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Item 1. Business

2024-02-26 compared with 2023-02-28 · 374 added, 435 removed, 485 unchanged (63% of the section changed)

Labcorp ® is a leading global life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions.

Labcorp ® (Labcorp or the Company) is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions.

By leveraging its unparalleled diagnostics and drug development capabilities, the Company provides insights and accelerates innovations to improve health and improve lives.

With more than 67,000 employees, the Company serves clients in more than 100 countries.

Through its Labcorp Diagnostics (Dx) and Labcorp Drug Development (DD) segments, the Company provides diagnostic, drug development, and technology-enabled solutions for more than 160 million patient encounters per year, or more than 3 million per week.

In addition, the Company supports clinical trial activity through its world-class central laboratory, preclinical, and clinical development businesses.

The Company's capabilities enable it to play a leading role in advancing healthcare across the globe.

The Company is organized under two segments, consisting of Diagnostics Laboratories (Dx), which includes routine testing and specialty/esoteric testing, and Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS), consisting of Early Development Research Laboratories and Central Laboratory Services.

The Company's strength in science, technology, and innovation, as well as its global scale, enable it to play a leading role in advancing healthcare across the globe.

The Company worked on 90% of the new drugs approved by the FDA in 2023 and performed more than 600 million tests for patients around the world.

The significant reach, breadth, and advancement of the Company's offerings have resulted in Base Business revenue growth of 11.8% from 2022 through 2023 and 7.2% versus 2019 CAGR.

Base Business includes the Company's business operations except for COVID-19 Testing.

The Company believes that its diversified offerings help to balance the impact of changes in the global economic and healthcare systems and due to global geopolitical events.

For the period ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated revenues of $14,876.8 million, diluted earnings per share of $13.97, and had a total operating cash flow of $1,955.9 million.

Base Business includes the Company's business operations except for COVID-19 PCR and antibody testing (COVID-19 Testing).

For the period ended December 31, 2023, the Company generated revenues of $12,161.6 million, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $4.33, and had a total operating cash flow from continuing operations of 1,202.3 million.

The Company believes that science, technology, and innovation drive its continued success, differentiate the Company, and are foundational to its future.

They are critical to the Company's ability to carry out its mission to improve health and improve lives.

Strategic Review of Company Structure and Capital Allocation Strategy

In March 2021, the Company announced the undertaking of a comprehensive review by its board of directors (the Board) and management team of the Company's structure and capital allocation strategy.

In December 2021, the Company announced the Board's conclusion, as well as actions that the management team and the Board would take to enhance shareholder returns.

These actions have included:

• initiating a dividend in the second quarter of 2022, as well as subsequent dividends paid in the third and fourth quarters of 2022, with total dividend payments for 2022 in the amount of $195.2 million;

• authorizing a $2.50 billion share repurchase program.

As part of this program, $1.0 billion was repurchased under an accelerated share repurchase plan in 2021, and a total of $1.1 billion of stock was repurchased in 2022, representing approximately 4.7 million shares;

• implementing a new LaunchPad business process improvement initiative, targeting savings of $350.0 million through 2025;

• providing a longer-term outlook in connection with the announcement of the Company's 2021 year-end results in addition to the Company's annual guidance;

• providing additional business insights through enhanced disclosures beginning with the Company's results for the first quarter of 2022;

• continuing a commitment to profitable growth through investments in science, innovation, and new technologies;

On July 28, 2022, the Company announced that it would pursue a planned spin-off of its Clinical Development and Commercialization Services (CDCS) business, as further discussed below.

Management and the Board are committed to continuing to evaluate all avenues for enhancing shareholder value.

The updated capital allocation plan is designed to enable the Company to continue investment in key growth areas.

This plan is expected to fuel growth through innovation by using the Company's unique data and insights to bring scientific advancements—both those developed internally and those developed by outside companies and scientists—to market at scale.

It reflects the Board's confidence in the Company's strong balance sheet and cash flow generation profile, as well as the Board's commitment to deploying capital to enhance value for shareholders, patients, providers, and pharmaceutical customers worldwide.

Spin-Off of the Company's CDCS Business

On July 28, 2022, the Company announced that the Board authorized the Company to pursue a spin-off of the Company’s wholly owned CDCS business to its shareholders through a tax-free transaction.

The planned spin-off will result in two independent companies, each poised for strong, sustainable growth.

On January 9, 2023, Thomas (Tom) Pike joined the Company as president and chief executive officer of its DD Clinical Development business unit, and when the planned spin-off is complete, Mr.

Pike will become the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of the independent,

publicly listed company.

On February 9, 2023, the Company announced that the name of the CDCS business will become Fortrea in connection with the planned spin-off.

The Company is targeting completion of the planned spin-off in mid-2023.

The planned spin-off will be subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including, among others, the receipt of final approval by the Company's Board, the receipt of appropriate assurances regarding the tax-free nature of the separation and effectiveness of any required filings with the U.S.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

There can be no assurances regarding the ultimate timing of the transaction or that the spin-off will be completed.

When the transaction is complete, the resulting companies will be Labcorp, comprising the Company’s routine and esoteric labs, central labs and early development research labs, and Fortrea, a global contract research organization (CRO) providing Phase I-IV clinical trial management, market access and technology solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations.

The planned spin-off is expected to provide each company with:

Spin-off of Fortrea Holdings Inc.

On June 30, 2023, the Company completed the previously announced separation (spin-off) of its former clinical development and commercialization services (CDCS) business, Fortrea Holdings Inc.

The spin-off of Fortrea was achieved through the Company’s pro-rata distribution of 100% of the outstanding shares of Fortrea common stock to holders of record of Labcorp common stock (Common Stock).

Each holder of record of Common Stock received one share of Fortrea common stock for every share of Common Stock held at 5:00 p.m., Burlington, North Carolina time on June 20, 2023, the record date for the distribution.

In June 2023, Fortrea, prior to the spin-off and while a subsidiary of the Company, issued $ 570.0 million of 7.500 % senior secured notes due 2030 (the Fortrea Notes).

The proceeds from the Fortrea Notes were used to fund cash payments of approximately $ 1,600.0 million to the Company in connection with the spin-off.

The Company does not guarantee the Fortrea Notes following the spin-off.

Also in June 2023, Fortrea entered into three floating secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) credit facilities totaling $ 1,520.0 million.

These are comprised of $ 450.0 million Revolver maturing June 30, 2028;

$ 500.0 million Term Loan A maturing June 30, 2028;

and $570.0 million Term Loan B maturing June 30, 2030.

Upon closing of the spin-off, Fortrea made a cash distribution to the Company of approximately $ 1,600.0 million as partial consideration for the assets that the Company contributed to Fortrea in connection with the spin-off.

The Company used these proceeds to repurchase approximately $1,000.0 million in the aggregate of Common Stock pursuant to accelerated share repurchase agreements and paying down $300.0 million of debt that matured in 2023, with the remaining funds to be returned to shareholders through additional future share repurchases and/or cash dividends.

All current and historical operating results of Fortrea are presented as Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations.

The spin-off is expected to be treated as a tax-free transaction for the Company and its shareholders for U.S.

federal income tax purposes.

As a result of the spin-off, the Company recast its segment results to exclude the historical results of the CDCS business for all periods presented.

The remaining operations of the previously reported Drug Development segment has been renamed the Biopharma Laboratory Services segment.

The spin-off provides the Company with:

• strengthened strategic flexibility and operational focus to pursue specific market opportunities and better meet customer needs;

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• the ability to align its particular incentive compensation with its financial performance.

Following the planned spin-off, the Company believes that Labcorp will be positioned to:

• invest in R&D and innovation to develop and launch diagnostic advancements globally in key clinical areas including oncology, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune and liver disease through organic and inorganic opportunities;

• bring together its global health and patient data and provide insights to enable customers to innovate;

Following the spin-off, the Company believes that it is positioned to:

• invest in R&D and innovation to develop and launch diagnostic advancements globally in key clinical areas including oncology, women's health, autoimmune disease and neurology through organic and inorganic opportunities;

• utilize its worldwide laboratory network to serve a broad, growing and global customer base including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, physicians, health systems, consumers, and other start-ups and laboratories that require lab services or diagnostic testing;

• launch innovative tests globally, providing patients, physicians, health systems and pharmaceutical companies with access to its advanced science, technology and diagnostic capabilities.

Following the planned spin-off, the Company believes that Fortrea will be positioned to:

• capitalize on growth opportunities across Phases I-IV clinical trials and extend its leadership in oncology, cell and gene therapy, rare disease, and other emerging therapeutic areas;

• increase agility with large pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients to better serve customers and advance life-saving therapies;

• access to unique data sets and insights through an arrangement with the Company for a defined period of time which will enable Fortrea to provide enhanced trial execution and a differentiated value proposition;

• invest in capabilities, technologies, diverse talent and innovation to enhance trial execution and better serve all of its customers;

• implement a capital structure that is tailored to support its growth strategy and enhance stakeholder value.

The planned spin-off is intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S.

federal income tax purposes.

See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to the Planned Spin-off of the Company’s Clinical Development and Commercialization Services Business.”

Enterprise Strategy

The Company provides vital information to help its customers make clear and confident health decisions.

Through its science, data, and global laboratory network, the Company accelerates and advances innovations in testing and treatments to improve patient care.

Through leadership in science, technology and innovation, the Company provides vital information and services to help its customers make clear and confident health decisions and helps millions of people improve health and improve lives.

The Company is expanding its role in the rapidly evolving healthcare market by strengthening its positions across its portfolio of capabilities, growing strategic opportunities that drive new business, and differentiating its unique offerings, capabilities, and financial performance.

To do so, the Company is focusing on executing the following strategic priorities, which have evolved to reflect its operations and strategic vision:

Build on the Company's Leadership in Oncology

The field of oncology receives significant investment in research, development, and treatment, yet it remains an area of great unmet medical need.

The Company believes the diagnosis and treatment of cancer will be the fastest-growing therapeutic area in the near future.

With the increased adoption of precision medicine, health and cancer care providers are relying on advanced testing to identify patients who will benefit from new, targeted treatments and therapies that are more effective and often have fewer side effects than chemotherapy and other traditional treatments.

Since forming an oncology business unit and launching an enterprise oncology platform in 2021, the Company has become an oncology leader.

By focusing its diagnostic and drug development services on the fight against cancer, the Company is delivering targeted solutions that power better decision and improved patient outcomes.

The Company believes it maintains the broadest portfolio and capabilities in oncology diagnostics today.

The Company intends to accelerate its leadership and enhance its offerings, particularly in genomic testing, personalized medicine and liquid biopsy.

The Company is also leveraging its oncological capabilities and platforms to progress its work in other areas, including neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune and liver diseases, and cell and gene therapy.

In 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of Personal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx), a provider of comprehensive liquid biopsy and tissue-based genomic products and services.

The acquisition of PGDx enhances the Company's precision diagnostic portfolio and its ability to increase access to oncology care globally.

In addition, the Company continues to realize benefits from its portfolio of OmniSeq products such as OmniSeq INSIGHT, a comprehensive genomic and immune profiling, tissue-based test that integrates next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.

Differentiate Through Digital and Data

The healthcare and life sciences industries remain among the most significantly impacted by technological advancements.

By maximizing the use of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data, digitalization, and analytics in compliance with applicable regulations, the Company strives to improve operating efficiency and business performance, and to create new, differentiated products and services that the Company believes will help its customers and deliver better care to patients.

The Company is using AI to better identify and predict trends such as the timing and location of demand shifts for certain tests.

In doing so, the Company is supporting an efficient use of supplies, staffing, and the Company’s advanced logistics used to route testing to the most appropriate laboratories and quickly deliver results.

AI capabilities and advanced logistics have played, and are expected to continuing playing, an important role in the Company’s response to periods of heightened demand for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

The Company creates, and has access to, significant volumes of data.

By applying advanced analytics to its data in compliance with data privacy regulations, the Company can help its customers improve their processes and reach better outcomes.

The Company’s repository of test results help study sponsors assess patients' eligibility for clinical trials more quickly and accurately, enroll those patients faster, shorten the time needed for regulatory submission, and accelerate the availability of new medicines.

Data is also being used by the Company to advance science and the public's understanding of certain treatments and illnesses.

Digitalization continues to be an area of focus for the Company as it responds to the use of technology-enabled tools and services by healthcare providers, patients and pharmaceutical companies for absorbing, handling, and disseminating information.

These services include decentralized clinical trials, which offer the potential to remove barriers that may have slowed or prevented studies from being conducted in the past.

Decentralized clinical trials can also make trial participation an option for more people, including individuals from underrepresented populations.

In the U.S., the Company continues to improve its patients' experience in patient service centers (PSCs) by creating a seamless digital journey from appointment scheduling to results delivery.

With an average of 3 million patients served in a given week, the Company strives to enhance their experience using its digital channels.

Drive Customer Centricity

The Company serves a broad range of customers, including managed care organizations (MCOs), pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and diagnostics companies, governmental agencies, physicians and other healthcare providers, hospitals and health systems, employers, patients and consumers, CROs, and independent clinical laboratories.

The Company continues to focus on its customers, anticipate their needs, and deliver valuable solutions that help them achieve their goals.

The Company prioritizes a consistent, coordinated focus across all aspects of its operations, placing the customer at the center of its services, with the objective of becoming the customer's primary partner for solutions to their needs.

In an effort to provide a leading customer experience, the Company seeks customer feedback, communicates best practices and lessons learned, and provides robust employee training with respect to the needs of its customers.

The Company routinely introduces new products, services, and initiatives that benefit its customers.

For example, the Company launched a new test in mid-2022 to assist in the identification and confirmation of neurodegenerative disease and neuronal injury.

The Company also expanded access to its services in the Midwestern U.S.

with the opening of a new laboratory, and it announced plans to expand its laboratory footprint in Japan.

In addition, the Company continues to experience

growing demand for its consumer-initiated wellness testing available through Labcorp OnDemand, and it believes its pipeline of innovative, consumer-focused offerings is strong.

Expand Globally

The Company has a long history of disciplined use of capital to invest in the growth of the business and intends to grow its business globally by leveraging its advanced laboratory network, scientific capabilities, health data and insights, and its results-oriented culture to achieve better health for all people.

The Company has made significant investments in the deployment of new technologies through both licensing and internal research and development, as well as strategic and tuck-in acquisitions.

The Company has also invested in establishing collaborative partnerships with other leading companies and organizations that share the Company’s goals and expectations.

The Company continually evaluates its business and the broader healthcare and life sciences markets to proactively identify and assess:

• potential growth opportunities;

• business areas that might not support continued growth and should be revamped or divested;

• acquisition targets that meet its criteria for quality, value, and return on investment;

• new products that would successfully integrate with or extend the Company’s offerings;

• a balanced formula for capital allocation.

Through a continued focus on these strategic priorities, reinforced through the Company's capital allocation plan, the Company expects to be in an optimal position to make disciplined choices that maximize shareholder value, better protect the Company from market fluctuations and outside impacts, and fuel significant and profitable short- and long-term revenue growth.

The Company is focused on two near-term strategic opportunities for growth across both Dx and BLS:

To Be the Partner of Choice for Health Systems and Local and Regional Laboratories

The Company expects industry consolidation to continue, as hospitals and health systems focus on investing in core patient care services.

The depth and the breadth of opportunity and the quality of the pipeline is robust, and the Company is optimistic about continued expansion.

The Company seeks partnerships that meet financial criteria, including being accretive in the first year, returning each transaction's cost of capital within three years, and providing a clear path to improve margins.

The Company signed or completed six collaboration transactions with health systems in 2023.

The Company believes it is an attractive partner for hospitals and health systems for multiple reasons:

• Innovative product offerings in high growth specialty areas:

Many hospital and health systems want to be at the forefront of their offerings to patients with the latest specialty testing;

• Industry-leading test portfolio and national presence:

Hospitals and health systems seek a partner who can scale as they expand and grow;

• Unique data and analytics capabilities:

Clients need the ability to combine data from across multiple tests, healthcare IT systems, and labs, and the Company’s team has expertise to do this in a way that provides important patient care insights;

• Ability to integrate a hospital's laboratory services seamlessly:

Clients value the Company’s track record of successful integrations to provide continuity of care for patients and providers.

To Lead in the Development, Licensing, and Scaling of Specialty Testing Including Companion Diagnostics

The Company is focused on four primary specialty testing areas:

oncology, women's health, autoimmune disease, and neurology, which the Company believes represent significant growth areas.

The development of specialty tests and companion diagnostics are attractive to health systems partners and biopharma as they continue to develop more products in specialty areas and cell and gene therapy.

The Company has demonstrated its ability to provide comprehensive portfolios in these four areas, which comprise more than half of clinical trials conducted in its Central Laboratory Services business.

Longer-term, the Company is focused on three enterprise-wide strategic priorities to drive growth:

Establish leadership and partnership capabilities in cell and gene therapy

Cell and gene therapy is a growing focus of biopharma pipelines, with more than 2,000 clinical trials being conducted globally and representing approximately 20% of all biopharma drug pipelines.

The Company expects the cell and gene therapy market to grow at a substantially higher rate than other types of therapies over the next five years.

As cell and gene therapies expand, the Company has an opportunity to leverage its strong drug development capabilities, scientific expertise, and pharma relationships to become a development lab of choice.

Longer-term as these therapies develop, the Company believes it can harness its diagnostic assets to support biopharma in commercializing cell and gene therapies and scaling these therapies through its hospital and health system business over time.

Expand consumer-centric capabilities

Consumerism trends, such as greater choice, convenience, and transparency, continue to have a growing influence across the healthcare landscape and present new opportunities for growth.

Through its core customer groups, the Company has more than 150 million customer interactions per year and has invested in modern capabilities to digitize and improve the patient journey across patient service centers.

Through the Labcorp OnDemand channel, the Company has also demonstrated its ability to connect with consumers directly and is now offering more than 50 health and wellness tests through Labcorp OnDemand.

Across its core businesses, the Company has an opportunity to make strategic investments to continue to enhance the customer experience through its patient portal, patient service center network, and other consumer-focused initiatives, and to capitalize on select direct revenue streams that require elevated consumer capabilities.

The Company’s scaled operations, trusted brand, scientific leadership, and broad customer base are key differentiators that will support its efforts to expand over time to meet the evolving needs of its customer groups.

Expand global reach, including through companion diagnostics

International expansion of specialized diagnostics remains a key opportunity for future growth as the Company continues to add to its pipeline of specialty diagnostics.

The Company is already a key partner to biopharma in companion diagnostics (CDx) wit h greater than $500.0 million in net orders in the BLS segment in 2023.

As its pip eline of specialty diagnostics grows, the Company will seek to leverage its scientific leadership in new markets through a differentiated set of capabilities:

• A global central laboratory footprint

• Innovative science and technology

• A comprehensive and competitive testing portfolio

• Deep customer relationships in diagnostics and biopharma laboratory services

As CDx continue to become more important for serving customers across the enterprise, the Company has a unique set of capabilities to be an end-to-end partner to biopharma and will continue to expand these capabilities to fuel further targeted growth internationally.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The Company has supported the fight against COVID-19 since the earliest stages of the pandemic, and it continues to play an important role in ongoing response efforts.

In 2022, the Company further expanded access to COVID-19 testing and continued to support the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.

The Company received FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for multiple innovations during the year.

In June, the Company was granted FDA EUA for its next-generation sequencing test used to identify specific SARS-CoV-2 lineages.

This was the first test authorized for the identification and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak (PANGO) lineages, which are genetic variations in circulating virus strains.

The Company also received FDA EUA for the first non-prescription, at-home collection kit for combined COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection.

These achievements built on the Company's first COVID-19-related FDA EUA, which was received on March 16, 2020, for COVID-19 PCR testing, the FDA EUA in April 2020 for the Pixel by Labcorp ® COVID-19 test home collection kit, and in December 2020 for over-the-counter purchase of these home collection kits.

The Company's additional contributions to the pandemic response in 2022 included assisting in the identification and monitoring of COVID-19 variants and spikes in confirmed cases, as well as expanding no-cost access to at-home test collections for individuals who met clinical guidelines.

The Company has supported the global response to COVID-19 since the earliest stages of the pandemic, and it continues to contribute to ongoing efforts.

The Company's additional contributions to the pandemic response in 2023 included assisting in the identification and monitoring of COVID-19 variants and surges in confirmed cases.

The Company maintained its ability to quickly scale up COVID-19 PCR testing capacity throughout the year, even during periods of reduced demand.

In doing so, the Company was able to immediately and effectively respond to surges in positive cases and testing needs.

The Company performed approximately 13 million COVID-19 PCR tests and 1 million antibody tests in 2022, and since the start of the pandemic has performed approximately 74 million COVID-19 PCR tests and 9 million antibody tests.

COVID-19 Outlook

COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, a substantial impact on the global health and economic environments.

The Company continues to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of its business, given continued unpredictability, corresponding state, local and federal government restrictions and policies, the continued emergence of new variants that may cause increases in cases that may impact the Company, and the potential for shifts in customer behavior.

While the Company anticipates that COVID-19 will continue impacting its business in 2023 and potentially beyond, the Company expects a continued decline in demand for COVID-19 Testing, with the potential for increases in demand at different times and across different geographies.

As a result, COVID-19 Testing demand in 2023 is not predicted to match 2022 levels.

The Company performed approximately 13 million COVID-19 PCR tests and 1 million antibody tests in 2023, and since the start of the pandemic has performed approximately 74 million COVID-19 PCR tests and 9 million antibody tes ts.

Capital Allocation

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During 2023, the Company invested $671.5 million in strategic business acquisitions.

The acquisitions have expanded the Company’s service offerings, expanded its customer and revenue mix, and strengthened and broadened the scope of its geographic presence.

The acquisitions have enhanced the Company’s service offerings, expanded its customer and revenue mix, and strengthened and broadened the scope of its geographic presence.

The Company continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities that leverage the Company’s core competencies, complement existing scientific and technological capabilities, increase the Company’s presence in key geographic, therapeutic and strategic areas, and meet or exceed the Company’s financial criteria.

During 2022, the Company repurchased 5.6 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $233.48 for a total cost of $1,100.0 million.

This included 0.9 million shares which were repurchased in 2022 but were part of the $1,000.0 million Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) Program paid for in 2021.

At the end of 2022, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board to purchase $531.5 of Company common stock.

On February 7, 2023, the board of directors adopted a new share repurchase plan authorizing up to $1,000.0 of the Company's shares in addition to the remaining amount outstanding under the previous plan.

The repurchase authorization has no expiration.

The repurchase authorization has no expiration date.

During 2023, the Company repurchased 4.8 million shares of Common Stock at an average price of $206.85 per share for a total cost of $1,000.0 million.

The Company has accrued $9.0 million of excise tax related to this accelerated share repurchase, which will be paid in April 2024.

At the end of 2023, the Company had outstanding authorization from the Board to purchase $530.4 million of Common Stock.

During 2023, capital expenditures were $453.6 million.

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For example, testing volume generally declines during the year-end holiday period and other major holidays and can also decline due to inclement weather or natural disasters.

Testing volumes can also be impacted by changes in the global economy, exchange rate fluctuations, political and regulatory changes, the progress of ongoing studies and the startup of new studies, as well as the level of expenditures made by the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries in R&D.

Declines in testing volume reduce revenues, operating margins and cash flows.

Operations are also impacted by changes in the global economy, exchange rate fluctuations, political and regulatory changes, the progress of ongoing studies and the startup of new studies, as well as the level of expenditures made by the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries in R&D.

As discussed in more detail elsewhere in Item 1, COVID-19 impacted the Company in 2022.

This impact included the effect of the Company’s response to the virus through its testing and drug development services, as well as the effect of COVID-19 on the global economy and demand for the Company’s non-COVID-19 services.

In 2023, approximately 12.9% of the Company's revenues were billed in currencies other than the U.S.

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Company Reporting

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.labcorp.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.labcorp.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Additionally, the SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC.

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The Company's Business

Due primarily to a decrease in COVID-19 testing, the Company experienced a reduction in revenues and other key financial metrics in 2022.

However, by the end of the year, the Company saw accelerated revenue growth in Dx, continued strong underlying fundamentals in DD and margin expansion.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company's revenues from continuing operations were $12.2 billion, an increase of 2.5% from $11.9 billion in 2022.

The 2.5% increase in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022 was due to acquisitions, net of divestitures of 1.7%, organic revenue of 0.6%, and favorable foreign currency translation of 0.2%.

The 0.6% increase in organic revenue was due to an 8.7% increase in the Company's organic Base Business, partially offset by an 8.1% decrease in COVID-19 Testing.

In Millions, Except Per Share Data Years Ended December 31,

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Net earnings attributable to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings $ 418.0 $ 1,279.1

Cash flows from operating activities $ 1,955.9 $ 3,109.6

Basic earnings per common share $ 14.05 $ 24.60

Diluted earnings per common share $ 13.97 $ 24.39

The Company reports its business in two segments, Dx and DD.

In 2022, Dx and DD contributed 61 % and 39 %, respectively, of revenues to the Company, and in 2021 contributed 64% and 36%, respectively.

Cash flows from continuing operating activities $ 1,202.3 $ 1,764.8

Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations $ 4.35 $ 11.00

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations $ 4.33 $ 10.94

The Company reports its business in two segments, Dx and BLS.

In 2023, Dx and BLS contributed 77 % and 23 %, respectively, of revenues to the Company, and in 2022 contributed 77% and 23%, respectively.

Nearly all of Dx’s revenues are generated in the U.S., with a smaller portion in Canada and a relatively small amount in the rest of the world.

DD’s revenues are nearly evenly split between the U.S.

BLS’s revenues are nearly evenly split between the U.S.

and the rest of the world, with approximately 42% derived from the U.S.

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Although this allocation of revenues provides some protection from economic shifts in any one country, it is still heavily tilted towards the U.S.

As a result, the Company continues to actively explore new and expanded business opportunities outside the U.S.

As a result, the Company continues to actively explore new business opportunities outside the U.S.

to further diversify its sources of revenues.

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During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company modified the segment performance measure to exclude the amortization of intangibles and other assets, restructuring and other charges, goodwill and other asset impairments, and certain corporate charges for items such as transaction costs, COVID-19 costs, and other special items.

These changes align with how the CODM now evaluates segment performance and allocates resources.

These changes align with how the chief operating decision maker now evaluates segment performance and allocates resources.

Prior periods have been conformed for comparability.

Diagnostics Laboratories Segment

During 2023, the Dx segment generated $ 9,415.1 million in total revenues and $ 1,591.3 million in segment operating income, resulting in an operating margin of 16.9%.

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It offers a comprehensive menu of frequently requested core testing and specialty testing through an integrated network of primary and specialty laboratories across the U.S.

This network is supported by a sophisticated information technology system, with more than 80,000 electronic interfaces to deliver test

results, nimble and efficient logistics, and local labs offering rapid response testing.

Dx also provides patient access points that are strategically and conveniently located throughout the U.S., including more than 2,000 PSCs and more than 6,000 in-office phlebotomists located in customer offices and facilities.

This network is supported by a sophisticated information technology system, with more than 80,000 electronic interfaces to deliver test results, nimble and efficient logistics, and local labs offering rapid response testing.

Dx also provides patient access points that are strategically and conveniently located throughout the U.S., including more than 2,000 patient service centers (PSCs) and more than 6,000 in-office phlebotomists located in customer offices and facilities.

Although testing for healthcare purposes and customers who provide healthcare services represents the most significant portion of the clinical laboratory industry, clinical laboratories also perform testing for other purposes and customers, including employment and occupational testing, DNA testing to determine parentage and to assist in immigration eligibility determinations, environmental testing, wellness testing, toxicology testing, pain management testing, and medical drug monitoring.

Dx offers an expansive test menu that includes a wide range of clinical, anatomic pathology, genetic and genomic tests, and regularly adds new tests and improves the methodology of existing tests to enhance patient care.

Dx also offers consumer-initiated wellness testing available online through its Labcorp OnDemand™ platform.

The Pixel by Labcorp ® COVID-19 PCR and combined COVID-19 + flu at-home collection kits are also available through Labcorp OnDemand.

Dx typically processes tests for more than 3 million patient encounters each week.

As part of an ongoing commitment to be an efficient and high-value provider of laboratory services, Dx implemented a comprehensive business process improvement initiative known as LaunchPad.

Dx also offers more than 50 consumer-initiated wellness testing available online through its Labcorp OnDemand™ platform.

Dx has more than 160 million patient interactions per year, including patients getting lab results, going to the Company's websites, and purchasing testing online through Labcorp OnDemand.

As part of an ongoing commitment to be an efficient and high-value provider of laboratory services, Dx implemented and has maintained a comprehensive business process improvement initiative known as LaunchPad.

The initiative was designed to reengineer the Company's systems and processes to create a sustainable and more efficient business model, and to improve the experience of all stakeholders.

Dx’s LaunchPad initiative delivered approximately $200 million in net savings for the period of late 2018 through the end of 2021.

The Dx business can be categorized into the following components:

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• Rigorous standard of quality - 24 regional/specialty labs hold ISO 15189 certification, 3 labs hold ISO 13485 certification, and one lab holds both

chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and human immunodeficiency (HIV), and hepatitis C (HCV)), vitamin D, microbiology cultures and procedures, and alcohol and other substance abuse tests

Testing and Related Services • Standard Testing Services - frequently-ordered tests used in regular patient care include blood chemistry analyses, urinalyses, blood cell counts, thyroid tests, PAP tests, hemoglobin A1C, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), tests for sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and human immunodeficiency (HIV), and hepatitis C (HCV)), vitamin D, microbiology cultures and procedures, and alcohol and other substance abuse tests

• Specialty Testing Services - industry leader in gene-based and esoteric testing;

advanced tests target specific diseases and use new technologies;

advanced tests that target specific diseases and use new technologies;

services include anatomic pathology/oncology, cardiovascular disease, coagulation, diagnostic genetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, women's health, pharmacogenetics, parentage and donor testing, occupational testing services, medical drug monitoring services, chronic disease programs, and kidney stone prevention

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Technology-Enabled Services and Support A range of services and support using proprietary technologies to improve the customer and patient experience and provide convenient access to data and analytics, including:

• Nearly 6.5 million enhanced clinical decision support (CDS) reports delivered to physicians and health systems

• Online and mobile applications improving the patient experience by allowing patients to schedule PSC visits, check-in upon arrival, complete documentation, access test results, and manage their accounts

• Online applications for MCOs and accountable care organizations (ACOs) to obtain test results and population and health management data

• More than 6.7 million enhanced clinical decision support (CDS) reports delivered to physicians and health systems

• Online and mobile applications improving the patient experience by allowing patients to learn about the Company's services and products, schedule PSC visits, check-in upon PSC arrival, complete documentation, access tests and test results, and manage their accounts

• Online applications for providers, MCOs and accountable care organizations (ACOs) to obtain test results and population and health management data

Effect of U.S.

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During 2023, approximately 8.8% of Dx’s revenue was reimbursed under the CLFS (8.9% in 2022), and approximately 0.4% was reimbursed under the PFS (0.4% in 2022).

Dx has experienced governmental reimbursement reductions as a direct result of several Congressional acts and regulatory initiatives.

These laws include provisions designed to control healthcare expenses reimbursed by government programs through a combination of reductions to fee schedules, incentives to physicians to participate in alternative payment models such as risk-sharing, and new methods to establish and adjust fees.

Dx has experienced governmental reimbursement reductions as a direct result of several Congressional acts and regulatory initiatives, including those designed to control healthcare expenses reimbursed by government programs through a combination of reductions to fee schedules, incentives to physicians to participate in alternative payment models such as risk-sharing, and new methods to establish and adjust fees.

The most significant of these developments was the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA), which became law on April 1, 2014, and which went into effect on January 1, 2018.

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To offset the cost, the Medicare sequestration was increased to 2.25% for January through June of 2030, and to 3.0% for July through December 2030.

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R.

2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which delayed by one additional year the data reporting requirements and Medicare reimbursement cuts that would have occurred under PAMA in 2023, resulting in a 0% update to the CLFS for 2023.

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which delayed by one additional year the data reporting requirements and Medicare reimbursement cuts that would have occurred under PAMA in 2023, resulting in a 0% update to the CLFS for 2023.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 also included mitigations to several other non-PAMA Medicare cuts in addition to delaying Medicare reimbursement cuts under PAMA.

It delayed until October 1, 2024 the 4% Medicare cuts that would otherwise have been effective January 1, 2023 under PAYGO rules.

In addition, it mitigated PFS cuts in 2023 and 2024 to by 2.5% and 1.25%, respectively, that would otherwise have been (4.47%) in 2023 based on the conversation factor put forward in the 2023 Medicare PFS Final Rule.

To offset the

cost, it extended the 2% Medicare sequestration through the first six months of 2032 and set the sequestration percentage at 2% in fiscal years 2030 and 2031.

In 2023, Dx anticipates a net PFS revenue increase of 0.8% ($0.3 million) from the 2023 PFS Final Rule, driven by a (2.0%) change to the PFS conversion factor that is offset by net positive changes in relative value units (RVUs) for flow cytometry and changes to RVUs for other PFS procedures.

The 2023 PFS Final Rule also included an increase in the CLFS fee for specimen collection by venipuncture from $3.00 to $8.57, which is estimated to increase Dx CLFS revenue for specimen collection by $38.6 million in 2023.

It delayed until 2025 the 4% Medicare cuts that would otherwise have been effective January 1, 2023 under PAYGO rules.

In addition, it mitigated PFS cuts in 2023 and 2024 to by 2.5% and 1.25%, respectively, that would otherwise have been a decrease of 4.47% in 2023 based on the conversation factor put forward in the 2023 Medicare PFS Final Rule.

To offset the cost, it extended the 2% Medicare sequestration through the first six months of 2032 and set the sequestration percentage at 2% in fiscal years 2030 and 2031.

On November 16, 2023, President Biden signed into law the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, which delayed by one additional year the data reporting requirements and Medicare reimbursement cuts that would have occurred under PAMA in 2024, resulting in a 0% update to the CLFS for 2024.

In 2024, Dx anticipates a net PFS revenue decrease of approximately 0.7% ($1.0 million) from the 2024 Medicare PFS Final Rule, driven by a 3.4% decrease to the PFS conversion factor along with changes in relative value units (RVUs) for PFS procedures.

The blood draw rate change was not mentioned in the 2024 Medicare PFS Final Rule, however the rate did receive a consumer price index adjustment resulting in an increase from $8.57 to $8.83 or approximately 3%.

Congress is considering legislation that would mitigate these cuts if enacted.

Pursuant to PAMA as amended, for 2025 through 2027, a CLFS test price cannot be reduced by more than 15.0% per year (excluding non-PAMA reimbursement changes).

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ACLA has continued to work with Congress on potential legislative reform of PAMA, which if adopted could reduce the negative impact of PAMA as currently implemented by CMS.

Under the Laboratory Access for Beneficiaries (LAB) Act, MedPAC was required to conduct a study and make recommendations to Congress on ways to improve data collection, reporting, and rate setting under PAMA to achieve, in a less burdensome manner, CLFS rates that accurately and fairly reflect private market rates.

Under the Laboratory Access for Beneficiaries Act, MedPAC was required to conduct a study and make recommendations to Congress on ways to improve data collection, reporting, and rate setting under PAMA to achieve, in a less burdensome manner, CLFS rates that accurately and fairly reflect private market rates.

MedPAC's June 2021 report to Congress included an analysis of potential statistical sampling methodologies that could accomplish that objective, and ACLA incorporated the concept in PAMA reform proposals to Congress.

On June 22, 2022, the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (S.

8188) was introduced in both the U.S.

On June 22, 2022, the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA), was introduced in both the U.S.

Senate and the U.S.

House of Representatives to provide for permanent reform of PAMA incorporating many of ACLA’s proposals.

SALSA was re-introduced in the US.

Senate on March 28, 2023 and in the U.S.

House of Representatives on March 29, 2023.

The Company supports the ongoing efforts to prevent or lessen the negative impact of the changes to the CLFS pursuant to PAMA, and the full impact of those efforts, but what the long-term effect will be on the CLFS rates is not yet known.

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Under a capitated reimbursement arrangement, the clinical laboratory receives a per-member, per-month payment for an agreed upon menu of laboratory tests, or based upon the proportionate share earned by the clinical laboratory from a capitation pool.

When the agreed upon reimbursement is based solely on an established rate per member, revenue is not impacted by the volume of

testing performed.

When the agreed upon reimbursement is based solely on an established rate per member, revenue is not impacted by the volume of testing performed.

Under a capitation pool arrangement, the aggregate value of an established rate per member is distributed based on the volume and complexity of the procedures performed by laboratories participating in the agreement.

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In addition, continued movement by patients into consumer-driven health plans may have an impact on the utilization of laboratory testing.

Test volumes in 2023 could also change compared to 2022 and 2021 if demand for SARS-CoV-2 testing changes.

Helping to balance the overall negative market changes regarding reimbursement discussed above, the Company believes that the volume of clinical laboratory testing is positively influenced by several factors, including an increase in the number and types of tests that are readily available (due to advances in technology and increased cost efficiencies) for the diagnosis of disease, and the general aging of the U.S.

types of tests that are readily available (due to advances in technology and increased cost efficiencies) for the diagnosis of disease, and the general aging of the U.S.

Periodic infectious disease outbreaks such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus also have the potential to generate additional testing volume in the future, and enhance stakeholders’ appreciation for the value of laboratory testing in combating future potential outbreaks.

Dx believes that its enhanced and growing esoteric menu of tests, leading position with companion diagnostics, broad geographic footprint, and operating efficiency make it well positioned for growth due to a number of market factors, primarily related to a continued drive to improve outcomes and reduce costs across the healthcare system, including but not limited to greater price transparency required under “surprise billing” laws and regulations requiring disclosure of hospital charges.

During 2022, the DD segment generated $ 5,710.2 million in total revenue and $ 801.1 million in segment operating income, resulting in an operating margin of 14.0%.

Dx believes that its enhanced and growing menu of tests, focus on high-potential clinical areas, leading position with companion diagnostics, broad geographic footprint, and operating efficiency make it well positioned for growth due to a number of market factors, primarily related to a continued drive to improve outcomes and reduce costs across the healthcare system, including but not limited to greater price transparency required under “surprise billing” laws and regulations requiring disclosure of hospital charges.

Biopharma Laboratory Services Segment

During 2023, the BLS segment generated $ 2,774.2 million in total revenue and $ 396.3 million in segment operating income, resulting in an operating margin of 14.3%.

In Millions Year Ended December 31,

Revenues $ 2,774.2 $ 2,697.3

DD segment operating income $ 801.1 $ 887.1

DD provides end-to-end drug development, medical device and companion diagnostic development solutions from early-stage research to clinical development and commercial market access.

BLS segment operating income $ 396.3 $ 389.1

BLS provides drug development, medical device and companion diagnostic development solutions from early-stage research to clinical development, along with support for crop protection and chemical testing, through its Early Development Research Laboratories and Central Laboratory Services businesses.

Its customers are comprised of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostic companies across the world.

With a global network of operations, DD offers deep expertise in early development and clinical trials in each therapeutic area.

DD had provided support for 90% of the new drugs and therapeutic products approved in 2022 by the U.S.

FDA, including 100% of those specific to oncology and 87% of those submitted by biotechnology companies.

Through its industry-leading central laboratory business, it supports clinical trial activity in approximately 100 countries.

With a global network of operations, BLS offers deep expertise in early development and clinical trials in each therapeutic area.

BLS had provided support for 84% of the new drugs and therapeutic products approved in 2023 by the FDA, including 77% of those specific to oncology, 68% of those submitted by biotechnology compa nies, and 96% of those submitted by leading and large pharmaceutical companies.

Through its industry-leading central laboratory business, it supports clinical trial a ctivity in approximately 100 countries.

Service Key Features

Preclinical Services • Lead optimization :

connects early discovery activities to regulated pre-clinical studies

Early Development Research Laboratories

• Lead optimization :

connects early discovery activities to regulated preclinical studies

• Analytical services :

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• Provided to biopharmaceutical customers through its global network of central laboratories in the U.S., Europe, and Asia

• Operates world's largest automated clinical trial sample collection kit production line that enables kits to be produced with 5.5 sigma precision

• Operates world's largest automated clinical trial sample collection kit production lines that enable kits to be produced with 5.5 sigma precision

• Six ISO 15189-certified laboratories

Clinical Development and Commercialization Services • Comprehensive range of services including the full-service delivery of Phase I through IV clinical studies, along with a wide offering of functional service provider solutions

• Dedicated group experienced in conduct of trials for medical devices and diagnostics to provide services for expanding market in medical devices

• Leader in clinical pharmacology

• Wide range of commercialization solutions including life cycle management and post-approval studies

• Market access solutions

Technology Solutions Proprietary digital tools and services providing customers with greater access to key insights and results, as well as improved trial management, enhanced transparency, quality, and speed of clinical trials, resulting in reduced costs and increased market potential for customers:

• Patient-facing software applications supporting virtual, hybrid, and traditional trials

• Metrics and benchmarking applications for trial performance monitoring and optimization

• Award-winning informatics software suite for risk-based quality management across clinical trials

• Patient randomization and Clinical Supply Management

Technology Solutions Proprietary digital tools and services providing customers with greater access to key insights and results, enhanced transparency, quality, and speed of clinical trial patient recruitment, resulting in reduced costs and increased market potential for customers:

• Metrics and benchmarking applications for monitoring patient recruitment at clinical site selection, protocol design, and optimization

• Ability to communicate with patients in the U.S.

who may be eligible for clinical trials

Human Capital

Mission and Culture

Labcorp believes in the power of science to change lives.

The Company believes in the power of science to change lives.

The Company’s culture centers around its mission to improve health and improve lives.

The Company's more than 80,000 employees serve clients in over 100 countries.

They are essential to the Company’s ability to innovate and advance science and technology to empower patients, providers, and pharmaceutical companies to make clear and confident decisions.

Engaging the collective expertise and passion of its employees is vital to achieving the Company’s mission, which permeates its performance-driven, collaborative, inclusive, customer-centered, and inquisitive culture.

The Company's more than 67,000 employees located across 17 countries are essential to the Company’s ability to innovate and advance science and technology to empower patients, providers, and pharmaceutical companies to make clear and confident decisions.

Engaging the collective expertise and passion of its employees across the globe is vital to achieving the Company’s mission, which permeates its performance-driven, collaborative, inclusive, customer-centered, and inquisitive culture.

Workforce Demographics

The Company’s success depends on its sustained ability to attract, develop, and retain a highly specialized and skilled global workforce.

Employees are globally dispersed, with 77% in the U.S.

and Canada, 11% in Asia, 11% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 1% in Latin America.

With the completion of the spin-off of Fortrea, nearly 20,000 employees moved from the Company to Fortrea.

All workforce information presented here is for the Company only as of December 31, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

The Company's employees are globally dispersed, with 89% in the U.S.

and Canada, 4% in Asia, and 7% in Europe.

Of the Company’s global workforce, 85% of employees are full time, and 15% are part time.

3.3% of Labcorp’s global workforce is employed under a collective bargaining agreement.

Depending on business demand and the talent-hiring environment, Labcorp supplements up to 8% of its workforce with contingent workers.

The challenges of 2022, felt globally, also presented the Company with significant challenges in acquiring and retaining talent.

Despite these obstacles, Labcorp’s global workforce increased by more than 10% from a combination of organic growth and adding employees through acquisitions.

The majority of Labcorp's hires are sourced through an internal talent acquisition

The Company made significant investments to retain talent and enable the organization to meet the business needs for growth, which are discussed further in the section below on “Compensation and Benefits.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of employees who do not work with patients, animals, in labs, or in logistics, worked remotely.

This includes call center employees, customer service teams, sales teams, and corporate and functional teams.

While some employees returned to on-site work in 2022, the Company expects that a significant number of employees will continue working remotely, or through hybrid, in-office and remote work arrangements.

The Company believes that flexibility in work location and arrangements expands the pool from which it can source experienced and valuable talent.

Diversity and Inclusion

Labcorp's diverse, global talent is core to its ability to innovate and meet patient and customer needs.

About 2.0% of this global workforce is employed under a collective bargaining agreement.

Depending on business demand and the availability of talent, the Company supplements up to 8% of its workforce with contingent workers.

The Company sources the majority of its talent through its internal talent acquisition team.

In 2023, the Company made investments in its talent to support retention and enable the Company's growth.

For the third consecutive year, hiring outpaced voluntary attrition, both globally and in the U.S.

The chart below shows hiring and voluntary attrition in 2023 as a percentage of total Company employees.

Retention initiatives are discussed further in the section below on “Compensation and Benefits.”

Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

The Company's diverse, global talent is core to its ability to innovate and meet patient and customer needs.

The Company believes that the diversity of its employees and its inclusive programs contribute to a healthy, productive, and respectful work environment.

Workforce Diversity Profile:

Gender, Ethnicity, and Race

Global Workforce by GENDER

Workforce by GENDER

Workforce by RACE & ETHNICITY

The Company has a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) strategic framework, with three overarching pillars of focus:

The Company's 2023 Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging (ID&B) strategic framework had three overarching pillars of focus:

empowering inclusive leadership;

developing and sustaining a diverse talent pipeline;

and creating an environment for engagement across the Company and in its communities.

Labcorp’s D&I strategy is designed as a continuing journey to maintain and further evolve its inclusive workforce consistent with the changing dynamics of the global workforce.

Highlights of actions supporting the Company’s D&I framework that it believes will foster a more inclusive environment and strengthen its culture include:

• the continuation of an unconscious bias training program designed to improve self-awareness of personal biases.

The program was rolled out globally in 2021 to all of the Company's people leaders, and more than 6,000 have completed the training through 2022.

Labcorp also deployed Global Harassment training to over 70,000 employees;

• diversity metrics shared quarterly with senior leaders, and establishment of D&I plans at the segment level;

• monthly meeting of the Company's D&I advisory council, consisting of a cross section of leaders to learn about, and be advocates for, our initiatives;

• a formal mentoring initiative that includes a Reverse Diverse Mentoring program that received the Gold Award in the category of Best Advance in Mentoring to Develop Diverse Leaders from the Brandon Hall Group in 2021;

and creating an environment for engagement across the Company and in the communities in which it operates.

The Company’s strategy is designed as a continuing journey to sustain a highly inclusive environment consistent with the changing dynamics of the global workforce.

In 2023, the Company continued to take steps to foster a more inclusive environment and strengthen its culture.

Highlights include:

• shared quarterly diversity updates with senior leaders and progress on ID&B plans by senior leader to focus on inclusion and diversity within each business;

• held monthly meetings of the Company's ID&B advisory council, consisting of a cross section of leaders to learn about, and be advocates for, the Company's ID&B initiatives;

• deployed anti-harassment training to employees around the world;

• continued the global rollout of unconscious bias training program to all new Company leaders.

More than 640 participated in 2023;

• continued the deployment of mentoring, including a formal mentoring initiative that includes a Reverse Diverse Mentoring program that received the Gold Award in the category of Best Advance in Mentoring to Develop Diverse Leaders from the Brandon Hall Group in 2021;

• continued offerings of leadership development programs for women in senior management through the vice president level, and the second annual virtual women's summit for executive women leaders;

• continued to offer opportunities for greater engagement between employees and management, including quarterly global town halls, which are held virtually and are open to all employees, interactions with front-line employees on visits to the Company's facilities, and in-person town halls with employees in select business units;

• developed and introduced the Company's employee value proposition, Embrace Possibilities Change Lives, intended to guide its people strategy, including programs and offerings to attract, retain, and develop talent and to enhance employee engagement;

• continued global expansion of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

ERGs are led by employee volunteers and are important resources to foster cross-company connections, encourage belonging, support career development, and champion employee voices.

The Company now has eight unique ERGs with 106 chapters in 15 countries, growing by more than 30 local chapters from 2021.

ERGs are led by employee volunteers and are important resources to foster cross- connections, encourage belonging, support career development, and champion employee voices.

The Company now has eight unique ERGs with 100 local chapters.

Each ERG has executive sponsorship from senior leadership;

• celebration of different cultures, constituencies, and observances throughout the year, including a “Days of Understanding” series in partnership with ERGs and in alignment with CEO Action, a business-led initiative to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Company was named to FORTUNE ® magazine's 2022 List of World's Most Admired Companies, making the annual list for the fourth time.

Labcorp also made the Forbes 2022 list of World's Best Employers for the third consecutive year, as well as the Forbes 2022 List of Best Employers for New Graduates.

In 2022, the Company was recognized for the fifth consecutive year as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality, with a score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index.

The Index is the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

The Company was also named as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by the Disability Equality Index and one of Newsweek's 2022 America's Most Responsible Companies.

The Company has also implemented opportunities for greater engagement between employees and management.

These include quarterly global town halls that are held virtually and are open to all employees, interactions with front-line employees on visits to the Company's facilities, and in-person town halls with employees in select business units.

In early 2022, the Company initiated a Voice of the Employee Survey.

Responses were received from nearly 50% of Company employees across 64 countries.

The insights provided by employees are being used to make improvements in the virtual onboarding experience for new employees, introduction of a modern global human resources portal, and a reimagined U.S.

benefits portal to help employees to better evaluate their benefits options.

The Company operates in a complex, global, and dynamic life sciences industry and believes that its compensation and benefits programs must continue to be competitive and flexible to attract and retain the caliber of talent needed to sustainably grow the business.

In 2022, the Company’s workforce grew by over 10%.

The Company believes that its ability to expand the workforce in 2022 provides support that the Company's compensation and benefit strategies are competitive and support the Company's ability to attract and retain talent.

The Company continually monitors market activity and employee movement within and outside of the core life sciences industry to maintain competitiveness, given the dynamic business and economic environment and labor market challenges it faces.

In 2022, the Company invested more than $39 million in pay adjustments in addition to annual pay increases, to increase pay competitiveness in the markets in which we compete for talent.

Employee Wellness

The Company also continued investing in the health and wellness of its global workforce, with particular emphasis on improving its U.S.

health benefits program for employees.

The Company’s efforts on this front included:

• no annual cost increase for the payroll contributions in its U.S.

Healthy medical, dental and vision insurance plans, impacting approximately 35,000 covered employees and more than 30,000 dependents.

For approximately 19,000 employees in the U.S.

earning less than $50,000 per year, the Company further reduced the cost of monthly medical insurance contributions by $240 per year;

• providing up to $4,560 in annual medical plan contribution discounts for over 35,000 employees and their spouses and domestic partners for committing to and maintaining a healthy and tobacco-free lifestyle;

• encouraging health and wellness education and activities by providing up to $1,000 in Health Reimbursement Account contributions to approximately 35,000 employees and their spouses or partners;

• reimbursing up to $300 in fitness-related costs for approximately 13,000 employees.

The Company routinely continually educates its workforce on health issues of importance and has prioritized continuous education on the importance of mental well-being by providing communications and resources to all employees.

believes that its investments in compensation and wellness are crucial to maintaining competitive positioning and a productive and engaged workforce.

• celebration of different cultures, constituencies, and observances throughout the year.

Encouraged all employees to participate in Global Diversity Awareness Month by volunteering in their local communities.

For 2024, the Company updated its ID&B strategy and defined three focal pillars:

Inclusive Leadership and Culture, Team Member Experience, and Community Engagement and Patient Focus.

The governance structure will also evolve to include an Executive Council led by the Company's CEO, along with expansion of the ID&B advisory council.

The Company operates in a complex, global, and dynamic life sciences industry and believes that its compensation and benefits programs must be competitive and flexible to attract and retain the caliber of talent needed for the sustained growth and success of the business.

The Company regularly monitors market activity and employee movement within and outside of the life sciences industry to maintain competitiveness.

In 2023, the Company invested more than $20 million in special bonuses to more than 28,000 non-executive employees globally in patient and client-facing roles to recognize employee commitment and contributions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the Company awarded $96 million in annual merit increases to recognize its talent and foster pay competitiveness in the market.

Employee Wellbeing

The Company believes that its investments in compensation and employee wellbeing are crucial to maintaining competitive positioning and a productive, engaged workforce.

The Company fulfills its commitment to employee wellbeing by investing in a variety of tools and resources to support its employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Whether it is through zero-cost telehealth visits for medical, dermatological, and behavioral treatment as part of the Company's medical plans in the U.S., employer matching 401(k) contributions and financial wellness workshops, or custom stress management strategies for teams around the world through its Healthy Huddles program, the Company continues to offer various ways for employees to focus on their wellbeing.

The Company also understands the continuing urgency around mental wellbeing and the importance of providing resources to support employees and their families.

In 2023, the Company expanded its wellbeing strategy to include a dedicated U.S.

mental wellbeing specialist who oversees all mental wellbeing initiatives.

Mental Health First Aid Training was completed by 425 of the Company's Human Resources and top leaders at the Company, and the program will expand to others in 2024.

Sixty-six virtual sessions, called Healthy Huddles, were leveraged by leaders for their teams across the globe, with sessions such as guided meditations and stretch breaks.

In partnership with employee assistance program (EAP) providers, the Company recognized World Mental Health Day in October 2023 with events and education throughout the whole month, including a global panel event featuring employees who shared their personal stories and struggles.

An additional 32 live mental wellbeing educational webinars were shared worldwide, to help reduce stigma and enhance awareness.

The addition of free behavioral health services via telemedicine led to a significant increase in utilization for U.S.

members of the Company's medical plans.

Additional efforts in support of employee wellbeing include:

• Reducing the cost of monthly medical insurance contributions by $240 per year for approximately 19,000 employees in the U.S.

earning less than $50,000 per year who participate in Company medical plans;

• Shifting the focus for annual wellness screenings to a more wholistic approach that emphasizes the importance of identifying metabolic conditions that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

Over 30,000 U.S.

employees and their covered spouses and domestic partners received medical plan contribution discounts of up to $4,560;

• Providing up to $1,000 in health reimbursement account contributions, available to approximately 31,000 employees and their spouses or domestic partners to encourage health and wellness education and activities;

• Reimbursing up to $300 in fitness-related expenses for approximately 15,000 employees across the U.S.

The Company's No Charge Laboratory Testing program enables eligible U.S.

employees and their covered dependents to offset any outstanding balance for most lab work sent to a Company facility or patient service center, following insurance claim processing.

Additionally, the Company offers global initiatives to encourage sustainable transportation through programs such as discounted transportation vouchers, reduced-cost bicycle leases, and mileage reimbursement for bicycle commuters, with benefits varying by country.

To enable its employees to establish ownership in the Company, the Company offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) that allows U.S.

employees to purchase Common Stock at a 15% discount.

The plan was extended to an additional 5,000 employees in Canada and the U.K.

in 2022 and 2023 to foster broader employee participation in the plan.

Over 10,000 employees took advantage of the ESPP in 2023.

Development and Training

To meet the needs of patients and clients in the evolving and competitive diagnostics and drug development markets, the Company is committed to creating a work environment that supports a focus on the continuous development and training of its employees.

With this focus, t he Company believes it is well-positioned in the long term to meet the demands of the regulatory environment and accelerate its ability to innovate and develop talent in a highly skilled and competitive talent market.

Labcorp's curriculum has three primary focus areas:

regulatory training;

technical training;

and professional development.

Regulatory training is required by laws and regulations for the Company to operate in certain areas within the life sciences industry and in certain jurisdictions.

Technical training and professional development enable the Company to compete more effectively in the life sciences industry.

The Company maintains an extensive library of over 48,000 courses that are available virtually within its global learning management system.

In 2022, Labcorp employees completed over 2.7 million hours of training, primarily consisting of regulatory and technical training.

In addition, due to the Company’s access to sensitive and personally identifiable information, employees completed over 720,000 IT security training courses, representing more than 150,000 total hours, with the goal of maintaining IT system safety and security for clients and patients.

Labcorp also invests in the professional development of its talent, and in retaining its best employees for future internal opportunities.

In 2022, employees completed more than 50,000 hours of professional development.

In addition, 343 employees completed the Labcorp UK Apprenticeship program that the Company plans to expand in 2023 to include US employees.

Challenges in the talent labor market have reinforced the need to offer new and engaging learning resources.

In 2021, the Company expanded its approach to tuition assistance.

Through 2022, the Labcorp Education Advantage program has fully sponsored 742 employees in their pursuit of higher education in the sciences, with 13 employees completing their bachelor’s degree with this benefit.

Employees enrolled in the Labcorp Education Advantage program have an 11 point lower attrition rate than the global population, evidencing a strong social and human capital impact.

In addition, Labcorp added new relationships with leading academic institutions and learning partners that provide open, online courses.

These partners provide video courses, job aides, and short, self-paced learning taught by industry experts.

As an organization that pursues answers to the world’s most critical healthcare questions, the Company supports its employees with a work environment that emphasizes continuous learning and development.

Through these learning and development opportunities, the Company encourages learning, growth and innovation, to deliver better patient care and new solutions for its customers.

The Company provides professional skills training and role specific training, along with formal and informal mentoring, job rotations, and opportunities for temporary assignments.

The Company onboards and develops new hires through extensive training provided by a dedicated team of technical skill trainers with different departments and functions.

2023 Training Milestones:

• Provided more than 13,700 courses, many of which are available virtually within the global learning management system;

• Completed over 1.3 million hours of training, primarily consisting of regulatory and technical training;

• Offered mentoring programs that 2,400 employees participated in as either mentors or mentees, the largest number of participants to date in the program’s 15-year history;

• Completed more than 9,400 hours of professional development.

As a leader in science, the Company has almost 12,000 science-based jobs and leverages several internal scientific forums to help scientists at all levels of experience continuously learn, innovate, and advance the healthcare industry.

From scientific councils to a Molecular Tumor Board to Science Micro Bites, those in scientific roles are staying current in their fields of study, sharing their knowledge with others, and helping to expand the skills and experience of their colleagues.

An example of scientific employees sharing knowledge and experience is the Lab Exchange Program that was launched in 2023.

Through this program, colleagues in technical positions in our BLS and Dx labs are able to experience a two-week domestic or international assignment at one of five host site labs from the other business segment to which they normally are assigned, during which they are immersed in learning the processes and technologies used at that site.

This helps encourage collaboration across business segments, and exposes both the employees participating in the program and the laboratory staff at their host site with greater knowledge of and exposure to the Company's full scope of laboratory operations.

The Company’s ongoing investment in the development of its people stems from a continuing commitment to build a stronger, more diverse team.

In addition to traditional tuition reimbursement, over the past three years, Labcorp Education Advantage has actively supported employees in their pursuit of higher education by covering tuition costs for healthcare or life science degree programs that contribute to their career advancement within the Company.

To date, more than 1,100 employees have benefited from this initiative, while also avoiding student loan debt.

Company Recognition for Focus on Employee Development

The Company was once again a proud recipient of the 2023 Princess Royal Training Awards (U.K.), honoring the work done through apprenticeship programs and initiatives to develop leaders.

The 2023 award recognized the Company's partnership with the University of Leeds to provide a master's course in Biopharmaceutical Development.

The Princess Royal Training Awards are offered to employers in the United Kingdom who can prove that their outstanding training and skills development programs have resulted in exceptional benefits for their business.

The Company was also ranked #1 in the Medical Care Facilities Sector and #35 out of all Fortune 500 companies surveyed in the 2023 American Opportunity Index.

A joint project from the Burning Glass Institute, the Harvard Business School Project on Managing the Future of Work, and the Schultz Family Foundation, the index uses independent data to measure how well Fortune 500 companies drive economic mobility and positive career advancement for their employees.

The Company aspires to create a workplace where employees can grow and discover more while advancing their career.

Health and Safety

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As the health and safety of employees is a primary concern, the Company has established numerous employee health and safety protocols, including engineering and administrative controls, policies, procedures, processes, and training to minimize the potential for, and the severity of, work-related injuries and illnesses.

In 2022, the Company was able to reduce its work-related injury rate per 100 employees to 1.5%, a reduction of 6.3% over 2021.

The Company maintained its work-related lost work injury rate per 100 employees at 0.3%.

In 2023, the Company reduced its work-related injury rate per 100 employees 13.6% over 2022.

The Company's maintained work-related lost work injury rate per 100 employees increased by 25% over 2022, to 0.5%.

The Company completed a Corporate EHS Audit on 11 significant laboratory facilities, allowing it to assess locations against common expectations and performance criteria.

In response to COVID-19, the Company modified the audit format so that it could be effectively performed virtually, with the added benefit of reducing audit travel-related greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2022, the Company faced extraordinary challenges in assisting the nearly 400 employees, and in many cases their families, who were adversely affected by the Ukraine/Russia crisis.

In response, the Company supported employees with emergency, short- and long-term housing, transportation and relocation assistance, and provided help with communications, food, and other necessary supplies and services.

The Company also completed nearly 120,000 safety training sessions covering topics that included bloodborne pathogen, chemical safety, and employee health and safety general awareness.

As previously reported, the Company modified the audit format in response to COVID-19 so that it could be effectively performed virtually, with the added benefit of reducing audit travel-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Engagement

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Through the campaign, colleagues had the opportunity to donate to one or more of seven selected charities:

the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross (Disaster Relief), United Way, the National Urban League and new for 2022, Project HOPE.

Employee contributions support these charities to provide needed services in

their local communities and around the globe.

the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross (Disaster Relief), United Way, the National Urban League, and Project HOPE.

Employee contributions support these charities to provide needed services in their local communities and around the globe.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation offers a match opportunity for contributions made through the campaign.

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In observation of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Company colleagues in Geneva, Switzerland supported ARFEC (Association Romande des Familles d’Enfants atteints d’un Cancer) to benefit hospitalized children and their families through toy drives, the creation and sale of a calendar, and participation in the Geneva 20-kilometer race.

Dynacare, a Labcorp company based in Canada, teamed up with Diabetes Canada to organize the #Dyncare4Diabetes campaign for the second consecutive year.

The campaign raises awareness of diabetes and provides accessible and free testing for at risk individuals.

Dynacare, a Company subsidiary based in Canada, teamed up with Diabetes Canada to organize the #Dyncare4Diabetes campaign for the second consecutive year.

The campaign raised awareness of diabetes and provides accessible and free testing for at risk individuals.

In addition to offering free hemoglobin A1C testing at all Dynacare laboratory locations across the Greater Toronto Area and at mobile community clinics, Dynacare donated 50 cents to Diabetes Canada for every individual that participated in the campaign, up to a total of $25,000.

The Company provides its services to a broad range of customers across Dx and DD.

The Company provides its services to a broad range of customers across Dx and BLS.

The primary customer groups serviced by the Company include:

• Health Plans.

The Company serves many health plans, including MCOs and other health insurance providers, each of which operate on a national, regional, or local basis.

• Payers - Health Plans and Employers.

The Company serves many health plans, including MCOs, employer plans, and other health insurance providers, each of which operates on a national, regional, or local basis.

In certain locations, health plans may delegate to independent physician associations (IPAs) or other alternative delivery systems (e.g., ACOs) the ability to negotiate for services on behalf of certain members.

• Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Device, and Diagnostics Companies.

The Company provides development services to hundreds of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics companies, ranging from the world's largest multi-nationals to emerging, small and mid-market companies.

• Physicians and Other Healthcare Providers.

Physicians who require clinical laboratory testing for their patients are a primary source of requests for Dx's testing services.

The Company provides services to hundreds of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics companies, ranging from the world's largest multi-nationals to emerging, small and mid-market companies.

• Physicians, Large Provider Organizations, and Other Healthcare Providers.

Physicians and other healthcare providers who are authorized to order clinical laboratory testing for their patients are a primary source of requests for Dx's testing services.

These physicians and other providers may practice in a range of settings, including small medical practices, community-based clinics, and large, multidisciplinary organizations.

• Hospitals and Health Systems.

The Company provides hospitals and health systems with services ranging from core and specialty testing to supply chain and technical support services, and the opportunity to be a research partner for participation in studies and clinical trials with DD.

In some cases, a hospital’s on-site laboratory may be operated or managed by an outside contractor or independent laboratory, including the Company.

• Other Customers.

The Company serves a broad range of other customers, incl uding, but not limited to, governmental agencies, employers, patients and consumers, CROs, crop protection and chemical companies, academic institutions, independent clinical laboratories, and retailers.

The Company serves a broad range of other customers, incl uding, but not limited to, governmental agencies, employers, patients and consumers, contract research organizations (CROs), crop protection and chemical companies, academic institutions, independent clinical laboratories, and retailers.

Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service

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The Company's sales force is responsible for both new sales and for customer retention and relationship building.

For Dx, these market segments generally include primary care, women's health, specialty medicine (e.g., infectious diseases, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology), oncology, ACOs, and hospitals and health systems, with different representatives focused on each segment to better understand and respond to the unique needs of each clinical area.

The DD global sales organization provides customer coverage across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries for services including lead optimization, preclinical safety assessment, analytical services, clinical trials, central laboratories, biomarkers, and companion diagnostics, market access and technology solutions.

As part of the Company's ongoing strategic priority to maximize the value of its unique leadership in both diagnostics and drug development, sales representatives from each business segment work together on outreach to potential customers of each business, including hospitals and health systems that may purchase testing and participate in clinical trials, or pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical device companies whose studies may benefit from use of Dx’s specialty testing or network of PSCs.

For Dx, these market segments have different representatives focused on each segment in order to better understand and respond to the unique needs of each segment.

These include clinical areas, such as primary care, oncology, women's health, autoimmune diseases, neurology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, gastroenterology, rheumatology and other specialties;

payers, such as ACOs, MCOs, and employers;

and customers, such as physicians and physician organizations and hospitals and health systems.

The BLS global sales organization provides customer coverage across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries for services including lead optimization, preclinical safety assessment, analytical services, clinical trials, central laboratories, biomarkers, companion diagnostics, and technology solutions.

As part of the Company's ongoing strategic priority to maximize the value of its unique leadership in both diagnostics and drug development, sales representatives from each business segment work together on outreach to potential customers of both businesses, including hospitals and health systems that may purchase testing and participate in clinical trials, or pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device companies whose studies may benefit from use of Dx’s specialty testing, companion diagnostics, and network of PSCs.

Market Opportunity

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The clinical laboratory business is intensely competitive, and the Company believes that both competition and consolidation in the clinical laboratory business will continue.

CMS has estimated that, as of February 2023, there were 9,165 hospital-based laboratories, 123,511 physician-office laboratories, and 9,411 independent clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories in the U.S.

CMS has estimated that, as of February 2024, there were nearly 320,000 clinical laboratories of all types, including approximately 9,200 hospital-based laboratories, just under 123,000 physician-office laboratories, and 9,063 independent clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories in the U.S.

Dx competes with all of those laboratories.

In addition, an increasing number of health system laboratories have been expanding their operations and business, resulting in greater competition for testing from physicians within those systems and from unaffiliated physicians in the health system laboratories’ service areas.

In addition, an increasing number of health syst em laboratories have been expanding their operations and business, resulting in greater competition for testing from physicians within those systems and from unaffiliated physicians in the health system laboratories’ service areas.

Dx believes that the selection of a laboratory is primarily based on the following factors, all of which the Company believes it competes favorably in:

• brand strength and reputation;

• leadership in science, technology, and innovation;

• patient satisfaction levels;

• national scale, and local presence with access to testing within 10 miles of most households;

• quality, timeliness, and consistency in reporting test results;

• reputation of the laboratory in the medical community or field of specialty;

• contractual relationships with MCOs;

• service capability and convenience;

• number and type of tests performed;

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In addition to the factors listed above, the Company believes that the operational and economic efficiencies provided by its integrated service and logistics network, large-scale automated testing, and regular introduction of new technologies will allow the Company to compete effectively with other providers of laboratory services.

Drug development services companies like DD are also referred to as CROs and typically derive substantially all of their revenue from research and development (R&D), as well as marketing expenditures, of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries.

Outsourcing of R&D services to CROs has increased in the past, and is expected to continue increasing in the future.

Increasing pressures to improve return on investment, to increase R&D productivity, to stay abreast of scientific advances and to comply with stringent government regulations and attempts to reduce and control the price of prescription drugs have all contributed to this outsourcing to CROs.

A CRO provides clients with flexibility in aligning resources to demand.

The Company believes that in 2023, the global pharmaceutical industry spent more than $200 billion on R&D.

Drug development services businesses like BLS typically derive most of their revenue from R&D, as well as marketing expenditures, of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.

Outsourcing of R&D services to CROs and other service providers has increased in the past, and is expected to continue increasing in the future.

prescription drugs have all contributed to this outsourcing which provides clients with flexibility in aligning resources to demand.

In the face of mounting complexity, the investment and amount of time required to develop new products are significant and have been increasing.

These trends create opportunities for DD and other CROs that can help make the development process more efficient.

The drug development industry has many participants ranging from hundreds of small providers to a limited number of large CROs with global capabilities.

DD competes against these small and large CROs, as well as in-house departments of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and diagnostic companies, and to a lesser extent, selected academic research centers, universities and teaching hospitals.

DD believes that customers selecting a CRO often consider the following factors, all of which the Company believes it competes favorably in:

These trends create opportunities for BLS and other companies providing drug development services that can help make the development process more efficient.

The drug development industry has many participants ranging from hundreds of small providers to a limited number of large companies with global capabilities.

BLS competes against these small and large businesses, as well as in-house departments of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostic companies, and to a lesser extent, selected academic research centers, universities, and teaching hospitals.

BLS believes that customers selecting a drug development partner often consider the following factors, all of which the Company believes it competes favorably in:

• reputation for quality and regulatory compliance;

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• data and analytical capabilities;

• post-approval and market access services;

• ability to recruit patients;

• ability to enhance patient recruitment;

• scope of service offerings;

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• quality of relationships, including investigator and patient;

• ability to manage large-scale clinical trials both domestically and internationally, including the recruitment of appropriate and sufficient clinical trial subjects;

• ability to manage large-scale clinical trials both domestically and internationally;

• size and scale;

• decentralized clinical trial capabilities;

• ability to support decentralized clinical trials;

• ability to develop companion diagnostics;

• access to talent.

Dx and DD have comprehensive quality systems and processes appropriate for their respective businesses.

The Company's quality programs are overseen by Dx's National Office of Quality, DD’s Global Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance Unit, DD's clinical trial services global vendor management department, DD's central laboratory services expanded laboratory management services department, and the Company's global supply chain management department and project management staff.

Dx and BLS have comprehensive quality systems and processes appropriate for their respective businesses.

The Company's quality programs are overseen by Dx's National Office of Quality, BLS’s Global Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance Unit, BLS's central laboratory services expanded laboratory management services department, and the Company's global supply chain management department and project management staff.

The Company has procedures for monitoring its internal performance, as well as that of its vendors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.

In addition, various groups and departments within the Company provide oversight to monitor and control vendor products and performance, and play an essential role in the Company’s approach to quality through improvements in processes and automation.

Virtually all facets of the Company’s services are subject to quality programs and procedures, including accuracy and reproducibility of tests, turnaround time, customer service, data integrity, patient satisfaction, and billing.

The Company’s quality programs include measures that compare current performance against desired performance goals to monitor critical aspects of service to its customers and patients.

This includes licensing, credentialing, training and competency of professional and technical staff, and internal auditing.

In addition to the Company's own quality programs, the Company’s laboratories, facilities and processes are subject to on-site regulatory agency inspections and accreditation evaluations, in addition to surveys and proficiency testing, by local or national government agencies;

independent external accrediting programs;

and inspections and audits by customers.

Thirty-three of the Company's laboratories have received ISO 15189 and/or ISO 13485 accreditation, demonstrating that they meet international standards for quality and technical competence.

This includes licensing, credentialing, training, and competency assessment of professional and technical staff, and internal auditing.

Thirty-three of the Company's laboratories have received ISO 15189, ISO 13485 and/or ISO 141791 accreditation, demonstrating that they meet international standards for quality and technical competence.

Information Systems

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The Company's centralized information systems are responsible for operational efficiencies, enabling the Company to achieve consistent, structured, and standardized operating results and effective patient care.

The information systems used by Dx and DD are discussed in more detail in the sections dedicated to each of those segments.

The information systems used by Dx and BLS are discussed in more detail in the sections dedicated to each of those segments.

The Company's cybersecurity processes and systems are discussed in more detail under “Cybersecurity” in Item 1C.

For several years the Company has deployed artificial intelligence and machine learning tools (AI) to supplement its existing data analysis projects and support greater efficiency in its operations.

The Company is currently evaluating and testing various further applications of AI, while also implementing policies and processes to provide appropriate governance over the use of AI by the Company.

Intellectual Property Rights

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As result of such disputes, the Company may have to develop costly non-infringing technology or enter into licensing agreements.

These agreements, if necessary, may require financial or other terms that could have an adverse effect on

the Company's business and financial condition.

These agreements, if necessary, may require financial or other terms that could have an adverse effect on the Company's business and financial condition.

Regulation and Reimbursement

Because the Company operates in a number of distinct environments and in a variety of locations worldwide, it is subject to numerous, and sometimes overlapping, regulatory requirements.

Both the clinical laboratory industry and the drug development business are subject to significant governmental regulation at the national, state and local levels.

As described below, these regulations concern licensure and operation of clinical laboratories, claim submission and reimbursement for laboratory services, healthcare fraud and abuse, drug development services, security and confidentiality of health information, quality, and environmental and occupational safety.

Both the clinical laboratory and the drug development businesses are subject to significant governmental regulation at the international, national, state and local levels.

As described below, these regulations concern licensure and operation of clinical laboratories, claims submission and reimbursement for laboratory services, healthcare fraud and abuse, drug development services, security and confidentiality of health information, quality, and environmental and occupational safety.

Regulation of Clinical Laboratories

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FDA and Other Regulatory Agency Laws and Regulations

Various regulatory agencies, including CMS and the FDA in the U.S., regulate the development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, advertising, marketing, distribution, storage, import, export, performance, and surveillance of diagnostic and therapeutic products and services, including certain products and services offered by the Company and the development of therapeutic products that comprise the majority of DD’s business.

The FDA and other regulatory agencies periodically inspect and review the manufacturing processes and product performance of diagnostic and therapeutic products, while CMS, certain state programs, and accreditation entities inspect and review the facilities, personnel, and procedures of clinical laboratories and their laboratory operations.

The FDA and other regulatory agencies also periodically inspect clinical study sites and CROs that conduct clinical trials, including test facilities that perform tests on samples from human subjects enrolled in such clinical studies of drugs, biologics, and medical devices.

The FDA and other regulatory agencies also periodically inspect test facilities that perform tests on samples from preclinical studies and on human subjects enrolled in such clinical studies of drugs, biologics, and medical devices.

These agencies have the authority to take various administrative and legal actions for noncompliance, such as fines, withdrawal of product approval, warning or untitled letters, seizures, recalls, injunctions, and other civil and criminal sanctions.

Since 2014, there have been ongoing discussions and advocacy between stakeholders, including the clinical laboratory industry, the FDA, and Congress, about potential FDA regulation of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), which are assays developed and performed in-house by clinical laboratories and can be made available to the public without pre-market review by the FDA (although COVID-19 diagnostic PCR LDTs have been subject to FDA pre-market requirements as a consequence of the national health emergency).

Various regulatory and legislative proposals are under consideration, including some that

could increase general FDA oversight of clinical laboratories and LDTs.

The outcome and ultimate impact of such proposals on the Company is difficult to predict at this time.

Since 2014, there have been ongoing discussions and advocacy between stakeholders, including the clinical laboratory industry, the FDA, and Congress, about potential FDA regulation of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), which are assays developed and performed in-house by clinical laboratories and can be made available to the public without pre-market review by the FDA, with limited exceptions that require LDTs to follow pre-market requirements, such as during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

On September 29, 2023, the FDA released a proposed rule to regulate LDTs as medical devices, which was formally published in the Federal Register on October 3, 2023.

The proposed rule seeks to make explicit that in vitro diagnostic products (IVDs) are devices under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, including when the manufacturer of the IVD is a clinical laboratory.

In conjunction with this proposed rule and issuance of new regulations, the FDA is proposing a policy by which FDA would phase out its general enforcement discretion approach for LDTs over a period of four years after the publication of a final rule so that LDTs manufactured by a clinical laboratory would, over the transition period, fall under the existing enforcement approach as for IVDs.

The proposed rule would not grandfather existing tests or exempt academic medical centers or small laboratories, but the FDA has requested public comments on whether it should include those features in a final rule.

ACLA disputes FDA’s assertion that LDTs are medical devices, and filed comments in December 2023 opposing the proposed rule and urging its withdrawal based on both policy and legal grounds.

In December 2023, the Company also filed comments opposing the proposed rule and urging its withdrawal for the reasons set forth in ACLA’s comments.

Both ACLA and the Company have urged FDA to continue working with Congress and stakeholders toward enactment of appropriate legislation instead of pursuing device regulation of LDTs through a proposed rulemaking.

There are similar national and regional regulatory agencies, and regulations, in the jurisdictions outside of the U.S.

in which the Company operates.

For example, the European Union In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (EU IVDR)), which became applicable May 26, 2022, established a new legislative framework for in vitro diagnostic devices including a rule-based classification and quality and safety standards.

For example, the European Union In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation, which became applicable May 26, 2022, established a new legislative framework for in vitro diagnostic devices including a rule-based classification and quality and safety standards.

In addition, both Switzerland and the United Kingdom are implementing new legislative frameworks similar to the EU IVDR.

DD’s laboratory facilities and Dx's clinical laboratory facilities that perform testing in support of clinical trials, must conform to a range of standards and regulations, including good laboratory practice (GLP) and good clinical practice (GCP), good manufacturing practice (cGMP), human subject protection and investigational product exemption regulations, and quality system regulation (QSR) requirements, as applicable.

The preclinical and clinical studies that the Company conducts are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA as well as other regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions outside the U.S.

in which the Company operates, which may include, without limitation, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K., the European Medicines Agency, the National Medical Products Administration in China, and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan, to determine compliance with GLP and GCP as well as other applicable standards and regulations.

If a regulatory agency determines during an inspection that the Company’s equipment, facilities, laboratories, operations, or processes do not comply with applicable regulations and GLP and/or GCP standards, the regulatory agency may issue a formal notice (FDA Form 483), which may be followed by a warning letter if observations are not addressed satisfactorily.

Noncompliance may result in, among other things, unanticipated compliance expenditures, or the regulatory agency seeking civil, criminal or administrative sanctions and/or remedies against the Company, including suspension of its operations.

BLS’s laboratory facilities and Dx's clinical laboratory facilities that perform testing services in support of preclinical studies and clinical trials, must conform to a range of standards and regulations, including good laboratory practice (GLP) and good clinical practice (GCP), current good manufacturing practice (cGMP), human subject protection and investigational product exemption regulations, and quality system regulation (QSR) requirements, as applicable.

The preclinical and clinical testing intended to support applications for research or marketing, and the studies that the Company conducts, are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA, as well as other regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions outside the U.S.

in which the Company operates, which may include, without limitation, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K., the European Medicines Agency, the National Medical Products Administration in China, and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan, to determine compliance with GLP, GCP, and cGMP, as well as other applicable standards and regulations.

If a regulatory agency determines during an inspection that the Company’s equipment, facilities, laboratories, operations, or processes do not comply with applicable regulations and GLP, GCP and/or cGMP standards, the regulatory agency may issue a formal notice (e.g., FDA Form 483), which may be followed by a warning letter or other enforcement actions if observations are not addressed satisfactorily.

Noncompliance may result in, among other things, unanticipated compliance expenditures, the regulatory agency seeking civil, criminal or administrative sanctions and/or remedies against the Company, including suspension of its operations, and related customer contractual claims and other liabilities.

The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 was enacted in December 2022 as Section 3209 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.

This Act amended Section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.

355) to clarify the methods manufacturers and sponsors can use to investigate the safety and efficacy of a drug or the toxicity of a bioisimilar biologic product to include tests on animals as well as certain tests that are not performed on animals.

Specifically, the Act replaces a statutory reference to “tests on animals” as a viable option for pre-clinical testing with a reference to “nonclinical tests”, which includes animal testing, cell-based assays, microphysiological systems, or bioprinted or computer models.

This Act amended Section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to clarify the methods manufacturers and sponsors can use to investigate the safety and efficacy of a drug or the toxicity of a biosimilar biologic product to include tests on animals, as well as certain tests that are not performed on animals.

Specifically, the Act replaces a statutory reference to “tests on animals” as a viable option for preclinical testing with a reference to “nonclinical tests”, which includes animal testing, cell-based assays, microphysiological systems, or bioprinted or computer models.

The Act does not eliminate animal testing or require the use of non-animal models.

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However, many procedures intended to reduce animal tests are still in various stages of development.

Since such alternative methodologies must first be validated before FDA will approve of their use instead of validated animal models, the practical impact of the Act is likely to be limited for some time.

Additionally, certain DD services and activities, such as chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) services and manufacturing of investigational medicinal products for use in certain Phase I studies managed by DD, must conform to cGMP.

DD is subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and the MHRA, as well as other regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions outside the U.S.

Such alternative methodologies must first be validated before FDA will approve of their use instead of validated animal models, so the practical impact of the Act is likely to be limited for some time.

Additionally, certain BLS services and activities, such as chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) services, must conform to cGMP.

BLS is subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and the MHRA, as well as other regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions outside the U.S.

in which the Company operates, in order to assess, among other things, cGMP compliance.

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FDA regulatory requirements include:

all of the relevant elements of the Quality System Regulation (which requires manufacturers to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures), labeling regulations, restrictions on promotion and advertising, Medical Device Reporting regulations (which requires the manufacturer to report to the FDA if its device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur), the Reports of Corrections and Removals regulations (which requires manufacturers to report certain recalls and field actions to the FDA), and other post-market requirements.

all of the relevant elements of the QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation, and other quality assurance procedures;

labeling regulations;

restrictions on promotion and advertising;

Medical Device Reporting regulations, which require the manufacturer to report to the FDA if its device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur;

the Reports of Corrections and Removals regulations, which require manufacturers to report certain recalls and field actions to the FDA;, and other post-market requirements.

To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, medical device manufacturers are subject to market surveillance and periodic, pre-scheduled and unannounced inspections by the FDA.

Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements

can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may include sanctions, operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production;

refusal to grant clearance or approvals of new devices;

withdrawal of clearance or approval;

and civil or criminal prosecution.

Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may include sanctions, operating restrictions, partial suspension, or total shutdown of production, refusal to grant clearance or approvals of new devices, withdrawal of clearance or approval, and civil or criminal prosecution.

Animal Welfare Laws and Regulations

The conduct of animal research at DD’s facilities in the U.S.

must be in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which governs the care and use of warm-blooded animals for research in the U.S.

other than laboratory rats, mice, and chickens, and is enforced through periodic inspections by the U.S.

The conduct of animal research at BLS’s facilities in the U.S.

must be in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which governs the care and use of warm-blooded animals for research in the U.S., other than laboratory rats, mice, and chickens, and is enforced through periodic inspections by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The AWA establishes facility standards regarding several aspects of animal welfare, including housing, ventilation, lighting, feeding and watering, handling, veterinary care, and recordkeeping.

DD complies with licensing and registration requirement standards set by the USDA and similar agencies in foreign jurisdictions such as the European Union, the U.K., and China for the care and use of regulated species.

If the USDA determines that DD’s equipment, facilities, laboratories or processes do not comply with applicable AWA standards, it may issue an inspection report documenting the deficiencies and setting deadlines for any required corrective actions.

BLS complies with licensing and registration requirement standards set by the USDA and similar agencies in foreign jurisdictions such as the European Union, the U.K., and China for the care and use of regulated species.

If the USDA determines that BLS’s equipment, facilities, laboratories or processes do not comply with applicable AWA standards, it may issue an inspection report documenting the deficiencies and setting deadlines for any required corrective actions.

The USDA may impose fines, suspend and/or revoke licenses and registrations, or confiscate research animals.

Other countries where the Company conducts business have similar laws and regulations with which the Company must also comply.

In addition, certain of DD’s animal-related activities may be subject to regulation by the U.S.

In addition, certain of BLS’s animal-related activities may be subject to regulation by the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare of the National Institutes of Health, the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, and similar organizations in other jurisdictions.

Fish and Wildlife Service, and similar organizations in other jurisdictions in which the Company operates.

Payment for Clinical Laboratory Services

In 2023, Dx derived approximately 10.6% of its revenue directly from traditional Medicare and Medicaid programs.

In addition, Dx's other commercial laboratory testing business that is not directly related to Medicare or Medicaid nevertheless depends significantly on continued participation in these programs and in other government healthcare programs, in part because customers often want a single laboratory to perform all of their testing services.

In recent years, both governmental and private-sector payers have made efforts to contain or reduce healthcare costs, including reducing reimbursement for clinical laboratory services.

Reimbursement under the Medicare PFS is capped at different rates in each Medicare Administrative Contractor's jurisdiction.

because customers often want a single laboratory to perform all of their testing services.

In recent years, both governmental and private-sector payers have made efforts to contain or reduce healthcare costs, including for clinical laboratory services.

Reimbursement under the PFS is capped at different rates in each Medicare Administrative Contractor's jurisdiction.

Pursuant to PAMA, unless modified by Congress, reimbursement under the CLFS is set at a national rate that is updated every three years for most tests.

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For 2022, Congress increased the conversion factor by 3.0% over the amount announced in the final rule, instead of allowing a 3.75% reduction to take effect.

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Congress mitigated PFS cuts in 2023 and 2024 by 2.5% and 1.25%, respectively, that would otherwise have been (4.47%) in 2023 based on the conversation factor put forward in the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule.

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Congress mitigated PFS cuts in 2023 and 2024 by 2.5% and 1.25%, respectively, that would otherwise have been reduced by 4.47% in 2023 based on the conversion factor put forward in the 2023 Medicare PFS Final Rule.

Approximately 0.4% of Dx's revenue is reimbursed under the PFS.

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Further, some payers require additional information to process claims, employ third-party utilization management tools, or have implemented prior authorization policies which delay or prohibit payment.

In 2022, there were limited coding and billing changes.

While limited changes are expected to be implemented in 2023, the Company typically expects some delays in pricing and reimbursement as new codes are introduced.

Future changes in national, state, and local laws and regulations (or in the interpretation of current regulations) affecting government payment for clinical laboratory testing could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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The Company, which may act as a HIPAA covered entity in certain circumstances, believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with each of the HIPAA Rules identified above.

The Privacy Rule regulates the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) by covered entities.

It also sets forth certain rights that an individual has with respect to his or her PHI maintained by a covered entity, such as the right to access or amend certain records containing PHI or to request restrictions on the use or disclosure of PHI.

The Privacy Rule requires covered entities to contractually bind third parties, known as business associates, in the event that they perform an activity or service for or on behalf of the covered entity that involves the creation, receipt, maintenance, or transmission of PHI.

On February 6, 2014, CMS and HHS published final regulations that amended the HIPAA Privacy Rule to provide individuals (or their personal representatives) with the right to receive copies of their test reports from laboratories subject to HIPAA, or to request that copies of their test reports be transmitted to designated third parties.

On December 12, 2018, HHS issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input from the public on how the HIPAA regulations and the Privacy Rule, in particular, could be modified to amend existing, or impose additional, obligations relating to the processing of PHI.

Subsequent to the RFI, on January 21, 2021, HHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) containing potential modifications to the Privacy Rule addressing standards that may impede the transition to value-based healthcare and strengthen individuals' rights to access their health information.

The public comment period for the NPRM was closed on May 6, 2021.

The Company is monitoring the NPRM process.

If modifications to the Privacy Rule are adopted, they may impact the Company's compliance obligations under HIPAA.

Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), which was enacted in February 2009, with regulations effective on September 23, 2013, strengthened and expanded the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and their restrictions on use and disclosure of PHI.

HITECH includes, but is not limited to, prohibitions on exchanging PHI for remuneration and additional restrictions on the use of PHI for marketing.

HITECH also fundamentally changes a business associate’s obligations by imposing a number of Privacy Rule requirements and a majority of Security Rule provisions directly on business associates that were previously only directly applicable to covered entities.

HITECH also imposes a number of Privacy Rule requirements and a majority of Security Rule provisions directly on business associates that were previously only directly applicable to covered entities.

Moreover, HITECH requires covered entities to provide notice to individuals, HHS, and, as applicable, the media when unsecured PHI is breached, as that term is defined by HITECH.

Business associates are similarly required to notify covered entities of a breach.

The Privacy Rule regulates the use and disclosure of PHI by covered entities.

It also sets forth certain rights that individuals have with respect to their PHI maintained by a covered entity, such as the right to access or amend certain records containing PHI or to request restrictions on the use or disclosure of PHI.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires covered entities to contractually bind third parties, known as business associates, in the event that they perform an activity or service for or on behalf of the covered entity that involves the creation, receipt, maintenance, or transmission of PHI.

On December 12, 2018, HHS issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input from the public on how the HIPAA regulations and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, in particular, could be modified to amend existing, or impose additional, obligations relating to the processing of PHI.

Subsequent to the RFI, on January 21, 2021, HHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) containing potential modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule addressing standards that may impede the transition to value-based healthcare and strengthen individuals' rights to access their health information.

The public comment period for the NPRM was closed on May 6, 2021.

On April 12, 2023, HHS published a NPRM containing potential modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule addressing the use or disclosure of PHI in relation to the provision of reproductive health care pursuant to Executive Order 14076.

The public comment period for the NPRM was closed on June 16, 2023.

The Company is monitoring the NPRM process.

If modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule are adopted, they may impact the Company's compliance obligations under HIPAA.

The administrative simplification provisions of HIPAA mandate the adoption of standard unique identifiers for healthcare providers.

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Violations of the HIPAA provisions could result in civil and/or criminal penalties, including significant fines and up to 10 years in prison.

HITECH also significantly strengthened HIPAA enforcement by increasing the civil penalty amounts that may be imposed, requiring HHS to conduct periodic audits to confirm compliance and authorizing state attorneys general to bring civil actions seeking either injunctions or damages in response to violations of the HIPAA privacy and security regulations that affect the privacy of state residents.

The total cost associated with meeting the ongoing requirements of HIPAA and HITECH is not expected to be material to the Company’s operations or cash flows.

HITECH also requires HHS to conduct periodic audits to confirm compliance and authorizes state attorneys general to bring civil actions seeking either injunctions or damages in response to violations of the HIPAA privacy and security regulations that affect the privacy of state residents.

The total cost associated with complying with the ongoing requirements of HIPAA and HITECH is not expected to be material to the Company’s operations or cash flows.

However, future regulations and interpretations of HIPAA and HITECH could impose significant costs on the Company.

The information blocking provisions (Information Blocking Rules) of the 21 st Century Cures Act became effective on April 5, 2021.

The Information Blocking Rules prohibit covered actors, including healthcare providers, from engaging in activity that is likely to interfere with the access, exchanges, or use of electronic health information (EHI) unless such activity falls into one of eight exceptions.

The Information Blocking Rules provide for civil monetary penalties for noncompliance by healthcare IT vendors and, separately, “appropriate disincentives” for noncompliance by healthcare providers.

The Information Blocking Rules prohibit covered actors, including healthcare providers, from engaging in activity that is likely to interfere with the access, exchanges, or use of electronic health information unless such activity falls into one of eight exceptions.

The Information Blocking Rules provide for civil monetary penalties for noncompliance by healthcare information technology vendors and, separately, “appropriate disincentives” for noncompliance by healthcare providers.

The Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the Information Blocking Rules.

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In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority to regulate unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including with respect to data privacy and security.

If the Company’s public statements about collection, use or disclosure of personal information are perceived to be inconsistent with the Company’s actual practices, the Company may face accusations of unfairness or deception under the FTC Act or state law equivalents.

If the Company’s public statements about collection, use, or disclosure of personal information are perceived to be inconsistent with the Company’s actual practices, the Company may face accusations of unfairness or deception under the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 or state law equivalents.

In addition, some state laws are more restrictive and, therefore, are not preempted by HIPAA.

Penalties for violation of these laws may include sanctions against a laboratory's licensure, as well as civil and/or criminal penalties.

Effective August 14, 2020, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of HHS (SAMHSA) announced the finalization of proposed changes to the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records regulation.

This regulation protects the confidentiality of patient records relating to the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment that are maintained in connection with the performance of any federally assisted program or activity relating to substance use disorder education, prevention, training, treatment, rehabilitation, or research.

Under the regulation, patient identifying information may only be released with the individual’s written consent, subject to certain limited exceptions.

The latest changes to this regulation seek to better facilitate care coordination, while maintaining more stringent confidentiality of substance use disorder

The Company adopted changes to its policies and procedures necessary for compliance.

Congress and state legislatures also have been implementing new legislation relating to privacy and data protection.

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In addition, in November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) ballot initiative, which introduced significant amendments to the CCPA and established and funded a dedicated California privacy regulator, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA).

The amendments introduced by the CPRA went into effect on January 1, 2023, and new implementing regulations are expected to be introduced by the CPPA.

The amendments to the CCPA introduced by the CPRA went into effect on January 1, 2023, and new implementing regulations are expected to be introduced by the CPPA.

Failure to comply with the CCPA may result in, among other things, significant civil penalties and injunctive relief, or potential statutory or actual damages.

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These claims may result in significant liability and potential damages.

Other states have passed legislation similar to the CCPA, including the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), which became effective January 1, 2023, the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA) and the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA), both effective July 1, 2023, and the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA), effective December 31, 2023.

The VCDPA, CPA, CTDPA, and UCPA heavily mirror the principles and requirements of the CCPA;

Other states have passed legislation similar to the CCPA, including Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Tennessee, Oregon, Montana, Iowa, Delaware, Texas and Indiana.

These laws generally mirror the principles and requirements of the CCPA;

however, these laws do not provide for a private right of action.

Additionally, Washington and Nevada have passed legislation specific to consumer health data, both of which come into effect on March 31, 2024.

The Company continues to assess the impact of these laws on the Company’s business, and the Company is implementing and will prepare to implement appropriate processes to manage compliance with these laws as they become effective and more guidance is provided.

Under the regulation, patient identifying information may only be released with the individual’s written consent, subject to certain limited exceptions.

The latest changes to this regulation seek to better facilitate care coordination, while maintaining more stringent confidentiality of substance use disorder information.

The Company adopted changes to its policies and procedures necessary for compliance.

The European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Regulation (EU) 2016/679, became effective May 25, 2018, replacing Directive 95/46/EC.

The European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became effective May 25, 2018, replacing Directive 95/46/EC.

The GDPR established requirements applicable to the use and transfer of personal data and imposes penalties for noncompliance of up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of worldwide revenue.

The GDPR, as well as the U.K.'s implementation -- the U.K.

General Data Protection Regulation - requires transparency with regard to the means and purposes of processing of personal data;

collection of consent to process personal data in certain circumstances;

the ability to provide records of processing upon request by a supervisory authority or data controller;

implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures to maintain security of personal data;

notification of personal data breaches to supervisory authorities, data controllers, and individuals within expedient time frames;

and performance of data protection impact assessments for certain processing activities.

General Data Protection Regulation -- requires transparency with regard to the means and purposes of processing of personal data, collection of consent to process personal data in certain circumstances, the ability to provide records of processing upon request by a supervisory authority or data controller, implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures to maintain security of personal data, notification of personal data breaches to supervisory authorities, data controllers, and individuals within expedient time frames, and performance of data protection impact assessments for certain processing activities.

The GDPR also provides individual data subjects with certain rights, where applicable, including the right of access, the right to rectification, the right to be forgotten, the right to restrict or object to processing, and the right to data portability.

The GDPR requires that personal data may only be transferred outside of the European Union to a country that offers an adequate level of data protection under standards set by the European Union, or where such transfer is otherwise pursuant to a legal framework approved by the European Union.

On July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) released its decision in Data Protection Commission v.

On July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union released its decision in Data Protection Commission v.

Facebook Ireland Limited, Maximillian Schrems (Schrems II) , which invalidated the EU-U.S.

Privacy Shield as a legal framework for the transfer of personal data outside of the European Union, and suggesting additional safeguards for the use of Standard Contractual Clauses

(SCCs) as a legal framework for the transfer of personal data outside of the European Union.

Privacy Shield as a legal framework for the transfer of personal data outside of the European Union, and suggesting additional safeguards for the use of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) as a legal framework for the transfer of personal data outside of the European Union.

On June 4, 2021, the European Commission release updated SCCs, which, in part, adopted many of the additional safeguards highlighted in the Schrems II decision.

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The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection is complex and continually evolving.

Data protection regulations have been enacted or updated in regions where the Company does business including in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, and in countries such as Canada, India, and the UK.

Data protection regulations have been enacted or updated in regions where the Company does business including in Asia and Europe, and in countries such as Canada, India, and the UK.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in, among other things, civil, criminal and contractual liability, fines, regulatory sanctions, and damage to the Company’s reputation.

Potential government regulation related to AI use and ethics may also increase compliance costs and impact operations as the Company continues to develop, test, adopt, and maintain AI within the Company's operations and in its products and services.

The rapid evolution of AI, and potential government regulation, will require the application of resources to allow the Company to implement AI appropriately in order to minimize unintended, harmful impact, including from the exposure of Company or third-party information or the Company relying on flawed AI outputs.

The Company has implemented an AI Code of Ethics and established an AI Ethics Board to review and help maintain compliance with AI ethical principles and regulatory requirements in the development and use of AI systems, including generative AI tools.

Fraud and Abuse Laws and Regulations

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These laws are interpreted liberally and enforced aggressively by multiple government agencies, including the U.S.

Department of Justice, OIG and various state agencies.

Department of Justice (DOJ), OIG and various state agencies.

Historically, the clinical laboratory industry has been the focus of major governmental enforcement initiatives.

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(viii) compensation paid by laboratories to physicians and hospitals for blood specimen processing and for submitting patient data to registries;

and (ix) remuneration provided to physicians and other health care professionals by pharmaceutical and medical device companies in connection with company-sponsored speaker programs.

(ix) remuneration provided to physicians and other health care professionals by pharmaceutical and medical device companies in connection with company-sponsored speaker programs;

and (x) arrangements between telemedicine companies and healthcare professionals that result in the fraudulent ordering or prescribing of medically unnecessary services, including prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, and clinical laboratory testing.

In addition to the Anti-Kickback Statute, in October 2018, the U.S.

enacted the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (EKRA), as part of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act).

EKRA is an all-payer anti-kickback law that makes it a criminal offense to pay any remuneration to induce referrals to, or in exchange for, patients using the services of a recovery home, a substance use clinical

treatment facility, or laboratory.

enacted the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (EKRA), as part of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act.

Although it appears that EKRA was intended to reach patient brokering and similar arrangements to induce patronage of substance use recovery and treatment, the language in EKRA is broadly written.

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Department of Justice to issue regulations clarifying EKRA’s exceptions or adding additional exceptions, but such regulations have not yet been issued, and there is no additional DOJ or other government guidance to indicate how and to what extent it will be applied and enforced in the industry.

The Company is working through its trade association to address the scope of EKRA.

The Company continues to work through its trade association to address the scope of EKRA.

Under another U.S.

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(ii) payments by physicians to a laboratory for clinical laboratory services;

(iii) ancillary services (including laboratory services) provided within the referring physician's own office, if certain criteria are satisfied;

(iii) ancillary services (including laboratory

services) provided within the referring physician's own office, if certain criteria are satisfied;

(iv) physician investment in a company whose stock is traded on a public exchange and has stockholder equity exceeding $75.0 million;

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CMS is phasing in this new affiliation disclosure requirement.

In November 2021, CMS published a final rule for the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which included further program integrity requirements.

In November 2021, CMS published the 2022 Medicare PFS Final Rule, which included further program integrity requirements.

CMS finalized its proposal to expand the categories of parties within the purview of the denial and revocation provisions to include excluded administrative or management services personnel who furnish services payable by a federal healthcare program, such as a billing specialist, accountant, or human resources specialist.

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(iii) the type of billing non-compliance and the specific facts surrounding said non-compliance (to the extent this can be determined);

and (iv) any other information regarding the provider's

or supplier's specific circumstances that CMS deems relevant to the determination.

and (iv) any other information regarding the provider's or supplier's specific circumstances that CMS deems relevant to the determination.

This is a reduction in the number of factors that were previously considered and a revision of some previous factors.

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The Company is subject to licensing and requirements under laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, and employee health and safety.

These laws and regulations include the safe handling, use, transportation and disposal of potentially infectious and hazardous materials;

These laws and regulations, designed to minimize risk to employee health and safety and to the environment, include the safe handling, use, transportation and disposal of potentially infectious and hazardous materials;

the assessment of potential work-related risks and establishment of work practice and engineering controls, and providing protective clothing and equipment, training, and medical surveillance.

designed to minimize risk to employee health and safety and the environment.

The Company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

The Company participates in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the EcoVadis sustainable procurement rating processes.

In December 2022, the Company submitted science-based targets to the Science Based Target Institute.

Energy-saving measures at Company facilities include for example, installation of more efficient boilers, chillers, ventilation systems and LED lighting, engaging in waste-to-energy disposition, and reducing waste going to landfills.

The Company participates in the Carbon Development Project and the EcoVadis sustainable procurement rating processes.

In 2023, the Company's greenhouse gas emission reduction science-based targets were accepted by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Energy-saving measures at Company facilities include for example, installation of energy efficient boilers, chillers, ventilation systems, and LED lighting, engaging in waste-to-energy disposition, and reducing waste going to landfills.

The Company is also committed to reducing the fuel use of its courier fleet, and in 2023 the Company added nearly 190 hybrid vehicles to its fleet, to help achieve its goals of reducing fuel use.

Funding for these and similar projects continued through 2023 and is expected to continue through 2024.

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Southaven, Mississippi;

Paul, Minnesota are all SAMHSA certified.

Paul, Minnesota;

and Portland, Oregon, are all SAMHSA certified.

Each laboratory also maintains state licensure and laboratory certifications required to provide testing for private sector employers.

Controlled Substances

DD handles controlled substances as part of the services it provides in preclinical testing and clinical trials.

The use of controlled substances in testing for drugs of abuse is regulated by the U.S.

BLS handles controlled substances as part of the services it provides in preclinical testing.

The use of controlled substances is regulated by the U.S.

Drug Enforcement Administration under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and its implementing regulations.

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Although the Company is subject to a broad range of regulations, its compliance program has a particular focus on regulations related to healthcare fraud and abuse, anti-kickback, physician self-referral, government reimbursement programs, anti-bribery/anti-corruption, anti-human trafficking, and trade sanctions, among others.

Emphasis is placed on developing and implementing compliance policies and guidelines, personnel training programs, monitoring and auditing activities, and providing systems for reporting and investigation of potential or actual compliance concerns.

Emphasis is placed on developing and implementing compliance policies and guidelines, personnel training programs, risk assessment, monitoring and auditing activities, and providing systems for reporting and investigation of potential or actual compliance concerns.

The compliance program demonstrates the Company's commitment to conducting business at the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity.

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Potential sanctions for violation of these statutes and regulations include significant civil and criminal penalties, fines, exclusion from participation in governmental healthcare programs, and the loss of various licenses, certificates, and authorizations necessary to operate, as well as potential liabilities from third-party claims, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

Information Security

Information security is one of the Company's top priorities.

Securing personal and health information is critical to the Company’s business operations and to future growth, as the Company is committed to using technology to improve the delivery of care.

A security breach could have a material adverse operational, financial, regulatory, and reputational impact to the Company.

The Company employs a secure technology framework that enables continuous operations of laboratory devices, computers, and communications systems.

The Company has experienced and expects to continue to confront attempts by cybercriminals who seek access to its systems and data.

The Company uses state-of-the art tools and advanced analytics to proactively identify and protect against potential information system disruptions and breaches;

to monitor, test and secure key networks and services, and to facilitate prompt resumption of operations if a system disruption or interruption should occur.

The Company has implemented policies and procedures designed to comply with global laws and regulations related to the privacy and security of personal and health information.

Additionally, the Company maintains a comprehensive behavior management and communications program, which addresses the human element of cybersecurity by providing staff with extensive awareness, education, and training to help prevent cybercrime from succeeding through human error.

The Company is exposed to risks related to information security arising from the information technology systems and operations of third parties, including the Company's vendors and partners.

Therefore, the Company follows a process to evaluate the cybersecurity status of vendors or third parties that will have access to the Company's data or information technology systems.

The Company also carries cybersecurity and business interruption insurance.

Over the past several years, the Company has significantly increased its investment in cybersecurity technology and training to help protect its information technology systems and operations in response to the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

Additional resources will be dedicated as needed to expand the Company’s ability to investigate and remediate any cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and to manage any impact of a cybersecurity event on its business and operations.

In July 2018, the Company experienced a ransomware incident which affected certain Dx information technology systems.

The incident temporarily affected certain other information technology systems involved in conducting Company-wide operations.

An investigation determined that the ransomware did not and could not transfer patient or client data outside of Company systems and that there was no theft or misuse of patient or client data.

On May 14, 2019, Retrieval-Masters Credit Bureau, Inc.

d/b/a/ American Medical Collections Agency (AMCA), an external collection agency, notified the Company about a security incident AMCA experienced that may have involved certain personal information about some of the Company's patients (the AMCA Incident).

The Company is involved in pending and threatened litigation related to the AMCA Incident, as well as various government and regulatory inquiries and processes.

For additional information about the AMCA Incident, see Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Technology and Cybersecurity”.

Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-K

Item 1. Business