UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 October 29, 2003 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) --------------------- Delaware 333-92383 06-1397316 (State or Other Jurisdiction) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer of Incorporation Identification No.) --------------------- 251 Ballardvale Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) 978-658-6000 (Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)ITEM 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits (a) Not applicable. (b) Not applicable. (c) Exhibits. This exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 12 hereof and should not be deemed to be "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 99.1 Press release dated October 29, 2003. ITEM 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition The following information shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing. On October 29, 2003, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. issued a press release providing financial results for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2003. The press release, attached as an exhibit to this report, includes "safe harbor" language pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, indicating that certain statements about Charles River's business contained in the press release are "forward-looking" rather than historic. The press release also states that these and other risks relating to Charles River are set forth in the documents filed by Charles River with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 2
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Dated: October 29, 2003 By: /s/ Dennis R. Shaughnessy . ----------------------------------------------- Dennis R. Shaughnessy, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, General Counsel and Secretary 3
Exhibit Index Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press release dated October 29, 2003. 4
Exhibit 99.1 Charles River Laboratories Announces Third-Quarter 2003 Results, Confirms Outlook for 2003, and Provides Outlook for Continued Growth in 2004 WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2003--Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) today reported third-quarter 2003 net sales of $151.2 million, a 7.0% increase over the $141.4 million reported in the third quarter of 2002. Net income for the third quarter of 2003 increased 5.7% to $19.6 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, from $18.5 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2002. Cash provided by operating activities in the third quarter was $35.2 million, driving the Company's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities to a record $179.7 million at the end of the third quarter. Operating income for the third quarter of 2003 rose 5.3% to $34.3 million from $32.5 million in the third quarter of last year. The Company's operating margin was 22.7% in the third quarter of 2003 compared to 23.0% in the third quarter of last year, a modest decrease that reflected the Company's efforts to manage costs in line with revenue growth. James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "The unsettled drug discovery and development market affected our results in the third quarter, but we nevertheless delivered sales and earnings growth and a significant increase in cash. This demonstrates the value of our diversified product and services offerings, and clearly shows that we can deliver good growth and strong profitability and cash flow despite challenging market conditions." Business Segment Detail Third-quarter 2003 net sales of $151.2 million increased 7.0% over the third quarter of 2002. Favorable foreign currency translation contributed approximately 2.5% of the net sales gain. Third-quarter 2003 net sales for the Research Models segment of the business were $60.0 million compared to $56.8 million last year, an increase of 5.7%. The Research Models business was affected by lower growth rates in sales to certain customer segments as the third quarter progressed, due to pharmaceutical mergers, tighter pharmaceutical and biotech spending and more pronounced seasonality. Due to slower sales growth, the gross margin was 42.9% compared to 44.7% in the third quarter of last year. Operating income increased to $18.7 million in the third quarter compared to $18.6 million last year, and the operating margin was 31.2% compared to last year's 32.8%. Net sales for the Biomedical Products and Services segment rose 7.8% in the third quarter, to $91.2 million from $84.6 million in the same period last year. The Company's discovery services business, which includes transgenic, laboratory testing, and contract staffing services, and its in vitro business reported significant sales growth in the quarter. The vaccine support business also reported strong sales growth, due principally to consolidation of a Mexican joint venture. Sales for the development services business, which includes the entire range of pre-clinical drug testing services, were lower than in the third quarter of last year, but as evidence of steady improvement, were higher than in the second quarter of 2003. Sales from the acquisition of Springborn Laboratories, acquired in the fourth quarter of 2002, partially offset the development services third-quarter sales decrease. Higher net sales in the third quarter resulted in an improvement in gross margins for the Biomedical Products and Services segment, to 33.7% from 33.2% in the same period in 2002. Operating income for this segment was $18.8 million compared to $17.1 million in the third quarter of last year. The third-quarter operating margin increased to 20.6% from 20.2% last year, and from 18.5% reported in the second quarter of 2003. The increase in the operating margin was due to improved operating efficiency in the discovery services, in vitro and vaccine support businesses as a result of higher net sales, the continuing focus on limiting operating expense growth, and the cost savings program initiated in the development services operation in the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-Date Results Net sales for the first nine months of 2003 were $457.7 million, an 11.2% increase over the $411.7 million reported in the same period last year. Operating income rose 12.9% to $103.1 million from $91.3 million last year, and the operating margin increased to 22.5% from 22.2%, primarily as a result of improved operating performance from the Research Models segment. Diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period were $1.22, compared to $0.70 in the same period last year. This year's nine-month results included a net charge of $1.6 million, or approximately $0.02 per diluted share, as a result of an asset impairment charge of $3.7 million related to the closure of a biopharmaceutical production facility, a French litigation settlement in the Company's favor of $2.9 million and a charge of $0.9 million for expenses associated with cost savings initiatives. The results for the first nine months of 2002 included charges of $29.9 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the early retirement of high-yield debt. 2003 Confirmation/2004 Outlook The following forward-looking guidance may be affected by uncertain economic and political environments. Guidance is based on current exchange rates, as the Company is unable to predict the effects of any currency fluctuations on its future results, and is exclusive of any acquisitions which may occur. The Company confirms its guidance provided in September of this year that for 2003, net sales growth is expected to be between 9% and 11%. Net sales growth for the Research Models segment is expected to be between 10% and 12%, and for the Biomedical Products and Services segment is expected to be between 8% and 10%. The Company also confirms that diluted earnings per share for 2003 are expected to be in a range of $1.58 to $1.63. For 2004, exclusive of any acquisitions, the Company anticipates earnings per diluted share of at least $1.76, based on net sales growth between 5% and 9%. Mr. Foster added, "We are very pleased that the business is well positioned for growth in sales, earnings and cash flow for 2004. Although overall demand continues to be affected by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies' spending patterns, our broad spectrum of products and services enables us to capitalize on opportunities where they are strongest. From a long-term perspective, we believe our business is well positioned as a leading provider to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Our goal is to maintain that position by delivering an increasing array of high-quality products and services to existing and emerging markets." Webcast Charles River Laboratories has scheduled a live webcast on Thursday, October 30, 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. The webcast will be available until 5:00 p.m. EST on November 6, 2003. Charles River Laboratories, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of critical research tools and integrated support services that enable innovative and efficient drug discovery and development. The Company is the global leader in providing the animal research models required in research and development for new drugs, devices and therapies. The Company also offers a broad and growing portfolio of biomedical products and services that enable customers to reduce cost, increase speed, and enhance productivity and effectiveness in drug discovery and development. Charles River's customer base spans over 50 countries, and includes all of the major pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and many leading hospitals and academic institutions. The Company operates 82 facilities in 16 countries worldwide. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This document 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," "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 are based on management's current expectations, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements, and the Company expressly does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: a decrease in pre-clinical research and development spending or a decrease in the level of outsourced services; acquisition integration risks; special interest groups; contaminations; industry trends; new displacement technologies; USDA and FDA regulations; changes in law; continued availability of products and supplies; loss of key personnel; interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; 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 the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 20, 2003, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (dollars in thousands, except for per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ------------------ ----------------- Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, 2003 2002 2003 2002 Total net sales $151,194 $141,364 $457,683 $411,685 Cost of products sold and services provided 94,702 87,889 283,624 255,851 -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross margin 56,492 53,475 174,059 155,834 Selling, general and administrative 21,003 20,023 66,491 62,329 Other operating expense (income) - - 747 - Amortization of intangibles 1,233 933 3,711 2,194 -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating income 34,256 32,519 103,110 91,311 Interest income (expense) (1,722) (1,862) (5,021) (7,515) Loss on debt retirement - (613) - (29,882) Other income (expense) 27 (48) 443 1,029 -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes, minority interests and earnings from equity investments 32,561 29,996 98,532 54,943 Provision for income taxes 12,536 10,805 37,935 20,534 -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before minority interests and earnings from equity investments 20,025 19,191 60,597 34,409 Minority interests (434) (717) (1,091) (2,098) Earnings from equity investments - 57 - 316 -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income $19,591 $18,531 $59,506 $32,627 ======== ======== ======== ======== Earnings per common share Basic $0.43 $0.41 $1.31 $0.73 Diluted $0.40 $0.38 $1.22 $0.70 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic 45,600,735 44,836,974 45,366,187 44,549,632 Diluted 51,490,250 51,362,263 51,288,568 50,672,782 CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (dollars in thousands) September 27, December 28, 2003 2002 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $164,316 $127,509 Marketable securities 11,192 - Trade receivables, net 105,653 94,245 Inventories 48,541 43,892 Other current assets 16,389 12,446 ------- ------- Total current assets 346,091 278,092 Property, plant and equipment, net 193,003 187,875 Goodwill, net 103,600 96,532 Other intangibles, net 31,020 34,204 Deferred tax asset 66,287 80,884 Other assets 25,151 23,757 ------- ------- Total assets $765,152 $701,344 ======= ======= Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $12,450 $13,084 Accrued compensation 28,996 31,825 Deferred income 25,248 27,029 Other current liabilities 43,871 41,431 ------- ------- Total current liabilities 110,565 113,369 Long-term debt 189,690 192,420 Other long-term liabilities 23,418 19,612 ------- ------- Total liabilities 323,673 325,401 ------- ------- Minority interests 9,539 18,567 Total shareholders' equity 431,940 357,376 ------- ------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $765,152 $701,344 ======= ======= CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. SELECTED BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ------------------ ----------------- Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Sept. 27, Sept. 28, 2003 2002 2003 2002 Research Models Net sales $59,986 $56,771 $189,198 $170,214 Gross margin 25,745 25,375 87,278 77,534 Gross margin as a % of net sales 42.9% 44.7% 46.1% 45.6% Operating income 18,703 18,596 65,746 57,121 Operating income as a % of net sales 31.2% 32.8% 34.7% 33.6% Depreciation and amortization 2,751 2,472 7,945 7,013 Capital expenditures 2,938 2,954 10,122 9,493 Biomedical Products and Services Net sales $91,208 $84,593 $268,485 $241,471 Gross margin 30,747 28,100 86,781 78,300 Gross margin as a % of net sales 33.7% 33.2% 32.3% 32.4% Operating income 18,830 17,093 49,074 47,531 Operating income as a % of net sales 20.6% 20.2% 18.3% 19.7% Depreciation and amortization 4,475 3,859 13,337 10,368 Capital expenditures 2,377 4,354 9,647 12,121 Unallocated Corporate Overhead $(3,277) $(3,170) $(11,710) $(13,341) Total Net sales $151,194 $141,364 $457,683 $411,685 Gross margin 56,492 53,475 174,059 155,834 Gross margin as a % of net sales 37.4% 37.8% 38.0% 37.9% Operating income 34,256 32,519 103,110 91,311 Operating income as a % of net sales 22.7% 23.0% 22.5% 22.2% Depreciation and amortization 7,226 6,331 21,282 17,381 Capital expenditures 5,315 7,308 19,769 21,614 CONTACT: Charles River Laboratories Investors: Susan E. Hardy, 978-658-6000 Ext. 1616