Charles River Laboratories International (CRL) Stock Overview
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 3/6 |
| Future Growth | 3/6 |
| Past Performance | 0/6 |
| Financial Health | 4/6 |
| Dividends | 0/6 |
CRL Community Fair Values
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Analyst Price Targets
Top Community Narratives
US$313.61
FV
40.6% undervalued intrinsic discount136
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Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$186.44 |
| 52 Week High | US$228.88 |
| 52 Week Low | US$143.06 |
| Beta | 1.45 |
| 1 Month Change | 4.97% |
| 3 Month Change | 11.39% |
| 1 Year Change | 26.43% |
| 3 Year Change | -9.27% |
| 5 Year Change | -47.53% |
| Change since IPO | 747.45% |
Recent News & Updates
Narrative Update • Jun 03
CRL: Rich Multiple And Margin Pressure Will Likely Cap AI Upside
Analysts have lifted the fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International by about $6.81 per share to $154.56, citing a more supportive regulatory backdrop for cross-border biotech work and expectations that divesting lower margin operations could improve overall earnings quality. Analyst Commentary Recent research commentary on Charles River Laboratories International has leaned more constructive on the regulatory backdrop for cross-border biotech work and on the potential earnings mix shift from divesting lower margin activities.Narrative Update • May 13
CRL: Weaker 2026 Outlook And Impairments Will Drive Further Share Pressure
The updated fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International has moved to $147.75 from $135.89 as analysts adjust price targets, citing refreshed models, mixed but ongoing research coverage across firms, and evolving expectations for growth, profitability, and P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Charles River Laboratories International shows a mix of optimism and caution, with several firms revisiting their models after the company’s Q4 results and softer first quarter guidance.Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 03
CRL: Rich Multiple And Margin Pressure Will Likely Cap AI Upside
Analysts have lifted the fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International by about $6.81 per share to $154.56, citing a more supportive regulatory backdrop for cross-border biotech work and expectations that divesting lower margin operations could improve overall earnings quality. Analyst Commentary Recent research commentary on Charles River Laboratories International has leaned more constructive on the regulatory backdrop for cross-border biotech work and on the potential earnings mix shift from divesting lower margin activities.Narrative Update • May 13
CRL: Weaker 2026 Outlook And Impairments Will Drive Further Share Pressure
The updated fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International has moved to $147.75 from $135.89 as analysts adjust price targets, citing refreshed models, mixed but ongoing research coverage across firms, and evolving expectations for growth, profitability, and P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Charles River Laboratories International shows a mix of optimism and caution, with several firms revisiting their models after the company’s Q4 results and softer first quarter guidance.Seeking Alpha • May 07
Charles River Q1 Review: Near-Term Stability But Long-Term Risks (Downgrade)
Summary Charles River Laboratories is downgraded to 'Sell' as shares have rallied 57% in the past year, outpacing fundamentals. Despite Q1 stabilization, organic revenue declined 1.5% and margins compressed, with near-term growth muted and longer-term AI and regulatory risks looming. CRL maintains 2026 EPS guidance of $10.80–$11.30 but trades at 17.5x forward earnings—still at a discount to its history but not considered cheap. I recommend investors take profits, as valuation discipline is warranted given limited growth and potential AI-driven disruption. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Apr 23
CRL: Weaker 2026 Outlook And Impairments Will Pressure Shares
Analysts have reduced their fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International from about $155 to roughly $136, citing updated assumptions for slower revenue growth, slightly lower profit margins, a higher discount rate, and a higher future P/E. Together, these factors help explain the recent mix of price target cuts and more cautious modeling across recent research.
Narrative Update • Apr 08
CRL: Improving Book To Bill And Higher Margins Will Support Future Upside
The updated analyst price target for Charles River Laboratories International has moved higher to reflect a fair value estimate of about $262, as analysts factor in a lower assumed future P/E of roughly 28x, more conservative revenue growth near 3%, and higher projected profit margins of about 13% following recent research that includes both target hikes and cuts across the Street. Analyst Commentary Street research on Charles River Laboratories International has been active, with several firms adjusting price targets and highlighting both company specific and sector related factors.
New Narrative • Mar 12
A Company Preparing for the Future: Charles River Laboratories
The Hidden Bottleneck in Drug Development: Why Charles River Acquired a Cambodian Primate Supplier On January 12, 2026, Charles River Laboratories announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire the assets of K.F. (Cambodia) Ltd., a major non-human primate (NHP) breeding and supply company. [$510M] At first glance, this transaction might appear to be a routine supply chain acquisition in the contract research organization (CRO) industry.Narrative Update • Mar 03
CRL: Improving Book To Bill And 2026 Outlook Will Support Future Upside
The analyst fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International has been adjusted from $265 to about $255, as analysts recalibrated their models in response to recent changes in Street price targets, mixed fourth-quarter commentary, and revised expectations for growth, margins, and future price-to-earnings multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Charles River Laboratories International has been active, with analysts revisiting their models around the latest fourth quarter update, new guidance, and changes in sector sentiment.
Narrative Update • Feb 17
CRL: Higher Future P/E Assumptions And Bookings Strength Will Support Share Stability
The analyst price target for Charles River Laboratories International has moved higher by about $27 to reflect updated models that factor in a higher assumed future P/E multiple, modest tweaks to growth and profitability assumptions, and recent Street research pointing to solid book-to-bill trends and a refreshed leadership backdrop. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Charles River Laboratories International has focused on refreshed price targets, updated models, and the implications of management changes and order trends.Narrative Update • Feb 03
CRL: 2026 DSA Weakness And CEO Transition Will Pressure Shares
Analysts have trimmed their consolidated price target for Charles River Laboratories International by about US$4 to US$155. This reflects modestly higher revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, offset by a slightly lower future P/E and evolving views on DSA demand, book-to-bill trends, and management changes highlighted in recent research updates.Narrative Update • Jan 20
CRL: Improving Book To Bill And Buybacks Will Support Future Upside
The analyst fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International has increased from $211 to $265. Analysts attribute this change to updated price targets that reference a stronger book-to-bill ratio, revised models ahead of company presentations, and mixed views on future revenue growth.Analysis Article • Jan 10
Is Now An Opportune Moment To Examine Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL)?
Let's talk about the popular Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. ( NYSE:CRL ). The company's shares saw a...Narrative Update • Jan 06
CRL: DSA Headwinds In 2026 Will Pressure Earnings And Share Price
Analysts have roughly doubled their fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International to about $159. This reflects a mix of higher price targets in the US$174 to US$199 range, as well as updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and a lower assumed future P/E multiple.Narrative Update • Dec 14
CRL: Preclinical Demand Recovery And Buybacks Will Support Balanced Future Performance
Our updated narrative price target for Charles River Laboratories International remains at $211 per share, as analysts balance modestly higher Street targets in the mid to high $180s to around $200 and improving margin expectations against a higher discount rate and tempered revenue growth assumptions tied to a more challenging outlook for certain discovery and safety assessment revenues. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts have recently highlighted a constructive risk reward for Charles River Laboratories, with several raising price targets into the mid to high $180s and near $200, and multiple upgrades to more positive ratings.Narrative Update • Nov 29
CRL: Buyback Program And Segment Recovery Will Support Share Stability Ahead
Analysts have moderately increased their average price target for Charles River Laboratories International, reflecting recent upgrades and cautious optimism regarding stabilizing growth trends and improved prospects in the company's core segments. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Charles River Laboratories International reflects a mix of optimism and caution regarding the company’s future outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 15
CRL: Demand Recovery And Buyback Program Will Drive Shares Higher
Charles River Laboratories International's analyst price target has moved modestly higher, rising by just over $2 to $188.93, as analysts broadly cite a combination of increased confidence in recovery potential and ongoing strategic review developments. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst actions reflect mixed sentiment toward Charles River Laboratories International, with divergent views emerging around the company's strategic opportunities and potential headwinds.Narrative Update • Nov 01
CRL: Improving Demand And Segment Reviews Will Balance Risks In Recovery Period
The analyst fair value estimate for Charles River Laboratories International has increased by $1.00 to $186.87. Analysts highlight signs of stabilizing demand and expectations for a recovery in preclinical spending.Narrative Update • Oct 18
Advanced Therapeutics Adoption Will Transform Preclinical Capabilities
Charles River Laboratories International's analyst price target increased from approximately $179.73 to $185.87. This reflects analysts' improved outlook due to signs of stabilizing demand, easing industry overhangs, and positive trends in preclinical research spending.Narrative Update • Oct 03
Advanced Therapeutics Adoption Will Transform Preclinical Capabilities
Charles River Laboratories International's analyst price target has recently increased by approximately $2.67 to $179.73. Analysts cite improving demand trends, ongoing strategic review efforts, and recent financial outperformance as key drivers for the upward revision.Analysis Article • Sep 09
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.'s (NYSE:CRL) Low P/S No Reason For Excitement
You may think that with a price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 2x Charles River Laboratories International, Inc...Narrative Update • Aug 27
Advanced Therapeutics Adoption Will Transform Preclinical Capabilities
Charles River Laboratories’ price target was raised to $172.07 following a strong Q2 beat, renewed demand stability, and valuation support from strategic review and activist involvement, partially offset by lingering uncertainty into late 2025. Analyst Commentary Q2 results exceeded expectations with sales 5% above consensus and a significant adjusted EPS beat, indicating improving operational performance.Analysis Article • Aug 04
A Look At The Fair Value Of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL)
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Charles River Laboratories International fair value estimate...Analysis Article • Jul 17
Is Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:CRL) Using Too Much Debt?
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Seeking Alpha • Apr 11
Charles River Faces Significant Regulatory And Macro Pressures
Summary Charles River Laboratories has lost 60% of its value due to reduced pharmaceutical R&D spending and the FDA's phase-out of animal testing. The FDA's move to phase out animal testing significantly impacts CRL's core business, which heavily relies on research model services. Increased competition from tech firms and declining biopharma budgets further pressure CRL's business, with organic revenue expected to decline 5-10%. Despite some upside, CRL's valuation isn't compelling enough to buy; I recommend holding shares, with a better entry point at $85 or lower. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 01
Charles River Laboratories: Retained Earnings, ROE, And Debt Management Will Shape Its Future Amid Weak Demand
Summary CRL has consistently achieved ROE values above 12% since 2018. In addition, in the same period, its liabilities-to-assets ratio has exhibited a downward trend. The company has seen a considerable increase in its ratio of retained earnings-to-assets, which suggests that CRL will attempt to deploy substantial capital in 2025 or 2026. Despite the unfavorable outlook for CRL in 2025, the company is resilient to that scenario and will continue to be profitable. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 17
Charles River Labs: Near A Fundamental Trough, Growth Should Reignite Again
Summary Charles River is a pharmaceutical services leader, supporting drug discovery and safety testing, with significant market share and a history of working on 80% of approved drugs. Despite recent challenges and soft 2025 guidance, CRL's revenue and FCF/share have grown significantly, indicating potential for future growth as it nears a cyclical trough. CRL's competitive advantages include dominant scale, regulatory trust, and potential benefits from reshoring legislation and AI-driven drug development productivity improvements. Shares are reasonably valued at 12x NTM EBITDA and 18x EPS, with key risks including pharma budget pressures, supply chain issues, and political sensitivity. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 19
Charles River Laboratories: Not The Right Time To Own At This Point In The Cycle
Summary Charles River Laboratories presents with optimistic growth expectations that seem a stretch given the business's current performance. Weak momentum in both stock price and business fundamentals, coupled with low economic quality, skews the risk/reward ratio unfavorably. Q3 FY'24 earnings showed modestly better results than the revised guidance. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaShareholder Returns
| CRL | US Life Sciences | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | 2.4% | -1.7% | -2.7% |
| 1Y | 26.4% | 9.6% | 22.5% |
Return vs Industry: CRL exceeded the US Life Sciences industry which returned 10.1% over the past year.
Return vs Market: CRL exceeded the US Market which returned 22.7% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| CRL volatility | |
|---|---|
| CRL Average Weekly Movement | 7.7% |
| Life Sciences Industry Average Movement | 9.1% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.2% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.6% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.1% |
Stable Share Price: CRL has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: CRL's weekly volatility (8%) has been stable over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | 19,000 | Birgit Girshick | www.criver.com |
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. provides drug discovery, non-clinical development, and safety testing services in the United States, Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The Research Models and Services segment produces and sells rodents, and purpose-bred rats and mice for use by researchers. This segment also provides a range of services to assist its clients in supporting the use of research models in research and screening pre-clinical drug candidates, including genetically engineered models and services, insourcing solutions, and research animal diagnostic services; and engages in development and production of cell therapies.
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Fundamentals Summary
| CRL fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$8.73b |
| Earnings (TTM) | -US$184.65m |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$4.03b |
2.2x
P/S Ratio-48.6x
P/E RatioIs CRL overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| CRL income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$4.03b |
| Cost of Revenue | US$2.64b |
| Gross Profit | US$1.39b |
| Other Expenses | US$1.57b |
| Earnings | -US$184.65m |
Last Reported Earnings
Mar 28, 2026
Next Earnings Date
n/a
| Earnings per share (EPS) | -3.83 |
| Gross Margin | 34.46% |
| Net Profit Margin | -4.59% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 89.0% |
How did CRL perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/08 09:25 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/08 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/28 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/27 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. is covered by 32 analysts. 14 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Toung | Argus Research Company |
| Eric Coldwell | Baird |
| Douglas Tsao | Barclays |