Parenting Experts Say These Are The Topics You Should Never Discuss Around Your Children
That got us wondering: Are there certain topics that just shouldn't be discussed with or in front of kids? And on the flip side, are there certain conversations adults assume are not appropriate for young minds but are actually OK — or even beneficial — to address?
We reached out to parenting experts to get their take. As clinical psychologist Laura Markham, author of the Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids series, said, it's generally less about the subject itself and more about how you approach it.
'For instance, you would not have a discussion about your financial worries that would make your child worry. But you could certainly discuss the fact that a new car or a pricey vacation is not in your budget this year,' she told HuffPost.
Below, Markham and other therapists share their thoughts on the do's and don'ts of communicating when young or school-age kids are present.
5 Things Adults Shouldn't Talk About In Front Of Kids:
1. People's bodies
When adults speak poorly about their own bodies or other people's bodies, children notice and may internalize those negative messages, said marriage and family therapist Brianne Billups Hughes.
'Kids are like sponges, absorbing everything they hear. If they witness adults being critical of themselves, it can lead to issues with self-esteem and body image as they grow,' she told HuffPost.
And it's not just the negative comments that can be damaging over time. When adults make frequent remarks about body shape or weight — even if they're complimentary in nature — it can make kids 'overly concerned about their own appearance,' Markham noted.
2. Critical remarks about a parent or caregiver
It's best for adults to avoid bad-mouthing the child's other parent or caregivers in their life. It doesn't matter if you're speaking to the kid directly or having the conversation when they're in earshot.
Hearing negative comments about a parent can make a child feel as if they have to choose sides or that they're responsible for fixing the situation, which can be damaging to their sense of security, Markham said.
It can also 'strain the relationship with the criticized parent since they now see them as 'not good enough,'' she added, while also making the child feel guilty for thinking of their parent in a negative light.
3. Comments that compare the child to their sibling
Markham advises parents to avoid comments that compare one sibling with another. Such comparisons can breed competition between siblings and lead to increased conflict, she said.
'That intuitively makes sense to us because we can see how it fosters resentment, jealousy and insecurity. But this is just as true for positive messages, which also set up competition,' Markham said.
For example, you might say to your child something like, 'You're my good boy. You never give me a tough time like your brother does.'
Now your child not only feels pressure to hold on to his place as the 'good' one but is also 'motivated to keep his sibling in the role of 'bad' kid,' Markham said. 'How else will he maintain his special place in your eyes?'
4. Adult money issues
As pediatric psychologist and parent coach Ann-Louise Lockhart of A New Day Pediatric Psychology explained, 'Kids don't yet have the cognitive tools to fully understand adult finances.'
So when they overhear conversations about money-related stressors in adults' lives, they draw their own conclusions, 'often assuming the worst,' she told HuffPost.
'Children may think, for example, that the family will lose their home or that they won't be able to buy food, even if the situation is not that extreme,' Lockhart said. 'This fear can lead to increased anxiety and, for some children, a sense of guilt that they're a 'burden' if they need things like new shoes or supplies.'
That's not to say you have to completely keep them in the dark if your financial situation has changed. Just keep explanations clear and concise and your tone calm. If money is tight, Lockhart suggested saying something like, 'We're sticking to a budget so we can make good choices,' which she said is 'often more reassuring.'
'You can help them understand that adults have systems to manage expenses and that their needs will be met,' she added.
5. Comments that glorify alcohol or drug use
Hughes warned that conversations 'normalizing or glorifying' drinking alcohol and using drugs when kids are around can lead to 'unhealthy attitudes toward these substances' down the line.
'Kids are impressionable, and hearing adults speak positively about drinking or using drugs, even jokingly, can set the foundation for curiosity or risky behaviors later in life,' she explained. 'It's important to model responsible behavior and avoid making these substances seem glamorous or harmless.'
5 Things Adults Actually Discuss In Front Of Kids:
On the other hand, there are topics that adults have a tendency to shy away from because they assume talking about them would be harmful to kids. But our experts say these conversations can be good ones to have with or in the presence of children, as long as they are approached in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.
1. Healthy disagreements
Parents might be under the impression they need to resolve any and all conflict behind closed doors. But that's not necessarily true. In fact, it can be beneficial for kids to observe their parents modeling how to respectfully work through a disagreement, Markham said.
'It's important for them to know that we don't always agree, but we always love each other. Kids need to see us ask for what we need without attacking the other person,' she added.
'And it's critical for them to see us make up with affection and forgiveness.'
That being said, heated arguments that include yelling, name-calling or other forms of disrespect should not happen in front of kids, Markham said, as research has shown it does affect them negatively.
And when it comes to certain topics, it's better for adults to hash out those matters privately. 'Discussions about sex or other tender issues are more respectfully conducted without an audience,' developmental psychologist Diana Divecha wrote for Greater Good Magazine.
2. Honest emotions
Many adults try to avoid showing or talking about their emotions around kids, but 'it's actually important for kids to see adults process their feelings in healthy ways,' Hughes said.
It's OK to share that you're feeling upset, worried or frustrated in an age-appropriate way. Doing so helps normalize a wider range of emotions and can help children learn to express and regulate their own emotions, Hughes said.
This also helps them develop their emotional intelligence, Lockhart added.
'If they see you saying something like, 'I'm feeling sad because a friend moved away, and that's normal,' they learn that all emotions are OK and temporary, helping them feel safe to express their own,' she explained.
3. Mistakes they've made
Adults shouldn't feel pressure to uphold a facade of perfection in front of kids. It's OK to admit to them when you've messed up in some way, Lockhart said.
'Talking about your own mistakes and how you handled them helps kids learn resilience and accountability,' she said. 'When they hear something like, 'I made a mistake at work, but I took responsibility, and I'm working on a solution,' they see that mistakes are natural and that they can handle them positively.'
4. Money in general
Though you wouldn't want your child to be privy to the full scope of financial stress you may be facing, money doesn't have to be a taboo subject.
'Discussing financial concepts in an age-appropriate manner can be a valuable learning opportunity,' Hughes said. 'Kids who grow up with an understanding of budgeting, saving, investing, loans and responsible spending are more likely to develop good financial habits as they grow older.'
'The key is to avoid overwhelming them with adult-level stress about money,' she added.
5. Sex, consent, and bodily changes
As a parent, you may find yourself avoiding conversations around these topics with your kids entirely because they seem too uncomfortable or mature to discuss. But introducing these subjects in developmentally appropriate ways is actually quite important, Hughes said.
'Teaching children about consent, body autonomy and the basic facts of anatomy, reproduction or puberty helps them develop a healthy understanding of their bodies and relationships,' she explained.
'These discussions empower children to ask questions, set boundaries and feel comfortable about their own physical development. It also helps prevent misinformation from other sources.'
No matter the topic, how we communicate with and around children can have a lasting effect on them, Hughes said. That's why it's so critical to approach conversations with mindfulness.
'Modeling healthy conflict resolution, self-acceptance and emotional intelligence can provide kids with essential life skills,' she said. 'The goal isn't to shelter children completely but to be mindful of the language and tone used, creating a balanced environment where they can learn and feel secure.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CBS News
27 minutes ago
- CBS News
U.S. birth rate hits all-time low, CDC data shows
New York — The fertility rate in the U.S. dropped to an all-time low in 2024 with fewer than 1.6 kids per woman, federal data released Thursday shows. The U.S. was once among only a few developed countries with a rate that ensured each generation had enough children to replace itself - about 2.1 kids per woman. But it has been sliding in America for close to two decades as more women are waiting longer to have children or never taking that step at all. The new statistic is on par with fertility rates in western European countries, according to World Bank data. Alarmed by recent drops, the Trump administration has taken steps to increase falling birth rates, like issuing an executive order in February meant to expand access to and reduce costs of in vitro fertilization and backing the idea of "baby bonuses" that might encourage more couples to have kids. White House staff secretary Will Scharf remarked to reporters at the time that in vitro treatments "have become unaffordable for many Americans or been unaffordable for many Americans." Health insurance companies aren't required to cover IVF treatments, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But there's no reason to be alarmed, according to Leslie Root, a University of Colorado Boulder researcher focused on fertility and population policy. "We're seeing this as part of an ongoing process of fertility delay. We know that the U.S. population is still growing, and we still have a natural increase - more births than deaths," she said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the statistic for the total fertility rate with updated birth data for 2024. In the early 1960s, the U.S. total fertility rate was around 3.5, but plummeted to 1.7 by 1976 after the Baby Boom ended. It gradually rose to 2.1 in 2007 before falling again, aside from a 2014 uptick. The rate in 2023 was 1.621 but inched down in 2024 to 1.599, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Birth rates are generally declining for women in most age groups - and that doesn't seem likely to change in the near future, said Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina. People are marrying later and also worried about their ability to have the money, health insurance and other resources needed to raise children in a stable environment. "Worry is not a good moment to have kids," and that's why birth rates in most age groups are not improving, she said. Asked about birth-promoting measures outlined by the Trump administration, Guzzo said they don't tackle larger needs like parental leave and affordable child care. "The things that they are doing are really symbolic and not likely to budge things for real Americans," she said. The CDC's new report, which is based on a more complete review of birth certificates than provisional data released earlier this year, also showed a 1% increase in births - about 33,000 more - last year compared to the prior year. That brought the yearly national total to just over 3.6 million babies born. But this is different: The provisional data indicated birth rate increases last year for women in their late 20s and 30s. However, the new report found birth rate declines for women in their 20s and early 30s, and no change for women in their late 30s. What happened? CDC officials said it was due to recalculations stemming from a change in the U.S. Census population estimates used to compute the birth rate. That's plausible, Root said. As the total population of women of childbearing age grew due to immigration, it offset small increases in births to women in those age groups, she said.


Fox News
27 minutes ago
- Fox News
Dallas VA officer rescues choking toddler in heroic bodycam footage
Cpl. Lee Higginbotham joins 'Fox & Friends First' to share his experience saving a toddler from choking and receive a special message from Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Labcorp Announces 2025 Second Quarter Results
Raises Full-Year Guidance Financial results from Operations for second quarter 2025 versus second quarter 2024: Revenue: $3.53 billion versus $3.22 billion Diluted EPS: $2.84 versus $2.43 Adjusted EPS: $4.35 versus $3.94 Raised Enterprise Revenue, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow guidance: Revenue guidance narrowed to 7.5% to 8.6%; midpoint raised by 70 basis points Adjusted EPS range narrowed to $16.05 to $16.50; midpoint raised by $0.23 Free Cash Flow range of $1.13 billion to $1.28 billion; midpoint raised by $25 million Broadened our partnerships with hospitals, health systems and regional/local labs and enhanced access to comprehensive testing and laboratory services Introduced several new tests in high-growth specialty areas including oncology BURLINGTON, N.C., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and raised full-year guidance. "Labcorp had a very strong second quarter, delivering double-digit topline growth, while expanding margins across both segments," said Adam Schechter, chairman and CEO of Labcorp. "We brought innovative tests to market, and applied our leadership in science and technology to drive growth, enhance the customer experience and improve our operations. We remain committed to delivering sustained value to our customers, employees and shareholders as we execute on our long-term strategy. Based upon our performance in the first half and our momentum going into the second half of the year, we're raising our guidance." In the second quarter, Labcorp advanced its position as a partner of choice for hospitals, health systems and regional/local laboratories: Announced an agreement to acquire select assets of Incyte Diagnostics' clinical and anatomic pathology testing businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Continued to progress the acquisition of select oncology and clinical testing assets from BioReference Health. Subsequent to quarter end, Labcorp announced an agreement to acquire select assets of the outreach business from Community Health Systems across 13 states. Labcorp also continued to incorporate the power of science, innovation and technology across the organization during or subsequent to the quarter: Expanded its oncology portfolio with key launches including Labcorp® Plasma Detect™, a liquid biopsy test that assesses colon cancer recurrence risk and PGDx elio® plasma focus™ Dx, the first-and-only FDA-authorized pan-solid tumor liquid biopsy test for targeted treatment guidance. Continued to advance its leading position in Alzheimer's disease, and plans in the coming weeks to offer Fujirebio FDA-cleared biomarker test that aids in diagnosing the disease. Expanded its consumer offerings by launching several consumer-initiated tests through Labcorp OnDemand, including tests that measure an individual's cortisol and leptin levels, and introducing a new and improved Ovia app, providing women with a single platform to support their health journey. Introduced Labcorp Whole Health Solutions for functional medicine, integrative medicine and primary care practices. The solution offers specialized test panels and a test menu of more than 1,000 scientifically backed biomarkers. Added digital pathology capabilities in Central Labs, including advanced image scanning to preserve critical sample data and AI-powered solutions to provide analysis on large datasets instantly. On July 10, 2025, the company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.72 per share of common stock, payable on September 11, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 28, 2025. In the quarter, Labcorp repurchased $200 million of common stock. Additionally, Labcorp raised 2025 guidance for enterprise revenue, adjusted EPS and free cash flow primarily driven by currency, as well as the underlying strength of its businesses. LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,20252024Delta20252024Delta Revenue Summary (Dollars in billions) Total Revenue $ 3.53$ 3.229.5 %$ 6.87$ 6.407.4 % Organic(1) 5.4 %3.7 % Acquisitions, net of Divestitures 3.5 %3.6 % Foreign Exchange 0.6 %0.1 % (1) Organic revenue is no longer broken out between the Base Business and COVID-19 Summary (Dollars in millions, except per share data) Operating Income ("OI") $ 394.5$ 294.8$ 720.5$ 616.1 OI as % of Revenue 11.2 %9.2 %200 bps10.5 %9.6 %90 bps Adjustments (2) $ 137.1$ 185.1$ 280.1$ 316.6 Adjusted Operating Income ("AOI") (3) $ 531.6 (4) $ 479.9$ 1,000.6$ 932.7 AOI as % of Revenue 15.1 % (5) 14.9 %20 bps14.6 %14.6 %— bps Net Earnings Attributable to Labcorp Holdings Inc. $ 237.9$ 205.3$ 450.7$ 433.3 Diluted EPS $ 2.84$ 2.43$ 5.36$ 5.13 Adjusted EPS (3) $ 4.35$ 3.9410.4 %$ 8.19$ 7.627.5 % (2) Adjustments include amortization, impairment charges, restructuring charges, and special items. (3) Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information. (4) The increase in adjusted operating income was due to organic demand as the company leveraged well on revenue growth. (5) Adjusted operating margin was constrained by Invitae. LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTSThree Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,2025202420252024 Cash Flow Summary (Dollars in millions)Operating Cash Flow $ 620.6$ 561.1$ 639.1$ 531.3 Capital Expenditures 77.9128.2203.9262.0 Free Cash Flow $ 542.7 (1) $ 432.9$ 435.2$ 269.3 (1) The increase in free cash flow was driven by higher earnings and the timing of capital expenditures. Capital Allocation Summary At the end of the quarter, Labcorp's cash and cash equivalents balance was $0.65 billion and total debt was $5.58 billion. During the quarter, the company invested $25.0 million in acquisitions and partnerships, paid out $59.9 million in dividends, and repurchased $200.0 million of stock. LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Diagnostics Laboratories Segment Summary Three Months Ended June 30,20252024Delta Revenue Summary (Dollars in billions) Total Revenue $ 2.75$ 2.528.9 % Organic(1) 4.5 % Acquisitions, net of Divestitures 4.5 % Foreign Exchange (0.1 %) (1) Organic revenue is no longer broken out between the Base Business and COVID-19 Testing. Earnings Summary (2) (Dollars in millions) Adjusted Operating Income ("AOI") (3) $ 482.8$ 441.5 AOI as % of Revenue 17.6 % (4) 17.5 %10 bps (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information. (3) Excludes amortization, restructuring charges, special items, and unallocated corporate expenses. (4) Adjusted operating margin was constrained by Invitae. Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 RequisitionPrice/Mix Volume Delta (5)Delta (5) Metrics Summary Total4.9 %4.0 % Organic (6)3.4 %1.1 % Acquisitions, net of Divestitures1.5 %3.0 % Foreign Exchange— %(0.1) %(5) Column shows changes versus the three months ended June 30, 2024. (6) Organic price/mix includes lab management agreements. LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Biopharma Laboratory Services Segment Summary Three Months Ended June 30,20252024DeltaRevenue Summary (Dollars in millions)Total Revenue$ 784.8$ 707.011.0 % (1) Organic7.8 %Foreign Exchange3.2 %(1) Early Development revenue growth of 20.4%, Central Labs revenue growth of 7.5%. Earnings Summary (2) (Dollars in millions)Adjusted Operating Income ("AOI") (3)$ 123.3 (4) $ 107.4AOI as % of Revenue15.7 %15.2 %50 bps (4) (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information. (3) Excludes amortization, restructuring charges, special items, and unallocated corporate expenses. (4) Adjusted operating income and margin increase was primarily driven by organic demand and operating efficiencies. As of June 30, 2025Metrics Summary (Dollars in billions) TTM Net Orders $ 3.34TTM Book to Bill 1.11Backlog $ 8.71 (5) Next Twelve Months Forecast Backlog Conversion $ 2.71 (5) Backlog increased 10.0% compared to this period last year. Guidance for 2025 Labcorp is updating 2025 full year guidance to reflect its second quarter performance and full year outlook. The following guidance assumes foreign exchange rates effective as of June 30, 2025, for the remainder of the year. Enterprise level guidance includes the estimated impact from currently anticipated capital allocation, including acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends. (Dollars in billions, except per share data) PreviousUpdatedResults2025 Guidance2025 Guidance2024Low HighLow High RevenueLabcorp Enterprise (1)(2) $13.016.7 % 8.0 %7.5 % 8.6 % Diagnostics Laboratories(3) $10.146.5 % 7.7 %7.0 % 8.0 % Biopharma Laboratory Services (4) $2.923.0 % 5.0 %6.1 % 7.5 % Adjusted EPS $14.57$15.70 $16.40$16.05 $16.50 Free Cash Flow $1.10$1.10 $1.25$1.13 $1.28 (1) 2025 Guidance includes an impact from foreign currency translation of 0.5%. (2) Enterprise level revenue is presented net of intersegment transaction eliminations. (3) 2025 Guidance includes an impact from foreign currency translation of (0.1%). (4) 2025 Guidance includes an impact from foreign currency translation of 2.5%.Use of Adjusted Measures The company has provided in this press release and accompanying tables "adjusted" financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted net income, adjusted EPS (or adjusted net income per share), adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, free cash flow, and certain segment information. The company believes these adjusted measures are useful to investors as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, GAAP measures, in evaluating the company's operational performance. The company further believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors in evaluating operating results and trends, and growth and shareholder returns, as well as in comparing the company's financial results with the financial results of other companies. However, the company notes that these adjusted measures may be different from and not directly comparable to the measures presented by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures and an identification of the components that comprise "special items" used for certain adjusted financial information are included in the tables accompanying this press release. The company today is providing an investor relations presentation with additional information on its business and operations, which is available in the investor relations section of the company's website at Analysts and investors are directed to the website to review this supplemental information. A conference call discussing Labcorp's quarterly results will be held today at 9:00 a.m. ET and is available by registering at this link, which will provide a dial-in number and unique PIN to access the call. It is recommended that participants join 10 minutes prior to the start of the call, although participants may register and join at any time during the call. A live webcast of Labcorp's quarterly conference call on July 24, 2025, will be available at the Labcorp Investor Relations website beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. This webcast will be archived and accessible through July 11, 2026. About Labcorp Labcorp (NYSE: LH) is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. We provide insights and advance science to improve health and improve lives through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities. The company's nearly 70,000 employees serve clients in approximately 100 countries, provided support for 75% of the new drugs and therapeutic products approved in 2024 by the FDA, and performed more than 700 million tests annually for patients around the world. Learn more about us at Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to (i) the estimated 2025 guidance and related assumptions, (ii) the impact of various factors on operating and financial results, including the projected impact of global economic and market conditions on the company's businesses, operating results, cash flows and/or financial condition, (iii) future business strategies, (iv) expected savings, synergies and other benefits to the Company, customers or patients from acquisitions and other transactions and partnerships, and (v) opportunities for future growth. Each of the forward-looking statements is subject to change based on various important factors, many of which are beyond the company's control, including without limitation: (i) the effect of the holding company reorganization on the company's business generally; (ii) the failure to receive tax-free treatment with respect to the spin-off of the company's Clinical Development and Commercialization Services business, now Fortrea Holdings Inc. for U.S. federal income purposes; (iii) the impact of spin-off related items; (iv) personnel costs and potential difficulties with employee relations and retention; (v) the trading price of the company's stock, competitive actions and other unforeseen changes and general uncertainties in the marketplace; (vi) changes in government regulations, including healthcare reform; (vii) customer purchasing decisions, including changes in payer regulations or policies; (viii) adverse actions of governmental and third-party payers; (ix) changes in testing guidelines or recommendations; (x) the volume of COVID-19 Testing performed by the company; (xi) the impact of global geopolitical events; (xii) the effect of public opinion on the company's reputation; (xiii) adverse results in material litigation matters; (xiv) changes in laws and regulations applicable to the company, including healthcare reform, and changes to their interpretation and application and the impact of any such changes; (xv) failure to maintain or develop customer relationships; (xvi) the company's ability to develop or acquire new products and adapt to technological changes; (xvii) failure of the company's information technology, systems, or data security; (xviii) the impact of potential losses under repurchase agreements; (xix) adverse weather conditions; (xx) the number of revenue days in a financial period; (xxi) inflation; (xxii) increased competition; and (xxiii) the effect of exchange rate fluctuations. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect the company's ability to implement the company's business strategy, and actual results could differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of the forward-looking statements. The company has no obligation to provide any updates to these forward-looking statements even if its expectations change. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Further information on potential factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect operating and financial results is included in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading RISK FACTORS and in the company's other filings with the SEC. The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with a review of the company's filings with the SEC including the information in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS". - End of Text - - Tables to Follow - LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,2025202420252024 Revenues $ 3,527.3$ 3,220.9$ 6,872.4$ 6,397.5 Cost of revenues 2,481.12,294.54,878.24,573.8 Gross profit 1,046.2926.41,994.21,823.7 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 579.3557.81,125.31,066.2 Amortization of intangibles and other assets 68.362.2137.9122.3 Goodwill and other asset impairments ———2.5 Restructuring and other charges 4.111.610.516.6 Operating income 394.5294.8720.5616.1 Other (expense) income:Interest expense (57.1)(47.6)(113.1)(94.5) Investment income 1.71.38.24.2 Equity method loss, net (1.7)(0.3)(2.0)(0.2) Other, net (32.7)19.5(33.7)39.5 Earnings from operations before income taxes 304.7267.7579.9565.1 Provision for income taxes 66.462.1128.6131.2 Net earnings 238.3205.6451.3433.9 Less: Net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest (0.4)(0.3)(0.6)(0.6) Net earnings attributable to Labcorp Holdings Inc. $ 237.9$ 205.3$ 450.7$ 433.3 Earnings per common share:Basic earnings per common share $ 2.85$ 2.44$ 5.40$ 5.15 Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.84$ 2.43$ 5.36$ 5.13 Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding 83.484.183.584.1 Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding 83.984.384.184.5 LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Millions) June 30, 2025December 31, 2024 ASSETSCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents $ 647.3$ 1,518.7 Accounts receivable, net 2,120.61,944.1 Unbilled services 156.1152.9 Supplies inventory 508.1493.2 Prepaid expenses and other 655.1697.6 Total current assets 4,087.24,806.5 Property, plant, and equipment, net 3,133.83,045.4 Goodwill, net 6,551.16,369.7 Intangible assets, net 3,494.43,488.9 Joint venture partnerships and equity method investments 160.416.3 Other assets, net 633.0652.2 Total assets $ 18,059.9$ 18,379.0 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable $ 793.0$ 875.8 Accrued expenses and other 835.8871.2 Unearned revenue 398.0392.2 Short-term operating lease liabilities 186.1184.6 Short-term finance lease liabilities 4.36.1 Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt 499.61,000.3 Total current liabilities 2,716.83,330.2 Long-term debt 5,077.35,331.2 Operating lease liabilities 713.1676.3 Financing lease liabilities 65.674.3 Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities 354.5383.1 Other liabilities 643.2517.4 Total liabilities 9,570.510,312.5 Commitments and contingent liabilitiesNoncontrolling interest 16.714.3 Shareholders' equity:Common stock, 82.9 and 83.4 shares outstanding at June 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively 7.57.6 Additional paid-in capital 1.82.8 Retained earnings 8,498.08,303.4 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (34.6)(261.6) Total shareholders' equity 8,472.78,052.2 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 18,059.9$ 18,379.0 LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Millions) Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,2025202420252024 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Net earnings $ 238.3$ 205.6$ 451.3$ 433.9 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:Depreciation and amortization 170.3156.9337.1311.4 Stock compensation 34.130.866.962.4 Operating lease right-of-use asset expense 50.844.599.488.6 Goodwill and other asset impairments ———2.5 Deferred income taxes (6.1)(19.6)(12.2)(39.1) Other, net 38.039.646.136.6 Change in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures):Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 30.9(5.1)(139.9)(192.2) Decrease (increase) in unbilled services 0.9(37.1)4.826.8 (Increase) decrease in supplies inventory (11.9)28.3(3.5)27.7 Decrease in prepaid expenses and other 12.846.557.821.6 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 67.069.4(80.6)(51.7) Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue 0.210.8(8.7)(30.8) Decrease in accrued expenses and other (4.7)(9.5)(179.4)(166.4) Net cash provided by operating activities 620.6561.1639.1531.3 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:Capital expenditures (77.9)(128.2)(203.9)(262.0) Proceeds from sale of assets 1.90.12.40.2 Proceeds from sale or distribution of equity affiliates or other investments 6.9—6.9— Proceeds from sale of business ———13.5 Purchase of equity affiliates or other investments (15.0)(23.0)(172.0)(36.7) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (10.0)(33.9)(63.5)(293.1) Net cash used for investing activities (94.1)(185.0)(430.1)(578.1) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:Payments on senior notes ——(1,000.0)— Proceeds from revolving credit facilities —698.764.8951.9 Payments on revolving credit facilities —(721.3)(64.8)(932.1) Proceeds from accounts receivable securitization ——225.0— Net share settlement tax payments from issuance of stock to employees (3.5)(23.1)(29.0)(37.8) Net proceeds from issuance of stock to employees ——25.726.7 Dividends paid (59.9)(60.4)(121.5)(122.5) Purchase of common stock (200.0)(100.0)(200.0)(100.0) Other, net (4.0)(3.9)(7.3)(7.9) Net cash used for financing activities (267.4)(210.0)(1,107.1)(221.7) Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents 18.8(0.3)26.7(3.2) Net increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents 277.9165.8(871.4)(271.7) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 369.499.31,518.7536.8 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 647.3$ 265.1$ 647.3$ 265.1 LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Combined Non-GAAP Segment Information (Dollars in Millions) Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,2025202420252024 Diagnostics LaboratoriesRevenues $ 2,748.8$ 2,524.9$ 5,378.4$ 5,004.6 Adjusted operating income $ 482.8$ 441.5$ 910.3$ 859.4 Adjusted operating margin 17.6 %17.5 %16.9 %17.2 % Biopharma Laboratory ServicesRevenues $ 784.8$ 707.0$ 1,506.1$ 1,417.9 Adjusted operating income $ 123.3$ 107.4$ 230.2$ 207.3 Adjusted operating margin 15.7 %15.2 %15.3 %14.6 % ConsolidatedRevenues $ 3,527.3$ 3,220.9$ 6,872.4$ 6,397.5 Adjusted segment operating income $ 606.1$ 548.9$ 1,140.5$ 1,066.7 Unallocated corporate expense (74.5)(69.0)$ (139.9)$ (134.0) Consolidated adjusted operating income $ 531.6$ 479.9$ 1,000.6$ 932.7 Adjusted operating margin 15.1 %14.9 %14.6 %14.6 % The consolidated revenue and adjusted segment operating income are presented net of intersegment transaction eliminations and other amounts not used in determining segment performance. Adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin are non-GAAP measures. See the subsequent reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures. LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Dollars and Shares in Millions, Except Per Share Data) Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30, 2025202420252024Adjusted Operating Income Operating income$ 394.5$ 294.8$ 720.5$ 616.1 Amortization of intangibles and other assets (a)68.362.2137.9122.3 Restructuring and other charges (b)4.111.610.516.6 Acquisition and disposition-related costs (c)15.125.144.246.0 Launchpad costs (d)17.231.537.340.4 Asset impairments (e)———2.5 Other31.931.846.443.5 TSA reimbursement (f)0.522.93.845.3 Adjusted operating income$ 531.6$ 479.9$ 1,000.6$ 932.7Adjusted operating profit margin15.1 %14.9 %14.6 %14.6 %Adjusted Net Income Net income$ 237.9$ 205.3$ 450.7$ 433.3 Impact of adjustments to operating income137.1185.1280.1316.6 Loss on venture fund investments, net (g)32.71.536.15.7 Gain on sale of business (h)———(4.9) TSA reimbursement (f)(0.5)(22.9)(3.8)(45.3) Other 0.70.30.70.3 Income tax impact of adjustments (i)(43.4)(37.3)(75.3)(61.5) Adjusted net income$ 364.5$ 332.0$ 688.5$ 644.2Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding83.984.384.184.5Adjusted net income per share$ 4.35$ 3.94$ 8.19$ 7.62 (a) Amortization of intangible assets acquired as part of business acquisitions. (b) Restructuring and other charges represent amounts incurred in connection with the elimination of redundant positions and facilities and contract termination costs within the organization in connection with our LaunchPad initiatives, and acquisitions or dispositions of businesses by the company. (c) Acquisition and disposition-related costs include due-diligence legal and advisory fees, retention bonuses, impact of delayed contract or license transfers, and other integration or disposition related activities. (d) LaunchPad costs include non-capitalized costs associated with the implementation of systems, consolidation of processes, and consulting costs incurred as part of various business process improvement initiatives. (e) The company impaired certain fixed assets which are no longer realizable by the business. (f) Represents transition services fees charged to Fortrea Holdings Inc. related to administrative and IT systems support. The costs to provide these services are included in operating income but the service fees are included in other income. (g) The company makes investments in companies or investment funds developing promising technology related to its operations. The company recorded net gains and losses related to several distributions from venture funds, increases in the market value of investments, and impairments of other investments due to the underlying performance of the investments. (h) The company recorded a gain on the disposition of the Beacon Laboratory Benefits Solutions business. (i) Income tax impact of adjustments calculated based on the tax rate applicable to each item. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Labcorp Holdings Inc