Charles River Laboratories Announces First-Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Charles River Laboratories (NYSE: CRL) reported Q1 2021 revenue of $824.6 million, a 16.6% increase from Q1 2020. Acquisitions contributed 0.7% and foreign currency translation 2.9% to this growth. Organic revenue rose 13.0%. Net income attributable to shareholders was $61.5 million, up 21.2%, with diluted GAAP EPS of $1.20 (up 17.6%). Non-GAAP net income from continuing operations was $129.2 million, a 40.7% increase, yielding non-GAAP EPS of $2.53 (up 37.5%). Strong demand driven by scientific innovation enhanced performance across segments.

Positive

• Revenue growth of 16.6% year-over-year to $824.6 million.
• GAAP net income increased by 21.2% to $61.5 million.
• Non-GAAP net income rose 40.7% to $129.2 million.
• Diluted GAAP EPS grew to $1.20, up 17.6% year-over-year.
• Non-GAAP EPS increased by 37.5% to $2.53.
• Operating margins improved across all segments, indicating operational efficiency.

Negative

• Debt extinguishment costs and write-off of deferred financing costs affected net income.
• COVID-19-related impacts in previous year may have distorted year-over-year comparisons.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) today reported its results for the first quarter of 2021. For the quarter, revenue was $824.6 million, an increase of 16.6% from $707.1 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Acquisitions contributed 0.7% to consolidated first-quarter revenue growth. The impact of foreign currency translation benefited reported revenue growth by 2.9%. Excluding the effect of these items, organic revenue growth of 13.0% was driven by contributions from all three business segments. The year-over-year comparison to last year’s COVID-19-related revenue impact contributed approximately 140 basis points to the reported and organic revenue growth rates in the first quarter, principally in the Research Models and Services segment.

On a GAAP basis, first-quarter net income attributable to common shareholders was $61.5 million, an increase of 21.2% from net income of $50.8 million for the same period in 2020. First-quarter diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis were $1.20, an increase of 17.6% from $1.02 for the first quarter of 2020. The increases in the GAAP net income and earnings per share were driven primarily by higher revenue and operating margin improvement, partially offset by debt extinguishment costs and the write-off of deferred financing costs related to debt refinancing activities in the first quarter of 2021.

On a non-GAAP basis, net income from continuing operations was $129.2 million for the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 40.7% from $91.8 million for the same period in 2020. First‑quarter diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis were $2.53, an increase of 37.5% from $1.84 per share for the first quarter of 2020. The non-GAAP net income and earnings per share increases were driven primarily by higher revenue and operating margin improvement.

James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our first-quarter performance demonstrates the power of our unique, non-clinical portfolio and the strength of the biopharmaceutical market environment. A global focus on scientific innovation is driving record levels of investment in the biopharmaceutical industry, which is generating biomedical breakthroughs across multiple therapeutic areas at a rapid pace. We believe these factors are resulting in unprecedented client demand across most of our businesses.”

“To maintain and enhance our position as the leading, non-clinical CRO, we are strategically expanding our portfolio and enhancing our scientific capabilities, especially in the use of more complex research techniques and advanced drug modalities such as cell and gene therapies. These investments are enabling us to offer greater value to our clients and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities,” Mr. Foster concluded.

First-Quarter Segment Results

Research Models and Services (RMS)

Revenue for the RMS segment was $176.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 21.2% from $146.0 million in the first quarter of 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation contributed 4.2%, and acquisitions, principally Cellero which was completed in August 2020, contributed 2.2% to first-quarter RMS revenue. Organic revenue growth of 14.8% was driven by robust demand for research models in China, as well as higher revenue for research models services, particularly Genetically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS). The year-over-year comparison to last year’s COVID-19-related revenue impact contributed approximately 620 basis points to the RMS revenue growth rate in the first quarter.

In the first quarter of 2021, the RMS segment’s GAAP operating margin increased to 25.4% from 18.7% in the first quarter of 2020. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin increased to 28.7% from 23.0% in the first quarter of 2020. The GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin increases were driven primarily by operating leverage from higher sales volume for research models.

Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA)

Revenue for the DSA segment was $501.2 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 14.2% from $438.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation contributed 2.3% to DSA revenue growth. Organic revenue growth of 11.6% was primarily driven by robust demand from global biopharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in both the Discovery Services and Safety Assessment businesses.

In the first quarter of 2021, the DSA segment’s GAAP operating margin increased to 18.1% from 16.5% in the first quarter of 2020. On a non-GAAP basis, the operating margin increased to 23.8% from 22.0% in the first quarter of 2020. The GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin incr

FAQ

What was Charles River Laboratories' revenue for Q1 2021?

Charles River Laboratories reported Q1 2021 revenue of $824.6 million.

How much did net income increase for Charles River Laboratories in Q1 2021?

Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by 21.2% to $61.5 million in Q1 2021.

What was the diluted EPS for Charles River Laboratories in Q1 2021?

The diluted GAAP earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2021 was $1.20, a 17.6% increase from the previous year.

What drove the organic revenue growth for Charles River Laboratories in Q1 2021?

Organic revenue growth of 13.0% was driven by contributions from all three business segments.

What were the operating margin improvements for Charles River Laboratories in Q1 2021?

Operating margins improved significantly across all segments, indicating operational efficiency.