Charles River Laboratories Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Results and Provides 2020 Guidance

February 11, 2020 Off By BusinessWire

– Fourth-Quarter Revenue of $691.1 Million and Full-Year Revenue of $2.62 Billion –

– Fourth-Quarter GAAP Earnings per Share of $1.61 and Non-GAAP Earnings per Share of $2.01 –

– Full-Year GAAP Earnings per Share of $5.07 and Non-GAAP Earnings per Share of $6.73 –

– Provides 2020 Guidance –

WILMINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$CRL #earnings–Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) today reported its results for the fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 and provided guidance for 2020. For the quarter, revenue was $691.1 million, an increase of 14.9% from $601.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The acquisition of Citoxlab contributed 8.1% to consolidated fourth-quarter revenue growth. The impact of foreign currency translation reduced reported revenue growth by 0.6%. Excluding the effect of these items, organic revenue growth of 7.4% was driven by all three business segments, particularly the Discovery and Safety Assessment segment.

On a GAAP basis, fourth-quarter net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders was $80.3 million, an increase of 34.7% from net income of $59.7 million for the same period in 2018. Fourth-quarter diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.61, an increase of 33.1% from $1.21 for the fourth quarter of 2018. The increases in GAAP net income and earnings per share were primarily driven by the Company’s venture capital investments, which represented a gain of $0.22 per share in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to a loss of $0.10 per share for the same period in 2018. As previously disclosed, the Company’s venture capital investment performance has been excluded from non-GAAP results.

On a non-GAAP basis, net income from continuing operations was $100.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 27.8% from $78.3 million for the same period in 2018. Fourth-quarter diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis were $2.01, an increase of 26.4% from $1.59 per share for the fourth quarter of 2018. The non-GAAP net income and earnings per share increases were driven primarily by higher revenue, including the contribution from the Citoxlab acquisition, and operating margin improvement.

James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are very pleased with our strong fourth-quarter results, which generally exceeded our prior expectations. Fourth-quarter reported revenue growth was in the mid-teens, organic growth was in the high-single-digits, and earnings per share growth was firmly in double-digits. We believe the excellent finish to 2019 demonstrates that the breadth of our leading, early-stage portfolio is resonating with clients, as they increasingly choose to adopt our flexible and efficient outsourcing model. The investments we have made in our scientific capabilities, staff, and capacity, along with our efforts to build a more scalable organization to drive operating efficiency, are having the intended outcome. Our Company is the strongest it has ever been, and we are well positioned to drive profitable revenue growth in 2020 and in the future.”

“We are optimistic as we turn the page to 2020. Our outlook is based on execution of our strategy to strengthen our position as the leading, early-stage CRO and deliver value to our clients, while leveraging our position in robust end-markets, our attractive growth profile, and the incremental value that will be derived from achieving our stated goal of meaningful operating margin improvement,” Mr. Foster concluded.

Fourth-Quarter Segment Results

Research Models and Services (RMS)

Revenue for the RMS segment was $131.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 2.2% from $128.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. Organic revenue growth was 2.8%, driven primarily by increased demand for research models in China, as well as higher revenue for research model services, principally the Insourcing Solutions (IS) business. The revenue increase was partially offset by lower sales volume for research models outside of China, particularly to large biopharmaceutical clients.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the RMS segment’s GAAP operating margin decreased to 23.0% from 24.6% in the fourth quarter of 2018. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin decreased to 24.6% from 25.1% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin decreases were driven primarily by the research models business outside of China.

Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA)

Revenue for the DSA segment was $439.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 22.6% from $358.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Citoxlab acquisition contributed 13.6% to DSA revenue growth. Organic revenue growth of 9.4% was primarily driven by robust demand from biotechnology clients across both the Safety Assessment and Discovery Services businesses.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the DSA segment’s GAAP operating margin increased to 19.1% from 18.8% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The GAAP operating margin increase was driven primarily by operating leverage from higher revenue, partially offset by acquisition-related costs primarily related to the Citoxlab acquisition, including amortization of intangible assets. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin increased to 25.6% from 23.2% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The non-GAAP operating margin increase was driven primarily by operating leverage from higher revenue in both the Discovery Services and Safety Assessment businesses, as well as the Company’s continued focus on operating efficiency initiatives.

Manufacturing Support (Manufacturing)

Revenue for the Manufacturing segment was $120.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 5.0% from $114.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. Organic revenue growth was 6.3%, driven primarily by continued robust demand for the Biologics Testing Solutions business. Revenue for the Microbial Solutions business also increased in the fourth quarter, but at a lower growth rate than in the first three quarters of 2019.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Manufacturing segment’s GAAP operating margin decreased to 34.4% from 35.1% in the fourth quarter of 2018. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin decreased to 37.2% from 37.4% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin decreases were driven primarily by the Biologics Testing Solutions business.

Full-Year Results

For 2019, revenue increased by 15.7% to $2.62 billion from $2.27 billion in 2018. Organic revenue growth was 8.5%.

On a GAAP basis, net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders was $252.0 million in 2019, an increase of 12.1% from $224.9 million in 2018. Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis in 2019 were $5.07, an increase of 10.5% from $4.59 in 2018. On a GAAP basis, the Company recorded a gain from venture capital investments totaling $0.30 per share in 2019, compared to a gain of $0.23 in 2018.

On a non-GAAP basis, net income from continuing operations was $334.4 million in 2019, an increase of 17.8% from $283.9 million in 2018. Diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis in 2019 were $6.73, an increase of 16.0% from $5.80 in 2018.

Research Models and Services (RMS)

For 2019, RMS revenue was $537.1 million, an increase of 3.3% from $519.7 million in 2018. Organic revenue growth was 5.2%.

On a GAAP basis, the RMS segment operating margin decreased to 24.9% in 2019 from 26.3% in 2018. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin decreased to 26.2% in 2019 from 26.9% in 2018.

Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA)

For 2019, DSA revenue was $1.62 billion, an increase of 22.9% from $1.32 billion in 2018. Organic revenue growth was 9.1%.

On a GAAP basis, the DSA segment operating margin decreased to 16.0% in 2019 from 17.3% in 2018. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin increased to 22.0% in 2019 from 21.7% in 2018.

Manufacturing Support (Manufacturing)

For 2019, Manufacturing revenue was $465.1 million, an increase of 8.3% from $429.6 million in 2018. Organic revenue growth was 10.8%.

On a GAAP basis, the Manufacturing segment operating margin decreased to 31.3% in 2019 from 31.7% in 2018. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin decreased to 33.9% in 2019 from 34.2% in 2018.

2020 Guidance

The Company is providing the following revenue, earnings per share, and free cash flow guidance for 2020. Earnings per share in 2020 are expected to benefit from higher revenue, driven primarily by continued robust client demand, and meaningful operating margin improvement. Year-over-year earnings per share growth is expected to be 2.5% to 5.5% on a GAAP basis, and 10.5% to 13.0% on a non-GAAP basis in 2020.

2020 GUIDANCE

 

Revenue growth, reported

13.0% – 14.5%

Less: Contribution from acquisitions (1)

(4.0%) – (4.5%)

Less: Favorable impact of foreign exchange

(1.0%) – (1.5%)

Revenue growth, organic (2)

7.75% – 8.75%

GAAP EPS estimate (3)

$5.20 – $5.35

Amortization of intangible assets (4)

$1.65 – $1.70

Charges related to global efficiency initiatives (5)

<$0.05

Acquisition-related adjustments (6)

~$0.25

Other items (7)

$0.25 – $0.32

Non-GAAP EPS estimate

$7.45 – $7.60

Free cash flow (8)

$350 – $360 million

Footnotes to Guidance Table:

(1) The contribution from acquisitions reflects only those acquisitions that have been completed.

(2) Organic revenue growth is defined as reported revenue growth adjusted for acquisitions and foreign currency translation.

(3) GAAP EPS guidance does not include an estimate for future gains or losses from venture capital investments. Potential gains or losses are expected in 2020, but the Company does not forecast the future performance of its venture capital investments. Any future gains or losses would be excluded from non-GAAP results.

(4) Amortization of intangible assets includes an estimate of $0.30-$0.35 for the impact of the HemaCare acquisition because the preliminary purchase price allocation has not been completed.

(5) These charges, which primarily include severance and other costs, relate primarily to the Company’s planned efficiency initiatives. Other projects in support of global productivity and efficiency initiatives are expected, but these charges reflect only the decisions that have already been finalized.

(6) These adjustments are related to the evaluation and integration of acquisitions, and primarily include transaction, advisory, and certain third-party integration costs, as well as certain costs associated with acquisition-related efficiency initiatives.

(7) These items primarily relate to charges of $0.15-$0.22 associated with the planned termination of the Company’s U.S. pension plan in the second half of 2020, as well as charges of approximately $0.10 associated with U.S. and international tax legislation that necessitated changes to the Company’s international financing structure.

(8) The reconciliation of the current 2020 free cash flow guidance is as follows: Cash flow from operating activities of $500-$510 million, less capital expenditures of approximately $150 million, equates to free cash flow of $350-$360 million.

Webcast

Charles River has scheduled a live webcast on Tuesday, February 11th, at 8:30 a.m. EST to discuss matters relating to this press release. To participate, please go to ir.criver.com and select the webcast link. You can also find the associated slide presentation and reconciliations of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures on the website.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations/Discontinued Operations

The Company reports non-GAAP results in this press release, which exclude often-one-time charges and other items that are outside of normal operations. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results is provided in the schedules at the end of this press release. In addition, the Company reports results from continuing operations, which exclude results of the Phase I clinical business that was divested in 2011. The Phase I business is reported as a discontinued operation.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, which exclude the amortization of intangible assets, and other charges related to our acquisitions; expenses associated with evaluating and integrating acquisitions and divestitures, as well as fair value adjustments associated with contingent consideration; charges, gains, and losses attributable to businesses or properties we plan to close, consolidate, or divest; severance and other costs associated with our efficiency initiatives; the write-off of deferred financing costs and fees related to debt financing; third-party costs associated with the remediation of unauthorized access into our information systems detected in March 2019; the non-cash tax benefit related to our international financing structure; charges related to the planned settlement of our U.S. pension plan; charges recorded in connection with the modification of our option to purchase equity in one of our joint ventures; and investment gains or losses associated with our venture capital investments. This press release also refers to our revenue in both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis: “constant currency,” which we define as reported revenue growth adjusted for the impact of foreign currency translation, and “organic revenue growth,” which we define as reported revenue growth adjusted for foreign currency translation, acquisitions, and divestitures. We exclude these items from the non-GAAP financial measures because they are outside our normal operations. Commencing in the first quarter of 2019, we exclude the performance of our venture capital investments due to the determination that such investment gains or losses are not core to our overall operations. There are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures, as they are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In particular, we believe that the inclusion of supplementary non-GAAP financial measures in this press release helps investors to gain a meaningful understanding of our core operating results and future prospects without the effect of these often-one-time charges, and is consistent with how management measures and forecasts the Company’s performance, especially when comparing such results to prior periods or forecasts. We believe that the financial impact of our acquisitions and divestitures (and in certain cases, the evaluation of such acquisitions and divestitures, whether or not ultimately consummated) is often large relative to our overall financial performance, which can adversely affect the comparability of our results on a period-to-period basis. In addition, certain activities and their underlying associated costs, such as business acquisitions, generally occur periodically but on an unpredictable basis. We calculate non-GAAP integration costs to include third-party integration costs incurred post-acquisition. Presenting revenue on an organic basis allows investors to measure our revenue growth exclusive of acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency exchange fluctuations more clearly. Non-GAAP results also allow investors to compare the Company’s operations against the financial results of other companies in the industry who similarly provide non-GAAP results. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are not meant to be considered superior to or a substitute for results of operations presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company intends to continue to assess the potential value of reporting non-GAAP results consistent with applicable rules and regulations. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are set forth in this press release, and can also be found on the Company’s website at ir.criver.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “estimate,” “plan,” “outlook,” and “project,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements also include statements regarding the projected future financial performance of Charles River and our specific businesses; the future demand for drug discovery and development products and services, including our expectations for future revenue trends; our expectations with respect to the impact of acquisitions, including the acquisition of HemaCare, on the Company, our service offerings, client perception, strategic relationships, revenue, revenue growth rates, and earnings; the development and performance of our services and products, including our investments in our portfolio; market and industry conditions including the outsourcing of services and spending trends by our clients; the potential outcome of and impact to our business and financial operations due to litigation and legal proceedings; and Charles River’s future performance as delineated in our forward-looking guidance, and particularly our expectations with respect to revenue, the impact of foreign exchange, and enhanced efficiency initiatives. Forward-looking statements are based on Charles River’s current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability to successfully integrate businesses we acquire; risks and uncertainties associated with the unauthorized access into its information systems reported on April 30, 2019, including the timing and effectiveness of adding enhanced security features and monitoring procedures, the status and effectiveness of the ongoing remediation process, the percentage of clients affected by the unauthorized access, and the potential revenue and financial impact related to the incident; the ability to execute our efficiency initiatives on an effective and timely basis (including divestitures and site closures); the timing and magnitude of our share repurchases; negative trends in research and development spending, negative trends in the level of outsourced services, or other cost reduction actions by our clients; the ability to convert backlog to revenue; special interest groups; contaminations; industry trends; new displacement technologies; USDA and FDA regulations; changes in law; the impact of Brexit; continued availability of products and supplies; loss of key personnel; interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; changes in tax regulation and laws; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and any changes in business, political, or economic conditions due to the threat of future terrorist activity in the U.S. and other parts of the world, and related U.S. military action overseas. A further description of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in the Risk Factors detailed in Charles River’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 13, 2019 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed on November 6, 2019, as well as other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by Charles River, and Charles River assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this news release except as required by law.

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

SCHEDULE 1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except for per share data)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

December 28, 2019

 

December 29, 2018

 

December 28, 2019

 

December 29, 2018

 
Service revenue

$

549,380

 

$

460,993

 

$

2,029,371

 

$

1,687,941

 

Product revenue

 

141,758

 

 

140,537

 

 

591,855

 

 

578,155

 

Total revenue

 

691,138

 

 

601,530

 

 

2,621,226

 

 

2,266,096

 

Costs and expenses:
Cost of services provided (excluding amortization of intangible assets)

 

357,636

 

 

306,241

 

 

1,371,699

 

 

1,150,371

 

Cost of products sold (excluding amortization of intangible assets)

 

71,188

 

 

68,872

 

 

291,216

 

 

275,658

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

129,598

 

 

106,918

 

 

517,622

 

 

443,854

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

23,927

 

 

17,017

 

 

89,538

 

 

64,830

 

Operating income

 

108,789

 

 

102,482

 

 

351,151

 

 

331,383

 

Other income (expense):
Interest income

 

684

 

 

118

 

 

1,522

 

 

812

 

Interest expense

 

(24,362

)

 

(16,741

)

 

(60,882

)

 

(63,772

)

Other income (expense), net

 

20,454

 

 

(10,811

)

 

12,293

 

 

13,258

 

Income from continuing operations, before income taxes

 

105,565

 

 

75,048

 

 

304,084

 

 

281,681

 

Provision for income taxes

 

25,053

 

 

14,850

 

 

50,023

 

 

54,463

 

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes

 

80,512

 

 

60,198

 

 

254,061

 

 

227,218

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

1,506

Net income

 

80,512

 

 

60,198

 

 

254,061

 

 

228,724

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

164

 

 

533

 

 

2,042

 

 

2,351

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$

80,348

 

$

59,665

 

$

252,019

 

$

226,373

 

 
Earnings per common share
Basic:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders

$

1.64

 

$

1.24

 

$

5.17

 

$

4.69

 

Discontinued operations

$

$

$

$

0.03

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$

1.64

 

$

1.24

 

$

5.17

 

$

4.72

 

Diluted:
Continuing operations attributable to common shareholders

$

1.61

 

$

1.21

 

$

5.07

 

$

4.59

 

Discontinued operations

$

$

$

$

0.03

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$

1.61

 

$

1.21

 

$

5.07

 

$

4.62

 

 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic

 

48,875

 

 

48,143

 

 

48,730

 

 

47,947

 

Diluted

 

49,867

 

 

49,210

 

 

49,693

 

 

49,018

 

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
SCHEDULE 2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
December 28, 2019 December 29, 2018
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

238,014

 

$

195,442

 

Trade receivables, net

 

514,033

 

 

472,248

 

Inventories

 

160,660

 

 

127,892

 

Prepaid assets

 

52,588

 

 

53,447

 

Other current assets

 

56,030

 

 

48,807

 

Total current assets

 

1,021,325

 

 

897,836

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

1,044,128

 

 

932,877

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

 

140,085

 

Goodwill

 

1,540,565

 

 

1,247,133

 

Client relationships, net

 

613,573

 

 

537,945

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

75,840

 

 

72,943

 

Deferred tax assets

 

44,659

 

 

23,386

 

Other assets

 

212,615

 

 

143,759

 

Total assets

$

4,692,790

 

$

3,855,879

 

 
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases

$

38,545

 

$

31,416

 

Accounts payable

 

111,498

 

 

66,250

 

Accrued compensation

 

158,617

 

 

137,212

 

Deferred revenue

 

171,805

 

 

145,139

 

Accrued liabilities

 

139,118

 

 

106,925

 

Other current liabilities

 

90,598

 

 

71,280

 

Total current liabilities

 

710,181

 

 

558,222

 

Long-term debt, net and finance leases

 

1,849,666

 

 

1,636,598

 

Operating lease right-of-use liabilities

 

116,252

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

167,283

 

 

143,635

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

182,933

 

 

179,121

 

Total liabilities

 

3,026,315

 

 

2,517,576

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

28,647

 

 

18,525

 

Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 120,000 shares authorized; 48,936 shares issued and 48,936 shares outstanding as of December 28, 2019 and 48,210 shares issued and 48,209 shares outstanding as of December 29, 2018

 

489

 

 

482

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,531,785

 

 

1,447,512

 

Retained earnings

 

280,329

 

 

42,096

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 0 and 1 share as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively

 

(55

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(178,019

)

 

(172,703

)

Total equity attributable to common shareholders

 

1,634,584

 

 

1,317,332

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

3,244

 

 

2,446

 

Total equity

 

1,637,828

 

 

1,319,778

 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity

$

4,692,790

 

$

3,855,879

 

Contacts

Investor Contact:

Todd Spencer

Corporate Vice President,

Investor Relations

781.222.6455

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Amy Cianciaruso

Corporate Vice President,

Public Relations

781.222.6168

[email protected]

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