Clinical research company Fortrea Holdings (NASDAQ: FTRE) reported Q3 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 3.9% year on year to $701.3 million. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $2.73 billion at the midpoint came in 3.1% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.12 per share was 22.8% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy FTRE? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

StockStory’s Take

Fortrea’s third quarter results were met with a significant positive response from the market, as robust demand across its clinical pharmacology and clinical development businesses drove revenue growth. Management highlighted that win rates with biotech clients doubled compared to the prior quarter, and strong RFP volumes led to new business wins in both new and repeat clients. CEO Anshul Thakral credited operational improvements, noting, “Our win rates improved significantly, reaching the highest level in six quarters,” and emphasized the company’s ability to accelerate site selection and trial enrollment through technology and workflow enhancements.

Looking ahead, Fortrea’s raised revenue guidance is underpinned by growing demand for its clinical services, efficiency initiatives, and a focus on operational and financial discipline. Management pointed to a robust pipeline with diverse opportunities in both biopharma and biotech segments, while also acknowledging continued cost optimization efforts. CFO Jill McConnell noted, “We expect our SG&A optimization programs to extend into 2026,” with targeted initiatives aimed at margin improvement. The company’s technology investments, including AI-driven tools, are expected to further support productivity and client delivery in coming quarters.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s revenue growth to improved client win rates, a strong backlog, and operational advancements, while discussing ongoing margin pressures from business mix and cost structure.

• Biotech win rates surged: Management reported that win rates for biotech clients doubled quarter-over-quarter, attributed to a sharper focus on account management and executive engagement in sales processes. This improvement was driven by a significant uptick in RFP volumes from new clients.
• Operational efficiency gains: The company’s investments in technology, such as the Accelerate Risk Radar and ICRA mobile app, are beginning to yield 5–10% efficiency improvements for clinical research associates and study teams. Early adopters report streamlined workflows and improved risk management in clinical trials.
• Backlog and book-to-bill improvement: Fortrea’s backlog rose to over $7.6 billion, with a sequential book-to-bill ratio of 1.13x. Management views this as a sign of strengthening demand and successful commercial execution, particularly in clinical pharmacology and development.
• Business mix impacts margins: A higher proportion of pass-through costs in clinical pharmacology, along with reintroduced variable compensation and reduced R&D tax credits, weighed on adjusted EBITDA margin. Management noted that service fee revenue forecasting has improved but that pass-throughs remain a challenging factor for margins.
• Cost transformation ongoing: Nearly two-thirds of the $150 million gross cost savings target for the year has been achieved, with most savings benefiting gross margin so far. SG&A optimization remains a focus, and management expects further progress into 2026 to support margin expansion.

Drivers of Future Performance

Fortrea’s outlook is driven by a blend of continued demand for clinical trial services, further cost optimization, and targeted technology enhancements.

• Diverse and growing pipeline: Management expects ongoing growth in both biopharma and biotech segments, citing improved decision-making timelines in biotech and resilient R&D pipelines in large pharma. The company’s balanced pipeline is expected to drive sustained backlog growth.
• Margin improvement initiatives: Ongoing SG&A optimization, continued reduction in headcount, and leveraging third-party relationships are expected to contribute to margin expansion in 2026. Management remains focused on rightsizing the organization and aligning resources with demand.
• Technology and workflow modernization: Investments in AI-driven risk management and productivity tools are projected to deliver further efficiency gains. Management believes these tools will help differentiate Fortrea in a competitive CRO landscape and enhance client delivery.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace of new business wins and backlog growth, particularly in biotech and clinical pharmacology, (2) the impact of ongoing SG&A and headcount reduction initiatives on margin expansion, and (3) adoption rates and measurable productivity gains from new technology tools. Progress in these areas will signal how effectively Fortrea is executing its transformation strategy.

Fortrea currently trades at $11.95, up from $9.70 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

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