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10-Q2026-05-07· merged:deepseek-v4-flash

CRL · Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

0001100682-26-000038

SEC filing

Summary

Q1 revenue grew 1.2% YoY to $995.8M, driven by Manufacturing, while a $118M divestiture loss drove a net loss.

Key takeaways

Full analysis

Period Performance

Period Performance

For the three months ended March 28, 2026, total revenue increased 1.2% to $995.8 million from $984.2 million in the same period of 2025. The growth was driven by a 6.8% increase in Manufacturing Solutions revenue, primarily from higher Microbial Solutions endotoxin product sales, and a 0.7% increase in DSA revenue. These gains were partially offset by a 2.2% decline in RMS revenue, attributable to decreases in large and small research model product revenue. Operating income rose significantly by 60.6% to $119.9 million, and operating margin expanded 440 basis points to 12.0%. This improvement was primarily driven by a $38.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of certain assets at the Wilmington, Massachusetts site, the absence of accelerated amortization expense (particularly in Manufacturing), and lower third-party legal costs. However, net income swung to a net loss of $14.8 million from net income of $25.5 million in the prior year, due principally to a $118.0 million pre-tax loss on assets held for sale related to the CDMO and Cell Solutions Divestiture.

Segment Dynamics

  • RMS: Revenue decreased 2.2% to $208.4 million, driven by lower large and small model product revenue in North America and softness in Cell Supply and GEMS service revenue, partially offset by growth in China and favorable FX. Operating income increased 14.1% to $49.8 million, with operating margin expanding 340 bps to 23.9%, due to lower site consolidation charges and the Wilmington gain.
  • DSA: Revenue edged up 0.7% to $596.9 million, with growth primarily from foreign exchange effects, as underlying volume was pressured by prior site consolidation activities. Operating income increased 10.6% to $103.9 million, with margin up 150 bps to 17.4%, benefiting from the absence of prior-year legal costs related to the NHP supply chain investigation and lower restructuring costs.
  • Manufacturing: Revenue grew 6.8% to $190.5 million, driven by higher Microbial Solutions (endotoxin) revenue and FX. Operating income swung from a loss of $8.6 million to a profit of $46.8 million, with margin surging 2,940 bps to 24.6%, primarily due to a $44.1 million decrease in amortization from the absence of accelerated amortization on customer relationships in the CDMO business.

Forward View

Management noted a continued cautious spending environment, particularly in the DSA segment, with DSA backlog holding steady at $1.9 billion. Restructuring and efficiency initiatives remain a key focus: $31.6 million in restructuring charges were incurred in Q1 FY26, and cumulative annualized cost savings of approximately $300 million are expected by the end of 2026 (over $175 million already benefited FY25). Recent acquisitions (PathoQuest, Cambodian NHP Supplier) and divestitures (agreement to sell European Discovery Services for $145 million, completed sale of CDMO and Cell Solutions) indicate portfolio reshaping. No formal quantitative guidance was provided for future periods.

Notes & Operating Detail

Balance Sheet & Liquidity

Cash and equivalents totaled $191.8M at March 28, 2026, down from $213.8M at year-end 2025. Total debt (net) increased to $2.66B from $2.14B, driven by $912.5M of new borrowings offset by $355.7M of repayments (net +$556.8M). Shareholders' equity decreased to $2.94B from $3.16B due to a net loss and $208.3M of treasury stock repurchases. Inventory rose to $359.7M (up $60.6M) primarily from the Cambodian NHP supplier acquisition. Remaining performance obligations (backlog) stood at $702.2M, with 50% expected to be recognized within 12 months.

Commitments & Contractual Obligations

The filing does not disclose traditional purchase commitments (e.g., supply or capacity agreements). The most notable contractual obligation is $105.0M of deferred consideration for the Cambodian NHP supplier acquisition, recorded within accrued liabilities. Additionally, contingent consideration of $30.0M (max payout) is accrued, reflecting a 100% probability of achievement. The company also has a $2.0B revolving credit facility (undrawn? Actually $1.165B drawn at quarter-end) maturing December 2029.

Capital Allocation (buybacks, dividends, debt, capex)

During Q1 2026, the company repurchased 1.1 million shares for $200.0M under the $1.0B program authorized October 29, 2025, leaving $800.0M remaining. No dividends were declared. Capital expenditures totaled $55.9M (5.6% of revenue), with DSA receiving the largest share ($37.5M). Debt activity included $912.5M of gross proceeds (primarily from the revolver) and $355.7M of repayments. The weighted average interest rate on debt was 3.95%.

Segment / Geographic Mix

Revenue was generated 54.6% in the U.S., 27.9% in Europe, 11.0% in Canada, 5.6% in Asia Pacific, and 0.9% in other regions. The DSA segment contributed 59.9% of total revenue, followed by RMS (20.9%) and Manufacturing (19.1%). Segment operating income was $200.5M, with DSA representing 51.8% of the total, RMS 24.8%, and Manufacturing 23.4%. Unallocated corporate costs were $80.6M, primarily related to senior executives and corporate functions.

Cash Flow Quality

Cash Flow Quality

Operating cash flow (CFO) of $41.1M was significantly below net income of ($14.8M), indicating weak cash generation relative to earnings. The primary driver was a large net loss, but also substantial working capital outflows: trade receivables and contract assets increased by $65.3M, accrued compensation fell by $83.8M, and other liabilities declined. These were partially offset by a $26.0M inventory reduction and a $20.5M increase in accounts payable. A $118.0M loss on divestitures (non-cash) further depressed net income but did not affect cash.

Capital expenditures of $55.9M were 1.36x CFO, indicating high capex intensity relative to operating cash flow. Free cash flow (CFO minus capex) was negative $14.8M, meaning the company did not generate enough internal cash to cover its investment spending.

Capital returns: Share repurchases of $208.3M were funded primarily by $912.5M in new debt proceeds, as financing activities provided $347.7M net. No dividends were paid. The company relied heavily on external financing to support both capex and shareholder returns.

Anomalies: The large divestiture loss ($118.0M) and a $29.4M deferred tax benefit were notable non-cash adjustments. The $83.8M drop in accrued compensation suggests a significant cash payout of bonuses or other liabilities during the quarter.