase price for the Demedis Group.

      As part of the agreement to divest M&W, we were entitled to receive 50% of the net sale proceeds in excess of EUR 55.0 million in the event M&W was subsequently resold before June 18, 2005. On September 24, 2004, an agreement was signed to resell M&W for an amount that resulted in our realizing a share of the net sales proceeds equal to EUR 26.4 million (or $32.4 million), which we received in October 2004. This amount was treated as a further reduction of the purchase price for the Demedis Group.

      The regulatory authorities are continuing their review of our pending acquisition of the Demedis Group’s business in Austria, which operates under the Austrodent brand. Of the total purchase price for the Demedis Group, EUR 11.0 million (or $13.5 million) was attributable to Austrodent, which was included in other current assets as of December 25, 2004. In the event that we receive regulatory approval to acquire Austrodent, this amount will be reclassified based on the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired through a purchase price allocation, with an increase to goodwill for any excess of purchase price over fair value. In the event that we do not receive regulatory approval to acquire Austrodent, we are entitled to receive the proceeds through a sale of Austrodent, net of selling costs, up to EUR 11.0 million. Any shortfall between the EUR 11.0 million and the proceeds received upon a subsequent sale of Austrodent will be recorded as an addition to goodwill of the Demedis Group.

      We financed the acquisition of the Demedis Group primarily with cash on hand, with borrowings under our existing revolving credit facility and with proceeds from a bridge loan in the amount of $150.0 million. These borrowings were repaid in full with the net proceeds from the issuance of $240.0 million of long-term convertible debt on August 9, 2004.

      The operating results of the Demedis Group, including M&W (which was accounted for using the equity method through the date of the divestiture) and excluding Austrodent, are included in the accompanying financial statements since the acquisition date of June 18, 2004.

Seasonality and Other Factors Affecting Our Business

      We experience fluctuations in quarterly earnings. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.

      Our business is subject to seasonal and other quarterly fluctuations. Net sales and operating profits generally have been higher in the third and fourth quarters due to the timing of sales of seasonal products (including influenza vaccine, equipment and software products); purchasing patterns of office-based healthcare practitioners; and year-end promotions. Net sales and operating profits generally have been lower in the first quarter, primarily due to increased sales in the prior two quarters. Quarterly results may also be adversely affected by a variety of other factors, including:

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      Any change in one or more of these or other factors could cause our annual or quarterly operating results to fluctuate. If our operating results do not meet market expectations, our stock price may decline.

E-Commerce

      Traditional healthcare supply and distribution relationships are being challenged by electronic on-line commerce solutions. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense competition. The advancement of on-line commerce will require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address changing demands of consumers and our customers on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive offerings.

      Through our proprietary technologically-based suite of products, we offer customers a variety of competitive alternatives. We believe that our tradition of reliable service, coupled with our name recognition and large customer base built on solid customer relationships, positions us well to participate in this growing aspect of the distribution business. We continue to explore ways and means to improve and expand our Internet presence and capabilities.

Governmental Regulations

      Our business is subject to requirements under various local, state, federal and foreign governmental laws and regulations applicable to the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Among the federal laws applicable to us are the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 and the Controlled Substances Act.

      The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act generally regulates the introduction, manufacture, advertising, labeling, packaging, storage, handling, marketing and distribution of, and record keeping for, pharmaceuticals and medical devices shipped in interstate commerce.

      The Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987, which amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, establishes certain requirements applicable to the wholesale distribution of prescription drugs, including the requirement that wholesale drug distributors be registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and be licensed by each state in which they conduct business in accordance with federally established guidelines on storage, handling and record maintenance.

      Under the Controlled Substances Act, as a distributor of controlled substances, we are required to obtain a registration annually from the Attorney General in accordance with specified rules and regulations and are subject to inspection by the Drug Enforcement Administration acting on behalf of the Attorney General. We are required to maintain licenses and permits for the distribution of pharmaceutical products and medical devices under the laws of the states in which we operate. In addition, our dentist and physician customers are subject to significant governmental regulation. There can be no assurance that regulations that impact our business or customers’ practices will not have a material adverse impact on our business.

      We believe that we are in compliance with the foregoing laws and the regulations promulgated thereunder and possess all material permits and licenses required for the conduct of our business.

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Proprietary Rights

      We hold trademarks relating to the “Henry Schein” name and logo, as well as certain other trademarks. Pursuant to agreements executed in connection with our reorganization in 1994, both Henry Schein, Inc., and Schein Pharmaceutical, Inc. (which was acquired by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2000), a company engaged in the manufacture and distribution of multi-source pharmaceutical products, are entitled to use the “Schein” name in connection with their respective businesses, but Schein Pharmaceutical, Inc. is not entitled to use the name “Henry Schein”. We intend to protect our trademarks to the fullest extent practicable.

Employees

      As of December 25, 2004, we had approximately 9,600 full-time employees, including approximately 1,200 telesales representatives, 2,000 field sales consultants, including equipment sales specialists, 1,625 warehouse employees, 375 computer programmers and technicians, 925 management employees and 3,475 office, clerical and administrative employees. Approximately 310 or 3% of our employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

Available Information

      We make available free of charge through our Internet website, www.henryschein.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC.

      The above information is also available at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 or obtainable by calling the SEC at (800) 732-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, where the above information can be viewed.

      Our principal executive offices are located at 135 Duryea Road, Melville, New York 11747, and our telephone number is (631) 843-5500. Unless the context specifically requires otherwise, the terms the “Company,” “Henry Schein,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Henry Schein, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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Executive Officers of the Registrant

      The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers:

      Stanley M. Bergman has been Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President since 1989 and a director of the Company since 1982. Mr. Bergman held the position of Executive Vice President of the Company and Schein Pharmaceutical, Inc. from 1985 to 1989 and Vice President of Finance and Administration of the Company from 1980 to 1985. Mr. Bergman is a certified public accountant.

      Gerald A. Benjamin has been Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since February 2000. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Benjamin was Senior Vice President of Administration and Customer Satisfaction since 1993, and has been a director of the Company since September 1994. Mr. Benjamin was Vice President of Distribution Operations of the Company from 1990 to 1992 and Director of Materials Management of the Company from 1988 to 1990.

      James P. Breslawski has been Executive Vice President of the Company and President of U.S. Dental since 1990, with primary responsibility for the U.S. Dental Group, and a director of the Company since 1990. Between 1980 and 1990, Mr. Breslawski held various positions with the Company, including Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance and Administration and Controller. Mr. Breslawski is a certified public accountant.

      Leonard A. David has been Vice President of Human Resources and Special Counsel since January 1995. Mr. David held the office of Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from 1990 to 1995 and practiced corporate and business law for eight years prior to joining the Company.

      Stanley Komaroff has been Senior Advisor since December 2003. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Komaroff was a partner for 35 years in the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP, counsel to the Company. He served as Chairman of that firm from 1991 to 1999.

      Mark E. Mlotek has been Executive Vice President of Corporate Business Development since February 2004 and was Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development Group since February 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Mlotek was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from 1994 to 1999, and became a director of the Company in September 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mlotek was a partner in the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP, counsel to the Company, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations and tax law from 1989 to 1994.

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      Steven Paladino has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 2000. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Paladino was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 1993 and has been a director of the Company since 1992. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Paladino served as Vice President and Treasurer and from 1987 to 1990 served as Corporate Controller of the Company. Before joining the Company, Mr. Paladino was employed as a public accountant for seven years, most recently with the international accounting firm of BDO Seidman, LLP. Mr. Paladino is a certified public accountant.

      Michael Racioppi has been President of the Medical Group since February 2000 and Interim President since September 1999. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Racioppi was Vice President of the Company since 1994, with primary responsibility for the Medical Division, the marketing and merchandising groups. Mr. Racioppi served as Vice President and as Senior Director, Corporate Merchandising from 1992 to 1994. Before joining the Company in 1992, Mr. Racioppi was employed by Ketchum Distributors, Inc. as the Vice President of Purchasing and Marketing.

      Michael Zack has been Senior Vice President of the International Group and has been responsible for the International Group of the Company since 1989. Mr. Zack was employed by Polymer Technology (a subsidiary of Bausch & Lomb) as Vice President of International Operations from 1984 to 1989 and by Gruenenthal GmbH as Manager of International Subsidiaries from 1975 to 1984.

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ITEM 2. Properties

We own or lease the following properties:

      The properties listed in the table above are our principal properties primarily used in our healthcare distribution segment. We also lease distribution, office, showroom and sales space in other locations including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

      We believe that our properties are in good condition, are well maintained and are suitable and adequate to carry on our business. We have additional operating capacity at certain distribution center facilities.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

      Our business involves a risk of product liability claims and other claims in the ordinary course of business, and from time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of pharmaceutical and other healthcare products. As a business practice, we generally obtain product indemnification from our suppliers for manufactured products.

      We have various insurance policies, including product liability insurance, covering risks in amounts that we consider adequate. In many cases in which we have been sued in connection with products manufactured by others, the manufacturer provides us with indemnification. There can be no assurance that the insurance coverage we maintain is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost, or that indemnification agreements will provide us with adequate protection. In our opinion, all pending matters, including those described below, are covered by insurance or will not otherwise seriously harm our financial condition.

      As of December 25, 2004, we had accrued our best estimate of potential losses relating to product liability, class action and other claims that were probable to result in a liability and for which we were able to reasonably estimate a loss. This accrued amount, as well as related expenses, was not material to our

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financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our method for determining estimated losses considers currently available facts, presently enacted laws and regulations and other external factors, including probable recoveries from third parties. In addition, we believe that no amount of losses in excess of this accrued amount were reasonably estimable or reasonably possible to result in a liability.

Product Liability Claims

      As of December 25, 2004, we were a defendant in approximately 38 product liability cases. Of these cases, three involve claims made by healthcare workers and/or their families who claim allergic reaction relating to exposure to latex gloves. In each of these cases, we acted as a distributor of brand name and/or “Henry Schein” private brand latex gloves, which were manufactured by third parties. To date, discovery in these cases has generally been limited to product identification issues. The manufacturers in these cases generally withhold indemnification of us pending product identification; however, we have impleaded or filed cross claims against those manufacturers in such cases.

Texas Class Action

      On January 27, 1998, in District Court in Travis County, Texas, we and one of our subsidiaries were named as defendants in a matter entitled “Shelly E. Stromboe and Jeanne Taylor, on Behalf of Themselves and all others Similarly Situated vs. Henry Schein, Inc., Easy Dental Systems, Inc. and Dentisoft, Inc.,” Case No. 98-00886. The petition alleges, among other things, negligence, breach of contract, fraud, and violations of certain Texas commercial statutes involving the sale of certain practice management software products sold prior to 1998 under the Easy Dental® name.

      In October 1999, the trial court, on motion, certified both a Windows® sub-class and a DOS sub-class to proceed as a class action pursuant to Tex. R. Civ. P. 42. On October 31, 2002, the Texas Supreme Court, on appeal, found that the trial court’s certification of the case as a class action was improper. The Texas Supreme Court remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.

      The trial court ruled in our favor on remand. As a result, only certain individual claims asserted on behalf of the named plaintiffs remained pending in the case as of the end of 2004. Such claims were resolved in January 2005.

Purported Class Action in New Jersey

      In February 2002, we were served with a summons and complaint in an action commenced in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Morris County, entitled “West Morris Pediatrics, P.A. and Avenel-Iselin Medical Group, P.A. vs. Henry Schein, Inc., doing business as Caligor,” Case No. MRS-L-421-02. The plaintiffs’ complaint purported to be on behalf of a nationwide class of all physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers throughout New Jersey and across the United States. The complaint, as amended in August 2002, alleged breach of oral contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, unjust enrichment, conversion and promissory estoppel relating to sales of a vaccine product in the year 2001. In September 2004, the court denied class certification. As a result, only certain individual claims asserted on behalf of the two named plaintiffs remained pending in the case as of the end of 2004. Such claims were settled in January 2005.

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

      No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

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PART II

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

      On January 31, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a dividend. This stock split became effective on February 28, 2005 and has been retroactively reflected for all periods presented in this Form 10-K.

      Our common stock is quoted through the NASDAQ National Market tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “HSIC.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low reported sales prices of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System for each quarterly period in fiscal 2004 and 2003:

      On February 28, 2005, there were approximately 497 holders of record of our common stock and the last reported sales price was $36.17.

      We maintain several stock incentive plans for the benefit of certain officers, directors and employees. Certain plans are subject to stockholder approval, while other plans have been authorized solely by the Board of Directors. Descriptions of these plans appear in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. The following table summarizes information relating to the Plans as of December 25, 2004:

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

      The following table summarizes repurchases of our common stock under our stock repurchase program during fiscal year ended December 25, 2004:

Dividend Policy

      We have not declared any cash dividends on our common stock during fiscal years 2004 or 2003. We currently do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain earnings to finance the expansion of our business and for general corporate purposes, including our stock repurchase programs. Any declaration of dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon the earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends and other factors. Our revolving credit agreement, as well as the agreements governing our senior notes, limits the distribution of dividends without the prior written consent of the lenders. Additionally, we are restricted as to the amounts of annual dividends (limited to the greater of $25.0 million or 40% of net income.)

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ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

      The following selected financial data, with respect to our financial position and results of operations for each of the five years in the period ended December 25, 2004, set forth below, has been derived from, should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The selected financial data presented below should also be read in conjunction with ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

      In accordance with the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we provide the following cautionary remarks regarding important factors which, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions expressed or implied herein. All forward-looking statements made by us are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements are identified by the use of such terms as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms.

      Risk factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current and historical results include, but are not limited to: competitive factors; changes in the healthcare industry; changes in government regulations that affect us; financial risks associated with our international operations; fluctuations in quarterly earnings; transitional challenges associated with acquisitions; regulatory and litigation risks; the dependence on our continued product development, technical support and successful marketing in the technology segment; our dependence upon sales personnel and key customers; our dependence on our senior management; our dependence on third parties for the manufacture and supply of our products; possible increases in the cost of shipping our products or other service trouble with our third-party shippers; risks from rapid technological change; and risks from potential increases in variable interest rates. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority.

       We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive and that many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no duty and have no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Recent Developments

      On October 5, 2004, Chiron Corporation announced that it would not supply Fluvirin® influenza vaccine to the U.S. market for the current influenza season as a result of action by the U.K. regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to temporarily suspend its license to manufacture Fluvirin® influenza vaccine in Chiron’s Liverpool, U.K. facility. On October 15, 2004, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) evaluation and inspection of Chiron’s Liverpool, U.K. manufacturing facility, the FDA announced that none of the influenza vaccine manufactured by Chiron for the U.S. Market was safe for use. We are the primary distributor of Fluvirin® to the U.S. market and Chiron is currently our primary supplier of the influenza vaccine.

      On December 2, 2004, we entered into a multi-year agreement terminating in 2014 with ID Biomedical Corporation to distribute ID Biomedical’s Fluviral® influenza vaccine. The agreement will commence upon approval of Fluviral® by the FDA, which could be as early as 2005 if the FDA provides expedited approval of the ID Biomedical application, and will terminate in 2014. Once Fluviral® is approved by the FDA, ID Biomedical plans to manufacture up to an estimated 15 million doses for the U.S. market in 2005, and increase production to approximately 38 million doses by 2007. Similarly, we will increase the number of Fluviral® doses we purchase over that time, and by 2007 will have approximately 19 million doses per year available for distribution to our customers.

      On March 2, 2005, Chiron announced that it received notice from the MHRA that the agency has lifted the license suspension for Chiron’s Liverpool, U.K. manufacturing facility. The decision is conditioned on the understanding that Chiron’s level of commitment to the completion of its remediation plan and ongoing improvements must continue. Chiron is required to provide the MHRA with regular weekly updates to ensure that progress on its various projects proceeds satisfactorily and the MHRA may conduct further inspections.

      On March 2, 2005, the FDA announced that it has been working closely with the MHRA, including during inspections, as the agency evaluates Chiron’s progress in correcting their manufacturing problems. The FDA plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Chiron’s Liverpool, U.K. manufacturing facility to ensure that Chiron can produce a safe and effective vaccine once all critical stages of manufacturing are fully operational and needed corrective actions can be fully evaluated.

      Given the significant uncertainty about whether Fluvirin® will be available for the 2005/2006 influenza season, in the fourth quarter of 2004, we recorded a pre-tax one-time charge of approximately $13.2 million related to our Fluvirin® contract. This charge represented the write-off of a deferred expense associated with the 2005/2006 influenza season.

Executive-Level Overview

      We are the largest distributor of healthcare products and services primarily to office-based healthcare practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. We serve more than 475,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics,

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as well as government and other institutions. We believe that we have a strong brand identity due to our more than 72 years of experience distributing healthcare products.

      We are headquartered in Melville, New York, employ nearly 10,000 people and have operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. We also have affiliates in Iceland and Israel.

      We have established strategically located distribution centers to enable us to better serve our customers and increase our operating efficiency. This infrastructure, together with broad product and service offerings at competitive prices, and a strong commitment to customer service, enables us to be a single source of supply for our customers’ needs. Our infrastructure also allows us to provide convenient ordering and rapid, accurate and complete order fulfillment.

      We conduct our business through two segments: healthcare distribution and technology. These segments offer different products and services to the same customer base. The healthcare distribution segment consists of our dental, medical (including veterinary) and international groups. Products distributed consist of consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large dental equipment, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection control products and vitamins.

      Our dental group serves office-based dental practices in the combined United States and Canadian dental market. Our medical group serves office-based physician practices, as well as surgical centers and other alternate-care settings and veterinarian clinics throughout the United States. Our international group serves practices in 17 countries outside of North America and is what we believe to be a leading Pan-European healthcare supplier serving office-based dental, medical and veterinary practices.

      Our technology group provides software, technology and other value-added services to healthcare providers, primarily in the United States and Canada. Our value-added practice solutions include practice management software systems for dental and medical practices and veterinary clinics. Our technology group offerings also include financial services and continuing education services for practitioners.

Industry Overview

      In recent years, the healthcare industry has increasingly focused on cost containment. This trend has benefited distributors capable of providing a broad array of products and services at low prices. This trend has also accelerated the growth of HMOs, group practices, other managed care accounts and collective buying groups, which, in addition to their emphasis on obtaining products at low prices, tend to favor distributors capable of providing specialized management information support. We believe that the trend towards cost containment has the potential to favorably impact demand for practice management systems and software that can enhance the efficiency and facilitation of practice management.

      Our operating results in recent years have been significantly affected by strategies and transactions we undertook to expand our business, both domestically and internationally, in part, to address significant changes in the healthcare industry, including consolidation of healthcare distribution companies, potential healthcare reform, trends toward managed care, cuts in Medicare and collective purchasing arrangements.

Industry Consolidation

      The healthcare products distribution industry, as it relates to office-based healthcare practitioners, is highly fragmented and diverse. This industry, which encompasses the dental, medical, and veterinary markets, was estimated to produce revenues of approximately $19.5 billion in 2004 in the combined North American and European markets. The industry ranges from sole practitioners working out of relatively small offices to group practices or service organizations comprising anywhere from a few practitioners to a large number of practitioners who have combined or otherwise associated their practices.

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      Due in part to the inability of office-based healthcare practitioners to store and manage large quantities of supplies in their offices, the distribution of healthcare supplies and small equipment to office-based healthcare practitioners has traditionally been characterized by frequent, small-quantity orders, and a need for rapid, reliable and substantially complete order fulfillment. The purchasing decision within an office-based healthcare practice is typically made by the practitioner or an administrative assistant, and supplies and small equipment are generally purchased from more than one distributor, with one generally serving as the primary supplier.

      We believe that consolidation within the industry will continue to result in a number of distributors, particularly those with limited financial and marketing resources, seeking to combine with larger companies that can provide opportunities for growth. This consolidation may also continue to result in distributors seeking to acquire companies that can enhance their current product and service offerings or provide opportunities to serve a broader customer base.

      Our trend with regard to acquisitions has been to expand our role as a provider of products and services to the healthcare industry. This trend has resulted in expansion into service areas, which complement our existing operations and provide opportunities for us to develop synergies with, and thus strengthen, the acquired businesses.

      On June 18, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding equity shares of the Demedis Group, excluding its Austrian operations. This acquisition approximately doubled the net sales of our international operations. Additionally, since the beginning of 1999, we have completed more than 25 acquisitions.

      As industry consolidation continues, we believe that we are positioned to capitalize on this trend, as we believe we have the ability to support increased sales through our existing infrastructure. In the U.S. dental market, we estimate that there are currently more than 300 smaller distributors holding approximately 40% of the market. In the U.S. medical market, we estimate that more than 500 smaller distributors hold approximately 50% of the market, and in the European dental market, we estimate that more than 200 competitors hold approximately 80% of the market.

      As the healthcare industry continues to change, we continually evaluate possible candidates for merger or acquisition and intend to continue to seek opportunities to expand our role as a provider of products and services to the healthcare industry. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully pursue any such opportunity or consummate any such transaction, if pursued. If additional transactions are entered into or consummated, we would incur additional merger and acquisition related costs, and there can be no assurance that the integration efforts associated with any such transaction would be successful.

Aging Population and Other Market Influences

      The healthcare products distribution industry continues to experience growth due to the aging population, increased healthcare awareness, the proliferation of medical technology and testing, new pharmacology treatments and expanded third-party insurance coverage. In addition, the physician market continues to benefit from the shift of procedures and diagnostic testing in hospitals to the alternate-care site, particularly physicians’ offices. As the cosmetic surgery and elective procedure markets continue to grow, physicians are increasingly performing more of these procedures in their offices. The elder-care market continues to benefit from the increasing growth rate of the population of elderly Americans.

      The January 2000 U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that the elderly population in America will more than double by the year 2040. In 2000, four million Americans were age 85 years and older, the segment of the population most in need of long-term care and elder-care services. By the year 2040, that number is

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projected to more than triple to over 14 million. The population segment age 65 to 84 years is projected to more than double in the same time period.

      As a result of these market dynamics, the annual expenditures for healthcare services continue to increase in the United States. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), Office of the Actuary published “Health Spending Projections Through 2013” in 2004, indicating that total national healthcare spending reached $1.6 trillion in 2002, or 14.9% of the nation’s gross domestic product. Healthcare spending is projected to reach $3.4 trillion in 2013, an estimated 18.4% of the gross domestic product, the benchmark measure for annual production of goods and services in the United States.

Governmental Influences

      The healthcare industry is subject to extensive government regulation, licensure and operating compliance procedures. National healthcare reform has been the subject of a number of legislative initiatives by Congress. Additionally, government and private insurance programs fund a large portion of the total cost of medical care. The Balanced Budget Act passed by Congress in 1997 significantly reduced reimbursement rates for nursing homes and home healthcare providers, affecting spending levels and overall financial viability of these institutions.

      The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (the “Medicare Act”) is the largest expansion of the Medicare program since its inception and provides participants with voluntary prescription drug benefits effective in 2006 with an interim drug discount card. The Medicare Act also includes provisions relating to medication management programs, generic substitution and provider reimbursement. Based upon current information, we believe the Medicare Act may create additional volume demand and provide incentives for additional utilization of generic drugs, both of which have potentially positive implications for the pharmaceutical distribution portion of our business.

Product Integrity

      Certain pharmaceutical and medical-surgical product manufacturers are in discussions with legislators about the risks of counterfeit products in the supply chain and manufacturers’ concerns regarding the impact of secondary market distribution on counterfeiting. As a distributor of such products, we continue to work with our suppliers to help minimize the risks associated with counterfeit products in the supply chain and potential litigation.

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Results of Operations

      The following table summarizes the significant components of our operating results and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 25, 2004 (in thousands):

2004 Compared to 2003

Net Sales

      Net sales for 2004 and 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

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      The $706.5 million, or 21.1%, increase in net sales for the year ended December 25, 2004 includes increases of 19.0% local currency growth (7.5% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 11.5% from acquisitions, net of a divestiture) and 2.1% related to foreign currency exchange.

      The $237.6 million, or 17.4%, increase in dental net sales for the year ended December 25, 2004 includes increases of 16.9% local currency growth (14.1% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 2.8% from acquisitions) and 0.5% related to foreign currency exchange. The 16.9% local currency growth was due to dental consumable merchandise sales growth of 16.0% (13.6% internal growth, of which 6.3% related to sales of the Colgate and Pentron product lines) and dental equipment and service sales growth of 20.1% (16.6% internal growth). We expect that the Colgate and Pentron product lines, introduced through distribution agreements executed in 2004, will continue to contribute to our overall increase in dental net sales.

      The $108.0 million, or 8.1%, increase in medical net sales for the year ended December 25, 2004 includes increases of 1.0% internally generated and 7.1% from acquisitions (accounting for an increase of $96.8 million). Additionally, medical sales were affected by the absence of Fluvirin® influenza vaccines in 2004, as previously discussed.

      The $351.6 million, or 61.0%, increase in international net sales for the year ended December 25, 2004 includes increases of 50.0% in local currencies (43.5% from acquisitions, net of a divestiture and 6.5% internally generated primarily due to volume growth) and 11.0% due to foreign currency exchange. The increase was primarily due to our acquisition of the Demedis Group.

      The $9.3 million, or 12.5%, increase in technology net sales for the year ended December 25, 2004 includes increases of 10.4% internal growth, 1.9% acquisition growth and 0.2% due to foreign currency exchange. The increase was primarily due to growth of our value-added products, including software products and related services.

Gross Profit

      Gross profit and gross margins for 2004 and 2003 by segment and in total were as follows (in thousands):

      Gross profit increased $149.2 million, or 16.1%, to $1.1 billion for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the prior year period. As a result of different practices of categorizing costs associated with distribution networks throughout our industry, our gross margins may not necessarily be comparable to other distribution companies. Additionally, we realize substantially higher gross margin percentages in our technology segment than in our healthcare distribution segment. These higher gross margins result from being both the developer and seller of software products combined with the nature of the software industry, in which developers realize higher gross margins to recover investments in research and development.

      Healthcare distribution gross profit increased $144.0 million, or 16.5%, to $1.0 billion for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the prior year period. Healthcare distribution gross profit margin decreased to 25.5% for the year ended December 25, 2004 from 26.5% for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the absence of Fluvirin® influenza vaccine in 2004 as previously discussed.

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      Technology gross profit increased $5.2 million, or 9.2%, to $61.9 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the prior year period. Technology gross profit margin decreased to 74.1% for the year ended December 25, 2004 from 76.3% for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to changes in sales mix and increased investment in support services.

Selling, General and Administrative

      Selling, general and administrative expenses by segment and in total for 2004 and 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

      Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $169.8 million, or 24.5%, to $863.3 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the prior year period. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 21.3% from 20.7% for the comparable prior year period. This increase of 0.6% was due to a $13.2 million charge related to Fluvirin®, as previously discussed (which accounted for 0.4% of the increase) and the overall growth in our business (which accounted for 0.2% of the increase).

      As a component of total selling, general and administrative expenses, selling expenses increased $95.8 million, or 21.9%, to $533.3 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 from $437.5 million for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll expenses as a percentage of our net sales. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses increased to 13.1% from 13.0% for the comparable prior year period.

      As a component of total selling, general and administrative expenses, general and administrative expenses increased $74.0 million, or 28.9%, to $330.0 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 from $256.0 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 8.1% from 7.6% for the comparable prior year period primarily for the reasons stated above.

Other Expense, Net

      Other expense, net for the years ended December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 was as follows (in thousands):

      Other expense, net increased $1.8 million to $9.7 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 from the comparable prior year period. The $712 thousand decrease in interest income was primarily due to lower

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invested surplus cash balances over the year. The $196 thousand decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a $5.0 million decrease related to the effect of interest rate swaps entered into during the fourth quarter of 2003, partially offset by a $4.8 million increase in interest expense (of which $3.5 million related to our financing of the Demedis Group acquisition) due to higher outstanding debt. Other, net decreased by $1.3 million, primarily due to a $726 thousand non-recurring real estate related gain and $517 thousand of foreign currency net gains recognized in the prior year.

Income Taxes

      For the year ended December 25, 2004, our effective tax rate was 37.1% compared to 37.4% for the prior year period. The difference between our effective tax rates and the federal statutory rates for both periods primarily relates to state income taxes.

Loss on Sale of Discontinued Operation

      During the year ended December 27, 2003, we recognized a $2.0 million loss, net of tax, on the sale of a discontinued operation (See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements).

Net Income

      Net income decreased $9.3 million, or 6.8%, to $128.2 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the prior year period. A post-tax one-time charge of $8.4 million related to Chiron Fluvirin® was included in 2004 net income. A post-tax real estate transaction gain of $454 thousand and a net loss on sale of a discontinued operation of $2.0 million are included in 2003 net income. The effect that such transactions had on earnings per share was $(0.10) in 2004 and $(0.02) in 2003.

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Results of Operations

2003 Compared to 2002

Net Sales

      Net sales for 2003 and 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

      The $528.8 million, or 18.7%, increase in net sales for the year ended December 27, 2003 includes increases of 15.5% local currency growth (13.0% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 2.5 % from acquisitions, net of a divestiture) and 3.2% related to foreign currency exchange.

      The $137.5 million, or 11.2%, increase in dental net sales for the year ended December 27, 2003 includes increases of 10.5%, local currency growth (7.9% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 2.6% from acquisitions, net of a divestiture) and 0.7% related to foreign currency exchange. The 10.5% local currency growth was due to dental consumable merchandise sales growth of 8.7% and dental equipment and service sales growth of 17.4%.

      The $244.1 million, or 22.3%, increase in medical net sales for the year ended December 27, 2003 includes increases of 21.0% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 1.3% from acquisitions, net of a divestiture. The increase was primarily due to increased sales to physicians’ offices and alternate-care markets (accounting for an increase of $217.5 million or 19.9%).

      The $139.6 million, or 31.9%, increase in international net sales for the year ended December 27, 2003 includes increases of 12.9% in local currencies (7.2% internally generated primarily due to volume growth and 5.7% from acquisitions, net of a divestiture) and 19.0% due to foreign currency exchange.

      The $7.6 million, or 11.3%, increase in technology net sales for the year ended December 27, 2003 includes increases of 11.1% internal growth and 0.2% acquisition growth. The increase was primarily due to growth in our electronic services business, including dental claims processing.

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Gross Profit

      Gross profit and gross margins for 2003 and 2002 by segment and in total were as follows (in thousands):

      Gross profit increased $132.3 million, or 16.6%, to $927.2 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared to the prior year period.

      Healthcare distribution gross profit increased $126.6 million, or 17.0%, to $870.5 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared to the prior year period. Healthcare distribution gross profit margin decreased to 26.5% for the year ended December 27, 2003 from 27.0% for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to our medical business experiencing higher sales of lower margin injectable pharmaceutical products, partially offset by a change in sales mix in our dental business.

      Technology gross profit increased $5.7 million, or 11.1%, to $56.7 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared to the prior year period. Technology gross profit margin decreased slightly to 76.3% for the year ended December 27, 2003 from 76.5% for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to changes in sales mix.

Selling, General and Administrative

      Selling, general and administrative expenses by segment and in total for 2003 and 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

      Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $95.6 million, or 16.0%, to $693.5 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared to the prior year period. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 20.7% from 21.2% for the comparable prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to lower payroll and rent costs in our healthcare distribution business as a percentage of sales, realized through leveraging our infrastructure.

      As a component of total selling, general and administrative expenses, selling expenses increased $67.4 million, or 18.2%, to $437.5 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 from $370.1 million for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to expenses directly associated with supporting increased sales volume. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses decreased slightly to 13.0% from 13.1% for the comparable prior year period.

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      As a component of total selling, general and administrative expenses, general and administrative expenses increased $28.2 million, or 12.4%, to $256.0 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 from $227.8 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 7.6% from 8.1% for the comparable prior year period primarily for the reasons stated above.

Other Expense, Net

      Other expense, net for the years ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 was as follows (in thousands):

      Other expense, net increased $1.4 million to $7.9 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared to the prior year period. The net increase was primarily due to decreased interest income primarily due to lower cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities balances during 2003.

Income Taxes

      For the year ended December 27, 2003, our effective tax rate was 37.4% compared to 37.0% for the prior year period. The difference between our effective tax rates and the federal statutory rates for both periods primarily relates to state income taxes.

Loss on Sale of Discontinued Operation

      During the year ended December 27, 2003, we recognized a $2.0 million loss, net of tax, on the sale of a discontinued operation (See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements).

Net Income

      Net income increased $19.5 million, or 16.5%, to $137.5 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared to the prior year period. A post-tax real estate transaction gain of $454 thousand and a net loss on the sale of a discontinued operation of $2.0 million are included in 2003 net income. A post-tax real estate transaction gain of $890 thousand and a restructuring accrual reversal of $734 thousand are included in 2002 net income. The effect that such transactions had on earnings per share was $(0.02) in 2003 and $0.02 in 2002.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Our principal capital requirements include the funding of acquisitions and repayments of debt assumed in acquisitions, repurchases of common stock, working capital needs and capital expenditures. Working capital requirements generally result from increased sales, special inventory forward buy-in opportunities and payment terms for receivables and payables. Because sales tend to be stronger during the third and fourth quarters and special inventory forward buy-in opportunities are most prevalent just before the end of the year, our working capital requirements have generally been higher from the end of the third quarter to the end of the first quarter of the following year.

      We finance our business primarily through cash generated from our operations, revolving credit facilities, private placement loans and stock issuances. Our principal sources of cash are from our operations and short-term and long-term debt financings. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations is dependent on the continued demand of our customers for, and supply by our vendors of, our products and services. Given current operating, economic and industry conditions, we believe that demand for our products and services will be consistent in the foreseeable future.

      Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $191.0 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to $128.8 million for the prior-year period. This net change of $62.2 million was due primarily to changes in the timing of cash receipts from customers and cash payments to vendors (accounting for an increase of $52.8 million).

      Net cash used in investing activities was $172.6 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to $118.1 million for the prior year period. The net change of $54.5 million was primarily due to payments for completed and pending business acquisitions, which accounted for $31.6 million. The remaining change was primarily due to a decrease of $26.1 million related to proceeds received from sales of marketable securities. We expect to invest approximately $50 million during fiscal year 2005 in capital projects to modernize and expand our facilities and computer systems infrastructure and to integrate certain operations.

      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $26.4 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to $(48.4) million for the prior-year period. The net change of $74.8 million was primarily due to our issuance of long-term debt (accounting for an increase of $234.2 million, net of issuance costs), partially offset by repayments of the debt assumed in business acquisitions (accounting for a decrease of $135.7 million) and increased payments to repurchase our common stock (accounting for a decrease of $20.5 million).

      The following table summarizes selected measures of liquidity and capital resources (in thousands):

      Our cash and cash equivalents consist of bank balances and investments in money market funds representing overnight investments with a high degree of liquidity.

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      Our business requires a substantial investment in working capital, which is susceptible to large variations during the year as a result of inventory purchase patterns and seasonal demands. Inventory purchase activity is a function of sales activity, special inventory forward buy-in opportunities and our desired level of inventory.

      Our accounts receivable days sales outstanding improved to 46.0 days as of December 25, 2004 from 46.4 days as of December 27, 2003. Our inventory turns remained constant at 6.9 turns for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared to the prior year. We anticipate future increases in our working capital requirements as a result of continued sales growth.

      The following table summarizes our contractual obligations related to fixed and variable rate long-term debt, including interest (assuming an average long-term variable rate of interest of 6.0%), as well as lease obligations and inventory purchase commitments as of December 25, 2004.

      As previously discussed in the ‘Recent Developments’ section, we have obligations to purchase influenza vaccine from Chiron Corporation and ID Biomedical Corporation. Given the uncertainties surrounding the pending FDA approval for both companies to distribute influenza vaccine in the U.S. for the 2005/2006 influenza season, we have excluded these purchase obligations from the above table.

      Our purchase commitment under our agreement with Chiron Corporation would require us to pay $122.5 million in 2005 if they are able to meet their obligations under the agreement. Our purchase commitment under our agreement with ID Biomedical which terminates in 2014 would require us to pay an amount per dose based each year on the market price then prevailing. Under current market prices, this commitment would aggregate to approximately $45.0 million for 2005, increasing to approximately $113.0 million in 2007 and each year thereafter.

      On August 9, 2004, we completed an issuance of $240.0 million of convertible debt. These notes are senior unsecured obligations bearing a fixed annual interest rate of 3.0% and are due to mature on August 15, 2034. Interest on the notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, which commenced on February 15, 2005. The notes are convertible into our common stock at a conversion ratio of 21.58 shares per one thousand dollars of principal amount of notes, which is the equivalent conversion price of $46.34 per share. Upon conversion, we are required to satisfy our conversion obligation with respect to the principal amount of the notes to be converted, in cash, with any remaining amount to be satisfied in shares of our common stock. We currently have sufficient availability of funds through our $200.0 million revolving credit facility along with cash on hand to fully satisfy the cash portion of our conversion obligation.

      In prior years, we completed private placement transactions under which we issued $130.0 million and $100.0 million in senior notes. The $130.0 million notes come due on June 30, 2009 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.94% per annum. Principal payments totaling $20.0 million are due annually starting September 25, 2006 on the $100.0 million notes and bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.66% per annum. Interest on both notes is payable semi-annually.

      During the fourth quarter of 2003, we entered into agreements relating to the $230.0 million senior notes to exchange our fixed interest rates for variable interest rates. For the year ended December 25, 2004, the weighted-average variable interest rate was 5.05%. This weighted-average variable interest rate comprises LIBOR, plus a spread and resets on the interest due dates for the senior notes.

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      We have a revolving credit facility of $200.0 million that is a four-year committed line scheduled to expire in May 2006. We financed our acquisition of the Demedis Group with cash on hand, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and with proceeds from a bridge loan in the amount of $150.0 million. These borrowings were repaid in full as of December 25, 2004 with the net proceeds from our $240.0 million convertible debt issuance on August 9, 2004. As of December 25, 2004, there were $8.0 million of letters of credit provided to third parties and no borrowings outstanding under this revolving credit facility.

      As of December 25, 2004, we had available various short-term bank credit lines of which $6.0 million was outstanding. Such credit lines bear interest at rates ranging from 3.0% to 6.25%, and were collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory and property and equipment with an aggregate net carrying value of $25.3 million at December 25, 2004.

      On June 21, 2004, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a second common stock repurchase program. The new program allows us to repurchase up to $100 million in shares of our common stock, which represented approximately 3.5% of shares outstanding on the announcement date. As of December 25, 2004, we had repurchased $36.2 million or 1,168,810 shares under this initiative.

      Some holders of minority interests in certain of our subsidiaries have the right at certain times to require us to acquire their interest at a price that approximates fair value pursuant to a formula price as defined in the agreements. Additionally, some prior owners of such acquired subsidiaries are eligible to receive additional purchase price cash consideration if certain profitability targets are met. We have not accrued any liabilities that may arise from these transactions because the outcome of the contingency is not determinable beyond a reasonable doubt.

      We finance our business to provide adequate funding for at least 12 months. Funding requirements are based on forecasted profitability and working capital needs which, on occasion, may change. Consequently, we may change our funding structure to reflect any new requirements.

      We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, ability to access public and private debt markets and public equity markets, and available funds under existing credit facilities provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our currently foreseeable short-term and long-term capital needs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

      The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical data, when available, experience, industry and market trends, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the combined results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. However, by their nature, estimates are subject to various assumptions and uncertainties. Reported results are therefore sensitive to any changes in our assumptions, judgments and estimates, including the possibility of obtaining materially different results if different assumptions were to be applied.

      We believe that the following critical accounting policies, which have been discussed with our audit committee, affect the significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements:

Revenue Recognition

      We generate revenue from the sale of dental, medical and veterinary consumable products, as well as dental equipment, software products and services and other sources. Provisions for discounts, rebates to customers, customer returns and other contra-revenue adjustments are recorded based upon historical data and are provided for in the period in which the related sales are recognized.

      Revenue derived from the sale of consumable products is recognized when products are shipped to customers. Such sales typically entail high-volume, low-dollar orders shipped using third-party common carriers. We believe that the shipment date is the most appropriate point in time indicating the completion of

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the earnings process because we have no post-shipment obligations, the product price is fixed and determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is probable and product returns are reasonably estimable.

      Revenue derived from the sale of dental equipment is recognized when products are delivered to customers. Such sales typically entail scheduled deliveries of large equipment primarily by equipment service technicians. Some equipment sales require minimal installation, which is completed at the time of delivery.

      Revenue derived from the sale of software products is recognized when products are shipped to customers. Such software is generally installed by customers and does not require extensive training due to the nature of its design. Revenue derived from post-contract customer support for software, including annual support and/or training, is recognized over the period in which the services are provided.

      Revenue derived from other sources including freight charges, equipment repairs and financial services, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the services are provided.

Accounts Receivable and Reserves

      The carrying amount of accounts receivable reflects a reserve representing our best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. In addition to reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, we consider many factors in estimating our reserve, including historical data, experience, customer types, credit worthiness and economic trends. From time to time, we may adjust our assumptions for anticipated changes in any of these or other factors expected to affect collectibility. Although making changes to our judgments, estimates and/or assumptions would affect our financial results, we believe the effect would not likely be material.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

      Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment tests. Such impairment tests require the comparison of the fair value and carrying value of reporting units. Measuring fair value of a reporting unit is generally based on valuation techniques using multiples of sales or earnings, unless supportable information is available for using a present value technique, such as estimates of future cash flows. Although making changes to our judgments, estimates and/or assumptions would affect our financial results, we believe the effect would not likely be material.

      We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Some factors we consider important, which could trigger an interim impairment review, include:

      If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated statement of income. Based on our impairment review process, we have not recorded any material impairments during 2004, 2003 or 2002.

Long-Lived Assets

      Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from assets. Definite-lived intangible assets primarily

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consist of non-compete agreements, trademarks, trade names and customer relationships. When an impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value. We have not recorded any material impairments during 2004, 2003 or 2002.

Stock-Based Compensation

      We account for stock option awards to employees under the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under this method, no compensation expense is recorded provided the exercise price is equal to or greater than the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date.

      We make pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value-based method of accounting (the alternative method of accounting for stock-based compensation) had been applied as required by FAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The fair value-based method requires us to make assumptions to determine expected risk-free interest rates, stock price volatility, dividend yield and weighted-average option life. If different assumptions were applied, the results would be different, however, such results would not affect our financial statements as this is a disclosure-only requirement.

      Beginning in the third quarter of 2005, in connection with our adoption of FAS 123(R) (discussed below) stock-based compensation will be included in our results of operations. The method and assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation under FAS 123(R) will be similar to those used under FAS 123. If different assumptions were applied, the results would be different; however, we believe such results would not have a material effect on our results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

      In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.” This Statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. This Statement changes the accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. This Statement does not change the accounting guidance for share-based payment transactions with parties other than employees provided in FAS 123 as originally issued and EITF Issue No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services.” This Statement is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and applies to all outstanding and unvested stock-based payment awards at the date of adoption. We anticipate the adoption of FAS 123(R) will affect our results of operations to an extent similar to that as presented in our FAS 123 pro forma disclosure included in the accompanying audited financial statements.

      In November 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This Statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement requires that such items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. This Statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The provisions of FAS 151 must be applied prospectively. We do not anticipate the adoption of FAS 151 to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

      FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2 “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP 109-2”), provides guidance under FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” with respect to recording the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs Act”) on enterprises’ income tax

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expense and deferred tax liability. The Jobs Act was enacted on October 22, 2004. FSP 109-2 states that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying FAS No. 109. We have not yet completed evaluating the impact of the repatriation provisions. Accordingly, as provided for in FSP 109-2, we have not adjusted our tax expense or deferred tax liability to reflect the repatriation provisions of the Jobs Act.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

      We are exposed to market risks, which include changes in interest rates, as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar and each other. We attempt to minimize these risks by using interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward and swap contracts. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against interest rate and currency exchange risks. Factors that could influence the effectiveness of our programs include volatility of the interest rate and currency markets and availability of hedging instruments. All interest rate swap and currency contracts that we enter into are components of hedging programs and are entered into for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated interest rate and currency exposure, not for speculation.

Interest Rate Swaps

      We have fixed rate senior notes of $130.0 million at 6.94% and $100.0 million at 6.66%. During the fourth quarter of 2003, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to exchange our fixed interest rates for variable interest rates payable on the $230.0 million senior notes. The variable rate is comprised of LIBOR plus the spreads and resets on the interest due dates for the senior notes. As a result of these interest rate swap agreements, as well as our existing variable rate credit lines and loan agreements, we are exposed to risk from changes in interest rates. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $2.8 million.

      As of December 25, 2004, the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements recorded in other non-current liabilities was $1.4 million, which represented the amount that would be paid upon unwinding the interest rate swap agreements based on market conditions at that time. Changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap agreements are reflected as an adjustment to non-current assets or liabilities with an offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of the $230.0 million notes as such hedges are deemed fully effective.

Foreign Exchange

      The value of certain foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar may affect our financial results. Fluctuations in exchange rates may positively or negatively affect our revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, and retained earnings, all of which are expressed in U.S. dollars. Where we deem it prudent, we engage in hedging programs, using primarily foreign currency forward and swap contracts, aimed at limiting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on earnings. We purchase short-term foreign currency forward and swap contracts to protect against currency exchange risks associated with long-term intercompany loans due from our international subsidiaries and the payment of merchandise purchases to foreign vendors. We do not hedge the translation of foreign currency profits into U.S. dollars, as we regard this as an accounting not an economic exposure.

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      As of December 25, 2004, we had outstanding foreign currency forward and swap contracts aggregating $447.2 million, of which $440.2 million related to intercompany debt and $7.0 million related to the purchase of merchandise from foreign vendors. The contracts hedge against currency fluctuations of Euros ($371.5 million), British Pounds ($57.0 million), Australian Dollars ($11.1 million), Swedish Krona ($4.0 million), Swiss Francs ($2.8 million), Japanese Yen ($590.0 thousand) and New Zealand Dollars ($265 thousand). As of December 25, 2004, the gross amount of these contracts, calculated as the aggregate value of future U.S. dollar payments and receipts, determined by quoted market prices, was $448.4 million. These contracts expire through June 2005. For the year ended December 25, 2004, we recognized a loss relating to our foreign currency forward and swap contracts of $892 thousand.

Risk Factors

The healthcare products distribution industry is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete successfully.

      We compete with numerous companies, including several major manufacturers and distributors. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, which could allow them to compete more successfully. Most of our products are available from several sources and our customers tend to have relationships with several distributors. Competitors could obtain exclusive rights to market particular products, which we would then be unable to market. Manufacturers could also increase their efforts to sell directly to end-users and by-pass distributors like us. Industry consolidation among healthcare products distributors, the unavailability of products, whether due to our inability to gain access to products or interruptions in supply from manufacturers, or the emergence of new competitors could also increase competition. In the future, we may be unable to compete successfully and competitive pressures may reduce our revenues.

The healthcare industry is experiencing changes which could adversely affect our business.

      The healthcare industry is highly regulated and subject to changing political, economic and regulatory influences. In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant change driven by various efforts to reduce costs, including the reduction of spending budgets by government and private insurance programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid and corporate health insurance plans; pressures relating to potential healthcare reform, trends toward managed care; consolidation of healthcare distribution companies; collective purchasing arrangements among office-based healthcare practitioners; and reimbursements to customers. If we are unable to react effectively to these and other changes in the healthcare industry, our operating results could be adversely affected. In addition, the enactment of any significant healthcare reforms could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We must comply with government regulations governing the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices and additional regulations could negatively affect our business.

      Our business is subject to requirements under various local, state, federal and international governmental laws and regulations applicable to the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Among the federal laws with which we must comply are the Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 and the Safe Medical Devices Act. Such laws:

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      Our business is also subject to requirements of foreign governmental laws and regulations affecting our operations abroad.

      The failure to comply with any of these regulations or the imposition of any additional regulations could negatively affect our business. There can be no assurance that current or future U.S. or foreign government regulations will not adversely affect our business.

Our international operations are subject to inherent risks, which could adversely affect our operating results.

      International operations are subject to risks that may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The risks that our international operations are subject to include:

      As a result of our acquisition of the Demedis Group, our foreign operations are significantly larger and, therefore, our exposure to the risks inherent in international operations has become greater.

We experience fluctuations in quarterly earnings. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.

      Our business is subject to seasonal and other quarterly fluctuations. Net sales and operating profits generally have been higher in the third and fourth quarters due to the timing of sales of seasonal products (including influenza vaccine, equipment and software products), purchasing patterns of office-based healthcare practitioners and year-end promotions. Net sales and operating profits generally have been lower in the first quarter, primarily due to increased sales in the prior two quarters. Quarterly results may also be adversely affected by a variety of other factors, including:

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      Any change in one or more of these or other factors could cause our annual or quarterly operating results to fluctuate. If our operating results do not meet market expectations, our stock price may decline.

Because we do not manufacture the products we distribute, we are dependent upon third parties for the manufacture and supply of our products.

      We obtain substantially all of our products from third-party suppliers. Generally, we do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers, committing them to supply products to us. Therefore, suppliers may not provide the products we need in the quantities we request. Because we do not control the actual production of the products we sell, we may be subject to delays caused by interruption in production based on conditions outside of our control. In the event that any of our third-party suppliers were to become unable or unwilling to continue to provide the products in required volumes, we would need to identify and obtain acceptable replacement sources on a timely basis. There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain such alternative sources of supply on a timely basis, if at all. An extended interruption in the supply of our products, including the supply of our influenza vaccine and any other high sales volume product, would have an adverse effect on our results of operations, which most likely would adversely affect the value of our common stock.

Our expansion through acquisitions and joint ventures involves several risks.

      We have expanded our domestic and international markets in part through acquisitions and joint ventures, and we expect to continue to make acquisitions and enter into joint ventures in the future. Such transactions involve numerous risks, including possible adverse effects on our operating results or the market price of our common stock. Some of our acquisitions and future acquisitions may also give rise to an obligation by us to make contingent payments or to satisfy certain repurchase obligations, which payments could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, integrating acquired businesses and joint ventures:

      There can be no assurance that our future acquisitions or joint ventures will be successful. Our ability to continue to successfully effect acquisitions and joint ventures will depend upon the following:

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We face inherent risk of exposure to product liability and other claims in the event that the use of the products we sell results in injury.

      Our business involves a risk of product liability and other claims and from time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of pharmaceutical and other healthcare products. Additionally, we own a majority interest in a company that manufactures dental implants and we are subject to the potential risk of product liability or other claims relating to the manufacture of products by that entity. One of the potential risks we face in the distribution of our products is liability resulting from counterfeit products infiltrating the supply chain. In addition, some of the products that we transport and sell are considered hazardous materials. The improper handling of such materials or accidents involving the transportation of such materials could subject us to liability. We have insurance policies, including product liability insurance, covering risks and in amounts we consider adequate. Additionally, in many cases we are covered by indemnification from the manufacturer of the product. However, we cannot assure you that the coverage maintained by us is sufficient to cover future claims, that it will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost, or that indemnification agreements will provide adequate protection for us. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance or indemnification, or any claim that results in significant adverse publicity against us, could harm our business.

Our technology segment depends upon continued product development, technical support and successful marketing.

      Competition among companies supplying practice management software is intense and increasing. Our future sales of practice management software will depend on, among other factors:

      We cannot be sure that we will be successful in introducing and marketing new software or software enhancements, or that such software will be released on time or accepted by the market. Our software products, like software products generally, may contain undetected errors or bugs when introduced or as new versions are released. We cannot be sure that future problems with post-release software errors or bugs will not occur. Any such defective software may result in increased expenses related to the software and could adversely affect our relationships with the customers using such software. We do not have any patents on our software, and rely upon copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as contractual and common law protections. We cannot assure you that such legal protections will be available or enforceable to protect our software products.

Our revenues depend on our relationships with capable sales personnel as well as key customers, vendors and manufacturers of the products we distribute.

      Our future operating results depend on our ability to maintain satisfactory relationships with qualified sales personnel as well as key customers, vendors and manufacturers. If we fail to maintain our existing relationships with such persons or fail to acquire relationships with such key persons in the future, our business may suffer.

Our future performance is materially dependent upon our senior management.

      Our future success is substantially dependent upon the efforts and abilities of members of our existing senior management, particularly Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, among others. The loss of the services of Mr. Bergman could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have an employment agreement with Mr. Bergman. We do not currently have “key man” life insurance

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policies on any of our employees. Competition for senior management is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel.

Increases in the cost of shipping or service trouble with our third- party shippers could harm our business.

      Shipping is a significant expense in the operation of our business. We ship almost all of our U.S. orders by United Parcel Service, Inc. and other delivery services, and typically bear the cost of shipment. Accordingly, any significant increase in shipping rates could have an adverse effect on our operating results. Similarly, strikes or other service interruptions by those shippers could cause our operating expenses to rise and adversely affect our ability to deliver products on a timely basis.

We may not be able to respond to technological change effectively.

      Traditional healthcare supply and distribution relationships are being challenged by electronic on-line commerce solutions. Our distribution business is characterized by rapid technological developments and intense competition. The advancement of on-line commerce will require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technologies, to enhance existing services and to develop and introduce a variety of new services to address changing demands of consumers and our clients on a timely basis, particularly in response to competitive offerings. Our inability to anticipate and effectively respond to changes on a timely basis could have an adverse effect on our business.

We are exposed to the risk of an increase in interest rates.

      During the fourth quarter of 2003, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to exchange our fixed rate interest rates for variable interest rates payable on our $230 million senior notes. Our fixed interest rates on the senior notes were 6.94% and 6.66% for the $130 million and $100 million senior notes, respectively. The variable rate is comprised of LIBOR plus the spreads and resets on the interest due dates for the senior notes. As a result of these interest rate swap agreements, as well as our existing variable rate credit lines, and loan agreements, we are exposed to risk from fluctuations in interest rates. For example, a hypothetical 100 basis points increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $2.8 million.

Our acquisition of the Demedis Group may not result in the benefits and revenue growth we expect.

      On June 18, 2004, we acquired the Demedis Group. We are in the process of integrating these companies and assimilating the operations, services, products and personnel of each company with our management policies, procedures and strategies. We cannot be sure that we will achieve the benefits of revenue growth that we expect from this acquisition or that we will not incur unforeseen additional costs or expenses in connection with this acquisition. To effectively manage our expected future growth, we must continue to successfully manage our integration of the Demedis Group and continue to improve our operational systems, internal procedures, accounts receivable and management, financial and operational controls. If we fail in any of these areas, our business could be adversely affected.

The market price for our common stock may be highly volatile.

      The market price for our common stock may be highly volatile. A variety of factors may have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock, including:

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      In addition, the Nasdaq National Market can experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that can be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies listed on Nasdaq. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of actual operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies. This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which would harm our business.

Certain provisions in our governing documents and other documents to which we are a party may discourage third-party offers to acquire us that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price of their shares.

      The provisions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, may discourage acquisition bids, and may limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions, among other things:

      In addition, the Henry Schein, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, the Henry Schein, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and the Henry Schein, Inc. 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan provide for accelerated vesting of stock options upon a change in control, and certain agreements between us and our executive officers provide for increased severance payments if those executive officers are terminated without cause within two years after a change in control.

      We also have a stockholder rights plan which could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us if our Board of Directors does not determine that the acquisition proposal is adequate and in the stockholders’ best interest.

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ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HENRY SCHEIN, INC.

All other schedules are omitted because the required information is either inapplicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Henry Schein, Inc.
Melville, New York

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Henry Schein, Inc. as of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 25, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Henry Schein, Inc. at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 25, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

      We also have audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Henry Schein, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 28, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

New York, New York
February 28, 2005

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HENRY SCHEIN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes.

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HENRY SCHEIN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes.

HENRY SCHEIN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share data)