NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
receivables. The Company excluded approximately $36 million and $41 million of unpaid advanced client billings from both client receivables and deferred revenue in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9. FAIR VALUE
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
September 28, 2024
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Current assets measured at fair value:
(in thousands)
Cash equivalents
$
—
$
30
$
—
$
30
Interest rate swap
—
278
—
278
Other assets:
Life insurance policies
—
47,734
—
47,734
Total assets measured at fair value
$
—
$
48,042
$
—
$
48,042
Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration
$
—
$
—
$
39,893
$
39,893
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
—
$
—
$
39,893
$
39,893
The Company recognizes transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy, if any, at the end of each quarter. During the nine months ended September 28, 2024, there were no transfers between levels.
December 30, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Current assets measured at fair value:
(in thousands)
Cash equivalents
$
—
$
29
$
—
$
29
Other assets:
Life insurance policies
—
40,912
—
40,912
Interest rate swap
—
966
—
966
Total assets measured at fair value
$
—
$
41,907
$
—
$
41,907
Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value
Contingent consideration
$
—
$
—
$
33,265
$
33,265
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
—
$
—
$
33,265
$
33,265
During the year ended December 30, 2023, there were no transfers between levels.
Contingent Consideration
The following table provides a rollforward of the contingent consideration related to the Company’s acquisitions.
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
33,265
$
13,431
Payments
—
(15,130)
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Adjustment of previously recorded contingent liability
6,628
1,810
Foreign currency translation
—
(111)
Ending balance
$
39,893
$
—
The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through valuation models, such as probability-weighted and option pricing models, which incorporate probability adjusted assumptions and simulations related to the achievement of the milestones and the likelihood of making related payments. The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements include the probabilities of successful achievement of certain financial targets, forecasted results or targets, volatility, and discount rates. The remaining maximum potential payments are approximately $55.0 million, of which the value accrued as of September 28, 2024 is $39.9 million as the probability of achieving the maximum target is estimated to be 73%. The volatility and weighted average cost of capital is approximately 5% and 8%, respectively. Increases or decreases in these assumptions may result in a higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively.
18
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Cash Flow Hedge
The Company is exposed to market fluctuations in interest rates as well as variability in foreign exchange rates. The Company had an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $500 million maturing November 2, 2024 to manage interest rate fluctuation related to floating rate borrowings under the Credit Facility, at a fixed rate of 4.65%.
Debt Instruments
The book value of the Company’s revolving loans, which are variable rate loans carried at amortized cost, approximates the fair value based on current market pricing of similar debt. As the fair value is based on significant other observable inputs, including current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, it is deemed to be Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
The book value of the Company’s Senior Notes are fixed rate obligations carried at amortized cost. Fair value is based on quoted market prices as well as borrowing rates available to the Company. As the fair value is based on significant other observable outputs, it is deemed to be Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The book value and fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes is summarized below:
September 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
Book Value
Fair Value
Book Value
Fair Value
(in thousands)
4.25% Senior Notes due 2028
$
500,000
$
484,350
$
500,000
$
478,100
3.75% Senior Notes due 2029
500,000
470,100
500,000
458,100
4.00% Senior Notes due 2031
500,000
459,350
500,000
449,350
10. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The following table provides a rollforward of the Company’s goodwill:
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12. EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Earnings Per Share
The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Numerator:
Net income
$
70,295
$
88,021
$
239,038
$
291,418
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
638
632
2,340
3,878
Net income attributable to Charles River Laboratories International Inc.
69,657
87,389
236,698
287,540
Calculation of net income per share attributable to Charles River Laboratories International Inc. common shareholders
Net income attributable to Charles River Laboratories International Inc.
$
69,657
$
87,389
$
236,698
$
287,540
Less: Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest (1)
379
—
1,081
—
Less: Incremental dividends attributable to noncontrolling interest holders (2)
599
—
9,621
—
Net income available to Charles River Laboratories International Inc. common shareholders
$
68,679
$
87,389
$
225,996
$
287,540
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic
51,394
51,283
51,461
51,199
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units
189
324
252
294
Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted
51,583
51,607
51,713
51,493
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents (3)
746
588
505
514
(1) Represents adjustments of redeemable noncontrolling interest that impact retained earnings.
(2) Represents incremental declared and undeclared dividends attributable to Noveprim noncontrolling interest holders who are entitled to preferential dividends for fiscal year 2024.
(3) These common stock equivalents were outstanding for the periods presented, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for those periods because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.
Treasury Shares
On August 2, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization of $1.0 billion. This authorization fully replaces a prior stock repurchase authorization of $1.3 billion that had $129.1 million remaining when it was terminated. During the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, the Company repurchased 0.5 million shares of common stock for $100.7 million under the new stock repurchase program. As of September 28, 2024, the Company had $899.3 million remaining on the current authorized stock repurchase program.
The Company’s stock-based compensation plans permit the netting of common stock upon vesting of RSUs and PSUs in order to satisfy individual statutory tax withholding requirements. The Company acquired shares of approximately 0.1 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2024 and nine months ended September 30, 2023, for $18.4 million and $24.0 million, respectively, from such netting.
21
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, are as follows:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge
Total
(in thousands)
December 30, 2023
$
(149,999)
$
(47,167)
$
739
$
(196,427)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
4,054
1,038
(688)
4,404
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
4,054
1,038
(688)
4,404
Income tax expense (benefit)
757
256
(165)
848
September 28, 2024
$
(146,702)
$
(46,385)
$
216
$
(192,871)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Through September 28, 2024, the Company holds several redeemable noncontrolling interests. Since the Company has the right to purchase, and the noncontrolling interest holders have the right to require the Company to purchase the remaining interest, which represents a derivative embedded within the equity instrument, the noncontrolling interest is classified in the mezzanine section of the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, which is presented above the equity section and below liabilities.
The redeemable noncontrolling interests are measured at the greater of (i) the redemption amount or (ii) the historical value resulting from the original acquisition date fair value, increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interest’s share of net income (loss), equity capital contributions and distributions. The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is determined using the income approach, with key assumptions being projected cash flows and discount rates based on market participant’s weighted average cost of capital. To the extent redemption value exceeds carrying value, adjustments are recorded to additional paid-in capital, with any cumulative excess of redemption value over fair value recorded in retained earnings, which impacts net income available to common shareholders used in the calculation of earnings per common share.
Noveprim
The Company holds a 90% ownership interest in Noveprim. The Company has the right to purchase, and the noncontrolling interest holders have the right to sell, the remaining 10% equity interest at a fixed redemption value that ranges from $47.0 million to $54.0 million depending on when exercised. The Company has the call option right to purchase the remaining 10% equity up until one month after the sixth anniversary of closing the 41% equity stake (December 2029). On the first anniversary of the expiration of the call option (December 2030), a 12-month put option will be triggered giving the seller the right to require the Company to acquire the remaining shares of the seller for $54.0 million. Additionally, during fiscal year 2024 the 10% noncontrolling interest holders have and may continue to receive a dividend disproportionate to their equity ownership, of which the fair value of $8.0 million as of the acquisition date was recorded within the redeemable noncontrolling interest. Through September 28, 2024, incremental dividends based on Noveprim statutory net income attributed to the redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of $9.6 million reduced net income available to common shareholders used in the calculation of earnings per common share. The redemption value is accreted to the put purchase price of $54.0 million using the interest method through December 2030. As of September 28, 2024, the redemption value of $40.6 million exceeded both the carrying value and fair value, resulting in both an adjustment to additional paid in capital of $7.2 million and an adjustment to retained earnings of $1.1 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 28, 2024.
Other redeemable noncontrolling interest
In 2019, the Company acquired an 80% equity interest in a subsidiary, which included a 20% redeemable noncontrolling interest. In June 2022, the Company purchased an additional 10% interest in the subsidiary for $15.0 million, resulting in a remaining noncontrolling interest of 10%. Beginning in 2024, the Company had the right to purchase, and the noncontrolling interest holders had the right to sell, the remaining 10% equity interest at its appraised value. The redemption value was measured at the greater of the appraised value or a predetermined floor. The amount that the Company could be required to pay to purchase the remaining 10% equity interest was not limited. As of March 30, 2024, the redemption value of $12.0 million exceeded the carrying value, resulting in an adjustment to additional paid in capital of $2.8 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 10% for $12.0 million.
22
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Vital River
The Company held a 92% ownership interest in Vital River, a commercial provider of research models and related services in China as of December 31, 2022. The Company had the right to purchase, and the noncontrolling interest holders had the right to sell, the remaining 8% equity interest at a contractually defined redemption value, subject to a redemption floor. The amount that the Company could be required to pay to purchase the remaining 8% equity interest was not limited. During 2023, the Company acquired the remaining 8% and paid $4.8 million of the total $24.4 million due. The remaining purchase price payable was included in Accrued liabilities within the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 and is expected to be paid during fiscal year 2024.
Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The Company has an investment in an entity whose financial results are consolidated in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, as it has the ability to exercise control over this entity. The interest of the noncontrolling party in this entity has been recorded as nonredeemable noncontrolling interest within Equity in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The activity within the nonredeemable noncontrolling interest was not material during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023.
13. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were 23.0% and 22.0%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 28, 2024 compared to the corresponding prior year period was primarily attributable to the deferred tax impact of tax law changes enacted during the three months ended September 28, 2024, offset by jurisdictional earnings mix.
The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were 22.9% and 21.8%, respectively.The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 compared to the same prior year period is primarily attributable the same reason as above, as well as decreased tax benefit from stock-based compensation deductions in nine months ended September 28, 2024.
For the three months ended September 28, 2024, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits increased by $1.2 million to $25.2 million, primarily due to increases in research and development tax credit reserves, as well as unfavorable foreign exchange movement. For the three months ended September 28, 2024, the amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate increased by $1.0 million to $22.1 million for the same reasons discussed above. The accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits was $1.8 million as of September 28, 2024. The Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $5.1 million over the next twelve-month period, primarily due to audit settlements and expiring statutes of limitations.
The Company’s prepaid and accrued tax positions are as follows:
September 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
Prepaid income tax
$
82,153
$
59,715
Other current assets
Accrued income taxes
39,673
38,819
Other current liabilities
The Company conducts business in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, it is subject to tax audits on a regular basis including, but not limited to, such major jurisdictions as the U.S., the U.K., China, France, Germany, and Canada. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. and international income tax examinations for years before 2020.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have ongoing tax controversies in the U.S., Canada, and India. The Company does not anticipate resolution of these audits will have a material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
14. RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
The Company has undertaken restructuring actions impacting the reportable segments at various locations across North America, Europe and Asia. This includes workforce right-sizing actions resulting in severance and transition costs; and costs related to the consolidation of facilities resulting in asset impairment, accelerated depreciation charges, and certain other costs. Generally, these actions are in response to recent macroeconomic impacts on the Company. During fiscal year 2023, the Company began to take restructuring actions as a result of these emerging business trends. The Company incurred restructuring charges of $30.6 million and $65.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, respectively and approximately $95 million since the beginning of fiscal year 2023 through September 28, 2024.
23
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table presents restructuring costs by reportable segment:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
RMS
$
4,965
$
965
$
22,580
$
965
DSA
13,866
13,220
24,123
13,218
Manufacturing
5,372
975
9,660
7,162
Unallocated corporate
6,443
—
9,237
—
Total
$
30,646
$
15,160
$
65,600
$
21,345
The following table presents restructuring costs as included within the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
Severance and Transition Costs
Asset Impairments and Other Costs
Total
Severance and Transition Costs
Asset Impairments and Other Costs
Total
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
Cost of services provided (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
$
12,830
$
3,482
$
16,312
$
2,160
$
11,418
$
13,578
Cost of products sold (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
1,783
650
2,433
480
174
654
Selling, general and administrative
11,923
(22)
11,901
937
(9)
928
Total restructuring costs
$
26,536
$
4,110
$
30,646
$
3,577
$
11,583
$
15,160
Nine Months Ended
Cost of services provided (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
$
20,510
$
6,516
$
27,026
$
5,088
$
11,418
$
16,506
Cost of products sold (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
2,530
11,134
13,664
534
2,920
3,454
Selling, general and administrative
18,430
6,480
24,910
1,386
(1)
1,385
Total restructuring costs
$
41,470
$
24,130
$
65,600
$
7,008
$
14,337
$
21,345
24
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Rollforward of Restructuring Activities
The following table provides a rollforward for the Company’s accrued restructuring costs related to all restructuring activities:
Severance and Transition Costs
Asset Impairments
Other Costs
Total
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2024
Beginning balance
$
4,175
$
—
$
875
$
5,050
Expense
41,470
15,999
8,131
65,600
Payments / utilization
(17,920)
—
(6,762)
(24,682)
Other non-cash adjustments
—
(15,999)
(1,369)
(17,368)
Foreign currency adjustments
57
—
—
57
Ending Balance
$
27,782
$
—
$
875
$
28,657
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Beginning balance
$
356
$
—
$
944
$
1,300
Expense
7,008
13,269
1,068
21,345
Payments / utilization
(3,179)
—
(710)
(3,889)
Other non-cash adjustments
—
(13,269)
(427)
(13,696)
Foreign currency adjustments
(42)
—
—
(42)
Ending Balance
$
4,143
$
—
$
875
$
5,018
As of September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, $28.7 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of severance and other personnel related costs liabilities were included in accrued compensation and accrued liabilities within the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
On February 16, 2023, the Company was informed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), it had commenced an investigation into the Company’s conduct regarding several shipments of non-human primates from Cambodia. On February 17, 2023 the Company received a grand jury subpoena requesting certain documents related to such investigation. The Company is aware of a parallel civil investigation being undertaken by the DOJ and USFWS. The Company is cooperating with the DOJ and the USFWS and believes that the concerns raised with respect to the Company’s conduct are without merit. The Company maintains a global supplier onboarding and oversight program incorporating risk-based due diligence, auditing, and monitoring practices to help ensure the quality of the Company’s supplier relationships and compliance with applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations, and has operated under the belief that all shipments of non-human primates it received satisfied the material requirements, documentation and related processes and procedures of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which guides the release of each import by USFWS. Notwithstanding the Company’s efforts and good-faith belief, in connection with the civil investigation, the Company has voluntarily suspended future shipments of non-human primates from Cambodia to the United States until such time that the Company and USFWS can agree upon and implement additional procedures to reasonably ensure that non-human primates imported from Cambodia are purpose-bred. The Company continues to care for the Cambodia-sourced non-human primates from certain shipments in the United States. The carrying value of the inventory related to these shipments was approximately $27 million as of September 28, 2024, which reflects the value of the shipments in accordance with the Company’s inventory accounting policy. On May 16, 2023, the Company received an inquiry from the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting it to voluntarily provide information, subsequently augmented with a document subpoena and additional inquiries, primarily related to the sourcing of non-human primates and related disclosures, and the Company is cooperating with these requests. The Company is not able to predict what action, if any, might be taken in the future by the DOJ, USFWS, SEC or other governmental authorities as a result of the investigations. None of the DOJ, USFWS or SEC has provided the Company with any specific timeline or indication as to when these investigations or, specific to the DOJ and USFWS, discussions regarding future processes and procedures, will be concluded or resolved. The Company cannot predict the timing, outcome or possible impact of the investigations, including without limitation any potential fines, penalties or liabilities.
A putative securities class action (Securities Class Action) was filed on May 19, 2023 against the Company and a number of its current/former officers in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On August 31, 2023, the court
25
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
appointed the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio as lead plaintiff. An amended complaint was filed on November 14, 2023 that, among other things, included only James Foster, the Chief Executive Officer and David R. Smith, the former Chief Financial Officer as defendants along with the Company. The amended complaint asserts claims under §§ 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of Company securities from May 5, 2020 through February 21, 2023, alleging that certain of the Company’s disclosures about its practices with respect to the importation of non-human primates made during the putative class period were materially false or misleading. On July 1, 2024, the court dismissed the complaint, denied the plaintiff’s informal request for leave to amend, and entered judgment for defendants. On July 30, 2024, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. While the Company cannot predict the final outcome of this matter, it believes the class action to be without merit and plans to vigorously defend against it. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the maximum potential exposure or the range of possible loss in association with this matter.
On November 8, 2023, a stockholder filed a derivative lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the District of Delaware asserting claims on the Company’s behalf against the members of the Company’s Board of Directors and certain of the Company’s current/former officers (James Foster, the Chief Executive Officer; David R. Smith, the former Chief Financial Officer; and Flavia Pease, the current Chief Financial Officer). The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders because certain of the Company’s disclosures about its practices with respect to the importation of non-human primates were materially false or misleading. The complaint also alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by causing the Company to fail to maintain adequate internal controls over securities disclosure and compliance with applicable law and by failing to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The lawsuit is currently stayed by agreement of the parties pending further developments in the Securities Class Action pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. On August 2, 2024, a different stockholder filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Delaware asserting similar derivative claims on the Company’s behalf against members of the Company’s current and former Board of Directors and the same current/former officers based on similar allegations of purportedly misleading disclosures and non-compliance with legal rules and ethics standards in respect of the importation of non-human primates, as well as insider-trading claims against certain of the defendants. The lawsuit is currently stayed by agreement of the parties pending further developments in the Securities Class Action pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters, it believes the derivative lawsuits to be without merit and plans to vigorously defend against them. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the maximum potential exposure or the range of possible loss in association with these matters.
Aside from the matters above, the Company believes there are no other matters pending against the Company that could have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, or results of operations.
26
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2023 as filed with the SEC on February 14, 2024. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause future results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included elsewhere within this Form 10-Q. Certain percentage changes may not recalculate due to rounding.
Overview
We are a leading, non-clinical global drug development partner with a mission to create healthier lives. For over 75 years, we have been in the business of providing the research models required in the research and development of new drugs, devices, and therapies. Over this time, we have built upon our original core competency of laboratory animal medicine and science (research model technologies) to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, that supports our clients from target identification through non-clinical development. We also provide a suite of products and services to support our clients’ manufacturing activities. Utilizing our broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more efficient and flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness, and increases speed to market.
Our client base includes major global pharmaceutical companies, many biotechnology companies; agricultural and industrial chemical, life science, veterinary medicine, medical device, diagnostic and consumer product companies; contract research and contract manufacturing organizations; and other commercial entities, as well as leading hospitals, academic institutions, and government agencies around the world.
Segment Reporting
Our three reportable segments are Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing).
Our RMS reportable segment includes the products and services offered within Research Models, Research Model Services, and Cell Solutions. Research Models includes the commercial production and sale of small research models, as well as the supply of large research models. Research Model Services includes: Insourcing Solutions (IS), which provides colony management of our clients’ research operations (including recruitment, training, staffing, and management services) within our clients’ facilities as well as our own vivarium space, utilizing our Charles River Accelerator and Development Lab (CRADL™) offering, Genetically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS), which performs contract breeding and other services associated with genetically engineered models; and Research Animal Diagnostic Services (RADS), which provides health monitoring and diagnostics services related to research models; and Cell Solutions provides controlled, consistent, customized primary cells and blood components derived from normal and mobilized peripheral blood and bone marrow.
Our DSA segment is comprised of Discovery Services and Safety Assessment services. We provide regulated and non-regulated DSA services to support the research, development, and regulatory-required safety testing of potential new drugs, including therapeutic discovery and optimization plus in vitro (non-animal) and in vivo (in research models) studies, laboratory support services, and strategic non-clinical consulting and program management to support product development.
Our Manufacturing reportable segment includes Microbial Solutions, which provides in vitro lot-release testing products, microbial detection products, and species identification services and Biologics Solutions (Biologics), which performs specialized testing of biologics (Biologics Testing Solutions) as well as contract development and manufacturing products and services (CDMO).
U.S. Government Investigations into the Non-Human Primate Supply Chain
On February 16, 2023, the Company was informed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), it had commenced an investigation into the Company’s conduct regarding several shipments of non-human primates from Cambodia. On February 17, 2023 the Company received a grand jury subpoena requesting certain documents related to such investigation. The Company is aware of a parallel civil investigation being undertaken by the DOJ and USFWS. The Company is cooperating with the DOJ and the USFWS and believes that the concerns raised with respect to the Company’s conduct are without merit. The Company maintains a global supplier onboarding and oversight program incorporating risk-based due diligence, auditing, and monitoring practices to help ensure the quality of our supplier relationships and compliance with applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations, and has operated under the belief that all shipments of non-human primates it received satisfied the material requirements, documentation and related processes and procedures of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which guides the release of each import by USFWS. Notwithstanding our efforts and good-faith belief, in connection with the
27
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
civil investigation, the Company has voluntarily suspended future shipments of non-human primates from Cambodia to the United States until such time that the Company and USFWS can agree upon and implement additional procedures to reasonably ensure that non-human primates imported from Cambodia are purpose-bred. The Company continues to care for the Cambodia-sourced non-human primates from certain shipments in the United States. The carrying value of the inventory related to these shipments is approximately $27 million as of September 28, 2024, which reflects the value of the shipments in accordance with our inventory accounting policy. On May 16, 2023, the Company received an inquiry from the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting it to voluntarily provide information, subsequently augmented with a document subpoena and additional inquiries, primarily related to the sourcing of non-human primates and related disclosures, and the Company is cooperating with these requests. We are not able to predict what action, if any, might be taken in the future by the DOJ, USFWS, SEC or other governmental authorities as a result of the investigations. None of the DOJ, USFWS or SEC has provided the Company with any specific timeline or indication as to when these investigations or, specific to the DOJ and USFWS, discussions regarding future processes and procedures, will be concluded or resolved. The Company cannot predict the timing, outcome or possible impact of the investigations, including without limitation any potential fines, penalties or liabilities. For our assessment of risk factors surrounding the aforementioned matter refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2023.
Recent Acquisitions
Our strategy is to augment internal growth of existing businesses with complementary acquisitions. Our recent acquisitions are described below.
Fiscal Year 2023 Acquisitions
On November 30, 2023, we completed our acquisition of an additional 41% equity interest of Noveprim Group (“Noveprim”), a leading provider of non-human primates (“NHPs”) used for biomedical, pharmaceutical and toxicological research purposes, resulting in a 90% controlling interest. The acquisition strengthens and diversifies the supply chain for our DSA segment. We had previously acquired a 49% equity stake in 2022 for $90.0 million up-front and additional contingent payments up to $5.0 million based on future performance. The total purchase price for the Noveprim acquisition is $392.4 million, which includes $144.6 million additional cash paid for the 41% equity interest, elimination of historical activity and intercompany balances of $209.5 million which includes a remeasurement gain on the 49% equity investment of $113.0 million, contingent consideration of $33.3 million, deferred purchase price of $12.0 million payable from 2024 through 2027, offset by estimated post-closing adjustments for working capital of $7.0 million. The purchase price reflected an agreement with seller on working capital and debt, which was adjusted from $13.8 million to $7.0 million during the nine months ended September 28, 2024. As a result of measurement period adjustments to the purchase price, goodwill and remeasurement gains on the previous 49% equity investment for the nine months ended September 28, 2024, were increased by $17.6 million and $9.8 million, respectively. The acquisition was funded through a combination of available cash and proceeds from our Credit Facility. This business is reported as part of our DSA reportable segment for NHPs vertically integrated into our Safety Assessment supply chain and the RMS reportable segment for NHPs sold to third party customers.
On January 27, 2023, we acquired SAMDI Tech, Inc., (SAMDI), a leading provider of high-quality, label-free high-throughput screening (HTS) solutions for drug discovery research. The acquisition of SAMDI provided clients with seamless access to the premier, label-free HTS MS platform and created a comprehensive library of drug discovery solutions. The purchase price of SAMDI was $62.8 million, inclusive of a 20% strategic equity interest previously owned by us. The acquisition was funded through a combination of available cash and proceeds from our Credit Facility. This business is reported as part of our DSA reportable segment.
Fiscal Quarters
Our fiscal year is typically based on 52-weeks, with each quarter composed of 13 weeks ending on the last Saturday on, or closest to, March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. A 53rd week in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year is occasionally necessary to align with a December 31 calendar year-end.
Global Market Environment
We are seeing a more cautious spending environment from our client base, principally global biopharmaceutical and biotechnology clients within our DSA segment, as they reassess their budgets, reprioritize their drug pipelines, and manage their cost structures. DSA backlog decreased to $2.1 billion as of September 28, 2024 from $2.5 billion as of December 30, 2023.
During the third quarter ended September 28, 2024, a triggering event was identified for the Discovery Services reporting unit (part of the DSA reportable segment). This resulted from a continuous decline in market conditions and operational challenges, ultimately resulting in a reduction of Discovery Services’ long range financial outlook. In response, management conducted a quantitative impairment test for goodwill to determine if the goodwill in the Discovery Services reporting unit was impaired. Upon completion of a quantitative impairment test, it was determined that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its
28
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
carrying value by approximately 22%, with a goodwill carrying value of $334.8 million as of September 28, 2024. The reporting unit’s fair value could be adversely affected and result in an impairment of goodwill if actual cash flows are below estimated cash flows, the estimated cash flows are discounted at a higher risk-adjusted rate or market multiples decrease. While the Discovery Services reporting unit is not currently impaired, the Company will continue to closely monitor future performance and any potential impacts on the value of the reporting unit.
In response to recent trends observed across each of our businesses, we have undertaken and will continue to implement restructuring actions at various locations across North America, Europe and Asia. This includes workforce right-sizing actions, resulting in severance and transition costs; and costs related to the consolidation of facilities to optimize our global footprint and drive greater operating efficiency across the Company, resulting in asset impairment, accelerated depreciation, and other site consolidation charges.
During fiscal year 2023, we began taking restructuring actions as a result of these emerging business trends. We incurred restructuring charges of $30.6 million and $65.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, and approximately $95 million since the beginning of fiscal year 2023 through September 28, 2024. We expect that these effectuated actions, as well as other upcoming planned actions designed to optimize our global footprint to drive greater operating efficiency, will result in approximately $200 million of cost savings on an annualized basis, of which approximately $100 million will impact fiscal year 2024.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations and Liquidity
Revenue for three months ended September 28, 2024 decreased $16.9 million, or 1.6%, to $1,009.8 million compared to $1,026.6 million in the corresponding period in 2023. Revenue for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 decreased $68.5 million, or 2.2%, to $3,047.4 million compared to $3,115.9 million in the corresponding period in 2023. The decreases in revenue were primarily due to our DSA business which experienced lower volume; partially offset by higher revenue within our Manufacturing businesses and the recent acquisition of Noveprim when compared to the corresponding periods in 2023.
In the three months ended September 28, 2024, our operating income and operating income as a percentage of revenue were $117.4 million and 11.6% respectively, compared with $151.5 million and 14.8% respectively, in the corresponding period of 2023. In the nine months ended September 28, 2024, our operating income and operating income as a percentage of revenue were $395.0 million and 13.0% respectively, compared with $484.3 million and 15.5%, respectively, in the corresponding period of 2023. The decrease in operating income and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024 were primarily due to the revenue impacts described above coupled with charges related to recent restructuring activities, including severance, asset impairments, and other site consolidation costs as discussed in Global Market Environment above.
Net income available to Charles River Laboratories International Inc, common shareholders decreased to $68.7 million in the three months ended September 28, 2024, from $87.4 million in the corresponding period of 2023. Net income available to Charles River Laboratories International Inc. common shareholders decreased to $226.0 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, from $287.5 million in the corresponding period of 2023. The decreases in net income available to common shareholders were due principally to the decreases in operating income described above.
During the nine months ended September 28, 2024, our cash flows from operations were $575.2 million compared with $463.0 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was driven by favorable performance across our revenue related accounts, including collections on trade receivables, deferred revenue, and customer deposits; benefiting cash provided by operations by $46.6 million; lower inventory of $13.8 million primarily due to lower purchases of inventory supporting our Safety Assessment business, and timing of payments to our suppliers and vendors benefiting our cash provided by operations by $7.1 million.
29
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Three Months Ended September 28, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Revenue and Operating Income
The following tables present consolidated revenue by type and by reportable segment:
Three Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Service revenue
$
832,463
$
869,759
$
(37,296)
(4.3)
%
Product revenue
177,300
156,864
20,436
13.0
%
Total revenue
$
1,009,763
$
1,026,623
$
(16,860)
(1.6)
%
Three Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
RMS
$
197,824
$
186,848
$
10,976
5.9
%
0.4
%
DSA
615,060
664,028
(48,968)
(7.4)
%
0.3
%
Manufacturing
196,879
175,747
21,132
12.0
%
0.2
%
Total revenue
$
1,009,763
$
1,026,623
$
(16,860)
(1.6)
%
0.4
%
The following table presents operating income by reportable segment:
Three Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
RMS
$
27,544
$
28,326
$
(782)
(2.8)
%
0.7
%
DSA
126,436
146,819
(20,383)
(13.9)
%
0.8
%
Manufacturing
40,188
26,275
13,913
53.0
%
0.8
%
Unallocated corporate
(76,763)
(49,918)
(26,845)
53.8
%
0.3
%
Total operating income
$
117,405
$
151,502
$
(34,097)
(22.5)
%
1.0
%
Operating income % of revenue
11.6
%
14.8
%
(320) bps
The following presents and discusses our consolidated financial results by each of our reportable segments:
RMS
Three Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
Revenue
$
197,824
$
186,848
$
10,976
5.9
%
0.4
%
Cost of revenue (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
137,906
126,640
11,266
8.9
%
Selling, general and administrative
26,453
26,483
(30)
(0.1)
%
Amortization of intangible assets
5,921
5,399
522
9.7
%
Operating income
$
27,544
$
28,326
$
(782)
(2.8)
%
0.7
%
Operating income % of revenue
13.9
%
15.2
%
(130) bps
RMS revenue increased $11.0 million primarily driven by an increase in large research model product revenue, principally due to the recent acquisition of Noveprim, which contributed $9.1 million, an increase in small research model revenue in all geographic areas, and the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates; partially offset by a decline in Insourcing Solutions services revenue.
Unallocated corporate costs consist of selling, general and administrative expenses that are not directly related or allocated to the reportable segments. The increase in unallocated corporate costs of $26.8 million, or 53.8%, compared to the corresponding period in 2023 is primarily related to higher employee compensation and benefits related costs, including severance related to recent restructuring activities and employee fringe related costs, and the absence of positive net settlements recognized on virtual power purchase agreements for the corresponding period in 2023. Costs as a percentage of revenue for thethree months ended September 28, 2024 was 7.6%, an increase of 270 bps from 4.9% for the corresponding period in 2023.
Other Income (Expense)
Three Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Other income (expense):
Interest income
$
1,528
$
1,373
$
155
11.3
%
Interest expense
(30,284)
(33,742)
3,458
(10.2)
%
Other income (expense), net
2,592
(6,260)
8,852
(141.4)
%
Total other expense, net
$
(26,164)
$
(38,629)
$
12,465
(32.3)
%
Interest income for the three months ended September 28, 2024 was $1.5 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 11.3%, driven primarily from higher interest rates and interest earning asset balances.
Interest expense for the three months ended September 28, 2024 was $30.3 million, a decrease of $3.5 million, or 10.2%, compared to $33.7 million in the corresponding period in 2023. The decrease was due primarily to lower debt balances as we continue to pay down on our revolving credit facility.
Other income, net for the three months ended September 28, 2024 was $2.6 million, an increase of $8.9 million, or 141.4% compared to Other expense, net of $6.3 million for the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was due primarily to net gains on our venture capital investments and life insurance contracts as compared to fiscal year 2023.
Income Taxes
Three Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Provision for income taxes
$
20,946
$
24,852
$
(3,906)
(15.7)
%
Effective tax rate
23.0
%
22.0
%
100 bps
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 28, 2024 was $20.9 million, a decrease of $3.9 million compared to $24.9 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Our effective tax rate was 23.0% for the three months ended September 28, 2024 compared to 22.0% for the corresponding period in 2023. The tax rate increase was primarily attributable to the deferred tax impact of tax law changes enacted during the three months ended September 28, 2024, offset by jurisdictional earnings mix.
32
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2024 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Revenue and Operating Income
The following tables present consolidated revenue by type and by reportable segment:
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Service revenue
$
2,492,225
$
2,602,016
$
(109,791)
(4.2)
%
Product revenue
555,215
513,917
41,298
8.0
%
Total revenue
$
3,047,440
$
3,115,933
$
(68,493)
(2.2)
%
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
RMS
$
625,120
$
596,562
$
28,558
4.8
%
(0.1)
%
DSA
1,847,931
1,989,838
(141,907)
(7.1)
%
0.3
%
Manufacturing
574,389
529,533
44,856
8.5
%
—
%
Total revenue
$
3,047,440
$
3,115,933
$
(68,493)
(2.2)
%
0.1
%
The following table presents operating income by reportable segment:
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
RMS
$
100,641
$
117,653
$
(17,012)
(14.5)
%
(0.3)
%
DSA
379,651
479,788
(100,137)
(20.9)
%
0.5
%
Manufacturing
111,099
52,784
58,315
110.5
%
(0.2)
%
Unallocated corporate
(196,357)
(165,886)
(30,471)
18.4
%
0.2
%
Total operating income
$
395,034
$
484,339
$
(89,305)
(18.4)
%
0.4
%
Operating income % of revenue
13.0
%
15.5
%
(250) bps
The following presents and discusses our consolidated financial results by each of our reportable segments:
RMS
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
Revenue
$
625,120
$
596,562
$
28,558
4.8
%
(0.1)
%
Cost of revenue (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
421,773
381,332
40,441
10.6
%
Selling, general and administrative
84,943
81,194
3,749
4.6
%
Amortization of intangible assets
17,763
16,383
1,380
8.4
%
Operating income
$
100,641
$
117,653
$
(17,012)
(14.5)
%
(0.3)
%
Operating income % of revenue
16.1
%
19.7
%
(360) bps
RMS revenue increased $28.6 million primarily driven by an increase in large research model product revenue, principally due to the recent acquisition of Noveprim, which contributed $30.0 million, and an increase in small research models product revenues across all geographic areas; partially offset by lower Cell Solutions product revenue and Insourcing Solutions services revenue.
RMS operating income decreased $17.0 million compared to the corresponding period in 2023. RMS operating income as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was 16.1%, a decrease of 360 bps from 19.7% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating income and operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased primarily due to
33
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
higher charges related to recent restructuring activities, including severance and site consolidation and impairment charges, higher amortization related to acquisitions, including an inventory step up recorded in cost of revenue from the Noveprim acquisition; partially offset by the impacts of the RMS revenue drivers described above.
DSA
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
Revenue
$
1,847,931
$
1,989,838
$
(141,907)
(7.1)
%
0.3
%
Cost of revenue (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
1,246,560
1,268,248
(21,688)
(1.7)
%
Selling, general and administrative
174,598
189,076
(14,478)
(7.7)
%
Amortization of intangible assets
47,122
52,726
(5,604)
(10.6)
%
Operating income
$
379,651
$
479,788
$
(100,137)
(20.9)
%
0.5
%
Operating income % of revenue
20.5
%
24.1
%
(360) bps
DSA revenue decreased $141.9 million primarily due to decreased revenue in our Safety Assessment and Discovery Services businesses due to decreased volume and the impact of a recently divested site related to our Safety Assessment business contributed $7.1 million to the decrease; partially offset by the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
DSA operating income decreased $100.1 million compared to the corresponding period in 2023. DSA operating income as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was 20.5%, a decrease of 360 bps from 24.1% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating income and operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased primarily due to the lower revenue described above, higher severance related to recent restructuring activities, an adjustment to contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Noveprim, and certain third-party legal costs incurred in connection with the investigations by the U.S. government into the non-human primate supply chain; partially offset by lower site consolidation and impairment charges compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
Manufacturing
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
Revenue
$
574,389
$
529,533
$
44,856
8.5
%
—
%
Cost of revenue (excluding amortization of intangible assets)
331,530
327,882
3,648
1.1
%
Selling, general and administrative
99,397
114,556
(15,159)
(13.2)
%
Amortization of intangible assets
32,363
34,311
(1,948)
(5.7)
%
Operating income
$
111,099
$
52,784
$
58,315
110.5
%
(0.2)
%
Operating income % of revenue
19.3
%
10.0
%
930 bps
Manufacturing revenue increased $44.9 million primarily due to increased revenue in both our Biologics Solutions and Microbial Solutions businesses, driven by increased demand for Biologics Testing and CDMO services and higher endotoxin product revenue.
Manufacturing operating income increased $58.3 million compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Manufacturing operating income as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was 19.3%, an increase of 930 bps from 10.0% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating income and operating income as a percentage of revenue increased primarily due to the higher revenue described above and improved operating leverage as well as lower legal costs from an environmental litigation related to the Microbial Solutions business incurred compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
34
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Unallocated Corporate
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
Impact of FX
(in thousands, except percentages)
Unallocated corporate
$
196,357
$
165,886
$
30,471
18.4
%
0.2
%
Unallocated corporate % of revenue
6.4
%
5.3
%
110 bps
Unallocated corporate costs consist of selling, general and administrative expenses that are not directly related or allocated to the reportable segments. The increase in unallocated corporate costs of $30.5 million, or 18.4%, compared to the corresponding period in 2023 is primarily related to higher employee compensation and benefits related costs, including severance related to recent restructuring activities and employee fringe related costs, and the absence of positive net settlements recognized on virtual power purchase agreements for the corresponding period in 2023. Costs as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 were 6.4%, an increase of 110 bps from 5.3% for the corresponding period in 2023.
Other Income (Expense)
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Other income (expense):
Interest income
$
6,740
$
3,605
$
3,135
87.0
%
Interest expense
(98,054)
(103,166)
5,112
(5.0)
%
Other income (expense), net
6,185
(12,200)
18,385
(150.7)
%
Total other expense, net
$
(85,129)
$
(111,761)
$
26,632
(23.8)
%
Interest income for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was $6.7 million, an increase of $3.1 million, or 87.0%, driven primarily from higher interest rates.
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was $98.1 million, a decrease of $5.1 million, or 5.0%, compared to $103.2 million in the corresponding period in 2023. The decrease was due primarily to lower debt balances as we continue to pay down our revolving credit facility.
Other income, net for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was $6.2 million, an increase of $18.4 million, or 150.7%, compared to Other expense, net of $12.2 million for the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was due primarily to venture capital investment gains of $8.4 million as compared to losses of $14.3 million in the corresponding period in 2023.
Income Taxes
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
$ change
% change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Provision for income taxes
$
70,867
$
81,160
$
(10,293)
(12.7)
%
Effective tax rate
22.9
%
21.8
%
110 bps
Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 was $70.9 million, a decrease of $10.3 million compared to $81.2 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Our effective tax rate was 22.9% for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 compared to 21.8% for the corresponding period in 2023. The increase in our effective tax rate in the nine months ended September 28, 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023 was primarily attributable to deferred tax impact of enacted tax law changes, as well as decreased tax benefits from stock-based compensation deductions in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, offset by jurisdictional earnings mix.
Our global operations make the effective tax rate sensitive to significant tax law changes. Several countries where we operate have enacted legislation implementing the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) international tax framework, including the Pillar II global minimum tax rate with effect from January 1, 2024 or later. We continue to monitor future legislation on Pillar II, however, the Pillar II associated tax expense accrued for the nine months ended September 28, 2024, is not material to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
35
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity and Cash Flows
We currently require cash to fund our working capital needs, capital expansion, acquisitions, debt payments, lease, venture capital investment, restructuring initiatives, and pension obligations. Our principal sources of liquidity have been our cash flows from operations supplemented by long-term borrowings. Based on our current business plan, we believe that our existing funds, when combined with cash generated from operations and our access to financing resources, are sufficient to fund our operations for the foreseeable future.
The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:
September 28, 2024
December 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Held in U.S. entities
$
8,273
$
2,234
Held in non-U.S. entities
201,898
274,537
Total cash and cash equivalents
210,171
276,771
Short-term investments:
Held in non-U.S. entities
69
68
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
210,240
$
276,839
The following table presents our net cash provided by operating activities:
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Net income
$
239,038
$
291,418
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
324,110
312,306
Changes in assets and liabilities
12,067
(140,769)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
575,215
$
462,955
Net cash provided by cash flows from operating activities represents the cash receipts and disbursements related to all of our activities other than investing and financing activities. Operating cash flow is derived by adjusting our net income for (1) non-cash operating items such as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and other financing costs, deferred income taxes, gains and/or losses on venture capital and strategic equity investments, gains and/or losses on divestitures, contingent consideration, as well as (2) changes in operating assets and liabilities, which reflect timing differences between the receipt and payment of cash associated with transactions and when they are recognized in our results of operations.
For the nine months ended September 28, 2024, compared to corresponding period in 2023, the increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by favorable performance across our revenue related accounts, including collections on trade receivables, deferred revenue, and customer deposits; benefiting cash provided by operations by $46.6 million; lower inventory of $13.8 million primarily due to lower purchases of inventory supporting our Safety Assessment business, and timing of payments to our suppliers and vendors benefiting our cash provided by operations by $7.1 million.
The following table presents our net cash used in investing activities:
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired
$
(5,479)
$
(50,166)
Capital expenditures
(157,351)
(240,205)
Investments, net
(5,794)
(32,369)
Other, net
(358)
(2,044)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(168,982)
$
(324,784)
Investing activities primarily consist of cash used to fund capital expenditures to support the growth of our business, purchases and sales of investments related to our venture capital and strategic equity investment portfolios, and asset and business acquisitions.
36
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
For the nine months ended September 28, 2024, cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by capital expenditures, an immaterial asset acquisition, and net purchases and sales in investments related to certain venture capital and strategic equity investments. The Company experienced declines in capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 28, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, primarily as a result of disciplined spend management in light of the global economic environment.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by capital expenditures to support the growth of the business, the acquisition of SAMDI, and net purchases and sales of investments related to certain venture capital and strategic equity investments.
The following table presents our net cash used in financing activities:
Nine Months Ended
September 28, 2024
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Proceeds from long-term debt and revolving credit facility
$
976,783
$
333,034
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
23,110
19,658
Payments on long-term debt, revolving credit facility, and finance lease obligations
(1,316,990)
(530,909)
Purchase of treasury stock
(119,051)
(24,016)
Purchases of additional equity interests, net
(12,000)
—
Payment of contingent considerations
—
(2,711)
Other, net
(26,900)
(4,145)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(475,048)
$
(209,089)
Financing activities primarily consist of the proceeds and repayments of debt and certain equity related transactions including treasury stock purchases and employee stock option exercises. For the nine months ended September 28, 2024, net cash used in financing activities was primarily driven by the following activity:
•Net repayments of $346.2 million towards our Credit Facility
•Treasury stock purchases of $100.7 million associated with our stock repurchase program and $18.4 million due to the netting of common stock upon vesting of stock-based awards in order to satisfy individual statutory tax withholding requirements
•Net proceeds from exercises of employee stock options of $23.1 million
•Net dividend payments to noncontrolling interest holders of $14.5 million