Charles River Laboratories International (CRL) 10-Q4 May 222022 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
Cover Page - shares	Mar. 26, 2022	Apr. 22, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 26, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-15943
Entity Registrant Name	CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-1397316
Entity Address, Address Line One	251 Ballardvale Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Wilmington
Entity Address, State or Province	MA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	01887
City Area Code	781
Local Phone Number	222-6000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	CRL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company	false
Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		50,804,860
Entity Central Index Key	0001100682
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Total revenue	$ 913,929	$ 824,566
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	150,033	155,733
Amortization of intangible assets	38,007	28,842
Operating income	148,778	123,703
Other income (expense):
Interest income	127	35
Interest expense	(9,434)	(29,719)
Other expense, net	(28,625)	(27,717)
Income before income taxes	110,846	66,302
Provision for income taxes	15,620	2,367
Net income	95,226	63,935
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,204	2,405
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 93,022	$ 61,530
Earnings per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.84	$ 1.23
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.81	$ 1.20
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	50,640	49,980
Diluted (in shares)	51,325	51,075
Service
Total revenue	$ 720,485	$ 626,581
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services provided and products sold (excluding amortization of intangible assets)	486,864	423,975
Product
Total revenue	193,444	197,985
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services provided and products sold (excluding amortization of intangible assets)	$ 90,247	$ 92,313

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 95,226	$ 63,935
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(12,952)	9,829
Amortization of net loss and prior service benefit included in net periodic cost for pension and other post-retirement benefit plans	746	988
Comprehensive income, before income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income	83,020	74,752
Less: Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(2,018)	(1,025)
Comprehensive income, net of income taxes	85,038	75,777
Less: Comprehensive income related to noncontrolling interests, net of income taxes	2,209	2,390
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders, net of income taxes	$ 82,829	$ 73,387

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 241,869	$ 241,214
Trade receivables and contract assets, net of allowances for credit losses of $6,154 and $7,180, respectively	697,843	642,881
Inventories	221,175	199,146
Prepaid assets	90,496	93,543
Other current assets	81,703	97,311
Total current assets	1,333,086	1,274,095
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,321,618	1,291,068
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	304,758	292,941
Goodwill	2,695,994	2,711,881
Client relationships and other intangible assets, net	1,019,537	1,061,192
Deferred tax assets	43,404	40,226
Other assets	356,652	352,889
Total assets	7,075,049	7,024,292
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases	2,642	2,795
Accounts payable	225,977	198,130
Accrued compensation	165,224	246,119
Deferred revenue	228,260	219,703
Accrued liabilities	227,203	228,797
Other current liabilities	144,533	137,641
Total current liabilities	993,839	1,033,185
Long-term debt, net and finance leases	2,676,165	2,663,564
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities	264,356	252,972
Deferred tax liabilities	230,949	239,720
Other long-term liabilities	239,015	242,859
Total liabilities	4,404,324	4,432,300
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 9, 11 and 13)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	55,819	53,010
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 120,000 shares authorized; 50,911 shares issued and 50,800 shares outstanding as of March 26, 2022, and 50,480 shares issued and outstanding as of December 25, 2021	509	505
Additional paid-in capital	1,744,829	1,718,304
Retained earnings	1,073,773	980,751
Treasury stock, at cost, 111 and 0 shares, as of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively	(33,994)	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(174,933)	(164,740)
Total equity attributable to common shareholders	2,610,184	2,534,820
Noncontrolling interest	4,722	4,162
Total equity	2,614,906	2,538,982
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	7,075,049	7,024,292
Client relationships, net
Current assets:
Client relationships and other intangible assets, net	948,830	981,398
Other intangible assets, net
Current assets:
Client relationships and other intangible assets, net	$ 70,707	$ 79,794

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6,154	$ 7,180
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	50,911,000	50,480,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	50,800,000	50,480,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	111,000	0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Cash flows relating to operating activities
Net income	$ 95,226	$ 63,935
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	75,299	61,508
Stock-based compensation	14,619	13,189
Loss on debt extinguishment and other financing costs	1,028	26,907
Deferred income taxes	(7,563)	(9,125)
Loss on venture capital and strategic equity investments, net	13,903	16,719
Contingent consideration, fair value changes	(3,450)	0
Other, net	5,211	496
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables and contract assets, net	(57,942)	5,598
Inventories	(23,164)	(11,404)
Accounts payable	40,932	9,622
Accrued compensation	(79,795)	(37,360)
Deferred revenue	12,078	5,006
Customer contract deposits	4,750	(5,446)
Other assets and liabilities, net	11,498	30,584
Net cash provided by operating activities	102,630	170,229
Cash flows relating to investing activities
Acquisition of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired	0	(94,197)
Capital expenditures	(80,464)	(28,030)
Purchases of investments and contributions to venture capital investments	(13,296)	(16,550)
Proceeds from sale of investments	205	0
Other, net	(4,450)	781
Net cash used in investing activities	(98,005)	(137,996)
Cash flows relating to financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt and revolving credit facility	962,005	1,954,011
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	12,199	19,612
Payments on long-term debt, revolving credit facility, and finance lease obligations	(948,267)	(1,714,195)
Purchase of treasury stock	(33,994)	(36,028)
Payment of debt extinguishment and financing costs	0	(28,680)
Other, net	(5,226)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(13,283)	194,720
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	5,740	10,953
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,918)	237,906
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	246,314	233,119
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	243,396	471,025
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash and cash equivalents	241,869	465,411
Restricted cash included in Other current assets	413	4,012
Restricted cash included in Other assets	1,114	1,602
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	$ 243,396	$ 471,025

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Total Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 26, 2020			49,767				0
Beginning balance at Dec. 26, 2020	$ 2,118,169	$ 2,114,602	$ 498	$ 1,627,564	$ 625,414	$ (138,874)	$ 0	$ 3,567
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	62,220	61,530			61,530			690
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11,857	11,857				11,857
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value	(835)	(835)		(835)
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans (in shares)			583
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans	19,612	19,612	$ 6	19,606
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)							134
Purchase of treasury shares	(36,028)	(36,028)					$ (36,028)
Stock-based compensation	13,189	13,189		13,189
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 27, 2021			50,350				134
Ending balance at Mar. 27, 2021	2,188,184	2,183,927	$ 504	1,659,524	686,944	(127,017)	$ (36,028)	4,257
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2021			50,480				0
Beginning balance at Dec. 25, 2021	2,538,982	2,534,820	$ 505	1,718,304	980,751	(164,740)	$ 0	4,162
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	93,582	93,022			93,022			560
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,193)	(10,193)				(10,193)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value	(1,161)	(1,161)		(1,161)
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans (in shares)			431
Issuance of stock under employee compensation plans	13,071	13,071	$ 4	13,067
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)							111
Purchase of treasury shares	(33,994)	(33,994)					$ (33,994)
Stock-based compensation	14,619	14,619		14,619
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 26, 2022			50,911				111
Ending balance at Mar. 26, 2022	$ 2,614,906	$ 2,610,184	$ 509	$ 1,744,829	$ 1,073,773	$ (174,933)	$ (33,994)	$ 4,722

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	Mar. 26, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the Company) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2021. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, in the opinion of management, reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Use of Estimates The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires that the Company make estimates and judgments that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, judgments, and methodologies. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known. Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities About Government Assistance.” ASU 2021-10 requires disclosures about transactions with a government that have been accounted for by a grant or contribution accounting model to increase transparency about the types of transactions, the accounting for the transactions, and the effect on the financial statements. The ASU is an annual disclosure effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but does not believe there will be a material impact. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2021. Consolidation The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect its financial statements and those of its subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest. For consolidated entities in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the Company records net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in its consolidated statements of income equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s fiscal year is typically based on 52-weeks, with each quarter composed of 13 weeks ending on the last Saturday on, or closest to, March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. A 53rd week in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year is occasionally necessary to align with a December 31 calendar year-end, which will occur in this fiscal year 2022. Segment Reporting The Company reports its results in three reportable segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing). The Company’s RMS reportable segment includes the Research Models, Research Model Services, and Research and GMP-Compliant Cells businesses. Research Models includes the commercial production and sale of small research models, as well as the supply of large research models. Research Model Services includes: Genetically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS), which performs contract breeding and other services associated with genetically engineered models; Research Animal Diagnostic Services (RADS), which provides health monitoring and diagnostics services related to research models; Insourcing Solutions (IS), which provides colony management of its clients’ research operations (including recruitment, training, staffing, and management services); and Research and GMP-Compliant Cells, which supplies controlled, consistent, customized primary cells and blood components derived from normal and mobilized peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cord blood. The Company’s DSA reportable segment includes services required to take a drug through the early development process including discovery services, which are non-regulated services to assist clients with the identification, screening, and selection of a lead compound for drug development, and regulated and nonregulated (GLP and non-GLP) safety assessment services. The Company’s Manufacturing reportable segment includes

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	3 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	Mar. 26, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES	ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Fiscal 2022 Acquisition On April 5, 2022, the Company acquired Explora BioLabs Holdings, Inc. (Explora BioLabs), a provider of contract vivarium research services, providing biopharmaceutical clients with turnkey in vivo vivarium facilities, management and related services to efficiently conduct their early-stage research activities. The acquisition of Explora BioLabs complements the Company’s existing Insourcing Solutions business, specifically the CRADL (Charles River Accelerator and Development Lab) footprint, and offers incremental opportunities to partner with an emerging client base, many of which are engaged in cell and gene therapy development. The preliminary purchase price of Explora BioLabs was approximately $295 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. The acquisition was funded through proceeds from the Company’s credit facility (Credit Facility). This business will be reported as part of the Company’s RMS segment. Due to the limited time between the acquisition date and the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, it is not practicable for the Company to disclose the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fiscal 2021 Acquisitions Vigene Biosciences, Inc. On June 28, 2021, the Company acquired Vigene Biosciences, Inc. (Vigene), a gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), providing viral vector-based gene delivery solutions. The acquisition enables clients to seamlessly conduct analytical testing, process development, and manufacturing for advanced modalities with the same scientific partner. The purchase price of Vigene was $323.9 million, net of $2.7 million in cash. Included in the purchase price are contingent payments fair valued at $34.5 million, which was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model (the maximum contingent contractual payments are up to $57.5 million based on future performance). The acquisition was funded through a combination of available cash and proceeds from the Company’s Credit Facility. This business is reported as part of the Company’s Manufacturing reportable segment. Retrogenix Limited On March 30, 2021, the Company acquired Retrogenix Limited (Retrogenix), an early-stage contract research organization providing specialized bioanalytical services utilizing its proprietary cell microarray technology. The acquisition of Retrogenix enhances the Company’s scientific expertise with additional large molecule and cell therapy discovery capabilities. The purchase price of Retrogenix was $53.9 million, net of $8.5 million in cash. Included in the purchase price are contingent payments fair valued at $6.9 million, which is the maximum potential payout, and was based on a probability-weighted approach. The acquisition was funded through a combination of available cash and proceeds from the Company’s Credit Facility. This business is reported as part of the Company’s DSA reportable segment. Cognate BioServices, Inc. On March 29, 2021, the Company acquired Cognate BioServices, Inc. (Cognate), a cell and gene therapy CDMO offering comprehensive manufacturing solutions for cell therapies, as well as for the production of plasmid DNA and other inputs in the CDMO value chain. The acquisition of Cognate establishes the Company as a scientific partner for cell and gene therapy development, testing, and manufacturing, providing clients with an integrated solution from basic research and discovery through cGMP production. The purchase price of Cognate was $877.9 million, net of $70.5 million in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments and includes $15.7 million of consideration for an approximate 2% ownership interest not acquired, which was redeemed in April 2022 with the ultimate payout tied to performance in 2021. The acquisition was funded through a combination of available cash and proceeds from the Company’s Credit Facility and senior notes (Senior Notes) issued in fiscal 2021. This business is reported as part of the Company’s Manufacturing reportable segment. Distributed Bio, Inc. On December 31, 2020, the Company acquired Distributed Bio, Inc. (Distributed Bio), a next-generation antibody discovery company with technologies specializing in enhancing the probability of success for delivering high-quality, readily formattable antibody fragments to support antibody and cell and gene therapy candidates to biopharmaceutical clients. The acquisition of Distributed Bio expands the Company’s capabilities with an innovative, large-molecule discovery platform, and creates an integrated, end-to-end platform for therapeutic antibody and cell and gene therapy discovery and development. The purchase price of Distributed Bio was $97.0 million, net of $0.8 million in cash. The total consideration includes $80.8 million cash paid, settlement of $3.0 million in convertible promissory notes previously issued by the Company during prior fiscal years, and $14.1 million of contingent consideration, which was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model (the maximum contingent contractual payments are up to $21.0 million based on future performance and milestone achievements over a one-year period). The acquisition was funded through a combination of available cash and proceeds from the Company’s Credit Facility. This business is reported as part of the Company’s DSA reportable segment. Other Acquisition On March 3, 2021, the Company acquired certain assets from a distributor that supports the Company’s DSA reportable segment. The purchase price was $35.4 million, which includes $19.5 million in cash paid ($5.5 million of which was paid in fiscal 2020), and $15.9 million of contingent consideration, which was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model (the maximum contingent contractual payments are up to $17.5 million based on future performance over a three-year period). The fair value of the net assets acquired included $17.3 million of goodwill, $15.2 million attributed to supplier relationships (to be amortized over a 4-year period), and $3.0 million of property, plant, and equipment. The business is reported as part of the Company’s DSA reportable segment. Purchase price information The purchase price allocation was as follows: Vigene (3) Retrogenix Cognate Distributed Bio June 28, 2021 March 30, 2021 March 29, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands) Trade receivables $ 3,548 $ 2,266 $ 18,566 $ 2,722 Other current assets (excluding cash) 1,657 209 14,128 221 Property, plant and equipment 7,649 400 52,082 2,382 Operating lease right-of-use asset, net 22,507 1,385 34,349 1,586 Goodwill (1) 239,681 34,489 611,555 71,585 Definite-lived intangible assets 93,900 22,126 270,900 24,540 Other long-term assets 694 — 6,098 469 Deferred revenue (4,260) (434) (20,539) (1,319) Other current liabilities (2) (6,319) (1,141) (45,388) (1,504) Operating lease right-of-use liabilities (Long-term) (21,220) (1,205) (31,383) (1,123) Deferred tax liabilities (13,958) (4,174) (32,503) (2,529) Total purchase price allocation $ 323,879 $ 53,921 $ 877,865 $ 97,030 (1) The goodwill resulting from these transactions is primarily attributable to the potential growth of the Company’s segments from new customers introduced to the acquired businesses and the assembled workforce of the acquirees. The goodwill attributable to these entities is not deductible for tax purposes. (2) In connection with its acquisitions of businesses, the Company routinely records liabilities related to indirect state and local taxes for preacquisition periods when such liabilities are estimable and deemed probable. The Company may or may not be indemnified for such indirect tax liabilities under terms of the acquisitions. As these indirect tax contingencies are resolved, actual obligations, and any indemnifications, may differ from the recorded amounts and any differences are reflected in reported results in the period in which these are resolved. As of March 26, 2022, the Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that these recorded liabilities of $17 million may decrease over the next twelve month period as the Company seeks a favorable ruling from tax authorities on certain indirect tax positions. (3) Purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change as additional information becomes available concerning the fair value and tax basis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain contracts and obligations. Any additional adjustments to the purchase price allocation will be made as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the date of acquisition. The definite-lived intangible assets acquired were as follows: Vigene Retrogenix Cognate Distributed Bio Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (in thousands) Client relationships $ 87,500 $ 17,340 $ 257,200 $ 16,080 Other intangible assets 6,400 4,786 13,700 8,460 Total definite-lived intangible assets $ 93,900 $ 22,126 $ 270,900 $ 24,540 Weighted Average Amortization Life (in years) Client relationships 12 13 13 9 Other intangible assets 2 3 2 4 Total definite-lived intangible assets 11 11 13 7 The company incurred transaction and integration costs in connection with its acquisitions of $7.1 million and $8.7 million, which were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively. Pro forma information The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented as if the Cognate and Vigene acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the period immediately preceding the period of acquisition, which is December 29, 2019, after giving effect to certain adjustments. For the three months ended March 26, 2021, these adjustments included additional amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of fixed assets of $9.2 million, additional interest expense on borrowing of $3.4 million, elimination of intercompany activity and other one-time costs, and the tax impacts of these adjustments. All other acquisitions have not been included because that information is not material to the consolidated financial statements. Three Months Ended March 27, 2021 (in thousands) (unaudited) Revenue $ 858,800 Net income attributable to common shareholders 37,575 These unaudited pro forma results of operations have been prepared for comparative purposes only, and they do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the dates indicated or that may result in the future. No effect has been given for synergies, if any, that may be realized through the acquisition. RMS Japan Divestiture On October 12, 2021, the Company sold its RMS Japan operations to The Jackson Laboratory for a preliminary purchase price of $73.1 million, which included $7.9 million in cash, $3.8 million pension over funding, and certain post-closing adjustments. The RMS Japan business was reported in the Company’s RMS reportable segment. The Company determined that the RMS Japan business was not optimized within the Company’s portfolio at its current scale, and that the capital could be better deployed in other long-term growth opportunities. CDMO Sweden Divestiture On October 12, 2021, the Company sold its gene therapy CDMO site in Sweden to a private investor group for a preliminary purchase price of $59.6 million, net of $0.2 million in cash and other post-closing adjustments that may impact the purchase price. Included in the purchase price are contingent payments fair valued at $15.3 million, which were estimated using a probability weighted model (the maximum contingent contractual payments are up to $25.0 million based on future performance), as well as a purchase obligation of approximately $10.0 million between the parties. The CDMO Sweden business was acquired in March 2021 as part of the acquisition of Cognate and was reported in the Company’s Manufacturing reportable segment. The Company routinely evaluates the strategic fit and fundamental performance of our acquisitions integrated within our global infrastructure. As part of this assessment, the Company determined that this capital could be better deployed in other long-term growth opportunities. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the divestitures of the businesses were as follows: October 12, 2021 RMS Japan CDMO Sweden (in thousands) Assets Current assets $ 26,524 $ 8,187 Property, plant, and equipment, net 17,379 14,339 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net — 19,733 Goodwill 4,129 27,764 Intangible assets, net — 14,089 Other assets 3,695 — Total assets $ 51,727 $ 84,112 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 8,705 $ 6,386 Operating lease right-of-use liabilities — 18,221 Long-term liabilities 94 — Total liabilities $ 8,799 $ 24,607

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	3 Months Ended
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	Mar. 26, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS Disaggregation of Revenue The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by major business line and timing of transfer of products or services: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Timing of Revenue Recognition: RMS Services and products transferred over time $ 69,924 $ 64,896 Services and products transferred at a point in time 106,618 112,014 Total RMS revenue 176,542 176,910 DSA Services and products transferred over time 542,336 500,468 Services and products transferred at a point in time 1,923 710 Total DSA revenue 544,259 501,178 Manufacturing Services and products transferred over time 95,009 50,568 Services and products transferred at a point in time 98,119 95,910 Total Manufacturing revenue 193,128 146,478 Total revenue $ 913,929 $ 824,566 RMS The RMS business generates revenue through the commercial production and sale of research models, research and GMP-compliant cells (cell supply), and the provision of services related to the maintenance and monitoring of research models and management of clients’ research operations. Revenue from the sale of research models and cell supply is recognized at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the product, which may be upon shipment or upon delivery based on the shipping terms of a contract. Revenue generated from research models services is recognized over time and is typically based on a right-to-invoice measure of progress (output method) as invoiced amounts correspond directly to the value of the Company’s performance to date. DSA The DSA business provides a full suite of integrated drug discovery services directed at the identification, screening and selection of a lead compound for drug development and offers a full range of safety assessment services including bioanalysis, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pathology. DSA services revenue is generally recognized over time using the cost-to-cost or right to invoice measures of progress, primarily representing fixed fee service contracts and per unit service contracts, respectively. Manufacturing The Manufacturing business includes Microbial Solutions, which provides in vitro (non-animal) lot-release testing products, microbial detection products, and species identification services; Biologics Solutions (Biologics), which performs specialized testing of biologics (Biologics Testing Solutions) as well as contract development and manufacturing products and services (CDMO); and Avian Vaccine Services (Avian), which supplies specific-pathogen-free chicken eggs and chickens. Species identification service revenue is generally recognized at a point in time as identifications are completed by the Company. Biologics service revenue is generally recognized over time using the cost-to-cost measure of progress. Microbial Solutions and Avian product sales are generally recognized at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the product, which may be upon shipment or upon delivery based on the contractual shipping terms of a contract. Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations The Company discloses the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of March 26, 2022. Excluded from the disclosure is the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less (ii) contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed and (iii) service revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases” (see additional disclosure for Other Performance Obligations). The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially satisfied) as of March 26, 2022: Revenue Expected to be Recognized in Future Periods Less than 1 Year 1 to 3 Years 4 to 5 Years Beyond 5 Years Total (in thousands) DSA $ 404,549 $ 414,174 $ 36,670 $ 1,752 $ 857,145 Manufacturing 1,875 — — — 1,875 Total $ 406,424 $ 414,174 $ 36,670 $ 1,752 $ 859,020 Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed receivables (client receivables), contract assets (unbilled revenue), and contract liabilities (current and long-term deferred revenue and customer contract deposits) on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s payment terms are generally 30 days in the United States and consistent with prevailing practice in international markets. A contract asset is recorded when a right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to a customer is conditioned other than the passage of time. Client receivables are recorded separately from contract assets since only the passage of time is required before consideration is due. A contract liability is recorded when consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue after control of the products or services is transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. The following table provides information about client receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Balances from contracts with customers: Client receivables $ 526,736 $ 489,452 Contract assets (unbilled revenue) 177,261 160,609 Contract liabilities (current and long-term deferred revenue) 251,182 240,281 Contract liabilities (customer contract deposits) 63,985 59,512 When the Company does not have the unconditional right to advanced billings, both advanced client payments and unpaid advanced client billings are excluded from deferred revenue, with the advanced billings also being excluded from client receivables. The Company excluded approximately $44 million and $36 million of unpaid advanced client billings from both client receivables and deferred revenue in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. Advanced client payments of approximately $64 million and $60 million have been presented as customer contract deposits within other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. Other changes in the contract asset and the contract liability balances during the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021 were as follows: (i) Changes due to acquisitions and divestitures: See Note 2. “Acquisitions and Divestitures” for the Company’s recent acquisitions. (ii) Cumulative catch-up adjustments to revenue that affect the corresponding contract asset or contract liability, including adjustments arising from a change in the measure of progress, a change in an estimate of the transaction price (including any changes in the assessment of whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained), or a contract modification: During the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, immaterial cumulative catch-up adjustments to revenue were recorded. (iii) A change in the time frame for a right to consideration to become unconditional (that is, for a contract asset to be recorded as a client receivable): Approximately 60% of unbilled revenue as of December 25, 2021, which was $161 million, was billed during the three months ended March 26, 2022. Approximately 60% of unbilled revenue as of December 26, 2020, which was $135 million, was billed during the three months ended March 27, 2021. (iv) A change in the time frame for a performance obligation to be satisfied (that is, for the recognition of revenue arising from a contract liability): Approximately 65% of contract liabilities as of December 25, 2021, which was $240 million, were recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 26, 2022. Approximately 60% of contract liabilities as of December 26, 2020, which was $227 million, were recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 27, 2021. Other Performance Obligation s As part of the Company’s service offerings, primarily in the Manufacturing segment, the Company has identified performance obligations related to leasing Company owned assets. In certain arrangements, customers obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the identified assets, which may include manufacturing suites and related equipment, and have the right to direct the assets’ use over the term of the contract. The associated revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which is generally less than one year. For the three months ended March 26, 2022, the Company recognized lease revenue of $7.9 million, which is recorded within service revenue, which is transferred over time, within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. Due to the nature of these arrangements and timing of the contractual lease term, the remaining revenue to be recognized related to these lease performance obligations is not material to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION	Mar. 26, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The following table presents revenue and other financial information by reportable segment: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) RMS Revenue $ 176,542 $ 176,910 Operating income 47,882 44,935 Depreciation and amortization 9,469 9,679 Capital expenditures 8,646 2,983 DSA Revenue $ 544,259 $ 501,178 Operating income 104,986 90,949 Depreciation and amortization 46,789 44,608 Capital expenditures 48,930 17,040 Manufacturing Revenue $ 193,128 $ 146,478 Operating income 46,368 49,437 Depreciation and amortization 18,482 6,569 Capital expenditures 22,828 7,110 The following tables present reconciliations of segment operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures to the respective consolidated amounts: Operating Income Depreciation and Amortization Capital Expenditures March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Three Months Ended: Total reportable segments $ 199,236 $ 185,321 $ 74,740 $ 60,856 $ 80,404 $ 27,133 Unallocated corporate (50,458) (61,618) 559 652 60 897 Total consolidated $ 148,778 $ 123,703 $ 75,299 $ 61,508 $ 80,464 $ 28,030 Revenue for each significant product or service offering is as follows: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) RMS $ 176,542 $ 176,910 DSA 544,259 501,178 Manufacturing 193,128 146,478 Total revenue $ 913,929 $ 824,566 A summary of unallocated corporate expense consists of the following: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Stock-based compensation $ 8,503 $ 7,642 Compensation, benefits, and other employee-related expenses 28,636 27,362 External consulting and other service expenses 4,319 7,356 Information technology 2,474 4,095 Depreciation 559 652 Acquisition and integration 5,826 10,560 Other general unallocated corporate 141 3,951 Total unallocated corporate expense $ 50,458 $ 61,618 Other general unallocated corporate expense consists of costs associated with departments such as senior executives, corporate accounting, legal, tax, human resources, treasury, and investor relations. Revenue by geographic area is as follows: U.S. Europe Canada Asia Pacific Other Consolidated (in thousands) Three Months Ended: March 26, 2022 $ 526,549 $ 251,087 $ 85,246 $ 48,946 $ 2,101 $ 913,929 March 27, 2021 448,482 237,535 77,107 59,446 1,996 824,566 Included in the Other category above are operations located in Brazil and Israel. Revenue represents sales originating in entities physically located in the identified geographic area.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFO

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	Mar. 26, 2022
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION The composition of trade receivables and contract assets, net is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Client receivables $ 526,736 $ 489,452 Unbilled revenue 177,261 160,609 Total 703,997 650,061 Less: Allowance for credit losses (6,154) (7,180) Trade receivables and contract assets, net $ 697,843 $ 642,881 The composition of inventories is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Raw materials and supplies $ 34,763 $ 33,118 Work in process 35,651 40,268 Finished products 150,761 125,760 Inventories $ 221,175 $ 199,146 The composition of other current assets is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Prepaid income tax $ 71,272 $ 84,725 Short-term investments 1,065 1,063 Restricted cash 413 4,023 Other receivables 8,953 7,500 Other current assets $ 81,703 $ 97,311 The composition of other assets is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Venture capital investments $ 137,689 $ 149,640 Strategic equity investments 60,576 51,712 Life insurance policies 47,262 51,048 Other long-term income tax assets 18,195 18,690 Restricted cash 1,114 1,077 Long-term pension assets 39,626 39,582 Other 52,190 41,140 Other assets $ 356,652 $ 352,889 The composition of other current liabilities is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Current portion of operating lease right-of-use liabilities $ 37,758 $ 33,267 Accrued income taxes 29,838 26,161 Customer contract deposits 63,985 59,512 Other 12,952 18,701 Other current liabilities $ 144,533 $ 137,641 The composition of other long-term liabilities is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) U.S. Transition Tax $ 43,057 $ 43,057 Long-term pension liability, accrued executive supplemental life insurance retirement plan and deferred compensation plans 107,000 104,944 Long-term deferred revenue 22,922 20,578 Other 66,036 74,280 Other long-term liabilities $ 239,015 $ 242,859

VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC E

VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC EQUITY INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC EQUITY INVESTMENTS	Mar. 26, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC EQUITY INVESTMENTS	VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC EQUITY INVESTMENTS Venture capital investments were $137.7 million and $149.6 million as of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. The Company’s total commitment to the venture capital funds as of March 26, 2022 was $173.9 million, of which the Company funded $116.6 million through that date. The Company received distributions totaling $1.3 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively. The Company recognized net losses on venture capital investments of $13.4 million for the three months ended March 26, 2022, driven by the decrease in the fair value of publicly-held investments offset by increases from private investments, and net losses of $16.4 million for the three months ended March 27, 2021, driven by both publicly-held and private investments.

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	3 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE	Mar. 26, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, which have been classified as Level 1, 2, or 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: March 26, 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current assets measured at fair value: (in thousands) Cash equivalents $ — $ 2,030 $ — $ 2,030 Other assets: Life insurance policies — 40,045 — 40,045 Total assets measured at fair value $ — $ 42,075 $ — $ 42,075 Other current liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration $ — $ — $ 13,515 $ 13,515 Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration — — 16,644 16,644 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ — $ — $ 30,159 $ 30,159 The Company recognizes transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy, if any, at the end of each quarter. During the three months ended March 26, 2022, there were no transfers between levels. December 25, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current assets measured at fair value: (in thousands) Cash equivalents $ — $ 893 $ — $ 893 Other assets: Life insurance policies — 42,918 — 42,918 Total assets measured at fair value $ — $ 43,811 $ — $ 43,811 Other current liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration $ — $ — $ 11,794 $ 11,794 Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration — — 25,450 25,450 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ — $ — $ 37,244 $ 37,244 During the year ended December 25, 2021, there were no transfers between levels. Contingent Consideration The following table provides a rollforward of the contingent consideration related to the Company’s acquisitions. Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Beginning balance $ 37,244 $ 2,328 Additions — 29,990 Payments (3,301) — Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): Adjustment of previously recorded contingent liability (3,450) 917 Foreign currency translation (334) (72) Ending balance $ 30,159 $ 33,163 The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through valuation models, such as probability-weighted and option pricing models, that incorporate probability adjusted assumptions and simulations related to the achievement of the milestones and the likelihood of making related payments. The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements include the probabilities of successful achievement of certain financial targets, forecasted results or targets, volatility, and discount rates. The remaining maximum potential payments are approximately $73 million, of which the value accrued as of March 26, 2022 is approximately $30 million. The weighted average probability of achieving the maximum target is approximately 42%. The average volatility and weighted average cost of capital are approximately 47% and 16%, respectively. Increases or decreases in these assumptions may result in a higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively. Debt Instruments The book value of the Company’s term and revolving loans, which are variable rate loans carried at amortized cost, approximates the fair value based on current market pricing of similar debt. As the fair value is based on significant other observable inputs, including current interest and foreign currency exchange rates, it is deemed to be Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The book value of the Company’s Senior Notes are fixed rate obligations carried at amortized cost. Fair value is based on quoted market prices as well as borrowing rates available to the Company. As the fair value is based on significant other observable outputs, it is deemed to be Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The book value and fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes is summarized below: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value 4.25% Senior Notes due 2028 $ 500,000 $ 483,100 $ 500,000 $ 521,250 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 500,000 466,250 500,000 506,700 4.0% Senior Notes due 2031 500,000 466,850 500,000 507,500

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	Mar. 26, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill The following table provides a rollforward of the Company’s goodwill: Adjustments to Goodwill December 25, 2021 Acquisition Related Foreign Exchange March 26, 2022 (in thousands) RMS $ 283,524 $ — $ (150) $ 283,374 DSA 1,472,506 — (9,505) 1,463,001 Manufacturing 955,851 (592) (5,640) 949,619 Goodwill $ 2,711,881 $ (592) $ (15,295) $ 2,695,994 Intangible Assets, Net The following table displays intangible assets, net by major class: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net (in thousands) Backlog $ 12,513 $ (10,712) $ 1,801 $ 12,577 $ (9,517) $ 3,060 Technology 134,544 (98,281) 36,263 135,764 (95,454) 40,310 Trademarks and trade names 13,018 (3,893) 9,125 13,086 (3,448) 9,638 Other 35,319 (11,801) 23,518 35,231 (8,445) 26,786 Other intangible assets 195,394 (124,687) 70,707 196,658 (116,864) 79,794 Client relationships 1,471,872 (523,042) 948,830 1,475,757 (494,359) 981,398 Intangible assets $ 1,667,266 $ (647,729) $ 1,019,537 $ 1,672,415 $ (611,223) $ 1,061,192

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANG

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	Mar. 26, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Long-term debt, net and finance leases consists of the following: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Revolving facility $ 1,174,169 $ 1,161,431 4.25% Senior Notes due 2028 500,000 500,000 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 500,000 500,000 4.00% Senior Notes due 2031 500,000 500,000 Other debt 366 368 Finance leases 25,955 27,223 Total debt and finance leases 2,700,490 2,689,022 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 99 101 Current portion of finance leases 2,543 2,694 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 2,642 2,795 Long-term debt and finance leases 2,697,848 2,686,227 Debt discount and debt issuance costs (21,683) (22,663) Long-term debt, net and finance leases $ 2,676,165 $ 2,663,564 As of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s debt was 2.87% and 2.78%, respectively. During the three months ended March 27, 2021, the Company prepaid $500 million of Senior Notes due in 2026 along with $21 million of related debt extinguishment costs and $13 million of accrued interest using proceeds from additional senior notes issued on the same day. The payment of the 2026 Senior Notes was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. Approximately $21 million of debt extinguishment costs and $5 million of deferred financing costs write-offs were recorded in Interest expense for the three months ended March 27, 2021. Cross currency loans During the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, the Company had multiple U.S. dollar denominated loans borrowed by a non-U.S. Euro functional currency entity under the Credit Facility, which were approximately $400 million each. This resulted in foreign currency losses recognized in Other (expense) income, net of $11.1 million and $13.4 million during the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively, related to the remeasurement of the underlying debt. As of March 26, 2022, the Company did not have any outstanding borrowings in a currency different than its respective functional currency. The Company periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to limit its foreign currency exposure related to U.S. dollar denominated loans borrowed by a non-U.S. Euro functional currency entity under the Company’s Credit Facility. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. This resulted in gains recognized within Interest expense of $11.8 million and $14.0 million during the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively, related to these forward contracts. The Company had no open forward contracts related to a U.S. dollar denominated loan borrowed by a non-U.S. Euro functional currency a t March 26, 2022 or December 25, 2021. Letters of Credit As of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the Company had $17.7 million in outstanding letters of credit.

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTER

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	3 Months Ended
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	Mar. 26, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Earnings Per Share The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Numerator: Net income $ 95,226 $ 63,935 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,204 2,405 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 93,022 $ 61,530 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic 50,640 49,980 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units 685 1,095 Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted 51,325 51,075 Options to purchase 0.2 million and less than 0.1 million shares for the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively, as well as a non-significant number of restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs), were not included in computing diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Basic weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021 excluded the impact of 0.4 million and 0.6 million shares, respectively, of non-vested RSUs and PSUs. Treasury Shares During the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares under its authorized stock repurchase program. As of March 26, 2022, the Company had $129.1 million remaining on the authorized stock repurchase program. The Company’s stock-based compensation plans permit the netting of common stock upon vesting of RSUs and PSUs in order to satisfy individual statutory tax withholding requirements. During the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, the Company acquired 0.1 million shares for $34.0 million and 0.1 million shares for $36.0 million, respectively, from such netting. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Total (in thousands) December 25, 2021 $ (98,173) $ (66,567) $ (164,740) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,957) — (12,957) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 746 746 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (12,957) 746 (12,211) Income tax (benefit) expense (2,200) 182 (2,018) March 26, 2022 $ (108,930) $ (66,003) $ (174,933) Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest The Company has an investment in an entity whose financial results are consolidated in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, as it has the ability to exercise control over this entity. The interest of the noncontrolling party in this entity has been recorded as noncontrolling interest within Equity in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The activity within the nonredeemable noncontrolling interest was not significant during the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The Company has a 92% equity interest in Vital River with an 8% redeemable noncontrolling interest. The Company has the right to purchase, and the noncontrolling interest holders have the right to sell, the remaining 8% equity interest at a contractually defined redemption value, subject to a redemption floor, which represents a derivative embedded within the equity instrument. The redeemable noncontrolling interest is measured at the greater of the amount that would be paid if settlement occurred as of the balance sheet date based on the contractually defined redemption value ($24.3 million as of March 26, 2022) and the carrying amount adjusted for net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest. As the noncontrolling interest holders have the ability to require the Company to purchase the remaining 8% interest, the noncontrolling interest is classified in the mezzanine section of the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, which is presented above the equity section and below liabilities. The amount that the Company could be required to pay to purchase the remaining 8% equity interest is not limited. The Company has an 80% equity interest in a subsidiary with a 20% redeemable noncontrolling interest. In August 2022, the Company will have the right to purchase, and the noncontrolling interest holders have the right to sell (Put/call option), the remaining 20% equity interest at its appraised value ($31.5 million as of March 26, 2022). The redeemable noncontrolling interest is measured at the greater of the amount that would be paid if settlement occurred as of the balance sheet date based on the appraised value and the carrying amount adjusted for net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest or a predetermined floor value. As the noncontrolling interest holders have the ability to require the Company to purchase the remaining 20% interest, the noncontrolling interest is classified in the mezzanine section of the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, which is presented above the equity section and below liabilities. The amount that the Company could be required to pay to purchase the remaining 20% equity interest is not limited. The following table provides a rollforward of the activity related to the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Beginning balance $ 53,010 $ 25,499 Adjustment of noncontrolling interest to redemption value 1,161 835 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,644 1,716 Foreign currency translation 4 (15) Ending balance $ 55,819 $ 28,035

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Mar. 26, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021 were 14.1% and 3.6%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year period was primarily attributable to a decreased tax benefit from stock-based compensation deductions in the three months ended March 26, 2022. For the three months ended March 26, 2022, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits increased by $1.6 million to $34.2 million, primarily due to increases in research & development tax credit reserves. For the three months ended March 26, 2022, the amount of unrecognized income tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate increased by $1.1 million to $31.1 million for the same reasons discussed above. The accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits was $1.7 million as of March 26, 2022. The Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $11.3 million over the next twelve-month period, primarily due to audit settlements and expiring statutes of limitations. The Company conducts business in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, it is subject to tax audits on a regular basis including, but not limited to, such major jurisdictions as the U.S., the U.K., China, France, Germany, and Canada. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. and international income tax examinations for years before 2018. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have ongoing tax controversies in the U.S., Canada, France, the Netherlands, and India. The Company does not anticipate resolution of these audits will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRM

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	3 Months Ended
RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	Mar. 26, 2022
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS In recent fiscal years, the Company has undertaken productivity improvement initiatives within all reportable segments at various locations across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and China. This includes workforce right-sizing and scalability initiatives, resulting in severance and transition costs; and cost related to the consolidation of facilities, resulting in asset impairment and accelerated depreciation charges. The Company does not have any significant remaining lease obligations for facilities associated with restructuring activities. The following table presents a summary of restructuring costs related to these initiatives within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in Thousands) Restructuring Costs: RMS $ 674 $ 7 DSA 143 559 Manufacturing 107 334 Unallocated corporate 1,087 (151) Total $ 2,011 $ 749 As of March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, $4.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of severance and other personnel related costs liabilities and lease obligation liabilities were included in accrued compensation and accrued liabilities within the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Mar. 26, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings of a nature considered normal to its business are pending against the Company. While the outcome of any of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of any of these existing matters would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	Mar. 26, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (the Company) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2021. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, in the opinion of management, reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires that the Company make estimates and judgments that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, judgments, and methodologies. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.
Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements	In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities About Government Assistance.” ASU 2021-10 requires disclosures about transactions with a government that have been accounted for by a grant or contribution accounting model to increase transparency about the types of transactions, the accounting for the transactions, and the effect on the financial statements. The ASU is an annual disclosure effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but does not believe there will be a material impact.
Consolidation	The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect its financial statements and those of its subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest. For consolidated entities in which the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the Company records net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in its consolidated statements of income equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Period	The Company’s fiscal year is typically based on 52-weeks, with each quarter composed of 13 weeks ending on the last Saturday on, or closest to, March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. A 53rd week in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year is occasionally necessary to align with a December 31 calendar year-end, which will occur in this fiscal year 2022.
Segment Reporting	The Company reports its results in three reportable segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing). The Company’s RMS reportable segment includes the Research Models, Research Model Services, and Research and GMP-Compliant Cells businesses. Research Models includes the commercial production and sale of small research models, as well as the supply of large research models. Research Model Services includes: Genetically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS), which performs contract breeding and other services associated with genetically engineered models; Research Animal Diagnostic Services (RADS), which provides health monitoring and diagnostics services related to research models; Insourcing Solutions (IS), which provides colony management of its clients’ research operations (including recruitment, training, staffing, and management services); and Research and GMP-Compliant Cells, which supplies controlled, consistent, customized primary cells and blood components derived from normal and mobilized peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cord blood. The Company’s DSA reportable segment includes services required to take a drug through the early development process including discovery services, which are non-regulated services to assist clients with the identification, screening, and selection of a lead compound for drug development, and regulated and nonregulated (GLP and non-GLP) safety assessment services. The Company’s Manufacturing reportable segment includes Microbial Solutions, which provides in vitro (non-animal) lot-release testing products, microbial detection products, and species identification services; Biologics Solutions (Biologics), which performs specialized testing of biologics (Biologics Testing Solutions) as well as contract development and manufacturing products and services (CDMO); Avian Vaccine Services (Avian), which supplies specific-pathogen-free chicken eggs and chickens.

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	The purchase price allocation was as follows: Vigene (3) Retrogenix Cognate Distributed Bio June 28, 2021 March 30, 2021 March 29, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands) Trade receivables $ 3,548 $ 2,266 $ 18,566 $ 2,722 Other current assets (excluding cash) 1,657 209 14,128 221 Property, plant and equipment 7,649 400 52,082 2,382 Operating lease right-of-use asset, net 22,507 1,385 34,349 1,586 Goodwill (1) 239,681 34,489 611,555 71,585 Definite-lived intangible assets 93,900 22,126 270,900 24,540 Other long-term assets 694 — 6,098 469 Deferred revenue (4,260) (434) (20,539) (1,319) Other current liabilities (2) (6,319) (1,141) (45,388) (1,504) Operating lease right-of-use liabilities (Long-term) (21,220) (1,205) (31,383) (1,123) Deferred tax liabilities (13,958) (4,174) (32,503) (2,529) Total purchase price allocation $ 323,879 $ 53,921 $ 877,865 $ 97,030 (1) The goodwill resulting from these transactions is primarily attributable to the potential growth of the Company’s segments from new customers introduced to the acquired businesses and the assembled workforce of the acquirees. The goodwill attributable to these entities is not deductible for tax purposes. (2) In connection with its acquisitions of businesses, the Company routinely records liabilities related to indirect state and local taxes for preacquisition periods when such liabilities are estimable and deemed probable. The Company may or may not be indemnified for such indirect tax liabilities under terms of the acquisitions. As these indirect tax contingencies are resolved, actual obligations, and any indemnifications, may differ from the recorded amounts and any differences are reflected in reported results in the period in which these are resolved. As of March 26, 2022, the Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that these recorded liabilities of $17 million may decrease over the next twelve month period as the Company seeks a favorable ruling from tax authorities on certain indirect tax positions. (3) Purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change as additional information becomes available concerning the fair value and tax basis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain contracts and obligations. Any additional adjustments to the purchase price allocation will be made as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the date of acquisition.
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	The definite-lived intangible assets acquired were as follows: Vigene Retrogenix Cognate Distributed Bio Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (in thousands) Client relationships $ 87,500 $ 17,340 $ 257,200 $ 16,080 Other intangible assets 6,400 4,786 13,700 8,460 Total definite-lived intangible assets $ 93,900 $ 22,126 $ 270,900 $ 24,540 Weighted Average Amortization Life (in years) Client relationships 12 13 13 9 Other intangible assets 2 3 2 4 Total definite-lived intangible assets 11 11 13 7
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	Three Months Ended March 27, 2021 (in thousands) (unaudited) Revenue $ 858,800 Net income attributable to common shareholders 37,575
Schedule of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Associated with Divestitures	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the divestitures of the businesses were as follows: October 12, 2021 RMS Japan CDMO Sweden (in thousands) Assets Current assets $ 26,524 $ 8,187 Property, plant, and equipment, net 17,379 14,339 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net — 19,733 Goodwill 4,129 27,764 Intangible assets, net — 14,089 Other assets 3,695 — Total assets $ 51,727 $ 84,112 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 8,705 $ 6,386 Operating lease right-of-use liabilities — 18,221 Long-term liabilities 94 — Total liabilities $ 8,799 $ 24,607

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_2

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by major business line and timing of transfer of products or services: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Timing of Revenue Recognition: RMS Services and products transferred over time $ 69,924 $ 64,896 Services and products transferred at a point in time 106,618 112,014 Total RMS revenue 176,542 176,910 DSA Services and products transferred over time 542,336 500,468 Services and products transferred at a point in time 1,923 710 Total DSA revenue 544,259 501,178 Manufacturing Services and products transferred over time 95,009 50,568 Services and products transferred at a point in time 98,119 95,910 Total Manufacturing revenue 193,128 146,478 Total revenue $ 913,929 $ 824,566 Revenue for each significant product or service offering is as follows: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) RMS $ 176,542 $ 176,910 DSA 544,259 501,178 Manufacturing 193,128 146,478 Total revenue $ 913,929 $ 824,566 Revenue by geographic area is as follows: U.S. Europe Canada Asia Pacific Other Consolidated (in thousands) Three Months Ended: March 26, 2022 $ 526,549 $ 251,087 $ 85,246 $ 48,946 $ 2,101 $ 913,929 March 27, 2021 448,482 237,535 77,107 59,446 1,996 824,566
Schedule of Estimated Revenue Related to Performance Obligations	The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially satisfied) as of March 26, 2022: Revenue Expected to be Recognized in Future Periods Less than 1 Year 1 to 3 Years 4 to 5 Years Beyond 5 Years Total (in thousands) DSA $ 404,549 $ 414,174 $ 36,670 $ 1,752 $ 857,145 Manufacturing 1,875 — — — 1,875 Total $ 406,424 $ 414,174 $ 36,670 $ 1,752 $ 859,020
Schedule of Client Receivables, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities	The following table provides information about client receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Balances from contracts with customers: Client receivables $ 526,736 $ 489,452 Contract assets (unbilled revenue) 177,261 160,609 Contract liabilities (current and long-term deferred revenue) 251,182 240,281 Contract liabilities (customer contract deposits) 63,985 59,512

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue and Other Financial Information by Business Segment	The following table presents revenue and other financial information by reportable segment: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) RMS Revenue $ 176,542 $ 176,910 Operating income 47,882 44,935 Depreciation and amortization 9,469 9,679 Capital expenditures 8,646 2,983 DSA Revenue $ 544,259 $ 501,178 Operating income 104,986 90,949 Depreciation and amortization 46,789 44,608 Capital expenditures 48,930 17,040 Manufacturing Revenue $ 193,128 $ 146,478 Operating income 46,368 49,437 Depreciation and amortization 18,482 6,569 Capital expenditures 22,828 7,110
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Operating Income	The following tables present reconciliations of segment operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures to the respective consolidated amounts: Operating Income Depreciation and Amortization Capital Expenditures March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Three Months Ended: Total reportable segments $ 199,236 $ 185,321 $ 74,740 $ 60,856 $ 80,404 $ 27,133 Unallocated corporate (50,458) (61,618) 559 652 60 897 Total consolidated $ 148,778 $ 123,703 $ 75,299 $ 61,508 $ 80,464 $ 28,030
Revenue Disaggregated by Products and Services and Geographic Area	The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by major business line and timing of transfer of products or services: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Timing of Revenue Recognition: RMS Services and products transferred over time $ 69,924 $ 64,896 Services and products transferred at a point in time 106,618 112,014 Total RMS revenue 176,542 176,910 DSA Services and products transferred over time 542,336 500,468 Services and products transferred at a point in time 1,923 710 Total DSA revenue 544,259 501,178 Manufacturing Services and products transferred over time 95,009 50,568 Services and products transferred at a point in time 98,119 95,910 Total Manufacturing revenue 193,128 146,478 Total revenue $ 913,929 $ 824,566 Revenue for each significant product or service offering is as follows: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) RMS $ 176,542 $ 176,910 DSA 544,259 501,178 Manufacturing 193,128 146,478 Total revenue $ 913,929 $ 824,566 Revenue by geographic area is as follows: U.S. Europe Canada Asia Pacific Other Consolidated (in thousands) Three Months Ended: March 26, 2022 $ 526,549 $ 251,087 $ 85,246 $ 48,946 $ 2,101 $ 913,929 March 27, 2021 448,482 237,535 77,107 59,446 1,996 824,566
Summary of Unallocated Corporate Overhead	A summary of unallocated corporate expense consists of the following: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Stock-based compensation $ 8,503 $ 7,642 Compensation, benefits, and other employee-related expenses 28,636 27,362 External consulting and other service expenses 4,319 7,356 Information technology 2,474 4,095 Depreciation 559 652 Acquisition and integration 5,826 10,560 Other general unallocated corporate 141 3,951 Total unallocated corporate expense $ 50,458 $ 61,618

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET IN_2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Composition of Net Trade Receivables	The composition of trade receivables and contract assets, net is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Client receivables $ 526,736 $ 489,452 Unbilled revenue 177,261 160,609 Total 703,997 650,061 Less: Allowance for credit losses (6,154) (7,180) Trade receivables and contract assets, net $ 697,843 $ 642,881
Composition of Inventories	The composition of inventories is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Raw materials and supplies $ 34,763 $ 33,118 Work in process 35,651 40,268 Finished products 150,761 125,760 Inventories $ 221,175 $ 199,146
Composition of Other Current Assets	The composition of other current assets is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Prepaid income tax $ 71,272 $ 84,725 Short-term investments 1,065 1,063 Restricted cash 413 4,023 Other receivables 8,953 7,500 Other current assets $ 81,703 $ 97,311
Composition of Other Assets	The composition of other assets is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Venture capital investments $ 137,689 $ 149,640 Strategic equity investments 60,576 51,712 Life insurance policies 47,262 51,048 Other long-term income tax assets 18,195 18,690 Restricted cash 1,114 1,077 Long-term pension assets 39,626 39,582 Other 52,190 41,140 Other assets $ 356,652 $ 352,889
Composition of Other Current Liabilities	The composition of other current liabilities is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Current portion of operating lease right-of-use liabilities $ 37,758 $ 33,267 Accrued income taxes 29,838 26,161 Customer contract deposits 63,985 59,512 Other 12,952 18,701 Other current liabilities $ 144,533 $ 137,641
Composition of Other Long-Term Liabilities	The composition of other long-term liabilities is as follows: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) U.S. Transition Tax $ 43,057 $ 43,057 Long-term pension liability, accrued executive supplemental life insurance retirement plan and deferred compensation plans 107,000 104,944 Long-term deferred revenue 22,922 20,578 Other 66,036 74,280 Other long-term liabilities $ 239,015 $ 242,859

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: March 26, 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current assets measured at fair value: (in thousands) Cash equivalents $ — $ 2,030 $ — $ 2,030 Other assets: Life insurance policies — 40,045 — 40,045 Total assets measured at fair value $ — $ 42,075 $ — $ 42,075 Other current liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration $ — $ — $ 13,515 $ 13,515 Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration — — 16,644 16,644 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ — $ — $ 30,159 $ 30,159 December 25, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current assets measured at fair value: (in thousands) Cash equivalents $ — $ 893 $ — $ 893 Other assets: Life insurance policies — 42,918 — 42,918 Total assets measured at fair value $ — $ 43,811 $ — $ 43,811 Other current liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration $ — $ — $ 11,794 $ 11,794 Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value: Contingent consideration — — 25,450 25,450 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ — $ — $ 37,244 $ 37,244 March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value 4.25% Senior Notes due 2028 $ 500,000 $ 483,100 $ 500,000 $ 521,250 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 500,000 466,250 500,000 506,700 4.0% Senior Notes due 2031 500,000 466,850 500,000 507,500
Rollforward of Contingent Consideration Related to Previous Acquisitions	The following table provides a rollforward of the contingent consideration related to the Company’s acquisitions. Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Beginning balance $ 37,244 $ 2,328 Additions — 29,990 Payments (3,301) — Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): Adjustment of previously recorded contingent liability (3,450) 917 Foreign currency translation (334) (72) Ending balance $ 30,159 $ 33,163

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table provides a rollforward of the Company’s goodwill: Adjustments to Goodwill December 25, 2021 Acquisition Related Foreign Exchange March 26, 2022 (in thousands) RMS $ 283,524 $ — $ (150) $ 283,374 DSA 1,472,506 — (9,505) 1,463,001 Manufacturing 955,851 (592) (5,640) 949,619 Goodwill $ 2,711,881 $ (592) $ (15,295) $ 2,695,994
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The following table displays intangible assets, net by major class: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net (in thousands) Backlog $ 12,513 $ (10,712) $ 1,801 $ 12,577 $ (9,517) $ 3,060 Technology 134,544 (98,281) 36,263 135,764 (95,454) 40,310 Trademarks and trade names 13,018 (3,893) 9,125 13,086 (3,448) 9,638 Other 35,319 (11,801) 23,518 35,231 (8,445) 26,786 Other intangible assets 195,394 (124,687) 70,707 196,658 (116,864) 79,794 Client relationships 1,471,872 (523,042) 948,830 1,475,757 (494,359) 981,398 Intangible assets $ 1,667,266 $ (647,729) $ 1,019,537 $ 1,672,415 $ (611,223) $ 1,061,192

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRA_2

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	Long-term debt, net and finance leases consists of the following: March 26, 2022 December 25, 2021 (in thousands) Revolving facility $ 1,174,169 $ 1,161,431 4.25% Senior Notes due 2028 500,000 500,000 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 500,000 500,000 4.00% Senior Notes due 2031 500,000 500,000 Other debt 366 368 Finance leases 25,955 27,223 Total debt and finance leases 2,700,490 2,689,022 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 99 101 Current portion of finance leases 2,543 2,694 Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 2,642 2,795 Long-term debt and finance leases 2,697,848 2,686,227 Debt discount and debt issuance costs (21,683) (22,663) Long-term debt, net and finance leases $ 2,676,165 $ 2,663,564

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_2

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the Numerator and Denominator in the Computations of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Numerator: Net income $ 95,226 $ 63,935 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,204 2,405 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 93,022 $ 61,530 Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic 50,640 49,980 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units 685 1,095 Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted 51,325 51,075
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes to each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Total (in thousands) December 25, 2021 $ (98,173) $ (66,567) $ (164,740) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,957) — (12,957) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 746 746 Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income (12,957) 746 (12,211) Income tax (benefit) expense (2,200) 182 (2,018) March 26, 2022 $ (108,930) $ (66,003) $ (174,933)
Rollforward Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	The following table provides a rollforward of the activity related to the Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interests: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in thousands) Beginning balance $ 53,010 $ 25,499 Adjustment of noncontrolling interest to redemption value 1,161 835 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,644 1,716 Foreign currency translation 4 (15) Ending balance $ 55,819 $ 28,035

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAI_2

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Tables)	Mar. 26, 2022
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Costs	The following table presents a summary of restructuring costs related to these initiatives within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income: Three Months Ended March 26, 2022 March 27, 2021 (in Thousands) Restructuring Costs: RMS $ 674 $ 7 DSA 143 559 Manufacturing 107 334 Unallocated corporate 1,087 (151) Total $ 2,011 $ 749

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	Mar. 26, 2022segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES -

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 05, 2022	Oct. 12, 2021	Jun. 28, 2021	Mar. 30, 2021	Mar. 29, 2021	Mar. 03, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 25, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Integration related costs and transaction costs								$ 7,100	$ 8,700
Goodwill								$ 2,695,994			$ 2,711,881
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations \| RMS Japan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration received from divestiture		$ 73,100
Cash proceeds from divestiture		7,900
Pension over funding and other post-closing adjustments		3,800
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations \| CDMO Sweden
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration received from divestiture		59,600
Cash proceeds from divestiture		200
Contingent consideration		15,300
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations \| CDMO Sweden \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration		25,000
Purchase obligation		$ 10,000
Explora BioLabs Holdings, Inc. \| Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 295,000
Vigene Biosciences, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price			$ 323,900
Cash acquired			2,700
Contingent consideration liability			34,500
Goodwill			239,681
Definite-lived intangible assets			93,900
Property, plant and equipment			7,649
Vigene Biosciences, Inc. \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration contingent upon future performance			$ 57,500
Retrogenix Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price				$ 53,900
Cash acquired				8,500
Contingent consideration liability				6,900
Goodwill				34,489
Definite-lived intangible assets				22,126
Property, plant and equipment				$ 400
Cognate BioServices, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price					$ 877,900
Cash acquired					70,500
Value of consideration not acquired					$ 15,700
Ownership percentage not acquired					2.00%
Goodwill					$ 611,555
Definite-lived intangible assets					270,900
Property, plant and equipment					$ 52,082
Distributed Bio, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price							$ 97,000
Cash acquired							800
Contingent consideration liability							14,100
Cash portion of consideration transferred							80,800
Payments to settle promissory note							3,000
Goodwill							71,585
Definite-lived intangible assets							24,540
Property, plant and equipment							2,382
Distributed Bio, Inc. \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration contingent upon future performance							$ 21,000
Other Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price						$ 35,400
Contingent consideration liability						15,900
Cash portion of consideration transferred						19,500				$ 5,500
Goodwill						17,300
Definite-lived intangible assets						15,200
Property, plant and equipment						3,000
Other Acquisitions \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration contingent upon future performance						$ 17,500
Cognate BioServices, Inc. and Viegene Biosciences, Inc. \| Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustments related to prior period									9,200
Cognate BioServices, Inc. and Viegene Biosciences, Inc. \| Interest Expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustments related to prior period									$ 3,400

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021	Jun. 28, 2021	Mar. 30, 2021	Mar. 29, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,695,994	$ 2,711,881
Vigene
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade receivables			$ 3,548
Other current assets (excluding cash)			1,657
Property, plant and equipment			7,649
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net			22,507
Goodwill			239,681
Definite-lived intangible assets			93,900
Other long-term assets			694
Deferred revenue			(4,260)
Other current liabilities			(6,319)
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities (Long-term)			(21,220)
Deferred tax liabilities			(13,958)
Total purchase price allocation			$ 323,879
Retrogenix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade receivables				$ 2,266
Other current assets (excluding cash)				209
Property, plant and equipment				400
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net				1,385
Goodwill				34,489
Definite-lived intangible assets				22,126
Other long-term assets				0
Deferred revenue				(434)
Other current liabilities				(1,141)
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities (Long-term)				(1,205)
Deferred tax liabilities				(4,174)
Total purchase price allocation				$ 53,921
Cognate
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade receivables					$ 18,566
Other current assets (excluding cash)					14,128
Property, plant and equipment					52,082
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net					34,349
Goodwill					611,555
Definite-lived intangible assets					270,900
Other long-term assets					6,098
Deferred revenue					(20,539)
Other current liabilities					(45,388)
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities (Long-term)					(31,383)
Deferred tax liabilities					(32,503)
Total purchase price allocation					$ 877,865
Decrease in indirect tax contingencies that are reasonably possibly over the next twelve-month period	$ 17,000
Distributed Bio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade receivables						$ 2,722
Other current assets (excluding cash)						221
Property, plant and equipment						2,382
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net						1,586
Goodwill						71,585
Definite-lived intangible assets						24,540
Other long-term assets						469
Deferred revenue						(1,319)
Other current liabilities						(1,504)
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities (Long-term)						(1,123)
Deferred tax liabilities						(2,529)
Total purchase price allocation						$ 97,030

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 28, 2021	Mar. 30, 2021	Mar. 29, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Vigene
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 93,900
Weighted Average Amortization Life	11 years
Retrogenix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		$ 22,126
Weighted Average Amortization Life		11 years
Cognate
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets			$ 270,900
Weighted Average Amortization Life			13 years
Distributed Bio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 24,540
Weighted Average Amortization Life				7 years
Client relationships \| Vigene
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 87,500
Weighted Average Amortization Life	12 years
Client relationships \| Retrogenix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		$ 17,340
Weighted Average Amortization Life		13 years
Client relationships \| Cognate
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets			$ 257,200
Weighted Average Amortization Life			13 years
Client relationships \| Distributed Bio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 16,080
Weighted Average Amortization Life				9 years
Other intangible assets \| Vigene
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 6,400
Weighted Average Amortization Life	2 years
Other intangible assets \| Retrogenix
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets		$ 4,786
Weighted Average Amortization Life		3 years
Other intangible assets \| Cognate
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets			$ 13,700
Weighted Average Amortization Life			2 years
Other intangible assets \| Distributed Bio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets				$ 8,460
Weighted Average Amortization Life				4 years

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_4

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Cognate BioServices, Inc. and Viegene Biosciences, Inc. $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 858,800
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 37,575

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES_5

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Schedule of Divestitures (Details) - Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations $ in Thousands	Oct. 12, 2021USD ($)
RMS Japan
Assets
Current assets	$ 26,524
Property, plant, and equipment, net	17,379
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	0
Goodwill	4,129
Intangible assets, net	0
Other assets	3,695
Total assets	51,727
Liabilities
Current liabilities	8,705
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities	0
Long-term liabilities	94
Total liabilities	8,799
CDMO Sweden
Assets
Current assets	8,187
Property, plant, and equipment, net	14,339
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	19,733
Goodwill	27,764
Intangible assets, net	14,089
Other assets	0
Total assets	84,112
Liabilities
Current liabilities	6,386
Operating lease right-of-use liabilities	18,221
Long-term liabilities	0
Total liabilities	$ 24,607

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_3

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenues by Major Business Line (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 913,929	$ 824,566
RMS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	176,542	176,910
RMS \| Services and products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	69,924	64,896
RMS \| Services and products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	106,618	112,014
DSA
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	544,259	501,178
DSA \| Services and products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	542,336	500,468
DSA \| Services and products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	1,923	710
Manufacturing
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	193,128	146,478
Manufacturing \| Services and products transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	95,009	50,568
Manufacturing \| Services and products transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 98,119	$ 95,910

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_4

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Schedule of Estimated Revenue Related to Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 859,020
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-03-27
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 406,424
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	9 months 18 days
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 414,174
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	2 years
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 36,670
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 1,752
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
DSA
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 857,145
DSA \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-03-27
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	404,549
DSA \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	414,174
DSA \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	36,670
DSA \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	1,752
Manufacturing
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	1,875
Manufacturing \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-03-27
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	1,875
Manufacturing \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	0
Manufacturing \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	0
Manufacturing \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 0

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_5

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Payment terms	30 days
Unpaid advanced client billings	$ 44,000		$ 36,000
Contract liabilities (customer contract deposits)	$ 63,985		$ 59,512
Percentage of unbilled revenue billed during period	60.00%	60.00%
Amount of unbilled revenue billed during period	$ 161,000	$ 135,000
Percentage of contract liabilities recognized as revenue during period	65.00%	60.00%
Amount of contract liabilities recognized as revenue	$ 240,000	$ 227,000
Lease revenue	$ 7,900

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_6

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Schedule of Client Receivables, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Client receivables	$ 526,736	$ 489,452
Contract assets (unbilled revenue)	177,261	160,609
Contract liabilities (current and long-term deferred revenue)	251,182	240,281
Contract liabilities (customer contract deposits)	$ 63,985	$ 59,512

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 26, 2022segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Revenue a

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Revenue and Other Financial Information by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 913,929	$ 824,566
Operating income	148,778	123,703
Depreciation and amortization	75,299	61,508
Capital expenditures	80,464	28,030
RMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	176,542	176,910
Operating income	47,882	44,935
Depreciation and amortization	9,469	9,679
Capital expenditures	8,646	2,983
DSA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	544,259	501,178
Operating income	104,986	90,949
Depreciation and amortization	46,789	44,608
Capital expenditures	48,930	17,040
Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	193,128	146,478
Operating income	46,368	49,437
Depreciation and amortization	18,482	6,569
Capital expenditures	$ 22,828	$ 7,110

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconcili

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 148,778	$ 123,703
Depreciation and amortization	75,299	61,508
Capital expenditures	80,464	28,030
Total reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	199,236	185,321
Depreciation and amortization	74,740	60,856
Capital expenditures	80,404	27,133
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(50,458)	(61,618)
Depreciation and amortization	559	652
Capital expenditures	$ 60	$ 897

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Revenue P

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Revenue Per Significant Product or Service (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 913,929	$ 824,566
RMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	176,542	176,910
DSA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	544,259	501,178
Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 193,128	$ 146,478

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summary o

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summary of Unallocated Corporate Overhead (Details) - Unallocated corporate - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 8,503	$ 7,642
Compensation, benefits, and other employee-related expenses	28,636	27,362
External consulting and other service expenses	4,319	7,356
Information technology	2,474	4,095
Depreciation	559	652
Acquisition and integration	5,826	10,560
Other general unallocated corporate	141	3,951
Total unallocated corporate expense	$ 50,458	$ 61,618

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Disaggreg

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Disaggregation of Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 913,929	$ 824,566
U.S.
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenue	526,549	448,482
Europe
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenue	251,087	237,535
Canada
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenue	85,246	77,107
Asia Pacific
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenue	48,946	59,446
Other
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 2,101	$ 1,996

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET IN_3

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Composition of trade receivables
Client receivables	$ 526,736	$ 489,452
Unbilled revenue	177,261	160,609
Total	703,997	650,061
Less: Allowance for credit losses	(6,154)	(7,180)
Trade receivables and contract assets, net	697,843	642,881
Composition of inventories
Raw materials and supplies	34,763	33,118
Work in process	35,651	40,268
Finished products	150,761	125,760
Inventories	221,175	199,146
Composition of other current assets
Prepaid income tax	71,272	84,725
Short-term investments	1,065	1,063
Restricted cash	413	4,023
Other receivables	8,953	7,500
Other current assets	81,703	97,311
Composition of other assets
Venture capital investments	137,689	149,640
Strategic equity investments	60,576	51,712
Life insurance policies	47,262	51,048
Other long-term income tax assets	18,195	18,690
Restricted cash	1,114	1,077
Long-term pension assets	39,626	39,582
Other	52,190	41,140
Other assets	356,652	352,889
Composition of other current liabilities
Current portion of operating lease right-of-use liabilities	37,758	33,267
Accrued income taxes	29,838	26,161
Customer contract deposits	63,985	59,512
Other	12,952	18,701
Other current liabilities	144,533	137,641
Composition of other long-term liabilities
U.S. Transition Tax	43,057	43,057
Long-term pension liability, accrued executive supplemental life insurance retirement plan and deferred compensation plans	107,000	104,944
Long-term deferred revenue	22,922	20,578
Other	66,036	74,280
Other long-term liabilities	$ 239,015	$ 242,859

VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC_2

VENTURE CAPITAL AND STRATEGIC EQUITY INVESTMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2022	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Venture capital investments		$ 137,689		$ 149,640
Committed contribution		173,900
Amount funded for venture capital investments		116,600
Distributions received		1,300	$ 9,300
Losses recognized related to venture capital investments		13,400	$ 16,400
Strategic equity investments		60,576		$ 51,712
Payments to acquire strategic investments		10,000
Commitment to purchase additional interest in existing strategic investments		$ 25,000
DSA Supplier \| Subsequent Event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	49.00%
Payments to acquire interest in investee	$ 90,000
Contingent payments	$ 5,000

FAIR VALUE - Fair Value of Asse

FAIR VALUE - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - Fair Value, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Current assets measured at fair value:
Cash equivalents	$ 2,030	$ 893
Other assets:
Life insurance policies	40,045	42,918
Total assets measured at fair value	42,075	43,811
Other current liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	13,515	11,794
Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	16,644	25,450
Total liabilities measured at fair value	30,159	37,244
Level 1
Current assets measured at fair value:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Other assets:
Life insurance policies	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Other current liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	0	0
Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Level 2
Current assets measured at fair value:
Cash equivalents	2,030	893
Other assets:
Life insurance policies	40,045	42,918
Total assets measured at fair value	42,075	43,811
Other current liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	0	0
Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Level 3
Current assets measured at fair value:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Other assets:
Life insurance policies	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Other current liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	13,515	11,794
Other long-term liabilities measured at fair value:
Contingent consideration	16,644	25,450
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 30,159	$ 37,244

FAIR VALUE - Contingent Conside

FAIR VALUE - Contingent Consideration (Details) - Contingent Consideration - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 37,244	$ 2,328
Additions	0	29,990
Payments	(3,301)	0
Adjustment of previously recorded contingent liability	(3,450)	917
Foreign currency translation	(334)	(72)
Ending balance	$ 30,159	$ 33,163

FAIR VALUE - Narrative (Details

FAIR VALUE - Narrative (Details) - Level 3 - Contingent Consideration - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021	Mar. 27, 2021	Dec. 26, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of contingent consideration	$ 30,159	$ 37,244	$ 33,163	$ 2,328
Weighted average probability percentage of achieving maximum target	42.00%
Average Volatility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, measurement input	0.47
Weighted Average Cost of Capital
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, measurement input	0.16
Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of contingent consideration	$ 73,000

FAIR VALUE - Schedule of Fair V

FAIR VALUE - Schedule of Fair Value of Debt (Details) - Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
4.25% Senior Notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%	4.25%
4.25% Senior Notes due 2028 \| Book Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument value	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
4.25% Senior Notes due 2028 \| Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument value	$ 483,100	$ 521,250
3.75% Senior Notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 \| Book Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument value	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
3.75% Senior Notes due 2029 \| Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument value	$ 466,250	$ 506,700
4.00% Senior Notes due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.00%	4.00%
4.00% Senior Notes due 2031 \| Book Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument value	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
4.00% Senior Notes due 2031 \| Fair Value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument value	$ 466,850	$ 507,500

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Rollforward of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,711,881
Acquisition Related	(592)
Foreign Exchange	(15,295)
Ending balance	2,695,994
RMS
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	283,524
Acquisition Related	0
Foreign Exchange	(150)
Ending balance	283,374
DSA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,472,506
Acquisition Related	0
Foreign Exchange	(9,505)
Ending balance	1,463,001
Manufacturing
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	955,851
Acquisition Related	(592)
Foreign Exchange	(5,640)
Ending balance	$ 949,619

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Other intangible assets
Gross	$ 1,667,266	$ 1,672,415
Accumulated Amortization	(647,729)	(611,223)
Net	1,019,537	1,061,192
Backlog
Other intangible assets
Gross	12,513	12,577
Accumulated Amortization	(10,712)	(9,517)
Net	1,801	3,060
Technology
Other intangible assets
Gross	134,544	135,764
Accumulated Amortization	(98,281)	(95,454)
Net	36,263	40,310
Trademarks and trade names
Other intangible assets
Gross	13,018	13,086
Accumulated Amortization	(3,893)	(3,448)
Net	9,125	9,638
Other
Other intangible assets
Gross	35,319	35,231
Accumulated Amortization	(11,801)	(8,445)
Net	23,518	26,786
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets
Gross	195,394	196,658
Accumulated Amortization	(124,687)	(116,864)
Net	70,707	79,794
Client relationships
Other intangible assets
Gross	1,471,872	1,475,757
Accumulated Amortization	(523,042)	(494,359)
Net	$ 948,830	$ 981,398

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRA_3

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance leases	$ 25,955	$ 27,223
Total debt and finance leases	2,700,490	2,689,022
Current portion of long-term debt	99	101
Current portion of finance leases	2,543	2,694
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases	2,642	2,795
Long-term debt and finance leases	2,697,848	2,686,227
Debt discount and debt issuance costs	(21,683)	(22,663)
Long-term debt, net and finance leases	2,676,165	2,663,564
Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,174,169	$ 1,161,431
Senior Notes \| 4.25% Senior Notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.25%	4.25%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Senior Notes \| 3.75% Senior Notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Senior Notes \| 4.00% Senior Notes due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.00%	4.00%
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 366	$ 368

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRA_4

DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	2.87%		2.78%
Loss on debt extinguishment and other financing costs	$ 1,028	$ 26,907
Deferred financing costs expensed	0	28,680
Foreign Exchange Forward
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount	400,000	400,000
Foreign Exchange Forward \| Other (Expense) Income, Net
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Foreign currency losses recognized	11,100	13,400
Foreign Exchange Forward \| Interest Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains recognized in interest expense	11,800	14,000
Senior Notes Due 2026 \| Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayments of long-term debt		500,000
Loss on debt extinguishment and other financing costs		21,000
Payments for accrued interest		13,000
Deferred financing costs expensed		$ 5,000
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 17,700		$ 17,700

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_3

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Numerator:
Net income	$ 95,226	$ 63,935
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,204	2,405
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 93,022	$ 61,530
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Basic (in shares)	50,640	49,980
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units (in shares)	685	1,095
Weighted-average shares outstanding—Diluted (in shares)	51,325	51,075

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_4

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021	Dec. 26, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares acquired to satisfy minimum individual statutory tax withholdings for vesting of equity instruments (in shares)	0.1	0.1
Shares acquired to satisfy minimum individual statutory tax withholdings for vesting of equity instruments	$ 34,000	$ 36,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	55,819	$ 28,035	$ 53,010	$ 25,499
Vital River
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Contractually defined redemption value	24,300
Supplier
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 31,500
Vital River
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Equity interest	92.00%
Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage	8.00%
Supplier
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Equity interest	80.00%
Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage	20.00%
Authorized Share Repurchase Program
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares repurchased during period (in shares)	0	0
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 129,100
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount (in shares)	0.2	0.1
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount (in shares)	0.4	0.6

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_5

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,538,982	$ 2,118,169
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(12,957)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	746
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(12,211)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2,018)	(1,025)
Ending balance	2,614,906	2,188,184
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(98,173)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(12,957)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(12,957)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2,200)
Ending balance	(108,930)
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(66,567)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	746
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	746
Income tax (benefit) expense	182
Ending balance	(66,003)
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(164,740)	(138,874)
Ending balance	$ (174,933)	$ (127,017)

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_6

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Rollforward of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 53,010	$ 25,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interest to redemption value	1,161	835
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,644	1,716
Foreign currency translation	4	(15)
Ending balance	$ 55,819	$ 28,035

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	14.10%	3.60%
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1.6
Unrecognized tax benefits	34.2
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1.1
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	31.1
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits	1.7
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits that are reasonably possibly over the next twelve-month period	$ 11.3

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAI_3

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS - Restructuring Costs by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	$ 2,011	$ 749
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	1,087	(151)
RMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	674	7
DSA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	143	559
Manufacturing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	$ 107	$ 334

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAI_4

RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 26, 2022	Mar. 27, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance and other personnel related costs liability and lease obligation liabilities	$ 4.2	$ 2.2