One-Sentence Summary: Charles River Laboratories (CRL) is a major global contract research organization (CRO) founded in 1947 that provides essential preclinical research models, drug discovery, safety assessment, and manufacturing support services primarily to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, with FY2025 revenue of $4.02 billion, recent Q2 2026 results showing revenue beats, positive analyst consensus (Moderate Buy/Buy), and stock returns outperforming the S&P 500 on a 1-year and YTD basis through mid-2026 despite longer-term underperformance and ongoing industry headwinds in biotech funding.
Stock Performance (Historical Returns, Facts from Market Data):
| Period | CRL Return | S&P 500 Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| YTD 2026 (as of ~Aug 2026 data) | +31.56% | +13.74% | Outperformance fact; recent surges noted in July 2026 (e.g., 9-day streak mentioned in reports) |
| 1-Year | +56.69% | +23.61% | Strong outperformance |
| 3-Year | +26.84% | +73.88% | Underperformance |
| 5-Year | +35.99% | +75.80% | Underperformance |
Interpretation: Recent strength may reflect improving sentiment around biotech recovery and company-specific cost initiatives, while longer-term lags could stem from post-2021 market corrections in growth stocks.
Uncertainty/Limitation: Returns are trailing total returns as of early August 2026 data points; exact 52-week ranges and daily prices fluctuate and are not current; historical performance is not indicative of future results. Data sourced from aggregated market reports.
Links for more information: Yahoo Finance Historical Data | Company IR Historical Prices | Macrotrends Long-Term History
Company Financials (Key Facts from Earnings Releases and Filings):
| Metric | FY2025 | FY2024 (Prior) | Q1 2026 | Q2 2026 (Recent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $4.02 billion (down 0.9% YoY; organic -1.6%) | $4.05 billion | $995.8 million (+1.2% YoY) | ~$1.00 billion (beat estimates by ~2.5%; -2.7% YoY reported in some summaries) |
| Non-GAAP EPS | $10.28 | ~$10.32 (approx.) | $2.06 (down 12% YoY) | Beat expectations (specific figure not detailed in summaries; guidance reaffirmed or updated) |
| GAAP Net Income / EPS | Net loss ~$144 million or $(2.91) EPS (impacted by charges) | Positive prior | Net loss $(14.8) million or $(0.30) EPS (impacted by divestiture loss) | Positive beat context |
| Operating Margin (Non-GAAP example) | — | — | 16.3% (down from 19.1% prior year) | — |
Facts: Revenue figures and EPS from official earnings releases (Feb 2026 for FY2025; May 2026 for Q1; Aug 5, 2026 for Q2). Q2 results included revenue beat and positive market reaction.
Interpretation: Revenue stabilization/ slight growth in Q1 amid prior declines attributed to biotech funding environment; margin pressure from mix and costs, with expected improvement from efficiencies.
Uncertainty/Limitation: Full Q2 2026 details emerging on/after Aug 5, 2026 earnings call; GAAP results impacted by one-time items (e.g., divestitures, asset sales); organic growth excludes FX/acquisitions; forward guidance assumes certain cost and demand scenarios and is subject to revision.
Links for more information: Company Investor Relations | Yahoo Finance CRL Page | FY2025 Earnings Release | Q1 2026 Release
Consensus (as of early August 2026 data): Moderate Buy / Buy (e.g., 11-16 analysts; ~27-68% Buy/Strong Buy, 26-36% Hold, minimal Sell).
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price Target | ~$210-$228.50 | Range low ~$135, high ~$264; recent raises (e.g., Mizuho to $230, Morgan Stanley to $260 in mid-2026) |
| Consensus Rating | Buy / Moderate Buy (score ~4.3-4.5/5) | Recent actions: CLSA downgrade to Hold (Jul 2026); multiple Maintain Overweight/Outperform/Buy (Barclays, Evercore, TD Cowen, RBC); upgrades earlier in 2026 |
Facts: Ratings and targets aggregated from sources like MarketBeat, Yahoo, TipRanks, Barchart as of Aug 2026.
Interpretation: Positive outlook tied to expected margin expansion, 2026 guidance achievement, and potential biotech rebound; some downgrades reflect near-term caution.
Uncertainty/Limitation: Analyst views change frequently; targets are estimates, not guarantees; coverage varies (11-19 analysts noted); recent Q2 results may prompt updates post-Aug 5, 2026.
Links for more information: Yahoo Analyst Section | MarketBeat Forecast | Public.com Ratings
Customers (Facts):
Facts: Described in company materials and earnings; no exhaustive public client list due to confidentiality.
Interpretation: Diversified base reduces single-client risk but exposed to overall biotech/pharma R&D spending cycles.
Competitors (Comparison Table - Selected Peers in Diagnostics/Research or CRO Space):
| Company | Ticker | Key Overlap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICON plc | ICLR | Clinical/preclinical CRO services | Direct competitor in contract research |
| IQVIA Holdings | IQV | Clinical development, data/analytics | Larger scale in clinical trials |
| Revvity (formerly PerkinElmer) | RVTY | Life sciences tools, testing | Overlaps in diagnostics/research models |
| Agilent Technologies | A | Analytical instruments, testing | Complementary/competitive in lab services |
| Bio-Techne | TECH | Research reagents, models | Similar early-stage research focus |
Facts: Competitor lists from MarketBeat, CSIMarket, and industry comparisons; CRL distinguished by strong RMS (research models) leadership.
Interpretation: CRL competes in a fragmented CRO market with differentiation in preclinical/animal models and integrated services; peers often larger in clinical or tools segments.
Uncertainty/Limitation: Exact market share or direct revenue overlap not publicly detailed; competitive landscape evolves with M&A and new entrants (e.g., AI-focused).
Links for more information: MarketBeat Competitors | Wikipedia Company Profile | Company Website (Services)
Overview (Facts): Headquartered in Wilmington, MA; operates in 20+ countries; ~18,300-19,700 employees; provides end-to-end support from research models (rodents, genetically engineered) to safety testing, biologics QC, and manufacturing support. Public since ~2000 (NYSE: CRL); S&P 500 component.
History Highlights (Facts from Company and Wiki):
Links: Company History Page | Wikipedia
Data compiled from public web sources as of August 2026. All financials, ratings, and performance metrics are historical or reported figures and subject to updates. This is not investment advice; consult professional sources for decisions. Limitations include reliance on third-party aggregators and potential revisions to earnings/guidance.