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CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. FORM 10-Q For the Quarterly Period Ended June 28, 2003 Table of Contents



UNITED STATES
SECURITES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 28, 2003

OR

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                             to                              

Commission file number 333-92383


CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES
INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

DELAWARE   06-1397316
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer 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)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý    No o

        As of July 18, 2003, there were 45,604,242 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.





CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 28, 2003
Table of Contents

 
   
   
Part I.   Financial Information
    Item 1.   Financial Statements
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the three
months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the six
months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002
        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of June 28, 2003
and December 28, 2002
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the
six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002
        Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
    Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Part II.

 

Other Information
    Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
    Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

Special Note on Factors Affecting Future Results

        Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements included in this Quarterly Report, other than statements of historical facts, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by forward looking words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," and "estimate" 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 report. 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; outsourcing trends; USDA and FDA regulations; changes in law; continued availability of products and supplies; loss of key personnel; interest rate and foreign currency exchange 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. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on our forward looking statements.

2


Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements


CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Three Months Ended
 
 
  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

 
Net sales related to products   $ 78,066   $ 67,753  
Net sales related to services     76,298     68,748  
   
 
 
Total net sales     154,364     136,501  
Costs and expenses              
  Cost of products sold     42,559     36,705  
  Cost of services provided     52,220     47,396  
  Selling, general and administrative     23,349     21,387  
  Amortization of other intangibles     1,230     631  
   
 
 
Operating income     35,006     30,382  
Other income (expense)              
  Interest income     457     697  
  Interest expense     (2,170 )   (2,958 )
  Loss on debt retirement         (1,790 )
  Other income (expense)     434     1,160  
   
 
 
Income before income taxes, minority interests and earnings from equity investments     33,727     27,491  
Provision for income taxes     12,985     10,721  
   
 
 
Income before minority interests and earnings from equity investments     20,742     16,770  
Minority interests     (181 )   (619 )
Earnings from equity investments         177  
   
 
 
Net income   $ 20,561   $ 16,328  
   
 
 
Earnings per common share              
  Basic   $ 0.45   $ 0.37  
  Diluted   $ 0.42   $ 0.34  

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3



CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Six Months Ended
 
 
  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

 
Net sales related to products   $ 156,606   $ 134,730  
Net sales related to services     149,883     135,591  
   
 
 
Total net sales     306,489     270,321  
Costs and expenses              
  Cost of products sold     83,911     73,336  
  Cost of services provided     105,011     94,626  
  Selling, general and administrative     45,488     42,306  
  Other operating expenses (income)     747      
  Amortization of other intangibles     2,478     1,261  
   
 
 
Operating income     68,854     58,792  
Other income (expense)              
  Interest income     911     1,210  
  Interest expense     (4,210 )   (6,863 )
  Loss on debt retirement         (29,269 )
  Other income (expense)     416     1,077  
   
 
 
Income before income taxes, minority interests and earnings from equity investments     65,971     24,947  
Provision for income taxes     25,399     9,729  
   
 
 
Income before minority interests and earnings from equity investments     40,572     15,218  
Minority interests     (657 )   (1,381 )
Earnings from equity investments         259  
   
 
 
Net income   $ 39,915   $ 14,096  
   
 
 
Earnings per common share              
  Basic   $ 0.88   $ 0.32  
  Diluted   $ 0.82   $ 0.31  

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4



CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 
  June 28,
2003

  December 28,
2002

 
Assets              
Current assets              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 144,341   $ 122,509  
  Restricted cash         5,000  
  Trade receivables, less allowances of $1,818 and $1,540, respectively     106,472     94,245  
  Inventories     46,844     43,892  
  Other current assets     17,220     12,446  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     314,877     278,092  
Property, plant and equipment, net     194,615     187,875  
  Goodwill, net     104,270     96,532  
  Other intangibles, net     32,490     34,204  
Deferred tax asset     68,123     80,884  
  Other assets     22,694     23,757  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 737,069   $ 701,344  
   
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity              
Current liabilities              
  Accounts payable   $ 12,765   $ 13,084  
  Accrued compensation     26,745     31,825  
  Deferred income     24,997     27,029  
  Accrued liabilities     28,850     28,357  
  Accrued income taxes     4,119     7,036  
  Other current liabilities     5,597     6,038  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     103,073     113,369  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations     189,868     192,484  
Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan     11,673     11,195  
Other long-term liabilities     11,670     8,353  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     316,284     325,401  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)              
Minority interests     9,081     18,567  
Shareholders' equity              
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding          
  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized; 45,589,036 and 45,218,693 shares issued and outstanding at June 28, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively     456     452  
  Capital in excess of par value     605,498     601,728  
  Retained earnings     (193,121 )   (233,036 )
  Unearned compensation     (1,594 )   (2,201 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     465     (9,567 )
   
 
 
    Total shareholders' equity     411,704     357,376  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 737,069   $ 701,344  
   
 
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5



CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 
  Six Months Ended
 
 
  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

 
Cash flows relating to operating activities              
  Net income   $ 39,915   $ 14,096  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
  Depreciation and amortization     14,056     11,050  
  Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts     576     937  
  Provision for doubtful accounts     1,112     293  
  Earnings from equity investments         (259 )
  Minority interests     657     1,381  
  Deferred income taxes     4,998     (2,182 )
  Windfall tax benefit from exercises of employee stock options     1,780     1,166  
  Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment     32     1,574  
  Loss on debt retirement         29,269  
  Asset impairment charge     3,655      
  Litigation settlement     (2,908 )    
  Non-cash compensation     412     65  
Changes in assets and liabilities:              
  Restricted cash     5,000      
  Trade receivables     (10,220 )   953  
  Inventories     (1,471 )   693  
  Other current assets     (1,846 )   (857 )
  Other assets     1,167     391  
  Accounts payable     (1,295 )   (2,789 )
  Accrued compensation     (6,186 )   (4,509 )
  Deferred income     322     289  
  Accrued liabilities     133     (1,120 )
  Accrued income taxes     (3,394 )   2,810  
  Other current liabilities     185     (20 )
  Accrued Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Retirement Plan     478     418  
  Other long-term liabilities     2,140     (59 )
   
 
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities     49,298     53,590  
   
 
 
Cash flows relating to investing activities              
  Capital expenditures     (14,454 )   (14,306 )
  Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired     (10,841 )   (19,527 )
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment     306      
   
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (24,989 )   (33,833 )
   
 
 
Cash flows relating to financing activities              
  Proceeds from long-term debt and revolving credit facility     2,496     187,273  
  Payments on long-term debt and revolving credit facility     (5,853 )   (154,104 )
  Payments of deferred financing cost     (778 )   (6,123 )
  Payments on capital lease obligations     (92 )   (55 )
  Proceeds from exercises of employee stock options     1,282     792  
  Proceeds from exercises of warrants     907     1,742  
  Dividends paid to minority interests     (1,862 )   (1,470 )
  Premium paid on early retirement of debt         (23,886 )
  Payments received from officer loans         192  
   
 
 
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (3,900 )   4,361  
   
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalent     1,423     2,323  
   
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     21,832     26,441  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     122,509     58,271  
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 144,341   $ 84,712  
   
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information              
  Cash paid for interest   $ 3,450   $ 5,894  
  Cash paid for taxes     22,242     6,389  

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6



CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Basis of Presentation

        The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited, and certain information and footnote disclosures related thereto normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America have been omitted in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared following the same policies and procedures used in the preparation of the audited financial statements and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the "Company"). The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002.

        Certain amounts in prior-year financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform with current-year presentation.

2. Long-Term Debt

        On March 31, 2003, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement which matures on March 31, 2006. The agreement permits the Company to borrow up to $100,000 at an interest rate based on, at the Company's option, the greatest of the Prime Rate, the Base CD Rate plus 1%, and the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%, or LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus a spread of 1.25% to 2.50% based on the leverage ratio of the Company and the aggregate borrowing under the revolving credit agreement. Interest is payable, ranging from monthly to semi-annually, based on the Company's option of interest rate selected. The credit agreement requires the Company to pay a quarterly commitment fee which ranges from 25 through 50 basis points annually on the undrawn balance, based on the leverage ratio of the Company. The agreement also requires the Company to remain in compliance with certain financial ratios as well as other restrictive covenants. No amounts were outstanding under the credit agreement as of June 28, 2003.

        On May 29, 2002, the Company repaid all of the outstanding senior secured term loan facilities, including $14,000 term loan A facility, $41,100 term loan B facility and $13,500 term loan C facility. The Company recorded a loss of $1,790 due to the write-off of deferred financing costs.

        On February 14, 2002, the Company completed a tender offer for $79,728 par value for all of its 13.5% senior subordinated notes. The Company recorded a loss of $27,479 due to the payment of premiums related to the early extinguishment of debt ($23,886), the write-off of deferred financing costs ($2,726) and issuance discounts ($867).

        Effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 145 eliminates the requirement that gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. However, an entity would not be prohibited from classifying such gains and losses as extraordinary items so long as they are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. As the tender offer and repayment of the senior secured term loan facilities were not unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence, the extraordinary loss before tax for

7



the three and six months ended June 29, 2002 of $1,790 and $29,269, respectively, was reclassified to loss on debt retirement. The related tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 29, 2002 of $698 and $11,415, respectively, was reclassified to the provision for income taxes in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

        On January 24, 2002, the Company issued $175,000 par value of senior convertible debentures through a private placement offering. On February 11, 2002, the Company issued an additional $10,000 par value of senior convertible debentures through the additional purchase option. The Company received approximately $179,450, net of underwriter discounts. The senior convertible debentures accrue interest at an initial annual rate of 3.5% which will reset (but not below the initial rate of 3.5% or above 5.25%) on August 1, 2007, August 1, 2012 and August 1, 2016. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears, beginning August 1, 2002. The senior convertible debentures mature in 2022 and are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion price of $38.87, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. On or after February 5, 2005, the Company may redeem for cash all or part of the debentures that have not been previously converted at the redemption prices set forth in the purchase agreement. Holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their debentures on February 1, 2008, February 1, 2013 or February 1, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the par value of the debentures plus accrued interest up to but not including the date of repurchase. In addition, upon a change in control of the Company occurring on or prior to February 1, 2022, each holder may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of such holder's debentures for cash. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the senior convertible debenture offering to retire all of the 13.5% senior subordinated notes through a tender offer.

3. Business Acquisitions

        Effective January 2, 2003, the Company acquired an additional 19% of the equity (404,321 common shares) of Charles River Japan from Ajinomoto Company, Inc., the minority interest partner, which has increased the Company's ownership to 85% of the outstanding shares. The purchase price for the equity was 1.3 billion yen, or $10,841, which was paid in cash. The Company recorded goodwill of $2,553 based on preliminary purchase price allocation in the first quarter. The Company has reallocated this amount to fixed assets based on an independent valuation of these fixed assets, which was completed during the second quarter. Charles River Japan is an extension of the Company's research model business.

        During the first quarter of 2003, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of $6,000 associated with prior-year acquisitions. This resulted in an increase in goodwill of $6,000.

        On June 7, 2002, Charles River Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the voting equity interests of privately-held Biological Laboratories Europe Limited (BioLabs). Consideration, including acquisition expenses, was $22,900, net of cash acquired of $2,998. The consideration consisted of $21,012 in cash and $1,888 in future payments, of which approximately $629 is recorded in current liabilities and the remaining amount is recorded in long-term liabilities, which are to be paid to certain former shareholders of BioLabs over a three-year period. BioLabs, located in western Ireland, provides a broad range of services supporting the discovery, development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical, medical devices and animal and human health products. BioLabs was

8



acquired to strengthen the Company's existing biomedical products and services segment by adding new capabilities to service the large and growing global animal health and medical device industry. The acquisition was recorded as a purchase business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141.

        The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented as if each acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of 2002, after giving effect to certain adjustments for additional interest expense and related income tax effects. The pro forma data is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the results of operations had the companies operated as one during the period. No affect has been given for synergies, if any, that may have been realized through acquisitions.

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
  June 28, 2003
(as reported)

  June 29, 2002
(pro forma)

  June 28, 2003
(as reported)

  June 29, 2002
(pro forma)

Net sales   $ 154,364   $ 144,247   $ 306,489   $ 285,886
Operating income     35,006     31,652     68,854     61,023
Net income     20,561     17,372     39,915     16,071
Earnings per common share                        
  Basic   $ 0.45   $ 0.39   $ 0.88   $ 0.36
  Diluted   $ 0.42   $ 0.36   $ 0.82   $ 0.35

        Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of the method of computation of earnings per share.

4. Litigation Settlement

        On March 28, 2003, the Company's French subsidiaries, which are included in the biomedical products and services segment, settled a pending breach of contract claim against a customer. The Company's French subsidiaries had previously been awarded damages of approximately $4,600 by the Commercial Court of Lyon and the damages award was stayed pending appeal by the customer at the French Supreme Court. The final settlement of this dispute was for a gross value of approximately $3,750, resulting in the retention by the Company's French subsidiaries of the amount previously deposited by the customer, pursuant to the order of the Commercial Court of Lyon and recorded in deferred income in the consolidated balance sheet. During 2000, the Company recognized approximately $350 of the damages award to offset a portion of subcontractor costs incurred based on the indemnification clause in the original customer agreement. After legal and related expenses, the Company's French subsidiaries recorded a net gain for the retained settlement amount of $2,908, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2003 as other operating income in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

5. Asset Impairment Charge

        During the first quarter of 2003, the Company re-evaluated the marketability of certain long-lived assets related to a biopharmaceutical production facility in Maryland, which is included in the biomedical products and services segment, due to a significant decline in market interest in purchasing these assets. Since the Company was unable to locate a buyer for these assets, an impairment charge

9



was recognized because future undiscounted cash flows were estimated to be insufficient to recover the related book value. The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $3,655 for the write-down of those assets including a net write-down of leasehold improvements of $2,195 and machinery and equipment of $1,460. The charge was recorded as other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

6. Restructuring Charges

        During the second quarter of 2003, the Company recorded a charge of $871 for severance to employees who were terminated as part of a cost savings program. The Company recorded $613 of the charge to cost of services provided and the remaining to selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Approximately 100 employees, mainly technicians, technical support and administrative staff, were terminated as part of the cost savings program.

        During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $1,788, including asset disposals of $1,041, employee separation of $477 and other charges of $270, associated with the closure of a San Diego, California, facility. The restructuring plan included the termination of approximately 40 employees and the exit of a facility utilized under an operating lease. All terminated employees had separated from the Company by the end of the third quarter of 2002. During 2002, the Company recorded an additional $292 charge relating to the remaining lease obligation at the facility based on the Company's revised estimate of expected sublease income generated over the remaining lease term.

        During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $1,290, including asset disposal of $212, associated with the closure of a facility in France. During 2001, the Company recorded additional charges of $1,915, which included a write down of assets held for sale of $400 and additional severance payments and other related expenses of $1,515, relating to the settlement of labor disputes which originated during the first quarter of 2001. Approximately 60 employees were terminated as a result of the restructuring. All terminated employees had separated from the Company by the end of the third quarter 2002.

        A summary of the activities associated with the above charges and the related liabilities balance are as follows:

 
  Employee
Separations

  Other
  Total
 
December 28, 2002   $ 274   $ 388   $ 662  

Amounts paid

 

 

(336

)

 

(159

)

 

(495

)
Additional charges     871         871  
Foreign currency translation     39     13     52  
   
 
 
 
June 28, 2003   $ 848   $ 242   $ 1,090  
   
 
 
 

The Company has closed both the San Diego facility and the French facility and expects all the above reserves to be fully utilized by 2004.

10



7. Earnings per Share

        Basic earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 were computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders for these periods by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the respective periods. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 have been adjusted to include common stock equivalents for the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share for these periods.

        Options to purchase 1,888,065 and 31,550 shares were outstanding at June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002, respectively, but were not included in computing diluted earnings per share in each of the respective three months ended because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Options to purchase 1,868,065 and 66,650 shares were outstanding at June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002, respectively, but were not included in computing diluted earnings per share in each of the respective six months ended because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

        Basic weighted average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 excluded the weighted average impact of 20,000 contingently issuable shares. In addition, weighted average shares outstanding for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 excluded the weighted average impact of 61,669 and 11,500 shares, respectively, of non-vested fixed restricted stock awards.

        The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

Numerator:                        
Net income   $ 20,561   $ 16,328   $ 39,915   $ 14,096
After-tax equivalent of interest expense:                        
  3.5% senior convertible debentures     995     996     1,991     1,707
  2% convertible note                 8
   
 
 
 
Income for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share   $ 21,556   $ 17,324   $ 41,906   $ 15,811
   
 
 
 
Denominator:                        
Weighted average shares outstanding—Basic     45,319,310     44,557,027     45,248,913     44,405,961
Effect of dilutive securities:                        
  3.5% senior convertible debentures     4,759,455     4,759,455     4,759,455     4,080,239
  Stock options     747,095     1,076,211     775,189     1,035,226
  Warrants     413,749     659,682     437,429     758,691
  2% convertible note                 17,626
   
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding—Diluted     51,239,609     51,052,375     51,220,986     50,297,743
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.45   $ 0.37   $ 0.88   $ 0.32
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.42   $ 0.34   $ 0.82   $ 0.31

11


8. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

        As permitted under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 44 (FIN 44), "Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation—an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25." Also, the Company accounts for variable restricted stock grants under the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 28, "Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Options Award Plans." The Company recognizes compensation expenses for fixed and variable restricted stock grants over the restriction period.

        SFAS No. 123 requires the presentation of certain pro forma information as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method. For purposes of this disclosure, the fair value of the fixed option grants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

        The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility and expected life of the options. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. However, for each period presented, management believes the Black-Scholes model is the most appropriate option valuation model.

        Had compensation expense for the Company's option grants been recognized consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 as amended by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123", the

12



Company's net income and earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
 
  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

  June 28,
2003

  June 29,
2002

 
Reported net income   $ 20,561   $ 16,328   $ 39,915   $ 14,096  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation included in reported net income, net of tax     193     18     253     37  
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all awards, net of tax     (2,168 )   (1,017 )   (4,236 )   (2,013 )
   
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net income   $ 18,586   $ 15,329   $ 35,932   $ 12,120  
   
 
 
 
 

Reported basic earnings per share

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.37

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.32

 
Pro forma basic earnings per share   $ 0.41   $ 0.34   $ 0.79   $ 0.27  

Reported diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.34

 

$

0.82

 

$

0.31

 
Pro forma diluted earnings per share   $ 0.38   $ 0.32   $ 0.74   $ 0.28  

9. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

        The composition of inventories is as follows:

 
  June 28, 2003
  December 28, 2002
Raw materials and supplies   $ 7,300   $ 5,966
Work in process     2,543     3,730
Finished products     37,001     34,196
   
 
Inventories   $ 46,844   $ 43,892
   
 

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally on the average cost method. Costs for large animals are accumulated in inventory until the animals are sold.

13


        The composition of property, plant and equipment is as follows:

 
  June 28, 2003
  December 28, 2002
 
Land   $ 11,545   $ 10,888  
Buildings     192,768     182,160  
Machinery and equipment     151,102     140,103  
Leasehold improvements     11,975     13,512  
Furniture and fixtures     3,542     3,232  
Vehicles     2,875     2,539  
Construction in progress     20,434     18,219  
   
 
 
      394,241     370,653  
Less accumulated depreciation     (199,626 )   (182,778 )
   
 
 
Net property, plant and equipment   $ 194,615   $ 187,875  
   
 
 

10. Comprehensive Income

        The components of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 are set forth below:

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
Net income   $ 20,561   $ 16,328   $ 39,915   $ 14,096
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax     7,910     2,672     10,032     1,973
   
 
 
 
Comprehensive income   $ 28,471   $ 19,000   $ 49,947   $ 16,069
   
 
 
 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

        Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings of a nature considered normal to its business are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        As of June 28, 2003 and December 28, 2002, the Company had $5,258 and $4,708 outstanding under letters of credit, respectively.

12. Business Segment Information

        The following table presents sales and other financial information by product line segment for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002. Sales to unaffiliated customers represent

14



net sales originating in entities primarily engaged in either biomedical products and services or research models.

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
Biomedical Products and Services                        
  Net sales   $ 90,279   $ 79,957   $ 177,277   $ 156,878
  Gross margin     29,713     26,304     56,034     50,200
  Operating income     16,673     16,317     30,244     30,438
  Depreciation and amortization     4,451     3,290     8,862     6,509
  Capital expenditures     3,951     4,688     7,270     7,767
Research Models                        
  Net sales   $ 64,085   $ 56,544   $ 129,212   $ 113,443
  Gross margin     29,872     26,096     61,533     52,159
  Operating income     22,445     18,993     47,043     38,525
  Depreciation and amortization     2,680     2,326     5,194     4,541
  Capital expenditures     5,267     5,083     7,184     6,539

        A reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated operating income is as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
 
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
 
Total segment operating income   $ 39,118   $ 35,310   $ 77,287   $ 68,963  
Unallocated corporate overhead     (4,112 )   (4,928 )   (8,433 )   (10,171 )
   
 
 
 
 
Consolidated operating income   $ 35,006   $ 30,382   $ 68,854   $ 58,792  
   
 
 
 
 

        A summary of unallocated corporate overhead consists of the following:

 
  Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
 
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
  June 28, 2003
  June 29, 2002
Restricted stock compensation expense   $ 315   $ 30   $ 412   $ 61
US pension expense     673     306     1,471     806
Other general unallocated corporate expenses     3,124     4,592     6,550     9,304
   
 
 
 
    $ 4,112   $ 4,928   $ 8,433   $ 10,171
   
 
 
 

15


        Other general unallocated corporate expenses consist of various costs including those associated with senior executive salaries and departments such as corporate accounting, legal and investor relations.

        A summary of total assets of each business segment is as follows:

 
  June 28, 2003
  December 28, 2002
Biomedical Products and Services   $ 309,073   $ 307,821
Research Models     427,996     393,523
   
 
Total assets   $ 737,069   $ 701,344
   
 

13. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        The following table displays goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization and other intangible assets that continue to be subject to amortization:

 
  June 28, 2003
  December 28, 2002
 
 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount

  Accumulated
Amortization

  Gross
Carrying
Amount

  Accumulated
Amortization

 
Goodwill   $ 116,883   $ (12,613 ) $ 108,998   $ (12,466 )
   
 
 
 
 
Other intangible assets not subject to amortization   $ 3,438   $   $ 3,438   $  
Other intangible assets subject to amortization:                          
  Customer relationships     26,465     (4,259 )   25,786     (2,792 )
  Customer contracts     3,585     (2,626 )   3,555     (2,060 )
  Trademarks and trade names     3,241     (783 )   3,211     (601 )
  Standard operating procedures     1,365     (509 )   1,384     (372 )
  Other identifiable intangible assets     5,416     (2,843 )   5,309     (2,654 )
   
 
 
 
 
Total other intangible assets   $ 43,510   $ (11,020 ) $ 42,683   $ (8,479 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Total goodwill and other intangible assets   $ 160,393   $ (23,633 ) $ 151,681   $ (20,945 )
   
 
 
 
 

16


        The changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of goodwill from December 28, 2002 to June 28, 2003 are as follows:

 
  Biomedical Products
and Services

  Research Models
  Total
 
 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount

  Accumulated
Amortization

  Gross
Carrying
Amount

  Accumulated
Amortization

  Gross
Carrying
Amount

  Accumulated
Amortization

 
Balance at December 28, 2002   $ 100,897   $ (11,358 ) $ 8,101   $ (1,108 ) $ 108,998   $ (12,466 )
Adjustments to goodwill:                                      
  Acquisitions     4,669         1,331         6,000      
  Other     1,879     (147 )   6         1,885     (147 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 28, 2003   $ 107,445   $ (11,505 ) $ 9,438   $ (1,108 ) $ 116,883   $ (12,613 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:

2003   $ 4,864
2004     4,849
2005     4,369
2006     3,815
2007     3,532

14. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No.150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. This statement does not result in any material change to the Company's existing reporting.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 145 eliminates the requirement that gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. However, an entity would not be prohibited from classifying such gains and losses as extraordinary items so long as they are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 145 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2003 and reclassified losses on extinguishment of debt that had been classified as an extraordinary item in prior periods presented.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity is required to capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 as of the beginning of fiscal year

17



2003. The adoption of this standard did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," which nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 146 requires a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. If fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, the liability shall be recognized initially in the period in which fair value can be reasonably estimated. In periods subsequent to the initial measurement, changes to the liability resulting from a revision to either the timing or the amount of estimated cash flows shall be recognized as an adjustment to the liability in the period of the change. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 146 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2003. The adoption of the standard did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        On November 25, 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of SFAS Nos. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." FIN 45 clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," relating to the guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. FIN 45 requires that, upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation. FIN 45 is applicable to guarantees that encompass guarantees based on changes in an underlying asset, liability or equity security, guarantees that are made on behalf of another entity's performance, certain indemnification agreements and indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others. The recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has made the required disclosures in the consolidated financial statements as of December 28, 2002. The adoption of the standard did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In November 2002, the EITF reached final consensus on EITF Issue No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." EITF Issue No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of a vendor's accounting for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. It provides additional guidance as to how revenue should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting. EITF Issue No. 00-21 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into during fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company believes the adoption of the standard will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

18


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        We are a leading provider of critical research tools and integrated support services that enable innovative and efficient drug discovery and development. We are the global leader in providing the animal research models required in research and development for new drugs, devices and therapies and have been in business for more than 55 years.

        Total net sales for the second quarter of 2003 were $154.4 million, an increase of 13.1% over the same period last year. Favorable foreign currency translation contributed approximately 4.5% to the net sales gain. Net sales attributable to Biological Laboratories Europe Limited (BioLabs) and Springborn Laboratories, Inc. (Springborn), which we acquired in 2002, contributed 4.6% to the net sales gain. Our gross margin increased to 38.6% of total net sales, compared to 38.4% of total net sales for the same period last year, due primarily to increased margins in the research models business from higher sales and improved capacity utilization. During the second quarter we implemented a cost savings program for our development services unit of biomedical products and services. The cost savings program resulted in a severance charge of $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2003 and we believe will generate ongoing cost savings of approximately $6.0 million of compensation on an annual basis. Operating income for the second quarter of 2003, which includes the charge for the cost savings program rose to $35.0 million, an increase of 15.2% over the same period last year. Operating margin increased to 22.7% compared to 22.3% achieved in the second quarter of last year. Net income for the second quarter of 2003 was $20.6 million compared to $16.3 million for the second quarter of 2002. Last year's second quarter results included a charge of $1.8 million for the early retirement of debt.

        On a year to date basis, total net sales were $306.5 million, an increase of 13.4% over the same period last year. Favorable foreign currency translation contributed approximately 4.6% to the net sales gain. Net sales attributable to BioLabs and Springborn, which we acquired in 2002, contributed 4.9% to the net sales gain. Our gross margin increased to 38.4% of total net sales, compared to 37.9% of total net sales for the same period last year. The year to date results include a net charge of $0.8 million. Operating income on a year to date basis increased 17.1% over last year. On a year to date basis, the operating margin increased to 22.5% compared to 21.7% for last year. Net income was $39.9 million compared to $14.1 million last year. Last year's results included a charge of $29.3 million for the early retirement of debt.

        We have two segments for financial reporting purposes: biomedical products and services and research models.

        Our biomedical products and services segment consists of our four business units: discovery services, development services, in vitro technology and vaccine support products. Our biomedical products and services segment represented 58.5% of total net sales in the second quarter of 2003. Sales for this segment increased 12.9% over the same period last year. Favorable foreign currency translation contributed approximately 2.3% of the net sales gain. The acquisitions of BioLabs and Springborn in 2002 contributed 7.9% to the net sales growth in the second quarter of 2003. Through the second quarter of 2003, this segment continued to be adversely affected by our development services business unit. During the second quarter, we completed a cost savings program for our development services unit. The cost savings program resulted in a severance charge of $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2003 and we believe will generate ongoing cost savings of approximately $6.0 million of compensation on an annual basis. We continue to believe that the decline in spending on development services, such as ours, by pharmaceutical and biotechnology drug companies that we experienced in the fourth quarter of 2002 and through the second quarter of 2003 will continue to adversely affect the growth of our biomedical products and services segment at least through the end of fiscal 2003. During the second quarter, we began to see improving levels of customer demands in certain of our development services businesses, particularly large animal and reproductive toxicology, as well as strong growth in

19



interventional pharmacology services. The charge for the cost savings program and the decrease in sales at this business segment resulted in a decrease in operating income to 18.5% for the second quarter of 2003 from 20.4% for the second quarter of 2002.

        Sales on a year to date basis for our biomedical products and services segment increased 13.0% over the same period last year. Operating income decreased slightly to 17.1% of net sales through the second quarter of 2003, including the $0.9 million charge for the cost savings program, compared to 19.4% through the second quarter of 2002.

        Our research models business segment represented 41.5% of total net sales for the second quarter of 2003. Net sales for this segment increased 13.3% over the same period in 2002. Favorable foreign currency translation contributed approximately 7.6% of the net sales gain. The net sales increase drove an 18.2% improvement in operating income, which increased to 35.0% of total net sales for the second quarter of 2003, compared to 33.6% of net sales for the same period last year.

        Our research models business net sales on a year to date basis increased 13.9% over the same period in 2002. The net sales increase drove a 22.1% improvement in operating income, which increased to 36.4% of total net sales through the second quarter of 2003, compared to 34.0% of net sales for the same period last year.

        Net Sales.    Net sales for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were $154.4 million, an increase of $17.9 million, or 13.1%, from $136.5 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Net sales of biomedical products and services for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were $90.3 million, an increase of $10.3 million, or 12.9%, compared to $80.0 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. The increase was primarily due to our 2002 acquisitions and continued growth in outsourcing of discovery services. The acquisitions of BioLabs and Springborn contributed $6.3 million to the net sales growth for the three months ended June 28, 2003. Our discovery services sales growth continued to be driven by our transgenic services and contract staffing business units. Our vaccine support business sales increased for the three months ended June 28, 2003 due to increased product sales and increased pricing and the consolidation of our Mexican joint venture. The consolidation of our Mexican joint venture added $1.9 million of sales for the three months ended June 28, 2003. Our development business sales increased primarily due to the 2002 acquisitions of BioLabs and Springborn, partially offset by reduced safety assessment studies, business at our contract biopharmaceutical production facility and biosafety testing.

        Research Models.    Net sales of research models for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were $64.1 million, an increase of $7.6 million, or 13.3%, from $56.5 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Sales of our small animal research models in North America, which comprised 43.9% of research models sales during the quarter, increased 12.7% due to improved pricing of 5.0%, an increase in unit volume and a shift to higher-priced specialty units. Sales of our small animal research models in Europe, which comprised 28.3% of research models sales during the quarter, increased 26.2%, driven in part by the positive impact from currency translation of 22.3%, improved pricing of 3.0%, an increase in unit volume and a shift to higher-priced specialty units. Sales of our small animal research models in Japan, which comprised 19.5% of research models sales in the quarter, increased 10.2%. The increase was due to the favorable impact from currency translation of 7.3% and increased unit sales. Sales from our large animal breeding and import conditioning business decreased $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2003 due to lower unit volume as a result of the timing of shipments.

        Cost of Products Sold and Services Provided.    Cost of products sold and services provided for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $94.8 million, an increase of $10.7 million, or 12.7%, from

20



$84.1 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Cost of products sold and services provided for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were 61.4% of net sales compared to 61.6% for the three months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Cost of products sold and services provided for biomedical products and services for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $60.6 million, an increase of $6.9 million, or 12.9%, compared to $53.7 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Cost of products sold and services provided, including $0.6 million of severance from the cost savings program, as a percentage of net sales remained at 67.1% for the three months ended June 28, 2003.

        Research Models.    Cost of products sold and services provided for research models for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $34.2 million, an increase of $3.8 million, or 12.4%, compared to $30.4 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Cost of products sold and services provided for the three months ended June 28, 2003 improved to 53.4% of net sales compared to 53.8% of net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2002, primarily from improved capacity utilization and greater operating efficiencies.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were $23.3 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 9.2%, from $21.4 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were 15.1% of net sales compared to 15.7% of net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for biomedical products and services for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were $11.8 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 26.3%, compared to $9.4 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were 13.1% of net sales compared to 11.7% of net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2002 due to an increased selling and marketing effort and higher bad debt expense.

        Research Models.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for research models for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were $7.4 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 4.5%, compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 28, 2003 were 11.6% of net sales, compared to 12.6% for the three months ended June 29, 2002, principally due to cost savings from greater economies of scale.

        Unallocated Corporate Overhead.    Unallocated corporate overhead, which consists of various corporate expenses including those associated with senior executive salaries and departments such as corporate accounting, legal and investor relations, was $4.1 million for the three months ended June 28, 2003, compared to $4.9 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. The decrease was due mainly to lower anticipated bonuses.

        Amortization of Other Intangibles.    Amortization of other intangibles for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $1.2 million, compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. The increase was due to the businesses we acquired in 2002.

        Operating Income.    Operating income for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $35.0 million, an increase of $4.6 million, or 15.2%, from $30.4 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Operating income for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was 22.7% of net sales, compared to 22.3% of net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Operating income from sales of biomedical products and services for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $16.7 million, an increase of $0.4 million from $16.3 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Operating income from sales of biomedical

21



products and services for the three months ended June 28, 2003 decreased to 18.5% of net sales, compared to 20.4% of net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2002. The decrease in operating income as a percent of sales was due to the severance charge for the cost savings program, the decline in spending on development services by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies which resulted in lower sales and lower gross margins, and increased selling, general and administrative expenses.

        Research Models.    Operating income from sales of research models for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $22.4 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 18.2%, from $19.0 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002. Operating income from sales of research models for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was 35.0% of net sales, compared to 33.6% for the three months ended June 29, 2002. The increase was due to increased sales, higher gross margins and lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales.

        Interest Expense.    Interest expense for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $2.2 million, compared to $3.0 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002 due to the debt repayment in 2002.

        Loss on Debt Retirement.    During the second quarter of 2002, we recorded a loss of $1.8 million relating to the write-off of deferred financing costs in connection with debt repayment. On prior year statements, this loss was recorded as an extraordinary item.

        Income Taxes.    The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was 38.5% compared to the effective tax rate of 39.0% for the three months ended June 29, 2002. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due mainly to the lower tax rate of BioLabs, which we acquired in the second quarter of 2002.

        Net Income.    Net income for the three months ended June 28, 2003 was $20.6 million, compared to $16.3 million for the three months ended June 29, 2002.

Six Months Ended June 28, 2003 Compared to June 29, 2002

        Net Sales.    Net sales for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were $306.5 million, an increase of $36.2 million, or 13.4%, from $270.3 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Net sales of biomedical products and services for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were $177.3 million, an increase of $20.4 million, or 13.0%, compared to $156.9 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002, and represented 57.8% of net sales. The increase was primarily due to our 2002 acquisitions and continued growth in outsourcing of discovery services. The acquisitions of BioLabs and Springborn contributed $13.4 million to the net sales growth for the six months ended June 28, 2003. Our discovery services sales growth continued to be driven by our transgenic services and contract staffing business units. Our vaccine support business sales increased for the six months ended June 28, 2003 due to increased product sales and increased pricing and the consolidation of our Mexican joint venture. The consolidation of our Mexican joint venture added $3.8 million of sales for the six months ended June 28, 2003. Our development business sales increased primarily due to the 2002 acquisitions of BioLabs and Springborn, partially offset by reduced safety assessment studies, biosafety testing and business at our contract biopharmaceutical production facility.

        Research Models.    Net sales of research models for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were $129.2 million, an increase of $15.8 million, or 13.9%, from $113.4 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Net sales of research models represented 42.2% of net sales. Sales of our small animal research models in North America, which comprised 43.1% of research models sales, increased 11.4% due to improved pricing of 5.0%, an increase in unit volume and a shift to higher-priced specialty units. Sales of our small animal research models in Europe, which comprised 28.5% of research models sales, increased 27.6%, driven in part by positive impact from currency translation of 22.3%, improved pricing

22



of 3.0%, an increase in unit volume and a shift to higher-priced specialty units. Sales of our small animal research models in Japan, which comprised 19.7% of research models sales, increased 9.8%. The increase was due mainly to the favorable impact from foreign currency translation of 9.3%. Sales from our large animal breeding and import conditioning business decreased $0.2 million due to lower shipments.

        Cost of Products Sold and Services Provided.    Cost of products sold and services provided for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $188.9 million, an increase of $20.9 million, or 12.5%, from $168.0 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Cost of products sold and services provided for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were 61.6% of net sales compared to 62.1% for the six months ended June 29, 2002, due to operating improvements in our research models segment partially offset by an increase in costs at our biomedical products and services segment.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Cost of products sold and services provided for biomedical products and services for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $121.2 million, an increase of $14.5 million, or 13.7%, compared to $106.7 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Cost of products sold and services provided as a percentage of net sales increased to 68.4% for the six months ended June 28, 2003 from 68.0% for the six months ended June 29, 2002, due mainly to $0.6 million of severance from the cost savings program.

        Research Models.    Cost of products sold and services provided for research models for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $67.7 million, an increase of $6.4 million, or 10.4%, compared to $61.3 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Cost of products sold and services provided for the six months ended June 28, 2003 improved to 52.4% of net sales compared to 54.0% of net sales for the six months ended June 29, 2002, primarily because of improved capacity utilization and greater operating efficiencies.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were $45.5 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 7.5%, from $42.3 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were 14.8% of net sales compared to 15.7% of net sales for the six months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for biomedical products and services for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were $22.6 million, an increase of $4.1 million, or 22.0%, compared to $18.5 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were 12.7% of net sales compared to 11.8% of net sales for the six months ended June 29, 2002 due to an increased selling and marketing efforts along with higher bad debt expense.

        Research Models.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for research models for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were $14.5 million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 6.3%, compared to $13.6 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 28, 2003 were 11.2% of net sales, compared to 12.0% for the six months ended June 29, 2002, principally due to cost savings from greater economies of scale.

        Unallocated Corporate Overhead.    Unallocated corporate overhead, which consists of various corporate expenses including those associated with senior executive salaries and departments such as corporate accounting, legal and investor relations, was $8.4 million for the six months ended June 28, 2003, compared to $10.2 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. The decrease is due mainly to lower anticipated bonuses.

        Other Operating Expenses (Income).    During the first quarter of 2003, a charge of $3.7 million was recorded for the write-down of certain biopharmaceutical production assets. Also during the first

23



quarter of 2003, our French subsidiaries settled a breach of contract claim they had asserted against a customer. After legal and related expenses, the net settlement amounted to a gain of approximately $2.9 million. The net charge of $0.8 million was recorded in the biomedical products and services segment.

        Amortization of Other Intangibles.    Amortization of other intangibles for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $2.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million from $1.3 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002 due to the businesses we acquired in 2002.

        Operating Income.    Operating income for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $68.9 million, an increase of $10.1 million, or 17.1%, from $58.8 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Operating income for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was 22.5% of net sales, compared to 21.7% of net sales for the six months ended June 29, 2002.

        Biomedical Products and Services.    Operating income from sales of biomedical products and services for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $30.2 million, a decrease of $0.2 million from $30.4 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Operating income from sales of biomedical products and services for the six months ended June 28, 2003 decreased to 17.1% of net sales, compared to 19.4% of net sales for the six months ended June 29, 2002. The decrease in operating income as a percent of sales was due to the decline in spending on development services by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which resulted in lower sales and lower gross margins, increased selling, general and administrative expenses and the net effect of the other operating expenses including the severance charge for the cost savings program.

        Research Models.    Operating income from sales of research models for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $47.0 million, an increase of $8.5 million, or 22.1%, from $38.5 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002. Operating income from sales of research models for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was 36.4% of net sales, compared to 34.0% for the six months ended June 29, 2002 due to increased sales, higher gross margins and lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales.

        Interest Expense.    Interest expense for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $4.2 million, compared to $6.9 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002 due to the debt repayment in 2002.

        Loss on Debt Retirement.    During the six months ended June 28, 2002, we recorded a loss of $29.3 million relating to premiums paid and the write-off of deferred financing costs and issuance discount in connection with the tender offer for all of the remaining 13.5% senior subordinated notes and other debt repayments. On prior year statements, this loss was recorded as an extraordinary item.

        Income Taxes.    The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was 38.5% compared to the effective tax rate of 39.0% for the six months ended June 29, 2002. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due mainly to the lower tax rate of BioLabs, which we acquired in the second quarter of 2002.

        Net Income.    Net income for the six months ended June 28, 2003 was $39.9 million, compared to $14.1 million for the six months ended June 29, 2002.

        The following discussion analyzes liquidity and capital resources by operating, investing and financing activities as presented in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

        Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and proceeds from our debt and equity offerings.

24



        On March 31, 2003, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement which matures on March 31, 2006. The agreement permits the Company to borrow up to $100.0 million at an interest rate based on, at the Company's option, the greatest of the Prime Rate, the Base CD Rate plus 1%, and the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%, or LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus a spread of 1.25% to 2.50% based on the leverage ratio of the Company and the aggregate borrowing under the revolving credit agreement. Interest is payable based on the Company's option of interest rate selected, which ranges from monthly to semi-annually. The credit agreement requires the Company to pay a quarterly commitment fee which ranges from 25 through 50 basis points on the undrawn balance, based on the leverage ratio of the Company. The agreement also requires the Company to remain in compliance with certain financial ratios as well as other restrictive covenants. No amounts were outstanding under the credit agreement as of June 28, 2003.

        Effective January 2, 2003, we acquired an additional 19% of the equity (404,321 common shares) of our then 66% equity joint venture company, Charles River Japan, from Ajinomoto Company, Inc. The purchase price for the equity was 1.3 billion yen, or $10.8 million, which was paid in cash.

        In connection with the acquisition of Springborn in 2002, we entered into a $6.0 million three-year unsecured subordinated note. The note is payable in three equal annual installments of principal, together with interest accrued in arrears commencing on October 1, 2003. Interest is payable based on the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1%, which equaled 2.81% at June 28, 2003.

        On January 24, 2002, we issued $175.0 million par value of senior convertible debentures through a private placement offering. On February 11, 2002, we issued an additional $10.0 million par value of the senior convertible debentures through the additional purchase option. The senior convertible debentures accrue interest at an initial annual rate of 3.5% which will be reset (but not below the initial rate of 3.5% or above 5.25%) on August 1, 2007, August 1, 2012 and August 1, 2016. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears, beginning August 1, 2002. The senior convertible debentures will mature in 2022 and are convertible into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $38.87, subject to adjustments under certain circumstances. On or after February 5, 2005, we may redeem for cash all or part of the debentures that have not been previously converted at the redemption prices set forth in the purchase agreement. Holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of their debentures on February 1, 2008, February 1, 2013 or February 1, 2017 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued interest. In addition, upon a change in control of our Company occurring on or prior to February 1, 2022, each holder may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder's debentures for cash. In 2002, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the senior convertible debenture offering to retire all of the 13.5% senior subordinated notes through a tender offer.

        During 2002, we repaid our outstanding senior secured term loan facilities and terminated our revolving credit facility. As a result of the termination of our revolving credit facility, we were required to transfer $5.0 million into a separate bank account to support outstanding letters of credit. This amount is reported as restricted cash in our consolidated financial statements as of December 28, 2002. During the second quarter of 2003, the restriction was lifted due to the new revolving credit agreement entered into by the Company. As of June 28, 2003 and December 28, 2002, we had approximately $5.3 million and $4.7 million outstanding under letters of credit, respectively.

        Cash and cash equivalents totaled $144.3 million at June 28, 2003, compared with $122.5 million at December 28, 2002.

        Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 was $49.3 million and $53.6 million, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by operations is primarily the result of our improved collection efforts which began in early 2002. Our days sales outstanding decreased to 63 days as of June 28, 2003, from 70 days as of June 29, 2002, but remained constant with the DSO of 64 days as of December 28, 2002.

25



        Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002 was $25.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively. The cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 28, 2003 relates to the acquisition of an additional 19% of equity in Charles River Japan for $10.8 million and capital expenditures of $14.5 million. For the first six months ended June 29, 2002, the cash used in investment activities related to the acquisition of BioLabs and capital expenditures of $14.3 million.

        Financing activities during the six months ended June 28, 2003 used cash of $3.9 million and provided cash of $4.4 million during the six months ended June 29, 2002. During March 2002, we issued $185.0 million par value of senior convertible debentures and used $103.6 million of the proceeds to repay all of the 13.5% senior subordinated notes, including a premium of $23.9 million.

        We anticipate that our operating cash flows, together with borrowings under our new revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated future operating expenses, capital expenditures and debt service obligations as they become due. We currently intend to retain any earnings to finance future operations and expansion.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

        Certain of our financial instruments are subject to market risks, including interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rates.

        The fair value of long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. In addition, the fair value of our senior convertible debentures would be impacted by our stock price. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt at June 28, 2003 was $209.1 million. Fair values were determined from available market prices, using current interest rates and terms to maturity.

        During 2002, we terminated our revolving credit facility and repaid all of our variable-rate term loans. Our senior convertible debentures accrue interest at an initial rate of 3.5%, which will be reset (but not below the initial rate of 3.5% or above 5.25%) on August 1, 2007, August 1, 2012 and August 1, 2016. Fluctuations in interest rates will not affect the interest payable on the senior convertible debentures, which is fixed through August 1, 2007.

        We generally do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

        We also have exposure to some foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations for the cash flows received from our foreign affiliates. This risk is mitigated by the fact that their operations are principally conducted in their respective local currencies.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

        Based on their evaluation required by paragraph (b) of the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") are effective as of June 28, 2003 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

        There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of the Exchange Act rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the quarter ended June 28, 2003 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

26



Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No.150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. This statement does not result in any material change to the Company's existing reporting.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 145 eliminates the requirement that gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. However, an entity would not be prohibited from classifying such gains and losses as extraordinary items so long as they are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 145 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2003 and reclassified losses on extinguishment of debt that had been classified as an extraordinary item in prior periods presented.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity is required to capitalize the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," which nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS No. 146 requires a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. If fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, the liability shall be recognized initially in the period in which fair value can be reasonably estimated. In periods subsequent to the initial measurement, changes to the liability resulting from a revision to either the timing or the amount of estimated cash flows shall be recognized as an adjustment to the liability in the period of the change. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 146 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2003. The adoption of the standard did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        On November 25, 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of SFAS Nos. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." FIN 45 clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," relating to the guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. FIN 45 requires that, upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation. FIN 45 is applicable to guarantees that encompass guarantees based on changes in an underlying asset, liability or equity security, guarantees that are made on behalf of another entity's performance, certain indemnification agreements and indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others. The recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has made the required disclosures in the consolidated financial statements as of December 28, 2002. The adoption of the standard did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

27



        In November 2002, the EITF reached final consensus on EITF Issue No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." EITF Issue No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of a vendor's accounting for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. It provides additional guidance as to how revenue should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting. EITF Issue No. 00-21 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into during fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company believes the adoption of the standard will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

28


Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

        We are subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, we do not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        At the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 2, 2003, the following proposals were adopted by the votes specified below:


 
  Number of
Shares Voted For

  Number of
Shares Voted Against

James C. Foster   37,679,957   843,793
Robert Cawthorn   37,762,629   761,121
Stephen D. Chubb   38,323,982   199,768
George E. Massaro   38,389,554   134,196
George M. Milne   37,712,521   811,229
Douglas E. Rogers   37,762,829   760,921
Samuel O. Thier   38,273,424   250,326
William H. Waltrip   36,197,148   2,326,602

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  31.1   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act. Filed herewith.

 

31.2

 

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act. Filed herewith.

 

32.3

 

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act. Filed herewith.

29


30



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

  CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES
INTERNATIONAL, INC.

July 31, 2003

/s/  
JAMES C. FOSTER      
James C. Foster
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

July 31, 2003

/s/  
THOMAS F. ACKERMAN      
Thomas F. Ackerman
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

31




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Exhibit 31.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
AND RULE 13a-14 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

I, James C. Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the Company) certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of the Company;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)
[Paragraph omitted pursuant to SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986]

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: July 30, 2003 /s/  JAMES C. FOSTER      
James C. Foster
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 AND RULE 13a-14 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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Exhibit 31.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
AND RULE 13a-14 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

I, Thomas F. Ackerman, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the Company) certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of the Company;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)
[Paragraph omitted pursuant to SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986]

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: July 30, 2003 /s/  THOMAS F. ACKERMAN      
Thomas F. Ackerman
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 AND RULE 13a-14 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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Exhibit 32.3


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 29, 2003 of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the "Company") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned, James C. Foster, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Thomas F. Ackerman, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, each hereby certifies, to the best of his knowledge and pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

        (1)   the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: July 30, 2003   /s/  JAMES C. FOSTER      
James C. Foster
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
Dated: July 30, 2003   /s/  THOMAS F. ACKERMAN      
Thomas F. Ackerman
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002