PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC. (Form: 10-K, Received: 06/28/2017 12:40:20)

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

For the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 0-20572

PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Minnesota		41-0886515
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1031 Mendota Heights Road

St. Paul, Minnesota 55120

(Address of principal executive offices including Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (651) 686-1600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class		Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01		NASDAQ Global Select Market

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Ye s x No ¨

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

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

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



Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨	Non-accelerated filer	¨
Smaller reporting company	¨	Emerging growth company	¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act . ¨

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

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on October 29, 2016, was approximately $4,175,000,000 (For purposes of this calculation all of the registrant’s executive officers and directors are deemed affiliates of the registrant.)

As of June 20, 2017, there were 96,342,000 shares of Common Stock of the registrant issued and outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year-end of April 29, 2017 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

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FORM 10-K INDEX



		Page
PART I		3
Item 1.	BUSINESS	3
Item 1A.	RISK FACTORS	13
Item 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	24
Item 2.	PROPERTIES	25
Item 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	25
Item 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	26
PART II		27
Item 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	27
Item 6.	SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA	30
Item 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	31
Item 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	40
Item 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	40
Item 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	69
Item 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	69
Item 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	70
PART III		71
Item 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	71
Item 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	71
Item 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	71
Item 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	71
Item 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	71
PART IV		72
Item 15.	EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	72
SIGNATURES		76
SCHEDULE II		77
INDEX TO EXHIBITS		78

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PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

Certain information of a non-historical nature contained in Items 1, 2, 3 and 7 of this Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements. Reference is made to “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7, for a discussion of certain factors that could cause actual operating results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

General

Patterson Companies, Inc. is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply markets and the U.S., Canadian and U.K. animal health supply markets. Patterson operates through its two strategic business units, Patterson Dental and Patterson Animal Health, offering similar products and services to different customer bases. Each business is a market leader with a strong competitive position, serves a fragmented market that offers consolidation opportunities and offers relatively low-cost consumable supplies, making our value-added business proposition highly attractive to our customers. We believe that we have a strong brand identity as a value-added, full-service distributor with broad product and service offerings, having begun distributing dental supplies in 1877.

In fiscal 2017, we continued the transformation of Patterson that began in fiscal 2016, when we more than doubled the size of our animal health business through the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., for $1.1 billion in June 2015. This acquisition added a leading production animal supply business to our preexisting companion animal supply business, resulting in the creation of our animal health segment. In August 2015, we completed the disposition of our rehabilitative and assistive products supply business, Patterson Medical, for $717 million; the results of this business are now presented as discontinued operations. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the sale of Patterson Medical.

The following table sets forth consolidated net sales (in millions) by segment.



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Dental	$	2,390	$	2,476	$	2,415
Animal Health	3,160		2,862		1,457
Corporate	43		49		39
Consolidated net sales	$	5,593	$	5,387	$	3,911

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

Patterson became publicly traded in 1992 and is a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Minnesota. We are headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our principal executive offices are located at 1031 Mendota Heights Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, and our telephone number is (651) 686-1600. Unless the context specifically requires otherwise, the terms the “Company,” “Patterson,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Patterson Companies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Specialty Distribution Markets We Serve

We provide manufacturers with cost effective logistics and high-caliber sales professionals to access a geographically diverse customer base, which is critical to the supply chain for the markets we serve. We provide our customers with a vast array of value-added services, a dedicated and highly skilled sales team, and a broad selection of products through a single channel, thereby helping them efficiently manage their ordering process. Due in part to the inability of our customers to store and manage large quantities of supplies at their locations, the distribution of supplies and small equipment has been characterized by frequent, small-quantity orders, and a need for rapid, reliable

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and substantially-complete order fulfillment. Supplies and small equipment are generally purchased from more than one distributor, with one generally serving as the primary supplier.

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

Dental Supply Market

We estimate the dental supply market we serve to be approximately $7.7 billion annually and our share of this market, when direct distribution by manufacturers is included, to be approximately 31%. This market consists of a sizeable geographically dispersed number of fragmented dental practices. Customers range in size from sole practitioners to large group practices or service organizations. According to the American Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association, there are over 196,000 dentists practicing in the U.S. and 21,000 dentists practicing in Canada, respectively. We believe the average dental practitioner purchases supplies from more than one vendor.

We believe the dental supply market continues to experience growth due to U.S. population growth, the aging population, advances in dentistry, demand for preventive dentistry and specialty services, the need for increased office productivity, demand for infection control products, and coverage by dental plans. Demographic trends indicate that our markets are growing, as an aging U.S. population is increasingly using dental services. In the dental industry, there is predicted to be a rise in oral health care expenditures as the 45 and older segment of the population increases. There is increasing demand for new technologies that allow dentists to increase productivity, and this is being driven in the U.S. by lower insurance reimbursement rates.

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

Animal Health Supply Market

We estimate the animal health supply market we serve to be approximately $14 billion annually and our share of this market, when direct distribution by manufacturers is included, to be approximately 23%. Similar to the dental supply market, the animal health supply market is fragmented and diverse. The animal health supply market is a mix of the production animal supply market, which primarily consists of beef and dairy cattle, poultry and swine, and other food-producing animals, and the companion animal supply market, which primarily consists of dogs, cats and horses. Our production animal customers include large animal veterinarians, beef producers (cow/calf, stocker and feedlots), dairy producers, poultry producers, swine producers and retail customers. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than 68,000 veterinarians in private practice in the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, there are approximately 22,000 veterinarians in the U.K. practicing in veterinary outlets; however, we believe there has been a shift in the U.K. market toward consolidation of veterinary practices. National Veterinary Services Limited, our veterinary products distributor in the U.K., has the highest percentage of buying groups and corporations as customers compared to its competitors.

The animal health supply market, impacted by growing companion pet ownership and care, as well as increased focus on safety and efficiency in livestock production, provides growth opportunities for us. We support our animal health customers through the distribution of biologicals, pharmaceuticals, parasiticides, supplies and equipment and by actively engaging in the development, sale and distribution of inventory, accounting and health management systems. Within the companion animal supply market, we anticipate increasing demand for veterinary services due to the following factors: the increasing number of households with companion animals, increased expenditures on animal health and preventative care, an aging pet population, advancements in animal health products and diagnostic testing, and extensive marketing programs sponsored by companion animal nutrition and pharmaceutical companies.

Product sales in the production animal supply market are impacted by volatility in commodity prices such as milk, grains, livestock and poultry. Changes in weather patterns also influence how long cattle will graze and consequently the number of days an animal is on feed during a finishing phase. In addition, changes in the general economy can shift the number of animals treated, the timing of when animals are treated, to what extent they are treated and with which products they are treated. Historically, sales in this market have been largely driven by spending on animal health products to improve productivity, weight gain and disease prevention, as well as a growing focus on food safety.

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Within the production animal supply market, we anticipate an increasing demand for protein as consumption continues to increase with the growing population.

Competition

The distribution industry is highly competitive. It consists principally of national, regional and local full-service distributors, mail-order distributors and, increasingly, Internet-based businesses. Most of the products we sell are available to customers from a number of suppliers. In addition, our competitors could obtain exclusive rights from manufacturers to market particular products. Some manufacturers also sell directly to end-users, thereby eliminating or reducing our role and that of other distributors.

We compete with other distributors, as well as several manufacturers, of dental and animal health products, primarily on the basis of price, breadth of product line, customer service and value-added products and services. To differentiate ourselves from our competition we deploy a strategy of premium customer service with multiple value-added components, a highly qualified and motivated sales force, highly-trained and experienced service technicians, an extensive breadth and mix of products and services, technology solutions allowing customers to easily access our inventory, accurate and timely delivery of product, strategic location of sales offices and fulfillment centers, and competitive pricing.

In the U.S. and Canadian dental supply market, we compete against Henry Schein, Inc., Benco Dental Supply Company, at least 15 full-service distributors that operate on a regional level, and hundreds of small local distributors. Also, as noted above, some manufacturers sell directly to end users. With regard to our dental practice management software, we compete against numerous companies, including Carestream Health, Inc. and Henry Schein, Inc.

In the U.S. and Canadian animal health supply market, our primary competitors are AmerisourceBergen and Henry Schein, Inc. We also compete against a number of regional and local animal health distributors, as well as a number of manufacturers, including pharmaceutical companies that sell directly to production animal operators, animal health product retailers and veterinarians. To a lesser extent, we also compete with mail order distributors and buying groups. We face significant competition in the animal health supply market in the U.K., where we compete on the basis of price and customer service with several large competitors, including Henry Schein, Inc. and AmerisourceBergen. We also compete directly with pharmaceutical companies who sell certain products or services directly to the customer. In the animal health practice management market, our primary competitors are IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and Henry Schein, Inc.

Successful distributors are increasingly providing value-added services in addition to the products they have traditionally provided. We believe that to remain competitive we must continue to add value to the distribution channel, while removing unnecessary costs associated with product movement. Significant price reductions by our competitors could result in competitive harm. Any of these competitive pressures may materially adversely affect our operating results.

Competitive Strengths

We have more than 130 years of experience in distributing products resulting in strong awareness of the Patterson brand. Although further information regarding these competitive strengths is set forth below in the discussion of our two strategic business units, our competitive strengths include:

•

Broad product and service offerings at competitive prices . We offer over 189,000 SKUs to our customers, including many proprietary branded products. We believe that our proprietary branded products and our competitive pricing strategy have generated a loyal customer base that is confident in our brands. Of the SKUs offered, approximately 89,000 are offered to our dental customers and approximately 100,000 are offered to our animal health customers. Our product offerings include consumables, equipment and software. Our service offerings include software and design services, repair and maintenance, and equipment financing.


•	Focus on customer relationships and exceptional customer service. Our sales and marketing efforts are designed to establish and solidify customer relationships through personal visits by field sales representatives, interaction via phone with sales representatives, web-based activities including e-commerce and frequent direct marketing, emphasizing our broad product lines, competitive prices

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and ease of order placement. We focus on providing our customers with exceptional order fulfillment and a streamlined ordering process.

•

Cost-effective purchasing and efficient distribution. We believe that cost-effective purchasing is a key element to maintaining and enhancing our position as a competitive-pricing provider of dental and animal health products. We distribute our products from strategically located fulfillment centers. We strive to maintain optimal inventory levels in order to satisfy customer demand for prompt and complete order fulfillment.

Business Strategy

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

•

Emphasizing our value-added, full-service capabilities . We are positioned to meet virtually all of the needs of dental practitioners, veterinarians, production animal operators and animal health product retailers by providing a broad range of consumable supplies, technology, equipment and software and value-added services. We believe our knowledgeable sales representatives can create special relationships with customers by providing an informational link to the overall industry. Our value-added strategy is further supported by our equipment specialists who offer consultation on design, equipment requirements and financing, our service technicians who perform equipment installation, maintenance and repair services, our business development professionals who provide business tools and educational programs to our customers, and our technology advisors who provide guidance on integrating technology solutions.

•

Using technology to enhance customer service. As part of our commitment to providing superior customer service, we offer our customers easy order placement. Although we offer computerized order entry systems that we believe help establish relationships with new customers and increase loyalty among existing customers, predominant platforms for ordering today include www.pattersondental.com, www.pattersonvet.com and www.animalhealthinternational.com. The use of these methods of ordering enables our sales representatives to spend more time with existing and prospective customers. Our Internet environment includes order entry, customer support for digital and our proprietary products, customer-loyalty program reports and services, and access to articles and manufacturers’ product information. We also provide real-time customer and sales information to our sales force, managers and vendors via the Internet. In addition, the Patterson Technology Center (the “PTC”) differentiates Patterson from our competition by positioning Patterson as a single-source solution for digital components. In addition to trouble-shooting through the PTC’s support center, customers can access various service capabilities offered by the PTC, including electronic claims and statement processing and system back-up capabilities.

•

Continuing to improve operating efficiencies. We continue to implement programs designed to improve our operating efficiencies and allow for continued sales growth. This strategy includes our continuing investment in management information systems and consolidation and leveraging of fulfillment centers and sales branches between our operating segments. In addition, we have established shared sales branch offices in several locations.

•

Growing through internal expansion and acquisitions . We intend to continue to grow by hiring established sales representatives, hiring and training skilled sales professionals, opening additional locations as needed, and acquiring other distributors in order to enter new, or more deeply penetrate existing, geographic markets, gain access to additional product lines, and expand our customer base. We believe both of our operating segments are well positioned to take advantage of expected continued consolidation in our markets.

Dental Segment - Products, Services and Sources of Supply

Patterson Dental, one of the two largest distributors of dental products in North America, has operations in the U.S. and Canada. As a full-service, value-added supplier to over 114,000 dentists, dental laboratories, institutions, and other healthcare professionals, Patterson Dental provides consumable products (including infection control, restorative materials, hand instruments and sterilization products); basic and advanced technology dental equipment; exclusive,

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innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions; patient education systems; and office forms and stationery. Patterson Dental offers customers more than 89,000 SKUs of which approximately 4,000 are private-label products sold under the Patterson brand. Patterson Dental also offers customers a range of related services including software and design services, maintenance and repair, and equipment financing. Net sales and operating income were $2.4 billion and $264 million in fiscal 2017 , respectively.

The following table sets forth the percentage of total sales by the principal categories of products and services offered to our dental segment customers:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Consumable	56	%	56	%	55	%
Equipment and software	33		33		34
Other ⁽¹⁾	11		11		11
	100	%	100	%	100	%


(1)	Consists of other value-added services, including software and design service, and maintenance and repair.

Patterson Dental obtains products from more than 800 vendors. Although our relationships with most vendors are non-exclusive, we do obtain certain products on an exclusive basis. During the course of fiscal 2017, we made the decision to end the exclusive portion of our relationship with Sirona in September 2017. This decision is consistent with our strategy of serving the evolving needs of all of our customers and is expected to allow us to better serve the full range of practice models, including the Dental Support Organizations (“DSOs”) that represent an increasing share of the dental market.

While Patterson Dental makes purchases from many suppliers, and there is generally more than one source of supply for most of the categories of products we sell, the concentration of business with key suppliers is considerable. Our top ten supply vendors accounted for approximately 61% and 57% of the cost of products sold in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 , respectively. Of these ten, the top vendor accounted for 30% for fiscal 2017 and 25% for fiscal 2016 cost of sales.

Animal Health Segment - Products, Services and Sources of Supply

Patterson Animal Health is a leading distributor of animal health products in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We sell more than 100,000 SKUs sourced from 3,500 manufacturers to over 50,000 customers in the highly fragmented animal health supply market. Products we distribute include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, prescription and non-prescription diets, nutritionals, consumable supplies, equipment and software. We offer a private label portfolio of products to veterinarians, producers, and retailers through our Aspen, First Companion and Patterson Veterinary brands. We also provide a range of value-added services to our customers. Within our companion animal supply market, our principal customers are companion-pet and equine veterinarians, veterinary clinics, public and private institutions, and shelters. In our production animal supply market, our principal customers are large animal veterinarians, production animal operators and animal health product retailers. Net sales and operating income were $3.2 billion and $88 million in fiscal 2017 , respectively.

The following table sets forth the percentage of total sales by the principal categories of products and services offered to our animal health segment customers:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Consumable	97	%	97	%	95	%
Equipment and software	2		2		3
Other	1		1		2
	100	%	100	%	100	%

Patterson Animal Health obtains products from 2,600 vendors in the U.S. and Canada and 900 vendors in the U.K. While Patterson Animal Health makes purchases from many vendors and there is generally more than one

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source of supply for most of the categories of products, the concentration of business with key vendors is considerable. In fiscal 2017 and 2016 , Patterson Animal Health’s top 10 manufacturers comprised approximately 70% of the total cost of sales, and the single largest supplier comprised 18% of the total cost of sales.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

During fiscal 2017 , we sold products or services to over 164,000 customers who made one or more purchases during the year. Our customers include dentists, laboratories, institutions, other healthcare professionals, veterinarians, other animal health professionals, production animal operators and animal health product retailers. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of sales during fiscal 2017 , and we are not dependent on any single customer or geographic group of customers.

We have offices throughout the U.S. and Canada so that we can provide a presence in the market and decision-making near the customer. Patterson Animal Health also has a central office in the U.K. These offices, or sales branches, are staffed with a complete complement of our capabilities, including sales, customer service and technical service personnel, as well as a local manager who has decision-making authority with regard to customer-related transactions and issues.

A primary component of our value-added approach is our sales force. Due to the fragmented nature of the markets we serve, we believe that a large sales force is necessary to reach potential customers and to provide full service. Sales representatives provide an informational link to the overall industry, assist practitioners in selecting and purchasing products and help customers efficiently manage their supply inventories. Our need for a large dedicated sales force in the U.K. is reduced due to the presence of buying groups and corporate customers as well as the significant number of orders placed electronically in the U.K.

In the U.S., customer service representatives in call centers work in tandem with our sales representatives, providing a dual coverage approach for individual customers. In addition to processing orders, customer service representatives are responsible for assisting customers with ordering, informing customers of monthly promotions, and responding to general inquiries. In the U.K., our customer service team is primarily responsible for handling customer inquiries and resolving issues.

To assist our customers with their purchasing decisions, we provide a multi-touch point shopping experience. From print to digital, this seamless experience is inclusive of products and services information. Patterson offers online and in-print showcases of our expansive merchandise and equipment offerings, including digital imaging and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing ("CAD/CAM") technologies, hand-held and similar instruments, sundries, office design, e-services, repair and support assistance, as well as financial services. We also promote select products and services through our monthly magazine, Insight , in the U.S. and Canada, and our quarterly magazine, The Cube , in the U.K. Additional direct marketing tools that we utilize include customer loyalty programs, social media, and participation in trade shows.

We believe that responsive delivery of quality supplies and equipment is key to customer satisfaction. We ship consumable supplies from our strategically located fulfillment centers in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.K., orders are accepted in a centralized fulfillment center and shipped nationwide to one of our depots located throughout the country at which pre-packed orders are sorted by route for delivery to customers. Orders for consumable supplies can be placed through our sales representatives, customer service representatives or electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rapid and accurate order fulfillment is another principal component of our value-added approach.

In order to assure the availability of our broad product lines for prompt delivery to customers, we must maintain sufficient inventories at our fulfillment centers. Purchasing of consumables and standard equipment is centralized, and our purchasing department uses a real-time perpetual inventory system to manage inventory levels. Our inventory consists mostly of consumable supply items and pharmaceutical products.

Geographic Information

For information on revenues and long-lived assets of our dental and animal health segments by geographic area, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Discontinued Operations

In August 2015, we sold Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary responsible for our rehabilitation supply business known as Patterson Medical, for $717 million to Madison Dearborn Partners. For a limited period of time following the disposition, Patterson will continue to provide certain transition services to Patterson Medical, as owned by Madison Dearborn Partners, pursuant to a transition services agreement. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Seasonality

Our business in general is not seasonal; however, there are some products that typically sell more often during the winter or summer season. In any given month, unusual weather patterns (e.g., unusually hot or cold weather) could impact the sales volumes of these products, either positively or negatively.

Governmental Regulation

Operating, Security and Licensure Standards

Our dental and animal health supply businesses involve the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and in this regard we are subject to various local, state, federal and foreign governmental laws and regulations applicable to the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Among the U.S. federal laws applicable to us are the Controlled Substances Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act. We are also subject to comparable foreign regulations.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDC Act”) and similar foreign laws generally regulate the introduction, manufacture, advertising, labeling, packaging, storage, handling, reporting, marketing and distribution of, and record keeping for, pharmaceuticals and medical devices shipped in interstate commerce, and states may similarly regulate such activities within the state. Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act, which provides authority to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, serves as the legal basis for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”) regulation of human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products, also known as “HCT/P products.”

The federal Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013 brought about significant changes with respect to pharmaceutical supply chain requirements and pre-empts state law. Title II of this measure, known as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (“DSCSA”), will be phased in over 10 years, and is intended to build a national electronic, interoperable system to identify and trace certain prescription drugs as they are distributed in the U.S. The law’s track and trace requirements applicable to manufacturers, wholesalers, repackagers and dispensers (e.g., pharmacies) of prescription drugs began to take effect in January 2015. The DSCSA product tracing requirements replace the former FDA drug pedigree requirements and pre-empt state requirements that are inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to, the DSCSA requirements. Also in January 2015, the DSCSA required manufacturers and wholesale distributors to have systems in place by which they can identify whether a product in their possession or control is a “suspect” or “illegitimate” product, and handle it accordingly.

The DSCSA also establishes certain requirements for the licensing and operation of prescription drug wholesalers and third party logistics providers (“3PLs”), and includes the creation of national wholesaler and 3PL licenses in cases where states do not license such entities. The DSCSA requires that wholesalers and 3PLs distribute drugs in accordance with certain standards regarding the recordkeeping, storage and handling of prescription drugs. Beginning January 1, 2015, the DSCSA required wholesalers and 3PLs to submit annual reports to the FDA, which include information regarding each state where the wholesaler or 3PL is licensed, the name and address of each facility and contact information. According to FDA guidance, states are pre-empted from imposing any licensing requirements that are inconsistent with, less stringent than, directly related to, or covered by the standards established by federal law in this area. Current state licensing requirements will likely remain in effect until the FDA issues new regulations as directed by the DSCSA.

The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (“FDAAA”) and the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 (“FDASIA”) amended the FDC Act to require the FDA to promulgate regulations to implement a Unique Device Identification System. The FDA issued a final rule in September 2013 implementing the Unique Device Identification System, requiring the labels of most medical devices to bear a unique device identifier (“UDI”), and prescribing the content and format of the UDI. The rule also requires the submission of certain information

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concerning UDI-labeled devices to an FDA database, the Global Unique Device Identification Database (“GUDID”). Additional FDA UDI guidance has subsequently been issued, and the FDA’s UDI regulations are being phased in over seven years from the rule’s promulgation in September 2013, beginning with the highest-risk devices (i.e., Class III medical devices) and ending with the lowest-risk devices. For the lowest-risk, Class I medical devices, a Universal Product Code may take the place of a UDI on the device’s label.

The FDA’s UDI regulations require certain entities, referred to as “labelers,” to develop and include UDIs on the labels of medical devices, and to directly mark certain devices with UDIs. Labelers are entities that cause a device’s label to be applied or modified, without any subsequent replacement or modification. Typically, these entities are device manufacturers, specification developers, single-use device reprocessors, convenience kit assemblers, repackagers and relabelers.

Violations of the UDI regulations, including failure to include a UDI on a device’s label after the effective date for the device type, result in the misbranding of the device. The FDC Act makes it unlawful to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device. It is also unlawful to cause a device to become misbranded.

Under the Controlled Substances Act, as a distributor of controlled substances, we are required to obtain and renew annually registrations for our facilities from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) permitting us to handle controlled substances. We are also subject to other statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the storage, sale, marketing, handling and distribution of such drugs, in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations, and these requirements have been subject to heightened enforcement activity in recent times. We are subject to inspection by the DEA.

Certain of our businesses are also required to register for permits and/or licenses with, and comply with operating and security standards of, the DEA, the FDA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and various state boards of pharmacy, state health departments and/or comparable state agencies as well as comparable foreign agencies, and certain accrediting bodies depending on the type of operations and location of product distribution, manufacturing or sale. These businesses include those that distribute, manufacture and/or repackage prescription pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices and/or HCT/P products, or own pharmacy operations, or install, maintain or repair equipment. In addition, Section 301 of the National Organ Transplant Act, and a number of comparable state laws, impose civil and/or criminal penalties for the transfer of certain human tissue (for example, human bone products) for valuable consideration, while generally permitting payments for the reasonable costs incurred in procuring, processing, storing and distributing that tissue. We are also subject to foreign government regulation of such products. The DEA, the FDA and state regulatory authorities have broad inspection and enforcement powers, including the ability to suspend or limit the distribution of products by our fulfillment centers, seize or order the recall of products and impose significant criminal, civil and administrative sanctions for violations of these laws and regulations. Foreign regulations subject us to similar foreign powers. Furthermore, compliance with legal requirements has required and may in the future require us to institute voluntary recalls of products we sell, which could result in financial losses and potential reputational harm. Our customers are also subject to significant federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation.

Certain of our businesses are subject to various additional federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, including with respect to the sale, transportation, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, and safe working conditions. There have also been increasing efforts by various levels of government globally to regulate the pharmaceutical distribution system in order to prevent the introduction of counterfeit, adulterated or misbranded pharmaceuticals into the distribution system.

Certain of our businesses also maintain contracts with governmental agencies and are subject to certain regulatory requirements specific to government contractors.

Health Care Fraud

Certain of our businesses are subject to federal and state (and similar foreign) health care fraud and abuse, referral and reimbursement laws and regulations with respect to their operations. Some of these laws, referred to as “false claims laws,” prohibit the submission or causing the submission of false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement to federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Other laws, referred to as “anti-kickback laws,” prohibit soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient or ordering, purchasing, leasing or arranging for or recommending ordering, purchasing or leasing, of items or services that are paid for by federal, state and other health care payers and programs.

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Failure to comply with fraud and abuse laws and regulations could result in significant civil and criminal penalties and costs, including the loss of licenses and the ability to participate in federal and state health care programs, and could have a material adverse effect on our business. Also, these measures 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 or incur substantial defense and settlement expenses. Even unsuccessful challenges by regulatory authorities or private relators could result in reputational harm and the incurring of substantial costs. In addition, many of these laws are vague or indefinite and have not been interpreted by the courts, and have been subject to frequent modification and varied interpretation by prosecutorial and regulatory authorities, increasing the risk of noncompliance.

Health Care Reform

The U.S. Health Care Reform Law adopted through the March 2010 enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act increased federal oversight of private health insurance plans and included a number of provisions designed to reduce Medicare expenditures and the cost of health care generally, to reduce fraud and abuse, and to provide access to increased health coverage.

A Health Care Reform Law provision, generally referred to as the Physician Payment Sunshine Act or Open Payments Program, has imposed reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device manufacturers with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and for group purchasing organizations, with regard to certain ownership interests held by physicians in the reporting entity. On February 1, 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released the final rule to implement the Physician Payment Sunshine Act. Under this rule, data collection activities began on August 1, 2013, and as required under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, CMS publishes information from these reports on a publicly available website, including amounts transferred and physician, dentist and teaching hospital identities.

Under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act we are required to collect and report detailed information regarding certain financial relationships we have with physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals. The Physician Payment Sunshine Act pre-empts similar state reporting laws, although we or our subsidiaries may also be required to report under certain state transparency laws that address circumstances not covered by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the federal law, can be ambiguous. We are also subject to foreign regulations requiring transparency of certain interactions between suppliers and their customers. Our compliance with these rules imposes additional costs on us.

Regulated Software; Electronic Health Records

The FDA has become increasingly active in addressing the regulation of medical device software, and has developed and continues to develop policies on regulating clinical decision support tools and other types of software as medical devices. Certain of our businesses involve the development and sale of software and related products to support physician and dental practice management, and it is possible that the FDA or foreign government authorities could determine that one or more of our products is a medical device, which could subject us or one or more of our businesses to substantial additional requirements with respect to these products.

In addition, our businesses that involve physician and dental practice management products include electronic information technology systems that store and process personal health, clinical, financial and other sensitive information of individuals. These information technology systems may be vulnerable to breakdown, wrongful intrusions, data breaches and malicious attack, which could require us to expend significant resources to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns, and could involve claims against us by private parties and/or governmental agencies. For example, we are directly or indirectly subject to numerous and evolving federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of such information, such as the privacy and security provisions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and implementing regulations (“HIPAA”). HIPAA requires, among other things, the implementation of various recordkeeping, operational, notice and other practices intended to safeguard that information, limit its use to allowed purposes and notify individuals in the event of privacy and security breaches.

We also sell products and services that health care providers, such as physicians and dentists, use to store and manage patient medical or dental records. These customers are subject to laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, which require that they protect the privacy and security of those records, and our products may be used as part of these customers’ comprehensive data security programs, including in connection with their efforts to comply with applicable

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privacy and security laws. Perceived or actual security vulnerabilities in our products or services, or the perceived or actual failure by us or our customers who use our products to comply with applicable legal requirements, may not only cause us significant reputational harm, but may also lead to claims against us by our customers and/or governmental agencies and involve substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses and costs for remediation.

International Transactions

In addition, U.S. and foreign import and export laws and regulations require us to abide by certain standards relating to the importation and exportation of products. We also are subject to certain laws and regulations concerning the conduct of our foreign operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-bribery laws and laws pertaining to the accuracy of our internal books and records, as well as other types of foreign requirements similar to those imposed in the U.S.

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of additional burdens, risks and regulatory developments that may affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Proprietary Rights

We hold trademarks relating to the “Patterson®” name and logo, as well as certain other trademarks. Our U.S. trademark registrations have 10-year terms, and may be renewed for additional 10-year terms. We intend to protect our trademarks to the fullest extent practicable.

Employees

As of April 29, 2017 , we had approximately 7,500 full-time employees. We have not experienced a shortage of qualified personnel in the past and believe that we will be able to attract such employees in the future. We believe our relations with employees to be good.

Available Information

We make available free of charge through our website, www.pattersoncompanies.com , our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, statements of beneficial ownership of securities on Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments to these reports and statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) and Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. This material may be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of our website.

The above information is also available at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or obtainable by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website at www.sec.gov , where the above information can be viewed.

Information relating to our corporate governance, including our Principles of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics, and information concerning executive officers, Board of Directors and Board committees, and transactions in Patterson securities by directors and officers, is available on or through our website, www.pattersoncompanies.com in the Investor Relations section.

Information maintained on the website is not being included as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Set forth below is the name, age and position of the executive officers of Patterson, who are elected annually and serve at the discretion of our Board of Directors, as of June 20, 2017.

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James W. Wiltz	72	Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Director – Patterson Companies, Inc.
Ann B. Gugino	45	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer – Patterson Companies, Inc.
David G. Misiak	51	President - Patterson Dental North America
John E. Adent	49	Chief Executive Officer - Patterson Animal Health
Les B. Korsh	47	Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary - Patterson Companies, Inc.
Kelly A. Baker	48	Chief Human Resources Officer - Patterson Companies, Inc.

Background of Executive Officers

James W. Wiltz became our Interim President and Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2017. Mr. Wiltz served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from May 2005 until his retirement in April 2010. Mr. Wiltz served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2003 through May 2005. He began working with us in September 1969. From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Wiltz served as President of our subsidiary, Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. Since January 2010, Mr. Wiltz has served as a director of HealthEast Care System, a non-profit healthcare provider, and on its audit and finance committees. He has been one of our directors since March 2001.

Ann B. Gugino became Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in November 2014 and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in June 2015. She previously served as Vice President, Strategy & Planning since April 2012. Before that, she was Vice President of Finance and Operations - Patterson Dental from 2008 until April 2012. She joined Patterson in 2000 as an assistant controller and became Controller - Patterson Dental in 2004. Prior to her career with Patterson, she worked for Ernst & Young LLP and achieved her Certified Public Accountant designation.

David G. Misiak became President of Patterson Dental North America in November 2016. Mr. Misiak, who has been employed by our company for more than 20 years in various sales and management roles of increasing responsibility, most recently served as President of Patterson Dental U.S. from July 2015 through October 2016. He also serves as President of the Patterson Foundation Board of Directors.

John E. Adent , who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Patterson Animal Health, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Animal Health International, Inc. from 2004 through Patterson’s acquisition of that company in June 2015.

Les B. Korsh became Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Patterson in July 2015. Mr. Korsh served as Patterson’s Associate General Counsel since June 2014. Prior to joining Patterson, Mr. Korsh held positions as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for MoneyGram International, Inc. from May 2004 to May 2014, and was a principal in the law firm of Gray Plant Mooty, P.A. from June 1999 to May 2004. He has served as a director of the Patterson Foundation since June 2016.

Kelly A. Baker became Chief Human Resources Officer in February 2016. Prior to joining Patterson, Ms. Baker was employed at General Mills for more than 20 years in multiple human resources roles. Her most recent position at General Mills was Vice President, Human Resources for the U.S. Retail Operating Segment of General Mills, a position she held from April 2014 to January 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Baker was Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate Groups of General Mills since February 2009.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risks described below could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and/or the trading price of our common stock. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such risks and uncertainties, they may include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed below. Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider not to be material to our operations. You should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all risks and uncertainties. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority.

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The dental and animal health supply markets are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete successfully.

Our competitors include national, regional and local full-service distributors, mail-order distributors and, increasingly, Internet-based businesses. Some of our competitors have greater resources than we do, or operate through different sales and distribution models that could allow them to compete more successfully. For example, many of our suppliers are manufacturers, some of whom compete with us by selling directly to customers. Furthermore, Internet-based businesses may be able to offer the same product at a lower cost.

Most of our products are available from multiple sources, and our customers tend to have relationships with several different distributors who can fulfill their orders. Our competitors could obtain exclusive rights to market particular products, which we would then be unable to market. Manufacturers also could increase their efforts to sell directly to end-users and thereby eliminate or reduce the role of distributors. These suppliers could sell their products at lower prices and maintain a higher gross margin on the product sales than we can. Increased competition from any supplier of dental or animal health products could significantly reduce our market share and adversely impact our financial results.

Industry consolidation among suppliers, price competition, the unavailability of products, or the emergence of new competitors also could increase competition. There has also been increasing consolidation among manufacturers, which could have a material adverse effect on our margins and product availability. This consolidation could cause the industry to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by competitors, or as competitors with new lower cost business models are able to operate with lower prices and gross profit on products. These competitive pressures could adversely affect our sales and profitability. Our failure to compete effectively may limit and/or reduce our revenue, profitability and cash flow.

General economic conditions could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Uncertain weak economic conditions in the U.S. or global economy, or an uncertain economic outlook, could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. These uncertainties, including, among other things:


•	changes to laws and policies governing foreign trade;


•	greater restrictions on imports and exports;


•	changes in laws and policies governing health care;


•	tariffs and sanctions;


•	the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union;


•	election results;


•	sovereign debt levels;


•	the inability of political institutions to effectively resolve actual or perceived economic, currency or budgetary crises or issues;


•	consumer confidence;


•	unemployment levels (and a corresponding increase in uninsured and underinsured population);


•	changes in regulations, including tax regulations;


•	increases in interest rates;


•	availability of capital;


•	increases in fuel and energy costs;


•	changes in tax rates and the availability of certain tax deductions;


•	increases in healthcare costs;


•	the threat or outbreak of terrorism or public unrest; and


•	changes in laws and policies in countries where we do business.

Changes in government, government debt and/or budget crises may lead to reductions in government spending in certain countries and/or higher income or corporate taxes, which could depress spending overall. In addition, recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending may cause customers to reduce, modify, delay, or cancel purchasing our products and services, and a prolonged period of economic instability could reduce their ability to make payments. Furthermore, such conditions could cause our suppliers to reduce their production, decrease their number of product offerings, or change their terms of sale to us. Increasing commodity prices may also increase our cost of operations, either directly through increased energy costs or indirectly through what we are charged by our suppliers. Recessionary economic conditions could also cause changes in our product

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mix as our customers prioritize established, low-margin products rather than innovative, high-margin products, which could reduce our profit margin.

We are dependent on our relationships with our sales representatives, service technicians and our customers.

The inability to attract or retain qualified employees, particularly sales representatives and service technicians who relate directly with our customers, or our inability to build or maintain relationships with customers in the dental and animal health markets, may have an adverse effect on our business. Due to the specialized nature of many of our products and services, generally only highly qualified and trained personnel have the necessary skills to market such products and provide such services. These individuals develop relationships with our customers that could be damaged if these employees are not retained. We face intense competition for the hiring of these professionals, and many professionals in the field that may otherwise be attractive candidates for us to hire may be bound by non-competition agreements with our competitors. Any failure on our part to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified professionals would damage our business.

We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of Animal Health International, Inc. or realize targeted cost savings and other benefits of the acquisition.

In June 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Achieving the targeted benefits of the acquisition will depend in part upon whether we can integrate Animal Health International, Inc.’s businesses in an efficient and effective manner. We may not be able to accomplish this integration process smoothly or successfully. The necessity of coordinating geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities and addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies may increase the difficulties of integration. We and Animal Health International, Inc. operate numerous systems, including those involving management information, purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, billing, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, the integration of our respective operations will require the dedication of significant management resources, which is likely to distract management’s attention from day-to-day operations. Employee uncertainty and lack of focus during the integration process may also disrupt our business and result in undesired employee attrition. An inability of management to successfully integrate the operations of the two companies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, our actual cost-savings could differ materially from our initial estimates of synergies to be realized from the Animal Health International, Inc. acquisition. Actual cost-savings, the costs required to realize the cost-savings and the source of the cost-savings could differ materially from our estimates, and we cannot assure you that we will achieve cost-savings, or that these cost-savings programs will not have other adverse effects on our business.

Finally, we may not be able to achieve the targeted operating or long-term strategic benefits of the Animal Health International, Inc. acquisition. An inability to realize the full extent of, or any of, the anticipated benefits of the Animal Health International, Inc. acquisition, as well as any delays encountered in the integration process, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Disruption to our distribution capabilities, including service issues with our third-party shippers, could materially adversely affect our results.

Weather, natural disaster, fire, terrorism, pandemic, strikes, geopolitical events or other reasons could impair our ability to distribute our products and conduct our business. If we are unable to manage effectively such events if they occur, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, increases in service costs or service issues with our third-party shippers, including strikes or other service interruptions, could cause our operating expenses to rise and materially adversely affect our ability to deliver products on a timely basis. Our ability to provide same-day shipping and next-day delivery is an integral component of our business strategy and any significant increase in shipping rates or service interruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our business development efforts may suffer if we fail to provide our sales force and customers with the latest customer relationship and order management tools.

Due to generational and other trends in the dental and animal health industries, our customer base is increasingly comfortable with and reliant upon the latest technologies to manage their businesses. As part of our commitment to providing superior customer service, we offer our customers computerized order entry, customer support for digital

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and proprietary products, including the Patterson Technology Center, customer-loyalty program reports and services, and access to articles and manufacturers’ product information. We also provide real-time customer and sales information to our sales force, managers and vendors via the Internet to enable them to compete in the digital marketplace. While we have had past success with implementing customer relationship and order management technologies, our business development efforts may suffer if we fail to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies and customer expectations.

We are dependent on our suppliers because we generally do not manufacture the products we sell.

Interruptions in supply could adversely affect our operating results. If a supplier is unable to deliver product in a timely and efficient manner, whether due to financial difficulties, natural disasters or other reasons, we could experience lost sales. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers that commit them to producing products for us and there is considerable concentration within our animal health and dental businesses with a few key suppliers. In addition, because we generally do not control the actual production of the products we sell, we may be subject to delays caused by interruption in production based on conditions outside of our control, including the failure to comply with applicable government requirements. The failure of manufacturers of products regulated by the FDA or other governmental agencies to meet these requirements, could result in product recall, cessation of sales or other market disruptions. An extended interruption in the supply of our products would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

In addition, a portion of our products is sourced, directly or indirectly, from outside the U.S. Political or financial instability, increased tariffs, restrictions on trade, currency exchange rates, labor unrest, outbreak of pandemics or other events could slow distribution activities, affect foreign trade beyond our control and adversely affect our results of operations.

Material changes in our purchasing relationship with suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our ability to sustain our gross profits depends, in part, on the structure of our relationship with our suppliers. Such relationships are subject to change from time to time, such as changing from a “buy/sell” to an agency relationship, or from an agency to a “buy/sell” relationship, either of which could adversely affect our revenues and operating income. Suppliers may also choose to change the method in which products are taken to market. A supplier may change our relationship from a complete distribution provider, including logistics and sales support, to only a logistics provider, or only a sales support provider. A reduction in our role as a value-added service provider would result in reduced margins on product sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Patterson’s continued success is substantially dependent on positive perceptions of Patterson’s reputation.

One of the reasons why customers choose to do business with Patterson and why employees choose Patterson as a place of employment is the reputation that Patterson has built over many years. To be successful in the future, Patterson must continue to preserve, grow and leverage the value of Patterson’s brand. Reputational value is based in large part on perceptions of subjective qualities. Even an isolated incident, or the aggregate effect of individually insignificant incidents, can erode trust and confidence, particularly if they result in adverse publicity, governmental investigations or litigation, and as a result, could tarnish Patterson’s brand and lead to adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks inherent in acquiring other businesses could offset the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions and we may face difficulty in efficiently and effectively integrating acquired businesses.

As a part of our business strategy, we have acquired businesses in the ordinary course and expect to continue acquiring businesses in the future. These acquisitions can involve a number of risks and challenges, any of which could cause significant operating inefficiencies and adversely affect our growth and profitability, and may not result in the benefits and revenue growth we expect. Such risks and challenges include underperformance relative to our expectations and the price paid for the acquisition; unanticipated demands on our management and operational resources; difficulty in integrating personnel, operations and systems; retention of customers of the combined businesses; assumption of contingent liabilities; and acquisition-related earnings charges.

As we operate through two strategic business units, we consolidate the distribution, information technology, human resources, financial and other administrative functions of those business units jointly to meet their needs while

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addressing distinctions in the individual markets of those segments. We may not be able to do so effectively and efficiently.

Our ability to continue to make acquisitions will depend upon our success in identifying suitable targets, which requires substantial judgment in assessing their values, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential profitability, as well as the availability of suitable candidates at acceptable prices, and whether restrictions are imposed by anti-trust or other regulations.

Our acquired technology or developed technology may not be successful in maintaining existing customers or gaining new customers, or the technology may fail to produce its intended results.

The process of acquiring or developing new technology products and solutions is inherently complex and uncertain. It requires accurate anticipation of customers’ changing needs and emerging technological trends. We must make long-term investments and commit significant resources before knowing whether these investments will eventually result in products or services that achieve customer acceptance and generate the revenue required to provide desired returns. If we fail to accurately anticipate and meet our customers’ needs through the development of new products and technologies and service offerings or if we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, or if our new products are not widely accepted or if our current or future products fail to meet applicable regulatory requirements, we could lose customers to our competitors and that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if technology investments do not achieve the intended results, we may write-off the investments, and we face the risk of claims from system users that the systems failed to produce the intended result or negatively affected the operation of our customers’ businesses. Any such claims, even those without merit, could be expensive and time-consuming to defend, cause us to lose customers and the associated revenue, divert management’s attention and resources, or require us to pay damages.

We are subject to a variety of litigation that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to a variety of litigation incidental to our business, including product liability claims, intellectual property claims, employment claims, commercial disputes, governmental inquiries and investigations, and other matters arising out of the ordinary course of our business, including antitrust litigation. We also may be subject to securities litigation. From time to time we are named as a defendant in cases as a result of our distribution of products. Additionally, purchasers of private-label products may seek recourse directly from us, rather than the ultimate product manufacturer, for product-related claims. Another potential risk we face in the distribution of our products is liability resulting from counterfeit or tainted products infiltrating the supply chain. In addition, some of the products that we transport and sell are considered hazardous materials. The improper handling of such materials or accidents involving the transportation of such materials could subject us to liability. Defending against such claims may divert our management’s attention, may be expensive, and may require that we pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance or not covered by insurance or indemnification agreements, or any claim that results in significant adverse publicity against us, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our reputation. Furthermore, the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain.

Changes in consumer preferences could adversely affect our business.

The demand for production animal health products is heavily dependent upon consumer demand for beef, dairy, poultry and swine. The food industry in general is subject to changing consumer trends, demands and preferences. Trends within the food industry change often and our failure to anticipate, identify or react to changes in these trends could lead to, among other things, reduced demand and price reductions for our animal health products, and could have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, even if we do anticipate and identify these trends, we may be unable to react effectively. For example, changes in consumer diets may negatively affect consumer demand for beef, dairy, poultry and/or swine, and therefore reduce the demand for our production animal health products which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, there has been consumer concern and consumer activism with respect to the use of antibiotics and growth promotants in animal feed. A sustained campaign of negative press resulting from media or consumer advocacy groups, industry litigation, loss of export markets or other factors could adversely affect the public’s perception of the industry as a whole, or lead to reluctance by consumers to buy protein or other products. Concern over the impact of growth promotants on animal welfare could result in the removal from the market of products in that category, adversely

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impacting our sales. In addition, heightened consumer concern over the use of antibiotics and growth promotants in animal feed could result in increased government regulation in response to that concern. Any such event may affect the growth of the production animal market and lead to a decrease in the sales of the products we distribute, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, we experience changes in customer and product mix that affect gross margin. Changes in customer and product mix result primarily from business acquisitions, changes in customer demand, customer acquisitions, selling and marketing activities and competition. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain historical gross margins in the future.

Our business may be directly and indirectly affected by the cyclicality of the livestock market, including the effect of poor or unusual weather conditions, that could reduce demand for the production animal products we distribute.

Poor or unusual weather conditions can significantly affect the purchasing decisions of our production animal customers. The timing and quantity of rainfall are two of the most important factors in agricultural production. Drought can affect the availability and price of feed for livestock. Faced with a reduction in readily available feed or an increase in costs for such feed, our customers may decide to reduce herd size, which would ultimately decrease the demand for the products we distribute, including micro feed ingredients, animal health products, dairy sanitation solutions, as well as the development and implementation of systems for feed, health, information and production animal management.

The outbreak of an infectious disease within either the production animal or companion animal population could have a significant adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.

An outbreak of disease affecting animals, such as foot-and-mouth disease, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, Newcastle disease, avian flu or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly referred to as “mad cow disease,” could result in the widespread destruction of affected animals and consequently result in a reduction in demand for animal health products. In addition, outbreaks of these or other diseases or concerns of such diseases could create adverse publicity that may have a material adverse effect on consumer demand for meat, dairy and poultry products, and, as a result, on our customers’ demand for the products we distribute. It could also harm export markets for such products and lead to increased government regulation. The outbreak of a disease among the companion animal population which could cause a reduction in the demand for companion animals could also adversely affect our business.

Pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers or adverse changes in supplier rebates could negatively affect our business.

We face pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. In addition, the terms on which we purchase or sell products from many suppliers of animal health products may entitle us to receive a rebate based on the attainment of certain growth goals. Suppliers may reduce or eliminate rebates offered under their programs, or increase the growth goals or other conditions we must meet to earn rebates to levels that we cannot achieve. Increased competition either from generic or equivalent branded products could result in us failing to earn rebates that are conditioned upon achievement of growth goals. Additionally, factors outside of our control, such as customer preferences, consolidation of suppliers or supply issues, can have a material impact on our ability to achieve the growth goals established by our suppliers, which may reduce the amount of rebates we receive. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

The formation of group purchasing organizations (“GPO”) or provider networks may place us at a competitive disadvantage.

The formation of GPOs and provider networks may shift purchasing decisions to entities or persons with whom we do not have a historical relationship. This may threaten our ability to compete effectively, which would in turn negatively impact our financial results. Although we are seeking to obtain access to lower prices demanded by GPO contracts or other contracts, and develop relationships with provider networks and new GPOs, we cannot assure that such terms will be obtained or contracts will be executed.

We may experience competition from third-party online commerce sites.

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Traditional distribution relationships are being challenged by online commerce solutions. Such competition will require us to cost-effectively adapt to changing technology, to continue to provide enhanced service offerings and to continue to differentiate our business (including with additional value-added services) to address demands of consumers and customers on a timely basis. The emergence of such competition and our inability to anticipate and effectively respond to changes on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Increases in over-the-counter sales of companion animal products, or sales of companion animal products from non-veterinarian sources, could adversely affect our business.

Animal health products are becoming increasingly available to consumers at competitive prices from sources other than veterinarians, including human health product pharmacies, Internet pharmacies and big-box retailers. Any increase competition from such channels could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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

There are a number of risks inherent in foreign operations, including complex regulatory requirements, staffing and management complexities, import and export costs, other economic factors and political considerations, all of which are subject to unanticipated changes. Additionally, foreign operations expose us to foreign currency fluctuations. Because our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies will have an impact on our income. Currency exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we generally do not hedge translation exposure with respect to foreign operations.

The U.S. Health Care Reform Law could materially adversely affect our business.

Provisions of the U.S. Health Care Reform Law could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, further federal and state proposals for health care reform in the U.S. are likely, and foreign government authorities may also adopt reforms of their health systems. We cannot predict what further reform proposals, if any, will be adopted, when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on us.

Reporting and disclosure obligations under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act provisions of the Health Care Reform Law increase the cost of our regulatory compliance.

The Physician Payment Sunshine Act imposes reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device manufacturers with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and for group purchasing organizations, with regard to certain ownership interests held by physicians in the reporting entity. Under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act we are required to collect and report detailed information regarding certain financial relationships we have with physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals. We may also be required to report under certain state transparency laws that address circumstances not covered by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the federal law, can be ambiguous. We are also subject to foreign regulations requiring transparency of certain interactions between suppliers and their customers. Our compliance with these rules imposes additional costs on us.

Failure to comply with existing and future U.S. and foreign laws and regulatory requirements could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business.

Our business is subject to requirements under various local, state, federal and international laws and regulations applicable to the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and human cells, tissue and cellular and tissue-based products, also known as HCT/P products, and animal feed and supplements. Among other things, such laws, and the regulations promulgated thereunder:


•	regulate the storage and distribution, labeling, packaging, handling, reporting, record keeping, introduction, manufacturing and marketing of drugs, HCT/P products and medical devices;


•	subject us to inspection by the FDA and the DEA;


•	regulate the storage, transportation and disposal of certain of our products that are considered hazardous materials;


•	require us to advertise and promote our drugs and devices in accordance with applicable FDA requirements;


•	require registration with the FDA and the DEA and various state agencies;

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•	require record keeping and documentation of transactions involving drug products;


•	require us to design and operate a system to identify and report suspicious orders of controlled substances to the DEA;


•	require us to manage returns of products that have been recalled and subject us to inspection of our recall procedures and activities; and


•	impose reporting requirements if a pharmaceutical, HCT/P product or medical device causes serious illness, injury or death.

Applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations also may require us to meet various standards relating to, among other things, licensure or registration, sales and marketing practices, product integrity and supply tracking to the manufacturer of the product, personnel, privacy and security of health or other personal information, installation, maintenance and repair of equipment, and the importation and exportation of products. Our business also is subject to requirements of similar and other foreign governmental laws and regulations affecting our operations abroad.

The failure to comply with any of these regulations, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, or the imposition of any additional laws and regulations, could materially adversely affect our business. Allegations by a governmental body that we have not complied with these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business. If it is determined that we have not complied with these laws, we are potentially subject to penalties including warning letters, civil and criminal penalties, mandatory recall of product, seizure of product and injunction, consent decrees, and suspension or limitation of product sale and distribution. If we enter into settlement agreements to resolve allegations of non-compliance, we could be required to make settlement payments or be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines and the loss of licenses. Non-compliance with government requirements could adversely affect our ability to participate in federal and state government health care programs, and damage our reputation.

If we fail to comply with laws and regulations relating to health care fraud or other laws and regulations, we could suffer penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations, which could materially adversely affect our business.

We are subject to federal and state (and similar foreign) health care fraud and abuse, referral and reimbursement laws and regulations. Some of these laws, referred to as “false claims laws,” prohibit the submission or causing the submission of false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement to federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Other laws, referred to as “anti-kickback laws,” prohibit soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient or ordering, purchasing, leasing or arranging for or recommending ordering, purchasing or leasing, of items or services that are paid for by federal, state and other health care payers and programs. Health care fraud measures may implicate, for example, our relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, our pricing and incentive programs for physician and dental practices, and our dental and physician practice management products that offer billing-related functionality.

If we fail to comply with laws and regulations relating to the confidentiality of sensitive personal information or standards in electronic health data transmissions, we could be required to make significant changes to our products, or incur substantial fines, penalties or other liabilities.

Our dental practice management products include electronic information technology systems that store and process personal health, clinical, financial and other sensitive information of individuals. These information technology systems may be vulnerable to breakdown, wrongful intrusions, data breaches and malicious attack, which could require us to expend significant resources to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns, and could involve claims against us by private parties and/or governmental agencies. For example, we are directly or indirectly subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of such information, such as HIPAA. HIPAA requires, among other things, the implementation of various recordkeeping, operational, notice and other practices intended to safeguard that information, limit its use to allowed purposes and notify individuals in the event of privacy and security breaches. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could expose us to breach of contract claims, substantial fines, penalties and other liabilities and expenses, costs for remediation and harm to our reputation. Also, evolving laws and regulations in this area could restrict the ability of our customers to obtain, use or disseminate patient information, or could require us to incur significant additional costs to re-design our products in a timely manner to reflect these legal requirements, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

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Risks generally associated with our information systems and cyber-security attacks could adversely affect our results of operations.

We rely on information systems (“IS”) in our business to obtain, rapidly process, analyze and manage data to, among other things:


•	facilitate the purchase and distribution of thousands of inventory items through numerous fulfillment centers;


•	receive, process and ship orders on a timely basis;


•	accurately bill and collect from thousands of customers;


•	process payments to suppliers; and


•	provide products and services that maintain certain of our customers’ electronic medical or dental records (including protected health information of their human patients).

Our IS are vulnerable to natural disasters, power losses, computer viruses, telecommunication failures and other problems. In addition, information security risks have generally increased in recent years. Increased IS security threats and more sophisticated computer crime, including advanced persistent threats, pose a potential risk to the security of our IS, customers and other business partners, as well as the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data, customers and other business partners. A cyber-security attack that bypasses our IS security causing an IS security breach may lead to a material disruption of our IS and/or the loss of business information, which could adversely affect our business. These risks may include, among others, the following:


•	future results could be adversely affected due to the theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation or release of confidential data or intellectual property;


•	operational or business delays resulting from the disruption or damage of IS and subsequent clean-up and mitigation activities, including our ability to process orders, maintain proper levels of inventories, collect accounts receivable and disburse funds;


•	negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with our customers, suppliers or industry peers; and


•	lawsuits for, or regulatory proceedings relating to, a breach of personal financial and health information belonging to our customers and their patients.

We also increasingly rely upon server- and Internet-based technologies to run our business and to store our data as well as our customers’ data. The use of such technologies may carry additional cyber-security risks relative to those posed by legacy technologies. Our Internet-based services also depend on our ability and the ability of our customers access the Internet. In the event of any difficulties, outages or delays by Internet service providers, we may be impeded from providing such services, which may have a material adverse effect on our business and our reputation.

Our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected if our IS are interrupted, damaged by unforeseen events, are subject to cyber-security attacks, or fail for any extended period of time. If our business continuity plans do not provide effective alternative processes on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage or conduct our operations, which may adversely affect our business. We may need to expend additional resources in the future to continue to protect against, or to address problems caused by, any business interruptions or data security breaches.

Breaches of information systems security could damage our reputation, disrupt operations, increase costs and/or decrease revenues.

We collect and store confidential information from customers so that they may, among other things, purchase products or services, use our software or practice management systems, enroll in promotional programs, register on our websites, engage in data conversion or otherwise communicate or interact with us. We also acquire and retain information about suppliers, employees and others in the normal course of business. We may be unable to protect sensitive data and/or the integrity of our IS. In addition, compliance with evolving privacy and information security laws and standards may result in significant additional expense due to increased investment in technology and the development of new operational processes. We could be subject to liability for failure to comply with these laws and standards, failure to protect information, or failure to respond appropriately to an incident or misuse of information, including use of information for unauthorized marketing purposes.

The products we sell are subject to market and technological obsolescence; our software products may contain undetected errors or bugs when released.

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Some of the products we distribute are subject to technological obsolescence outside of our control, since we do not manufacture the majority of the products we sell. If our customers discontinue purchasing a given product, we might have to record expense related to the diminution in value of inventories we have in stock, and depending on the magnitude, that expense could adversely impact our operating results.

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

Volatility in the financial markets could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Volatility and other disruptions in the financial markets could adversely affect the cost and availability of credit to us, as well as the cost of, and ability to sell, finance contracts we receive from customers to outside financial institutions. Reduced access to capital for our customers limits the amount of investment that they can make in their businesses, and with limited investment by the customer, our revenue from equipment sales could be adversely affected.

Our ability to make payments on our debt obligations depends on our performance.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, our debt obligations depends on our operational and financial performance, which is subject to economic conditions and financial market conditions beyond our control. If our performance were to suffer, our access to the capital necessary to run our business may become limited.

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

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


•	the publication of earnings estimates or other research reports and speculation in the press or investment community;


•	changes in our industry and competitors;


•	changes in government or legislation;


•	our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and prospects;


•	stock repurchases;


•	any future issuances of our common stock, which may include primary offerings for cash, stock splits, issuances in connection with business acquisitions, issuances of restricted stock/units and the grant or exercise of stock options from time to time;


•	general market and economic conditions; and


•	any outbreak or escalation of hostilities in areas where we do business.

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

Our ability to execute our business strategies and retain key employees may be adversely affected by uncertainty associated with the transition to a successor Chief Executive Officer.

In June 2017, we announced a leadership transition involving our Chief Executive Officer. Although we have employed an interim Chief Executive Officer, we are currently conducting a search for a successor. This type of management change has the potential to disrupt our operations due to the diversion of efforts of our executive

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management team toward managing the transition, the sufficiency of management resources to drive key business initiatives forward, the potential deterioration of morale, and the potential for departures among senior management. This change also increases our dependency on members of the executive leadership team who remain with us. These individuals are not contractually obligated to remain employed by us and may leave at any time. Such a departure could be particularly disruptive in light of the transition we are currently undergoing. In addition, the loss of any of these individuals could significantly delay, prevent the achievement of, or make it more difficult for us to pursue and execute on our business objectives, and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. We also expect to incur costs related to the transition, including transitional salary and severance payments, as well as recruiting costs, including equity awards, non-equity incentive awards and potential relocation payments, relating to the hiring of a successor Chief Executive Officer.

Our future success depends on our leadership development and succession planning.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to recruit skilled personnel and then train our personnel to support the long-term growth of our business. While our Board of Directors and management actively monitor our succession plans and processes, our business could suffer if we lose key personnel unexpectedly. In addition, competition for senior management is intense and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel.

If we experience significant disruptions in our operations during our enterprise resource planning system implementation, our business may be adversely affected.

We depend on our information technology systems and our financial shared services for the efficient functioning of our business, including accounting, billing, data storage, purchasing and inventory management. We are working on implementing a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system across our significant operating locations. Although we believe we are more than halfway through the rollout, our ERP system implementation will require the investment of significant human and financial resources. During implementation, we may encounter difficulties in operating our business, which could disrupt our operations, including our ability to timely ship and track customer orders, determine inventory requirements, manage our supply chain, manage customer billing and otherwise adequately service our customers, and lead to increased costs and other difficulties. If we experience significant disruptions during our ERP implementation, we may not be able to repair our systems in an efficient and timely manner. Accordingly, such events may disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our entire operation and have a material adverse effect on our operating results and cash flows.

We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if our goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired.

Our balance sheet includes goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. If impairment of our goodwill or other identifiable intangible assets is determined, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in the period of such determination under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Our credit agreement contains restrictive covenants, which limit our business and financing activities.

In order to fund our financial obligations in connection with the Animal Health International, Inc. acquisition, we entered into a credit agreement, which includes customary covenants that impose restrictions on our business and financing activities, subject to certain exceptions or the consent of our lenders, including, among other things, limits on our ability to incur additional debt, create liens, enter into merger, acquisition and divestiture transactions, pay dividends and engage in transactions with affiliates. The credit agreement contains certain customary affirmative covenants, including a requirement that we maintain a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, and customary events of default. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be adversely affected by events beyond our control, including economic, financial and industry conditions. A breach of the credit agreement covenants may result in an event of default, which could allow our lenders to terminate the commitments under the credit agreement, declare all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement (if any), together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable, and exercise other rights and remedies. If this occurs, we may not be able to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, or otherwise repay the accelerated indebtedness.

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Audits by tax authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods, and tax legislation could materially adversely affect our financial results and tax liabilities.

The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. tax authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from our reserves, our future results may include unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities.

We are subject to the tax laws and regulations of the U.S. federal, state and local governments, as well as foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, various legislative initiatives may be proposed that could materially adversely affect our tax positions. There can be no assurance that our effective tax rate will not be materially adversely affected by legislation resulting from these initiatives. In addition, tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. Although we believe that our historical tax positions are sound and consistent with applicable laws, regulations and existing precedent, they can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge.

We are exposed to the risk of changes in interest rates.

Our balance sheet includes certain non-current assets that are sensitive to movements in short-term interest rates. The variable rates are comprised of both LIBOR and commercial paper rates plus a spread and reset on certain dates, as set forth in the respective agreements. In addition, our balance sheet includes fixed rate long-term debt, whose fair value could be adversely affected by movements in interest rates. We finance purchases by our customers using finance contracts that are issued at fixed interest rates, and sell these contracts under various funding arrangements that are priced using variable interest rates. Sudden and dramatic changes in the interest rates within relevant markets could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our governing documents, other documents to which we are a party, and Minnesota law may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our shareholders might consider to be in their best interests.

Anti-takeover provisions of our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and Minnesota law could diminish the opportunity for shareholders to participate in acquisition proposals at a price above the then current market price of our common stock. For example, while we have no present plans to issue any preferred stock, our Board of Directors, without further shareholder approval, may issue up to approximately 30 million shares of undesignated preferred stock and fix the powers, preferences, rights and limitations of such class or series, which could adversely affect the voting power of our common stock. Further, as a Minnesota corporation, we are subject to provisions of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, or MBCA, regarding “control share acquisitions” and “business combinations.” We may, in the future, consider adopting additional anti-takeover measures. The authority of our Board of Directors to issue undesignated preferred stock and the anti-takeover provisions of the MBCA, as well as any future anti-takeover measures adopted by us, may, in certain circumstances, delay, deter or prevent takeover attempts and other changes in control of our company not approved by our Board of Directors.

In addition, our Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan provides that awards issued under that plan are fully vested and all restrictions on the awards lapse in the event of a change in control, as defined in such plan. Additionally, our Capital Accumulation Plan provides that on an event of acceleration, as defined in the plan, the restrictions on shares of restricted stock lapse and such stock becomes fully vested. An event of acceleration occurs if (a) a person has acquired a beneficial ownership interest in 30% or more of the voting power of our company, (b) a tender offer is made to acquire 30% or more of our company, (c) a solicitation subject to Rule 14a-11 of the Exchange Act relating to the election or removal of 50% or more of our Board of Directors occurs, or (d) our shareholders approve a merger, consolidation, share exchange, division or sale of our company’s assets. Furthermore, if the surviving or acquiring company in a change in control does not assume our company’s outstanding incentive awards or provide for their equivalent substitutes, our 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for accelerated vesting of incentive awards following a change in control upon the termination of the employee’s service and in certain other circumstances, provided such event occurs within two years of a change in control.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

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Item 2. PROPERTIES

We own our principal executive offices in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the majority of our distribution and manufacturing facilities. Leases of other distribution and administrative facilities generally are on a long-term basis, expiring at various times, with options to renew for additional periods. Most sales offices are leased for varying and usually shorter periods, with or without renewal options. We believe our properties are in good operating condition and are suitable for the purposes for which they are being used.

Patterson Logistics Services

The majority of assets we use to distribute product are owned and operated by Patterson Logistics Services, Inc. (“PLSI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, which operates the distribution function for the benefit of our dental and animal health segments in the U.S. PLSI also advises on the operations of our fulfillment centers outside of the U.S., but these properties are not owned by PLSI.

As of April 29, 2017 , PLSI operated the following 13 fulfillment centers (seven primary centers) totaling 1.0 million square feet:


•	two dental fulfillment centers (Hawaii and Texas);


•	four animal health fulfillment centers (Alabama, Colorado and Texas (two)); and


•	seven fulfillment centers that distribute dental and animal health products (California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington).

Approximately 90% of the PLSI fulfillment center space is owned.

Dental

In addition to the locations operated by PLSI, Patterson Dental utilizes an owned location in Illinois to produce and ship printed office products. Operations in Canada are supported by fulfillment centers located in Quebec and Alberta. This segment is headquartered in our principal executive offices, and maintains sales and administrative offices at approximately 75 locations across 40 states in the U.S. and 10 locations in Canada, the majority of which are leased. In addition, this segment operates the Patterson Technology Center, a 100,000 square-foot facility in Illinois.

Animal Health

In addition to the locations operated by PLSI, Patterson Animal Health has approximately 100 properties located in the U.S. and Canada, the majority of which are leased. In the U.S., these properties are in 89 locations across 27 states, and comprise fulfillment centers, storage locations, sales and administrative offices, retail stores and call centers. In Canada, operations are supported by two fulfillment centers located in Alberta and Ontario. The segment’s operations in the U.K. are supported by a primary distribution facility in Stoke-on-Trent and an additional nine depots used as secondary distribution points throughout the U.K. The headquarters for this segment are located in a leased office in Colorado.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In September 2015, we were served with a summons and complaint in an action commenced in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled SourceOne Dental, Inc. v. Patterson Companies, Inc., Henry Schein, Inc. and Benco Dental Supply Company, Civil Action No. 15-cv-05440-JMA-GRB. SourceOne, as plaintiff, alleges that, through its website, it markets and sells dental supplies and equipment to dentists. SourceOne alleges in the complaint, among other things, that we, along with the defendants Henry Schein and Benco, conspired to eliminate plaintiff as a competitor and to exclude them from the market for the marketing, distribution and sale of dental supplies and equipment in the U.S. and that defendants unlawfully agreed with one another to boycott dentists, manufacturers, and state dental associations that deal with, or considered dealing with, plaintiff. Plaintiff asserts the following claims: (i) unreasonable restraint of trade in violation of state and federal antitrust laws; (ii) tortious interference with prospective business relations; (iii) civil conspiracy; and (iv) aiding and abetting the other defendants’ ongoing tortious and anticompetitive conduct. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, punitive damages, interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. We are vigorously defending ourselves in this litigation. We do not anticipate that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

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Beginning in January 2016, purported class action complaints were filed against defendants Henry Schein, Inc., Benco Dental Supply Co. and Patterson Companies, Inc. Although there were factual and legal variations among these complaints, each alleged that defendants conspired to foreclose and exclude competitors by boycotting manufacturers, state dental associations, and others that deal with defendants’ competitors. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered all of these actions, and all other actions filed thereafter asserting substantially similar claims against defendants, consolidated for pre-trial purposes. On February 26, 2016, a consolidated class action complaint was filed by Arnell Prato, D.D.S., P.L.L.C., d/b/a Down to Earth Dental, Evolution Dental Sciences, LLC, Howard M. May, DDS, P.C., Casey Nelson, D.D.S., Jim Peck, D.D.S., Bernard W. Kurek, D.M.D., Larchmont Dental Associates, P.C., and Keith Schwartz, D.M.D., P.A. (collectively, the "putative class representatives") in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled In re Dental Supplies Antitrust Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:16-CV-00696-BMC-GRB. Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc. was added as a defendant on October 22, 2016. Subject to certain exclusions, the putative class representatives seek to represent all persons who purchased dental supplies or equipment in the U.S. directly from any of the defendants, since August 31, 2008. In the consolidated class action complaint, putative class representatives allege a nationwide agreement among Henry Schein, Benco, Patterson and Burkhart not to compete on price. The consolidated class action complaint asserts a single count under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. Putative class representatives have not specified a damage amount in their complaint. While the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, we believe the consolidated class action complaint is without merit, and we are vigorously defending ourselves in this litigation.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Patterson’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ^® under the symbol “PDCO.”

The following table sets forth the range of high and low sale prices for Patterson’s common stock for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years. Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.



	High		Low		Dividends per share
Fiscal 2017
First Quarter	$	50.40	$	42.69	$	0.24
Second Quarter	49.69		42.08		0.24
Third Quarter	49.26		36.46		0.24
Fourth Quarter	46.13		40.68		0.26
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter	50.94		45.32		0.22
Second Quarter	53.07		42.62		0.22
Third Quarter	48.87		38.51		0.22
Fourth Quarter	46.64		40.17		0.24

Holders

On June 20, 2017, the number of holders on record of common stock was 1,858. The transfer agent for Patterson’s common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 161 North Concord Exchange, South St. Paul, Minnesota, 55075-0738, telephone: (651) 450-4064.

Dividends

In fiscal 2017 , a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share was paid throughout the year, except in the fourth quarter when the dividend was increased to $0.26 per share. We expect to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend for the foreseeable future; however, the payment of dividends is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, operating results and financial condition among other factors.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

For information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, see Part III, Item 12.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

In March 2013, Patterson’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan by which up to 25,000,000 shares may be purchased in open market transactions through March 19, 2018.

The following table presents activity under the stock repurchase plan during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 :

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	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
January 29, 2017 to February 25, 2017	201,250	$	42.15	201,250	14,309,791
February 26, 2017 to March 25, 2017	461,030	44.92		461,030	13,848,761
March 26, 2017 to April 29, 2017	206,711	44.95		206,711	13,642,050
	868,991	$	44.28	868,991	13,642,050

Performance Graph

The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on $100 invested at the market close on April 28, 2012, through April 29, 2017, with the cumulative return over the same time period on the same amount invested in the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group Index, consisting of seven companies (including our company) based on the same Standard Industrial Classification Code.* The chart below the graph sets forth the actual numbers depicted on the graph.

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	Fiscal Year Ending
	4/28/2012	4/27/2013	4/26/2014	4/25/2015	4/30/2016	4/29/2017
Patterson Companies, Inc.	100.00	112.08	124.42	149.29	136.97	143.68
S&P 500	100.00	115.32	138.69	160.85	160.35	189.08
Peer Group	100.00	112.83	134.78	161.76	178.76	183.88


*	The current composition of SIC Code 5047 – Wholesale – Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies – is as follows: Fuse Medical, Inc., Henry Schein, Inc., Millennium Healthcare, Inc., Owens & Minor, Inc., Cerebain Biotech Corp., Vet Supply, Inc. and Patterson Companies, Inc.

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Item 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share amounts)



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017 ⁽²⁾			April 30, 2016 ⁽³⁾			April 25, 2015			April 26, 2014 ⁽⁴⁾			April 27, 2013
Statement of Income Data:
Net sales	$	5,593,127		$	5,386,703		$	3,910,865		$	3,585,141		$	3,135,215
Cost of sales	4,291,730			4,063,955			2,850,316			2,566,444			2,138,468
Gross profit	1,301,397			1,322,748			1,060,549			1,018,697			996,747
Operating expenses	1,013,469			975,035			755,963			724,971			711,532
Operating income	287,928			347,713			304,586			293,726			285,215
Other expense, net	(37,047		)	(46,020		)	(30,268		)	(32,463		)	(33,670		)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	250,881			301,693			274,318			261,263			251,545
Income tax expense	77,093			116,009			94,235			89,931			86,629
Net income from continuing operations	173,788			185,684			180,083			171,332			164,916
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(2,895		)	1,500			43,178			29,280			45,356
Net income	$	170,893		$	187,184		$	223,261		$	200,612		$	210,272
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.82		$	1.90		$	1.81		$	1.69		$	1.59
Discontinued operations ⁽¹⁾	(0.03		)	0.01			0.43			0.28			0.44
Net diluted earnings per share	$	1.79		$	1.91		$	2.24		$	1.97		$	2.03
Weighted average shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding	95,567			97,902			99,694			101,643			103,807
Dividends per common share	$	0.98		$	0.90		$	0.82		$	0.68		$	0.58
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital	$	899,662		$	918,206		$	995,540		$	872,254		$	912,817
Total assets	3,507,913			3,520,804			2,945,248			2,863,191			2,679,862
Total long-term debt	998,272			1,022,155			722,542			723,514			723,084
Stockholders’ equity	1,394,433			1,441,746			1,514,123			1,471,664			1,394,455

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


(1)	Fiscal 2014 includes a pre-tax restructuring charge of $15.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted share on an after-tax basis.


(2)	Fiscal 2017 includes a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million, or $23.0 million after taxes or $0.24 per diluted share. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

(3)

In June 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Prior to our acquisition, Animal Health International, Inc. generated sales and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of $1.5 billion and $68 million, respectively, during the 12 months ended March 2015. In connection with this acquisition, we incurred pre-tax transaction costs of $13.7 million, or $0.11 per diluted share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis. Also in fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200.0 million of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The continuing operations tax impact of $12.3 million from the repatriation was recorded during fiscal 2016. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


(4)	In August 2013, we acquired National Veterinary Services Limited ("NVS"), which had revenues of more than £315 million, or approximately $493 million, in its fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 prior to acquisition. NVS results beginning on the date of the acquisition are included in continuing operations.

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

Overview

Our financial information for fiscal 2017 is summarized in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes. The following background is provided to readers to assist in the review of our financial information.

We present three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Dental and Animal Health are strategic business units that offer similar products and services to different customer bases. Dental provides a virtually complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and value-added services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America. Animal Health is a leading, full-line distributor in North America and the U.K. of animal health products, services and technologies to both the production-animal and companion-pet markets. Our Corporate segment is comprised of general and administrative expenses, including home office support costs in areas such as information technology, finance, legal, human resources and facilities. In addition, customer financing and other miscellaneous sales are reported within Corporate results.

In August 2015, we divested our wholly-owned subsidiary Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc. ("Patterson Medical"), the entity through which we operated the rehabilitation supply business. We classified the results of operations of Patterson Medical as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

Operating margins of the animal health business are considerably lower than the dental business. While operating expenses run at a lower rate in the animal health business when compared to the dental business, gross margins in the animal health business are substantially lower due generally to the low margins experienced on the sale of pharmaceutical products.

We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. Fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 ended on April 29, 2017 , April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively. Fiscal years 2017 and 2015 consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2016 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2018 will end on April 28, 2018 and will consist of 52 weeks.

We believe there are several important aspects of our business that are useful in analyzing it, including: (1) growth in the various markets in which we operate; (2) internal growth; (3) growth through acquisition; and (4) continued focus on controlling costs and enhancing efficiency. Management defines internal growth as the increase in net sales from period to period, adjusting for differences in the number of weeks in fiscal years, excluding the impact of changes in currency exchange rates, and excluding the net sales, for a period of twelve months following the transaction date, of businesses we have acquired.

The following significant activities occurred in fiscal 2016 or 2017:

Enterprise Resource Planning System Initiatives. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we completed the application development stage of our enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system, and we began depreciating our investment in such system. We incurred increased depreciation and other operating expenses of approximately $25.0 million in the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 as compared to the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 , related to this implementation.

Intangible Asset Impairment. In fiscal 2006, we extended our exclusive North American distribution relationship with Sirona Dental Systems for Sirona’s CEREC 3D dental restorative system. At that time, we paid a $100.0 million distribution fee to extend the existing exclusive relationship for at least a 10-year period beginning in 2007. This distribution fee has been accounted for as an intangible asset that has been amortized since 2007. Based on our November 2016 decision not to extend sales exclusivity for the full Sirona portfolio of products, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million, or $23.0 million after taxes or $0.24 per diluted share in our Dental segment in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, related to the distribution fee associated with the CEREC product component of this arrangement.

Animal Health International Acquisition . In June 2015, we completed the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., a leading production animal health distribution company in the U.S. Prior to our acquisition, Animal Health International, Inc. generated sales and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization

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of $1.5 billion and $68 million, respectively, during the 12 months ended March 2015. Our acquisition more than doubled the revenue of our legacy animal health business, which was previously focused on the companion animal market. Our animal health business now offers an expanded range of products and services to a broader base of customers in North America and the U.K. During fiscal 2016, we incurred $10.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, on an after-tax basis, of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc.

Patterson Medical Sale . In August 2015, we sold Patterson Medical for $716.9 million. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Cash Repatriation . In fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200.0 million of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. A continuing operations tax impact of $12.3 million from the repatriation was recorded during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2017, we recorded a $2.4 million tax benefit related to a change in estimate of the tax impact of the cash repatriation. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our results from continuing operations as a percent of sales from continuing operations:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales	76.7		75.4		72.9
Gross profit	23.3		24.6		27.1
Operating expenses	18.2		18.1		19.3
Operating income from continuing operations	5.1		6.5		7.8
Other income (expense)	(0.6	)	(0.9	)	(0.8	)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	4.5		5.6		7.0
Income tax expense	1.4		2.2		2.4
Net income from continuing operations	3.1	%	3.4	%	4.6	%

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016

Continuing Operations

Net Sales . Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2017 were $5,593.1 million , an increase of 3.8% from $5,386.7 million in fiscal 2016 . The inclusion of Animal Health International, Inc. results for approximately six additional weeks in fiscal 2017 had a 3.6% favorable impact on sales, foreign exchange rate changes had an estimated 1.7% unfavorable impact on fiscal 2017 sales, and one less week of results in fiscal 2017 had a 1.0% unfavorable impact on sales, resulting in internal growth of 2.9%.

Dental segment sales decreased 3.5% to $2,390.2 million in fiscal 2017 from $2,476.2 million in fiscal 2016 . One less week of results in the current period had an estimated 1.1% unfavorable impact on sales. Adjusting for this difference in number of weeks, sales decreased 2.4%. Sales of consumables decreased 4.1% , primarily due to having one less week of results in the current period and to a sales force realignment in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Dental equipment and software sales decreased 3.2% , primarily due to a decrease in sales of digital products, partially offset by increased sales of core equipment. Other dental sales, consisting primarily of technical service parts and labor, software support services and artificial teeth, decreased 1.0% in fiscal 2017 .

Animal Health segment sales grew 10.4% to $3,159.8 million in fiscal 2017 from $2,862.2 million in fiscal 2016 . Incremental sales attributed to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. contributed 6.8% to this sales growth, foreign exchange rate changes had an unfavorable impact of 3.1% on fiscal 2017 sales, and one less week of results in fiscal 2017 had a 1.0% unfavorable impact on sales, resulting in internal growth of 7.7%. In addition, due to changes in certain vendor relationships, sales of certain products previously recognized on an agency basis were recognized on a buy/sell basis during fiscal 2017 , resulting in a 2.5% favorable impact to sales.

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Gross Profit . Consolidated gross profit margin decreased 130 basis points from the prior year to 23.3% . The decrease in the gross profit margin rate was predominantly the result of the inclusion of sales and cost of sales from Animal Health International, Inc. in our results for a full year in fiscal 2017, as that business traditionally has lower gross margins than our historical businesses. In addition, the Animal Health segment gross margin rate declined when compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers, execution challenges associated with integration activities in our Animal Health segment and unfavorable product mix.

Operating Expenses . Consolidated operating expenses for fiscal 2017 were $1,013.5 million , a 3.9% increase from the prior year of $975.0 million . The increase was predominantly the result of the $36.3 million intangible asset impairment charge recognized in fiscal 2017 in our Dental segment, increased expenses related to our ERP system initiatives and the inclusion of Animal Health International, Inc. results for a full year in fiscal 2017, partially offset by reduced transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., synergy capture in our Animal Health segment and cost containment efforts. The consolidated operating expense ratio of 18.2% decreased 10 basis points from the prior year due to these same factors.

Operating Income from Continuing Operations . Operating income from continuing operations was $287.9 million , or 5.1% of net sales, in fiscal 2017 , compared to $347.7 million , or 6.5% of sales, in fiscal 2016 . The decrease in operating income from continuing operations and operating income as a percent of sales were driven primarily by the impairment charge and increased expenses related to our ERP system initiative. The decrease in operating income as a percent of sales was mainly due to these same factors.

Dental segment operating income was $263.7 million for fiscal 2017, a decrease of $48.5 million from the prior year period. The decrease was driven primarily by the impairment charge, increased expenses related to our ERP system initiatives and lower sales volumes.

Animal Health segment operating income was $88.1 million for fiscal 2017, a decrease of $6.2 million from the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by lower gross margins, which decreased as a result of pricing pressure from branded pharmaceutical manufacturers, execution challenges associated with integration activities, unfavorable product mix and increased expenses related to our ERP system initiatives. Synergy capture, cost containment efforts and lower bad debt expense in fiscal 2017 partially offset these factors.

Corporate segment operating loss was $63.9 million for fiscal 2017, as compared to a loss of $58.8 million from the prior year period. The change was driven primarily by lower net sales related to our customer financing contracts and increased legal expenses, partially offset by reduced transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc.

Other Income (Expense), Net . Net other expense was $37.0 million in fiscal 2017 , compared to $46.0 million in fiscal 2016 . The decrease was mainly due to $5.2 million of accelerated debt issuance cost amortization incurred in fiscal 2016.

Income Tax Expense . The effective income tax rate was 30.7% in fiscal 2017 and 38.5% in fiscal 2016 . The decrease in the rate was primarily due to the prior year impact of cash repatriation and transaction-related costs incurred in the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, the current year rate included excess tax benefits from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on this adoption.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations . Net income from continuing operations decreased 6.4% to $173.8 million in fiscal 2017 , compared to $185.7 million in the prior year. Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $1.82 in fiscal 2017 , compared to $1.90 in the prior year. Weighted average diluted shares in fiscal 2017 were 95,567,000 , compared to 97,902,000 in the prior year. The fiscal 2017 cash dividend was $0.98 per common share, compared to $0.90 in the prior year.

Discontinued Operations

Net loss from discontinued operations was $2.9 million in fiscal 2017 , compared to net income from discontinued operations of $1.5 million in fiscal 2016 . The net loss incurred during fiscal 2017 was due to a change in estimate of the tax impact of the sale of Patterson Medical.

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Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015

Continuing Operations

Net Sales . Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2016 were $5,386.7 million, an increase of 37.7% from $3,910.9 million in fiscal 2015. The growth in sales includes a 35.7% contribution from acquisitions and a 1.8% unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Dental segment sales rose 2.5% to $2,476.2 million in fiscal 2016 from $2,415.0 million in fiscal 2015. The growth included a 1.3% unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Consumable sales increased 4.5%. Dental equipment and software sales decreased 1.4%, driven by a 1.3% unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Other dental sales, consisting primarily of technical service parts and labor, software support services and artificial teeth, increased 4.7% in fiscal 2016.

Animal Health segment sales grew 96.5% to $2,862.2 million in fiscal 2016 from $1,456.6 million in fiscal 2015. Our acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. in fiscal 2016 drove most of the increase in sales, contributing $1,396.1 million in sales in fiscal 2016. Consumables increased 101.4%, driven almost entirely by sales from Animal Health International, Inc. Equipment and software sales increased 7.2%, and other sales increased 17.3%, with both increases driven by organic growth and partially offset by unfavorable impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Gross Profit . Consolidated gross profit margin for fiscal 2016 decreased 250 basis points from the prior year to 24.6%. The decrease in gross profit margin was predominantly the result of the inclusion of sales and cost of sales from Animal Health International, Inc. in our results, as that business traditionally has lower gross margins than our historical businesses.

Operating Expenses . Consolidated operating expenses for fiscal 2016 were $975.0 million, a 29.0% increase from the prior year of $756.0 million. Operating expenses mainly increased due to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. and transaction-related costs. The consolidated operating expense ratio of 18.1% decreased 120 basis points from the prior year, primarily due to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., which has a lower operating expense ratio than our other business.

Operating Income from Continuing Operations . Operating income from continuing operations was $347.7 million, or 6.5% of net sales, in fiscal 2016, compared to $304.6 million, or 7.8% of sales, in fiscal 2015. The decrease in operating income as a percent of net sales was mainly due to the inclusion of results of Animal Health International, Inc. and transaction-related costs.

Dental segment operating income was $312.2 million for fiscal 2016, an increase of $11.8 million from the prior year period. The increase was driven primarily by higher sales volumes.

Animal Health segment operating income was $94.3 million for fiscal 2016, an increase of $37.6 million from the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of results of Animal Health International, Inc., which contributed $37.2 million of operating income in fiscal 2016.

Corporate segment operating loss was $58.8 million for fiscal 2016, as compared to a loss of $52.4 million from the prior year period. The change was driven primarily by transaction costs incurred in fiscal 2016.

Other Income (Expense), Net . Net other expense was $46.0 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $30.3 million in fiscal 2015. The increase was mainly due to increased interest expense related to the credit agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., including $5.2 million of accelerated debt issuance cost amortization incurred in fiscal 2016 as a result of early repayment of debt.

Income Tax Expense . The effective income tax rate was 38.5% in fiscal 2016 and 34.4% in fiscal 2015. The increase in the rate was primarily due to the fiscal 2016 impact of cash repatriation and transaction-related costs incurred related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations . Net income from continuing operations increased 3.1% to $185.7 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $180.1 million in the prior year. Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $1.90 in fiscal 2016 compared to $1.81 in the prior year. Weighted average diluted

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shares in fiscal 2016 were 97,902,000 compared to 99,694,000 in the prior year. The fiscal 2016 cash dividend was $0.90 per common share compared to $0.82 in the prior year.

Discontinued Operations

Net income from discontinued operations was $1.5 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $43.2 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to there being twelve months of operations in the prior year as compared to less than four months of operations in fiscal 2016, as well as by transaction-related costs related to the sale of Patterson Medical, which reduced income before taxes from discontinued operations by $10.5 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Patterson’s operating cash flow has been our principal source of liquidity in the last three fiscal years. During each of these fiscal years, we used our revolving credit facility as a source of liquidity in addition to operating cash flow. Net cash provided by operating activities was $162.7 million in fiscal 2017 , compared to $156.3 million in fiscal 2016 and $262.7 million in fiscal 2015 . Our cash flows from operating activities are primarily driven by net income from continuing operations, partially offset by uses of cash within discontinued operations of $2.9 million in fiscal 2017 and $38.5 million in fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2015, net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations was $57.6 million.

Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $1.2 million in fiscal 2017 , compared to net cash flows used in investing activities of $400.6 million and $9.6 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Capital expenditures were $47.0 million , $79.4 million and $60.7 million in fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Significant expenditures in each year included investments in our ERP system initiatives. We expect to use a total of approximately $50 million for capital expenditures in fiscal 2018. Fiscal 2016 included the purchase of Animal Health International, Inc. for $1,106.6 million, which was partially offset by the receipt of net cash proceeds of $714.4 million from completion of the sale of Patterson Medical. Fiscal years 2016 and 2015 included the sale of securities of $48.7 million and $40.8 million, respectively.

During fiscal 2016, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), under which the lenders provided us with senior unsecured lending facilities of up to $1.5 billion, consisting of a $1.0 billion unsecured term loan and a $500 million unsecured revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement was due to expire in fiscal 2021.

During fiscal 2017, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $295.1 million term loan and a $750 million revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings is variable and is determined as a base rate plus a spread. This spread, as well as a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility, is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The term loan and revolving credit facilities will mature no later than January 2022. As of April 29, 2017 , $291.4 million of the Amended Credit Agreement unsecured term loan was outstanding at an interest rate of 2.24%, and $59.0 million was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 2.19%. At April 30, 2016, $317.6 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement unsecured term loan at an interest rate of 1.81%, and $20.0 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 3.88%.

In fiscal 2015, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, under which we issued fixed rate Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million at an interest rate of 3.48% per annum, due March 2025. The proceeds were used to repay $250.0 million of Senior Notes that came due in March 2015. Also in fiscal 2015, a cash payment of $29.0 million was made to settle an interest rate swap. We originally entered into this swap in January 2014 to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of refinancing the Senior Notes that came due on in March 2015.

Total dividends paid in fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were $95.9 million , $90.6 million and $81.8 million , respectively. We expect to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend for the foreseeable future. In fiscal 2017, we repurchased 2.9 million shares of common stock for $125.4 million. In fiscal 2016, we repurchased 4.4 million shares of common stock for $200.0 million. In fiscal 2015, we repurchased 1.2 million shares of common stock for $47.5 million. Under a share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in March 2013, Patterson may repurchase up to 25.0 million shares of its common stock. This authorization remains in effect through March 19, 2018. As of April 29, 2017 , approximately 13.6 million shares remain available under the current repurchase authorization.

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We have $95.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of April 29, 2017 , of which $49.8 million is in foreign bank accounts. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our intention to permanently reinvest these funds. Included in cash and cash equivalents as of April 29, 2017 is $17.9 million of cash collected from previously sold customer financing arrangements that have not yet been settled with the third party. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. We expect funds generated from operations, existing cash balances and credit availability under existing debt facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and to finance anticipated expansion plans and strategic initiatives over the next fiscal year.

We expect to continue to obtain liquidity from the sale of equipment finance contracts. Patterson sells a significant portion of our finance contracts (see below) to a commercial paper funded conduit managed by a third party bank, and as a result, commercial paper is indirectly an important source of liquidity for Patterson. Patterson is allowed to participate in the conduit due to the quality of our finance contracts and our financial strength. Cash flows could be impaired if our financial strength diminishes to a level that precluded us from taking part in this facility or other similar facilities. Also, market conditions outside of our control could adversely affect the ability for us to sell the contracts.

Customer Financing Arrangements

As a convenience to our customers, we offer several different financing alternatives, including a third party program and a Patterson-sponsored program. For the third party program, we act as a facilitator between the customer and the third party financing entity with no on-going involvement in the financing transaction. Under our sponsored program, equipment purchased by customers with strong credit may be financed up to a maximum of $1 million . We generally sell our customers’ financing contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of our business. We currently have two arrangements under which we sell these contracts.

First, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper conduits with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. ("BTMU") serving as the agent. We utilize PDC Funding, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, to fulfill a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to BTMU. The capacity under the agreement with BTMU at April 29, 2017 was $575 million .

Second, we also maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby the bank purchases customers’ financing contracts. PDC Funding II, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, sells financing contracts to Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to Fifth Third. The capacity under the agreement with Fifth Third at April 29, 2017 was $100 million .

Our financing business is described in further detail in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of our contractual obligations as of April 29, 2017 follows (in thousands):



	Payments due by year
	Total		Less than 1 year ⁽¹⁾		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Long-term debt principal	$	1,016,387	$	164,754	$	100,573	$	401,060	$	350,000
Long-term debt interest	164,891		35,241		50,353		45,717		33,580
Operating leases	71,028		22,690		27,682		14,841		5,815
Total	$	1,252,306	$	222,685	$	178,608	$	461,618	$	389,395


(1)	Includes $150,000 classified as long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as we have both the intent and ability to refinance at the time the debt is set to mature in March 2018.

As of April 29, 2017 our gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $15.4 million. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over an extended period of time or whether a cash settlement of the liability will be required. Therefore, these amounts have been excluded from the schedule of contractual obligations.

For a more complete description of our contractual obligations, see Notes 6 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Outlook

We believe certain strategic decisions made will have an effect on our future results of operations. In the near term, we believe that our decision to not extend our exclusive relationship with Sirona for its full portfolio of products and a realignment of our sales force will have a negative effect on sales. In addition, we expect to incur increased operating expenses associated with our ERP system initiatives. While these strategic decisions are expected to impact our near-term performance, we believe that we are making the right strategic moves to facilitate growth in our two key operating businesses.

Asset Management

The following table summarizes our accounts receivable days sales outstanding (“DSO”) and average annual inventory turnover for the past three fiscal years:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017	April 30, 2016	April 25, 2015
DSO ⁽¹⁾	55	49	48
Inventory turnover	6.0	7.1	6.2

(1) Calculation includes approximately $50 million, $18 million and $12 million as of April 29, 2017 , April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively, of receivables from finance contracts received from customers related to certain financing promotions.

Foreign Operations

We derive foreign sales from Dental operations in Canada, and Animal Health operations in Canada and the U.K. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates have not significantly impacted earnings, as these fluctuations impact sales, cost of sales and operating expenses. However, changes in exchange rates adversely affected net sales by $89.9 million, $69.4 million, and $37.1 million in fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Changes in currency exchange rates are a risk accompanying foreign operations, but this risk is not considered material with respect to our consolidated operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Patterson has adopted various accounting policies to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Management believes that our policies are conservative and our philosophy is to adopt accounting policies that minimize the risk of adverse events having a material impact on recorded assets and liabilities. However, the preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and judgments regarding the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities based on the information available to management at the time. Changes subsequent to the preparation of the financial statements in economic, technological and competitive conditions may materially impact the recorded values of Patterson’s assets and liabilities. Therefore, the users of the financial statements should read all the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and be aware that conditions currently unknown to management may develop in the future. This may require a material adjustment to a recorded asset or liability to consistently apply to our significant accounting principles and policies that are discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The financial performance and condition of Patterson may also be materially impacted by transactions and events that we have not previously experienced and for which we have not been required to establish an accounting policy or adopt a generally accepted accounting principle.

Revenue Recognition – Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment, software products and services, technical service parts and labor, freight and delivery charges, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sale. Estimates for returns, damaged goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue is recognized based on the historical experience for such items. In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under conventional arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, the animal health segment may earn a small amount of commission income for services provided under agency agreements with certain pharmaceutical manufacturers. The services generally consist of

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detailing the product and taking the customer’s order. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that the animal health segment does not purchase and handle the product or bill and collect from the customer in an agency relationship with a vendor.

Consumable product sales are recorded upon delivery, except in those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, in which case sales are recorded upon shipment. Commissions under agency agreements are recorded when the services are provided.

Equipment and software product revenues are recognized upon delivery and, if necessary, installation. In those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, revenues are recognized when products are transferred to the shipping carrier. Revenue derived from post contract customer support for software is deferred and recognized ratably over the period in which the support is provided. Patterson provides financing for select equipment and software sales. Revenue is recorded at the present value of the finance contract, with discount, if any, and interest income recognized over the life of the finance contract as other income, net in our consolidated statement of income. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding customer financing.

Other revenue, including freight and delivery charges and technical service parts and labor, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the product or services are provided to the customer.

The receivables that result from the recognition of revenue are reported net of the related allowances discussed above. Patterson maintains a valuation allowance based upon the expected collectability of receivables held. Estimates are used to determine the valuation allowance and are based on several factors, including historical collection data, economic trends and credit worthiness of customers. Receivables are written off when we determine the amounts to be uncollectible, typically upon customer bankruptcy or non-response to continuous collection efforts. The portions of receivable amounts that are not expected to be collected during the next twelve months are classified as long-term.

Patterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 1% of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well.

Patterson Advantage Loyalty Program – Patterson Dental provides a point-based awards program to qualifying customers involving the issuance of “Patterson Advantage dollars” which can be used toward equipment and technology purchases. The program was initiated in January 2009 and runs on a calendar year schedule. Patterson Advantage dollars earned during a program year expire one year after the end of the program year. The cost and corresponding liability associated with the program is recognized as contra-revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605-50, “Revenue Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives.” As of April 29, 2017 , we believe we have sufficient experience with the program to reasonably estimate the amount of Patterson Advantage dollars that will not be redeemed and thus have recorded a liability for 87% of the maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We use the redemption recognition method, and we recognize the estimated value of unused Patterson Advantage dollars as redemptions occur. Breakage recognized was immaterial to all periods presented.

Inventory and Reserves – Inventory consists primarily of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for all inventories, except for foreign inventories and manufactured inventories, which are valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. We continually assess the valuation of inventories and reduce the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of forecasted usage to estimated realizable value. Estimates are made of the net realizable value of such inventories based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets – Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We have two reporting units as of April 29, 2017 ; dental and animal health. Our Corporate reportable segment's assets and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the two reporting units. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets include copyrights, trade names and trademarks.

We evaluate goodwill at least annually. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test. In fiscal 2017 , we determined it was appropriate to perform a two-step impairment test.

The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value,

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the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded. The determination of fair value involves uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. Patterson conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions, as well as future expectations. Additionally, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the reasonableness of the implied control premium is considered based on market capitalizations and recent market transactions.

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of an asset with its fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The determination of fair value involves assumptions, including projected revenues and gross profit levels, as well as consideration of any factors that may indicate potential impairment.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 , management completed its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests and determined there was no impairment, and that our dental reporting unit was not at risk of failing step 1. The animal health reporting unit has a higher level of sensitivity to impairment as management currently assesses the various estimates and assumptions used to conduct these tests. Adverse changes to one or more of these estimates or assumptions could cause us to recognize a material impairment charge on this reporting unit. At April 29, 2017, the estimated fair value of the animal health reporting unit exceeded its book value by approximately 11%.

Long-Lived Assets – Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value using level 3 inputs, as discussed further in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million related to a distribution agreement intangible asset. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Income Taxes – We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments are required in determining the consolidated provision for income taxes.

During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As a result, we recognize tax liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes and interest will be due. These tax liabilities are recognized when, despite our belief that our tax return position is supportable, we believe that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. We believe that our accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open audit years based on our assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretations of tax law. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made and could materially affect our financial results.

Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets if, after assessment of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized. The valuation allowance reflected in the footnote disclosure relates primarily to foreign tax credit carryovers generated in fiscal 2016.

Self-insurance – Patterson is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’ compensation and medical claims. We estimate our liabilities based upon an analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. While current estimates are believed reasonable based on information currently available, actual results could differ and affect financial results due to changes in the amount or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation or other factors. Historically, actual results related to these types of claims have not varied significantly from estimated amounts.

Stock-based Compensation – We recognize stock-based compensation based on certain assumptions including inputs within valuation models, estimated forfeitures and estimated performance outcomes. These assumptions require subjective judgment and changes in the assumptions can materially affect fair value estimates. Management assesses the assumptions and methodologies used to estimate forfeitures and to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a regular basis. Circumstances may change, and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact the fair value determination or estimates of forfeitures. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, the amount of compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation may differ significantly from what was recorded in the current period.

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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk consisting of foreign currency rate fluctuations and changes in interest rates.

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in our operating statement due to transactions denominated primarily in Canadian Dollars and British Pounds. Although we are not currently involved with foreign currency hedge contracts, we continually evaluate our foreign currency exchange rate risk and the different mechanisms for use in managing such risk. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our most significant foreign currency exposures would have changed net sales by approximately $79 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 . This amount is not indicative of the hypothetical net earnings impact due to the partially offsetting impact of the currency exchange movements on cost of sales and operating expenses. We estimate that if foreign currency exchange rates changed by 10%, the impact would have been approximately $3 million to earnings before income taxes for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 .

During fiscal 2016, we entered into the Credit Agreement under which the lenders provided us with senior unsecured lending facilities of up to $1.5 billion, consisting of a $1.0 billion unsecured term loan and a $500 million unsecured revolving line of credit, which was due to expire in fiscal 2021. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $295.1 million term loan and a $750 million revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement is variable. Due to the interest rate being variable, fluctuations in interest rates may impact our earnings. Based on our current level of debt, we estimate that a 100 basis point change in interest rates would have a $3.5 million annual impact on our net income from continuing operations before taxes.

Our earnings are also affected by fluctuations in short-term interest rates through the investment of cash balances and the practice of selling fixed rate equipment finance contracts under agreements with both a commercial paper conduit and a bank that provide for pricing based on variable interest rates.

When considering the exposure under the agreements whereby we sell equipment finance contracts to both a commercial paper conduit and bank, we have the ability to select pricing based on interest rates ranging from 30 day LIBOR up to twelve month LIBOR. In addition, the majority of the portfolio of installment contracts generally turns over in less than 48 months, and we can adjust the rate we charge on new customer contracts at any time. Therefore, in times where the interest rate markets are not rapidly increasing or decreasing, the average interest rate in the portfolio generally moves with the interest rate markets and thus would parallel the underlying interest rate movement of the pricing built into the sale agreements. In calculating the gain on the contract sales, we use an interest rate curve that approximates the maturity period of the then-outstanding contracts. If increases in the interest rate markets occur, the average interest rate in our contract portfolio may not increase at the same rate, resulting in a reduction of gain on the contracts sales as compared to the gain that would be realized if the average interest rate in our portfolio were to increase at a more similar rate to the interest rate markets. We estimate that a 10% change in interest rates would have an approximate $1 million annual impact on our net income from continuing operations before taxes.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Patterson Companies, Inc.

We have audited Patterson Companies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2017 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Patterson Companies, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this Annual report on Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deterior ate.

In our opinion, Patterson Companies, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2017 , based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Patterson Companies, Inc. as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2017 , and our report dated June 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 28, 2017

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Patterson Companies, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Patterson Companies, Inc. as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2017. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Patterson Companies, Inc. at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Patterson Companies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated June 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 28, 2017

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PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	94,959		$	137,453
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,342 and $12,008	884,803			796,693
Inventory	711,903			722,140
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	111,928			91,255
Total current assets	1,803,593			1,747,541
Property and equipment, net	298,452			293,315
Long-term receivables, net	101,529			88,248
Goodwill	813,547			816,592
Identifiable intangibles, net	425,436			509,297
Other non-current assets	65,356			65,811
Total assets	$	3,507,913		$	3,520,804
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	616,859		$	566,253
Accrued payroll expense	56,881			75,448
Other accrued liabilities	156,437			151,134
Current maturities of long-term debt	14,754			16,500
Borrowings on revolving credit	59,000			20,000
Total current liabilities	903,931			829,335
Long-term debt	998,272			1,022,155
Deferred income taxes	191,686			206,896
Other non-current liabilities	19,591			20,672
Total liabilities	2,113,480			2,079,058
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value: 600,000 shares authorized; 96,534 and 99,107 shares issued and outstanding	966			991
Additional paid-in capital	72,973			48,477
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(92,669		)	(67,964		)
Retained earnings	1,481,234			1,529,158
Unearned ESOP shares	(68,071		)	(68,916		)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,394,433			1,441,746
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,507,913		$	3,520,804

See accompanying notes

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PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Net sales	$	5,593,127		$	5,386,703		$	3,910,865
Cost of sales	4,291,730			4,063,955			2,850,316
Gross profit	1,301,397			1,322,748			1,060,549
Operating expenses	1,013,469			975,035			755,963
Operating income from continuing operations	287,928			347,713			304,586
Other income (expense):
Other income, net	6,013			4,045			3,425
Interest expense	(43,060		)	(50,065		)	(33,693		)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	250,881			301,693			274,318
Income tax expense	77,093			116,009			94,235
Net income from continuing operations	173,788			185,684			180,083
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(2,895		)	1,500			43,178
Net income	$	170,893		$	187,184		$	223,261
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.83		$	1.91		$	1.82
Discontinued operations	(0.03		)	0.02			0.44
Net basic earnings per share	$	1.80		$	1.93		$	2.26
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.82		$	1.90		$	1.81
Discontinued operations	(0.03		)	0.01			0.43
Net diluted earnings per share	$	1.79		$	1.91		$	2.24
Weighted average shares:
Basic	94,897			97,222			98,989
Diluted	95,567			97,902			99,694
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.98		$	0.90		$	0.82
Comprehensive income
Net income	$	170,893		$	187,184		$	223,261
Foreign currency translation loss	(26,450		)	(9,552		)	(73,271		)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,745			1,934			(12,445		)
Comprehensive income	$	146,188		$	179,566		$	137,545

See accompanying notes

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PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)



	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Unearned ESOP Shares			Total
	Number		Amount			Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Unearned ESOP Shares			Total
Balance at April 26, 2014	103,965		$	1,040		$	—		$	25,370		$	1,531,198		$	(85,944	)	$	1,471,664
Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			(73,271		)	—			—			(73,271		)
Cash flow hedges	—		—			—			(12,445		)	—			—			(12,445		)
Net income	—		—			—			—			223,261			—			223,261
Dividends declared	—		—			—			—			(82,531		)	—			(82,531		)
Common stock issued and related tax benefits	507		5			11,331			—			—			—			11,336
Repurchase of common stock	(1,194	)	(12		)	(5,747		)	—			(41,780		)	—			(47,539		)
Stock based compensation	—		—			15,442			—			—			—			15,442
ESOP activity	—		—			—			—			—			8,206			8,206
Balance at April 25, 2015	103,278		1,033			21,026			(60,346		)	1,630,148			(77,738		)	1,514,123
Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			(9,552		)	—			—			(9,552		)
Cash flow hedges	—		—			—			1,934			—			—			1,934
Net income	—		—			—			—			187,184			—			187,184
Dividends declared	—		—			—			—			(88,218		)	—			(88,218		)
Common stock issued and related tax benefits	208		2			12,875			—			—			—			12,877
Repurchase of common stock	(4,379	)	(44		)	—			—			(199,956		)	—			(200,000		)
Stock based compensation	—		—			14,576			—			—			—			14,576
ESOP activity	—		—			—			—			—			8,822			8,822
Balance at April 30, 2016	99,107		991			48,477			(67,964		)	1,529,158			(68,916		)	1,441,746
Foreign currency translation	—		—			—			(26,450		)	—			—			(26,450		)
Cash flow hedges	—		—			—			1,745			—			—			1,745
Net income	—		—			—			—			170,893			—			170,893
Dividends declared	—		—			—			—			(93,461		)	—			(93,461		)
Common stock issued and related tax benefits	282		3			6,786			—			—			—			6,789
Repurchase of common stock	(2,855	)	(28		)	—			—			(125,356		)	—			(125,384		)
Stock based compensation	—		—			17,710			—			—			—			17,710
ESOP activity	—		—			—			—			—			845			845
Balance at April 29, 2017	96,534		$	966		$	72,973		$	(92,669	)	$	1,481,234		$	(68,071	)	$	1,394,433

See accompanying notes

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PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income	$	170,893		$	187,184		$	223,261
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(2,895		)	1,500			43,178
Net income from continuing operations	173,788			185,684			180,083
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	40,004			34,315			23,768
Amortization	43,814			48,068			20,755
Intangible asset impairment	36,312			—			—
Bad debt expense	1,642			8,246			2,546
Non-cash employee compensation	19,025			28,851			23,070
Accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs on early retirement of debt	60			5,153			—
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	—			(2,656		)	(255		)
Deferred income taxes	(13,713		)	(16,034		)	460
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquired:
Receivables	(103,181		)	(57,249		)	(40,696		)
Inventory	(961		)	(118,351		)	(21,754		)
Accounts payable	59,654			119,690			10,286
Accrued liabilities	(9,009		)	(4,055		)	42,555
Long term receivables	(63,976		)	(38,882		)	814
Other changes from operating activities, net	(17,845		)	2,093			(36,568		)
Net cash provided by operating activities- continuing operations	165,614			194,873			205,064
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities- discontinued operations	(2,895		)	(38,544		)	57,627
Net cash provided by operating activities	162,719			156,329			262,691
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(47,019		)	(79,354		)	(60,662		)
Acquisitions and equity investments, net of cash assumed	—			(1,106,583		)	(10,515		)
Proceeds from sale of securities	—			48,744			40,775
Purchase of investments	—			—			(543		)
Other investing activities	48,212			22,320			18,035
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities- continuing operations	1,193			(1,114,873		)	(12,910		)
Net cash provided by investing activities- discontinued operations	—			714,239			3,311
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,193			(400,634		)	(9,599		)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid	(95,910		)	(90,597		)	(81,760		)
Repurchases of common stock	(125,384		)	(200,000		)	(47,539		)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			1,000,000			250,000
Debt issuance costs	—			(11,600		)	—
Debt amendment costs	(1,266		)	—			—
Retirement of long-term debt	(26,238		)	(682,375		)	(250,000		)
Settlement of swap	—			—			(29,003		)
Draw on revolver	39,000			20,000			—
Common stock issued, net	8,721			4,825			7,300
ESOP activity	(1,086		)	(133		)	(188		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	—			2,749			255
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(202,163		)	42,869			(150,935		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,243		)	(8,371		)	(19,805		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(42,494		)	(209,807		)	82,352
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	137,453			347,260			264,908
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	94,959		$	137,453		$	347,260
Supplemental disclosures:
Income taxes paid	$	108,394		$	151,662		$	110,909
Interest paid	34,972			37,883			34,076

See accompanying notes

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PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 29, 2017

(Dollars, except per share amounts, and shares in thousands)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Patterson Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as “Patterson” or in the first person notations “we,” “our,” and “us”) is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply and the U.S., Canadian and U.K. animal health supply markets. Patterson has three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The respective assets of PDC Funding Company, LLC and PDC Funding Company II, LLC would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of their respective creditors. There are no known creditors of PDC Funding Company, LLC or PDC Funding Company II, LLC.

Fiscal Year End

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

None.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist primarily of investments in money market funds and government securities. The maturity of these securities at the time of purchase is 90 days or less. All cash and cash equivalents are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value, which approximates cost.

Inventory

Inventory consists of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for all inventories, except for foreign inventories, which are valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories valued at LIFO represented 84% and 84% of total inventories at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , respectively.

The accumulated LIFO reserve was $77,816 at April 29, 2017 and $76,501 at April 30, 2016 . We believe that inventory replacement cost exceeds the inventory balance by an amount approximating the LIFO reserve.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of up to 39 years for buildings or the expected remaining life of purchased buildings, the term of the lease for leasehold improvements, 3 to 10 years for computer hardware and software, and 5 to 10 years for furniture and equipment.

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Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We have two reporting units as of April 29, 2017 ; dental and animal health. Our Corporate reportable segment's assets and liabilities, and net sales and expenses, are allocated to the two reporting units. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets include copyrights, trade names and trademarks.

The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined primarily by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded. The determination of fair value involves uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. Patterson conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions, as well as future expectations. Additionally, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the reasonableness of the implied control premium is considered based on market capitalizations and recent market transactions.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value using level 3 inputs, as discussed further in Note 9. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 related to a distribution agreement intangible asset. Refer to Note 3 for more information.

Financial Instruments

We account for derivative financial instruments under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Our use of derivative financial instruments is generally limited to managing well-defined interest rate risks. We do not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading purposes.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment, software products and services, technical service parts and labor, freight and delivery charges, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sale. Estimates for returns, damaged goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue is recognized based on the historical experience for such items. In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under conventional arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, the animal health segment may earn a small amount of commission income for services provided under agency agreements with certain pharmaceutical manufacturers. The services generally consist of detailing the product and taking the customer’s order. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that the animal health

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segment does not purchase and handle the product or bill and collect from the customer in an agency relationship with a vendor.

Patterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 10% of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well.

Net sales do not include sales tax as we are considered a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.

Patterson Advantage Loyalty Program

The Dental segment provides a point-based awards program to qualifying customers involving the issuance of “Patterson Advantage dollars” which can be used toward equipment and technology purchases. The program was initiated on January 1, 2009 and runs on a calendar year schedule. Patterson Advantage dollars earned during a program year expire one year after the end of the program year. The cost and corresponding liability associated with the program are recognized as contra-revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605-50, “Revenue Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives.” As of April 29, 2017 , we believe we have sufficient experience with the program to reasonably estimate the amount of Patterson Advantage dollars that will not be redeemed and thus have recorded a liability for 87% of the maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We use the redemption recognition method and we recognize the estimated value of unused Advantage dollars as a percentage of Patterson Advantage dollars earned. Breakage recognized was immaterial to all periods presented.

Freight and Delivery Charges

Freight and delivery charges are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Advertising

We expense all advertising and promotional costs as incurred, except for direct marketing expenses, which are expensed over the shorter of the life of the asset or one year. Total advertising and promotional expenses were $10,128 , $12,113 and $10,181 for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. There were no deferred direct-marketing expenses included in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 .

Income Taxes

The liability method is used to account for income tax expense. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

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Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")

Compensation expense related to our defined contribution ESOP is computed based on the shares allocated method.

Self-insurance

Patterson is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’ compensation and medical claims. We estimate our liabilities based upon an analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. While current estimates are believed reasonable based on information currently available, actual results could differ and affect financial results due to changes in the amount or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation or other factors. Historically, actual results related to these types of claims have not varied significantly from estimated amounts.

Stock-based Compensation

We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on estimated grant date fair values. The grant date fair value of stock options and stock purchases made through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and our Capital Accumulation Plan are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The grant date fair value of performance stock units that vest upon meeting certain market conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. These valuations require estimates to be made including expected stock price volatility which considers historical volatility trends, implied future volatility based on certain traded options and other factors. We estimate the expected life of awards based on several factors, including types of participants, vesting schedules, contractual terms and various factors surrounding exercise behavior of different groups.

The grant date fair value of time-based restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized over the requisite service period (or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier) for awards that are expected to vest.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is computed as net income plus certain other items that are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. Significant items included in comprehensive income are foreign currency translation adjustments and the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments do not include a provision for income tax because earnings from foreign operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. The income tax expense (benefit) related to cash flow hedge losses was $1,057 , $883 and $(10,843) for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017 , April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

The amount of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. The amount of diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents, when dilutive, during the period.

The following table sets forth the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. There were no material adjustments to the numerator.

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	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017	April 30, 2016	April 25, 2015
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares	94,897	97,222	98,989
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans	670	680	705
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares	95,567	97,902	99,694

Potentially dilutive securities representing 1,133 , 765 and 147 shares for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effects were anti-dilutive.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)". ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)," and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this pronouncement by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date, which for annual periods was December 15, 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the standard. We plan to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and are currently evaluating the standard, including the method we will use for adoption and the effect it will have on our financial statements. We do not expect the standard to materially affect our consolidated net earnings, financial position, or cash flows. We are currently evaluating the new standard as it relates to certain sales transactions in which products are shipped directly from the vendor to our customers. We currently report these sales on a gross basis, and are evaluating if we will be required to report these sales on a net basis. Such sales represented approximately 2% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2017. Any change to net presentation would not impact gross margin or earnings.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than LIFO or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, and plan to do so at that time. We are evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our financial statements once implemented.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 "Financial Instruments- Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10)", which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including the requirement to measure certain equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We are required to adopt the ASU No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and plan to do so at that time. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by most leases, as well as requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. We are required to adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU No. 2016-09 eliminates the additional paid-in capital pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. ASU No. 2016-09 also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2016-09. As a result of this adoption, we recognized $2,493 of excess tax benefits

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related to share-based payments in our provision for income taxes for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 . These items were historically recorded in additional paid-in capital. In addition, for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 , cash flows related to excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity along with other income tax cash flows. No prior period amounts have been adjusted. Cash paid on employees' behalf related to shares withheld for tax purposes continues to be classified as a financing activity. Our share-based compensation expense in each period continues to reflect estimated forfeitures.

In August 2016, the FASB issues ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments." ASU No. 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2016-15 and it had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

2. Cash and Cash Equivalents

At April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Cash on hand	$	88,161	$	122,844
Money market funds	6,798		14,609
Total	$	94,959	$	137,453

Cash on hand is generally in interest earning accounts.

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for each of our reportable segments for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 are as follows:



	Balance at April 30, 2016		Other Activity			Balance at April 29, 2017
Dental	$	139,129	$	(840	)	$	138,289
Animal Health	677,463		(2,205		)	675,258
Corporate	—		—			—
Total	$	816,592	$	(3,045	)	$	813,547

Activity in fiscal 2017 primarily consists of the impact from foreign currency translation.

Balances of other intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are as follows:



	April 29, 2017						April 30, 2016
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Unamortized - indefinite lived:
Copyrights, trade names and trademarks	$	29,900	$	—	$	29,900	$	29,900	$	—	$	29,900
Amortized - definite lived:
Customer relationships	353,237		67,483		285,754		356,707		44,953		311,754
Trade names and trademarks	129,426		35,580		93,846		130,516		22,454		108,062
Developed technology and other	54,209		38,273		15,936		154,013		94,432		59,581
Total amortized intangible assets	536,872		141,336		395,536		641,236		161,839		479,397
Total identifiable intangible assets	$	566,772	$	141,336	$	425,436	$	671,136	$	161,839	$	509,297

In fiscal 2006, we extended our exclusive North American distribution relationship with Sirona Dental Systems for Sirona’s CEREC 3D dental restorative system. At that time, we paid a $100,000 distribution fee to extend the

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existing exclusive relationship for at least a 10 -year beginning in 2007. This distribution fee has been accounted for as an intangible asset in our Dental segment that has been amortized since 2007.

Based on our November 2016 decision not to extend sales exclusivity for the full Sirona portfolio of products, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 in our Dental segment in the third quarter fiscal 2017, related to the distribution fee associated with the CEREC product component of this arrangement. This charge was recorded within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

With respect to the amortized intangible assets, future amortization expense is expected to approximate $38,811 , $36,320 , $35,022 , $34,919 and $34,602 for fiscal years 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 and 2022 , respectively. Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.

4. Discontinued Operations

In August 2015, we sold all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary responsible for our rehabilitation supply business ("Patterson Medical"), for $716,886 in cash to Madison Dearborn Partners. As additional consideration for the shares of Patterson Medical, we obtained a number of common units of the parent company of the buyer equal to 10% of the common units outstanding at closing. Unlike the other common units, these units will only become entitled to begin participating in distributions to the common unit holders at such time, if any, as the Madison Dearborn Partners’ investor cash inflows equal or exceed 2.5 times the Madison Dearborn Partners’ investor cash outflows. These units are non-transferable.

In connection with the above described transaction, we also entered into a transition services agreement with our former subsidiary, pursuant to which Patterson Medical, as owned by Madison Dearborn Partners, is paying us to provide, among other things, certain information technology, distribution, facilities, finance, tax and treasury, and human resources services for up to 24 months after closing.

We classified Patterson Medical’s results of operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income. The operations and cash flows of Patterson Medical have been eliminated from our continuing operations, which were previously recorded as the rehabilitation supply reportable segment. Net sales from discontinued operations were $168,504 for fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 . For the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 , net loss from discontinued operations was $2,895 , which was due to a change in estimate of the tax impact of the sale of Patterson Medical.

5. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following items:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Land	$	11,518		$	11,585
Buildings	110,807			111,386
Leasehold improvements	25,173			26,291
Furniture and equipment	159,886			169,110
Computer hardware and software	206,402			141,727
Construction-in-progress	36,211			95,450
Property and equipment, gross	549,997			555,549
Accumulated depreciation	(251,545		)	(262,234		)
Property and equipment, net	$	298,452		$	293,315

6. Debt

Our long-term debt consists of the following:

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			Carrying Value
	Interest Rate		April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Senior notes due fiscal 2018 ⁽¹⁾	5.75	%	$	150,000		$	150,000
Senior notes due fiscal 2019 ⁽²⁾	2.95	%	60,000			60,000
Senior notes due fiscal 2022 ⁽²⁾	3.59	%	165,000			165,000
Senior notes due fiscal 2024 ⁽²⁾	3.74	%	100,000			100,000
Senior notes due fiscal 2025 ⁽³⁾	3.48	%	250,000			250,000
Term loan due fiscal 2022 ⁽⁴⁾	2.24	%	291,387			317,625
Less: Deferred debt issuance costs			(3,361		)	(3,970		)
Total debt			1,013,026			1,038,655
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt			(14,754		)	(16,500		)
Long-term debt			$	998,272		$	1,022,155


(1)	Issued in March 2008.


(2)	Issued in December 2011.


(3)	Issued in March 2015.


(4)	Issued in June 2015, amended in January 2017. Interest rate is LIBOR plus 1.25% as of April 29, 2017 .

Future principal payments due, based on stated contractual maturities for our long-term debt, are as follows as of April 29, 2017 :



Fiscal Year
2018 ⁽¹⁾	$	164,754
2019	76,598
2020	23,975
2021	29,508
2022	371,552
Thereafter	350,000
Total	$	1,016,387

(1) Includes $150,000 classified as long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as we have both the intent and ability to refinance at the time the debt is set to mature in March 2018.

During fiscal 2016, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), under which the lenders provided us with senior unsecured lending facilities of up to $1,500,000 , consisting of a $1,000,000 unsecured term loan and a $500,000 unsecured revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement was due to expire in fiscal 2021.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $295,075 term loan and a $750,000 revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings is variable and is determined as a base rate plus a spread. This spread, as well as a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility, is based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The term loan and revolving credit facilities will mature no later than January 2022. As of April 29, 2017 , $291,387 of the Amended Credit Agreement unsecured term loan was outstanding at an interest rate of 2.24% , and $59,000 was outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 2.19% . At April 30, 2016, $317,625 was outstanding under the Credit Agreement unsecured term loan at an interest rate of 1.81% , and $20,000 was outstanding under the Credit Agreement revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 3.88% .

We are subject to various financial covenants under our debt agreements including the maintenance of leverage and interest coverage ratios. In the event of our default, any outstanding obligations may become due and payable immediately. We were in material compliance with the covenants under our debt agreements as of April 29, 2017 .

7. Customer Financing

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As a convenience to our customers, we offer several different financing alternatives, including a third party program and a Patterson-sponsored program. For the third party program, we act as a facilitator between the customer and the third party financing entity with no on-going involvement in the financing transaction. Under our sponsored program, equipment purchased by customers with strong credit may be financed up to a maximum of $1,000 . We generally sell our customers’ financing contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of our business. These financing arrangements are accounted for as a sale of assets under the provisions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing . We currently have two arrangements under which we sell these contracts.

First, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper conduits with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. ("BTMU") serving as the agent. We utilize PDC Funding to fulfill a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to BTMU. At least 9% of the proceeds are held by the conduit as security against eventual performance of the portfolio. This percentage can be greater and is based upon certain ratios defined in the agreement with BTMU. The capacity under the agreement with BTMU at April 29, 2017 was $575,000 .

Second, we maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby the bank purchases customers’ financing contracts. PDC Funding II sells financing contracts to Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to Fifth Third. At least 10% of the proceeds are held by the conduit as security against eventual performance of the portfolio. This percentage can be greater and is based upon certain ratios defined in the agreement with Fifth Third. The capacity under the agreement with Fifth Third at April 29, 2017 was $100,000 .

We retain servicing responsibilities for the financing contracts under both arrangements, for which we are paid a servicing fee. The servicing fees we receive are considered adequate compensation for services rendered. Accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded.

The portion of the purchase price for the receivables held by the conduits is deemed a deferred purchase price receivable, which is paid to the applicable special purpose entity as payments on the customers’ financing contracts are collected from customers. The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under these programs and the sum of the cash and the current fair value of the deferred purchase price receivables is recognized as a gain on sale of the related receivables and recorded in net sales in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income. Expenses incurred related to customer financing activities were recorded in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

During fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we sold $357,965 , $359,646 and $312,303 , respectively, of contracts under these arrangements. We recorded net sales in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income of $20,580 , $30,123 and $21,668 during fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to these contracts sold.

Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets are $17,902 and $27,186 as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , respectively, which represent cash collected from previously sold customer financing arrangements that have not yet been settled. Included in current receivables in the consolidated balance sheets are $124,098 , net of unearned income of $940 , and $87,406 , net of unearned income of $1,768 , as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , respectively, of finance contracts that had not yet been sold as of those dates. A total of $613,586 of finance contracts receivable sold under the arrangements was outstanding at April 29, 2017 . The deferred purchase price receivable under the arrangements was $119,798 and $108,837 as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , respectively. Since the internal financing program began in 1994, bad debt write-offs have amounted to less than 1% of the loans originated.

The agreements require us to maintain a minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio. We were in material compliance with those covenants at April 29, 2017 .

8. Derivative Financial Instruments

We are a party to certain offsetting and identical interest rate cap agreements entered into to fulfill certain covenants of the equipment finance contract sale agreements. The interest rate cap agreements also provide a credit enhancement feature for the financing contracts sold by PDC Funding and PDC Funding II to the commercial paper conduit.

The interest rate cap agreements are canceled and new agreements are entered into periodically to maintain consistency with the dollar maximum of the sale agreements and the maturity of the underlying financing contracts. As of April 29, 2017 , PDC Funding had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $575,000

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and a maturity date of November 2023. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank. As of April 29, 2017 , PDC Funding II had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $100,000 and a maturity date of July 2024. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank.

These interest rate cap agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and, accordingly, we record the fair value of the agreements as an asset or liability and the change as income or expense during the period in which the change occurs.

In March 2008 we entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements, each with notional amounts of $100,000 and accounted for as cash flow hedges, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of the issuance of the senior notes due fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2018 . Upon issuance of the hedged debt, we settled the forward starting interest rate swap agreements and recorded a $1,000 increase, net of income taxes, to other comprehensive income (loss), which is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the life of the related debt.

In January 2014 we entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $250,000 and accounted for as a cash flow hedge, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of refinancing the 5.17% senior notes due March 25, 2015 . These notes were repaid on March 25, 2015 and replaced with new $250,000 3.48% senior notes due March 24, 2025 . A cash payment of $29,003 was made in March 2015 to settle the interest rate swap. This amount is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and will be recognized as interest expense over the life of the related debt.

The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets:



Derivative type	Classification	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Assets:
Interest rate cap agreements	Other noncurrent assets	$	1,188	$	816
Liabilities:
Interest rate cap agreements	Other noncurrent liabilities	$	1,188	$	816

The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income ("OCI"):



	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Interest rate swap	$	—	$	—	$	(23,343	)



		Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion)
		Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Income statement location	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Interest rate swap	Interest expense	$	(2,802	)	$	(2,817	)	$	(56	)

We recorded no ineffectiveness during fiscal 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . As of April 29, 2017 , the estimated pre-tax portion of accumulated other comprehensive loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $2,817 , which will be recorded as an increase to interest expense.

9. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The fair value hierarchy of measurements is categorized into one of three levels based on the lowest level of significant input used:

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Level 1 –		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 –		Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 –		Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available. These inputs reflect management’s assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Our hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:



	April 29, 2017
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	6,798	$	6,798	$	—	$	—
Deferred purchase price receivable	119,798		—		—		119,798
Derivative instruments	1,188		—		1,188		—
Total assets	$	127,784	$	6,798	$	1,188	$	119,798
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	$	1,188	$	—	$	1,188	$	—



	April 30, 2016
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	14,609	$	14,609	$	—	$	—
Deferred purchase price receivable	108,837		—		—		108,837
Derivative instruments	816		—		816		—
Total assets	$	124,262	$	14,609	$	816	$	108,837
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	$	816	$	—	$	816	$	—

Cash equivalents – We value cash equivalents at their current market rates. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value and maturities are less than three months.

Deferred purchase price receivable – We value the deferred purchase price receivable based on a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable inputs, which include a forward yield curve, the estimated timing of payments and the credit quality of the underlying creditor. Significant changes in any of the significant unobservable inputs in isolation would not result in a materially different fair value estimate. The interrelationship between these inputs is insignificant.

Derivative instruments – Patterson’s derivative instruments consist of interest rate cap agreements and interest rate swaps. These instruments are valued using inputs such as interest rates and credit spreads.

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments under certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 related to a distribution agreement intangible asset. Refer to Note 3 for more information. There were no fair value adjustments to such assets in fiscal years 2016 or 2015 .

Our debt is not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of our debt as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 was $1,025,761 and $1,064,752 , respectively, as compared to a carrying value of $1,013,026 and $1,038,655 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , respectively. The fair value of debt was measured using a discounted cash flow analysis based on expected market based yields (i.e. level 2 inputs).

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The carrying amounts of receivables, net of allowances, accounts payable, and certain accrued and other current liabilities approximated fair value at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 .

10. Lease Commitments

Patterson leases facilities for its branch office locations, a few small distribution facilities, and certain equipment. These leases are accounted for as operating leases. Future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows at April 29, 2017 :



2018	$	22,690
2019	15,166
2020	12,516
2021	9,207
2022	5,634
Thereafter	5,815
Total	$	71,028

Rent expense was $24,502 , $23,315 and $16,909 for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

11. Income Taxes

The components of income from continuing operations before taxes are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Income from continuing operations before taxes
United States	$	217,529	$	270,501	$	235,421
International	33,352		31,192		38,897
Total	$	250,881	$	301,693	$	274,318

Significant components of income tax expense are as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Current:
Federal	$	72,339		$	105,104		$	73,004
Foreign	9,100			11,690			11,764
State	9,367			15,249			9,007
Total current	90,806			132,043			93,775
Deferred:
Federal	(11,802		)	(14,308		)	497
Foreign	(28		)	323			44
State	(1,883		)	(2,049		)	(81		)
Total deferred	(13,713		)	(16,034		)	460
Income tax expense	$	77,093		$	116,009		$	94,235

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in other non-current assets and deferred income taxes on the consolidated balance sheets. Significant components of Patterson’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 are as follows:

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	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Capital accumulation plan	$	7,676		$	5,898
Inventory related items	6,236			6,776
Bad debt allowance	2,317			2,649
Stock based compensation expense	8,663			9,985
Interest rate swap	8,656			9,749
Foreign tax credit	8,917			9,300
Net operating loss carryforwards	—			363
Other	14,269			11,979
Gross deferred tax assets	56,734			56,699
Less: Valuation allowance	(14,053		)	(14,007		)
Total net deferred tax assets	42,681			42,692
Deferred tax liabilities
LIFO reserve	(25,833		)	(21,294		)
Amortizable intangibles	(133,037		)	(156,782		)
Goodwill	(61,108		)	(57,405		)
Property, plant, equipment	(14,389		)	(11,748		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(234,367		)	(247,229		)
Deferred net long-term income tax liability	$	(191,686	)	$	(204,537	)

At April 29, 2017 , we had a U.S. foreign tax credit asset that will expire in 9 years. In addition, we have deferred tax assets which would give rise to tax capital losses if triggered in the future. These losses have a 5 year carryforward period and can only be used against capital gain income. At this time, we believe that it is more likely than not that the foreign tax credit and capital loss carryforward attributes totaling $14,053 will not be fully utilized prior to expiration. As a result, a full valuation allowance has been established against these assets.

No provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we intend to permanently invest or that may be remitted substantially tax-free. The total undistributed earnings that would be subject to federal income tax if remitted under existing law are approximately $121,347 as of April 29, 2017 . Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation. If a future distribution of these earnings is made, we will be subject to U.S. taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign governments. A credit for foreign taxes already paid may be available to reduce the U.S. tax liability.

In fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The continuing operations tax impact of $12,300 from the repatriation was recorded in fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2017, we recorded a $2,406 benefit related to a change in estimate of the tax impact of the cash repatriation. We have previously asserted that our foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. Except for the repatriations described above, there is no change in our on-going assertion.

Income tax expense varies from the amount computed using the U.S. statutory rate. The reasons for this difference and the related tax effects are shown below:

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	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Tax at U.S. statutory rate	$	87,807		$	105,593		$	96,012
State tax provision, net of federal benefit	5,217			7,364			6,479
Effect of foreign taxes	(2,602		)	(1,195		)	(1,806		)
Permanent differences	(6,861		)	(3,693		)	(5,363		)
Tax on dividends, net of foreign tax credit	(2,406		)	12,300			—
Other	(4,062		)	(4,360		)	(1,087		)
Income tax expense	$	77,093		$	116,009		$	94,235

We have accounted for the uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”. This standard clarifies the separate identification and reporting of estimated amounts that could be assessed upon audit. The potential assessments are considered unrecognized tax benefits, because, if it is ultimately determined they are unnecessary, the reversal of these previously recorded amounts will result in a beneficial impact to our financial statements.

As of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , Patterson’s gross unrecognized tax benefits were $14,211 and $13,560 , respectively. If determined to be unnecessary, these amounts (net of deferred tax assets of $3,883 and $3,800 , respectively, related to the tax deductibility of the gross liabilities) would decrease our effective tax rate. The gross unrecognized tax benefits are included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

A summary of the changes in the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 is shown below:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	13,560		$	16,661
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1,900			1,794
Additions for tax positions of prior years	418			560
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(194		)	(1,599		)
Statute expirations	(1,145		)	(3,486		)
Settlements	(328		)	(370		)
Balance at end of period	$	14,211		$	13,560

We also recognize both interest and penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 , we had recorded $1,568 and $1,438 , respectively, for interest and penalties. These amounts are also included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These amounts, net of related deferred tax assets, if determined to be unnecessary, would decrease our effective tax rate. During the year ended April 29, 2017 , we recorded as part of tax expense $350 related to an increase in our estimated liability for interest and penalties.

Patterson files income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions. During fiscal year 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) began an audit of fiscal years ended April 25, 2015 and April 30, 2016. During fiscal 2016, the IRS completed an audit of our fiscal years ended April 27, 2013 and April 27, 2014. The outcome of this audit did not have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. The IRS has either examined or waived examination for all periods up to and including our fiscal year ended April 27, 2013, resulting in these periods being closed. In addition to the IRS, periodically, state, local and foreign income tax returns are examined by various taxing authorities. We do not believe that the outcome of these various examinations will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

12. Segment and Geographic Data

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technologies to both the production-animal and companion-pet markets. Our Corporate segment is comprised of general and administrative expenses, including home office support costs in areas such as information technology, finance, legal, human resources and facilities. In addition, customer financing and other miscellaneous sales are reported within Corporate results. Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, property and equipment and long-term receivables. We evaluate segment performance based on operating income. The costs to operate the fulfillment centers are allocated to the operating units based on the through-put of the unit.

The following table presents information about our reportable segments:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Net sales
Dental	$	2,390,219		$	2,476,234		$	2,415,003
Animal Health	3,159,826			2,862,249			1,456,570
Corporate	43,082			48,220			39,292
Consolidated net sales	$	5,593,127		$	5,386,703		$	3,910,865
Operating income (loss)
Dental	$	263,671		$	312,176		$	300,357
Animal Health	88,132			94,318			56,670
Corporate	(63,875		)	(58,781		)	(52,441		)
Consolidated operating income	$	287,928		$	347,713		$	304,586
Depreciation and amortization
Dental	$	11,840		$	18,903		$	18,568
Animal Health	50,144			44,243			8,861
Corporate	21,834			19,237			17,094
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	83,818		$	82,383		$	44,523

	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Total assets
Dental	$	863,970		$	994,113
Animal Health	2,119,512			2,064,302
Corporate	524,431			462,389
Total assets	$	3,507,913		$	3,520,804

The following table presents sales information by product for all of our reportable segments:

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	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Consolidated
Consumable	$	4,400,888	$	4,153,921	$	2,697,581
Equipment and software	834,526		857,001		865,013
Other	357,713		375,781		348,271
Total	$	5,593,127	$	5,386,703	$	3,910,865
Dental
Consumable	$	1,321,764	$	1,378,886	$	1,319,407
Equipment and software	780,868		806,993		818,342
Other	287,587		290,355		277,254
Total	$	2,390,219	$	2,476,234	$	2,415,003
Animal Health
Consumable	$	3,079,124	$	2,775,035	$	1,378,174
Equipment and software	53,658		50,008		46,671
Other	27,044		37,206		31,725
Total	$	3,159,826	$	2,862,249	$	1,456,570
Corporate
Other	43,082		48,220		39,292
Total	$	43,082	$	48,220	$	39,292

The following table presents information by geographic area. There were no material sales between geographic areas.



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		April 25, 2015
Net sales
United States	$	4,725,322	$	4,457,254	$	3,029,541
United Kingdom	547,968		626,603		649,541
Canada	319,837		302,846		231,783
Total	$	5,593,127	$	5,386,703	$	3,910,865

	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Property and equipment, net
United States	$	286,178	$	278,667
United Kingdom	1,947		2,459
Canada	10,327		12,189
Total	$	298,452	$	293,315

13. Stockholders’ Equity

Dividends

The following table presents our declared and paid cash dividends per share on our common stock for the past three years. Dividends were declared and paid in the same period. We expect to continue paying a quarterly cash dividend into the foreseeable future.

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	Quarter
Fiscal year	1		2		3		4
2017	$	0.24	$	0.24	$	0.24	$	0.26
2016	0.22		0.22		0.22		0.24
2015	0.20		0.20		0.20		0.22

Share Repurchases

During fiscal 2017 , we repurchased and retired 2,855 shares of our common stock for $125,384 , or an average of $43.91 per share. During fiscal 2016 , we repurchased and retired 4,379 shares of our common stock for $200,000 , or an average of $45.68 per share. During fiscal 2015 , we repurchased and retired 1,194 shares of our common stock for $47,539 , or an average of $39.81 per share.

In March 2013, Patterson’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan. Under the plan, up to 25,000 shares may be repurchased in open market transactions through March 19, 2018. As of April 29, 2017 , 13,642 shares remain available under the current repurchase authorization.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")

During 1990, Patterson’s Board of Directors adopted a leveraged ESOP. In fiscal 1991, under the provisions of the plan and related financing arrangements, Patterson loaned the ESOP $22,000 (the “1990 note”) for the purpose of acquiring its then outstanding preferred stock, which was subsequently converted to common stock. The Board of Directors determines the contribution from the Company to the ESOP annually. The contribution is used to retire a portion of the debt, which triggers a release of shares that are then allocated to the employee participants. Shares of stock acquired by the plan are allocated to each participant who has completed 1000 hours of service during the plan year. In fiscal 2011, the final payment on the 1990 note was made and all remaining shares were released for allocation to participants.

In fiscal 2002, Patterson’s ESOP and an ESOP sponsored by the Thompson Dental Company (“Thompson”) were used to facilitate the acquisition and merger of Thompson into Patterson. The net result of this transaction was an additional loan of $12,612 being made to the ESOP and the ESOP acquiring 666 shares of common stock. The loan bears interest at current rates but principal did not begin to amortize until fiscal 2012. Beginning in fiscal 2012 and through fiscal 2020, an annual payment of $200 plus interest is due and in fiscal 2020, a final payment of any outstanding principal and interest balance is due. Prepayments of principal can be made at any time without penalty. Of the 666 shares issued in the transaction, 98 were previously allocated to Thompson employees. The remaining 568 shares began to be allocated in fiscal 2004 as interest was paid on the loan.

In September 2006, we entered into a third loan agreement with the ESOP and loaned $105,000 (the “2006 note”) for the sole purpose of enabling the ESOP to purchase shares of our common stock. The ESOP purchased 3,160 shares with the proceeds from the 2006 note. Interest on the unpaid principal balance accrues at a rate equal to six-month LIBOR, with the rate resetting semi-annually. Interest payments were not required during the period from and including September 11, 2006 through April 30, 2010. On April 30, 2010, accrued and unpaid interest was added to the outstanding principal balance under the note, with interest thereafter accruing on the increased principal amount. Unpaid interest accruing after April 30, 2010 is due and payable on each successive April 30 occurring through September 10, 2026. Principal payments aren't due until September 10, 2026; however, prepayments can be made without penalty. In fiscal 2012, Patterson contributed $20,214 to the ESOP, which then purchased 844 shares for allocation to the participants. No shares secured by the 2006 note were released prior to fiscal 2011.

At April 29, 2017 , a total of 10,552 shares of common stock that have been allocated to participants remained in the ESOP and had a fair market value of $469,465 . Related to the shares from the Thompson transaction, committed-to-be-released shares were 11 and suspense shares were 436 . Finally, with respect to the 2006 note, committed-to-be-released shares were 18 and suspense shares were 1,783 .

Unearned ESOP shares are not considered outstanding for the computation of earnings per share until the shares are committed for release to the participants. During fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the compensation expense recognized related to the ESOP was $1,315 , $11,953 and $9,939 , respectively.

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We anticipate the allocation of the remaining suspense, or unearned, shares to occur over a period of approximately 5 to 10 years . As of April 29, 2017 , the fair value of all unearned shares held by the ESOP was $98,696 . We will recognize an income tax deduction as the unearned ESOP shares are released. Such deductions will be limited to the ESOP’s original cost to acquire the shares.

Dividends on allocated shares are passed through to the ESOP participants. Dividends on unallocated shares are used by the ESOP to make debt service payments on the notes due to Patterson.

14. Stock-based Compensation

The consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 include pre-tax (after-tax) stock-based compensation expense of $17,710 ( $11,910 ), $16,898 ( $11,120 ) and $13,958 ( $9,171 ). Pre-tax expense is included in operating expenses within the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income.

As of April 29, 2017 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards was $33,154 , and it is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan

In September 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan"). The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued is 4,000 . The Incentive Plan authorizes various award types to be issued under the plan, including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, non-employee director awards, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards. We issue new shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock award grants and also for vesting of restricted stock units and performance stock units. Awards that expire or are canceled without delivery of shares generally become available for reissuance under the plan.

At April 29, 2017 , there were 2,900 shares available for awards under the Incentive Plan.

As a result of the approval of the Incentive Plan, awards are no longer granted under any prior equity incentive plan, but all outstanding awards previously granted under such prior plans will remain outstanding and subject to the terms of such prior plans. At April 29, 2017 , there were 1,576 shares outstanding under prior plans.

Stock Option Awards

Stock options granted to employees expire no later than ten years after the date of grant. Awards typically vest over three or five years .

The fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Expected dividend yield	2.0		%	1.8		%	2.0		%
Expected stock price volatility	21.2		%	25.6		%	26.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.2		%	2.1		%	2.1		%
Expected life (years)	6.6			6.7			7.0
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	8.32		$	9.66		$	9.78

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The following is a summary of stock option activity:



	Number of Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance as of April 30, 2016	1,110		$	52.09
Granted	189		48.46
Exercised	(27	)	35.75
Canceled	(80	)	48.47
Balance as of April 29, 2017	1,192		$	52.12	$	1,155
Vested or expected to vest as of April 29, 2017	1,145		$	52.14	$	1,091
Exercisable as of April 29, 2017	44		$	36.78	$	350

The weighted average remaining contractual lives of options outstanding and options exercisable as of April 29, 2017 were 8.0 and 5.2 years, respectively.

Related to stock options exercised, the intrinsic value, cash received and tax benefits realized were $266 , $958 and $36 , respectively, in fiscal 2017 ; $901 , $3,173 and $854 , respectively, in fiscal 2016 ; and $290 , $1,710 and $286 , respectively, in fiscal 2015 .

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest over a five , seven or nine year period. Certain restricted stock awards, which are held by branch managers, are subject to accelerated vesting provisions beginning three years after the grant date, based on certain operating goals. Restricted stock awards are also granted to non-employee directors annually and vest over one or three years . The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is based on the closing stock price on the day of the grant. The total fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that vested in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $8,528 , $19,805 and $8,474 , respectively.

The following is a summary of restricted stock award activity:



	Restricted Stock Awards
	Shares		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2016	760		$	38.18
Granted	18		45.78
Vested	(170	)	39.10
Forfeitures	(129	)	37.15
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	479		$	38.41

The following is a summary of restricted stock unit activity:



	Restricted Stock Units
	Shares		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2016	71		44.26
Granted	265		48.19
Vested	(16	)	43.60
Forfeitures	(16	)	48.41
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	304		$	47.50

Performance Unit Awards

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In fiscal 2017 and 2016, we granted performance unit awards with a market-based condition to certain executives. The number of shares to be received at vesting will range from 0% - 200% of the target number of stock units based on Patterson's total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the performance of companies in the S&P Midcap 400 Index measured over a three year period. We estimate the grant date fair value of the TSR awards using the Monte Carlo valuation model. In fiscal 2015, we granted performance unit awards, primarily to executive management, which are earned at the end of a three year period if certain operating goals are met. Accordingly, we recognize expense over the requisite service period based on the outcome that is probable for these awards. No performance unit awards vested in fiscal 2017 or 2015. The total fair value of performance unit awards that vested in fiscal 2016 was $2,966 .

The following is a summary of performance unit award activity at target:



	Performance Unit Awards
	Shares		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2016	157		$	47.56
Granted	86		56.60
Vested	—		—
Forfeitures and cancellations	(13	)	48.37
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	230		$	50.88

Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP")

We sponsor an ESPP under which a total of 6,750 shares have been reserved for purchase by employees. Eligible employees may purchase shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of our common stock on the beginning of the annual offering period, or on the end of each quarterly purchase period, which occur on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The offering periods begin on January 1 of each calendar year and end on December 31 of each calendar year. At April 29, 2017 , there were 993 shares available for purchase under the ESPP.

We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our ESPP using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Expected dividend yield	2.3		%	2.0		%	1.6		%
Expected stock price volatility	32.9		%	21.1		%	31.0		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.7		%	0.5		%	0.1		%
Expected life (years)	0.6			0.6			0.5
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	10.33		$	9.16		$	10.74

Capital Accumulation Plan ("CAP")

We also sponsor an employee CAP. A total of 6,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the CAP. Key employees of Patterson are eligible to participate by purchasing common stock through payroll deductions at 75% of the price of the common stock at the beginning of or the end of the calendar year, whichever is lower. The shares issued are restricted stock and are held in the custody of Patterson until the restrictions lapse. The restriction period is typically three years from the beginning of the plan year, and shares are subject to forfeiture provisions. At April 29, 2017 , 1,926 shares were available for purchase under the CAP.

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We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our CAP using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:



	Fiscal Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			April 25, 2015
Expected dividend yield	2.3		%	2.0		%	1.6		%
Expected stock price volatility	28.3		%	19.7		%	31.0		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.9		%	0.6		%	0.3		%
Expected life (years)	1.0			1.0			1.0
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	15.21		$	14.13		$	17.67

15. Litigation

16. Quarterly Results (unaudited)

Quarterly results are determined in accordance with the accounting policies used for annual data and include certain items based upon estimates for the entire year. All fiscal quarters include results for 13 weeks except for the quarter ended August 1, 2015, which included 14 weeks.

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	Quarter Ended
	April 29, 2017		January 28, 2017 ⁽¹⁾			October 29, 2016		July 30, 2016
Net sales	$	1,445,032	$	1,397,418		$	1,418,241	$	1,332,436
Gross profit	335,498		329,761			318,960		317,178
Operating income from continuing operations	96,155		46,554			79,803		65,416
Net income from continuing operations	61,357		27,769			45,756		38,906
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	334		(3,229		)	—		—
Net income	61,691		24,540			45,756		38,906
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.65	$	0.29		$	0.48	$	0.41
Discontinued operations	0.01		(0.03		)	—		—
Net basic earnings per share	$	0.66	$	0.26		$	0.48	$	0.41
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.65	$	0.29		$	0.48	$	0.40
Discontinued operations	—		(0.03		)	—		—
Net diluted earnings per share	$	0.65	$	0.26		$	0.48	$	0.40



	Quarter Ended
	April 30, 2016		January 30, 2016			October 31, 2015			August 1, 2015 ⁽²⁾
Net sales	$	1,453,770	$	1,400,853		$	1,389,210		$	1,142,870
Gross profit	363,741		339,864			330,899			288,244
Operating income from continuing operations	106,344		95,729			83,463			62,177
Net income from continuing operations	65,620		57,190			42,563			20,311
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	—		(750		)	(7,142		)	9,392
Net income	65,620		56,440			35,421			29,703
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.69	$	0.60		$	0.43		$	0.20
Discontinued operations	—		(0.01		)	(0.07		)	0.10
Net basic earnings per share	$	0.69	$	0.59		$	0.36		$	0.30
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	0.68	$	0.60		$	0.43		$	0.20
Discontinued operations	—		(0.01		)	(0.07		)	0.10
Net diluted earnings per share	$	0.68	$	0.59		$	0.36		$	0.30


(1)	In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $36,312 within operating income from continuing operations. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

(2)

During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc. Included in this quarter are approximately six weeks of results of operations from this acquisition. We incurred $9,302 , or $0.09 per diluted share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis, of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. during this quarter. Also during this quarter, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall costs of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The tax impact of the repatriation recorded during this quarter was $11,800 , or $0.12 per diluted per share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis.

17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of April 29, 2017 :

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	Cash Flow Hedges			Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
AOCL at April 30, 2016	$	(16,734	)	$	(51,230	)	$	(67,964	)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—			(26,450		)	(26,450		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,745			—			1,745
AOCL at April 29, 2017	$	(14,989	)	$	(77,680	)	$	(92,669	)

The amounts reclassified from AOCL during fiscal 2017 represent gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $1,057 . The impact to the consolidated statements of income was an increase to interest expense of $2,802 .

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Patterson Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 29, 2017 , using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) . Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 29, 2017 . Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an unqualified report on our internal control over financial reporting.




/s/ James W. Wiltz
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Ann B. Gugino
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 29, 2017 . Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Patterson in reports filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and

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procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

On June 16, 2015, we acquired Animal Health International, Inc., which was a privately-held company prior to the acquisition. As permitted by SEC regulation, we integrated Animal Health International, Inc.’s operations into the scope of our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 report on internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.

In addition, we are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. During the quarter ended April 29, 2017, the transaction activity within the new ERP system became material, and as a result, the new ERP system and related processes were integrated into the scope of our Sarbanes-Oxley 404 report on internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended April 29, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding the directors of Patterson is incorporated herein by reference to the descriptions set forth under the caption “Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors” in Patterson’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on September 18, 2017 (the “ 2017 Proxy Statement”). Information regarding executive officers of Patterson is incorporated herein by reference to Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.” Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2017 Proxy Statement. The information called for by Item 10, as to the audit committee and the audit committee financial expert, is set forth under the captions “Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors” and “Our Board of Directors and Committees” in the 2017 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted Principles of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Directors and all employees. Our Code of Ethics is available on our website (www.pattersoncompanies.com) under the section “Investor Relations – Corporate Governance.” We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website at the address and location specified above.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding executive compensation and director compensation is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Non-Employee Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation” and “Our Board of Directors and Committees – Committee Responsibilities – Our Compensation Committee and Its Report” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.

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

Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Our Board of Directors and Committees” in the 2017 Proxy Statement.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information relating to principal accounting fees and services and pre-approval policies and procedures is set forth under the caption “Proposal No. 4 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the 2017 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.

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PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) 1. Financial Statements.

The following Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data of Patterson and its subsidiaries are included in Part II, Item 8:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Financial Statement Schedules.

The following financial statement schedule is filed herewith: Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedules other than that listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3. Exhibits.




Exhibit		Document Description

3.1		Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed September 9, 2004 (File No. 000-20572)).

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 13, 2013 (File No. 000-20572)).

4.1		Specimen form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed September 9, 2004 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.1		Patterson Companies, Inc. Fiscal 2017 Incentive Plan (filed herewith) .

10.2		Patterson Companies, Inc. Fiscal 2016 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.3		Patterson Companies Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.4		2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 25, 2002 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.5		Patterson Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 7, 2012 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.6		Patterson Dental Company Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, effective May 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 25, 2002 (File No. 000-20572)).

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10.7		Stock Option Plan for Canadian Employees, effective June 13, 2000 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 11, 2003 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.8		Deferred Profit Sharing Plan for the Employees of Patterson Dental Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed July 28, 2008 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.9		Patterson Companies, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 7, 2012 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.10		Patterson Companies, Inc. 2014 Sharesave Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 5, 2014 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.11		2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 7, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.12		ESOP Loan Agreement dated April 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 24, 2003 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.13		Promissory Note dated April 1, 2002 between GreatBanc Trust Company, an Illinois corporation, not in its individual or corporate capacity, but solely as trustee of the Thompson Dental Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust and Thompson Dental Company (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 24, 2003 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.14		ESOP Loan Agreement dated September 11, 2006 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 12, 2006 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.15		ESOP Note dated September 11, 2006 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 12, 2006 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.16		Note Purchase Agreement dated March 19, 2008 among Patterson Companies, Inc., Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Supply, Inc., Patterson Dental Holdings, Inc., Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc. and Webster Management, LP (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 24, 2008 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.17		Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 2011, among Patterson Companies, Inc., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., and U.S. Bank NA, Wells Fargo Bank, NA, and Bank of America, N.A. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 6, 2011 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.18		Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 8, 2011, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc., Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Supply, Inc., Patterson Dental Holdings, Inc., Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc., Webster Management, LP (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2011 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.19		Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 2015, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc., Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Supply, Inc., Patterson Dental Holdings, Inc., Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Patterson Veterinary Supply, Inc., and Patterson Management, LP (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 25, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

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10.20		Commitment Letter, dated May 2, 2015, by and between Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Bank Of America, N.A., The Bank Of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Patterson Companies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 4, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.21		Credit Agreement dated as of June 16, 2015 by and among Patterson Companies, Inc., the lenders from time to time parties thereto, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as administrative agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 17, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.22		Amended and Restated Contract Purchase Agreement dated August 12, 2011 among PDC Funding Company II, LLC, Patterson Companies, Inc., and Fifth Third Bank (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2011 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.23		Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as May 10, 2002, by and among Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc., and PDC Funding Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 25, 2002 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.24		Amended and Restated Receivables Sales Agreement dated August 12, 2011 by and among Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc. and PDC Funding Company II, LLC incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 24, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.25		Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated December 3, 2010 between PDC Funding Company, LLC, Patterson Companies, Inc., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch (the “Bank”) and a commercial paper conduit managed by the Bank (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 8, 2010 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.26		Assignment and Assumption and Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated December 20, 2010, by and among The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Victory Receivables Corporation, PDC Funding Company, LLC, Patterson Companies, Inc., Royal Bank of Canada and Thunder Bay Funding, LLC (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2010 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.27		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 2, 2015, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc., Rams Merger Sub, Inc., Animal Health International, Inc. and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 4, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.28		Stock Purchase Agreement between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Lanai Holdings III, Inc. dated July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 1, 2015 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.29		Employment Agreement between John Adent and Animal Health International, Inc., dated May 2, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.30		Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 27, 2017, by and among Patterson Companies, Inc., the lenders from time to time parties thereto, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as administrative agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2017 (File No. 000-20572)).

10.31		Transition Agreement by and between Patterson Companies, Inc. and Scott P. Anderson, dated June 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 1, 2017 (File No. 000-20572)).

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21		Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed June 29, 2016 (File No. 000-20572)).

23		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).

31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.2		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

101		(Filed Electronically) The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the consolidated balance sheets, (ii) the consolidated statements of income, (iii) the consolidated statements of cash flows, (iv) the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and (v) the notes to the consolidated financial statements.(*)

(*)

The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.

(b) See Index to Exhibits.

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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.



		PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
Dated:	6/28/2017	By	/s/ James W. Wiltz
			James W. Wiltz,
			Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



		Date
/s/ James W. Wiltz	Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer)	June 28, 2017
James W. Wiltz

/s/ Ann B. Gugino	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)	June 28, 2017
Ann B. Gugino

/s/ John D. Buck	Chairman of the Board	June 28, 2017
John D. Buck	Chairman of the Board

/s/ Scott P. Anderson	Director	June 28, 2017
Scott P. Anderson	Director

/s/ Alex N. Blanco	Director	June 28, 2017
Alex N. Blanco	Director

/s/ Jody H. Feragen	Director	June 28, 2017
Jody H. Feragen	Director

/s/ Sarena S. Lin	Director	June 28, 2017
Sarena S. Lin	Director

/s/ Ellen A. Rudnick	Director	June 28, 2017
Ellen A. Rudnick	Director

/s/ Neil A. Schrimsher	Director	June 28, 2017
Neil A. Schrimsher	Director

/s/ Les C. Vinney	Director	June 28, 2017
Les C. Vinney	Director

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SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

(In thousands)



	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
Year ended April 29, 2017
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	12,008	$	1,825	$	—	$	4,491	$	9,342
LIFO inventory adjustment	$	76,501	$	1,315	$	—	$	—	$	77,816
Inventory obsolescence reserve	6,621		18,026		—		19,026		5,621
Total inventory reserve	$	83,122	$	19,341	$	—	$	19,026	$	83,437
Year ended April 30, 2016
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,678	$	8,246	$	1,947	$	5,863	$	12,008
LIFO inventory adjustment	$	73,381	$	3,120	$	—	$	—	$	76,501
Inventory obsolescence reserve	4,218		15,547		1,550		14,694		6,621
Total inventory reserve	$	77,599	$	18,667	$	1,550	$	14,694	$	83,122
Year ended April 25, 2015
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	8,322	$	2,546	$	—	$	3,190	$	7,678
LIFO inventory adjustment	$	71,596	$	1,785	$	—	$	—	$	73,381
Inventory obsolescence reserve	3,498		17,624		—		16,904		4,218
Total inventory reserve	$	75,094	$	19,409	$	—	$	16,904	$	77,599

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit 10.1		Patterson Companies, Inc. Fiscal 2017 Incentive Plan.

Exhibit 23		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Exhibit 31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-4(a) and 15d-14(a), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 101		(Filed Electronically) The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the consolidated balance sheets, (ii) the consolidated statements of income, (iii) the consolidated statements of cash flows, (iv) the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and (v) the notes to the consolidated financial statements.(*)

(*)

EXHIBIT 10.1

PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.

Fiscal 2017

Incentive Plan

PLAN PURPOSE

The objective of Fiscal 2017 Patterson Companies, Inc. (PDCO) Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is to encourage greater initiative, resourcefulness, teamwork, and efficiency on the part of its employees. The day-to-day performance and responsibilities of each individual have a direct impact on our internal and external customer satisfaction, sales and operational goals, which ultimately affects the profitability of the company.

ELIGIBILITY

Participation

This Incentive Program is designed to include designated employees across the organization. Incentive opportunity for targeted groups of employees is specified in the Plan schedules attached to this document. Newly hired, transferred, or employees who become participants during the Plan year will be eligible on a prorated basis under the respective schedule.

Participation in the Plan is determined by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Patterson Companies, Inc. with approval of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each respective subsidiary or operating unit and is based on level of responsibility and organizational impact of the participant.

Participants are eligible for participation in only one Patterson Companies, Inc. (or subsidiary thereof) incentive, bonus, or other variable pay program, unless so authorized by specific provisions included in this Plan and the respective Patterson Companies, Inc. variable pay Plan document(s).

Award Payments

To receive an award several criteria must be met:


1.	Employment - To be eligible to receive an award, the individual must be employed by Patterson Companies, Inc., or a subsidiary thereof, on the last day of the fiscal year;


a.	Job elimination - Participants whose positions are eliminated may, at the discretion of management, be eligible for prorated awards based on tenure in the qualifying position, overall performance level, actual results attained, and other criteria determined by management;


b.	Job transfer - Participants who transfer into or out of eligible positions within the company may be eligible for prorated awards based on tenure in the qualifying position, overall performance level, actual results attained, and management discretion;


c.	Job promotion - If an employee is promoted during the plan year and is assigned to a new bonus plan or an increased target bonus percentage, their bonus award will be prorated based on the new base salary. If the promotion results only in a base pay increase, the pay rate as of the beginning of the fiscal year will be used for the bonus calculation.


2.	Performance - Continued participation in the Plan is dependent upon the participant remaining an employee in good standing as defined by Patterson Companies, Inc. or its subsidiary. To

qualify for an award, a participant must have a satisfactory performance rating and not be on a formal performance improvement plan. A participant on written warning or disciplinary status at any time during the Plan year may have his/her incentive award reduced or denied at management’s discretion;


3.	Ethical and Legal Standards - Participants are required to be in compliance with, and abide by, Patterson Companies, Inc. Code of Ethics and comply with the letter and spirit of its provisions at all times.

No awards are considered earned until the last day of the fiscal year.

BASIS FOR AWARDS

The management of Patterson Companies, Inc. will approve participant objectives and evaluate performance of the business unit. Performance will be evaluated based on the specific goals and measures described in the attached plan schedules, the effective management of customer and employee relations, and compliance with company expectations of good business practices and ethical conduct.

Patterson Companies, Inc. reserves the right to make changes to the Plan at any time, including but not limited to: withdraw or withhold from the Plan any transaction, product or service it might select; revise territories; establish specific account, customer, or portfolio representation; and assign or reassign specific accounts, customers, or portfolios within a participant’s location service area at any time during the fiscal year.

Goals, incentive targets, territory assignments, and any other factors affecting this Plan may be reviewed and changed at any time during the Plan year.

APPROVAL OF AWARD PAYMENTS

The CEO of each respective subsidiary or operating unit will review and approve all award recommendations prior to submission to payroll for payment. Management may adjust payments at its own discretion to reflect the impact of any event that distorts actual results achieved and effective management of customer and employee relations. All awards are paid at the discretion of management.

DISTRIBUTION OF AWARD PAYMENTS

Generally, awards are calculated following the end of the fiscal year and payments are scheduled within 75 days after the end of the fiscal year.

Award payments are made by the same means as the individual’s normal payroll. Applicable withholdings are deducted from all payments. Payments made under this Plan will be used in the calculation of benefits only as allowed under the applicable benefit plan. Awards are considered as earned by the participant on the last day of the fiscal year.

Generally, awards are determined and paid according to the provisions of this Plan document. Any exceptions require the approval of the President of each respective subsidiary or operating unit.

CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS

In the event a participant dies, becomes disabled (as defined by Patterson’s Group Long Term Disability Plan provisions), retires, or is on a leave of absence (as defined by applicable Patterson policies), he/she may be eligible for an award based on management's discretionary review of the participant’s actual performance and actual work done while at work. In the event of death, the award payment, if any, is issued in the name of the deceased and made payable to the estate.

ADOPTION AND ADMINISTRATION

The Chairman and CEO of Patterson Companies, Inc., and the CEO of the subsidiary or operating unit, or the Chief Human Resources Officer on their behalf, must approve the attached Plan schedules. The Plan schedules are effective for each fiscal year of the company and are updated annually.

The CEO of each respective subsidiary or operating unit holds general authority and on-going responsibility for Plan administration. Any exceptions to the provisions in this Plan require approval of the Chairman and CEO of Patterson Companies, Inc. and the CEO of the respective subsidiary or operating unit. The foregoing officers and the Executive Vice President of Patterson Companies, Inc., or the Chief Human Resources Officer acting on their behalf, have the authority to interpret the terms of this Plan.

This Plan supersedes all prior Incentive Plans. No agreements or understandings will modify this Plan unless they are in writing and approved by the Chairman and CEO of Patterson Companies, Inc. and the CEO of the respective subsidiary or operating unit. This Plan is reviewed annually to determine the appropriateness of future continuation.

NO CONTRACT

Participation in this Plan does not constitute a contract of employment and shall not affect the right of Patterson Companies, Inc. to discharge, transfer, or change the position of a participant. The employment of any person participating in the Plan may be terminated at any time and no promise or representation is made regarding continued employment because of participation in the Plan.

The Plan shall not be construed to limit or prevent Patterson Companies, Inc. from adopting or changing, from time to time, any rules, standards, or procedures affecting a participant's employment with Patterson Companies, Inc. or any Patterson Companies, Inc. affiliate, including those which affect award payments, with or without notice to the participant.

ETHICAL AND LEGAL STANDARDS

A participant shall not pay, offer to pay, assign or give any part of his/her compensation or any other money to any agent, customer, or representative of the customer or any other person as an inducement or reward for assistance in making a sale. Moreover, no rights under this Plan shall be assignable or subject to any pledge or encumbrance of any nature.

If a participant fails to comply with the Patterson Companies, Inc. Code of Ethics or the provisions included in this Plan document or violates any other company policy, his/her award may be adjusted, reduced, or denied at the discretion of Patterson Companies, Inc. management.

Approved

/s/ Scott P. Anderson /s/ Ann Gugino

Scott P. Anderson Ann Gugino

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

June 17, 2016 June 6, 2016

Date Date

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Forms S-8 (Nos. 333-03583, 333-45742, 333-87488, 333-101691, 333-114643, 333-137497, 333-183979, 333-198694, and 333-207116) of Patterson Companies, Inc. of our reports dated June 28, 2017 , with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Patterson Companies, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Patterson Companies, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Patterson Companies, Inc. for the year ended April 29, 2017 .

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 28, 2017

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to

Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, James W. Wiltz, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 of Patterson Companies, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 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-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;


b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



Date: June 28, 2017		/s/ James W. Wiltz
		James W. Wiltz
		Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to

Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Ann B. Gugino, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 of Patterson Companies, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 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-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;


b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



Date: June 28, 2017		/s/ Ann B. Gugino
		Ann B. Gugino
		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as

adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Patterson Companies, Inc., (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned officer of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to his knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



		/s/ James W. Wiltz
		James W. Wiltz
		Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
		Date: June 28, 2017

EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as

adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



		/s/ Ann B. Gugino
		Ann B. Gugino
		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
		Date: June 28, 2017