Net earnings were $400.6 million, compared to $346.4 million in 2008. EPS were $3.67 compared to $3.06 in 2008. Adjusted EPS were $3.74 compared to $3.48 in 2008. Operating income was $720.1 million. Adjusted Operating Income was $733.0 million, or 20.8% of net sales.

Revenues were $3,529.7 million, an increase of 4.2% compared to the same period in 2008. Compared to 2008, testing volume, measured by accessions, increased 2.3%, and revenue per accession increased 1.9%. Excluding the consolidation of the Company ™s Ontario, Canada joint venture, revenue increased 4.8%, with volume increasing 1.4% and revenue per accession increasing 3.4%.

Operating cash flow for the first nine months was $637.7 million, net of $21.9 million in transition payments to UnitedHealthcare. During the first nine months of 2009, the company repurchased $165.1 million of stock, representing approximately 2.4 million shares.

"We are very pleased with our third quarter and year-to-date results, particularly with our strong revenue growth and cash flow. Pricing discipline, expense control, and continued growth of our esoteric testing allowed us to deliver strong results for our shareholders. said David P. King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Source: Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings