UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

[ x ]                                                                  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

xAnnual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2002

2003

OR

[    ]                                                     Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

¨Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Commission

Commission
File Number


 

Registrant, State of Incorporation


Address and Telephone Number


 

IRS Employer


Identification No.


1-16671
 

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

(a Delaware Corporation)

1300 Morris Drive Suite 100

Chesterbrook, PA 19087

(610) 727-7000

 
23-3079390

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
  
AmerisourceBergen Corporation: None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
  

AmerisourceBergen Corporation:

Common Stock, $.01 par value per share

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

¨

Indicate by check mark 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 the 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. [ x ]

Non-affiliates

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of AmerisourceBergen Corporation, asthe Securities Exchange Act of December 2, 2002, held 104,659,799 shares of voting stock. The registrant’s voting stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ABC.” 1934. Yesx No¨

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (basedon March 31, 2003, based upon the closing price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 2, 2002 and the assumption for this computation only that all directors and executive officers of the registrant are affiliates)March 31, 2003, was $6,262,842,372.

$5,674,495,418.

The number of shares of common stock of AmerisourceBergen Corporation outstanding as of December 2, 20021, 2003 was 106,944,474.

112,137,461.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the following document are incorporated by reference in the Part of this report indicated below:

Part III—III - Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM


     PAGE

   PART I   
1.  Business  3
2.  Properties  12
3.  Legal Proceedings  12
4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  13
   Executive Officers of the Registrant  14
   PART II   
5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters  15
6.  Selected Financial Data  16
7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  17
7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  35
8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  36
9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  75
9A.  Controls and Procedures  75
   PART III   
10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant  76
11.  Executive Compensation  76
12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  76
13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  76
14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services  76
   PART IV   
15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K  77
   Signatures  83

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PART I

ITEM

  
PAGE

1.    3
2.    10
3.    11
4.    12
   
PART II
   
5.    12
6.    13
7.    14
7A.    28
8.    29
9.    63
   
PART III
   
10.    64
11.    65
12.    65
13.    65
14.    65
   
PART IV
   
15.    66
     73

PART I
ITEM 1.     BUSINESS

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

AmerisourceBergen Corporation (“AmerisourceBergen” or the “Company”) is a leading wholesale distributor of pharmaceutical products and furnishes related services to healthcare servicesproviders and solutions in the United States.pharmaceutical manufacturers. We also provide pharmaceuticals to long-term care, workers’ compensation and specialty drug patients. We distribute a full line of products, includingbrand name and generic pharmaceuticals, proprietary medicines, cosmetics, toiletries, personal healthover-the-counter healthcare products, sundries and home healthcare supplies and equipment. We provide servicesequipment to a wide variety of healthcare providers located throughout the Untied States, including acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order facilities, physicians, clinics and other alternate site customers (physicians’ officesfacilities, and clinics, skilled nursing facilities, mail-order facilities,and assisted living centerscenters. We furnish healthcare providers and patientspharmaceutical manufacturers with chronic illnesses) and national and regional retail pharmacy chains located throughout the United States. We believe we are the largest distributoran assortment of pharmaceuticals to the acute care hospital and health systems market and one of the largest wholesalers of pharmaceuticals and specialty healthcare products to the independent retail pharmacy market. We also distribute pharmaceuticals to long-term care and workers’ compensation patients and provide product distribution, logistics, pharmacy management programs,services, including pharmacy automation, bedside medication safety software, pharmaceutical packaging solutions, reimbursement and pharmaceutical consulting services, logistics services, and internet fulfillment servicesphysician education, all of which are designed to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes.

Industry Overview

We have benefited from the significant growth of the full service wholesale drugpharmaceutical industry in the United States. According to IMS Healthcare, Inc., an independent third party provider of information to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, industry sales grew from approximately $73 billion in 1995 to an estimated $196$203 billion in 20022003 and are expected to grow to approximately $287at least $250 billion in 2005.

The factors contributing to the growth of the full service drugpharmaceutical industry in the United States, and other favorable industry trends, include:

Aging Population. The number of individuals over age 55 in the United States grew from approximately 52 million in 1990 to approximately 59 million in 2000 and is projected to increase to more than 75 million by the year 2010. This age group suffers from a greater incidence of chronic illnesses and disabilities than the rest of the population and is estimated to account for approximately two-thirds of total healthcare expenditures in the United States.

Introduction of New Pharmaceuticals. Traditional research and development, as well as the advent of new research, production and delivery methods, such as biotechnology and gene research and therapy, continue to generate new compounds and delivery methods that are more effective in treating diseases. These compounds have been responsible for significant increases in pharmaceutical sales. We believe ongoing research and development expenditures by the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers will contribute to continued growth of the industry.

Increased Use of Outpatient Drug Therapies. In response to rising healthcare costs, governmental and private payors have adopted cost containment measures that encourage the use of efficient drug therapies to prevent or treat diseases. While national attention has been focused on the overall increase in aggregate healthcare costs, we believe drug therapy has had a beneficial impact on overall healthcare costs by reducing expensive surgeries and prolonged hospital stays. Pharmaceuticals currently account for approximately 10% of overall healthcare costs, andcosts. Pharmaceutical manufacturers’ emphasis on research and development is expected to continue the introduction of cost-effective drug therapies.

Rising Pharmaceutical Prices. Consistent with historical trends, we believe pharmaceutical price increases will continue to equal or exceed the overall Consumer Price Index. We believe these increases will be due in large part to the relatively inelastic demand in the face of higher prices charged for patented drugs as pharmaceutical manufacturers have attempted to recoup costs associated with the development, clinical testing and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval of new products.

Expiration of Patents for Brand Name Pharmaceuticals. A significant number of patents for widely-used brand name pharmaceutical products will expire during the next several years. These products are expected to be marketed by generic pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributed by us. We consider this a favorable trend because generic products have historically provided a greater gross profit margin opportunity than brand name products.

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The Company

AmerisourceBergen was formed in connection with the merger betweenof AmeriSource Health Corporation (“AmeriSource”) and Bergen Brunswig Corporation (“Bergen”), which was consummated in August 2001 (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, we are the largest pharmaceutical services company in the United States that is dedicated solely to the pharmaceutical supply chain.

channel.

We currently serve our customers, primarily healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers as well as patients, throughout the United States and Puerto Rico through a geographically diverse network of distribution and service centers. We typically are typically the primary source of supply for pharmaceutical and related products to our customers.healthcare providers and certain patients. We offer a broad range of solutions to our customers and suppliers designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations, allowing them to improve the delivery of healthcare to patients and consumers and to lower overall costs in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

channel.

Strategy

Our business strategy is anchored in national pharmaceutical distribution and services, reinforced by the value-added healthcare solutions we provide our customershealthcare providers and suppliers.pharmaceutical manufacturers. This focused strategy has significantly expanded our businesses and we believe we are well-positioned to continue to grow revenue and increase operating income through the execution of the following key elements of our business strategy:

 
Ÿ
Continue Growth in Existing Markets. We believe we are well-positioned to continue to grow in our existing markets by: (i) providing superior distribution services to our customers, and suppliers, which is reflected in the high rankings we have achieved in customerhealthcare provider surveys; (ii) delivering value-added solutions which improve the efficiency and competitiveness of both customershealthcare providers and suppliers,pharmaceutical manufacturers, allowing the pharmaceutical supply channel to better deliver healthcare to patients and consumers; (iii) maintaining our low-cost operating structure to ensure that our services are priced competitively in the marketplace; and (iv) maintaining our decentralized operating structure to respond to customers’ needs more quickly and efficiently.

 
Ÿ
Expand Growth Opportunities through Healthcare Solutions for Customers.Healthcare Providers. We are continually enhancing our services and packaging these services into programssolutions designed to enable customershealthcare providers to improve sales and compete more effectively. These solutions also increase customer loyalty and strengthen our overall role in the pharmaceutical supply channel. TheyOur healthcare solutions for these customers include: iECHO® and iBergen,, our proprietary internet-based ordering systems;system; Family Pharmacy® and Good Neighbor Pharmacy®, which enable independent community pharmacies and small chain drugstores to compete more effectively through access to pharmaceutical benefit and merchandising programs, disease management services and pharmaceutical care programs, and best-priced generic product purchasing services; Rita Ann, our cosmetics distributor; Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, which provides hospital pharmacy consulting designed to improve operational efficiencies; AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group, which delivers a comprehensive supply of disease-state baseddisease-state-based products in oncology, nephrology, vaccines, injectables and plasma to a variety of healthcare providers; AutoMed Technologies, which provides automated pharmacy dispensing equipment; and American Health Packaging, which delivers unit dose, punch card and unit-of-use packaging for institutional and retail pharmacy customers; and Rita Ann, our cosmetics distributor.customers. We also have pursued enhancements to our services and programs through acquisitions, including the following:such as:

 Ø 
AutoMed Technologies, Inc.    In July 2002, we acquired AutoMed Technologies, Inc. (“AutoMed”), a leading provider of automated pharmacy dispensing equipment with annual revenues of approximately $60 million, for approximately $120 million in cash. The transaction also provides for contingent payments of up to $55 million based on AutoMed achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. We have the option to make these payments, if any, in cash or in shares of our common stock.
Ø
Bridge Medical, Inc. In November 2002,January 2003, we signed a definitive agreement to purchaseacquired Bridge Medical, Inc. (“Bridge”), a leading provider of barcode-enabled point-of-care software designed to reduce medication errors, to enhance our offerings in the pharmaceutical supply channel, for approximately $27$28 million. The agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to a maximum of $55 million based on Bridge achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. We expect to close this transaction before the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2003, subject to the completion of regulatory approvals, and intend to pay the base purchase price and any contingent amounts primarily in shares of our common stock.

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 ØExpand Growth Opportunities through Healthcare Solutions for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. We have been developing solutions for manufacturers to improve the efficiency of the healthcare supply channel. Programs for pharmaceutical manufacturers such as assistance with rapid new product launches, promotional and marketing services to accelerate product sales, custom packaging, product data reporting, logistical support, reimbursement consulting and physician education are examples of value-added solutions we currently offer through AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group, American Health Packaging, and other AmerisourceBergen companies. We believe these services will continue to expand, further contributing to our revenue and income growth. We also have pursued enhancements to our position in the pharmaceutical supply channel through acquisitions, including the following:

 
US Bioservices Corporation. In December 2002,January 2003, we signed a definitive agreement to acquireacquired US Bioservices Corporation (“US Bioservices”), a national pharmaceutical services provider focused on the management of high-cost complex therapies and reimbursement support, to expand our manufacturer service offerings within the specialty pharmaceutical business for approximately $160 million. The agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to $30 million in cash based on US Bioservices achieving defined earnings targets through the end of the first quarter of calendar 2004. Both the base purchase price and the contingent payments are subject to potential adjustments at closing. We have agreed to issue approximately 2.4 million shares of our common stock upon the closing of the transaction. We expect to close this transaction before the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2003, subject to the completion of regulatory approvals and filings.

 
Ÿ
 
Expand Growth Opportunities through Healthcare SolutionsPhysician Education and Management Consulting Company. In April 2003, we increased our equity ownership to 60% in a physician education and management consulting company for Our Suppliers.approximately $25 million. We have been developing solutions for suppliers to improve the efficiency of the healthcare supply chain. Programs for suppliers to assist with rapid new product launches, promotional and marketing services to accelerate product sales, custom packaging and product data reporting are examples of value-added solutions we currently offer. We believe these services will continue to expand, further contributing to our revenue and income growth. We also intend to acquire companies that deliver complementary value-added products and services to our existing customers and suppliers, which will further enhance our positionthe remaining 40% equity interest in thefiscal 2004. Currently, this company is principally engaged in providing educational seminars on behalf of pharmaceutical supply chain.manufacturers.

 
Ÿ
 
Anderson Packaging Inc. In June 2003, we acquired Anderson Packaging Inc. (“Anderson”), a leading provider of physician and retail contracted packaging services to pharmaceutical manufacturers, to expand the Company’s packaging capabilities, for approximately $100 million.

Improve Operating and Capital Efficiencies. We believe we have one of the lowest cost operating cost structures among our major national competitors. We have developed merger integration plans in fiscal 2001 to consolidate our existing distribution facility network and establish new, more efficient distribution centers. More specifically,Specifically, our plan, is to have acalled the Optimiz program, consists of reducing the distribution facility network consistingfrom a total of 51 facilities to 30 facilities in the next fourthree to fivefour years. We plan to accomplish this by building six new facilities, expanding seven facilities, closing 27 facilities and implementing a new warehouse operating system. WeDuring fiscal 2003, we began construction activities on three of our new facilities. Additionally, two of our facility expansions were completed. During fiscal 2003 and 2002, we closed six and seven facilities, duringrespectively. We anticipate closing three additional facilities in fiscal 2002.2004. We also intendcontinue to further reduce operating expenses as a percentage of revenue by eliminating duplicate administrative functions. These measures arehave been designed to reduce operating costs, provide greater access to financing sources and reduce theour cost of capital. In addition, we believe we will continue to achieve productivity and operating income gains as we invest in and continue to implement warehouse automation technology, adopt “best practices” in warehousing activities, and increase operating leverage by increasing volume per full-service distribution facility.

Operations

Operating Structure. We operate in two segments:segments, Pharmaceutical Distribution primarily our wholesale and specialty drug distribution business, and PharMerica, our institutional pharmacy business.PharMerica.

Pharmaceutical Distribution. The Pharmaceutical Distribution segment includes AmerisourceBergen Drug CompanyCorporation (“ABDC”) and AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group (“ABSG”). ABDC includes theour full-service wholesale pharmaceutical distribution facilities, American Health Packaging, and other healthcare related businesses.businesses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. ABDC sells pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, health and beauty aids, and other health-related products to hospitals, alternate care and mail order facilities, and independent and chain retail pharmacies. American Health Packaging packages oral solid medications for nearly any need in virtually all settings of patient care. ABDC also provides a variety of products and services to its customers and pharmaceutical and other healthcare product manufacturers, including promotional, packaging, inventory management, pharmacy automation, bedside medication safety software and information services. These products and services toare provided by ABDC directly and through its customers.subsidiaries and affiliates, including American Health Packaging, Anderson Packaging, AutoMed Technologies, Bridge Medical and Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions. ABSG sells specialty pharmaceutical products and services to physicians, clinics, patients and other providers primarily in the oncology, nephrology, plasma and vaccines sectors. ABSG also provides third party logistics, and reimbursement consulting services, physician education consulting and other services to healthcare productpharmaceutical manufacturers.

We principally distribute a full line of brand name and generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. These products are sold to institutional pharmacies including hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and mail order pharmacies and retail pharmacies such as independent community pharmacies and national and regional drugstore and food merchandising chain stores.

Our core wholesale drug distribution business is currently organized into sevenfive regions across the United States. Unlike our more centralized competitors, we are structured as an organization of locally managed profit centers. We believe that the delivery of healthcare is local and, therefore, the management of each distribution facility has responsibility for its own customer service and financial performance. These facilities utilize the Company’s corporate staff for national/regional account management, marketing, data processing, financial, procurement, human resources, legal and executive management resources, and corporate coordination of asset and working capital management.

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PharMerica. PharMerica is a leading national provider of institutional pharmacy products and services to patients in long-term care and alternate care settings.settings, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and residential living communities. PharMerica also provides mail-ordermail order and on-line pharmacy services to chronically and catastrophically ill patients under workers’ compensation programs.programs, and provides pharmaceutical claims administration services for payors.

PharMerica’s institutional pharmacy business involves the purchase of bulk quantities of prescription and nonprescription pharmaceuticals, principally from our Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, and the distribution of those products to residents in long-term care and alternate care facilities. Unlike hospitals, most long-term and alternate care facilities do not have onsite pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs, but depend instead on institutional pharmacies, such as PharMerica, to provide the necessary pharmacy products and services and to play an integral role in monitoring patient medication. PharMerica’s pharmacies dispense pharmaceuticals in patient-specific packaging in accordance with physician orders. In addition, PharMerica provides infusion therapy services and Medicare Part B products, as well as formulary management and other pharmacy consulting services.

PharMerica’s network of 128125 pharmacies, which includes pharmacies at customer sites, covers a geographic area that includes over 80%90% of the nation’s institutional/long-term care beds. Each PharMerica pharmacy typically serves customers within a 150-mile100-mile radius. PharMerica’s workers’ compensation business provides pharmaceutical claims administration and mail-ordermail order distribution. PharMerica’s services include home delivery of prescription drugs, medical supplies and equipment and an array of computer software solutions to reduce the payor’s administrative costs.

Sales and Marketing. Our wholesale drug distribution business has approximately 500360 sales professionals organized regionally and specialized by customer type. Customer service representatives are located in distribution facilities in order to respond to customer needs in a timely and effective manner. In addition, a specially trained group of telemarketing representatives makes regular contact with customers regarding special promotions. Our corporate marketing department designs and develops the AmerisourceBergenan array of AmerisourceBergen value-added customerhealthcare provider solutions. Tailored to specific customer groups, these programs can be further customized at the distribution facility level to adapt to local market conditions. Corporate sales and marketing also serves national account customers through close coordination with local distribution centers. Additionally, ABSG, PharMerica and substantially all of the other AmerisourceBergen companies each has an independent sales force that specializes in its respective product and service offerings.

Facilities. Each of our distribution facilities carries an inventory suited to the needs of the local market. The efficient distribution of small orders is possible through the extensive use of automation and modern warehouse techniques. These include computerized warehouse product location, routing and inventory replenishment systems, gravity-flow racking, mechanized order selection and efficient truck loading and routing. We typically deliver our products to our customers on a daily basis primarily utilizingmainly by using contract carriers. Night product picking operations in our distribution facilities have further reduced delivery time. Orders are generally delivered in less than 24 hours.

The following table presents certain information regarding our full-service wholesale pharmaceutical distribution centers for the fiscal year endedyears 2003 and 2002 and AmeriSource and Bergen full-service pharmaceutical distribution centers on a pro forma combined basis for fiscal years 19981999 through 2001:

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

   
2002

  
2001

  
2000

  
1999

  
1998

   
(dollars in millions; square feet in thousands)
Operating revenue  $36,981  $31,779  $28,165  $24,340  $21,482
Number of Rx distribution facilities   44   51   54   55   54
Average operating revenue/ Rx distribution facility  $840  $623  $522  $443  $398
Total square feet (Rx distribution facilities)   5,219   5,599   5,736   5,765   5,591
Average revenue/square foot (in whole dollars) (Rx distribution facilities)  $7,086  $5,676  $4,910  $4,222  $3,842

   Fiscal year ended September 30,

(dollars in millions; square feet in thousands)


  2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

Operating revenue

  $40,875  $36,981  $31,779  $28,165  $24,340

Number of Rx distribution facilities

   38   44   51   54   55

Average operating revenue/ Rx distribution facility

  $1,076  $840  $623  $522  $443

Total square feet (Rx distribution facilities)

   4,912   5,219   5,599   5,736   5,765

Average revenue/square foot (in whole dollars) (Rx distribution facilities)

  $8,322  $7,086  $5,676  $4,910  $4,222

Customers and Markets. We have a diverse customer base that includes institutional and retail healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Institutional healthcare providers include acute care hospitals, health systems, independent community pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, long-term and alternate sitecare facilities and physician offices. Retail healthcare providers include national and regional retail drugstore chains, includingindependent community pharmacies and pharmacy departments of supermarkets and mass merchandisers. We are typically the primary source of supply for our customers. In addition, we offer a broad range of value-added solutions designed to enhance the operating efficiencies and competitive positions of our customers, allowing them to

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improve the delivery of healthcare to patients and consumers. During fiscal 2002,2003, operating revenue for our Pharmaceutical Distribution segment was comprised of a sales mix of 53%56% institutional and 47%44% retail.

Sales to the federal government (including sales under separate contracts with different departments and agencies of the federal government) represented 9% of our operating revenue in fiscal 2002.2003. In addition, we have contracts with group

purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), each of which represent a concentration of buying power amongrepresents multiple healthcare providers. Loss of a major federal government customer or a GPO relationship could lead to a significant reduction in revenue, as could the loss of one or more of our significant individual customers. However, other than the federal government, we have no individual customer that accounted for more than 5% of our fiscal 20022003 operating revenue. Including the federal government, our top ten customers represented approximately 32%36% of operating revenue during fiscal 2002. Our revenues2003. Revenues generated from sales to Merck-Medco Managed Care LLC in fiscal 2002 were 11% of total revenue and 99%Medco Health Solutions, Inc. accounted for 98% of bulk deliveries to customer warehouses.
warehouses and 12% of total revenues during fiscal 2003.

Suppliers. We obtain pharmaceutical and other products primarily from a number of manufacturers, none of which accounted for more than approximately 9% of our purchases in fiscal 2002. The five largest suppliers in fiscal 2002 accounted for approximately 37% of purchases. We have not experienced difficulty in purchasing desired products from suppliers in the past. We currently have agreements with many of our suppliers which, among other provisions, generally require us to maintain an adequate quantity of a supplier’s products in inventory. The majority of contracts with suppliers are terminable upon 30 days notice by either party.2003. The loss of certain suppliers could adversely affect our business if alternate sources of supply wereare unavailable. We believe that our relationships with our suppliers are generally good. The five largest suppliers in fiscal 2003 accounted for approximately 36% of purchases. We seek to maintain our product inventories at levels that are sufficient to fulfill our service level commitments under our distribution contracts with customers. Product allocations by manufacturers or other efforts by manufacturers, including the imposition of inventory management agreements, may affect our ability to fulfill our customer commitments. We generally have not experienced difficulty in purchasing desired products from our suppliers in the past. However, we expect to face increasing efforts by pharmaceutical manufacturers to control the pharmaceutical supply channel (seeCertain Risk Factors below). Our business could be adversely affected by such efforts. Supplier relationships help us to generate gross profit in several ways, including cash discounts for prompt payments, inventory buying opportunities, rebates, vendor program arrangements, negotiated deals and other promotional opportunities. In the future, suppliers may not continue to offer such programs or opportunities in the same form or at the current levels.

Management Information Systems. We continually invest in advanced management information systems and automated warehouse technology. Our management information systems provide for, among other things, electronic order entry by customers, invoice preparation and purchasing, and inventory tracking. As a result of electronic order entry, the cost of receiving and processing orders has not increased as rapidly as sales volume. Our customized systems strengthen customer relationships by allowing the customer to lower its operating costs and by providing a platform for a number of the value-added services offered to our customers, including marketing, data, inventory replenishment, single-source billing, computer price updates and price labels.

We operate our full servicefull-service wholesale pharmaceutical distribution facilities on two different centralized management information systems. One is the former AmeriSource system and the other is the former Bergen system. We continue to integrate the systems, into the former Bergen system, while maintaining our customers’ ability to access the system through theeither order-entry system used by either company.

system.

We plan to continue to make system investments to further improve our information capabilities and meet our customer and operational needs. Currently, we are expandingWe continue to expand our electronic interface with our suppliers and now electronicallycurrently process a substantial portion of our purchase orders, invoices and payments.payments electronically. We also intend to implementare implementing a new warehouse operating system which if successful, willis expected to improve our productivity and operating leverage.

During fiscal 2003, three of our distribution facilities have successfully implemented the new warehouse operating system.

Competition

We engageface a highly competitive environment in the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals and related healthcare solutions in a highly competitive environment.solutions. We compete with both national and regional distributors. Our national competitors include Cardinal Health, Inc. and McKesson Corporation. In addition, we compete with local distributors, direct-selling manufacturers, warehousing chain drugstores and other specialty distributors. Competitive factors include price, value-added service programs, product offerings, price, service and delivery, credit terms, and customer support.

PharMerica’s competitors principally include national institutional pharmacies such as Omnicare, NeighborCare and Kindred Healthcare, as well as smaller regional pharmacies that specialize in long-term care company-owned captive pharmacies.care. We believe that the competitive factors most important in PharMerica’s lines of business are quality and range of service offered, pricing, reputation with referral sources, ease of doing business with the provider, and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with referral sources. One of PharMerica’s national competitors is significantly larger than PharMerica. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry in the local markets served by PharMerica and it may encounter substantial competition from local market entrants. PharMerica

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competes with numerous billing companies in connection with the portion of its business that electronically adjudicates workers’ compensation claims for payors.

Intellectual Property

We use a number of trademarks trade names and service marks in the course of our business. All of the principal trademarks and service marks used in the course of our business have been registered in the United States or are the subject of pending applications for registration.

We have developed various proprietary products, processes, software and other intellectual property that are used either to facilitate the conduct of our business or that are made available as products or services to customers. We generally seek to protect such intellectual property through a combination of trade secret, patent and copyright laws and through confidentiality and other contractually imposed protections.

We hold patents and have patent applications pending that relate to certain of our products and services, particularly in the area of automated dispensing of pharmaceuticals. We pursue patents for our proprietary intellectual property from time to time as appropriate. Although we believe that our patents do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third parties, third parties may assert infringement claims against us from time to time.

Employees

As of September 30, 2002,2003, we employed approximately 13,70014,800 persons, of which approximately 12,50013,600 were full-time employees. Approximately 7%6% of full and part-time employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company believes that its relationship with its employees is good.

Government Regulation

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and various state boards of pharmacy regulate the distribution of pharmaceutical products and controlled substances, requiring wholesale distributors of these substances to register for permits, meet various security and operating standards, and comply with regulations governing their sale, marketing, packaging, holding and distribution. The FDA, DEA and state pharmacy boards have broad enforcement powers, including their ability to seize or recall products and impose significant criminal, civil and administrative sanctions for violations of these laws and regulations. As a wholesale distributor of pharmaceuticals and certain related products, we are subject to these regulations. We have received all necessary regulatory approvals and believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable wholesale distribution requirements.

We and/or our customers are subject to fraud and abuse laws which preclude, among other things, (a) persons from soliciting, offering, receiving or paying any remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient for treatment or for inducing the ordering or purchasing of items or services that are in any way paid for by Medicare or Medicaid and (b) physicians from making referrals to certain entities with which they have a financial relationship. The fraud and abuse laws and regulations are broad in scope and are subject to frequent modification and varied interpretation. The operations of our PharMerica segmentand ABSG are particularly subject to these laws and regulations.

regulations, as are certain other aspects of our Pharmaceutical Distribution operations.

Under the Prospective Payment System (“PPS”) for Medicare patients in skilled nursing facilities, PPS pays a federal daily rate for virtually all covered skilled nursing facility services. Under PPS, PharMerica’s skilled nursing facility customers are not able to pass through to Medicare their costs for certain products and services provided by PharMerica. Instead, PPS provides PharMerica’s customers a federal daily rate to cover the costs of all eligible goods and services provided to Medicare patients, which may include certain pharmaceutical and other goods and services provided by PharMerica. Since the amount of skilled nursing facility Medicare reimbursement is limited by PPS, facility customers have an increased incentive to negotiate with PharMerica to minimize the costs of providing goods and services to patients covered under Medicare. PharMerica continues to bill skilled nursing facilities on a negotiated fee schedule.

PharMerica’s reimbursements for pharmaceuticals provided under state Medicaid programs are also subject to government regulation. Since mid-2000, PharMerica has experiencedregulations. Over the negative impact of two regulatory events which reduced reimbursements underlast three years, state Medicaid programs have lowered reimbursement through a variety of mechanisms, principally reductions in Average Wholesale Price (AWP) levels, expansion of Federal Upper Limit (FUL) pricing,

8


and itgeneral reductions in contract payment methodology to pharmacies. It is expected that such lower reimbursementsreimbursement will continue into future years. The first event

Recently publicized incidents in which counterfeit, adulterated and/or mislabeled pharmaceutical drugs have passed through the pharmaceutical supply channel have given rise to the proposal in a number of states and the adoption in some states, including Florida, of laws and regulations that are intended to protect the integrity of the supply channel. These laws and regulations will likely increase the overall regulatory burden and costs associated with our pharmaceutical distribution business.

In November 2003, Federal legislation was enacted that is intended to give Medicare beneficiaries a prescription drug benefit in 2006 and some form of drug discounts prior to 2006. We cannot predict at this time how the announcement by approximately 34 stateseventual implementation of a significant reduction in Average Wholesale Price reimbursement levels for certain intravenous drugs provided to Medicaid beneficiaries. The second event wasthis legislation will affect the Center for

pharmaceutical and healthcare industry or our pharmaceutical distribution business.

Medicare and Medicaid Services’ reduction of Federal Upper Limit prices, which are used to set the reimbursement levels for numerous drugs dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries.

As a result of political, economic and regulatory influences, the healthcare delivery industry in the United States is under intensive scrutiny and subject to fundamental changes. We cannot predict which if any, of such reform proposals will be adopted, when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on us.

Health Information Practices

The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set forth health information standards in order to protect security and privacy in the exchange of individually identifiable health information. Significant criminal and civil penalties may be imposed for violation of these standards. We are in the process of implementinghave implemented a HIPAA compliance program. We expectprogram to be compliant in timefacilitate our ongoing effort to meet the deadlines set forth incomply with the HIPAA Regulations.

Certain Risk Factors

The following discussion describes certain risk factors that we believe could affect our business and prospects. These risk factors are in addition to those set forth elsewhere in this report.

We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
The success of the Merger will depend in part on our ability to realize the anticipated synergies of $150 million per year by the end of fiscal 2004 and growth opportunities from integrating the businesses of AmeriSource and Bergen. Our success in realizing these synergies and growth opportunities, and the timing of this realization, depends on the successful integration of AmeriSource’s and Bergen’s operations. Even if we are able to integrate the business operations of AmeriSource and Bergen successfully, we cannot assure you that this integration will result in the realization of the full benefits of the synergies and growth opportunities that we currently expect to result from this integration or that these benefits will be achieved within the anticipated time frame. For example, the elimination of duplicative costs may not be possible or may take longer than anticipated and the benefits from the merger may be offset by costs incurred in integrating the companies.

Intense competition may erode our profit margins.

The wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals and related healthcare services is highly competitive. We compete primarily with the following: national wholesale distributors of pharmaceuticals such as Cardinal Health, Inc. and McKesson Corporation; regional and local distributors of pharmaceuticals; chain drugstores that warehouse their own pharmaceuticals; manufacturers who distribute their products directly to customers; and other specialty distributors.

Competitive pressures have contributed to a decline in our pharmaceutical distribution segment gross profit margins on operating revenue from 4.7% on a combined basis in fiscal 1997 to 3.9% in fiscal 2002.2003. This trend may continue and our business could be adversely affected as a result.

The changing United States healthcare environment may impact our revenue and income.

Our products and services are intended to function within the structure of the healthcare financing and reimbursement system currently existing in the United States. In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant changes in an effort to reduce costs and government spending. These changes include an increased reliance on managed care, cuts in Medicare funding affecting our healthcare provider customer base, consolidation of competitors, suppliers and customers, and the development of large, sophisticated purchasing groups. We expect the healthcare industry to continue to change significantly in the future. Some of these potential changes, such as a reduction in governmental support of healthcare services or adverse changes in legislation or regulations governing prescription drug pricing, healthcare services or mandated benefits, may cause healthcare industry participants to greatly reduce the amount of our products and services they purchase or the price they are willing to pay for our products and services. Changes in pharmaceutical manufacturers’ pricing or distribution policies could also significantly reduce our income.

Federal legislation was recently enacted giving Medicare beneficiaries a prescription drug benefit in 2006 and drug discounts prior to 2006. Although the implementation details of this legislation are not known at this time, this legislation eventually could have an adverse effect on our revenue and income.

9


We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of enhancing our distribution network.

As a result of the Merger, we implemented our Optimiz program, through which we will consolidate our distribution facilities from 51 to 30 and implement new warehouse information technology systems. The program is designed to focus capacity on growing markets, significantly increase warehouse efficiencies and streamline our transportation activities. Our plan is to have a distribution facility network consisting of 30 facilities within the next three to four years. This will be accomplished by building six new facilities, expanding seven facilities, and closing 27 facilities. During fiscal 2003, the Company began construction activities on three of its new facilities. In addition, two of the seven facility expansions were completed in fiscal 2003. During fiscal 2003 and 2002, the Company closed six and seven distribution facilities, respectively. The Company anticipates closing three additional facilities in fiscal 2004. We believe our enhanced distribution network will result in the lowest costs in pharmaceutical distribution and the highest accuracy and speed of customer order fulfillment. We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of enhancing our distribution network if we experience delays in building the new facilities, experience delays in expanding facilities, experience delays in facility closings or incur significant cost overruns associated with the program, or if the new warehouse information technology systems do not function as planned.

Increasing efforts by pharmaceutical manufacturers to control the pharmaceutical supply channel may reduce our profitability.

We generally seek to maintain product inventories at levels that are sufficient to fulfill our service level commitments under distribution contracts with customers. However, we have been able to lower our overall cost of goods and increase our profit margins by purchasing surplus inventory from pharmaceutical manufacturers in advance of anticipated price increases and by purchasing surplus inventory from secondary source suppliers (which are licensed suppliers of pharmaceuticals other than the manufacturers) at prices lower than those available to us directly from the manufacturers. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have become aggressive in undertaking efforts to reduce our ability to lower our overall costs of goods below the pricing levels established for us by the manufacturers. We have encountered increasing efforts by pharmaceutical manufacturers to control the supply channel. Such efforts, if accepted by us or if otherwise successful, may have the effect of reducing our profitability.

Increasing governmental efforts to regulate the pharmaceutical supply channel may reduce our profitability.

The healthcare industry is highly regulated at the local, state and federal level. Consequently, we are subject to the risk of changes in various local, state and federal laws, which include operating and security standards of the DEA, the FDA, various state boards of pharmacy and comparable agencies. Recently publicized incidents in which counterfeit, adulterated and/or mislabeled drugs have passed through the pharmaceutical supply channel have given rise to the proposal in a number of states and the adoption in some states, including Florida, of laws and regulations that are intended to protect the integrity of the supply channel but that also may restrict our ability to purchase drugs from sources other than pharmaceutical manufacturers and a very limited group of authorized distributors.

We have been able to lower our overall cost of goods and increase our profit margins by purchasing surplus inventory from secondary source suppliers (which are licensed suppliers of pharmaceuticals other than the manufacturers) at prices lower than those available to us directly from the manufacturers. Laws and regulations that have the effect of restricting our ability to engage in secondary source purchasing also may have the effect of reducing our profitability. We have announced our support of possible FDA regulations that effectively would limit the pharmaceutical supply channel to manufacturers and a limited group of distributors (which would include us and our national competitors, among others) and would diminish greatly, if not eliminate, any opportunities for us to increase our income through secondary source purchasing.

Our operating revenue and profitability may suffer upon the loss of a significant customer.

Sales to the federal government (including sales under separate contracts with different departments and agencies of the federal government) represented 9% of our operating revenue in fiscal 2003. Sales under our distribution agreement with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”) represented approximately 80% of federal government sales during fiscal 2003. In addition, we have contracts with group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), each of which represents multiple healthcare providers. Other than the federal government, we have no individual customer that accounted for more than 5% of our fiscal 2003 operating revenue. Including the federal government, our top ten customers represented approximately 36% of operating revenue during fiscal 2003.

10


Loss of a major federal government customer (such as the VA) or a GPO relationship could lead to a significant reduction in revenue, as could the loss of one or more of our significant individual customers. Our existing agreement with the VA terminates in early calendar 2004. We currently are awaiting the VA’s decision as to whether we will be selected to continue as its primary drug distributor or whether one of our competitors will be selected to replace us, in whole or in part.

If we fail to comply with extensive laws and regulations in respect of healthcare fraud, we could suffer penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations.

We are subject to extensive and frequently changing local, state and federal laws and regulations relating to healthcare fraud. The federal government continues to strengthen its position and scrutiny over practices involving healthcare fraud affecting the Medicare, Medicaid and other government healthcare programs. Our relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers subject our business to laws and regulations on fraud and abuse which, among other things, (i) preclude persons from soliciting, offering, receiving or paying any remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient for treatment or for inducing the ordering or purchasing of items or services that are in any way paid for by Medicare, Medicaid or other government-sponsored healthcare programs and (ii) impose a number of restrictions upon referring physicians and providers of designated health services under Medicare and Medicaid programs. Legislative provisions relating to healthcare fraud and abuse give federal enforcement personnel substantially increased funding, powers and remedies to pursue suspected fraud and abuse. While we believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable laws, many of the regulations applicable to us, including those relating to marketing incentives offered by pharmaceutical suppliers, are vague or indefinite and have not been interpreted by the courts. They may be interpreted or applied by a prosecutorial, regulatory or judicial authority in a manner that could require us to make changes in our operations. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could suffer civil and criminal penalties, including the loss of licenses or our ability to participate in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal and state healthcare programs.

Our operating results and/or financial condition may be adversely affected if we undertake acquisitions of businesses that do not perform as we expect.

We expect to continue to acquire companies as an element of our growth strategy. Acquisitions are among the ways by which we seek to expand our presence in strategically important markets and to expand the breadth and scope of our ancillary business and service offerings. At any particular time, we may be in various stages of assessment, discussion and negotiation with regard to one or more potential acquisitions, many of which will not proceed beyond the assessment, discussion and/or negotiation stages.be consummated. We make public disclosure of pending and completed acquisitions when appropriate and required by applicable securities laws and regulations.

Acquisitions involve numerous risks and uncertainties. If we complete one or more acquisitions, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including: the failure of the acquired businesses to achieve the results we have projected in either the near term or the longer term; the assumption of unknown liabilities; the difficulties in the integration of the operations, technologies, services and products of the acquired companies; the failure to achieve the strategic objectives of these acquisitions; and other unforeseen difficulties.

We anticipate that we will finance acquisitions in the foreseeable future at least partly by the issuance of additional common stock. The use of equity financing for acquisitions will dilute the ownership percentage of our then current stockholders.

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIESAvailable Information

For more information about us, visit our website at www.amerisourcebergen.com. The contents of the website are not part of this Form 10-K. Our electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including all Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, any amendments to these reports) are available free of charge through our website immediately after we electronically file with or furnish them to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

11


ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

As of September 30, 2002,2003, we conducted our business from office and operating unit facilities at owned and leased locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. In the aggregate, our facilities occupy approximately 7.57.3 million square feet of office and warehouse space which is either owned or leased under lease agreements which expire through 2010.

2013.

Our 44 full service38 full-service wholesale pharmaceutical distribution facilities range in size from approximately 39,000 square feet to 231,500 square feet, with an aggregate of approximately 5.24.9 million square feet. When complete, our six new distribution facilities, including office space, will each have approximately 300,000 square feet. Leased facilities are located in Puerto Rico plus the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Washington. Owned facilities are located in the following states: Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. We consider our operating properties to be in satisfactory condition. The current leases expire through 2009.2013. SeeImprove Operating and Capital Efficiencies on Page 5 for a discussion of our facility consolidation and expansion plan.

As of September 30, 2002,2003, the other business units within the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment (including ABSG, American Health Packaging, Anderson Packaging, AutoMed Technologies, Bridge Medical, US Bioservices and our other operations) were located in fifty-two leased locations and one owned location. The locations range in size from approximately 1,000 square feet to 248,000 square feet and have a combined area of approximately 1.6 million square feet. The leases expire through 2013.

As of September 30, 2003, our PharMerica operations were located in 11599 leased locations ranging in size from approximately 150350 square feet to 89,00083,000 square feet and have a combined area of approximately 1.1 million square feet. The leases expire through 2010.

As of September 30, 2002, the other business units within the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment (our specialty group, our pharmaceutical repackaging businesses and our other operations) were located in twenty-seven leased locations and one owned location. The locations range in size from approximately 2,000 square feet to 153,000 square feet and have a combined area of approximately 821,000 square feet. The leases expire through 2007.

We own and lease an aggregate of approximately 310,000292,000 square feet of general and executive offices in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania and Orange, California, and lease approximately 28,000 square feet of data processing offices in Montgomery, Alabama. The leases expire through 2010.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including antitrust, environmental, product liability, regulatory and other matters. Large and sometimes unspecified damages or penalties may be sought from the Company in some matters, and some matters may require years for the Company to resolve. The Company establishes reserves from time to time based on its periodic assessment of the potential outcomes of pending matters. There can be no assurance that an adverse resolution of one or more matters during any subsequent reporting period will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period. However, on the basis of information furnished by counsel and others and taking into consideration the reserves established for pending matters, the Company does not believe that the resolution of currently pending matters (including those matters specifically described below), individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. (See Note 1211 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Environmental Remediation

The Company is subject to contingencies pursuant to environmental laws and regulations at one of itsa former distribution centers that may require the Company to make remediation efforts.center. As of September 30, 2002,2003, the Company has an accrued liability of $0.9 million that represents the current estimate of costs to remediate the site considering the extent of contamination and choice of remedy based on existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations.site. However, changes in remediation standards, improvements in cleanupregulation or technology and discovery of additionalor new information concerning the site could affect the actual liabilityliability.

Government Investigation

In June 2000, the Company learned that the U.S. Department of Justice had commenced an investigation focusing on the activities of a customer that illegally resold merchandise purchased from the Company and on the Company’s business

12


relationship with that customer. The Company was contacted initially by the government at that time and cooperated fully. The Company had discontinued doing business with the customer in question in February 2000, after concluding this customer had demonstrated suspicious purchasing behavior. From 2001 until recently, the future.

Company had no further contact with the government on this investigation. In September 2003, the Company learned that a former employee of the Company pled guilty to charges arising from his involvement with this customer. In November 2003, the Company was contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento, California, for some additional information relating to the investigation. The Company believes that it has not engaged in any wrongdoing, but cannot predict the outcome of this investigation at this time.

Proposition 65ABDC Matter

In October 2001, the Center for Environmental Health filed a lawsuit against the Company’sJanuary 2002, Bergen Brunswig Drug Company subsidiary (“BBDC”), now(now known as AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, and several other defendants. The complaint alleged violations of California’s Proposition 65 and Unfair Trade Practices Act for failure to provide clear and reasonable warnings regarding the carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity of lead and the reproductive toxicity of cadmium to the users of FDA-approved anti-diarrheal medicines. The Company tendered its defense to the manufacturer of its private label medicines. In January 2002, the California Attorney General served an amended complaint against BBDC and several of the defendants covering the same products and asserting similar allegations and damages. On January 29, 2002, the State filed a motion to consolidate the two actions in San Francisco County Superior Court. The Company has answered the amended complaints. Settlement discussions are ongoing.

Contract Dispute
In January 2002, BBDCCorporation) was served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey by one of its manufacturer vendors, Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (“Bracco”). The complaint, which includesincluded claims for fraud, breach of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, breach of contract and unjust enrichment, involves disputes relating to chargebacks and credits. The Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the fraud and New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act counts. Bracco also tried to amend the complaint to include a federal racketeering claim. Bracco’s motion to amend the complaint was denied by the Court. The Company has answered the remaining counts of the complaint and the parties have served each other withcomplaint. Fact discovery requests andhas been completed but expert discovery still is ongoing.

PharMerica MattersMatter

In November 1998 and February 1999, two putative securities2002, a class actions wereaction was filed in federalHawaii state court on behalf of consumers who allegedly received “recycled” medications from a PharMerica institutional pharmacy in Honolulu, Hawaii. The plaintiffs allege that it was a deceptive trade practice under Hawaii law to sell “recycled” medications (i.e., medications that had previously been dispensed and then returned to the pharmacy) without disclosing that the medications were “recycled. “ In September, 2003, the Hawaii Circuit Court heard and granted the plaintiffs’ motion to certify the case as a class action. The class consists of consumers who purchased drugs in product lines in which recycling occurred, but those product lines have not yet been identified. PharMerica intends to vigorously defend itself against the Company’s PharMerica subsidiaryclaims raised in this class action. It is PharMerica’s position that the class members suffered no harm and certain individuals. These cases were later consolidated. The proposed classes consist of all persons who purchased or acquired stock of PharMerica between January 7, 1998 and July 24, 1998. The complaint, which includes claims under Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, alleges that defendants made various material misrepresentations and omissions in connection with an alleged violation of generally accepted accounting principles and the withholding of information related to the costs associated with certain acquisitions. In September 2002, defendants’ motion to dismiss was granted. The plaintiffs are not expectedentitled to appeal the dismissal.

Prior to the acquisition of PharMerica by Bergen, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), during the course of a Medicare audit of various nursing homes, requested PharMerica to produce records related to intravenous pharmaceuticals provided to certain nursing homes in 1997 and 1998. PharMerica has learned that HHS auditors alleged that during the 1997-1998 time frame, certain nursing homes, primarily operating in Texas, improperly billed Medicare for intravenous pharmaceuticals and related services. In June 2000, the government sued Sensitive Care, a former chain of thirteen

Texas nursing homes, alleging that Sensitive Care filed false claims for Medicare reimbursement. Because Sensitive Care has filed for bankruptcy, the government’s case has been filed in bankruptcy court as a creditor’s claim. In its answer to the government’s lawsuit, Sensitive Care has denied liability and has brought a third-party complaint alleging thatrecover any damages. PharMerica is liable fornot aware of any false claims liabilitiesevidence, or any specific claim, that may be imposed against Sensitive Care under an indemnification clause containedany particular class member received medications that were ineffective because they had been “recycled.” Discovery in the pharmacy services contracts between PharMerica and the nursing homes Sensitive Care formerly operated. PharMerica denies that it has any liability for fraudulent billings that Sensitive Care, an independent third-party organization, may have submitted to the government. However, PharMerica has entered into preliminary settlement discussions in the interest of expeditiously resolving this matter.
ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
case is ongoing.

ITEM 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.

13


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following is a list of the Company’s principal executive officers, their ages and their positions, as of December 19, 2003. Each executive officer serves at the pleasure of the Company’s board of directors.

Name


Age

Current Position with the Company


R. David Yost

56Chief Executive Officer and Director

Kurt J. Hilzinger

43President and Chief Operating Officer

Michael D. DiCandilo

42Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Steven H. Collis

42Senior Vice President and President of AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group

Terrance P. Haas

38Senior Vice President of Operations

Unless indicated to the contrary, the business experience summaries provided below for the Company’s executive officers describe positions held by the named individuals during the last five years.

Mr. Yost has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since the Merger and was President of the Company until October 2002.

He was Chairman of AmeriSource’s board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of AmeriSource from December 2000 until the Merger. Mr. Yost previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of AmeriSource from May 1997 to December 2000. Mr. Yost served as a director of AmeriSource from 1997 until the Merger.

Mr. Hilzinger was named President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in October 2002. Prior to that date, he was the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since the Merger; the President and Chief Operating Officer of AmeriSource from December 2000 until the Merger; the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AmeriSource from January 1999 to December 2000; and the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of AmeriSource from 1997 to 1999.

Mr. DiCandilo was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in March 2002. Previously, he was the Company’s Vice President and Controller since the Merger date and AmeriSource’s Vice President and Controller from 1995 to the Merger date.

Mr. Collis has been a Senior Vice President of the Company and President of AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group since the Merger. He was Senior Executive Vice President of Bergen from February 2000 until the Merger and President of ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc. from September 2000 until the Merger. Mr. Collis was also Executive Vice President of ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc. from 1996 to August 2000.

Mr. Haas was named Senior Vice President, Operations of the Company in February 2003. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Integration since October 2001 and Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management from the Merger date to October 2001. Prior to the Merger, Mr. Haas served as AmeriSource’s Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management since November 2000 and Senior Vice President, Operations of AmeriSource from 1999 to 2000.

14


PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Since August 29, 2001, the Company’s Common Stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ABC.” Prior to August 29, 2001, AmeriSource Health Corporation Class A Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “AAS.” As of December 2, 2002,1, 2003, there were 2,4313,208 record holders of the Company’s Common Stock. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock and the Company’s Common Stock for the periods indicated.

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

   
High

  
Low

Year Ended 9/30/01
        
First Quarter  $52.6250  $40.6875
Second Quarter   57.6500   42.0625
Third Quarter   61.7200   48.3899
Fourth Quarter   70.9499   54.6300
Year Ended 9/30/02
        
First Quarter   71.3000   55.1000
Second Quarter   70.0500   56.8000
Third Quarter   82.2600   66.0700
Fourth Quarter   73.2800   57.8000

   High

  Low

Fiscal Year Ended 9/30/02

        

First Quarter

  $71.30  $55.10

Second Quarter

   70.05   56.80

Third Quarter

   82.26   66.07

Fourth Quarter

   73.28   57.80

Fiscal Year Ended 9/30/03

        

First Quarter

   74.93   51.30

Second Quarter

   59.20   46.76

Third Quarter

   70.12   50.28

Fourth Quarter

   73.30   53.50

The Company has paid its first quarterly dividend, a cash dividenddividends of $0.025 per share on Common Stock on December 3, 2001. Dividendssince the first quarter of $0.025 per share were paid on March 1, 2002, June 3, 2002 and September 3, 2002. A dividend of $0.025 per share was declared by the board of directors on October 30, 2002, and was paid on December 2, 2002 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 18,fiscal 2002. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future. Most recently, a dividend of $0.025 per share was declared by the board of directors on October 29, 2003, and was paid on December 1, 2003 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2003. However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend upon the Company’s future earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

15


ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

On August 29, 2001, AmeriSource and Bergen merged to form the Company. The Merger was accounted for as an acquisition of Bergen under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations and the balance sheet information in the table below reflect only the operating results and financial position of AmeriSource for fiscal years ended September 30, 2000 and prior. The financial data for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 reflects the operating results for the full year of AmeriSource and approximately one month of Bergen, and the financial position of the combined company. The following table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this report.

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

   
2002(a)

  
2001(b)

  
2000(c)

  
1999(d)

  
1998(e)

   
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating revenue  $40,240,714  $15,822,635  $11,609,995  $9,760,083  $9,373,482
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses   4,994,080   368,718   35,026   47,280   129,555
   

  

  

  

  

Total revenue   45,234,794   16,191,353   11,645,021   9,807,363   9,503,037
Gross profit   2,024,474   700,118   519,581   473,065   461,897
Operating expenses   1,306,046   440,742   317,456   314,063   322,966
Operating income   718,428   259,376   202,125   159,002   138,931
Income before extraordinary items   344,941   123,796   99,014   70,915   46,030
Net income   344,941   123,796   99,014   67,466   46,030
Earnings per share—diluted(f):                    
Income before extraordinary items   3.16   2.10   1.90   1.38   .91
Net income   3.16   2.10   1.90   1.31   .91
Cash dividends declared per common share  $0.10  $—    $—    $—    $—  
Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted   112,228   62,807   52,020   51,683   50,713
Balance Sheet:                    
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash  $663,340  $297,626  $120,818  $59,497  $90,344
Accounts receivable—net   2,222,156   2,142,663   623,961   612,520   509,130
Merchandise inventories   5,437,878   5,056,257   1,570,504   1,243,153   954,010
Property and equipment—net   282,578   289,569   64,962   64,384   67,955
Total assets   11,213,012   10,291,245   2,458,567   2,060,599   1,726,272
Accounts payable   5,367,837   4,991,884   1,584,133   1,175,619   947,016
Long-term debt, including current portion(g)   1,817,313   1,874,379   413,675   559,127   540,327
Stockholders’ equity   3,316,338   2,838,564   282,294   166,277   75,355
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   11,213,012   10,291,245   2,458,567   2,060,599   1,726,272

   Fiscal year ended September 30,

(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)


  2003(a)

  2002(b)

  2001(c)

  2000(d)

  1999(e)

Operating revenue

  $45,536,689  $40,240,714  $15,822,635  $11,609,995  $9,760,083

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   4,120,639   4,994,080   368,718   35,026   47,280
   

  

  

  

  

Total revenue

   49,657,328   45,234,794   16,191,353   11,645,021   9,807,363

Gross profit

   2,247,159   2,024,474   700,118   519,581   473,065

Operating expenses

   1,364,053   1,306,046   440,742   317,456   314,063

Operating income

   883,106   718,428   259,376   202,125   159,002

Net income

   441,229   344,941   123,796   99,014   67,466

Earnings per share – diluted(f)

   3.89   3.16   2.10   1.90   1.31

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $0.10  $0.10  $—    $—    $—  

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

   115,954   112,228   62,807   52,020   51,683

Balance Sheet:

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $800,036  $663,340  $297,626  $120,818  $59,497

Accounts receivable – net

   2,295,437   2,222,156   2,142,663   623,961   612,520

Merchandise inventories

   5,733,837   5,437,878   5,056,257   1,570,504   1,243,153

Property and equipment – net

   353,170   282,578   289,569   64,962   64,384

Total assets

   12,040,125   11,213,012   10,291,245   2,458,567   2,060,599

Accounts payable

   5,393,769   5,367,837   4,991,884   1,584,133   1,175,619

Long-term debt, including current portion

   1,784,154   1,817,313   1,874,379   413,675   559,127

Stockholders’ equity

   4,005,317   3,316,338   2,838,564   282,294   166,277

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   12,040,125   11,213,012   10,291,245   2,458,567   2,060,599

(a)Includes $5.4 million of facility consolidations and employee severance costs, net of income tax benefit of $3.5 million and $2.6 million related to a loss on early retirement of debt, net of income tax benefit of $1.6 million.

(b)Includes $14.6 million of merger costs, net of income tax benefit of $9.6 million.

(b)(c)Includes $8.0 million of merger costs, net of income tax benefit of $5.1 million, $6.8 million of costs related to facility consolidations and employee severance, net of income tax benefit of $4.1 million, and a $1.7 million reduction in an environmental liability, net of income taxes of $1.0 million.

(c)(d)Includes a $0.7 million reversal of costs related to facility consolidations and employee severance, net of income taxes of $0.4 million.

(d)(e)Includes $9.3 million of costs related to facility consolidations and employee severance, net of income tax benefit of $2.4 million, and $2.7 million of merger costs, net of income tax benefit of $0.5 million.

(e)Includes $11.2 million of merger costs, net of income tax benefit of $7.2 million, and $5.1 million of costs related to facility consolidations and employee severance, net of income tax benefit of $3.2 million.
(f)Includes the amortization of goodwill, net of income taxes, during fiscal 1998 through fiscal 2001. Had the Company not amortized goodwill, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.02 higher in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000 and unchanged in fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998.1999.

16


(g)ITEM 7. Debt includes company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust.

ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained herein.

The Company

AmerisourceBergen Corporation (the “Company”) is a leading national wholesale distributor of pharmaceutical products and related healthcare services and solutions with approximately $40$45.5 billion in annual operating revenue. The Company was formed in connection with the merger of AmeriSource Health Corporation (“AmeriSource”) and Bergen Brunswig Corporation (“Bergen”), which was consummated on August 29, 2001 (the “Merger”).

The Company is organized based upon the products and services it provides to its customers. The Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into two reportable segments: Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica.

The Pharmaceutical Distribution segment includes AmerisourceBergen Drug CompanyCorporation (“ABDC”) and AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group (“ABSG”). ABDC includes the full-service wholesale pharmaceutical distribution facilities American Health Packaging, AutoMed Technologies, Inc. and other healthcare related businesses. ABDC sells pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, health and beauty aids, and other health-related products to hospitals, managedalternate care and mail order facilities and independent and chain retail pharmacies. ABDC, directly and through subsidiaries and affiliates, including American Health Packaging, packages oral solid medications for nearly any need in virtually all settings of patient care. ABDCAnderson Packaging, AutoMed Technologies, Bridge Medical and Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, also provides promotional, packaging, inventory management, pharmacy automation, bedside medication safety software and information services to its customers.customers and healthcare product manufacturers. ABSG sells specialty pharmaceutical products and services to physicians, clinics, patients and other providers in the oncology, nephrology, plasma and vaccines sectors. ABSG also provides third party logistics, and reimbursement consulting services, physician education consulting and other services to healthcare product manufacturers.

The PharMerica segment consists solely of the Company’s PharMerica operations. PharMerica provides institutional pharmacy products and services to patients in long-term care and alternate site settings, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and residential living communities. ItPharMerica also provides mail order and on-line pharmacy services to chronically and catastrophically ill patients under workers’ compensation programs, and provides pharmaceutical claims administration services for payors.

17


Impact of the Merger

The Merger was accountedSummary Segment Information – Comparative Information for as an acquisition of Bergen under the purchase method of accounting using the guidelinesFiscal 2003 and 2002

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

Summary Segment Information

   

Operating Revenue

Fiscal year ended September 30,


 

(dollars in thousands)


  2003

  2002

  Change

 

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $44,731,200  $39,539,858  13%

PharMerica

   1,608,203   1,475,028  9 

Intersegment eliminations

   (802,714)  (774,172) (4)
   


 


   

Total

  $45,536,689  $40,240,714  13%
   


 


   
   

Operating Income

Fiscal year ended September 30,


 

(dollars in thousands)


  2003

  2002

  Change

 

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $788,193  $659,208  20%

PharMerica

   103,843   83,464  24 

Facility consolidations and employee severance and merger costs (“special items”)

   (8,930)  (24,244) 63 
   


 


   

Total

  $883,106  $718,428  23%
   


 


   

Percentages of operating revenue:

            

Pharmaceutical Distribution

            

Gross profit

   3.85%  3.87%   

Operating expenses

   2.09%  2.20%   

Operating income

   1.76%  1.67%   

PharMerica

            

Gross profit

   32.69%  33.49%   

Operating expenses

   26.23%  27.83%   

Operating income

   6.46%  5.66%   

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

            

Gross profit

   4.93%  5.03%   

Operating expenses

   3.00%  3.25%   

Operating income

   1.94%  1.79%   

18


Summary Segment Information – Comparative Information for business combinations issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Under the purchase method of accounting, the estimated cost of approximately $2.4 billion to acquire Bergen, including transaction costs, was allocated to its underlying net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. The $2.3 billion excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the tangible net assets acquired was recorded as goodwillFiscal 2002 and intangible assets.

Comparative2001 (Including Pro Forma Information for Fiscal 20012001)

The Company’s fiscal 2001 results include a full year of AmeriSource’s results and approximately one month of Bergen’s results. In order to enhance comparability to the fiscal 2002 results, we have included pro forma information for fiscal 2001 results of operations. For purposes of this discussion, pro forma refers to the combined results of AmeriSource and Bergen for fiscal 2001 and are not intended to be consolidated financial statements of AmerisourceBergen prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and do not represent the consolidated results as if the Merger had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2001. In addition, theyThey are not necessarily indicative of the actual results which might have occurred had the operations and management of AmeriSource and Bergen been combined at the beginning of fiscal 2001. The following information also includes the results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2001 on a pro forma basis by reportable segment.

To further improve the comparability between fiscal years, the pro forma combined information for the year ended September 30, 2001 excludes amortization of goodwill (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and reflects the full allocation of Bergen’s former Corporate segment to the Company’s Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica segments.

Such pro forma information and the related discussion is limited to the line items comprising operating income. Due to the changes in the Company’s debt structure which occurred in connection with the Merger, pro forma combined interest expense for fiscal 2001 would not be directly comparable to the Company’s fiscal 2002 interest expense.

19


AmerisourceBergen Corporation

Summary Segment Information

   
Operating Revenue
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   
Actual
2002

   
Actual
2001

   
Pro forma 2001(1)

   
Actual % Change

     
Pro forma % Change

 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Pharmaceutical Distribution  $39,539,858   $15,770,042   $33,985,611   151%    16%
PharMerica   1,475,028    116,719    1,350,008   1,164%    9 
Intersegment Eliminations   (774,172)   (64,126)   (736,309)        5 
   


  


  


          
Total  $40,240,714   $15,822,635   $34,599,310   154%    16%
   


  


  


  

    

   
Operating Income
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   
Actual
2002

   
Actual
2001

   
Pro forma 2001(1)

   
Actual % Change

     
Pro forma % Change

 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Pharmaceutical Distribution  $659,208   $274,209   $551,827   140%    19%
PharMerica   83,464    6,472    68,856   1,190%    21 
Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation (“special items”)   (24,244)   (21,305)   (21,305)          
   


  


  


          
Total  $718,428   $259,376   $599,378   177%    20%
   


  


  


  

    

Percentages of operating revenue:                         
Pharmaceutical Distribution                         
Gross profit   3.87%   4.19%   4.13%          
Operating expenses   2.20%   2.45%   2.51%          
Operating income   1.67%   1.74%   1.62%          
PharMerica                         
Gross profit   33.49%   34.06%   35.24%          
Operating expenses   27.83%   28.51%   30.14%          
Operating income   5.66%   5.55%   5.10%          
AmerisourceBergen Corporation                         
Gross profit   5.03%   4.42%   5.44%          
Operating expenses(2)   3.25%   2.79%   3.70%          
Operating income(2)   1.79%   1.64%   1.73%          

   

Operating Revenue

Fiscal year ended September 30,


       

(dollars in thousands)


  Actual 2002

  Actual 2001

  Pro forma
2001(1)


  Actual %
Change


  Pro forma %
Change


 

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $39,539,858  $15,770,042  $33,985,611  151% 16%

PharMerica

   1,475,028   116,719   1,350,008  1,164  9 

Intersegment Eliminations

   (774,172)  (64,126)  (736,309)    5 
   


 


 


      

Total

  $40,240,714  $15,822,635  $34,599,310  154% 16%
   


 


 


 

 

   

Operating Income

Fiscal year ended September 30,


       

(dollars in thousands)


  Actual 2002

  Actual 2001

  Pro forma
2001(1)


  Actual %
Change


  Pro forma %
Change


 

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $659,208  $274,209  $551,827  140% 19%

PharMerica

   83,464   6,472   68,856  1,190  21 

Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation (“special items”)

   (24,244)  (21,305)  2,716       

Other adjustments(2)

   —     —     (16,313)      
   


 


 


      

Total

  $718,428  $259,376  $607,086  177% 18%
   


 


 


 

 

Percentages of operating revenue:

                   

Pharmaceutical Distribution

                   

Gross profit

   3.87%  4.19%  4.13%      

Operating expenses

   2.20%  2.45%  2.51%      

Operating income

   1.67%  1.74%  1.62%      

PharMerica

                   

Gross profit

   33.49%  34.06%  35.24%      

Operating expenses

   27.83%  28.51%  30.14%      

Operating income

   5.66%  5.55%  5.10%      

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

                   

Gross profit

   5.03%  4.42%  5.44%      

Operating expenses

   3.25%  2.79%  3.68%      

Operating income

   1.79%  1.64%  1.75%      

(1)Represents the combination of AmeriSource Health Corporation’s and Bergen Brunswig Corporation’s financial information.

(2)Includes merger costsRepresents non recurring adjustments, which have been excluded from the Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica operating income, necessary to reconcile the segment results to the pro forma operating income in fiscal 2002. Includes merger costs, the cost of facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation in fiscal 2001.conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

20


Year ended September 30, 2003 compared with Year ended September 30, 2002

Consolidated Results

Operating revenue, which excludes bulk deliveries, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 increased 13% to $45.5 billion from $40.2 billion in the prior fiscal year. This increase is primarily due to increased operating revenue in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment.

The Company reports as revenue bulk deliveries to customer warehouses, whereby the Company acts as an intermediary in the ordering and delivery of pharmaceutical products. Bulk deliveries for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 decreased 17% to $4.1 billion from $5.0 billion in the prior fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to the Company’s conversion of a portion of its bulk and other direct business with its primary bulk delivery customer to business serviced through the Company’s various warehouses. Due to the insignificant service fees generated from bulk deliveries, fluctuations in volume of bulk deliveries have no significant impact on operating margins. However, revenue from bulk deliveries has had a positive impact to the Company’s cash flows due to favorable timing between the customer payments to the Company and the payments by the Company to its suppliers.

Gross profit of $2,247.2 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 11% from $2,024.5 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, gross profit in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 was 4.93%, as compared to the prior-year percentage of 5.03%. The decrease in gross profit percentage in comparison with the prior fiscal year reflects declines in both the Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica segments primarily due to changes in customer mix and competitive selling price pressures, offset in part by the positive aggregate margin impact resulting from the Company’s recent acquisitions.

Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization (“DSAD&A”) of $1,355.1 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 6% compared to $1,281.8 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, DSAD&A in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 was 2.98% compared to 3.19% in the prior fiscal year. The decline in the DSAD&A percentage from the prior fiscal year ratio reflects improvements in both the Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica segments due to customer mix changes, operational efficiencies and continued benefits from the merger integration effort.

In connection with the Merger, the Company developed integration plans to consolidate its distribution network and eliminate duplicate administrative functions, which are expected to result in synergies of approximately $150 million annually by the end of fiscal 2004. The Company’s plan is to have a distribution facility network consisting of 30 facilities in the next three to four years. This will be accomplished by building six new facilities, expanding seven facilities, and closing 27 facilities. During fiscal 2003, the Company began construction activities on three of its new facilities and completed two of the seven facility expansions. During fiscal 2003 and 2002, the Company closed six and seven distribution facilities, respectively. The Company anticipates closing three additional facilities in fiscal 2004.

In September 2001, the Company announced plans to close seven distribution facilities in fiscal 2002, consisting of six former AmeriSource facilities and one former Bergen facility. A charge of $10.9 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 related to the AmeriSource facilities, and included $6.2 million of severance for approximately 260 warehouse and administrative personnel to be terminated, $2.3 million in lease and contract cancellations, and $2.4 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed. Approximately $0.2 million of costs related to the Bergen facility were included in the Merger purchase price allocation. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, severance accruals of $1.8 million recorded in September 2001 were reversed into income because certain employees who were expected to be severed either voluntarily left the Company or were retained in other positions within the Company.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company announced further integration initiatives relating to the closure of Bergen’s repackaging facility and the elimination of certain Bergen administrative functions, including the closure of a related office facility. The cost of these initiatives of approximately $19.2 million, which included $15.8 million of severance for approximately 310 employees to be terminated, $1.6 million for lease cancellation costs, and $1.8 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed, resulted in additional goodwill being recorded during fiscal 2002. At September 30, 2003, substantially all of the 310 employees have been terminated.

Since September 2002, the Company has announced plans to close six distribution facilities in fiscal 2003 and eliminate certain administrative and operational functions (“the fiscal 2003 initiatives”). As of September 30, 2003, the six facilities were

21


closed. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded severance costs of $10.3 million and lease cancellation costs of $1.1 million relating to the fiscal 2003 initiatives. Employee severance and lease cancellation costs related to the fiscal 2003 initiatives have been recognized in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” Employee severance costs are generally expensed during the employee service period and lease cancellation and other costs are generally expensed when the Company becomes contractually bound to pay such costs. In the future, the Company expects to incur an additional $1.0 million of employee severance costs relating to the fiscal 2003 initiatives. As of September 30, 2003, approximately 520 employees had been provided termination notices as a result of the fiscal 2003 initiatives, of which 490 were terminated. Additional amounts for integration initiatives will be recognized in subsequent periods as facilities to be consolidated are identified and specific plans are approved and announced.

The Company paid a total of $13.8 million and $15.6 million for employee severance and lease and contract cancellation costs in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, related to the aforementioned integration plans. Remaining unpaid amounts of $5.0 million for employee severance and lease cancellation costs are included in accrued expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2003. Most employees receive their severance benefits over a period of time, generally not to exceed 12 months, while others may receive a lump-sum payment.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company expensed approximately $24.2 million of merger costs, primarily related to integrating the operations of AmeriSource and Bergen. Such costs were comprised primarily of consulting fees, which amounted to $16.6 million. The merger costs also included a $2.1 million adjustment to the Company’s fourth quarter 2001 charge of $6.5 million relating to the accelerated vesting of AmeriSource stock options. Effective October 1, 2002, the Company converted its merger integration office to an operations management office. Accordingly, the costs of the operations management office are included within distribution, selling and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Operating income of $883.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 23% from $718.4 million in the prior fiscal year. Special items reduced the Company’s operating income by $8.9 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 and by $24.2 million in the prior fiscal year. The Company’s operating income as a percentage of operating revenue was 1.94% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 compared to 1.79% in the prior fiscal year. The improvement was primarily due to the lower amount of special items and the aforementioned DSAD&A expense percentage reduction.

The Company recorded equity in losses of affiliates and other of $8.0 million and $5.6 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These amounts primarily consisted of impairment charges relating to investments in technology companies.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded a $4.2 million loss resulting from the early retirement of debt (see Note 5 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Interest expense increased 3% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 to $144.7 million from $140.7 million in the prior fiscal year. Average borrowings, net of invested cash, under the Company’s debt facilities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 were $2.3 billion as compared to average borrowings, net of invested cash, of $2.0 billion in the prior fiscal year. Average borrowing rates under the Company’s debt facilities decreased to 5.6% in the current fiscal year from 6.1% in the prior fiscal year. The increase in average borrowings, net of invested cash, was primarily a result of additional merchandise inventories on hand during the current fiscal year compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease in average borrowing rates resulted from lower percentages of fixed-rate debt outstanding to total debt outstanding in the current fiscal year compared to the prior fiscal year, as well as lower market interest rates on variable-rate debt.

Income tax expense of $284.9 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an effective tax rate of 39.2%, versus 39.7% in the prior fiscal year. The Company has been able to lower its effective tax rate during the current fiscal year by implementing tax planning strategies.

Net income of $441.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 28% from $344.9 million in the prior fiscal year. Diluted earnings per share of $3.89 in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects a 23% increase as compared to $3.16 per share in the prior fiscal year. Special items and the loss on early retirement of debt had the effect of decreasing net income by $8.0 million and reducing diluted earnings per share by $0.07 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. Special items had the effect of decreasing net income by $14.6 million and reducing diluted earnings per share by $0.13 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. The growth in earnings per share was smaller than the growth in

22


net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 due to the issuance of Company common stock in connection with the acquisitions described in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and in connection with the exercise of stock options.

Segment Information

Pharmaceutical Distribution Segment

Pharmaceutical Distribution operating revenue of $44.7 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 13% from $39.5 billion in the prior fiscal year. The Company’s recent acquisitions contributed less than 0.5% of the segment’s operating revenue growth for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, 56% of operating revenue was from sales to institutional customers and 44% was from retail customers; this compares to a customer mix in the prior fiscal year of 53% institutional and 47% retail. In comparison with the prior-year results, sales to institutional customers increased 20% primarily due to (i) the previously mentioned conversion of bulk delivery and other direct business with the Company’s primary bulk delivery customer to business serviced through the Company’s various warehouses, which contributed 4% of the total operating revenue growth; (ii) above market rate growth of the ABSG specialty pharmaceutical business; and (iii) higher revenues from customers engaged in the mail order sale of pharmaceuticals. Sales to retail customers increased by 5% in comparison to the prior fiscal year. The growth rate of sales to retail customers has declined during fiscal 2003 compared to the fiscal 2002 growth primarily due to lower growth trends in the retail market and the below market growth of certain of the Company’s large regional chain customers. Additionally, retail sales in the second-half of fiscal 2003 were adversely impacted by the loss of a large customer. This segment’s growth largely reflects U.S. pharmaceutical industry conditions, including increases in prescription drug utilization and higher pharmaceutical prices offset, in part, by the increased use of lower priced generics. The segment’s growth has also been impacted by industry competition and changes in customer mix. Industry growth rates, as estimated by industry data firm IMS Healthcare, Inc., are expected to be between 10% and 13% over the next four years. Future operating revenue growth will continue to be driven by industry growth trends, competition within the industry and customer consolidation.

Pharmaceutical Distribution gross profit of $1,721.5 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 12% from $1,530.5 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, gross profit in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 was 3.85%, as compared to 3.87% in the prior fiscal year. The slight decline in gross profit as a percentage of operating revenue was the net result of the negative impact of a change in customer mix to a higher percentage of large institutional, mail order and chain accounts, and the continuing competitive pricing environment, offset primarily by the positive aggregate impact of recently-acquired companies, which amounted to 15 basis points in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. Downward pressures on sell-side gross profit margin are expected to continue and there can be no assurance that the inclusion of additional businesses that generate higher margins or that increases in the buy-side component of the gross margin, including increases derived from manufacturer price increases, negotiated deals and secondary market opportunities, will be available in the future to fully or partially offset the anticipated decline of the sell-side margin. The Company expects that buy-side opportunities may decrease in the future as pharmaceutical manufacturers increasingly seek to control the supply channel through product allocations that limit the inventory the Company can purchase and through the imposition of inventory management and other agreements that prohibit or severely restrict the Company’s right to purchase inventory from secondary source suppliers. Although the Company seeks in any such agreements to obtain appropriate compensation from pharmaceutical manufacturers for foregoing buy-side opportunities, there can be no assurance that the agreements will function as intended and replace any or all lost profit opportunities. The Company’s cost of goods sold includes a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) provision that is affected by changes in inventory quantities, product mix, and manufacturer pricing practices, which may be impacted by market and other external influences.

Pharmaceutical Distribution operating expenses of $933.3 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 7% from $871.3 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating expenses in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 were 2.09%, as compared to 2.20% in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in the expense percentage reflects the changing customer mix described above, efficiencies of scale, the elimination of redundant costs through the merger integration process, the continued emphasis on productivity throughout the Company’s distribution network and a reduction of bad debt expense, offset, in part, by higher expense ratios associated with the Company’s recent acquisitions.

Pharmaceutical Distribution operating income of $788.2 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 reflects an increase of 20% from $659.2 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 was 1.76%, as compared to 1.67% in the prior fiscal year. The improvement over the prior-year percentage was due to a reduction in the operating expense ratio in excess of the decline in gross margin, which was partially the result of the Company’s ability to capture synergy cost savings from the Merger. While management historically has been able to

23


lower expense ratios and expects to continue to do so, there can be no assurance that reductions will occur in the future, or that expense ratio reductions will exceed possible declines in gross margins. Additionally, there can be no assurance that merger integration efforts will proceed as planned or result in the desired cost savings.

PharMerica Segment

PharMerica’s operating revenue increased 9% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 to $1,608.2 million compared to $1,475.0 million in the prior fiscal year. This increase is principally attributable to the growth in PharMerica’s workers’ compensation business, which has grown at a faster rate than its long-term care business. During the second-half of fiscal 2003, the growth rate of the workers’ compensation business began to slow down, partially due to the loss of a significant customer. The slow down in the workers’ compensation business is expected to continue in fiscal 2004 and as a result, the operating revenue growth rate in fiscal 2004 for the PharMerica segment is expected to be in the mid-single digits. The future operating revenue growth rate will be impacted by competitive pressures, changes in the regulatory environment and the pharmaceutical inflation rate.

PharMerica’s gross profit of $525.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 increased 6% from gross profit of $494.0 million in the prior fiscal year. PharMerica’s gross profit margin declined slightly to 32.69% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 from 33.49% in the prior fiscal year. This decrease is primarily the result of a change in the sales mix, with a greater proportion of PharMerica’s current year revenues coming from its workers’ compensation business, which has lower gross profit margins and lower operating expenses than its long-term care business. In addition, industry competitive pressures continue to adversely affect gross profit margins.

PharMerica’s operating expenses of $421.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 increased from $410.5 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating expenses were reduced to 26.23% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 from 27.83% in the prior fiscal year. The percentage reduction was primarily due to the continued improvements in operating practices, the aforementioned shift in customer mix towards the workers’ compensation business and a reduction in bad debt expense.

PharMerica’s operating income of $103.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 increased by 24% from $83.5 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 was 6.46%, as compared to 5.66% in the prior fiscal year. The improvement was due to the aforementioned reduction in the operating expense ratio, which was greater than the reduction in gross profit margin. While management historically has been able to lower expense ratios and expects to continue to do so, there can be no assurance that reductions will occur in the future, or that expense ratio reductions will exceed possible further declines in gross margins.

Intersegment Eliminations

These amounts represent the elimination of the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment’s sales to PharMerica. AmerisourceBergen Drug Company is the principal supplier of pharmaceuticals to PharMerica.

Year ended September 30, 2002 compared with Year ended September 30, 2001

Consolidated Results

Operating revenue, which excludes bulk deliveries, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 154% to $40.2 billion from $15.8 billion in the prior fiscal year. This increase is primarily due to increased operating revenue in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment as a result of the Merger. Operating revenue increased 16% from $34.6 billion in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. This increase is primarily due to the 16% increase in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment.

The Company reports as revenue bulk deliveries to customer warehouses, whereby the Company acts as an intermediary in the ordering and delivery of pharmaceutical products. As a result of the Merger, bulk deliveries increased to $5.0 billion in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 compared to $368.7 million in the prior fiscal year. Revenue from bulk deliveries increased 10% versusfrom $4.5 billion in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. Due to the insignificant service fees generated from these bulk deliveries, fluctuations in volume have no significant impact on operating margins. However, revenue from bulk

24


deliveries has a positive impact to the Company’s cash flows due to favorable timing between the customer payments to us and the payments by us to our suppliers. Substantially all of the Company’s bulk deliveries were made to Merck-Medco Managed Care LLC.

Gross profit of $2,024.5 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects an increase of 189% from $700.1 million in the prior fiscal year on a historical basis and an increase of 8% from $1,880.7 million in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. As a percentage of operating revenue, gross profit in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 was 5.03%, as compared to prior-year percentages of 4.42% on a historical basis and 5.44% on a pro forma combined basis. The increase in the gross profit percentage from prior fiscal year historical results was primarily due to the inclusion of PharMerica in the current year. PharMerica, due to the nature of its prescription fulfillment business, has significantly higher gross margins and operating expense ratios than the Company’s Pharmaceutical Distribution segment. The decrease in gross profit percentage in comparison with the prior fiscal year pro forma combined percentage reflects declines in both the Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica segments due to changes in customer mix and competitive selling price pressures.

Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization (“DSAD&A”) of $1,281.8 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects an increase of 206% compared to $419.4 million in the prior fiscal year on a historical basis and an increase of 2%less than 1% compared to $1,260.1$1,276.4 million in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. As a percentage of operating revenue, DSAD&A in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 was 3.19%, as compared to prior fiscal year percentages of 2.65% on a historical basis and 3.64%3.69% on a pro forma combined basis. The increases in the DSAD&A percentage from the prior fiscal year historical results were primarily due to the inclusion of PharMerica in the current year, as explained above. The decrease in the DSAD&A percentage from the prior fiscal year pro forma combined ratio reflects improvements in both the Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica segments due to customer mix changes, operational efficiencies and benefits from the merger integration effort.

In connection with the Merger, the Company has developed integration plans to consolidate its distribution network and eliminate duplicate administrative functions, which are expected to result in synergies of approximately $150 million annually by the end of the third year following the Merger.fiscal 2004. The Company’s plan is to have a distribution facility network consisting of 30 facilities in the next fourthree to fivefour years. This will be accomplished by building six new facilities, expanding seven facilities, and closing 27 facilities. During fiscal 2002, the Company closed seven distribution facilities and is planning to close an additional six facilities in fiscal 2003.

facilities.

In September 2001, the Company announced plans to close seven distribution facilities in fiscal 2002, consisting of six former AmeriSource facilities and one former Bergen facility. A charge of $10.9 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 related to the AmeriSource facilities, and included $6.2 million of severance for approximately 260 warehouse and administrative personnel to be terminated, $2.3 million in lease and contract cancellations, and $2.4 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed. Approximately $0.2 million of costs related to the Bergen facility were included in the Merger purchase price allocation.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company announced further integration initiatives relating to the closure of Bergen’s repackaging facility and the elimination of certain Bergen administrative functions, including the closure of a related office facility. The cost of these initiatives of approximately $19.2 million, which included $15.8 million of severance for approximately 310 employees to be terminated, $1.6 million for lease cancellation costs, and $1.8 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed, resulted in additional goodwill being recorded during fiscal 2002.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, seven distribution facilities and the repackaging facility were closed, and 355 employees were terminated. The Company paid a total of $15.6 million for employee severance and lease and contract cancellation costs with respect to its integration initiatives during fiscal 2002. Remaining unpaid amounts of $9.1 million for employee severance and lease obligations are included in accrued expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2002. Severance for some employees will be paid over periods of up to eighteen months after their respective termination dates.
In September 2002, the Company announced the first of its six facility closures planned for fiscal 2003. In December 2002, the Company announced the second and third of the planned facility closures. Employee severance and lease cancellation costs related to the fiscal 2003 facility closures will be recognized in accordance with the new provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” which the Company elected to adopt early in September 2002. Employee severance costs will generally be expensed during the employee service period and lease cancellation and other costs will generally be expensed when the Company enters into a contractual obligation. The Company expects to incur charges of approximately $10 million to $12 million relating to these efforts in fiscal 2003. Additional amounts for integration initiatives will be recognized in subsequent periods as facilities to be consolidated are identified and specific plans are approved and announced.

In connection with the Merger, the Company expensed merger costs in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 of $24.2 million, consisting primarily of integration consulting fees of $16.6 million. The merger costs also includeincluded a $2.1 million increase to the Company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2001 charge of $6.5 million relating to the accelerated vesting of AmeriSource stock options. Total merger costs in fiscal 2001 amounted to $13.1 million, primarily consisting of consulting fees and the accelerated stock option vesting charge. Additional merger costs, including integration and employee retention costs, will be charged to expense in subsequent periods when incurred.

Operating income of $718.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects an increase of 177% from $259.4 million in the prior fiscal year. Special items had the effect of reducing the Company’s operating income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 by $24.2 million and $21.3 million, respectively. The Company’s operating income as a percentage of operating revenue was 1.79% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, as compared to prior-year percentages of 1.64% on a historical basis and 1.73%1.75% on a pro forma combined basis. The improvements are due to the aforementioned DSAD&A expense percentage reductions more than offsetting the reductions in gross margin.

Equity in losses of affiliates and other was $5.6 million and $10.9 million in fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, respectively. The fiscal 2002 amount principally reflects an impairment of the Company’s investment in a healthcare technology company. The majority of the fiscal 2001 amount represents the impact of the Company’s investment in Health Nexus, LLC, which was

25


accounted for on the equity method. The Company’s percentage ownership in the successor to Health Nexus, LLC fell below 20% in November 2001, and this investment is now accounted for using the cost method.

Interest expense, which includes the distributions on preferred securities of a subsidiary trust, increased 194% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 to $140.7 million compared to $47.9 million in the prior fiscal year, primarily as a result of the Merger. Average borrowings, net of invested cash, under the Company’s debt facilities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 were $2.2$2.0 billion as compared to average borrowings, net of $746invested cash, of $696 million in the prior fiscal year. Average borrowing rates under the Company’s variable-rate debt facilities decreased to 3.5% in the current fiscal year from 6.2% in the prior fiscal year, due to lower market interest rates.

Income tax expense of $227.1 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects an effective tax rate of 39.7% versus 38.3% in the prior fiscal year. The tax rate for fiscal 2002 was higher than the prior fiscal year’s tax rate as a result of the Merger.

Net income of $344.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects an increase of 179% from $123.8 million in the prior fiscal year. Diluted earnings per share of $3.16 in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects a 50% increase as compared to $2.10 per share in the prior fiscal year. Special items had the effect of reducing net income and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 by $14.6 million and $0.13, respectively, and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 by $13.1 million and $0.21, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 reflects the full-year impact of the shares issued to effect the Merger.

Segment Information

Pharmaceutical Distribution Segment

Pharmaceutical Distribution operating revenue of $39.5 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 151% from $15.8 billion in the prior fiscal year on a historical basis and increased 16% from $34.0 billion in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, 53% of operating revenue was from sales to institutional customers and 47% was from retail customers; this compares to a customer mix in the prior fiscal year of 53% institutional and 47% retail on a historical basis and 52% institutional and 48% retail on a pro forma combined basis. In comparison with prior fiscal year pro forma combined results, sales to institutional customers increased by 19% primarily due to higher revenues from mail order facilities, ABSG’s specialty pharmaceutical business and alternate site facilities. Sales to retail customers increased 14% over the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis, principally due to higher revenues from regional drug store chains, including the pharmacy departments of supermarkets. This segment’s growth largely reflects national industry economic conditions, including increases in prescription drug usage and higher pharmaceutical prices. Operating revenue increased 18% in the first half of the year and 14% in the second half of the year when compared to the same periods in the prior year on a pro forma combined basis as the Company reached the April 2002 anniversary date of the addition of a large mail order customer. Future operating revenue growth may be impacted by customer consolidation and competition within the industry, as well as by industry growth rates. Industry growth rates, as estimated by IMS Healthcare, Inc., are expected to be between 11% and 14% over the next four years, reflecting the impact of $35 billion of brand name drug patent expirations expected between 2001 and 2005 and a slowdown in the introduction of significant new drugs in 2003.

Pharmaceutical Distribution gross profit of $1,530.5 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 132% from $660.4 million in the prior fiscal year on a historical basis and increased 9% from $1,405.0 million in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. As a percentage of operating revenue, gross profit in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 was 3.87%, as compared to prior fiscal year percentages of 4.19% on a historical basis and 4.13% on a pro forma combined basis. The year-to-year declines reflect the net impact of a number of factors, including the change in customer mix to a higher percentage of large institutional, mail order and chain accounts, and the continuing competitive pricing environment, offset, in part, by higher buy-side margins than in the prior year. Downward pressures on sell-side gross profit margin are expected to continue and there can be no assurance that increases in the buy-side component of the gross margin, including benefits derived from manufacturer price increases and negotiated deals, will be available in the future to fully or partially offset the anticipated decline. The Company’s cost of goods sold includes a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) provision that is affected by changes in inventory quantities, product mix, and manufacturer pricing practices, which may be impacted by market and other external influences.

Pharmaceutical Distribution operating expenses of $871.3 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 126% from $386.2 million in the prior fiscal year on a historical basis and increased 2% from $853.1 million in the prior fiscal year on a pro forma combined basis. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating expenses in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 were 2.20%, as compared to prior-year percentages of 2.45% on a historical basis and 2.51% on a pro forma combined basis. These decreases in expense percentages reflect the changing customer mix described above, efficiencies of scale, the elimination of redundant costs through the merger integration process and the continued emphasis on productivity throughout the Company’s distribution network.

Pharmaceutical Distribution operating income of $659.2 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 140% from $274.2 million in the prior fiscal year on a historical basis and increased 19% from $551.8 million in the prior fiscal

26


year on a pro forma combined basis. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating income was 1.67% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, as compared to prior-year percentages of 1.74% on a historical basis and 1.62% on a pro forma combined basis. The improvement over the prior-year pro forma combined percentage was due to a reduction in the operating expense ratio, which was greater than the reduction in gross profit margin. The reduction of the operating expense ratio was partially due to the Company’s ability to capture synergy cost savings from the Merger. While management historically has been able to lower expense ratios and expects to continue to do so, there can be no assurance that reductions will occur in the future, or that expense ratio reductions will exceed possible declines in gross margins. Additionally, there can be no assurance that merger integration efforts will proceed as planned and result in the desired synergies.

PharMerica Segment

The PharMerica segment was acquired in connection with the Merger and the historical amounts for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 are comprised of only one month of PharMerica’s operating results. Accordingly, the discussion below focuses all comparisons with the prior-year on a pro forma combined basis.

PharMerica’s operating revenue increased 9% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 to $1.48 billion compared to $1.35 billion in the prior fiscal year. This increase is principally attributable to growth in PharMerica’s workers’ compensation business, which has grown at a faster rate than its long-term care business.

PharMerica’s gross profit of $494.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 4% from gross profit of $475.8 million in the prior fiscal year. PharMerica’s gross profit margin declined to 33.49% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 from 35.24% in the prior fiscal year. This decrease is primarily the result of a change in the sales mix, with a greater proportion of PharMerica’s current year revenues coming from its workers’ compensation business, which has lower gross profit margins and lower operating expenses than its long-term care business. In addition, industry competitive pressures continue to adversely affect gross profit margins.

PharMerica’s operating expenses of $410.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 1% from operating expenses of $406.9 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating expenses were reduced to 27.83% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 from 30.14% in the prior fiscal year. The percentage reduction is due to several factors, including the aforementioned shift in customer mix towards the workers’ compensation business, consolidation of technology platforms, the consolidation or sale of several pharmacies, and a reduction in bad debt expense.

PharMerica’s operating income of $83.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 increased 21% compared to operating income of $68.9 million in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating income was 5.66% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, an increase of 56 basis points from 5.10% in the prior fiscal year. The year-to-year improvement in the operating income percentage was due to the aforementioned reductions in the operating expense ratio, which were greater than the reductions in gross profit margin.

Intersegment Eliminations

These amounts represent the elimination of the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment’s sales to PharMerica. AmerisourceBergen Drug Company is the principal supplier of pharmaceuticals to PharMerica.

Year ended September 30, 2001 compared with Year ended September 30, 2000

The accompanying historical consolidated statement of operations and cash flows for fiscal 2000 and the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2000, reflect only the results of AmeriSource, as predecessor to the Company. As a result, the Company’s historical operating results and cash flows for fiscal 2000 and the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2000 are not comparable to fiscal 2001 because of the Merger. Fiscal 2001 results include a full year of AmeriSource and approximately one month of Bergen’s results. Accordingly, in order to enhance comparability, the following discussion of results of operations includes pro forma revenue information. For purposes of this discussion, pro forma refers to the combined results of AmeriSource and Bergen in each respective fiscal year.
Consolidated Results
Operating revenue, which excludes bulk deliveries, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 increased 36% to $15.8 billion from $11.6 billion in the prior fiscal year primarily due to increased operating revenue in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment. Excluding the revenue impact from the Merger, operating revenue increased 20% for the full fiscal year. On a pro forma combined basis operating revenue increased 14% versus the prior year.
The Company reports as revenue bulk deliveries to customer warehouses, whereby the Company acts as an intermediary in the ordering and delivery of pharmaceutical products. As a result of the Merger, bulk deliveries increased to $368.7 million in fiscal 2001

from $35.0 million in fiscal 2000. Excluding the impact from the Merger, bulk deliveries would have decreased to $1.1 million for fiscal 2001. On a pro forma combined basis, revenue from bulk deliveries of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2001 increased 7% versus the prior year. Due to the insignificant service fees generated from these bulk deliveries, fluctuations in volume have no significant impact on operating margins.
Gross profit of $700.1 million in fiscal 2001 increased by 35% as compared to the prior year. As a percentage of operating revenue, the gross profit in fiscal 2001 was 4.42% as compared to 4.48% in the prior year. The decline in gross profit percentage was primarily the result of a 29 basis point decrease in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, which was offset, in part, by the impact of the inclusion of one month of PharMerica’s results. PharMerica, due to the nature of its prescription fulfillment business, has significantly higher gross margins and operating expense ratios than the Company’s Pharmaceutical Distribution segment. Excluding the impact of the Merger, gross profit increased 12% for the full fiscal year, and as a percentage of operating revenue was 4.16% in fiscal 2001 as compared to 4.48% in the prior year.
Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization increased by $100.9 million or 32% in fiscal 2001 as compared to the prior year, and decreased as a percentage of operating revenue to 2.65% in fiscal 2001 from 2.74% in fiscal 2000 due to a 29 basis point decrease in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment ratio offset in part by the inclusion of one month of PharMerica results. Excluding the impact of the Merger, distribution, selling and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization increased 7% for the full fiscal year, and decreased as a percentage of operating revenue to 2.44% in fiscal 2001 from 2.74% in fiscal 2000.
In connection with the Merger, the Company has developed integration plans to consolidate its distribution network and eliminate duplicate administrative functions, which are expected to result in synergies of approximately $150 million annually at the end of the third year following the Merger. The Company intends to reduce the number of distribution facilities from 51 at September 30, 2001, to approximately 30 over the next four to five years and announced plans to close seven facilities in fiscal 2002. A charge of $10.9 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 related to these plans, and included $6.2 million of severance for approximately 260 warehouse and administrative personnel to be terminated, $2.3 million in lease cancellations, and $2.4 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed. Accrued expenses of $7.1 million related to this charge are included in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2001.
In connection with its acquisition of Bergen, the Company incurred merger costs of $13.1 million in fiscal 2001, consisting primarily of consulting fees of $5.6 million and a $6.5 million charge for the accelerated vesting of AmeriSource stock options.
The Company is subject to contingencies pursuant to environmental laws and regulations at one of its former distribution centers that may require the Company to make remediation efforts. In fiscal 1994, the Company accrued $4.1 million to cover future consulting, legal, remediation and ongoing monitoring costs. During fiscal 2001, environmental reserves of $2.7 million were reversed into income based on a new engineering analysis prepared by outside consultants that was completed in September 2001. The remaining liability of $1.0 million at September 30, 2001, is reflected in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This accrued liability represents the current estimate of the extent of contamination and choice of remedy based on existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations. However, changes in remediation standards, improvements in cleanup technology and discovery of additional information concerning the site could affect the actual liability in the future.
During fiscal 2000, severance accruals of $1.1 million relating to the fiscal 1999 facility consolidation and 1998 restructuring efforts were reversed into income after employees expected to be severed either left the Company before receiving their benefits or were retained in other positions within the Company.
Operating income of $259.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2001 increased by 28% from the prior year, primarily due to the 36% increase in operating income from the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment and the inclusion of one month of PharMerica’s results due to the Merger, offset in part by the merger costs and employee severance and facility consolidation costs.
Equity in losses of affiliates and other were $10.9 million in fiscal 2001 and $0.6 million in fiscal 2000. These results primarily reflect the full-year impact of the Company’s equity investment in HealthNexis, LLC that was accounted for on the equity method and the write-down of the Company’s investment in a technology company. HealthNexis, LLC subsequently merged with the Global Health Exchange LLC in November 2001.

Interest expense of $47.9 million in fiscal 2001 represents an increase of 14% compared to the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to the impact of the Merger offset by the positive impact of $300.0 million of 5% fixed-rate convertible notes issued by the Company in December of 2000 and a decrease of approximately 50 basis points in average borrowing rates under the Company’s variable-rate debt facilities, which more than offset the increase in average levels of debt. Excluding the impact of the Merger and the related refinancings described below, average borrowings during the year ended September 30, 2001 were $614 million as compared to average borrowings of $612 million in the prior year.
Income tax expense of $76.9 million in fiscal 2001 reflected an effective tax rate of 38.3% versus 38.0% in the prior fiscal year. This slight increase in the effective rate reflects the inclusion of one month of Bergen’s operating results.
Net income of $123.8 million represents an increase of 25% over the prior year. Special items had the effect of reducing net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 by $13.1 million and increased net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000 by $0.7 million. Diluted earnings per share increased 11% to $2.10 per share as compared to $1.90 per share in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2001 includes the impact of the shares issued to effect the Merger and the shares assumed issued under the 5% convertible subordinated notes.
Segment Information
Pharmaceutical Distribution Segment
Operating revenue for the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 increased 36% to $15.8 billion from $11.6 billion in the prior fiscal year. Excluding the impact of the Merger, operating revenue increased 20%. During the year ended September 30, 2001, 53% of operating revenue was from sales to institutional customers and the remaining 47% was from retail customers. In fiscal 2000, the customer mix was 51% institutional and 49% retail. During the year ended September 30, 2001, sales to institutional customers increased 42% and sales to retail customers increased 29%. Excluding the impact of the Merger, institutional operating revenue increased 26% and retail operating revenue increased 14%. The increase in institutional operating revenue was primarily due to revenue growth with the Novation group purchasing organization (“GPO”) and the Veterans Administration as well as significant increases in the alternate site customer group. During calendar 2000, members of the Novation GPO went through a distributor selection process and, as a result, the Company added over $500 million in annualized operating revenue in fiscal 2001. Operating revenue from the Veterans Administration accounted for approximately 30% of total institutional operating revenue. Alternate site sales increased 54% during fiscal 2001 due to the full-year impact of a mail order customer added in the third quarter of the prior year which accounted for 20% of the increase. In addition, numerous new alternate site accounts were added during the year. The increase in retail operating revenue was consistent with overall industry growth rates.
In the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, gross profit of $660.4 million in fiscal 2001 increased by 27% as compared to the prior year. As a percentage of operating revenue, the gross profit in fiscal 2001 was 4.19% as compared to 4.48% in the prior year. The year-to-year decline reflects the net impact of a number of factors including the change in customer mix to a higher level of larger institutional, mail order and chain accounts, and the continuing competitive pricing environment, offset, in part, by higher buy-side margins than in the prior year. Gross profit was adversely impacted in fiscal 2001 by a $5.6 million write down of inventory, primarily related to the Company’s decision to exit the designer fragrance business at its cosmetic distribution subsidiary.
Total operating expenses increased 21% in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment to $386.2 million, primarily as a result of the Merger. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating expenses decreased to 2.45% in fiscal 2001 from 2.74% in the prior year. This decrease reflects the changing customer mix described above, and efficiencies of scale, as well as the continued elimination of costs and productivity improvements throughout the Company’s distribution network.
Total operating income increased 36% in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment to $274.2 million. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating income was 1.74% in fiscal 2001 and 1.73% in the prior year, reflecting the net effect of the decline in gross margins offset by the reduction in operating expenses discussed above.
PharMerica Segment
The PharMerica segment was acquired in connection with the Merger and its operating revenue of $116.7 million and operating income of $6.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2001 reflects approximately one month of operating results. On a pro forma combined basis, PharMerica’s fiscal 2001 operating revenue increased 6% to $1.35 billion from $1.27 billion in the prior year.

Intersegment Eliminations
These amounts represent the elimination of the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment’s sales to PharMerica. AmerisourceBergen Drug Company is the principal supplier of pharmaceuticals to PharMerica.
Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that can have a significant impact on the presentation of the Company’s financial conditionposition and results of operations and that require the use of complex and subjective estimates based upon past experience and management’s judgment. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. Below are those policies applied in preparing the Company’s financial statements that management believes are the most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions. For additional accounting policies, see Note 1 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are primarily comprised of amounts owed to the Company through its pharmaceutical service activities and are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. In determining the appropriate allowance, the Company considers a combination of factors, such as industry trends, its customers’ financial strength and credit standing, and payment and default history. The calculation of the required allowance requires a substantial amount of judgment as to the impact of these and other factors on the ultimate realization of its trade receivables.

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Merchandise Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost for approximately 96%94% and 97%96% of the Company’s inventories at September 30, 20022003 and 2001,2002, respectively, is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. If the Company had used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory valuation, which approximates current replacement cost, inventories would have been approximately $152.3$185.6 million and $91.7$152.3 million higher than the amounts reported at September 30, 2003 and 2002, and 2001, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as of October 1, 2001. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Accordingly, the Company ceased amortization of all goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives as of October 1, 2001. Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer lists, non-compete agreements and patents,software technology, will continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

SFAS No. 142 requires a two-step impairment test for goodwill. The first step is to compare the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s assets to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value then the second step is required to be completed, which involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to each asset and liability, with the excess being implied goodwill. An impairment loss occurs if the amount of the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill. The determination of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units is based, among other things, on estimates of future operating performance of the reporting unit being valued. The Company is required to complete an impairment test for goodwill and record any resulting impairment losses annually. Changes in market conditions, among other factors, may have an impact on these estimates. The Company completed its required annual impairment testtests in the fourth quarterquarters of fiscal 2003 and 2002 and determined that there was no impairment.

Stock Options

The Company has the choice to account for stock options using either Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”) or SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The Company has elected to use the accounting method under APB 25 and the related interpretations to account for its stock options. Under APB 25, generally, when the exercise price of the Company’s stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. Had the Company elected to use SFAS No. 123 to account for its stock options under the fair value method, it would have been required to record compensation expense and as a result, diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001 would have been lower by $0.16, $0.10 $0.37, and $0.11,$0.38, respectively. See Note 8 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table illustrates the Company’s debt structure at September 30, 2002,2003, including availability under revolving credit facilities and the receivables securitization facilitiesfacility (in thousands):

   
Outstanding Balance

    
Additional Availability

Fixed-Rate Debt:
          
Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes due 2003
  $150,419    $—  
Bergen 7 1/4% senior notes due 2005
   99,758     —  
8 1/8% senior notes due 2008
   500,000     —  
PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008
   124,532     —  
AmeriSource 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2007   300,000     —  
Bergen 6 7/8% exchangeable subordinated debentures due 2011
   8,425     —  
Bergen 7.80% trust preferred securities due 2039   275,288     —  
Other   3,891     —  
   

    

Total fixed-rate debt   1,462,313     —  
   

    

Variable-Rate Debt:
          
Term loan facility due 2003 to 2006   300,000     —  
Blanco revolving credit facility due 2003   55,000     —  
Revolving credit facility due 2006   —       937,615
AmeriSource receivables securitization financing due 2004   —       400,000
Bergen receivables securitization financing due 2005   —       450,000
   

    

Total variable-rate debt   355,000     1,787,615
   

    

Total debt, including current portion  $1,817,313    $1,787,615
   

    

   Outstanding
Balance


  Additional
Availability


Fixed-Rate Debt:

        

Bergen 7 1/4% senior notes due 2005

  $99,849  $—  

8 1/8% senior notes due 2008

   500,000   —  

7 1/4% senior notes due 2012

   300,000   —  

AmeriSource 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2007

   300,000   —  

Bergen 6 7/8% exchangeable subordinated debentures due 2011

   8,425   —  

Bergen 7.80% trust preferred securities due 2039

   275,960   —  

Other

   4,920   —  
   

  

Total fixed-rate debt

   1,489,154   —  
   

  

Variable-Rate Debt:

        

Term loan facility due 2004 to 2006

   240,000   —  

Blanco revolving credit facility due 2004

   55,000   —  

Revolving credit facility due 2006

   —     937,081

Receivables securitization facility due 2006

   —     1,050,000
   

  

Total variable-rate debt

   295,000   1,987,081
   

  

Total debt, including current portion

  $1,784,154  $1,987,081
   

  

The Company’s working capital usage fluctuates widely during the year generally peaking in the second fiscal quarter due to seasonal inventory buying requirements and buy-side purchasing opportunities. During the second quarter of fiscal 2002,2003, the Company’s highest utilization occurred during its third quarter and was 79%74% of the $2.1 billion of aggregate availability under its revolving credit facility and previously existing receivables securitization facilities, which are described below. facilities.

In fiscalJuly 2003, the Company expects that its debt utilization will again be at its highestentered into a new $1.05 billion receivables securitization facility (“ABC Securitization Facility”) and terminated the existing AmeriSource and Bergen securitization facilities. At September 30, 2003, there were no borrowings under the ABC Securitization Facility. In connection with the ABC Securitization Facility, ABDC sells on a revolving basis certain accounts receivable to a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“ARFC”), which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest in the second quarter duereceivables to seasonal inventory buying requirementscommercial paper conduits sponsored by financial institutions. ABDC is the servicer of the accounts receivable under the ABC Securitization Facility. After the maximum limit of receivables sold has been reached and buy-side purchasing opportunities.

as sold receivables are collected, additional receivables may be sold up to the maximum amount available under the facility. Under the terms of the ABC Securitization Facility, a $550 million tranche has an expiration date of July 2006 (the three-year tranche) and a $500 million tranche expires in July 2004 (the 364-day tranche). The Company intends to renew the 364-day tranche on an annual basis. Interest rates are based on prevailing market rates for short-term commercial paper plus a program fee of 75 basis points for the three-year tranche and 45 basis points for the 364-day tranche. The Company pays a commitment fee of 30 basis points and 25 basis points on any unused credit with respect to the three-year tranche and the 364-day tranche, respectively. The program and commitment fee rates will vary based on the Company’s debt ratings. Borrowings and payments under the ABC Securitization Facility are applied on a pro-rata basis to the $550 million and $500 million tranches. In connection with entering into the ABC Securitization Facility, the Company incurred approximately $2.4 million of costs which were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the ABC Securitization Facility. This facility is a financing vehicle utilized by the Company because it offers an attractive interest rate relative to other financing sources. The Company securitizes its trade accounts, which are generally non-interest bearing, in transactions that are accounted for as borrowings under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.”

In November 2002, the Company issued $300 million of 7 1/4% senior notes due November 15, 2012 (the “7 1/4% Notes”). The 7 1/4% Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time before maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption and, under some circumstances, a redemption premium. Interest on the 7 1/4% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears,

29


commencing May 15, 2003. The 7 1/4% Notes rank junior to the Senior Credit Agreement (defined below) and equal to the Company’s other8 1/8% senior unsecured notes outstanding asdue 2008 and senior to the debt of September 30, 2002.the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company intends to useused the net proceeds of the 7 1/4% Notes to repay $15 million of the term loanTerm Facility (defined below) in December 2002, andto repay $150 million in aggregate principal of the Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes duein January 15, 2003. Additionally, the Company intends2003 and to redeem the PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008, at a redemption price equal to 104.19% of the $123.5 million principal amount, thereof.in April 2003. The cost of the redemption premium related to the PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes has been reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 as a loss on the early retirement of debt. In connection with the issuance of the 7 1/4% Notes, the Company incurred approximately $4.9$5.7 million of costs which were deferred and will beare being amortized over the ten yearten-year term of the notes.

In connection with the Merger, the Company issued $500 million of 8 1/8% senior notes due 2008 (the “8 1/8% Notes”)Notes “) and entered into a $1.3 billion senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders. Proceeds from these facilities were used to: replace existing AmeriSource and Bergen revolving credit facilities; pay certain merger transaction fees and fees associated with the financings; redeem $184.6 million of PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008 via a tender offer; and meet general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company assumed $405.3 million of fixed debt. During fiscal 2002, the Company redeemed all $20.6 million of the Bergen 7% convertible subordinated debentures due 2006 pursuant to a tender offer required as a result of the Merger.

The 8 1/8% Notes pay interest semiannually in arrears and rank junior to the Senior Credit Agreement. The 8 1/8% Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time before maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount

thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption and, under some circumstances, a redemption premium.
The 8 1/8% Notes pay interest semiannually in arrears and rank junior to the Senior Credit Agreement.

The Senior Credit Agreement consists of a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $300 million term loan facility (the “Term Facility”), both maturing in August 2006. The Term Facility has scheduled maturitiesprincipal payments on a quarterly basis beginningthat began on December 31, 2002, totaling $60 million in each of fiscal 2003 and 2004, and $80 million and $100 million in fiscal 2005 and 2006, respectively. The scheduled term loan payments were made in fiscal 2003. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility at September 30, 2002.2003. Interest on borrowings under the Senior Credit Agreement accrues at specified rates based on the Company’s debt ratings. Such rates range from 1.0% to 2.5% over LIBOR or 0% to 1.5% over prime. Currently,In April 2003, the Company’s debt rating was raised by one of the rating agencies and in accordance with the terms of the Senior Credit Agreement, interest on borrowings since April 2003 have accrued at lower rates. At September 30, 2003, the rate is 1.5%was 1.25% over LIBOR or .50%.25% over prime. Availability under the Revolving Facility is reduced by the amount of outstanding letters of credit ($62.462.9 million at September 30, 2002)2003). The Company pays quarterly commitment fees to maintain the availability under the Revolving Facility at specified rates based on the Company’s debt ratings ranging from .25%0.250% to .50%0.500% of the unused availability. Currently,At September 30, 2003, the rate is .375%was 0.300%. The Senior Credit Agreement contains customaryrestrictions on, among other things, additional indebtedness, distributions and dividends to stockholders, investments and capital expenditures. Additional covenants require compliance with financial tests, including leverage and restrictions as described in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.fixed charge coverage ratios, and maintenance of minimum tangible net worth. The Company canmay choose to repay or reduce its commitments under the Senior Credit Agreement at any time. Substantially all of the Company’s assets, except for trade receivables which were previously sold into the AmeriSource and Bergen receivables securitization facilities and currently are sold into the ABC Securitization Facility (as described below)above), collateralize the Senior Credit Agreement.

In connection with the issuance ofissuing the 8 1/8% Notes and entering into the Senior Credit Agreement, the Company incurred approximately $24.0 million of costs, which were deferred and are being amortized over the term of the respective issues.

In December 2000, the Company issued $300.0 million of 5% convertible subordinated notes due December 1, 2007. The notes have an annual interest rate of 5%, payable semiannually, and are convertible into common stock of the Company at $52.97 per share at any time before their maturity or their prior redemption or repurchase by the Company. On or after December 3, 2004, the Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the notes that have not been previously converted. Net proceeds from the notes of approximately $290.6 million were used to repay existing borrowings, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the notes, the Company incurred approximately $9.4 million of financing fees, which were deferred and are being amortized over the seven-year term of the notes.

At September 30, 2002, there were no borrowings under the AmeriSource $400 million receivables securitization facility. The facility has an expiration date of May 2004 and interest rates are based on prevailing market rates for short-term commercial paper plus a program fee of 38.5 basis points. In order to borrow available amounts under this securitization facility, a back-up 364-day liquidity facility is required to be in place. The current liquidity facility expires in May 2003, but the Company expects that it will be renewed through May 2004. The $450 million Bergen receivables securitization facility expires in December 2005, and interest rates are based on prevailing market rates for short-term commercial paper plus a program fee of 75 basis points. In December 2001, the Company temporarily increased its availability under the Bergen receivables securitization facility to $600 million through June 29, 2002. On June 30, 2002, the availability under the Bergen receivables securitization facility was reduced back to $450 million. In December 2002, the Company obtained an increase to its availability under the Bergen receivables securitization facility up to $700 million to fund discretionary inventory buying opportunities. The Bergen receivables securitization facility may be subject to termination in the event of a material adverse effect, among other things, on the financial condition, business, operations or prospects of AmerisourceBergen. If a termination were to occur, a cross-default might be triggered under the Senior Credit Agreement. Management believes that the likelihood of such a termination being triggered is remote. At September 30, 2002, there were no borrowings under either of the receivables securitization facilities. The receivables securitization facilities represent financing vehicles utilized by the Company because of the availability of attractive interest rates relative to other financing sources. The Company securitizes its trade accounts and notes receivable, which are generally non-interest bearing, in transactions that are accounted for as borrowings under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.”

In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed Bergen’s Capital I Trust (the “Trust”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bergen. In May 1999, the Trust issued 12,000,000 shares of 7.80% trust originated preferred securities (SM) (TOPrS(SM)) (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) at $25 per security. The proceeds of such issuances were invested by the Trust in $300 million aggregate principal amount of Bergen’s 7.80% subordinated deferrable interest notes due June 30, 2039 (the “Subordinated Notes”). The Subordinated Notes represent the sole assets of the Trust and bear interest at the annual rate of 7.80%, payable quarterly, and are redeemable by the Company beginning in May 2004 at 100% of the principal amount thereof. The Trust Preferred Securities will be redeemable upon any repayment of the Subordinated Notes at 100% of the liquidation amount

30


beginning in May 2004. The obligations of the Trust related to the Trust Preferred Securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.

Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities are entitled to cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 7.80% of the liquidation amount of $25 per security. The Trust paidhas continued to remit the required cash distributions of $23.4 million in during fiscal 2002.since its inception. The Company, under certain conditions, may cause the Trust to defer the payment of distributions for successive periods of up to 20 consecutive quarters. During such periods, accrued distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will compound quarterly at an annual rate of 7.80%. Also during such periods, the Company may not declare or pay distributions on its capital stock; may not redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment on any of its capital stock; and may not make interest, principal or premium payments on, or repurchase or redeem, any of its debt securities that rank equal with or junior to the Subordinated Notes.

The Company’s operating results have generated sufficient cash flow which, together with borrowings under its debt agreements and credit terms from suppliers, have provided sufficient capital resources to finance working capital and cash operating requirements, and to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions, repayment of debt and fund the payment of interest on outstanding debt. The Company’s primary ongoing cash requirements will be to finance working capital, fund the repayment of debt and the payment of interest on indebtedness,debt, finance Merger integration initiatives and fund capital expenditures and routine growth and expansion through new business opportunities. Future cash flows from operations and borrowings are expected to be sufficient to fund the Company’s ongoing cash requirements.

Following is a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations for future principal payments on its debt, and preferred securities, minimum rental payments on its noncancelable operating leases and minimum payments on its other commitments at September 30, 20022003 (in thousands):

   
Payments Due by Period

   
Total

  
Within 1 year

  
1-3
years

  
4-5
years

  
After 5
years

Debt  $1,840,800  $265,819  $241,228  $101,229  $1,232,524
Operating leases   155,421   51,553   62,521   28,882   12,465
Other commitments   14,936   8,936   6,000   —     —  
   

  

  

  

  

Total  $2,011,157  $326,308  $309,749  $130,111  $1,244,989
   

  

  

  

  

   Payments Due by Period

   Total

  Within 1
year


  1-3 years

  4-5 years

  After 5
years


Debt

  $1,808,345  $116,430  $281,396  $801,396  $609,123

Operating Leases

   182,701   52,414   78,230   30,270   21,787

Other Commitments

   90,875   87,295   2,229   1,351   —  
   

  

  

  

  

Total

  $2,081,921  $256,139  $361,855  $833,017  $630,910
   

  

  

  

  

The debt amounts in the above table differ from the related carrying amounts on the consolidated balance sheet due to the purchase accounting adjustments recorded in order to reflect Bergen’s obligations at fair value on the effective date of the Merger. These differences are being amortized over the terms of the respective obligations.

In addition, the Company’s $150

The $55 million 7 3/8% senior notes, which are due in January 2003, and Blanco’s $55 millionBlanco revolving credit facility, which expires in May 2003, are2004, is included in the “Within 1 year” column in the above repayment table. However, these two borrowings arethis borrowing is not classified in the current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 20022003 because the Company has the ability and intent to refinance themit on a long-term basis as evidenced by the Company’s November 2002 issuance of $300 million of 7 1/4% senior notes due November 2012.basis. Additionally, borrowings under the Puerto RicanBlanco facility are secured by a standby letter of credit under the Senior Credit Agreement, and therefore the Company is effectively financing this debt on a long-term basis through that arrangement.

Other commitments include a future minimum payment of $10 million, as described in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, relating to the Company’s acquisition of a physician management consulting company. The Company has paid $5 million for a 20% equity interest and currently expects to pay between $70 million and $80 million during fiscal years 2003 through 2005, of which $60 million to $70 million is contingent upon the entity’s ability to achieve defined earnings targets, for its 100% equity ownership in the entity. The contingent payments are not reflected in the above table. Additionally, as described in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the AutoMed agreement and plan of merger provides for contingent payments not to exceed $55 million, to be made based on AutoMed achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. The AutoMed contingent payments may be made in cash and/or Company common stock at the discretion of the Company, and are not reflected in the above table.

In connection with its merger integration plans, the Company intends to build six new distribution facilities and expand seven others (two of which are complete) over the next 3three to 4four years. The Company has begun to enter into various commitments with third parties relating to site selection, purchase of land, design and constructionFive of the new facilities. As of September 30, 2002,distribution facilities will be owned by the Company has entered into $4.9 million of commitments relating to the construction of the new facilities. The facility commitments are included

and, in Other Commitments in the above table. In December 2002, the Company entered into a 15-year lease obligation totaling $17.4 million for onethe other new facility; this obligation is reflected in Operating Leases in the above table. The Company has begun to enter into commitments relating to site selection, purchase of land, design and construction of the new facilities on a turnkey basis with a construction development company. As of September 30, 2003, the Company has entered into $87.0 million of commitments primarily relating to the construction of three new facilities.
The Company will take ownership of and make payment on each new facility as the developer substantially completes construction. The facility commitments entered into as of September 30, 2003 are included in Other Commitments in the above table. As of September 30, 2003, the developer has incurred $25.6 million relating to the construction of the new facilities. This amount has been recorded in property and equipment and accrued expenses and other in the consolidated balance sheet.

31


Any outstanding contingent payments relating to recently acquired companies, as described below, are not reflected in the above table. These contingencies, along with any others, become commitments of the Company when they are realized.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, the Company’s operating activities provided $354.8 million of cash. Cash provided by operations in fiscal 2003 was principally the result of net income of $441.2 million and non-cash items of $271.2 million, offset in part, by a $278.4 million increase in merchandise inventories and a $58.0 million increase in accounts receivable. The increase in merchandise inventories reflects inventory required to support the revenue increase. Accounts receivable increased only by 1%, excluding changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts and customer additions due to acquired companies, in comparison to the 13% increase in operating revenues. Average days sales outstanding for the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment increased slightly to 16.9 days in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 from 16.4 days in the prior fiscal year primarily due to the strong revenue growth of AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group, which generally has a higher receivable investment than the core distribution business. Average days sales outstanding for the PharMerica segment improved to 39.3 days in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 from 43.5 days in the prior fiscal year as a result of the continued improvements in centralized billing and collection practices. Non-cash items of $271.2 million included $127.2 million of deferred income taxes. The tax planning strategies implemented by the Company has enabled the Company to lower its current tax payments and liability while increasing its deferred taxes during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. Operating cash uses during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 included $134.2 million in interest payments and $118.4 million of income tax payments, net of refunds.

During the year ended September 30, 2002, the Company’s operating activities provided $535.9 million in cash as compared to $45.9 million of cash used in fiscal 2001.cash. Cash provided by operations in fiscal 2002 was principally the result of $344.9 million of net income and $190.0 million of non-cash items affecting net income. Changes in operating assets and liabilities were only $1.0 million as a $362.2 million increase in merchandise inventories and a $133.6 million increase in accounts and notes receivable were offset primarily by a $514.1 increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes. The increase in merchandise inventories reflects inventory required to support the strong revenue increase, as well as inventory purchased to take advantage of buy-side gross profit opportunities including opportunities associated with manufacturer price increases and negotiated deals. Inventory grew at a lower rate less than salesrevenues due to the consolidation of seven facilities in fiscal 2002 and improved inventory management. Accounts and notes receivable, before changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts, increased only 3%, despite the 16% increase in operating revenues, on a pro forma combined basis. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company’s days sales outstanding improved as a result of continued emphasis on receivables management at the local level. DaysAverage days sales outstanding for the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment improved to 16.4 days in fiscal 2002 from 17.7 days in the prior year, on a pro forma combined basis. DaysAverage days sales outstanding for the PharMerica segment improved to 43.5 days in fiscal 2002 from 53.4 days in the prior year, on a pro forma combined basis. The $376.0 million increase in accounts payable was primarily due to the merchandise inventory increase as well as the timing of payments to suppliers. Operating cash uses during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 included $137.9 million in interest payments inclusive of the cash distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities, and $111.9 million inof income tax payments, net of refunds.

During the year ended September 30, 2001, the Company’s operating activities used $45.9 million in cash as compared to $216.6 million cash generated in fiscal 2000.cash. Cash used in operations in fiscal 2001 resulted from increases of $726.1 million in merchandise inventories and $151.6 million in accounts receivable partially offset by an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes of $613.3 million. The increase in merchandise inventories reflected necessary inventories to support the strong revenue increase, and inventory purchased to take advantage of buy-side gross profit margin opportunities including opportunities associated with manufacturer price increases and negotiated deals. Additionally, inventories at September 30, 2001 included safety stock purchased due to uncertainties regarding possible increased customer demands or disruptions in the supply stream as the result of the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. The increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes is net of merger-related payments of approximately $58.8 million, primarily executive compensation payments made in August 2001.

During the year ended September 30, 2000, the Company’s operating activities generated $216.6 million in cash as compared to $3.0 million generated in fiscal 1999. Cash generation from operations in fiscal 2000 resulted from an increase of $416.0 million in accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes offset by increases in accounts receivable of $23.8 million and merchandise inventories of $327.4 million. The increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and income taxes in excess of the increase in merchandise inventories was due to a 4% increase in days payable outstanding during the year due to the centralization of accounts payable processing and the timing of vendor purchases. Accounts receivable (net) increased only 2% despite the 19% revenue increase due to the change in customer mix to quicker-paying health systems customers and the collection of a disputed receivable. Merchandise inventories increased 26% reflecting the changes in customer mix and to support anticipated new customer contracts, including additional business with the Novation group purchasing organization, and seasonal buying opportunities.

The Company paid a total of $13.8 million, $15.6 million $2.9 million and $3.6$2.9 million of severance, contract, and lease cancellation and other costs in fiscal 2003, 2002 2001 and 2000,2001, respectively, related to the cost reduction plans discussed above. Severance accruals of $8.1$4.9 million and remaining contract and lease obligations of $1.0$0.1 million at September 30, 20022003 are included in accrued expenses and other in the consolidated balance sheet.

Capital expenditures for the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and 2000 were $90.6 million, $64.2 million $23.4 million and $16.6$23.4 million, respectively, and relate principally to investments in warehouse expansions and improvements, information technology and warehouse automation. We haveThe Company developed merger integration plans to consolidate ourits existing pharmaceutical distribution facility network and establish new, more efficient distribution centers. More specifically, ourthe Company’s plan is to have a distribution facility network consisting of 30 facilities. We plan to accomplish thisfacilities, which will be accomplished by building six new facilities, expanding seven facilities, closing 27 facilities and implementing a new warehouse operating system. Capital expendituresDuring fiscal 2003, a construction development company incurred $25.6 million on the Company’s behalf relating to the construction of three

32


of the new facilities. This amount will be recorded as a capital expenditure when the related facilities are substantially complete, at which time, the Company will make payment to this plan are expected to be approximately $300 million to $350 million over the next 3 years. We anticipateconstruction development company and take ownership of each respective facility. The Company anticipates that future cash flows from operations along with our existing availability under ourthe revolving credit facility and receivables securitization facilitiesfacility will be adequate to fund ourthese merger integration plans. The Company estimates that it willexpects to spend approximately $100$150 million to $130$200 million for capital expenditures during fiscal 2003.

2004.

In June 2003, the Company acquired Anderson Packaging Inc. (“Anderson”), a leading provider of physician and retail contracted packaging services to pharmaceutical manufacturers. The purchase price was approximately $100.1 million, which included the repayment of Anderson debt of $13.8 million and $0.8 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition. The Company paid part of the purchase price by issuing 814,145 shares of its common stock, as set forth in the acquisition agreement, with an aggregate market value of $55.6 million. The Company paid the remaining purchase price, which was approximately $44.5 million, in cash.

In April 2003, the Company acquired an additional 40% equity interest in a physician education and management consulting company and satisfied the residual contingent obligation for the initial 20% equity interest for an aggregate $24.7 million in cash. The acquisition of the remaining 40% equity interest is expected to occur in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and the purchase price will be based on the calendar 2003 operating results of the physician education and management consulting company. An additional payment may be earned by the selling shareholders under the Company’s current agreement with such shareholders based on the 2004 operating results of the physician education and management consulting company. The Company currently expects to pay between $30 million and $40 million, in the aggregate, for the remaining 40% equity interest and any additional payment.

The Company also used cash of $3.0 million to purchase three smaller companies related to the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment and paid $9.8 million to eliminate the right of the former owners of AutoMed Technologies, Inc. (“AutoMed”) to receive up to $55.0 million in contingent payments based on AutoMed achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004.

In January 2003, the Company acquired US Bioservices Corporation (“US Bio”), a national pharmaceutical products and services provider focused on the management of high-cost complex therapies and reimbursement support for a total base purchase price of $160.2 million, which included the repayment of US Bio debt of $14.8 million and $1.5 million of transaction costs associated with this acquisition. The Company paid part of the base purchase price by issuing 2,399,091 shares of its common stock, as set forth in the acquisition agreement, with an aggregate market value of $131.0 million. The Company paid the remaining $29.2 million of the base purchase price in cash. The agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to $27.6 million in cash based on US Bio achieving defined earnings targets through the end of the first quarter of calendar 2004. In July 2003, an initial contingent payment of $2.5 million was paid in cash by the Company.

In January 2003, the Company acquired Bridge Medical, Inc. (“Bridge”), a leading provider of barcode-enabled point-of-care software designed to reduce medication errors, to enhance the Company’s offerings in the pharmaceutical supply channel, for a total base purchase price of $28.4 million, which included $0.7 million of transaction costs associated with this acquisition. The Company paid part of the base purchase price by issuing 401,780 shares of its common stock with an aggregate market value of $22.9 million and the remaining base purchase price was paid with $5.5 million of cash.

During fiscal 2002, the Company acquired AutoMed Technologies, Inc. for $120.4 million. In June 2003, the Company amended the 2002 agreement under which it acquired AutoMed. The Company also acquired other smaller businesses for $15.8 million. Additionally, the Company purchased equity interests in various businesses for $4.1 million.

During fiscal 2001, the Company sold the net assets of one of its specialty products distribution facilities for approximately $13.0 million.

During fiscal 2000, the Company and three other healthcare distributors formed an Internet-based company that is an independent, commercially neutral healthcare product information exchange focused on streamlining the process involved in identifying, purchasing and distributing healthcare products and services. The Company contributed $1.2 million $6.5 million and $3.7$6.5 million to the joint venture in fiscal 2002 2001 and 2000,2001, respectively, and its ownership interest of approximately 22% was accounted for under the equity method. This entity merged in November 2001 with the Global Health Exchange LLC, a similar venture, and the Company’s ongoing ownership interest in the Global Health Exchange, LLC is 4%. Since then, the Company has accounted for its share of the joint venture using the cost method of accounting.

33


During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, the Company issued the aforementioned $300 million of 7 1/4% Notes. The Company used the net proceeds of the 7 1/4% Notes to repay $15 million of the term loan, to repay $150 million in aggregate principal of the Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes and redeem the PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008 at a redemption price equal to 104.19% of the $123.5 million principal amount. The Company also repaid an additional $45 million of the term loan, as scheduled. During the year ended September 30, 2002, the Company made net repayments of $37.0 million on its receivables securitization facilities. The Company also repaid debt of $23.1 million during the year, principally consisting of $20.6 million for the retirement of Bergen’s 7% debentures pursuant to a tender offer which was required as a result of the Merger. Cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2001 primarily represents the net effect of borrowings to fund working capital requirements, the refinancing and merger costs described above. In fiscal 2000, cash used by financing activities represented net repayments of the Company’s revolving credit facility from cash provided by operations.

The Company has paid its first quarterly dividend, a cash dividenddividends of $0.025 per share on its common stock on December 3, 2001. Dividendssince the first quarter of $0.025 per share were paid on March 1, 2002, June 3, 2002 and September 3,fiscal 2002. AMost recently, a dividend of $0.025 per share was declared by the board of directors on October 30, 2002,29, 2003, and was paid on December 2, 20021, 2003 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2002.17, 2003. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future. However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend upon the Company’s future earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

Market Risk

The Company’s most significant market risk is the effect of changing interest rates. The Company manages this risk by using a combination of fixed-fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. At September 30, 2002,2003, the Company had approximately $1.5 billion of fixed-rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 7.3%7.2% and $355$295.0 million of variable-rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 3.5%2.6%. The amount of variable-rate debt fluctuates during the year based on the Company’s working capital requirements. The Company periodically evaluates various financial instruments that could mitigate a portion of its exposure to variable interest rates. However, there are no assurances that such instruments will be available on terms acceptable to the Company. There were no such financial instruments in effect at September 30, 2002.2003. For every $100 million of unhedged variable-rate debt outstanding, a 3526 basis-point increase in interest rates (one-tenth of the average variable rate at September 30, 2002)2003) would increase the Company’s annual interest expense by $0.35$0.26 million.

Recently-IssuedRecently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” As of October 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, which revised the accounting and financial reporting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS No. 142, the Company did not amortize goodwill arising from the Merger in fiscal 2001. In fiscal 2002, the Company discontinued the amortization of all goodwill. Had the Company not amortized goodwill during fiscal 2001 and 2000, net income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 would have been approximately $0.9 million and $0.6 million higher than the reported amounts, respectively, and diluted earnings per share would have been $0.02 higher than the reported amount in each year. Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, the Company was required to complete an initial impairment test of goodwill within six months of adopting the standard, with any impairment charges recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company completed its initial impairment test in the quarter ended March 31, 2002 and determined that no impairment existed. The Company completed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 and determined that no impairment existed.

In August 2001,May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144,150, “Accounting for the Impairment or DisposalCertain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Long-Lived Assets.both Liabilities and Equity.” This statement clarifies the definition of a liability, as currently defined by FASB Concepts Statement No. 6 “Elements of Financial Statements,” as well as other items. The statement requires that financial instruments that embody an obligation of an issuer be classified as a liability. Furthermore, the standard sets forth the accountingprovides guidance for the impairmentinitial and subsequent measurement as well as disclosure requirements of long-lived assets, whether they are held and used or are disposed of by sale or other means. It also broadens and modifies the presentation of discontinued operations. The standard will bethese financial instruments. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s fiscal yearfinancial position or results of operations.

In January 2003, although earlythe FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” This interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” and requires consolidation of variable interest entities by their primary beneficiaries if certain conditions are met. This interpretation applies to variable interest entities created or obtained after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or obtained before February 1, 2003, the adoption of this standard is permitted,effective as of December 31, 2003 for a variable interest in special-purpose entities and its provisions are generally to be applied prospectively.as of March 31, 2004 for all other variable interest entities. The Company did not create or obtain any variable interest entity after January 31, 2003. The Company is in the process of evaluating the adoption of this standard, as it relates to variable interest entities held by the Company prior to February 1, 2003, but does not believe this standardit will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In JuneDecember 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,148, “Accounting for Costs AssociatedStock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with Exit or Disposal Activities.respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. The adoption of the standard was effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002.

34


The Company did not adopt the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. As required, the Company adopted the disclosure provisions of this standard. (See Notes 1 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” This statement supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefitsinterpretation enhances the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and Other Costs Incurred inannual financial statements about obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a Restructuring.” This standard addressesguarantor is required to recognize, at the financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. These costs relate to termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated, costs to terminateinception of a contract, and costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees. SFAS No. 146 requires thatguarantee, a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under SFAS No. 146, an entity’s commitment to a plan does not by itself create an obligation that meets the definition of a liability. SFAS No. 146 also establishes fair value asof the objective forobligation undertaken in issuing the initial liability. The standard will be effective for exit costs or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, although early adoption is encouraged. The Company elected to adopt this standard in September 2002.guarantee. The adoption of this standardthe initial recognition and measurement requirements of FIN No. 45 did not have a materialan impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. We have traditionally recognized certain costs associated with restructuring plans as of the date of commitment to the plan. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 could result in the deferral of recognition of such costs for restructuring plans from the date we commit to a plan to the date we actually incur the costs associated with a plan.

statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements contained in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) and elsewhere in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein include statements addressing management’s views with respect to future financial and operating results and the benefits and other aspects of the merger between AmeriSource Health Corporation and Bergen Brunswig Corporation. Various factors, including competitive pressures, success of integration, restructuring or systems initiatives, market interest rates, regulatory changes, changes in customer mix, changes in pharmaceutical manufacturers’ pricing and distribution policies, changes in U.S. Government policies, customer insolvencies, or the loss of one or more key customer or supplier relationships, could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Certain additional factors that management believes could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are set forth in this MD&A, in Item 1 (Business) under the heading “Certain Risk Factors”, elsewhere in Item 1 (Business) and elsewhere in this report.

ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s most significant market risk is the effect of changing interest rates. See discussion in Item 7 on page 27.

34.

ITEM 8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

35


ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AmerisourceBergen Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 20022003 and 2001,2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2002.2003. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the 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 AmerisourceBergen Corporation and subsidiaries at September 30, 20022003 and 2001,2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2002,2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 4, 2002, except for Note 16, as to

which the date is December 13, 2002
2003

36


AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
September 30,

   
2002

  
2001

   
(in thousands, except share
and per share data)
ASSETS
        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $663,340  $297,626
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts:        
2002—$181,432; 2001—$188,586   2,222,156   2,142,663
Merchandise inventories   5,437,878   5,056,257
Prepaid expenses and other   26,263   15,956
   

  

Total current assets   8,349,637   7,512,502
   

  

Property and equipment, at cost:        
Land   24,952   25,177
Buildings and improvements   134,394   129,436
Machinery, equipment and other   263,154   223,583
   

  

Total property and equipment   422,500   378,196
Less accumulated depreciation   139,922   88,627
   

  

Property and equipment, net   282,578   289,569
   

  

Other assets:        
Goodwill   2,205,159   2,125,258
Deferred income taxes   12,400   22,326
Intangibles, deferred charges and other   363,238   341,590
   

  

Total other assets   2,580,797   2,489,174
   

  

TOTAL ASSETS
  $11,213,012  $10,291,245
   

  


(in thousands, except share and per share data)


      

September 30,


  2003

  2002

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $800,036  $663,340

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts: 2003 - $191,744; 2002 - $181,432

   2,295,437   2,222,156

Merchandise inventories

   5,733,837   5,437,878

Prepaid expenses and other

   29,208   26,263
   

  

Total current assets

   8,858,518   8,349,637
   

  

Property and equipment, at cost:

        

Land

   35,464   24,952

Buildings and improvements

   152,289   120,301

Machinery, equipment and other

   350,904   277,247
   

  

Total property and equipment

   538,657   422,500

Less accumulated depreciation

   185,487   139,922
   

  

Property and equipment, net

   353,170   282,578
   

  

Other assets:

        

Goodwill

   2,390,713   2,205,159

Deferred income taxes

   736   12,400

Intangibles, deferred charges and other

   436,988   363,238
   

  

Total other assets

   2,828,437   2,580,797
   

  

TOTAL ASSETS

  $12,040,125  $11,213,012
   

  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

37


AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—SHEETS - (Continued)

   
September 30,

 
   
2002

   
2001

 
   
(in thousands, except share
and per share data)
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $5,367,837   $4,991,884 
Accrued expenses and other   433,835    359,131 
Current portion of long-term debt   60,819    2,468 
Accrued income taxes   31,955    16,655 
Deferred income taxes   205,071    162,315 
   


  


Total current liabilities   6,099,517    5,532,453 
   


  


Long-term debt, net of current portion   1,756,494    1,871,911 
Other liabilities   40,663    48,317 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $.01 par value—authorized: 300,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2002: 106,581,837 shares; 2001: 103,544,519 shares   1,066    1,035 
Additional paid-in capital   2,858,596    2,709,687 
Retained earnings   462,619    128,178 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (5,943)   (336)
   


  


Total stockholders’ equity   3,316,338    2,838,564 
   


  


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $11,213,012   $10,291,245 
   


  



(in thousands, except share and per share data)


       

September 30,


  2003

  2002

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

         

Current liabilities:

         

Accounts payable

  $5,393,769  $5,367,837 

Accrued expenses and other

   436,089   433,835 

Current portion of long-term debt

   61,430   60,819 

Accrued income taxes

   47,796   31,955 

Deferred income taxes

   317,018   205,071 
   


 


Total current liabilities

   6,256,102   6,099,517 
   


 


Long-term debt, net of current portion

   1,722,724   1,756,494 

Other liabilities

   55,982   40,663 

Stockholders’ equity:

         

Common stock, $.01 par value - authorized: 300,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 2003: 112,002,347 shares; 2002: 106,581,837 shares

   1,120   1,066 

Additional paid-in capital

   3,125,561   2,858,596 

Retained earnings

   892,853   462,619 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (14,217)  (5,943)
   


 


Total stockholders’ equity

   4,005,317   3,316,338 
   


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $12,040,125  $11,213,012 
   


 


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

38


AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   
2002

  
2001

   
2000

 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Operating revenue  $40,240,714  $15,822,635   $11,609,995 
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses   4,994,080   368,718    35,026 
   

  


  


Total revenue   45,234,794   16,191,353    11,645,021 
Cost of goods sold   43,210,320   15,491,235    11,125,440 
   

  


  


Gross profit   2,024,474   700,118    519,581 
Operating expenses:              
Distribution, selling and administrative   1,220,651   397,848    302,470 
Depreciation   58,250   18,604    14,129 
Amortization   2,901   2,985    1,980 
Merger costs   24,244   13,109    —   
Facility consolidations and employee severance   —     10,912    (1,123)
Environmental remediation   —     (2,716)   —   
   

  


  


Operating income   718,428   259,376    202,125 
Equity in losses of affiliates and other   5,647   10,866    568 
Interest expense   140,734   47,853    41,857 
   

  


  


Income before taxes   572,047   200,657    159,700 
Income taxes   227,106   76,861    60,686 
   

  


  


Net income  $344,941  $123,796   $99,014 
   

  


  


Earnings per share:              
Basic  $3.29  $2.16   $1.92 
   

  


  


Diluted  $3.16  $2.10   $1.90 
   

  


  


Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
Basic   104,935   57,185    51,552 
Diluted   112,228   62,807    52,020 

(in thousands, except per share data)


          

Fiscal year ended September 30,


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Operating revenue

  $45,536,689  $40,240,714  $15,822,635 

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   4,120,639   4,994,080   368,718 
   

  

  


Total revenue

   49,657,328   45,234,794   16,191,353 

Cost of goods sold

   47,410,169   43,210,320   15,491,235 
   

  

  


Gross profit

   2,247,159   2,024,474   700,118 

Operating expenses:

             

Distribution, selling and administrative

   1,284,132   1,220,651   397,848 

Depreciation

   62,949   58,250   18,604 

Amortization

   8,042   2,901   2,985 

Facility consolidations and employee severance

   8,930   —     10,912 

Merger costs

   —     24,244   13,109 

Environmental remediation

   —     —     (2,716)
   

  

  


Operating income

   883,106   718,428   259,376 

Equity in losses of affiliates and other

   8,015   5,647   10,866 

Interest expense

   144,744   140,734   47,853 

Loss on early retirement of debt

   4,220   —     —   
   

  

  


Income before taxes

   726,127   572,047   200,657 

Income taxes

   284,898   227,106   76,861 
   

  

  


Net income

  $441,229  $344,941  $123,796 
   

  

  


Earnings per share:

             

Basic

  $4.03  $3.29  $2.16 
   

  

  


Diluted

  $3.89  $3.16  $2.10 
   

  

  


Weighted average common shares outstanding:

             

Basic

   109,513   104,935   57,185 

Diluted

   115,954   112,228   62,807 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

39


AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES

IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   
Common Stock

   
Additional Paid-in Capital

   
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings

     
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   
Treasury Stock and Other

   
Total

 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
September 30, 1999  $578   $266,737   $(94,632)    $—     $(6,406)  $166,277 
Net income             99,014                99,014 
Exercise of stock options   10    11,914                     11,924 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options        4,893                     4,893 
Collections on ESOP note                         186    186 
   


  


  


    


  


  


September 30, 2000   588    283,544    4,382      —      (6,220)   282,294 
Net income             123,796                123,796 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit                    (336)        (336)
                              


Total comprehensive income                              123,460 
                              


Exercise of stock options   13    30,822                     30,835 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options        14,448                     14,448 
Retirement of treasury shares   (67)   (6,153)               6,220    —   
Issuance of stock to effect Merger   501    2,301,160                     2,301,661 
Assumption of stock options in connection with Merger        78,251                     78,251 
Accelerated vesting of stock options        7,546                     7,546 
Amortization of unearned compensation from stock options        69                     69 
   


  


  


    


  


  


September 30, 2001   1,035    2,709,687    128,178      (336)   —      2,838,564 
Net income             344,941                344,941 
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit of $3,908                    (5,943)        (5,943)
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $212                    336         336 
                              


Total comprehensive income                              339,334 
                              


Cash dividends declared, $0.10 per share             (10,500)               (10,500)
Exercise of stock options   31    101,478                     101,509 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options        43,488                     43,488 
Restricted shares earned by directors        233                     233 
Shares issued pursuant to a stock purchase plan        474                     474 
Accelerated vesting of stock options        2,413                     2,413 
Amortization of unearned compensation from stock options        823                     823 
   


  


  


    


  


  


September 30, 2002  $1,066   $2,858,596   $462,619     $(5,943)  $—     $3,316,338 
   


  


  


    


  


  



(in thousands, except per share data)


  Common
Stock


  Additional
Paid-in
Capital


  Retained
Earnings


  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss


  Treasury
Stock
and
Other


  Total

 

September 30, 2000

  $588  $283,544  $4,382  $—    $(6,220) $282,294 

Net income

           123,796           123,796 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit of $209

               (336)      (336)
                       


Total comprehensive income

                       123,460 
                       


Exercise of stock options

   13   30,822               30,835 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

       14,448               14,448 

Retirement of treasury shares

   (67)  (6,153)          6,220   —   

Issuance of stock to effect Merger

   501   2,301,160               2,301,661 

Assumption of stock options in connection with Merger

       78,251               78,251 

Accelerated vesting of stock options

       7,546               7,546 

Amortization of unearned compensation from stock options

       69               69 
   


 


 


 


 


 


September 30, 2001

   1,035   2,709,687   128,178   (336)  —     2,838,564 

Net income

           344,941           344,941 

Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit of $3,908

               (5,943)      (5,943)

Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $212

               336       336 
                       


Total comprehensive income

                       339,334 
                       


Cash dividends declared, $0.10 per share

           (10,500)          (10,500)

Exercise of stock options

   31   101,478               101,509 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

       43,488               43,488 

Restricted shares earned by directors

       233               233 

Shares issued pursuant to a stock purchase plan

       474               474 

Accelerated vesting of stock options

       2,413               2,413 

Amortization of unearned compensation from stock options

       823               823 
   


 


 


 


 


 


September 30, 2002

   1,066   2,858,596   462,619   (5,943)  —     3,316,338 

Net income

           441,229           441,229 

Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit of $5,246

               (8,274)      (8,274)
                       


Total comprehensive income

                       432,955 
                       


Cash dividends declared, $0.10 per share

           (10,995)          (10,995)

Exercise of stock options

   14   42,550               42,564 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

       14,389               14,389 

Stock issued for acquisitions

   40   209,409               209,449 

Restricted shares earned by directors

       345               345 

Net shares purchased pursuant to a stock purchase plan

       (1,608)              (1,608)

Accelerated vesting of stock options

       1,057               1,057 

Amortization of unearned compensation from stock options

       823               823 
   


 


 


 


 


 


September 30, 2003

  $1,120  $3,125,561  $892,853  $(14,217) $—    $4,005,317 
   


 


 


 


 


 


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

40


AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   
2002

   
2001

   
2000

 
   
(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income  $344,941   $123,796   $99,014 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:               
Depreciation   58,250    18,604    14,129 
Amortization, including amounts charged to interest expense   8,328    6,110    3,291 
Provision for loss on accounts receivable   65,664    21,105    10,274 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment   3,055    183    66 
Equity in losses of affiliates and other   5,647    10,866    568 
Provision for deferred income taxes   45,853    24,334    25,824 
Write-downs of assets   —      2,355    —   
Employee stock compensation   3,236    7,546    —   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposition:               
Accounts and notes receivable   (133,629)   (151,602)   (23,811)
Merchandise inventories   (362,195)   (726,141)   (327,351)
Prepaid expenses and other   (11,649)   3,672    (1,323)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and income taxes   514,142    613,304    415,961 
Other   (5,717)   14    (62)
   


  


  


NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES   535,926    (45,854)   216,580 
   


  


  


INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Capital expenditures   (64,159)   (23,363)   (16,619)
Cash acquired in Merger, less transaction costs   —      133,818    —   
Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired   (136,223)   —      (3,032)
Purchase of equity interests in businesses   (4,130)   (6,642)   (3,660)
Collections on ESOP note receivable   —      —      186 
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment   1,698    684    1,636 
Proceeds from sale of a business   —      12,993    —   
   


  


  


NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES   (202,814)   117,490    (21,489)
   


  


  


FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net repayments under revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities   (37,000)   (368,000)   (145,227)
Long-term debt borrowings   —      1,100,000    —   
Long-term debt repayments   (23,119)   (625,376)   (225)
Deferred financing costs and other   1,712    (32,287)   (242)
Exercise of stock options   101,509    30,835    11,924 
Cash dividends on Common Stock   (10,500)   —      —   
   


  


  


NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES   32,602    105,172    (133,770)
   


  


  


INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   365,714    176,808    61,321 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   297,626    120,818    59,497 
   


  


  


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR  $663,340   $297,626   $120,818 
   


  


  



(in thousands)


          

Fiscal year ended September 30,


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

             

Net income

  $441,229  $344,941  $123,796 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

             

Depreciation, including amounts charged to cost of goods sold

   65,005   58,250   18,604 

Amortization, including amounts charged to interest expense

   15,438   8,328   6,110 

Provision for loss on accounts receivable

   46,012   65,664   21,105 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

   3,465   3,055   183 

Loss on early retirement of debt

   4,220   —     —   

Equity in losses of affiliates and other

   8,015   5,647   10,866 

Provision for deferred income taxes

   127,157   45,853   24,334 

Write-downs of assets

   —     —     2,355 

Employee stock compensation

   1,880   3,236   7,546 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposition:

             

Accounts receivable

   (57,971)  (133,629)  (151,602)

Merchandise inventories

   (278,388)  (362,195)  (726,141)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

   (23,294)  (11,649)  3,672 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and income taxes

   (1,214)  514,142   613,304 

Other

   3,261   (5,717)  14 
   


 


 


NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   354,815   535,926   (45,854)
   


 


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

             

Capital expenditures

   (90,554)  (64,159)  (23,363)

Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired

   (111,981)  (136,223)  —   

Cash acquired in Merger, less transaction costs

   —     —     133,818 

Purchase of equity interests in businesses

   —     (4,130)  (6,642)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

   726   1,698   684 

Proceeds from sale of a business

   —     —     12,993 
   


 


 


NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

   (201,809)  (202,814)  117,490 
   


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

             

Net repayments under revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities

   —     (37,000)  (368,000)

Long-term debt borrowings

   300,000   —     1,100,000 

Long-term debt repayments

   (338,989)  (23,119)  (625,376)

Deferred financing costs and other

   (7,282)  1,712   (32,287)

Exercise of stock options

   42,564   101,509   30,835 

Cash dividends on common stock

   (10,995)  (10,500)  —   

Common stock purchases for employee stock purchase plan, net

   (1,608)  —     —   
   


 


 


NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   (16,310)  32,602   105,172 
   


 


 


INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   136,696   365,714   176,808 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   663,340   297,626   120,818 
   


 


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

  $800,036  $663,340  $297,626 
   


 


 


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

41


AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 20022003

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company is a wholesale distributor of pharmaceuticals and related healthcare products and services, and also provides pharmaceuticals to long-term care and workers’ compensation patients. For further information on the Company’s operating segments, see Note 13.

12.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmerisourceBergen Corporation and its wholly-ownedmajority-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of the dates and for the fiscal years indicated. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company was formed in connection with the merger of AmeriSource Health Corporation (“AmeriSource”) and Bergen Brunswig Corporation (“Bergen”), which was consummated on August 29, 2001 (the “Merger”), as described further in Note 2. As a result of the Merger, AmeriSource and Bergen became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Effective October 1, 2002, the Company effected an internal reorganization merging several of its subsidiaries. In particular, Bergen was merged with and into AmeriSource and AmeriSource changed its name to AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation. In addition, Bergen Brunswig Drug Company was merged with and into AmeriSource Corporation and AmeriSource Corporation changed its name to AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimated amounts.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts in order to conform to the current-year presentation.

Business Combinations

Business combinations accounted for under the purchase method of accounting include the results of operations of the acquired businesses from the dates of acquisition. Net assets of the companies acquired are recorded at their fair value to the Company at the date of acquisition (see Note 2).

Cash Equivalents

The Company classifies highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company sells its merchandise inventories to a large number of customers in the health carehealthcare industry, including independent communityretail pharmacies, chain drugstores, mail order facilities, health systems and other acute-care facilities, and alternate site facilities such as clinics, nursing homes, and other non-acute care facilities. The financial condition of the Company’s customers, especially those in the health systems and nursing home sectors, can be affected by changes in government reimbursement policies as well as by other economic pressures in the healthcare industry.

42


The Company’s trade accounts receivable are exposed to credit risk, but the risk is moderated because the customer base is diverse and geographically widespread. The Company generally does not require collateral for trade receivables. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and maintains reserves for potential bad debt losses.losses based on prior experience and for specific collectibility matters when they arise. Customer trade receivables are considered past due when payments have not been timely remitted in accordance with negotiated terms. The Company writes off balances against the reserve when collectibility is deemed remote. For fiscal 2003, 2002 2001 and 2000,2001, sales to the Federal government, which are principally included in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, represented approximately 9%, 16%9% and 20%16%, respectively, of operating revenue. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s operating revenue. Revenues generated from the Company’s sales to Merck-Medco Managed Care LLCMedco Health Solutions, Inc. were 12% of total revenue and 98% of bulk deliveries to customer warehouses in fiscal 2002 were2003 and 11% of total revenue and 99% of bulk deliveries to customer warehouses.

in fiscal 2002.

The Company maintains cash balances and cash equivalents with several large creditworthy banks and money-market funds located in the United States. Accounts at each bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000. The Company does not believe there is significant credit risk related to its cash and cash equivalents.

Investments

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in entities in which it has significant influence; generally this represents an ownership interest of between 20% and 50%. The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities in which the Company does not have significant influence are classified as “available for sale” and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in the accumulated other comprehensive loss component of stockholders’ equity.

Merchandise Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost for approximately 96%94% and 97%96% of the Company’s inventories at September 30, 20022003 and 2001,2002, respectively, was determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. If the Company had used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory valuation, which approximates current replacement cost, consolidated inventories would have been approximately $152.3$185.6 million and $91.7$152.3 million higher than the amounts reported at September 30, 2003 and 2002, and 2001, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 40 years.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as of October 1, 2001. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Accordingly, the Company ceased amortization of all goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives as of October 1, 2001. Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer lists, non-compete agreements and software technology, will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Had the Company not amortized goodwill during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, net income for that year would have been approximately $0.9 million higher than the reported amount and diluted earnings per share would have been $0.02 higher than the reported amount.

SFAS No. 142 requires a two-step impairment test for goodwill. The first step is to compare the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s assets to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value then the second step is required to be completed, which involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to each asset and liability, with the excess being implied goodwill. An impairment loss occurs if the amount of the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill. The determination of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units is based upon, among other things, estimates of future operating performance of the reporting unit being valued. The Company is required to complete an impairment test for goodwill and record

43


any resulting impairment losses annually. Changes in market conditions, among other factors, may have an impact on these estimates. The Company completed its required annual impairment tests in the fourth quarters of fiscal 2003 and 2002 and determined that there was no impairment.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when products are delivered to customers. Service revenues are recognized as services are performed and whenprovided there are no further obligations to the customer for the services provided.customer. Revenues as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are net of sales returns and allowances. The Company recognizes sales returns as a reduction of revenue and cost of sales for the sales price and cost, respectively, when products are returned. The Company’s customer return policy generally allows customers to return products only if the products can be resold at full value or returned to suppliers for credit.

Along with other companies in the pharmaceutical distribution industry, the Company reports the gross dollar amount of bulk deliveries to customer warehouses in revenue and the related costs in cost of goods sold. Bulk delivery transactions are arranged by the Company at the express direction of the customer, and involve either shipments from the supplier directly to customers’ warehouse sites or shipments from the supplier to the Company for immediate shipment to the customers’ warehouse sites. Gross profit earned by the Company on bulk deliveries was not material in any year presented.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs include all costs to warehouse, pick, pack and deliver inventory to customers. These costs, which were $381.8 million, $374.5 million $173.4 million and $143.7$173.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 2000,2001, respectively, are included in distribution, selling and administrative expenses.

Stock-Based CompensationRecently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This statement clarifies the definition of a liability, as currently defined by FASB Concepts Statement No. 6 “Elements of Financial Statements,” as well as other items. The statement requires that financial instruments that embody an obligation of an issuer be classified as a liability. Furthermore, the standard provides guidance for the initial and subsequent measurement as well as disclosure requirements of these financial instruments. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” This interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” and requires consolidation of variable interest entities by their primary beneficiaries if certain conditions are met. This interpretation applies to variable interest entities created or obtained after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or obtained before February 1, 2003, the adoption of this standard is effective as of December 31, 2003 for a variable interest in special-purpose entities and as of March 31, 2004 for all other variable interest entities. The Company followsdid not create or obtain any variable interest entity after February 1, 2003. The Company is in the process of evaluating the adoption of this standard, as it relates to variable interest entities held by the Company prior to February 1, 2003, but does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”)Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. The adoption of the standard was effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. The Company did not adopt the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. As required, the Company adopted the disclosure provisions of this standard.

44


The Company has a number of stock-related compensation plans, including stock option, stock purchase and restricted stock plans, which are described in Note 8. The Company continues to use the accounting method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB No. 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock-basedthese plans. Under APB No. 25, generally, when the exercise price of the Company’s stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no compensation (see Note 8).

Recently-Issued Financial Accounting Standards
In June 2001,expense is recognized. The following table illustrates the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwilleffect on net income and Other Intangible Assets.” As of October 1, 2001,earnings per share if the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, which reviseshad applied the accounting and financial reporting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. In accordance with the transitionfair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 142,123, to all stock-related compensation.

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the Company did not amortize goodwill arising fromestimated fair value of the Merger in fiscal 2001. In fiscal 2002,options and shares under the Company discontinuedemployee stock purchase plan are amortized to expense over their assumed vesting periods.

   Fiscal year ended September 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Net income, as reported

  $441,229  $344,941  $123,796 

Add: Stock-related compensation expense included in reported net income, net of income taxes

   642   1,455   4,011 

Deduct: Stock-related compensation expense determined under the fair value method, net of income taxes

   (19,600)  (12,280)  (25,840)
   


 


 


Pro forma net income

  $422,271  $334,116  $101,967 
   


 


 


Earnings per share:

             

Basic, as reported

  $4.03  $3.29  $2.16 
   


 


 


Basic, pro forma

  $3.86  $3.18  $1.78 
   


 


 


Diluted, as reported

  $3.89  $3.16  $2.10 
   


 


 


Diluted, pro forma

  $3.73  $3.06  $1.72 
   


 


 


The diluted calculations consider the amortization5% convertible subordinated notes as if converted and, therefore, the after-tax effect of all goodwill. Had the Company not amortized goodwill during fiscal 2001 and 2000,interest expense related to these notes is added back to net income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 would have been approximately $0.9 million and $0.6 million higher than the reported amounts, respectively, and diluted earnings per share would have been $0.02 higher than the reported amount in each year. Pursuantdetermining income available to SFAS No. 142, the Company was required to complete an initial impairment test of goodwill within six months of adopting the standard, with any impairment charges recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company completed its initial impairment test in the quarter ended March 31, 2002 and determined that no impairment existed. The Company completed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 and determined that no impairment existed.

common stockholders.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” This standard sets forth the accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets, whether they are held and used or are disposed of by sale or other means. It also broadens and modifies the presentation of discontinued operations. The provisions of SFAS No. 144 are generally to be applied prospectively. The Company does not believe this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In JuneNovember 2002, the FASB issued SFASFIN No. 146, “Accounting45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” This statement supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefitsinterpretation enhances the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and Other Costs Incurred inannual financial statements about obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a Restructuring.” This standard addressesguarantor is required to recognize, at the financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. These costs relate to termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated, costs to terminateinception of a contract, and costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees. SFAS No. 146 requires thatguarantee, a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under SFAS No. 146, an entity’s commitment to a plan does not by itself create an obligation that meets the definition of a liability. SFAS No. 146 also establishes fair value asof the objective forobligation undertaken in issuing the initial liability. The standard will be effective for exit costs or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, although early adoption is encouraged. The Company elected to adopt this standard in September 2002.guarantee. The adoption of this standardthe initial recognition and measurement requirements of FIN No. 45 did not have a materialan impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. The Company has traditionally recognized certain costs associated with restructuring plans as of the date of commitment to the plan. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 could result in the deferral of recognition of such costs for restructuring plans from the date we commit to a plan to the date we actually incur the costs associated with a plan.
statements.

45


Note 2. Acquisitions

Merger

The merger of AmeriSource and Bergen was consummated on August 29, 2001, upon the affirmative vote of the AmeriSource and Bergen stockholders. The Merger occurred pursuant to a merger agreement between AmeriSource and Bergen dated March 16, 2001. In connection with the Merger, the AmeriSource stockholders received one share of the Company’s common stock for each AmeriSource common share, while the Bergen stockholders received 0.37 of a share of Company common stock for each Bergen common share. As a result, AmeriSource and Bergen became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company and the stockholders of AmeriSource and Bergen became the stockholders of the Company.

The Merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for business combinations pursuant to SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” Since the former AmeriSource stockholders owned approximately 51% of the Company immediately after the Merger (with the former Bergen stockholders owning the remaining 49%), the Company accounted for the Merger as an acquisition by AmeriSource of Bergen. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include (a) the financial information of AmeriSource for all periods presented and (b) the results of operations and other information for Bergen since August 29, 2001.

There were a number of reasons AmeriSource and Bergen decided to merge, including (a) the strategic and geographic fit between the two companies and the complementary nature of their respective customer bases and (b) the opportunity for an increase in operating cash flow through synergies such as the consolidation of distribution facilities and related working capital improvements, the elimination of duplicate administrative functions, and generic pharmaceutical inventory purchasing efficiencies.

Following is a summary of the aggregate purchase price (in thousands):

Market value of Company common stock issued to Bergen stockholders, including cash paid for fractional shares  $2,301,871
Fair value of Bergen’s stock options, net of unearned compensation   78,251
Transaction costs   21,604
   

Total purchase price  $2,401,726
   

Market value of company common stock issued to Bergen stockholders, including cash paid for fractional shares

  $2,301,871

Fair value of Bergen’s stock options, net of unearned compensation

   78,251

Transaction costs

   21,604
   

Total purchase price

  $2,401,726
   

The Company issued approximately 50.2 million shares of its common stock in exchange for approximately 135.7 million outstanding common shares of Bergen, based on the aforementioned exchange ratio of 0.37 to 1. The Company’s common stock was valued based on a price per share of $45.86, which was the weighted-average market price of the AmeriSource common stock during the few days before and after March 19, 2001, the date the Merger was publicly announced.

The Company issued options to purchase approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding options of Bergen, based on a weighted-average fair value of $23.29 per option. The fair value of the options, which amounted to $80.7 million, was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and was based on a weighted-average exercise price of $36.63 and the following weighted-average assumptions: expected volatility—0.509; expected life—4 years; risk-free interest rate—4.64%; and expected dividend yield—0.21%. For purposes of determining the purchase price, this amount was reduced by approximately $2.4 million, which represents the intrinsic value of the options for approximately 0.3 million shares which were unvested at the merger date; such unearned compensation is being amortized to expense over the remaining vesting period of approximately three years.

In connection with the Merger, the Company refinanced a significant portion of its outstanding debt. This refinancing included the issuance of new senior term debt, the consummation of a new bank credit facility, the repayment of amounts outstanding under the previous bank credit facilities of AmeriSource and Bergen, and the repurchase of certain Bergen term debt. For further explanation of the refinancing, see Note 5.

46


The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair values of Bergen’s assets and liabilities at the effective date of the Merger (in thousands):

Cash

  $155,422 

Accounts receivable

   1,397,157 

Inventories

   2,766,297 

Property and equipment

   221,762 

Intangible assets

   220,846 

Other assets

   134,202 

Goodwill

   2,085,101 

Current and other liabilities

   (3,224,927)

Long-term debt (prior to the refinancing described in Note 5)

   (1,354,134)
   


Total purchase price

  $2,401,726 
   


Substantially all of the acquired intangible assets represent amounts assigned to registered trade names, which have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization.

Of the $2.1 billion of goodwill arising from the Merger, $1.8 billion was allocated to the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment and $271.1 million to the PharMerica segment. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, adjustments were made to reduce goodwill arising from the Merger by $14.4 million for the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment and $2.1 million for the PharMerica segment. For further explanation, seesegment (see Note 4. Approximately4). Goodwill of $317.9 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The following table shows the Company’s unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the fiscal yearsyear ended September 30, 2001, and 2000, assuming the Merger had occurred at the beginning of the respective year (in thousands):

   
(Unaudited)
Pro Forma
Fiscal year ended
September 30,

   
2001

  
2000

Operating revenue  $34,599,310  $30,335,606
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses   4,532,479   4,252,317
   

  

Total revenue  $39,131,789  $34,587,923
   

  

Net income  $251,936  $150,312
   

  

Earnings per share:        
Basic  $2.44  $1.48
   

  

Diluted  $2.38  $1.48
   

  

Operating revenue

  $34,599,310

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   4,532,479
   

Total revenue

  $39,131,789
   

Net income

  $251,936
   

Earnings per share

    

Basic

  $2.44
   

Diluted

  $2.38
   

The above unaudited pro forma operating results are based upon the following principal assumptions:

(1)Bergen’s historical financial results were included for the entire fiscal year.

(2)Bergen’s historical operating expenses (principally depreciation and amortization) were revised based on the adjustment of the related assets and liabilities to their fair value.

(3)Historical goodwill amortization expense and goodwill impairment charges were eliminated.

(4)Interest expense was revised for the effect of the assumed consummation of the aforementioned refinancing at the beginning of the respective periods.period presented above. Interest for fixed-rate debt was calculated based upon the fixed rates of the new debt, while interest for variable-rate debt was calculated based on the historical benchmark rates (such as LIBOR) plus the spreads set forth in the new bank credit facilities. Historical borrowing levels were adjusted upward to reflect the assumed payment of merger costs, financing costs, and certain executive compensation and benefits on the effective date of the Merger. Amortization of deferred financing costs was adjusted to reflect the costs and terms of the new bank credit facilities and debt issued.

(5)The provision for income taxes was adjusted for the tax effect of the foregoing pretax adjustments.

47


(6)Earnings per share were adjusted to reflect the issuance of the Company’s common stock in connection with the Merger. Diluted earnings per share were also adjusted for the dilutive effect of the Bergen stock options which were outstanding during the periods.

The pro forma operating results do not reflect any anticipated operating efficiencies or synergies and are not necessarily indicative of the actual results which might have occurred had the operations and management of AmeriSource and Bergen been combined during the two fiscal years.2001. In addition, the pro forma operating results do not include any expenses associated with merger-related facility consolidations, employee severance or other integration activities.

AutoMed Technologies, Inc.Other Acquisitions and Investments

On

In June 2003, the Company acquired Anderson Packaging Inc. (“Anderson”), a leading provider of physician and retail contracted packaging services to pharmaceutical manufacturers, to expand the Company’s packaging capabilities. The purchase price was approximately $100.1 million, which included the repayment of Anderson debt of $13.8 million and $0.8 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition. The Company paid part of the purchase price by issuing 814,145 shares of its common stock, as set forth in the acquisition agreement, with an aggregate market value of $55.6 million, which was calculated based on the Company’s closing stock price on the transaction measurement date. The Company paid the remaining purchase price, which was approximately $44.5 million, in cash.

In May 2002, the Company acquired a 20% equity interest in a physician education and management consulting company for $5 million in cash, which was subject to a possible adjustment contingent on the entity achieving defined earnings targets in calendar 2002. Additionally, the Company agreed to acquire, within the next two years, the remaining 80% equity interest. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the total purchase price for 100% equity ownership of the entity shall not exceed $100 million and is based on the entity’s earnings during calendar years 2002 through 2004. The Company currently expects to pay between $60 million and $70 million, in the aggregate, for its 100% equity ownership in the entity. The initial 20% investment was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In April 2003, the Company satisfied the residual contingent obligation for the initial 20% equity interest and agreed to acquire an additional 40% equity interest in the physician education and management consulting company for an aggregate $24.7 million in cash. The Company paid the $24.7 million in two installments prior to September 30, 2003. The acquisition of the remaining 40% equity interest is expected to occur in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and the purchase price will be based on the calendar 2003 operating results of the physician education and management consulting company. An additional payment may be earned by the selling shareholders under the Company’s current agreement with such shareholders, based on the 2004 operating results of the physician education and management consulting company. The results of operations of the physician education and management consulting company, less minority interest, have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the April 2003 acquisition date.

In January 2003, the Company acquired US Bioservices Corporation (“US Bio”), a national pharmaceutical products and services provider focused on the management of high-cost complex therapies and reimbursement support, to expand the Company’s manufacturer service offerings within the specialty pharmaceutical business. The total base purchase price was $160.2 million, which included the repayment of US Bio debt of $14.8 million and $1.5 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition. The Company paid part of the base purchase price by issuing 2,399,091 shares of its common stock, as set forth in the acquisition agreement, with an aggregate market value of $131.0 million, which was calculated based on an average of the Company’s closing stock price on the two days before and the two days after the transaction measurement date. The Company paid the remaining $29.2 million of the base purchase price in cash. The agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to $27.6 million in cash based on US Bio achieving defined earnings targets through the end of the first quarter of calendar 2004. In July 15,2003, an initial contingent payment of $2.5 million was paid in cash by the Company.

In January 2003, the Company acquired Bridge Medical, Inc. (“Bridge”), a leading provider of barcode-enabled point-of-care software designed to reduce medication errors, to enhance the Company’s offerings in the pharmaceutical supply channel. The total base purchase price was $28.4 million, which included $0.7 million of transaction costs associated with the acquisition. The Company paid part of the base purchase price by issuing 401,780 shares of its common stock with an aggregate market value of $22.9 million, which was calculated based on a 30-day average of the Company’s closing stock price for the period ending three days prior to the transaction closing date, as set forth in the acquisition agreement. The remaining base purchase price was paid with $5.5 million of cash. The acquisition agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to a maximum of $55 million based on Bridge achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. The Company intends to pay any contingent amounts that may become due primarily in shares of its common stock. At the closing of the acquisition, the Company

48


issued an additional 401,780 shares of its common stock into an escrow account that may be used for the payment of contingent amounts, if any, that become due in the future. The Company will retire all unused shares, if any, remaining in the escrow account after the end of calendar 2004 upon the completion of the contingent payment determinations.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price, including transaction costs, based on the fair values of the Anderson, US Bio, Bridge and physician education and management consulting company assets and liabilities at the effective dates of the respective acquisitions (in thousands):

Cash

  $6,770 

Accounts receivable

   60,508 

Inventory

   17,448 

Property and equipment

   23,592 

Goodwill

   172,856 

Intangible assets

   72,622 

Deferred tax assets

   17,670 

Other assets

   2,907 

Current and other liabilities

   (50,594)
   


Fair value of net assets acquired

  $323,779 
   


Intangible assets of $72.6 million consist of $30.1 million of trade names, which have indefinite lives and are not subject to amortization, $28.2 million of customer relationships, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 12 years, $10.6 million of non-compete agreements, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 4 years, and $3.7 million of software, which is being amortized over a three-year life. Deferred tax assets principally relate to net operating losses and research and development costs incurred by Bridge prior to the acquisition.

All of the goodwill associated with the aforementioned acquisitions was assigned to the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment. The goodwill associated with the US Bio and Bridge acquisitions of $109.2 will not be deductible for income tax purposes.

In July 2002, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of AutoMed Technologies, Inc. (“AutoMed”), a leading provider of automated pharmacy dispensing equipment, with annual revenues of approximately $60 million, for a cash payment of approximately $120 million, which included the repayment of AutoMed’s debt of approximately $52 million. The agreement and plan of merger providesprovided for contingent payments, not to exceed $55 million, to be made based on AutoMed achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. The Company has the option to make these payments in cash or in shares of Company common stock. The initial allocation of the purchase price subject to adjustment, was based on the

estimated fair values of AutoMed’s assets and liabilities at the effective date of the acquisition and was allocated as follows: tangible assets of $22 million, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets of $110 million and liabilities of $12 million. Substantially all of the goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, are tax deductible. AutoMed’s results of operations have been included as a component ofwhich were assigned to the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment, fromare tax deductible.

In June 2003, the dateCompany amended the 2002 agreement under which it acquired AutoMed. Pursuant to the amendment, the former stockholders of AutoMed agreed to eliminate their right to receive up to $55 million in contingent payments based on AutoMed achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. In consideration thereof, the Company paid $9.8 million in July 2003 to the former AutoMed shareholders under the amendment. This amount was recorded as additional purchase price and goodwill. The Company has satisfied its remaining obligations to make payments under the 2002 agreement to acquire AutoMed.

Had the aforementioned acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the acquisition. AutoMed’srespective fiscal years, the Company’s consolidated total revenue, net income from the date of the acquisition to September 30, 2002 did not have a material impact on the Company’s net income orand diluted earnings per share for the fiscal 2002.

Other Investments
In Mayyears ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 would not have been materially different from the Company’s Pharmaceutical Distribution segment acquired a 20% equity interest in a physician management consulting company for $5 million in cash, subject to a possible adjustment contingent on the entity achieving defined earnings targets in calendar 2002. The Company currently expects that there will be a $2 million increase in the purchase price related to the acquisition of the first 20% equity interest. Additionally, the Company has agreed to acquire, within the next two years, the remaining 80% equity interest for a minimum of $10 million, subject to adjustment contingent on the achievement of defined earnings targets. The Company currently expects to pay between $20 million and $30 million for the next 40% equity interest to be acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the total purchase price for 100% equity ownership of the entity shall not exceed $100 million and is based on the entity’s earnings during calendar years 2002 through 2004. The Company currently expects to pay between $70 million and $80 million, in the aggregate, for its 100% equity ownership in the entity. The initial 20% investment has been accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
reported amounts.

49


Note 3. Income Taxes

The income tax provision is as follows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

   
2002

  
2001

  
2000

Current provision:            
Federal  $150,487  $46,390  $30,110
State and local   30,766   6,137   4,752
   

  

  

    181,253   52,527   34,862
   

  

  

Deferred provision:            
Federal   44,574   21,585   22,655
State and local   1,279   2,749   3,169
   

  

  

    45,853   24,334   25,824
   

  

  

Provision for income taxes  $227,106  $76,861  $60,686
   

  

  

   Fiscal year ended September 30,

   2003

  2002

  2001

Current provision:

            

Federal

  $138,323  $150,487  $46,390

State and local

   19,418   30,766   6,137
   

  

  

    157,741   181,253   52,527
   

  

  

Deferred provision:

            

Federal

   111,810   44,574   21,585

State and local

   15,347   1,279   2,749
   

  

  

    127,157   45,853   24,334
   

  

  

Provision for income taxes

  $284,898  $227,106  $76,861
   

  

  

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:

     
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
     
2002

   
2001

   
2000

 
Statutory federal income tax rate    35.0%  35.0%  35.0%
State and local income tax rate, net of federal tax benefit    3.6   2.9   3.2 
Other    1.1   .4   (.2)
     

  

  

Effective income tax rate    39.7%  38.3%  38.0%
     

  

  

   Fiscal year ended
September 30,


 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

Statutory federal income tax rate

  35.0% 35.0% 35.0%

State and local income tax rate, net of federal tax benefit

  3.2  3.6  2.9 

Other

  1.0  1.1  0.4 
   

 

 

Effective income tax rate

  39.2% 39.7% 38.3%
   

 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities (assets) are as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,

 
   
2002

   
2001

 
Inventory  $347,218   $345,435 
Property and equipment   20,648    20,043 
Goodwill   11,123    1,044 
Other   21,714    25,323 
   


  


Gross deferred tax liabilities   400,703    391,845 
   


  


Net operating losses and tax credit carryovers   (42,800)   (86,066)
Capital loss carryovers   (7,665)   (7,300)
Allowance for doubtful accounts   (74,040)   (78,287)
Accrued expenses   (34,589)   (29,633)
Employee and retiree benefits   (20,181)   (17,546)
Other   (59,944)   (64,638)
   


  


Gross deferred tax assets   (239,219)   (283,470)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets   31,187    31,614 
   


  


Gross deferred tax assets, after allowance   (208,032)   (251,856)
   


  


Net deferred tax liability  $192,671   $139,989 
   


  


   September 30,

 
   2003

  2002

 

Inventory

  $461,989  $347,218 

Property and equipment

   17,692   20,648 

Goodwill

   31,972   11,123 

Other

   23,029   21,714 
   


 


Gross deferred tax liabilities

   534,682   400,703 
   


 


Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards

   (70,131)  (42,800)

Capital loss carryforwards

   (7,258)  (7,665)

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (70,526)  (74,040)

Accrued expenses

   (48,327)  (34,589)

Employee and retiree benefits

   (26,228)  (20,181)

Other

   (45,527)  (59,944)
   


 


Gross deferred tax assets

   (267,997)  (239,219)

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

   49,597   31,187 
   


 


Gross deferred tax assets, after allowance

   (218,400)  (208,032)
   


 


Net deferred tax liability

  $316,282  $192,671 
   


 


50


In fiscal 2003, 2002 2001 and 2000,2001, tax benefits of $14.4 million, $43.5 million $14.4 million and $4.9$14.4 million, respectively, related to the exercise of employee stock options were recorded as additional paid-in capital.

As of September 30, 2002,2003, the Company had $19.2$42.2 million of potential tax benefits from federal net operating loss carryforwards expiring in 76 to 19 years, and $14.4$16.5 million of potential tax benefits from state operating loss carryforwards expiring in 1 to 20 years. As of September 30, 2002,2003, the Company had $9.2$11.4 million of federal and state alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards, and $7.7$7.3 million of capital loss carryforwards expiring in 1 to 32 years.

In fiscal 2003, the Company increased the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets by $17.7 million due to the uncertainty of realizing several deferred tax assets acquired in connection with the US Bio and Bridge acquisitions. In fiscal 2001, the Company increased the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets by $31.5 million due to the uncertainty of realizing several deferred tax assets acquired in connection with the Merger. The increase wasThese increases were accounted for as a componentcomponents of the initial purchase price allocation forallocations in connection with the acquisitions and Merger. Under current accounting rules, any future reduction of the valuation allowance, due to the realization of the related deferred tax assets, will reduce goodwill.

Income tax payments, net of refunds, were $118.4 million, $111.9 million $14.2 million and $26.5$14.2 million in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, and 2000, respectively.

Note 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Following is a summary of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by reportable segment, for the fiscal yearyears ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

   
Pharmaceutical Distribution

   
PharMerica

   
Total

 
Goodwill at September 30, 2001  $1,854,158   $271,100   $2,125,258 
Adjustments to the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with the Merger   (14,350)   (2,144)   (16,494)
Goodwill recognized in connection with the acquisition of AutoMed Technologies, Inc.   88,719    —      88,719 
Goodwill recognized in connection with the acquisition of other businesses   7,676    —      7,676 
   


  


  


Goodwill at September 30, 2002  $1,936,203   $268,956   $2,205,159 
   


  


  


As shown in the above table, adjustments to the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with the Merger resulted in a corresponding reduction in goodwill. Such adjustments consisted of the favorable resolution of legal matters and other contingencies, partially offset by the cost of facility consolidation and employee severance related to former Bergen facilities and employees as described in Note 11.

   Pharmaceutical
Distribution


  PharMerica

  Total

 

Goodwill at September 30, 2001

  $1,854,158  $271,100  $2,125,258 

Adjustments to the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with the Merger

   (14,350)  (2,144)  (16,494)

Goodwill recognized in connection with the acquisition of AutoMed

   88,719   —     88,719 

Goodwill recognized in connection with the acquisition of other businesses

   7,676   —     7,676 
   


 


 


Goodwill at September 30, 2002

   1,936,203   268,956   2,205,159 

Goodwill recognized in connection with the acquisition of Anderson, US Bio, Bridge, a physician education and management consulting company and other businesses

   185,554   —     185,554 
   


 


 


Goodwill at September 30, 2003

  $2,121,757  $268,956  $2,390,713 
   


 


 


51


Following is a summary of other intangible assets (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2002

  
September 30, 2001

   
Gross Carrying Amount

  
Accumulated Amortization

   
Net Carrying Amount

  
Gross Carrying Amount

  
Accumulated Amortization

   
Net Carrying Amount

Unamortized intangibles:                          
Tradenames  $226,781  $—     $226,781  $219,000  $—     $219,000
Amortized intangibles:                          
Customer lists and other   32,838   (6,996)   25,842   17,375   (4,203)   13,172
   

  


  

  

  


  

Total other intangible assets  $259,619  $(6,996)  $252,623  $236,375  $(4,203)  $232,172
   

  


  

  

  


  

   September 30, 2003

  September 30, 2002

   Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


  Net
Carrying
Amount


  Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


  Net
Carrying
Amount


Unamortized intangibles:

                        

Trade names

  $256,732  $—    $256,732  $226,781  $—    $226,781

Amortized intangibles:

                        

Customer lists and other

   78,866   (15,038)  63,828   32,838   (6,996)  25,842
   

  


 

  

  


 

Total other intangible assets

  $335,598  $(15,038) $320,560  $259,619  $(6,996) $252,623
   

  


 

  

  


 

Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $8.0 million, $2.9 million $1.5 million and $0.6$1.5 million in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001, respectively. Amortization expense for other intangible assets is estimated to be $4.5$11.2 million in fiscal 2003, $3.7 million in each of fiscal 2004, fiscal 2005, and fiscal 2006 and $3.1$11.3 million in fiscal 2007.

2005, $10.3 million in fiscal 2006, $7.6 million in fiscal 2007, $3.6 million in fiscal 2008, and $19.8 million thereafter.

Note 5. Debt

Debt consisted of the following:

   
September 30,

   
2002

  
2001

   
Dollars in thousands
Term loan facility at 3.41% and 5.01%, respectively, due 2003 to 2006  $300,000  $300,000
Blanco revolving credit facility at 3.71% and 5.14%, respectively, due 2003   55,000   55,000
AmeriSource receivables securitization financing due 2004, at 3.89%   —     22,000
Bergen receivables securitization financing due 2005, at 3.69%   —     15,000
Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes due 2003
   150,419   151,832
Bergen 7 1/4% senior notes due 2005
   99,758   99,668
8 1/8% senior notes due 2008
   500,000   500,000
PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008
   124,532   124,719
Bergen 7% convertible subordinated debentures due 2006   —     20,609
AmeriSource 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2007   300,000   300,000
Bergen 6 7/8% exchangeable subordinated debentures due 2011
   8,425   8,425
Bergen 7.80% trust preferred securities due 2039   275,288   274,616
Other   3,891   2,510
   

  

Total debt   1,817,313   1,874,379
Less current portion   60,819   2,468
   

  

Total, net of current portion  $1,756,494  $1,871,911
   

  

   September 30,

Dollars in thousands


  2003

  2002

Term loan facility at 2.38% and 3.41%, respectively, due 2004 to 2006

  $240,000  $300,000

Revolving credit facility, due 2006

   —     —  

Blanco revolving credit facility at 3.27% and 3.71%, respectively, due 2004

   55,000   55,000

AmerisourceBergen securitization financing due 2006

   —     —  

Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes due 2003

   —     150,419

Bergen 7 1/4% senior notes due 2005

   99,849   99,758

8 1/8% senior notes due 2008

   500,000   500,000

7 1/4% senior notes due 2012

   300,000   —  

PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008

   —     124,532

AmeriSource 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2007

   300,000   300,000

Bergen 6 7/8% exchangeable subordinated debentures due 2011

   8,425   8,425

Bergen 7.80% trust preferred securities due 2039

   275,960   275,288

Other

   4,920   3,891
   

  

Total debt

   1,784,154   1,817,313

Less current portion

   61,430   60,819
   

  

Total, net of current portion

  $1,722,724  $1,756,494
   

  

Long-Term Debt

In November 2002, the Company issued $300 million of 7 1/4% senior notes due November 15, 2012 (the “7 1/4% Notes”). The 7 1/4% Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time before maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption and, under some circumstances, a redemption premium. Interest on the 7 1/4% Notes is payable on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The Company used the net proceeds of the 7 1/4% Notes to repay $15 million of the term loan in December 2002, to repay $150 million in aggregate principal of the Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes in January 2003 and redeem the PharMerica 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008 (the “8 3/8% Notes”) at a redemption price equal to 104.19% of the $123.5 million principal

52


amount in April 2003. The cost of the redemption premium of $5.2 million, less $1.0 million representing the unamortized premium on the 8 3/8% Notes, is reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 as a loss on the early retirement of debt. In connection with the issuance of the 7 1/4% Notes, the Company incurred approximately $5.7 million of costs which were deferred and are being amortized over the ten-year term of the notes.

In connection with the Merger (see Note 2), the Company issued $500 million of 8 1/8% senior notes due September 1, 2008 (the “8 1/8% Notes”). The 8 1/8% Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time before maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption and, under some circumstances, a redemption premium. Interest on the 8 1/8% Notes is payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year.

In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders. The Senior Credit Agreement refinanced the senior secured credit agreements of AmeriSource and Bergen existing at the Merger date. The Senior Credit Agreement consists of a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $300 million term loan facility (the “Term Facility”), both maturing in August 2006. The Term Facility has scheduled quarterly maturities beginningwhich began in December 2002, totaling $60 million in each of fiscal 2003 and 2004, $80 million in fiscal 2005 and $100 million in fiscal 2006. The Company paid the scheduled quarterly maturities of $60 million in fiscal 2003. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility at September 30, 20022003 and 2001.2002. Interest on borrowings under the Senior Credit Agreement accrues at specified rates based on the Company’s debt ratings; such rates range from 1.0% to 2.5% over LIBOR or 0% to 1.5% over prime (1.5%(1.25% over LIBOR and 0.5%0.25% over prime at September 30, 2002)2003). Availability under the Revolving Facility is reduced by the amount of outstanding letters of credit ($62.462.9 million at September 30, 2002)2003). The Company pays quarterly commitment fees to maintain the availability under the Revolving Facility at rates based on the Company’s debt ratings: such rates range from .25%0.250% to 0.50%0.500% of the unused availability (0.375%(0.300% at September 30, 2002)2003). The Company may choose to repay or reduce its commitments under the Senior Credit Agreement at any time. Substantially all of the Company’s assets, except for trade receivables which were previously sold into the ARFC Securitization Facility orAmeriSource and Bergen receivables securitization facilities and currently are sold into the Blue Hill Securitization Program (asABC securitization facility (all as described below), collateralize the Senior Credit Agreement.

The Blanco revolving credit facility (“Blanco Facility”), held by the Company’s Puerto Rican subsidiary, is a $55 million bank revolving credit facility that expires in May 2003.2004. Borrowings under the facility, which were $55 million at September 30, 20022003 and 2001,2002, bear interest at 0.35% above LIBOR and are secured by a standby letter of credit under the Senior Credit Agreement for which the Company incurs a fee of 1.625%.

Aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of the 8 1/8% 1/8% Notes and the Senior Credit Agreement were used: to repay $436.5 million outstanding under Bergen’s $1.5 billion senior secured credit facility on the Merger date, including a prepayment penalty of $1.9 million; to refinance AmeriSource’s $500 million senior secured five-year revolving credit agreement, in effect since January 1997, which had no outstanding balance at the Merger date; to repurchase $187.4 million of PharMerica’s 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes (the “8 3/8% Notes”), including payment of a $2.8 million premium on the Merger date; to repurchase $20.6 million of Bergen’s 7% convertible subordinated debentures (the “7% Debentures”) in November 2001; and to pay fees and expenses associated with the Merger, the issuance of the 8 1/8% Notes, the Senior Credit Agreement, the repurchase of the 8 3/8% Notes and 7% Debentures, and for general corporate purposes.

In connection with the issuance ofissuing the 8 1/8% Notes and entering into the Senior Credit Agreement, the Company incurred approximately $24.0 million of costs, which were deferred and are being amortized over the applicable term of each instrument.the respective issues.

In December 2000, AmeriSource issued $300 million of 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due December 1, 2007 (the “5% Notes”). The 5% Notes were originally convertible into Class A Common Stock of AmeriSource at $52.97 per share. Upon consummation of the Merger, the Company entered into a supplemental indenture providing that each of the 5% Notes would thereafter be convertible into the number of shares of the common stock of the Company which the note holder would have received in the Merger if the note holder had converted the 5% Notes immediately prior to the Merger. The 5% Notes are convertible at any time before their maturity or their prior redemption or repurchase by the Company. On or after December 3, 2004, the Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 5% Notes that have not been previously converted. Interest on the 5% Notes is payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year. Net proceeds from the 5% Notes of approximately $290.6 million were used to repay existing borrowings and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. In connection with the issuance of the 5% Notes, the Company incurred approximately $9.4 million of costs, which were deferred and are being amortized over the term of the issue.

53


The indentures governing the 8 1/8% Notes, the Senior Credit Agreement and the 5% Notes contain restrictions and covenants which include limitations on additional indebtedness; distributions and dividends to stockholders; the repurchase of stock and the making of other restricted payments; issuance of preferred stock; creation of certain liens; capital expenditures; transactions with subsidiaries and other affiliates; and certain corporate acts such as mergers, consolidations, and the sale of substantially all assets. Additional covenants require compliance with financial tests, including leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, and maintenance of minimum tangible net worth.

In connection with the Merger, the Company also assumed the following Bergen long-term debt:

 
Ÿ
7 3/8% senior notes due January 15, 2003 (the “Bergen 7 3/8% Notes”);

 
Ÿ
7 1/4% senior notes due June 1, 2005 (the “Bergen 7 1/4% Notes”);

 
Ÿ
8 3/8% Notes;

7% Debentures;

 
Ÿ
7% Debentures;
Ÿ
6 7/8% exchangeable subordinated debentures due July 15, 2011 (the “Bergen 6 7/8% Debentures”);

Blanco Facility; and
Ÿ
Blanco Facility; and

Bergen receivables securitization financing due 2005 (described under “Receivables Securitization Financing” below)
Ÿ
Bergen receivables securitization financing due 2005 (described under “Receivables Securitization Financing” below)

The Bergen 7 3/8% Notes and the Bergen 7 1/4% Notes are unsecured and carry aggregate principal amounts of $150 million and $100 million, respectively, and are not redeemable prior to maturity, and are not entitled to any sinking fund. Interest is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year for the Bergen 7 3/8% Notes and on June 1 and December 1 of each year for the Bergen 7 1/4% Notes.

On October 29, 2001, PharMerica, a wholly-owned subsidiary of As discussed above, the Company, completed a tender offer to purchase the remaining $123.5 million of its 8 3/8% Notes which were not repurchased on the Merger date. No notes were tendered in response to the offer, which was required as a result of the Merger according to the terms of the indenture under which the 8Bergen 7 3/8% Notes were issued. Interest on the outstanding notes is paid on April 1 and October 1 of each year.repaid in January 2003.

In connection with the purchase price allocation, the carrying values of the Bergen 7 3/8% Notes, Bergen 7 1/4% Notes and 8 3/8% Notes were adjusted to fair values based on quoted market prices on the date of the Merger. The difference between

the fair values and the face amounts of thesethe Bergen 7 3/8% Notes isand the 8 3/8% Notes were being amortized as a net reduction of interest expense over the remaining terms of the borrowings.
borrowings prior to the respective repayment and redemption thereof. The difference between the fair value and the face amount of the Bergen 7 1/4% Notes is being amortized as a net reduction of interest expense over the remaining term.

During November 2001, the Company redeemed substantially all of its $20.6 million outstanding 7% Debentures. The redemption offer was required as a result of the Merger.

Interest on the unsecured $8.4 million outstanding Bergen 6 7/8% Debentures is paid on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

The Bergen 7 3/8% Notes, which are due in January 2003, and the Blanco Facility, which expires in May 2003, are2004, is not classified in the current portion of long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 20022003 because the Company has the ability and intent to refinance themit on a long-term basis (see Note 16).basis. Additionally, since borrowings under the Blanco Facility are secured by a standby letter of credit under the Senior Credit Agreement, the Company is effectively financing this debt on a long-term basis through that arrangement.

54


Receivables Securitization Financing

In July 2003, the Company entered into a new $1.05 billion receivables securitization facility (“ABC Securitization Facility”) and terminated the existing AmeriSource and Bergen securitization facilities. In connection with the ABC Securitization Facility, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation (“ABDC”) sells on a revolving basis certain accounts receivable to a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“ARFC”), which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest in the receivables to commercial paper conduits sponsored by financial institutions. ABDC is the servicer of the accounts receivable under the ABC Securitization Facility. After the maximum limit of receivables sold has been reached and as sold receivables are collected, additional receivables may be sold up to the maximum amount available under the facility. Under the terms of the ABC Securitization Facility, a $550 million tranche has an expiration date of July 2006 (the three-year tranche) and a $500 million tranche expires in July 2004 (the 364-day tranche). The Company intends to renew the 364-day tranche on an annual basis. Interest rates are based on prevailing market rates for short-term commercial paper plus a program fee of 75 basis points for the three-year tranche and 45 basis points for the 364-day tranche. The Company pays a commitment fee of 30 basis points and 25 basis points on any unused credit with respect to the three-year tranche and the 364-day tranche, respectively. The program and commitment fee rates will vary based on the Company’s debt ratings. Borrowings and payments under the ABC Securitization Facility are applied on a pro-rata basis to the $550 million and $500 million tranches. In connection with entering into the ABC Securitization Facility, the Company incurred approximately $2.4 million of costs which were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the ABC Securitization Facility. The Company securitizes its trade accounts, which are generally non-interest bearing, in transactions that are accounted for as borrowings under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.”

The agreement governing the ABC Securitization Facility contains restrictions and covenants which include limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, making of certain restricted payments, issuance of preferred stock, creation of certain liens, and certain corporate acts such as mergers, consolidations and sale of substantially all assets.

The Company previously utilized the receivables securitization facilities initiated by AmeriSource (the “ARFC Securitization Facility”) and Bergen (the “Blue Hill Securitization Program”). In connection with an internal reorganization on October 1, 2002 (see Note 1), both of these securitization facilities were amended to permit such reorganization and to provide for the designation of the trade receivables of the merged ABDC that would be sold into the ARFC Securitization Facility and the Blue Hill Securitization Program.

The ARFC Securitization Facility previously provided a total borrowing capacity of $400 million. In connection with the ARFC Securitization Facility, ABDC sold on a revolving basis certain accounts receivable to ARFC, which in turn sold a percentage ownership interest in the receivables to a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. ABDC was the servicer of the accounts receivable under the ARFC Securitization Facility. After the maximum limit of receivables sold had been reached and as sold receivables were collected, additional receivables may have been sold up to the maximum amount receivable under the facility. The ARFC Securitization Facility had an expiration date of May 2004, prior to its termination. Interest was at a rate at which funds were obtained by the financial institution to fund the receivables (short-term commercial paper rates) plus a program fee of 38.5 basis points. In order to borrow available amounts under this securitization facility, a back-up 364-day liquidity facility was required to be in place. ABDC was required to pay a commitment fee of 25 basis points on any unused credit in excess of $25 million. At September 30, 2002, there were no borrowings outstanding under the ARFC Securitization Facility.

The Blue Hill Securitization Program previously provided a total borrowing capacity of $450 million. In connection with the Blue Hill Securitization Program, ABDC sold on a revolving basis certain accounts receivable to a 100%-owned special purpose entity (“Blue Hill”), which in turn sold a percentage ownership interest in the receivables to a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. ABDC was the servicer of the accounts receivable under the Blue Hill Securitization Program. After the maximum limit of receivables sold had been reached and as sold receivables were collected, additional receivables may have been sold up to the maximum amount receivable under the program. The Blue Hill Securitization Program had an expiration date of December 2005, prior to its termination. Interest was at short-term commercial paper rates plus a program fee of 75 basis points. ABDC was required to pay a commitment fee of 25 basis points on any unused credit. At September 30, 2002, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Blue Hill Securitization Program.

Transactions under the ARFC Securitization Facility and the Blue Hill Securitization Program were accounted for as borrowings in accordance with SFAS No. 140.

55


Preferred Securities of Trust

In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed Bergen’s Capital I Trust (the “Trust”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bergen. In May 1999, the Trust issued 12,000,000 shares of 7.80% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (SM) (TOPrS(SM)) (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) at $25 per security. The proceeds of such issuances were invested by the Trust in $300 million aggregate principal amount of Bergen’s 7.80% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes due June 30, 2039 (the “Subordinated Notes”). The Subordinated Notes represent the sole assets of the Trust and bear interest at the annual rate of 7.80%, payable quarterly, and are redeemable by the Company beginning in May 2004 at 100% of the principal amount thereof. The Trust Preferred Securities will be redeemable upon any repayment of the Subordinated Notes at 100% of the liquidation amount beginning in May 2004. The obligations of the Trust related to the Preferred Securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.

Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities are entitled to cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 7.80% of the liquidation amount of $25 per security. The Trust paid cashCash distributions of $23.4 million during fiscal 2002, which are classified as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company, under certain conditions, may cause the Trust to defer the payment of distributions for successive periods of up to 20 consecutive quarters. During such periods, accrued distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will compound quarterly at an annual rate of 7.80%. Also during such periods, the Company may not declare or pay distributions on its capital stock; may not redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment on any of its capital stock; and may not make interest, principal or premium payments on, or repurchase or redeem, any of its debt securities that rank equal with or junior to the Subordinated Notes.

In connection with the purchase price allocation, the carrying value of the Trust Preferred Securities was adjusted to fair value based on quoted market prices on the date of the Merger. The difference between the fair value and the face amount of the Trust Preferred Securities is accreted to redemption value over the remaining term of the Trust Preferred Securities and is recorded as an increase in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The Subordinated Notes and the related Trust investment in the Subordinated Notes have been eliminated in consolidation and the Trust Preferred Securities are reflected as outstanding debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In the prior year, the Trust Preferred Securities were classified as a separate line between liabilities and stockholders’ equity on the balance sheets. The prior year amount has been reclassified to conform with the current year classification.

Receivables Securitization Financing
The Company utilizes the receivables securitization facilities initiated by AmeriSource (the “ARFC Securitization Facility”) and Bergen (the “Blue Hill Securitization Program”). In connection with an internal reorganization on October 1, 2002 (see Note 1), both of these securitization facilities were amended to permit such reorganization and to provide for the designation of the trade receivables of the merged AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation which would be sold into the ARFC Securitization Facility and the Blue Hill Securitization Program.
The ARFC Securitization Facility provides a total borrowing capacity of $400 million. In connection with the ARFC Securitization Facility, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation sells on a revolving basis certain accounts receivable to a 100%-

owned special purpose entity (“ARFC”), which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest in the receivables to a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation is the servicer of the accounts receivable under the ARFC Securitization Facility. After the maximum limit of receivables sold has been reached and as sold receivables are collected, additional receivables may be sold up to the maximum amount receivable under the facility. The ARFC Securitization Facility has an expiration date of May 2004, although in certain circumstances it may be terminated prior to such date. Interest is at a rate at which funds are obtained by the financial institution to fund the receivables (short-term commercial paper rates) plus a program fee of 38.5 basis points (2.12% at September 30, 2002). In order to borrow available amounts under this securitization facility, a back-up 364 day liquidity facility is required to be in place. The current liquidity facility expires in May 2003, but the Company expects that it will be renewed through May 2004. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation is required to pay a commitment fee of 25 basis points on any unused credit in excess of $25 million. At September 30, 2002, there were no borrowings outstanding under the ARFC Securitization Facility.
The Blue Hill Securitization Program provides a total borrowing capacity of $450 million. In connection with the Blue Hill Securitization Program, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation sells on a revolving basis certain accounts receivable to a 100%-owned special purpose entity (“Blue Hill”), which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest in the receivables to a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation is the servicer of the accounts receivable under the Blue Hill Securitization Program. After the maximum limit of receivables sold has been reached and as sold receivables are collected, additional receivables may be sold up to the maximum amount receivable under the program. The Blue Hill Securitization Program has an expiration date of December 2005. Interest is at short-term commercial paper rates plus a program fee of 75 basis points (2.49% at September 30, 2002). AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation is required to pay a commitment fee of 25 basis points on any unused credit. At September 30, 2002, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Blue Hill Securitization Program.
The agreements governing the above securitization facilities contain restrictions and covenants which include limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, making of certain restricted payments, issuance of preferred stock, creation of certain liens, and certain corporate acts such as mergers, consolidations and sale of substantially all assets.
Transactions under the ARFC Securitization Facility and the Blue Hill Securitization Program are accounted for as borrowings in accordance with SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.”

Other Information

Scheduled future principal payments of long-term debt are $266.2 million in fiscal 2003, $60.6$116.4 million in fiscal 2004, $180.4$180.6 million in fiscal 2005, $100.6$100.7 million in fiscal 2006, $0.6$0.7 million in fiscal 2007, $800.7 million in fiscal 2008 and $1,208.9$585.1 million thereafter.

Interest paid on the above indebtedness, including distributions made on the Trust Preferred Securities, during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and 2000 was $134.2 million, $137.9 million and $50.9 million, and $40.5 million, respectively.

Total amortization of financing fees and expenses, as well as the premiums and discounts related to the adjustment of the carrying values of certain Bergen debt to fair value in connection with the Merger, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and 2000 was $7.4 million, $5.4 million, $3.1 million, and $1.3$3.1 million, respectively. These amounts are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

56


Note 6. Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings per Share

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

The board of directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series with various designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Except as required by law, or as otherwise provided by the board of directors of the Company, the holders of Preferred Stock will have no voting rights and will not be entitled to notice of meetings of stockholders. Holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when declared by the board of directors, out of legally available funds, dividends at the rates fixed by the board of directors for the respective series of Preferred Stock, and no more, before any dividends will be declared

and paid, or set apart for payment, on Common Stock with respect to the same dividend period. No shares of Preferred Stock have been issued as of September 30, 2002.
2003.

Upon the merger of AmeriSource and Bergen in August 2001, all outstanding shares of AmeriSource Class A, Class B and Class C common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s Common Stock on a one-for-one basis.

The holders of the Company’s Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and have the exclusive right to vote for the board of directors and for all other purposes as provided by law. Subject to the rights of holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably on a per share basis such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the Company as may be declared by the board of directors from time to time out of the legally available assets or funds of the Company. The Company has paid its first quarterly dividend, a cash dividenddividends of $0.025 per share on Common Stock on December 3, 2001. Dividendssince the first quarter of $0.025 per share were paid on March 1, 2002, June 3, 2002 and September 3,fiscal 2002. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future. However, the payment and amount of future dividends remain within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend upon the Company’s future earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of stock options. Additionally, the fiscal 2002 and 2001 diluted calculations consider the 5% convertible subordinated notes (see Note 5) as if converted and, therefore, the after-tax effect of interest expense related to these notes is added back to net income in determining income available to common stockholders. The following table (in thousands) is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

   
2002

  
2001

  
2000

Net income  $344,941  $123,796  $99,014
Interest expense—convertible subordinated notes, net of income taxes   9,922   8,112   —  
   

  

  

Income available to common stockholders  $354,863  $131,908  $99,014
   

  

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic   104,935   57,185   51,552
Effect of dilutive securities:            
Options to purchase common stock   1,629   1,076   468
Convertible subordinated notes   5,664   4,546   —  
   

  

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted   112,228   62,807   52,020
   

  

  

   Fiscal year ended September 30,

   2003

  2002

  2001

Net income

  $441,229  $344,941  $123,796

Interest expense - convertible subordinated notes, net of income taxes

   9,997   9,922   8,112
   

  

  

Income available to common stockholders

  $451,226  $354,863  $131,908
   

  

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

   109,513   104,935   57,185

Effect of dilutive securities:

            

Options to purchase common stock

   777   1,629   1,076

Convertible subordinated notes

   5,664   5,664   4,546
   

  

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

   115,954   112,228   62,807
   

  

  

57


Note 7. Pension and Other Benefit Plans

The Company continues to maintain certain defined benefit, defined contribution, and postretirement health plans initiated by AmeriSource and Bergen prior to the Merger. In connection with the Merger integration, the Company evaluated these benefit plans and developed company-wide plans, which involved modification, replacement or merger of certain predecessor plans.

Defined Benefit Plans

The Company provides a benefit for the majority of its former AmeriSource employees under three different noncontributory defined benefit pension plans consisting of a salaried plan, a union plan and a supplemental executive retirement plan. For each employee, the benefits are based on years of service and average compensation. Pension costs, which are computed using the projected unit credit cost method, are funded to at least the minimum level required by government regulations. During fiscal 2002, the salaried and the supplemental executive retirement plans were closed to new participants and benefits that can be earned by active participants in the plan were limited. The above changes in the salaried plan and the supplemental executive retirement plan had the effect of reducing the projected benefit obligation as of September 30, 2002 by $12.7 million and increasing pension expense by $0.9 million in fiscal 2002.

The Company has aan unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan, an unfunded plan for its former Bergen officers and key employees. This plan is a “target” benefit plan, with the annual lifetime benefit based upon a percentage of salary during the five final years of pay at age 62, offset by several other sources of income including benefits payable under a prior supplemental retirement plan. During fiscal 2002, the plan was closed to new participants and benefits that can be earned by active participants were limited.

The following table sets forth (in thousands) a reconciliation of the changes in the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans:

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   
2002

   
2001

 
Change in Projected Benefit Obligations:
          
Benefit obligation at beginning of year  $85,026   $62,267 
Benefit obligation assumed in Merger   286    15,714 
Service cost   5,644    4,408 
Interest cost   6,038    4,746 
Actuarial losses   4,655    1,396 
Benefit payments   (9,882)   (3,505)
Change due to amendments of plans   (12,689)   —   
   


  


Benefit obligation at end of year  $79,078   $85,026 
   


  


Change in Plan Assets:
          
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  $51,389   $51,549 
Actual return on plan assets   (1,356)   904 
Employer contributions   6,652    3,107 
Expenses   (1,117)   (666)
Benefit payments   (3,984)   (3,505)
   


  


Fair value of plan assets at end of year  $51,584   $51,389 
   


  


Funded Status and Amounts Recognized:
          
Funded status  $(27,494)  $(33,637)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss   14,582    15,932 
Unrecognized prior service cost   692    1,917 
   


  


Net amount recognized  $(12,220)  $(15,788)
   


  


Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:          
Prepaid benefit cost  $—     $1,393 
Accrued benefit liability   (22,763)   (17,456)
Intangible asset   692    275 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   9,851    —   
   


  


Net amount recognized  $(12,220)  $(15,788)
   


  


   Fiscal year ended
September 30,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Change in Projected Benefit Obligations:

         

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $79,078  $85,026 

Service cost

   4,169   5,644 

Interest cost

   5,642   6,038 

Actuarial losses

   14,358   4,655 

Benefit payments

   (4,236)  (9,882)

Change due to amendments of plans

   —     (12,689)

Other

   —     286 
   


 


Benefit obligation at end of year

  $99,011  $79,078 
   


 


Change in Plan Assets:

         

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $51,584  $51,389 

Actual return on plan assets

   2,855   (1,356)

Employer contributions

   7,163   6,652 

Expenses

   (761)  (1,117)

Benefit payments

   (4,236)  (3,984)
   


 


Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  $56,605  $51,584 
   


 


Funded Status and Amounts Recognized:

         

Funded status

  $(42,406) $(27,494)

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

   30,977   14,582 

Unrecognized prior service cost

   542   692 
   


 


Net amount recognized

  $(10,887) $(12,220)
   


 


Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:

         

Accrued benefit liability

  $(34,805) $(22,763)

Intangible asset

   542   692 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   23,376   9,851 
   


 


Net amount recognized

  $(10,887) $(12,220)
   


 


58


Weighted average assumptions used in computing the funded status of the plans were as follows:

   
2002

   
2001

   
2000

 
Discount rate  7.00%  7.50%  8.00%
Rate of increase in compensation levels  5.50%  5.75%  6.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets  8.75%  10.00%  10.00%

   2003

  2002

  2001

 

Discount rate

  6.00% 7.00% 7.50%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

  4.00% 5.50% 5.75%

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

  8.00% 8.75% 10.00%

The following table provides components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans together with contributions charged to expense for multi-employer union-administered defined benefit pension plans that the Company participates in (in thousands):

   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   
2002

   
2001

   
2000

 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
               
Service cost  $5,731   $4,571   $3,948 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation   6,038    4,746    4,584 
Expected return on plan assets   (5,390)   (5,486)   (5,130)
Amortization of net transition asset   —      —      (144)
Amortization of prior service cost   361    377    377 
Recognized net actuarial loss   755    298    499 
Loss due to amendments of plans   864    —      —   
   


  


  


Net periodic pension cost of defined benefit pension plans   8,359    4,506    4,134 
Net pension cost of multi-employer plans   1,141    520    435 
   


  


  


Total pension expense  $9,500   $5,026   $4,569 
   


  


  


   Fiscal year ended September 30,

 
   2003

  2002

  2001

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

             

Service cost

  $4,735  $5,731  $4,571 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

   5,644   6,038   4,746 

Expected return on plan assets

   (5,082)  (5,390)  (5,486)

Amortization of prior service cost

   150   361   377 

Recognized net actuarial loss

   722   755   298 

Loss due to amendments of plans

   —     864   —   
   


 


 


Net periodic pension cost of defined benefit pension plans

   6,169   8,359   4,506 

Net pension cost of multi-employer plans

   1,673   1,141   520 
   


 


 


Total pension expense

  $7,842  $9,500  $5,026 
   


 


 


Plan assets at September 30, 20022003 are invested principally in listed stocks, corporate and government bonds, and cash equivalents. For the fiscal year endedAs of September 30, 2003 and 2002, all of the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans had projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $20.9 million, $15.4 million, and $1.7 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2001.

The Company owns life insurance covering substantially all of the participants in the Bergen supplemental retirement plans. At September 30, 2002,2003, the policies have an aggregate cash surrender value of approximately $31.0$33.4 million (which is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet) and an aggregate death benefit of approximately $53.1$55.0 million.

Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company provides medical benefits to certain retirees, principally former employees of Bergen. Employees became eligible for such postretirement benefits after meeting certain age and years of service criteria. During fiscal 2002, the plans were closed to new participants and benefits that can be earned by active participants were limited. As a result of special termination benefit packages previously offered, the Company also provides dental and life insurance benefits to a limited number of retirees and their dependents. These benefit plans are unfunded.

59


The following table sets forth (in thousands) a reconciliation of the changes in the Company-sponsored postretirement benefit plans:

   Fiscal year ended
September 30,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Change in Projected Benefit Obligations:

         

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $16,891  $17,069 

Interest cost

   1,374   1,306 

Actuarial losses (gains)

   4,127   (15)

Benefit payments

   (1,831)  (1,469)
   


 


Benefit obligation at end of year

  $20,561  $16,891 
   


 


Change in Plan Assets:

         

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $—    $—   

Employer contributions

   1,831   1,469 

Benefit payments

   (1,831)  (1,469)
   


 


Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  $—    $—   
   


 


Funded Status and Amounts Recognized:

         

Funded status

  $(20,561) $(16,891)

Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)

   3,853   (168)
   


 


Net amount recognized

  $(16,708) $(17,059)
   


 


Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:

         

Accrued benefit liability

  $(16,708) $(17,059)
   


 


Weighted average assumptions used in computing the funded status of the plans were as follows:

   2003

  2002

 

Discount rate

  6% 7%

Health care trend rate

  5 - 13% 5 - 11%

The following table provides components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company-sponsored postretirement benefit plans in (in thousands):

   Fiscal year ended
September 30,


 
   2003

  2002

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

         

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

  $1,374  $1,306 

Amortization of prior service cost

   133   —   

Recognized net actuarial loss

   (28)  (17)
   


 


Total postretirement benefit expense

  $1,479  $1,289 
   


 


60


Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors an Employee Investment Plan, as amended July 1, 2002, which is a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering salaried and certain hourly employees. Eligible participants may contribute to the plan from 2% to 18% of their regular compensation before taxes. The Company contributes $1.00 for each $1.00 invested by the participant up to the participant’s investment of 3% of salary, and $0.50 for each additional $1.00 invested by the participant up to the participant’s investment of an additional 2% of salary. An additional discretionary contribution, in an amount not to exceed the limits established by the Internal Revenue Code, may also be made depending upon the Company’s performance. All contributions are invested at the direction of the employee in one or more funds. All contributions vest immediately except for the discretionary contributions made by the Company that vest over a four-year period.

PharMerica sponsors a Profit Sharing Plan, which is a defined contribution 401(k) plan, which is generally available to its employees with 90 days of service and excludes those employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Eligible participants may contribute 1% to 15% of their pretax compensation. PharMerica contributes $0.50 for each $1.00 invested by the participant up to the first 4% of the participant’s contribution but not exceeding 2% of the participant’s compensation. All contributions are invested at the direction of the employee in one or more investment funds. Employee contributions vest immediately and employer contributions vest based on a cliff vesting scale.

Bergen had sponsored the Pre-tax Investment Retirement Account Plan, a defined contribution 401(k) plan, which was generally available to its employees with 30 days of service. Under the terms of the plan, Bergen had guaranteed a contribution of $1.00 for each $1.00 invested by the participant up to the participant’s investment of 3% of salary, and $0.50 for each additional $1.00 invested by the participant up to the participant’s investment of an additional 2% of salary, subject to plan and regulatory limitations. Bergen also had the option to make additional cash or stock contributions to the plan at its discretion. All participants vested immediately in Bergen’s contributions from the first day of participation in the plan. Effective July 1, 2002, the Bergen plan was merged into the Employee Investment Plan.

Costs of the defined contribution plans charged to expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001 amounted to $10.1$17.3 million, $10.9 million and $2.2 million, and $1.6 million, respectively.

Postretirement Benefit Obligations
The Company provides medical benefits to certain retirees, principally former employees of Bergen. Employees became eligible for such postretirement benefits after meeting certain age and years of service criteria. During fiscal 2002, the plan was closed to new participants and benefits that can be earned by active participants were limited. As a result of special termination benefit packages previously offered, the Company also provides dental and life insurance benefits to a limited number of retirees and their dependents. These benefit plans are unfunded. The aggregate accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was $16.9 million as of September 30, 2002, of which $1.9 million is included in accrued expenses and $15.0 million is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The assumptions used in determining the obligation at September 30, 2002 included a weighted average discount rate of 7.0% and medical inflation rates ranging from 5.0% to 11.0%. The expense for such benefits was $1.3 million in fiscal 2002.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company also adopted Bergen’s deferred compensation plan. This unfunded plan, under which 740,000 shares of common stockCommon Stock are authorized for issuance, allows eligible officers, directors and key management employees to defer a portion of their annual compensation. The amount deferred may be allocated by the employee to cash, mutual funds or stock credits. Stock credits, including dividend equivalents, are equal to the full and fractional number of shares of common stockCommon Stock that could be purchased with the participant’s compensation allocated to stock credits based on the average of closing prices of common stockCommon Stock during each month, plus, at the discretion of the board of directors, up to one-half of a share of common stockCommon Stock for each full share credited. Stock credit distributions are made in shares of common stock.Common Stock. No shares of common stockCommon Stock have been issued under the deferred compensation plan at September 30, 2002.

2003.

Note 8. Stock Compensation Plans

Stock Option Plans

Effective October 1, 1996, the Company adopted the disclosure-only option under

In accordance with SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.Compensation,Thethe Company continueselected to use the accounting methodaccount for stock-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”) and its related interpretations for its employee stock options.interpretations. Under APB 25, generally, when the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.

The Company has several stock-related compensation plans that were initiated by AmeriSource and Bergen prior to the Merger. In connection with the Merger integration, the Company has merged certain of the predecessor plans. The Company currently has five employee stock option plans that provide for the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options to acquire shares of common stockCommon Stock to employees at a price not less than the fair market value of the common stockCommon Stock on the date the option is granted. Option terms and vesting periods are determined at the date of grant by a committee of the board of directors. Options generally vest over four years and expire in six or ten years. The Company also has four non-employee director stock

61


option plans that provide for the granting of nonqualified stock options to acquire shares of common stockCommon Stock to non-employee directors at the fair market value of the common stockCommon Stock on the date of the grant. Vesting periods for the non-employee director plans range from immediate vesting to three years and options expire in six or ten years.

At September 30, 2002,2003, there were outstanding options to purchase 7.88.3 million shares of common stockCommon Stock under the aforementioned plans. Options for an additional 1.44.8 million shares may be granted under these plans.

All outstanding stock options granted prior to February 15, 2001 under the above plans became fully vested on the day before the Merger, and generally became exercisable on August 28, 2002. As a result of the accelerated vesting of AmeriSource stock options, the Company recorded a charge of $1.1 million, $2.1 million in fiscal 2002 and $6.5 million in fiscal 2001. These charges have been2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The fiscal 2003 charge was classified as merger costsdistribution, selling and administrative in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and the fiscal 2002 and 2001 charges were classified as merger costs (see Note 10).

in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for its option plans for the fiscal years ended September 30 follows:

   
2002

  
2001

  
2000

   
Options (000’s)

   
Weighted Average Exercise Price

  
Options (000’s)

   
Weighted Average Exercise Price

  
Options (000’s)

   
Weighted Average Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year  8,756   $42  3,634   $24  3,578   $25
Acquired in Merger  240    47  3,465    37  —      —  
Granted  2,173    70  3,220    56  1,128    13
Exercised  (3,046)   33  (1,326)   23  (919)   13
Forfeited  (322)   63  (237)   27  (153)   28
   

      

      

    
Outstanding at end of year  7,801   $53  8,756   $42  3,634   $24
   

      

      

    
Exercisable at end of year  4,002   $40  2,921   $39  1,369   $24
   

  

  

  

  

  

   2003

  2002

  2001

   Options
(000’s)


  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


  Options
(000’s)


  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


  Options
(000’s)


  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


Outstanding at beginning of year

  7,801  $53  8,756  $42  3,634  $24

Acquired in Merger

  —     —    240   47  3,465   37

Granted

  2,430   56  2,173   70  3,220   56

Exercised

  (1,385)  33  (3,046)  33  (1,326)  23

Forfeited

  (591)  67  (322)  63  (237)  27
   

     

     

   

Outstanding at end of year

  8,255  $56  7,801  $53  8,756  $42
   

     

     

   

Exercisable at end of year

  3,616  $49  4,002  $40  2,921  $39
   

 

  

 

  

 

A summary of the status of options outstanding at September 30, 20022003 follows:

   
Outstanding Options

  
Exercisable Options

Exercise Price Range

  
Number (000’s)

  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

  
Weighted Average Exercise Price

  
Number (000’s)

  
Weighted Average Exercise Price

$12 - $ 20  763  7 years  $14  688  $13
$21 - $ 40  1,406  6 years   31  1,379   31
$42 - $ 60  1,504  8 years   49  1,163   48
$63 - $ 77  4,063  9 years   68  707   66
$84 - $115  65  5 years   94  65   94
   
         
    
Total  7,801  8 years  $53  4,002  $40
   
         
    

   Outstanding Options

  Exercisable Options

Exercise Price Range


  Number
(000’s)


  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life


  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


  Number
(000’s)


  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


$12 - $ 35

  956  5 years  $23  949  $23

$38 - $ 54

  1,267  7 years   46  1,077   44

$55 - $ 60

  2,363  9 years   55  127   57

$63 - $ 70

  1,688  8 years   65  935   65

$71 - $ 76

  1,937  9 years   71  484   71

$77 - $108

  44  4 years   93  44   94
   
         
    

Total

  8,255  8 years  $56  3,616  $49
   
         
    

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In February 2002, the stockholders approved the adoption of the AmerisourceBergen 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan” or “ESPP”), under which up to an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be sold to eligible employees (generally defined as employees with at least 30 days of service with the Company). Under the Plan, the participants may elect to have the Company withhold up to 25% of base salary to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the stock on the first or last business day of each six-month purchase period, whichever is lower. Each participant is limited to $25,000 of purchases during each calendar year. The initial purchase period began on July

62


1, 2002 and accordingly, noended on December 31, 2002. The second purchase period began on January 1, 2003 and ended on June 30, 2003. The Company acquired 53,039 shares have been issued underand 51,326 shares from the open market for issuance to participants in connection with the first and second ESPP as of September 30, 2002.purchase periods, respectively. As of September 30, 2002,2003, the Company has withheld $1.4$1.7 million from eligible employees for the purchase of Common Stock.

Stock in connection with the third purchase period, which began on July 1, 2003.

Pro Forma Disclosures

Pro forma disclosures, as required by SFAS No. 123, regarding net income and earnings per share have been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method.

The fair values for the Company’s options were estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions for the years endingended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 2000:2001: a risk-free interest rate ranging from 3.69%2.22% to 4.61%5.07%; expected dividend yield ranging from 0.0% to 0.2%; a volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stockCommon Stock ranging from .335 to .509.497 and a weighted-averageweighted average expected life of the options of 5 years. The

weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $20.36, $25.96 and 2000 was $25.96, $27.00, and $6.67, respectively.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options and shares under the ESPP are amortized to expense over their assumed vesting periods. The Company’s pro forma information follows (in thousands, except per share data):
   
Fiscal year ended September 30,

   
2002

  
2001

  
2000

Pro forma net income  $334,116  $101,967  $93,097
Pro forma earnings per share:            
Basic   3.18   1.78   1.81
Diluted   3.06   1.72   1.79

Note 9. Leases

At September 30, 2002,2003, future minimum payments totaling $155.4$182.7 million under noncancelable operating leases with remaining terms of more than one fiscal year were due as follows: 2003—$51.62004 - $52.4 million; 2004—$35.62005 - $44.5 million; 2005—$26.92006 - $33.8 million; 2006—$18.12007 - $19.5 million; 2007—$10.72008 - $10.7 million; and thereafter—$12.5thereafter - $21.8 million. In the normal course of business, operating leases are generally renewed or replaced by other leases. Certain operating leases include escalation clauses.

Total rental expense was $61.7 million in fiscal 2003, $59.7 million in fiscal 2002 and $22.4 million in fiscal 2001 and $17.7 million in fiscal 2000.

2001.

Note 10.    Merger Costs

In connection with its acquisition of Bergen, the Company expensed merger-related costs of $24.2 million in 2002 and $13.1 million in fiscal 2001, respectively.
The following table summarizes the major components of the merger-related costs included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the fiscal years ended September 30 (in thousands):
   
2002

  
2001

Consulting fees  $16,551  $5,574
Accelerated stock option vesting   2,149   6,472
Employee compensation and travel   3,675   242
Other   1,869   821
   

  

   $24,244  $13,109
   

  

Additional merger costs related to the Bergen acquisition, including merger integration and employee retention costs, will be charged to expense in subsequent periods when incurred.
Note 11. Facility Consolidations and Employee Severance and Merger Costs

Facility Consolidations and Employee Severance

In connection with the Merger, the Company has developed integration plans to consolidate its distribution network and eliminate duplicate administrative functions, which are expected to result in synergies of approximately $150 million annually by the end of the third year following the Merger.fiscal 2004. The Company’s plan is to have a distribution facility network consisting of 30 facilities in the next fourthree to fivefour years. This will be accomplished by building six new facilities, expanding seven facilities, and closing 27 facilities. During fiscal 2003, the Company began construction activities on three of its new facilities and completed two of the seven facility expansions. During fiscal 2003 and 2002, the Company closed six and seven distribution facilities, and is planning to close anrespectively. The Company anticipates closing three additional six facilities in fiscal 2003.

2004.

In September 2001, the Company announced plans to close seven distribution facilities in fiscal 2002, consisting of six former AmeriSource facilities and one former Bergen facility. A charge of $10.9 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 related to the AmeriSource facilities, and included $6.2 million of severance for approximately 260 warehouse and

administrative personnel to be terminated, $2.3 million in lease and contract cancellations, and $2.4 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed. Approximately $0.2 million of costs related to the Bergen facility were included in the Merger purchase price allocation. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, severance accruals of $1.8 million recorded in September 2001 were reversed into income because certain employees who were expected to be severed either voluntarily left the Company or were retained in other positions within the Company. The severance expense in fiscal 2001 included $1.1 million associated with the acceleration of stock option vesting.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Company announced further integration initiatives relating to the closure of Bergen’s repackaging facility and the elimination of certain Bergen administrative functions, including the closure of a related office facility. The cost of these initiatives of approximately $19.2 million, which included $15.8 million of severance for approximately 310 employees to be terminated, $1.6 million for lease cancellation costs, and $1.8 million for the write-down of assets related to the facilities to be closed, resulted in additional goodwill being recorded during fiscal 2002.

At September 30, 2003, substantially all of the 310 employees have been terminated.

63


Since September 2002, the Company has announced plans to close six distribution facilities in fiscal 2003 and eliminate certain administrative and operational functions (“the fiscal 2003 initiatives”). As of September 30, 2003, the six facilities were closed. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, seven distribution facilities and2003, the repackaging facility were closed and approximately 355 employees were terminated. The Company paid a totalrecorded severance costs of $15.6$10.3 million for employee severance and lease and contract cancellation costs with respectof $1.1 million relating to its integration initiatives duringthe fiscal 2002. Remaining unpaid amounts of $9.1 million for employee severance and lease obligations are included in accrued expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2002. Severance for some employees will be paid over periods of up to eighteen months after their respective termination dates.

In September 2002, the Company announced the first of its six facility closures planned for fiscal 2003.2003 initiatives. Employee severance and lease cancellation costs related to the fiscal 2003 facility closures will beinitiatives have been recognized in accordance with the new provisions of SFAS No. 146.146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” Employee severance costs willare generally be expensed during the employee service period and lease cancellation and other costs willare generally be expensed when the Company enters intobecomes contractually bound to pay such costs. In future quarters, the Company expects to incur an additional $1.0 million of employee severance costs relating to the fiscal 2003 initiatives. As of September 30, 2003, approximately 520 employees had been provided termination notices as a contractual obligation.result of the fiscal 2003 initiatives, of which 490 were terminated. Additional amounts for integration initiatives will be recognized in subsequent periods as facilities to be consolidated are identified and specific plans are approved and announced.

Most employees receive their severance benefits over a period of time, generally not to exceed 12 months, while others may receive a lump-sum payment.

The following table displays the activity in accrued expenses and other from September 30, 20002001 to September 30, 20022003 related to the integration plans discussed above (in thousands):

   
Employee Severance

   
Lease Cancellation Costs and Other

   
Total

 
Balance as of September 30, 2000  $—     $—     $—   
Facility consolidation and employee severance expensed   5,141    2,342    7,483 
Facility consolidation and employee severance charged to goodwill   150    —      150 
Payments made during fiscal 2001   (32)   (345)   (377)
   


  


  


Balance as of September 30, 2001   5,259    1,997    7,256 
Facility consolidation and employee severance charged to goodwill   15,795    1,616    17,411 
Payments made during fiscal 2002   (12,898)   (2,658)   (15,556)
   


  


  


Balance as of September 30, 2002  $8,156   $955   $9,111 
   


  


  


   Employee
Severance


  Lease
Cancellation
Costs and
Other


  Total

 

Balance as of September 30, 2001

  $5,259  $1,997  $7,256 

Amounts charged to goodwill

   15,795   1,616   17,411 

Payments made

   (12,898)  (2,658)  (15,556)
   


 


 


Balance as of September 30, 2002

   8,156   955   9,111 

Expense recorded

   10,318   1,112   11,430 

Payments made

   (11,785)  (1,986)  (13,771)

Employee severance reduction

   (1,754)  —     (1,754)
   


 


 


Balance as of September 30, 2003

  $4,935  $81  $5,016 
   


 


 


64


Merger Costs

In connection with its acquisition of Bergen, the third quarterCompany expensed merger-related costs of $24.2 million in fiscal 2000, severance accruals2002 and $13.1 million in fiscal 2001, respectively.

The following table summarizes the major components of $1.1 million relatedthe merger-related costs included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the fiscal years ended September 30 (in thousands):

   2002

  2001

Consulting fees

  $16,551  $5,574

Accelerated stock option vesting

   2,149   6,472

Employee compensation and travel

   3,675   242

Other

   1,869   821
   

  

   $24,244  $13,109
   

  

Effective October 1, 2002, the Company converted its merger integration office to an operations management office. Accordingly, the costs of the operations management office are included within distribution, selling and administrative expenses in the Company’s fiscal 1999 facility consolidation and 1998 restructuring efforts were reversed into income after employees expected to be severed either left the Company before receiving their benefits or were retained in other positions within the Company.

consolidated statements of operations.

Note 12.11. Legal Matters and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company becomes involved in lawsuits, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including antitrust, environmental, product liability, regulatory and other matters. Large and sometimes unspecified damages or penalties may be sought from the Company in some matters, and some matters may require years for the Company to resolve. The Company establishes reserves from time to time based on its periodic assessment of the potential outcomes of pending matters. There can be no assurance that an adverse resolution of one or more matters during any subsequent reporting period will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period. However, on the basis of information furnished by counsel and others, the Company does not believe that the resolution of currently pending matters (including those matters specifically described below), individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

Environmental Remediation

The Company is subject to contingencies pursuant to environmental laws and regulations at one of itsa former distribution centers that may requirecenter. As of September 30, 2003, the Company to make remediation efforts. In fiscal 1994, the Company accrued $4.1 million to cover future consulting, legal, remediation and ongoing monitoring costs. Approximately $0.5 million of such costs have been paid through September 30, 2002. Based on a new engineering analysis prepared by outside consultants that was completed in September 2001, environmental reserves of $2.7 million were reversed into income during fiscal 2001. The remaininghas an accrued liability of $0.9 million is reflected in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2002. The accrued liabilitythat represents the current estimate of costs to remediate the site considering the extent of contamination and choice of remedy based on existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations.site. However, changes in remediation standards, improvements in cleanupregulation or technology and discovery of additionalor new information concerning the site could affect the actual liabilityliability.

Government Investigation

In June 2000, the Company learned that the U.S. Department of Justice had commenced an investigation focusing on the activities of a customer that illegally resold merchandise purchased from the Company and on the Company’s business relationship with that customer. The Company was contacted initially by the government at that time and cooperated fully. The Company had discontinued doing business with the customer in question in February 2000, after concluding this customer had demonstrated suspicious purchasing behavior. From 2001 until recently, the future.

Company had no further contact with the government on this investigation. In September 2003, the Company learned that a former employee of the Company pled guilty to charges arising from his involvement with this customer. In November 2003, the Company was contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento, California, for some additional information relating to the investigation. The Company believes that it has not engaged in any wrongdoing, but cannot predict the outcome of this investigation at this time.

65


Proposition 65ABDC Matter

In October 2001, the Center for Environmental Health filed a lawsuit against the Company’sJanuary 2002, Bergen Brunswig Drug Company subsidiary (“BBDC”), now(now known as AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, and several other defendants. The complaint alleged violations of California’s Proposition 65 and Unfair Trade Practices Act for failure to provide clear and reasonable warnings regarding the carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity of lead and the reproductive toxicity of cadmium to the users of FDA-approved anti-diarrheal medicines. The Company tendered its defense to the manufacturer of its private label medicines. In January 2002, the California Attorney General served an amended complaint against BBDC and several of the defendants covering the same products and asserting similar allegations and damages. On January 29, 2002, the State filed a motion to consolidate the two actions in San Francisco County Superior Court. The Company has answered the amended complaints. Settlement discussions are ongoing.

Contract Dispute
In January 2002, BBDCCorporation) was served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey by one of its manufacturer vendors, Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (“Bracco”). The complaint, which includes claims for fraud, breach of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, breach of contract and unjust enrichment, involves disputes relating to chargebacks and credits. The Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the fraud and New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act counts. Bracco also tried to amend the complaint to include a federal racketeering claim. Bracco’s motion to amend the complaint was denied by the Court. The Company has answered the remaining counts of the complaint and the parties have served each other withcomplaint. Fact discovery requests andhas been completed but expert discovery is still ongoing.

PharMerica MattersMatter

In November 1998 and February 1999, two putative securities2002, a class actions wereaction was filed in federalHawaii state court on behalf of consumers who allegedly received “recycled” medications from a PharMerica institutional pharmacy in Honolulu, Hawaii. The plaintiffs allege that it was a deceptive trade practice under Hawaii law to sell “recycled” medications (i.e., medications that had previously been dispensed and then returned to the pharmacy) without disclosing that the medications were “recycled.” In September, 2003, the Hawaii Circuit Court heard and granted the plaintiffs’ motion to certify the case as a class action. The class consists of consumers who purchased drugs in product lines in which recycling occurred, but those product lines have not yet been identified. PharMerica intends to vigorously defend itself against the Company’s PharMerica subsidiaryclaims raised in this class action. It is PharMerica’s position that the class members suffered no harm and certain individuals. These cases were later consolidated. The proposed classes consist of all persons who purchased or acquired stock of PharMerica between January 7, 1998 and July 24, 1998. The complaint, which includes claims under Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, alleges that defendants made various material misrepresentations and omissions in connection with an alleged violation of generally accepted accounting principles and the withholding of information related to the costs associated with certain acquisitions. In September 2002, defendants’ motion to dismiss was granted. The plaintiffs are not expectedentitled to appeal the dismissal.

Prior to the acquisition of PharMerica by the Company’s Bergen Brunswig subsidiary, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), during the course of a Medicare audit of various nursing homes, requested PharMerica to produce records related to intravenous pharmaceuticals provided to certain nursing homes in 1997 and 1998. PharMerica has learned that HHS auditors alleged that during the 1997-1998 time frame, certain nursing homes, primarily operating in Texas, improperly billed Medicare for intravenous pharmaceuticals and related services. In June 2000, the government sued Sensitive Care, a former chain of thirteen Texas nursing homes, alleging that Sensitive Care filed false claims for Medicare reimbursement. Because Sensitive Care has filed for bankruptcy, the government’s case has been filed in bankruptcy court as a creditor’s claim. In its answer to the government’s lawsuit, Sensitive Care has denied liability and has brought a third-party complaint alleging thatrecover any damages. PharMerica is liable fornot aware of any false claims liabilitiesevidence, or any specific claim, that may be imposed against Sensitive Care under an indemnification clause containedany particular class member received medications that were ineffective because they had been “recycled.” Discovery in the pharmacy services contracts between PharMerica and the nursing homes Sensitive Care formerly operated. PharMerica denies that it has any liability for fraudulent billings that Sensitive Care, an independent third-party organization, may have submitted to the government. However, PharMerica has entered into preliminary settlement discussions in the interest of expeditiously resolving this matter.
case is ongoing.

Note 13.12. Business Segment Information

The Company is organized based upon the products and services it provides to its customers. The Company’s operations have been aggregated into two reportable segments: Pharmaceutical Distribution and PharMerica.

The Pharmaceutical Distribution segment includes AmerisourceBergen Drug CompanyCorporation (“ABDC”) and AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group (“ABSG”). ABDC includes the full-service wholesale pharmaceutical distribution facilities American Health Packaging, and other healthcare related businesses. ABDC sells pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, health and beauty aids, and other health-related products to hospitals, alternate care and mail order facilities and independent and chain retail pharmacies. ABDC, directly and through subsidiaries and affiliates, including American Health Packaging, packages oral solid medications for nearly any need in virtually all settings of patient care. ABDCAnderson Packaging, AutoMed Technologies, Bridge Medical and Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, also provides promotional, packaging, inventory management, pharmacy automation, bedside medication safety software and information services to its customers.customers and healthcare product manufacturers. ABSG sells specialty pharmaceutical products and services to physicians, clinics, patients and other providers in the oncology, nephrology, plasma and vaccines sectors. ABSG also provides third party logistics, and reimbursement consulting services, physician education consulting and other services to healthcare product manufacturers.

The PharMerica segment consists solely of the Company’s PharMerica operations. PharMerica provides institutional pharmacy products and services to patients in long-term care and alternate site settings, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and residential living communities. PharMerica also provides mail order pharmacy services to chronically and catastrophically ill patients under workers’ compensation programs, and provides pharmaceutical claims administration services for payors.

All of the Company’s operations are located in the United States, except for onean ABDC subsidiary which operates in Puerto Rico.

Rico and a subsidiary of AutoMed which operates in Canada.

66


The following tables present segment information for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
Revenue

Fiscal year ended September 30,

  
2002

   
2001

   
2000

Pharmaceutical Distribution  $39,539,858   $15,770,042   $11,609,995
PharMerica   1,475,028    116,719    —  
Intersegment eliminations   (774,172)   (64,126)   —  
   


  


  

Operating revenue   40,240,714    15,822,635    11,609,995
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses   4,994,080    368,718    35,026
   


  


  

Total revenue  $45,234,794   $16,191,353   $11,645,021
   


  


  

   Revenue

 

Fiscal year ended September 30,


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $44,731,200  $39,539,858  $15,770,042 

PharMerica

   1,608,203   1,475,028   116,719 

Intersegment eliminations

   (802,714)  (774,172)  (64,126)
   


 


 


Operating revenue

   45,536,689   40,240,714   15,822,635 

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   4,120,639   4,994,080   368,718 
   


 


 


Total revenue

  $49,657,328  $45,234,794  $16,191,353 
   


 


 


Management evaluates segment performance based on revenues excluding bulk deliveries to customer warehouses. For further information regarding the nature of bulk deliveries, which only occur in the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment see(see Note 1.1). Intersegment Eliminationseliminations represent the elimination of the Pharmaceutical Distribution segment’s sales to PharMerica. ABDC is the principal supplier of pharmaceuticals to PharMerica.

   
Operating Income

 
Fiscal year ended September 30,

  
2002

   
2001

   
2000

 
Pharmaceutical Distribution  $659,208   $274,209   $201,002 
PharMerica   83,464    6,472    —   
Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation (“special items”)   (24,244)   (21,305)   1,123 
   


  


  


Total operating income   718,428    259,376    202,125 
Equity in losses of affiliates and other   (5,647)   (10,866)   (568)
Interest expense   (140,734)   (47,853)   (41,857)
   


  


  


Income before taxes  $572,047   $200,657   $159,700 
   


  


  


   Operating Income

 

Fiscal year ended September 30,


  2003

  2002

  2001

 

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $788,193  $659,208  $274,209 

PharMerica

   103,843   83,464   6,472 

Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation (“special items”)

   (8,930)  (24,244)  (21,305)
   


 


 


Total operating income

   883,106   718,428   259,376 

Equity in losses of affiliates and other

   (8,015)  (5,647)  (10,866)

Interest expense

   (144,744)  (140,734)  (47,853)

Loss on early retirement of debt

   (4,220)  —     —   
   


 


 


Income before taxes

  $726,127  $572,047  $200,657 
   


 


 


Segment operating income is evaluated before equity in losses of affiliates, interest expense, and special items. All corporate office expenses are allocated to the two reportable segments.

   
Identifiable Assets

At September 30,

  
2002

  
2001

Pharmaceutical Distribution  $10,626,697  $9,730,042
PharMerica   586,315   561,203
   

  

Total assets  $11,213,012  $10,291,245
   

  

   
Depreciation & Amortization

Fiscal year ended September 30,

  
2002

  
2001

  
2000

Pharmaceutical Distribution  $44,321  $19,793  $16,109
PharMerica   16,830   1,796   —  
   

  

  

Total depreciation and amortization  $61,151  $21,589  $16,109
   

  

  

   Identifiable Assets

At September 30,


  2003

  2002

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $11,464,459  $10,626,697

PharMerica

   575,666   586,315
   

  

Total assets

  $12,040,125  $11,213,012
   

  

   Depreciation & Amortization

Fiscal year ended September 30,


  2003

  2002

  2001

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $53,398  $44,321  $19,793

PharMerica

   17,593   16,830   1,796
   

  

  

Total depreciation and amortization

  $70,991  $61,151  $21,589
   

  

  

67


Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets, but excludes amortization of deferred financing costs and other debt-related items, which is included in interest expense.

   
Capital Expenditures

Fiscal year ended September 30,

  
2002

  
2001

  
2000

Pharmaceutical Distribution  $44,071  $22,552  $16,619
PharMerica   20,088   811   —  
   

  

  

Total capital expenditures  $64,159  $23,363  $16,619
   

  

  

   Capital Expenditures

Fiscal year ended September 30,


  2003

  2002

  2001

Pharmaceutical Distribution

  $70,207  $44,071  $22,552

PharMerica

   20,347   20,088   811
   

  

  

Total capital expenditures

  $90,554  $64,159  $23,363
   

  

  

Note 14.13. Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The recorded amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts payable at September 30, 2003 and 2002 approximate fair value. The fair values of the Company’s debt is estimated based on the market prices of these instruments. The recorded amount of debt (see Note 5) and the corresponding fair value as of September 30, 20022003 were $1,817,313$1,784,154 and $2,007,348,$1,904,385, respectively. The recorded amount of debt (see Note 5) and the corresponding fair value as of September 30, 20012002 were $1,874,379$1,817,313 and $2,032,873,$2,007,348, respectively.

Note 15.14. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

   
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002

   
First
Quarter

  
Second
Quarter

  
Third
Quarter

  
Fourth
Quarter

  
Fiscal
Year

   
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating revenue  $9,686,276  $9,918,609  $10,278,327  $10,357,502  $40,240,714
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses   1,382,504   1,025,658   1,342,500   1,243,418   4,994,080
   

  

  

  

  

Total revenue   11,068,780   10,944,267   11,620,827   11,600,920   45,234,794
Gross profit   471,433   514,493   509,929   528,619   2,024,474
Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization   312,639   318,978   319,039   331,146   1,281,802
Merger costs (see Note 10)   7,497   4,741   8,147   3,859   24,244
   

  

  

  

  

Operating income   151,297   190,774   182,743   193,614   718,428
Net income   67,883   91,874   90,224   94,960   344,941
Earnings per share—basic   .65   .88   .86   .89   3.29
Earnings per share—diluted   .63   .84   .82   .86   3.16
   
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001

   
First
Quarter

  
Second Quarter

  
Third
Quarter

  
Fourth
Quarter

  
Fiscal
Year

   
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating revenue  $3,306,751  $3,480,685  $3,518,852  $5,516,347  $15,822,635
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses   444   313   77   367,884   368,718
   

  

  

  

  

Total revenue   3,307,195   3,480,998   3,518,929   5,884,231   16,191,353
Gross profit   137,433   151,169   144,939   266,577   700,118
Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization   83,539   86,743   83,843   165,312   419,437
Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation   —     —     903   20,402   21,305
   

  

  

  

  

Operating income   53,894   64,426   60,193   80,863   259,376
Net income   26,191   31,516   31,506   34,583   123,796
Earnings per share—basic   .50   .60   .60   .49   2.16
Earnings per share—diluted   .49   .57   .57   .48   2.10
During fiscal 2001, the Company recorded merger costs of $0.9 million and $12.2 million in the third and fourth quarter, respectively, as described in Note 10.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company recorded $10.9 million of facility consolidations and employee severance as described in Note 11 and reversed $2.7 million of environmental reserves as described in Note 12.

Note 16.    Subsequent Events
Issuance of $300 million of 7 ¼% Senior Notes
In November 2002, the Company issued $300 million of 7 1/4% senior notes due November 15, 2012 (the “7 1/4% Notes”). The 7 1/4% Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time before maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption and, under some circumstances, a redemption premium. Interest on the 7 1/4% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears, commencing May 15, 2003. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the 7 1/4% Notes to repay $15 million of the term loan in December 2002 and $150 million in aggregate principal of the Bergen 7 3/8% senior notes due January 15, 2003. Additionally, the Company intends to redeem the PharMerica 8 3/8% senior notes due 2008 at a redemption price equal to 104.19% of the principal amount thereof. In connection with the issuance of the 7 1/4% Notes, the Company incurred approximately $4.9 million of costs which were deferred and will be amortized over the ten-year term of the notes.
Acquisition of Bridge Medical, Inc.
In November 2002, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bridge Medical, Inc. (“Bridge”), a leading provider of barcode-enabled point-of-care software designed to reduce medication errors, for approximately $27 million. The agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to a maximum of $55 million based on Bridge achieving defined earnings targets through the end of calendar 2004. The Company expects to close this transaction before the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2003, subject to the completion of regulatory approvals, and intends to pay the base purchase price and any contingent amounts primarily in shares of Common Stock.
Acquisition of US Bioservices Corporation
In December 2002, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire US Bioservices Corporation, a national pharmaceutical services provider focused on the management of high-cost complex therapies and reimbursement support, for approximately $160 million. The agreement also provides for contingent payments of up to $30 million in cash based on US Bioservices achieving defined earnings targets through the end of the first quarter of calendar 2004. Both the base purchase price and the contingent payments are subject to potential adjustments at closing. The Company has agreed to issue approximately 2.4 million shares of Common Stock upon the closing of the transaction. The Company expects to close this transaction before the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2003, subject to the completion of regulatory approvals and filings.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)


               
   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2003

   First
Quarter


  Second
Quarter


  Third
Quarter


  Fourth
Quarter


  Fiscal
Year


Operating revenue

  $11,106,905  $11,213,959  $11,482,571  $11,733,254  $45,536,689

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   1,327,628   948,582   938,100   906,329   4,120,639
   


 

  

  

  

Total revenue

   12,434,533   12,162,541   12,420,671   12,639,583   49,657,328

Gross profit

   521,425   581,189   560,379   584,166   2,247,159

Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization

   334,951   340,632   328,293   351,247   1,355,123

Facility consolidations and employee severance (see Note 10)

   (1,381)  4,005   3,880   2,426   8,930
   


 

  

  

  

Operating income

   187,855   236,552   228,206   230,493   883,106

Net income

   92,739   116,414   112,546   119,530   441,229

Earnings per share - basic

   .87   1.06   1.02   1.07   4.03

Earnings per share - diluted

   .84   1.03   .99   1.04   3.89

68


(in thousands, except per share amounts)


               
   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002

   First
Quarter


  Second
Quarter


  Third
Quarter


  Fourth
Quarter


  Fiscal
Year


Operating revenue

  $9,686,276  $9,918,609  $10,278,327  $10,357,502  $40,240,714

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   1,382,504   1,025,658   1,342,500   1,243,418   4,994,080
   

  

  

  

  

Total revenue

   11,068,780   10,944,267   11,620,827   11,600,920   45,234,794

Gross profit

   471,433   514,493   509,929   528,619   2,024,474

Distribution, selling and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization

   312,639   318,978   319,039   331,146   1,281,802

Merger costs (see Note 10)

   7,497   4,741   8,147   3,859   24,244
   

  

  

  

  

Operating income

   151,297   190,774   182,743   193,614   718,428

Net income

   67,883   91,874   90,224   94,960   344,941

Earnings per share - basic

   .65   .88   .86   .89   3.29

Earnings per share - diluted

   .63   .84   .82   .86   3.16

69


Note 17.15. Selected Consolidating Financial Statements of Parent, Guarantors and Non-Guarantors

The Company’s 8 1/8% Notes, 7 ¼% Notes and 5% Notes each are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the majoritycertain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The only subsidiaries of the Company which do not guaranteethat are guarantors of either the 8 1/8% Notes, 7 ¼% Notes and/or the 5% Notes being referred to collectively as the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The Company’s 8 1/8% Notes, 7 ¼% Notes and 5% Notes each are guaranteed by Guarantor Subsidiaries whose total assets, stockholders’ equity, revenues, earnings and cash flows from operating activities, in each case, exceeded a majority of the consolidated total of such items as of or for the periods reported. The only subsidiaries of the Company that are not guarantors of either the 8 1/8% Notes, the 7 ¼% Notes and/or the 5% Notes (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) are: (a) ARFC Securitization Facility and Blue Hill Securitization Program, the receivables securitization special purpose entities described in Note 5; (b) Capital I Trust, the issuer of the Trust Preferred Securities described in Note 5;Securities; and (c) othercertain operating subsidiaries, all of which, collectively, are collectively minor. The following tables present condensed consolidating financial statements including AmerisourceBergen Corporation (the “Parent”), the Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Such financial statements include balance sheets as of September 30, 20022003 and 20012002 and the related statements of operations and cash flows for each of the fiscalthree years then ended. All ofin the expenses of the Parent, principally consisting of interest on debt, are allocated to the subsidiaries.period ended September 30, 2003.

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS:

     
September 30, 2002

     
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (Parent)

   
Guarantor Subsidiaries

  
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Eliminations and Reclassifications

   
Consolidated Total

     
(in thousands)
Current assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents    $416,002   $172,058  $75,280   $—     $663,340
Accounts receivable, net     3,315    243,587   1,975,254    —      2,222,156
Merchandise inventories     —      5,387,288   50,590    —      5,437,878
Prepaid expenses and other     218    25,082   963    —      26,263
     


  

  


  


  

Total current assets     419,535    5,828,015   2,102,087    —      8,349,637
Property and equipment, net     —      281,682   896    —      282,578
Goodwill     —      2,202,023   3,136    —      2,205,159
Intangibles, deferred charges and other     26,082    348,657   310,791    (309,892)   375,638
Intercompany investments and advances     3,568,716    1,684,081   (1,439,566)   (3,813,231)   —  
     


  

  


  


  

Total assets    $4,014,333   $10,344,458  $977,344   $(4,123,123)  $11,213,012
     


  

  


  


  

Current liabilities:                         
Accounts payable    $—     $5,350,189  $18,771   $(1,123)  $5,367,837
Accrued expenses and other     (51,541)   720,688   1,714    —      670,861
Current portion of long-term debt     60,000    819   —      —      60,819
     


  

  


  


  

Total current liabilities     8,459    6,071,696   20,485    (1,123)   6,099,517
Long-term debt, net of current portion     1,040,000    661,494   355,000    (300,000)   1,756,494
Other liabilities     —      40,038   625    —      40,663
Stockholders’ equity     2,965,874    3,571,230   601,234    (3,822,000)   3,316,338
     


  

  


  


  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity    $4,014,333   $10,344,458  $977,344   $(4,123,123)  $11,213,012
     


  

  


  


  

     
September 30, 2001

     
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (Parent)

  
Guarantor Subsidiaries

  
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Eliminations and Reclassifications

   
Consolidated Total

     
(in thousands)
Current assets:                        
Cash and cash equivalents    $61  $197,097  $100,468   $—     $297,626
Accounts receivable, net     —     294,087   1,848,576    —      2,142,663
Merchandise inventories     —     5,019,105   37,152    —      5,056,257
Prepaid expenses and other     175   14,840   941    —      15,956
     

  

  


  


  

Total current assets     236   5,525,129   1,987,137    —      7,512,502
Property and equipment, net     —     288,643   926    —      289,569
Goodwill     —     2,125,258   —      —      2,125,258
Intangibles, deferred charges and other     30,896   337,902   309,870    (314,752)   363,916
Intercompany investments and advances     3,590,649   1,487,502   (1,367,554)   (3,710,597)   —  
     

  

  


  


  

Total assets    $3,621,781  $9,764,434  $930,379   $(4,025,349)  $10,291,245
     

  

  


  


  

Current liabilities:                        
Accounts payable    $—    $4,975,500  $15,707   $677   $4,991,884
Accrued expenses and other     12,293   525,495   313    —      538,101
Current portion of long-term debt     —     2,468   —      —      2,468
     

  

  


  


  

Total current liabilities     12,293   5,503,463   16,020    677    5,532,453
Long-term debt, net of current portion     1,100,000   679,876   392,035    (300,000)   1,871,911
Other liabilities     —     48,317   —      —      48,317
Stockholders’ equity     2,509,488   3,532,778   522,324    (3,726,026)   2,838,564
     

  

  


  


  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity    $3,621,781  $9,764,434  $930,379   $(4,025,349)  $10,291,245
     

  

  


  


  

   September 30, 2003

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


Current assets:

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $572,908  $169,323  $57,805  $—    $800,036

Accounts receivable, net

   —     214,799   2,080,638   —     2,295,437

Merchandise inventories

   —     5,685,521   48,316   —     5,733,837

Prepaid expenses and other

   200   27,850   1,158   —     29,208
   


 

  


 


 

Total current assets

   573,108   6,097,493   2,187,917   —     8,858,518

Property and equipment, net

   —     352,322   848   —     353,170

Goodwill

   —     2,372,060   18,653   —     2,390,713

Intangibles, deferred charges and other

   25,247   396,497   325,258   (309,278)  437,724

Intercompany investments and advances

   4,286,127   1,709,312   (1,986,533)  (4,008,906)  —  
   


 

  


 


 

Total assets

  $4,884,482  $10,927,684  $546,143  $(4,318,184) $12,040,125
   


 

  


 


 

Current liabilities:

                    

Accounts payable

  $—    $5,388,587  $5,182  $—    $5,393,769

Accrued expenses and other

   13,365   729,054   10,688   —     753,107

Current portion of long-term debt

   60,000   1,430   —     —     61,430

Accrued income taxes

   (130,018)  177,814   —     —     47,796
   


 

  


 


 

Total current liabilities

   (56,653)  6,296,885   15,870   —     6,256,102

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   1,280,000   387,724   355,000   (300,000)  1,722,724

Other liabilities

   —     52,861   3,121   —     55,982

Stockholders’ equity

   3,661,135   4,190,214   172,152   (4,018,184)  4,005,317
   


 

  


 


 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $4,884,482  $10,927,684  $546,143  $(4,318,184) $12,040,125
   


 

  


 


 

70


   September 30, 2002

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


Current assets:

                    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $416,002  $172,058  $75,280  $—    $663,340

Accounts receivable, net

   3,315   243,587   1,975,254   —     2,222,156

Merchandise inventories

   —     5,387,288   50,590   —     5,437,878

Prepaid expenses and other

   218   25,082   963   —     26,263
   


 

  


 


 

Total current assets

   419,535   5,828,015   2,102,087   —     8,349,637

Property and equipment, net

   —     281,682   896   —     282,578

Goodwill

   —     2,202,023   3,136   —     2,205,159

Intangibles, deferred charges and other

   26,082   348,657   310,791   (309,892)  375,638

Intercompany investments and advances

   3,568,716   1,684,081   (1,439,566)  (3,813,231)  —  
   


 

  


 


 

Total assets

  $4,014,333  $10,344,458  $977,344  $(4,123,123) $11,213,012
   


 

  


 


 

Current liabilities:

                    

Accounts payable

  $—    $5,350,189  $18,771  $(1,123) $5,367,837

Accrued expenses and other

   10,819   626,373   1,714   —     638,906

Current portion of long-term debt

   60,000   819   —     —     60,819

Accrued income taxes

   (62,360)  94,315   —     —     31,955
   


 

  


 


 

Total current liabilities

   8,459   6,071,696   20,485   (1,123)  6,099,517

Long-term debt, net of current portion

   1,040,000   661,494   355,000   (300,000)  1,756,494

Other liabilities

   —     40,038   625   —     40,663

Stockholders’ equity

   2,965,874   3,571,230   601,234   (3,822,000)  3,316,338
   


 

  


 


 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $4,014,333  $10,344,458  $977,344  $(4,123,123) $11,213,012
   


 

  


 


 

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS:

     
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002

     
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (Parent)

  
Guarantor Subsidiaries

  
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Eliminations and Reclassifications

   
Consolidated Total

     
(in thousands)
Operating revenue    $    —    $39,996,479  $244,235   $    —     $40,240,714
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses     —     4,994,051   29    —      4,994,080
     

  

  


  


  

Total revenue     —     44,990,530   244,264    —      45,234,794
Cost of goods sold     —     42,988,377   221,943    —      43,210,320
     

  

  


  


  

Gross profit     —     2,002,153   22,321    —      2,024,474
Operating expenses:                        
Distribution, selling and administrative     —     1,272,121   (51,470)   —      1,220,651
Depreciation     —     57,896   354    —      58,250
Amortization     —     2,848   53    —      2,901
Merger costs     —     24,244   —      —      24,244
     

  

  


  


  

Operating income     —     645,044   73,384    —      718,428
Equity in losses of affiliates and other     —     5,647   —      —      5,647
Interest expense     —     98,208   42,526    —      140,734
     

  

  


  


  

Income before taxes     —     541,189   30,858    —      572,047
Income taxes     —     215,789   11,317    —      227,106
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries     344,941   —     —      (344,941)   —  
     

  

  


  


  

Net income    $344,941  $325,400  $19,541   $(344,941)  $344,941
     

  

  


  


  

     
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001

     
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (Parent)

  
Guarantor Subsidiaries

  
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Eliminations and Reclassifications

   
Consolidated Total

     
(in thousands)
Operating revenue    $—    $15,784,472  $38,163   $—     $15,822,635
Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses     —     368,671   47    —      368,718
     

  

  


  


  

Total revenue     —     16,153,143   38,210    —      16,191,353
Cost of goods sold     —     15,456,783   34,452    —      15,491,235
     

  

  


  


  

Gross profit     —     696,360   3,758    —      700,118
Operating expenses:                        
Distribution, selling and administrative     —     451,941   (54,093)   —      397,848
Depreciation     —     18,526   78    —      18,604
Amortization     —     2,985   —      —      2,985
Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation     —     21,305   —      —      21,305
     

  

  


  


  

Operating income     —     201,603   57,773    —      259,376
Equity in losses of affiliates and other     —     10,866   —      —      10,866
Interest expense     —     2,982   44,871    —      47,853
     

  

  


  


  

Income before taxes     —     187,755   12,902    —      200,657
Income taxes     —     72,406   4,455    —      76,861
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries     123,796   —     —      (123,796)   —  
     

  

  


  


  

Net income    $123,796  $115,349  $8,447   $(123,796)  $123,796
     

  

  


  


  

   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2003

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


Operating revenue

  $—    $45,268,417  $268,272  $—    $45,536,689

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   —     4,120,605   34   —     4,120,639
   


 

  


 


 

Total revenue

   —     49,389,022   268,306   —     49,657,328

Cost of goods sold

   —     47,168,325   241,844   —     47,410,169
   


 

  


 


 

Gross profit

   —     2,220,697   26,462   —     2,247,159

Operating expenses:

                    

Distribution, selling and administrative

   —     1,340,599   (56,467)  —     1,284,132

Depreciation

   —     62,591   358   —     62,949

Amortization

   —     7,195   847   —     8,042

Facility consolidations and employee severance costs

   —     8,930   —     —     8,930
   


 

  


 


 

Operating income

   —     801,382   81,724   —     883,106

Equity in losses of affiliates and other

   —     6,542   1,473   —     8,015

Interest expense (income)

   (125,772)  239,382   31,134   —     144,744

Loss on early retirement of debt

   —     4,220   —     —     4,220
   


 

  


 


 

Income before taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

   125,772   551,238   49,117   —     726,127

Income taxes

   49,342   216,380   19,176   —     284,898

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

   364,799   —     —     (364,799)  —  
   


 

  


 


 

Net income

  $441,229  $334,858  $29,941  $(364,799) $441,229
   


 

  


 


 

71


   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


Operating revenue

  $—    $39,996,479  $244,235  $—    $40,240,714

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   —     4,994,051   29   —     4,994,080
   

  

  


 


 

Total revenue

   —     44,990,530   244,264   —     45,234,794

Cost of goods sold

   —     42,988,377   221,943   —     43,210,320
   

  

  


 


 

Gross profit

   —     2,002,153   22,321   —     2,024,474

Operating expenses:

                    

Distribution, selling and administrative

   —     1,272,121   (51,470)  —     1,220,651

Depreciation

   —     57,896   354   —     58,250

Amortization

   —     2,848   53   —     2,901

Merger costs

   —     24,244   —     —     24,244
   

  

  


 


 

Operating income

   —     645,044   73,384   —     718,428

Equity in losses of affiliates and other

   —     5,647   —     —     5,647

Interest expense

   —     98,208   42,526   —     140,734
   

  

  


 


 

Income before taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

   —     541,189   30,858   —     572,047

Income taxes

   —     215,789   11,317   —     227,106

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

   344,941   —     —     (344,941)  —  
   

  

  


 


 

Net income

  $344,941  $325,400  $19,541  $(344,941) $344,941
   

  

  


 


 

   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


Operating revenue

  $—    $15,784,472  $38,163  $—    $15,822,635

Bulk deliveries to customer warehouses

   —     368,671   47   —     368,718
   

  

  


 


 

Total revenue

   —     16,153,143   38,210   —     16,191,353

Cost of goods sold

   —     15,456,783   34,452   —     15,491,235
   

  

  


 


 

Gross profit

   —     696,360   3,758   —     700,118

Operating expenses:

                    

Distribution, selling and administrative

   —     451,941   (54,093)  —     397,848

Depreciation

   —     18,526   78   —     18,604

Amortization

   —     2,985   —     —     2,985

Merger costs, facility consolidations and employee severance, and environmental remediation

   —     21,305   —     —     21,305
   

  

  


 


 

Operating income

   —     201,603   57,773   —     259,376

Equity in losses of affiliates and other

   —     10,866   —     —     10,866

Interest expense

   —     2,982   44,871   —     47,853
   

  

  


 


 

Income before taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

   —     187,755   12,902   —     200,657

Income taxes

   —     72,406   4,455   —     76,861

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

   123,796   —     —     (123,796)  —  
   

  

  


 


 

Net income

  $123,796  $115,349  $8,447  $(123,796) $123,796
   

  

  


 


 

72


SUMMARY CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:

     
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002

 
     
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (Parent)

   
Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Eliminations
and
Reclassifications

   
Consolidated Total

 
     
(in thousands)
     
Net income    $344,941   $325,400   $19,541   $(344,941)  $344,941 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (406,273)   386,869    (134,552)   344,941    190,985 
     


  


  


  


  


Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (61,332)   712,269    (115,011)   —      535,926 
     


  


  


  


  


Capital expenditures     —      (64,107)   (52)        (64,159)
Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired     —      (131,752)   (4,471)        (136,223)
Other          (2,432)   —           (2,432)
     


  


  


  


  


Net cash used in investing activities     —      (198,291)   (4,523)        (202,814)
     


  


  


  


  


Net repayments under revolving credit and securitization facilities     —      —      (37,000)        (37,000)
Long-term debt repayments     —      (23,119)   —           (23,119)
Deferred financing costs and other     (1,046)   2,793    (35)        1,712 
Exercise of stock options     101,509    —      —           101,509 
Cash dividends on Common Stock     (10,500)   —      —           (10,500)
Intercompany investments and advances     387,310    (518,691)   131,381    —      —   
     


  


  


  


  


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     477,273    (539,017)   94,346    —      32,602 
     


  


  


  


  


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     415,941    (25,039)   (25,188)        365,714 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     61    197,097    100,468         297,626 
     


  


  


  


  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year    $416,002   $172,058   $75,280        $663,340 
     


  


  


  


  


     
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001

 
     
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (Parent)

   
Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

   
Eliminations
and
Reclassifications

   
Consolidated Total

 
     
(in thousands)
     
Net income    $123,796   $115,349   $8,447   $(123,796)  $123,796 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (110,291)   (18,428)   (164,727)   123,796    (169,650)
     


  


  


  


  


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     13,505    96,921    (156,280)   —      (45,854)
     


  


  


  


  


Capital expenditures     —      (23,363)   —            (23,363)
Cash acquired in Merger, net of transaction costs     —      101,075    32,743    —      133,818 
Other     —      6,525    510    —      7,035 
     


  


  


  


  


Net cash provided by investing activities     —      84,237    33,253    —      117,490 
     


  


  


  


  


Net repayments under revolving credit and securitization facilities     —      (20,000)   (348,000)   —      (368,000)
Long-term debt borrowings     1,100,000    —      —      —      1,100,000 
Long-term debt repayments     —      (625,376)   —      —      (625,376)
Deferred financing costs and other     (32,283)   —      (4)   —      (32,287)
Exercise of stock options     30,835    —      —      —      30,835 
Intercompany investments and advances     (1,111,996)   581,511    530,485    —      —   
     


  


  


  


  


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (13,444)   (63,865)   182,481    —      105,172 
     


  


  


  


  


Increase in cash and cash equivalents     61    117,293    59,454    —      176,808 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     —      79,804    41,014    —      120,818 
     


  


  


  


  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year    $61   $197,097   $100,468    —     $297,626 
     


  


  


  


  


   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2003

 

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


 

Net income

  $441,229  $334,858  $29,941  $(364,799) $441,229 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (420,085)  81,318   (112,446)  364,799   (86,414)
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   21,144   416,176   (82,505)  —     354,815 
   


 


 


 


 


Capital expenditures

   —     (90,362)  (192)  —     (90,554)

Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired

   —     (91,690)  (20,291)  —     (111,981)

Other

   —     726   —     —     726 
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

   —     (181,326)  (20,483)  —     (201,809)
   


 


 


 


 


Long-term debt borrowings

   300,000   —     —     —     300,000 

Long-term debt repayments

   (60,000)  (278,989)  —     —     (338,989)

Deferred financing costs and other

   (5,658)  807   (2,431)  —     (7,282)

Exercise of stock options

   42,564   —     —     —     42,564 

Cash dividends on Common Stock

   (10,995)  —     —     —     (10,995)

Common Stock purchases for employee stock purchase plan, net

   (1,608)  —     —     —     (1,608)

Intercompany investments and advances

   (128,541)  40,597   87,944   —     —   
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   135,762   (237,585)  85,513   —     (16,310)
   


 


 


 


 


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   156,906   (2,735)  (17,475)  —     136,696 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   416,002   172,058   75,280   —     663,340 
   


 


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $572,908  $169,323  $57,805  $—    $800,036 
   


 


 


 


 


73


   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002

 

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


 

Net income

  $344,941  $325,400  $19,541  $(344,941) $344,941 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   (406,273)  386,869   (134,552)  344,941   190,985 
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   (61,332)  712,269   (115,011)  —     535,926 
   


 


 


 


 


Capital expenditures

   —     (64,107)  (52)  —     (64,159)

Cost of acquired companies, net of cash acquired

   —     (131,752)  (4,471)  —     (136,223)

Other

   —     (2,432)  —     —     (2,432)
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

   —     (198,291)  (4,523)  —     (202,814)
   


 


 


 


 


Net repayments under revolving credit and securitization facilities

   —     —     (37,000)  —     (37,000)

Long-term debt repayments

   —     (23,119)  —     —     (23,119)

Deferred financing costs and other

   (1,046)  2,793   (35)  —     1,712 

Exercise of stock options

   101,509   —     —     —     101,509 

Cash dividends on Common Stock

   (10,500)  —     —     —     (10,500)

Intercompany investments and advances

   387,310   (518,691)  131,381   —     —   
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   477,273   (539,017)  94,346   —     32,602 
   


 


 


 


 


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   415,941   (25,039)  (25,188)  —     365,714 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   61   197,097   100,468   —     297,626 
   


 


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $416,002  $172,058  $75,280  $—    $663,340 
   


 


 


 


 


   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001

 

(in thousands)


  Parent

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total


 

Net income

  $123,796  $115,349  $8,447  $(123,796) $123,796 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   (110,291)  (18,428)  (164,727)  123,796   (169,650)
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   13,505   96,921   (156,280)  —     (45,854)
   


 


 


 


 


Capital expenditures

   —     (23,363)  —     —     (23,363)

Cash acquired in Merger, net of transaction costs

   —     101,075   32,743   —     133,818 

Other

   —     6,525   510   —     7,035 
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash provided by investing activities

   —     84,237   33,253   —     117,490 
   


 


 


 


 


Net repayments under revolving credit and securitization facilities

   —     (20,000)  (348,000)  —     (368,000)

Long-term debt borrowings

   1,100,000   —     —     —     1,100,000 

Long-term debt repayments

   —     (625,376)  —     —     (625,376)

Deferred financing costs and other

   (32,283)  —     (4)  —     (32,287)

Exercise of stock options

   30,835   —     —     —     30,835 

Intercompany investments and advances

   (1,111,996)  581,511   530,485   —     —   
   


 


 


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (13,444)  (63,865)  182,481   —     105,172 
   


 


 


 


 


Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   61   117,293   59,454   —     176,808 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   —     79,804   41,014   —     120,818 
   


 


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $61  $197,097  $100,468  $—    $297,626 
   


 


 


 


 


74


ITEM 9.
 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

Part III
ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information appearing under “Election of Directors” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement for the 2003 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2003 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference. The Company will file the 2003 Proxy Statement with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year. Information regarding executive officers is set forth below.
The following is a list of the Company’s principal executive officers, their ages and their positions, as of December 2, 2002. Each executive officer serves at the pleasure of the Company’s board of directors.
None.

NameITEM 9A.

 
AgeCONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Current Position with the Company

R. David Yost55Chief Executive Officer and Director
Kurt J. Hilzinger42President and Chief Operating Officer
Michael D. DiCandilo41Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Charles J. Carpenter53Senior Vice President and President of PharMerica, Inc.
Steven H. Collis41Senior Vice President and President of AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group
Unless indicated to the contrary, the business experience summaries provided below for the Company’s executive officers describe positions held by the named individuals during the last five years.
Mr. Yost has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since the Merger and was President of the Company until October 2002. He was Chairman of AmeriSource’s board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of AmeriSource from December 2000 until the Merger. Mr. Yost previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of AmeriSource from May 1997 to December 2000. Mr. Yost served as a director of AmeriSource from 1997 until the Merger.
Mr. Hilzinger was named President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in October 2002. Prior to that date, he served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since the Merger. Mr. Hilzinger served as President and Chief Operating Officer of AmeriSource from December 2000 until the Merger. Mr. Hilzinger served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AmeriSource from January 1999 to December 2000. He served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of AmeriSource from 1997 to 1999.
Mr. DiCandilo was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in March 2002. Previously, he served as the Company’s Vice President and Controller since the Merger date. He served as AmeriSource’s Vice President and Controller from 1995 to the Merger date.
Mr. Carpenter has been a Senior Vice President of the Company and President of PharMerica, Inc. since the Merger. He also served as President, PharMerica, Inc., from April 1999 until the Merger, and Senior Executive Vice President of Bergen from 1996 until the Merger. He was also Chief Procurement Officer of Bergen from 1996 to April 1999.
Mr. Collis has been a Senior Vice President of the Company and President of AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group since the Merger. He served as Senior Executive Vice President of Bergen from February 2000 until the Merger and President of ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc. from September 2000 until the Merger. Mr. Collis was also Executive Vice President of ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc. from 1996 to August 2000.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation appearing under “Management,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,” and “Stockholder Return Performance” in the 2003 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the 2003 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information appearing under “Certain Relationships and Transactions” in the 2003 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are intended to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. These controls and procedures also are intended to ensure that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report, the

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, (the “Senior Officers”), with the participation of other members of the Company’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a – 14(c)15(e) and 15d – 14 (c)15(e) under the Exchange Act) and have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures arewere effective for their intended purposes.purposes as of the end of the period covered by this report. There have beenwere no significant changes during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003 in the Company’s internal controlscontrol over financial reporting that materially affected, or in those factors that could significantlyare reasonably likely to materially affect, those controls sincecontrols.

75


Part III

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information appearing in the dateCompany’s Notice of their most recent evaluation.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement for the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2004 Proxy Statement”) including information under “Election of Directors” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,” is incorporated herein by reference. The Company will file the 2004 Proxy Statement with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

Information with respect to Executive Officers of the Company appears in Part I of this report.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Designated Senior Officers that applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller. A copy of this Code of Ethics is filed as an exhibit to this report.

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement, including information appearing under “Report of the Compensation and Succession Planning Committee on Executive Compensation,” and “Stock Performance Graph” in the 2004 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement, including information appearing under “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” in the 2004 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Information contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement, including information appearing under “Agreements with Employees” and “Certain Relationships and Transactions” in the 2004 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information contained in the 2004 Proxy Statement, including information appearing under “Report of the Audit and Corporate Responsibility Committee” and “Independent Auditor Fees” in the 2004 Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.

76


Part IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) (1) and (2) List of Financial Statements and Schedules.

Financial Statements: The following consolidated financial statements are submitted in response to Item 14(a)15(a)(1):
   
Page


Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

  2936

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20022003 and 20012002

  3037

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001

  3239

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001

  3340

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 2001 and 20002001

  3441

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  3542
Financial Statement Schedule: The following financial statement schedule is submitted in response to Item 15(a)(2):

Schedule II—II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  S-1

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

77


(a) (3) List of Exhibits.*

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


2  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of March 16, 2001 by and among AABB Corporation, AmeriSource Health Corporation, Bergen Brunswig Corporation, A-Sub Acquisition Corp. and B-Sub Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-71942 on Form S-4, dated October 19, 2001).
3.1  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (incorporated by reference to Annex J to the joint proxy statement-prospectus forming a part of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, Registration No. 333-61440, filed July 5, 2001).
3.2  Amended and Restated Bylaws of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (incorporated by reference to Annex K to the joint proxy statement-prospectus forming a part of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (Registration No. 333-61440) filed July 5, 2001).
4.1Receivables Purchase Agreement among AmeriSource Receivables Financial Corporation, as Seller, AmeriSource Corporation, as Guarantor, Delaware Funding Corporation, as Buyer, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Administrative Agent, dated as of May 14, 1999 (“May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of AmeriSource Health Corporation, Registration No. 333-79591, filed May 28, 1999).
4.2Purchase Agreement between AmeriSource Corporation, as Seller, and AmeriSource Receivable Financial Corporation, as Payer, dated as of May 14, 1999 (“May 1999 Purchase Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of AmeriSource Health Corporation, Registration No. 333-79591, filed May 28, 1999).
4.3First Amendment, dated as of May 12, 2000, to the May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmeriSource Health Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000).
4.4Second Amendment, dated as of May 26, 2000, to the May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.5Third Amendment, dated as of October 17, 2000, to the May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.6Fourth Amendment, dated as of August 29, 2001, to the May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.7Fifth Amendment, dated as of November 7, 2001, to the May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.8First Amendment, dated as of May 26, 2000 to the May 1999 Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.94.1  Indenture, dated as of December 12, 2000, among AmeriSource Health Corporation, as Issuer, AmeriSource Corporation, as Guarantor, and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee for the 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due December 15, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of AmeriSource Health Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000).

Exhibit Number

Description

4.104.2  Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2000, among AmeriSource Health Corporation, the Purchasers, and AmeriSource Corporation, as Guarantor for the 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due December 15, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of AmeriSource Health Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000).
4.114.3  Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 12, 2000, among AmeriSource Health Corporation, as Issuer, AmeriSource Corporation, as Guarantor, and the Purchasers for the 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due December 15, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of AmeriSource Health Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000).
4.124.4  
Indenture dated as of August 16, 2001 governing 8 1/8% 1/8% Senior Notes due 2008 among the Registrant, certain of the Registrant’s subsidiaries signatories thereto and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-71942 filed October 19, 2001).
4.134.5  
Form of 8 1/8% 1/8% Senior Note due 2008 (included in Exhibit 4.1) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-71942 filed October 19, 2001).
4.144.6  Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 14, 2001, by and among the Registrant, the Subsidiaries Guarantors Named Therein, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Bank of America Securities LLC and JP Morgan Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-71942 filed October 19, 2001).
4.154.7  Pledge and Escrow Agreement, dated August 14, 2001, by and among the Registrant, the Subsidiaries Guarantors Named Therein, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Bank of America Securities LLC and JP Morgan Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-71942 filed October 19, 2001).
4.164.8  The Indenture for Senior Debt Securities and Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities, both dated as of May 14, 1999, between Bergen Brunswig Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.5 and 4.6 to Registration Statement No. 333-74349 on Form S-3/A of Bergen Brunswig Corporation dated May 14, 1999).

78


Exhibit
Number


Description


4.174.9    The Senior Indenture for $400,000,000 of Debt Securities dated as of December 1, 1992 between Bergen Brunswig Corporation and Chemical Trust Company of California as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement No. 33-55136 on Form S-3 of Bergen Brunswig Corporation dated December 1, 1992).
4.18
Indenture dated March 13, 1998 related to PharMerica’s 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of PharMerica filed May 15, 1998).
4.194.10  Credit Agreement dated as of August 29, 2001 among the Registrant and the Chase Manhattan Bank and various other financial institutions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.20Sixth Amendment, dated as of November 30, 2000, to the May 1999 Receivables Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
4.21Receivables Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of December 20, 2000 among Blue Hill II, Inc., Redwood Receivables Corporation, Bergen Brunswig Drug Company and General Electric Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000).

Exhibit Number

Description

4.224.11  First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 29, 2001, among AmeriSource Health Corporation, as issuer, AmeriSource Corporation, as guarantor, AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Bank One Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, Registration No. 333-68278, filed September 7, 2001).
4.23Second Amendment, dated as of December 21, 2001, to the Receivables Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of December 20, 2000 among Blue Hill, Inc., Redwood Receivables Corporation, Bergen Brunswig Drug Company and General Electric Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2001).
4.24Seventh Amendment, dated as of February 7, 2002, to the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 14, 1999 among AmeriSource Receivables Financial Corporation, AmeriSource Corporation, AmeriSource Health Corporation, Delaware Funding Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002).
4.25
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2001, among PharMerica, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors signatories thereto and BNY Midwest Trust Company (f/k/a Harris Trust and Savings Bank), as trustee, related to PharMerica’s 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
4.264.12  Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 27, 2001, among AmeriSource Health Corporation, as issuer, AmeriSource Corporation, as guarantor, AmerisourceBergen Corporation, the Additional Subsidiary Guarantors signatories thereto and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to AmeriSource’s 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007.2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.27Eighth Amendment, dated as of August 8, 2002, to the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 14, 1999 among AmeriSource Receivables Financial Corporation, AmeriSource Corporation, AmeriSource Health Corporation, Delaware Funding Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank.
4.28Ninth Amendment, dated as of October 1, 2002, to the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 14, 1999 among AmeriSource Receivables Financial Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Services Corporation, Delaware Funding Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank.
4.29Third Amendment, dated as of October 1, 2002, to the Receivables Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of December 20, 2000 among Blue Hill, Inc., Redwood Receivables Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation (as successor by merger to Bergen Brunswig Drug Company) and General Electric Capital Corporation.
4.304.13  Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2002, among AmeriSource Health Corporation, as issuer, AmeriSource Corporation, as guarantor, AmerisourceBergen Corporation, the Additional Subsidiary Guarantors signatories thereto and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, related to AmeriSource’s 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007.2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.30 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.314.14  
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2002, between AmeriSource Health Corporation (successor to Bergen Brunswig Corporation) and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (f/k/a Chemical Trust Company of California), as trustee, related to Bergen’s 7 3/8% 3/8% Senior Notes due 2003 and 7 1/4% 1/4% Senior Notes due 2005.
2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.31 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.324.15  
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2002, between AmeriSource Health Corporation (successor to Bergen Brunswig Corporation) and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (f/k/a Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company), as trustee, related to Bergen’s 7 4/5% 4/5% Subordinated Debt Securities.
Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.334.16  
Indenture, dated as of November 18, 2002, among the Registrant, certain of the Registrant’s subsidiaries signatories thereto and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, related to the Registrant’s 7 1/4% 1/4% Senior Notes due 2012.
2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).

4.344.17  
Form of 7 1/4% 1/4% Senior Note due 2012.
2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.354.18  Purchase Agreement, dated November 12, 2002, by and among the Registrant, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.35 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.364.19  Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 18, 2002, by and among the Registrant, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmerisourceBergen Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002).
4.20Amendment and Waiver, dated as of November 25, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 29, 2001 among the Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank (f/k/a The Chase Manhattan Bank) and various other financial institutions.
4.21Second Amendment, dated as of July 8, 2003, to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 29, 2001 among the Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank (f/k/a The Chase Manhattan Bank) and various other financial institutions.
4.22Receivables Sale Agreement between AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, as Originator, and AmeriSource Receivables Financial Corporation, as Buyer, dated as of July 10, 2003.

79


Exhibit
Number


Description


  4.23Receivables Purchase Agreement among AmeriSource Receivables Financial Corporation, as Seller, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, as Initial Servicer, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrator and various purchase groups, dated as of July 10, 2003.
  4.24Performance Undertaking, dated July 10, 2003, executed by AmerisourceBergen Corporation, as Performance Guarantor, in favor of Amerisource Receivables Financial Corporation, as Recipient.
  4.25Intercreditor Agreement, dated July 10, 2003, executed by Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrator under the Receivables Purchase Agreement and JPMorgan Chase Bank (f/k/a The Chase Manhattan Bank), as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement.
  4.26Grant of Registration Rights by the Registrant to US Bioservices Corporation stockholders, dated December 13, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-102090, filed December 20, 2002).
  4.27Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2003, by and among the Registrant, the stockholders of Anderson Packaging, Inc. and John R. Anderson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-105743, filed May 30, 2003).
10.1  Registrant’s 2001 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
10.2  AmeriSource Master Pension Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 of AmeriSource Health Corporation, Registration No. 33-27835, filed March 29, 1989).
10.3  AmeriSource 1988 Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of AmeriSource Health Corporation, Registration No. 33-27835, filed March 29, 1989).
10.4  AmeriSource Health Corporation’s 1995 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated April 3, 1995, Registration No. 33-57513)33- 57513).
10.5Employment Agreement, dated September 4, 1997, between AmeriSource and R. David Yost (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmeriSource Health Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997).
10.6Employment Agreement, dated September 4, 1997, between AmeriSource and Kurt J. Hilzinger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmeriSource Health Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997).
10.710.5    AmeriSource Health Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to Proxy Statement of AmeriSource Health Corporation dated January 15, 1997 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 11, 1997).
10.810.6    AmeriSource Health Corporation 1996 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix D to Proxy Statement of AmeriSource Health Corporation dated January 15, 1997 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 11, 1997).
10.910.7    1996 Amendment to the AmeriSource Health Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to AmeriSource Health Corporation’s Proxy Statement dated January 15, 1997 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 11, 1997).
10.1010.8    AmeriSource Health Corporation 1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to Proxy Statement of AmeriSource Health Corporation dated February 5, 1999 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 3, 1999).
10.1110.9    AmeriSource Health Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to Proxy Statement of AmeriSource Health Corporation dated February 5, 1999 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on March 3, 1999).
10.1210.10  AmeriSource Health Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of AmeriSource Health Corporation, filed May 4, 2001).

80


Exhibit
Number


Description


10.1310.11  AmeriSource Health Corporation 2001 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of AmeriSource Health Corporation, filed May 4, 2001).
10.1410.12  Rights Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2001, between AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Mellon Investor Service LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed August 29, 2001).
10.1510.13  Bergen Brunswig Corporation Fourth Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as of February 13, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2001).

10.1610.14  Bergen Brunswig Corporation 1999 Management Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex F to Registration Statement No. 333-7445 of Form S-4 of Bergen Brunswig Corporation dated March 16, 1999).
10.1710.15  Bergen Brunswig Corporation 1999 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex G to Registration Statement No. 333-7445 of Form S-4 of Bergen Brunswig Corporation dated March 16, 1999).
10.1810.16  Amended and Restated 1989 Stock Incentive Plan of Bergen Brunswig Corporation and Subsidiary Companies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997).
10.1910.17  Bergen Brunswig Corporation Retired Officer Medical Plan As Amended and Restated Effective August 23, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(o) to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997).
10.2010.18  Form of the Bergen Brunswig Amended and Restated Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registration Statement No. 333-631 on Form S-3 of Bergen Brunswig Corporation and Amendment No. 1 thereto relating to a shelf offering of $400 million in securities filed February 1, 1996 and March 19, 1996, respectively).
10.2110.19  Amendment No. 1 to the Bergen Brunswig Amended and Restated Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m) to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996).
10.2210.20  Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan with Robert E. Martini (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(b) to Annual Report on Form 10-K of Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997).
10.2310.21  Form of Bergen Brunswig Corporation Officers’ Employment Agreement and Schedule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994).
10.2410.22  Form of Bergen Brunswig Corporation Officers’ Severance Agreement and Schedule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(r) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for Bergen Brunswig Corporation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994).
10.2510.23  Registrant’s 2002 Management Stock Incentive Plan dated as of April 24, 2002, as amended and restated through April 22, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002)2003).
10.2610.24  Registrant’s 20022001 Restricted Stock Plan dated as of September 11, 2001, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002).as amended and restated effective July 30, 2003.
10.2710.25  Registrant’s 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan dated as of January 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated January 22, 2002 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 27, 2002).

81


Exhibit
Number


Description


10.2810.26  Bergen Brunswig Corporation 1999 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex E to Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated March 16, 1999 of Bergen Brunswig Corporation).
10.2910.27  AmerisourceBergen Corporation 2001 Deferred Compensation Plan as amended and restated as of November 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-101042, filed November 6, 2002).
10.28Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2003, between AmerisourceBergen Corporation and R. David Yost.
10.29Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2003, between AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Kurt J. Hilzinger.
10.30Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2003, between AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Michael D. DiCandilo.
10.31Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2003, between AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Terrance P. Haas.
10.32Letter Agreement dated July 27, 2001 among AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Bergen Brunswig Corporation and Steven H. Collis, amending form of Bergen Brunswig Corporation Officers’ Employment Agreement and Officers’ Severance Agreement.
14     AmerisourceBergen Corporation Code of Ethics for Designated Senior Officers.
21  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
99.131.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (ChiefChief Executive Officer).Officer.
99.231.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (ChiefChief Financial Officer).Officer.

99.332.1    Statement under oathSection 1350 Certification of PrincipalChief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen Corporation regarding facts and circumstances relating to Exchange Act Filings submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2002 pursuant to Commission Order No. 4-460 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 14, 2002).Officer.
99.432.2    Statement under oathSection 1350 Certification of PrincipalChief Financial Officer of AmerisourceBergen Corporation regarding facts and circumstances relating to Exchange Act Filings submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2002 pursuant to Commission Order No. 4-460 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on
August 14, 2002).Officer.

*Copies of the exhibits will be furnished to any security holder of the Registrant upon payment of the reasonable cost of reproduction.

(b)
Reports on Form 8-K

During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the Company filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K.

On August 14, 2002,July 24, 2003, a Current Report on Form 8-K was filed, reporting under Itemsitems 5 and 7 and 9, that the principal executive officerCompany issued a news release announcing the Company’s earnings for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2003.

On September 19, 2003, a Current Report on Form 8-K was filed, reporting under items 5 and principal financial officer of7 that the Company had submitted sworn statementsissued a news release responding to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Commission Order No. 4-460.

a Wall Street Journal story.

82


SIGNATURES

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

AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION             
     AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION
Date: December 24, 200219, 2003   By: /s/     

/s/    R. DAVID YOST        


        

Michael D. DiCandiloR. David Yost

Senior Vice PresidentChief Executive Officer and

Chief Financial OfficerDirector

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below onas of December 20, 200219, 2003 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

Signature


  

Title


/s/    R. David Yost        

DAVID YOST        


R. David Yost
  

Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal

(Principal Executive Officer)

R. David Yost

/s/    MichaelMICHAEL D. DiCandilo

DICANDILO        


Michael D. DiCandilo
  

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Michael D. DiCandilo

/s/    TimTIM G. Guttman

GUTTMAN        


Vice President, Controller

Tim G. Guttman

/s/    ROBERT E. MARTINI        


  Vice President, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

Director and Chairman

/s/    Robert E. Martini

Robert E. Martini

/s/    RODNEY H. BRADY        


  

Director and Chairman

/s/    Rodney H. Brady

Rodney H. Brady

/s/    CHARLES H. COTROS        


  

Director

/s/    Charles H. Cotros

Charles H. Cotros

/s/    RICHARD C. GOZON        


  

Director

/s/    Richard C. Gozon

Richard C. Gozon

/s/    EDWARD E. HAGENLOCKER        


  

Director

/s/    Edward E. Hagenlocker

Edward E. Hagenlocker

/s/    JANE E. HENNEY, M.D.        


  

Director

/s/    Jane E. Henney, M.D.

Jane E. Henney, M.D.

/s/    JAMES R. MELLOR        


  

Director

/s/    James R. Mellor

James R. Mellor

/s/    FRANCIS G. RODGERS        


  

Director

/s/    Francis G. Rodgers

Francis G. Rodgers

/s/    J. LAWRENCE WILSON        


  

Director

/s/    J. Lawrence Wilson

J. Lawrence Wilson
  Director

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen Corporation
I, R. David Yost, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “annual report”) of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (the “Registrant”);
2.Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a—14 and 15 d—14) for the Registrant and we have:
(a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
(b)evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
(c)presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors:
(a)all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal controls; and
6.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: December 24, 2002/s/    R. David Yost
R. David Yost
Chief Executive Officer
83

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of AmerisourceBergen Corporation
I, Michael D. DiCandilo, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “annual report”) of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (the “Registrant”);
2.Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a—14 and 15 d—14) for the Registrant and we have:
(a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
(b)evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
(c)presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors:
(a)all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal controls; and
6.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: December 24, 2002/s/    Michael D. DiCandilo
Michael D. DiCandilo
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer

AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II—II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

        
Additions

            
Description

  
Balance at Beginning of Period

    
Charged
to Costs
and Expenses (1)

    
Charged to Other Accounts

     
Deductions-
Describe(4)

     
Balance at End of Period

   
(in thousands)
Year Ended September 30, 2002
                              
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $188,586    $65,664    $147(3)    $(72,965)    $181,432
   

    

    


    


    

Year Ended September 30, 2001
                              
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $34,506    $21,105    $151,393(2)    $(18,418)    $188,586
   

    

    


    


    

Year Ended September 30, 2000
                              
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $27,583    $10,274    $—       $(3,351)    $34,506
   

    

    


    


    

(in thousands)


               
      Additions

      

Description


  Balance at
Beginning
of Period


  Charged to
Costs and
Expenses (1)


  Charged
to Other
Accounts


  Deductions-
Describe (4)


  Balance at
End of
Period


Year Ended September 30, 2003

                    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $181,432  $46,012  $5,193(3) $(40,893) $191,744
   

  

  


 


 

Year Ended September 30, 2002

                    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $188,586  $65,664  $147(3) $(72,965) $181,432
   

  

  


 


 

Year Ended September 30, 2001

                    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $34,506  $21,105  $151,393(2) $(18,418) $188,586
   

  

  


 


 


(1)Represents the provision for doubtful receivables.

(2)Represents the aggregate allowances of Bergen Brunswig Corporation at August 29, 2001 (the date of Bergen’s merger with AmeriSource to form the Company).

(3)Represents the aggregate allowances of acquired entities at the respective acquisition dates.

(4)Represents accounts written off during year, net of recoveries.

S-1