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Charles River Laboratories (CRL)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
01/07/2026: CRL (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
1 Year Target Price $200.67
1 Year Target Price $200.67
| 4 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 14 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 1 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -4.03% | Avg. Invested days 27 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | Stock Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 10.64B USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 200.67 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 200.67 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 19 | Beta 1.62 | 52 Weeks Range 91.86 - 217.83 | Updated Date 01/7/2026 |
52 Weeks Range 91.86 - 217.83 | Updated Date 01/7/2026 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -1.53 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -2.05% | Operating Margin (TTM) 15.04% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.34% | Return on Equity (TTM) -2.19% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE 20.12 | Enterprise Value 13057496437 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.64 |
Enterprise Value 13057496437 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.64 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.25 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 25.28 | Shares Outstanding 49215471 | Shares Floating 48695263 |
Shares Outstanding 49215471 | Shares Floating 48695263 | ||
Percent Insiders 1 | Percent Institutions 107.17 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Charles River Laboratories

Company Overview
History and Background
Charles River Laboratories was founded in 1947 by Dr. Henry L. Foster. It began as a contract research organization (CRO) providing research animals for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, evolving into a comprehensive preclinical and clinical contract research organization offering a wide range of drug discovery and development services. Key milestones include its initial public offering (IPO) in 1995 and numerous acquisitions that broadened its service portfolio.
Core Business Areas
- Research Models and Services: Providing a diverse range of research models (e.g., rodents, non-rodents) and related services such as custom breeding, genetics, and surgical procedures to support preclinical research.
- Discovery and Safety: Offering a broad spectrum of drug discovery services, including discovery biology, chemistry, early safety assessment, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and toxicology studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential drug candidates.
- Biologics and Analytical Services: Providing services related to the development and manufacturing of biologics, as well as comprehensive analytical testing and characterization for pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals.
- Clinical Services: Offering early-stage clinical development services, including bioanalysis, drug formulation, and clinical trial support.
Leadership and Structure
Charles River Laboratories is led by a seasoned executive team, with current leadership including James C. Smith as Chairman and CEO. The company is structured into several reporting segments, broadly aligned with its core business areas, allowing for specialized expertise and focused service delivery to its diverse client base within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Research Models and Services: Provides a comprehensive suite of laboratory animals (e.g., Sprague Dawley rats, C57BL/6 mice) and specialized services for preclinical research. Competitors include Envigo (now part of Envigo), Taconic Biosciences, and The Jackson Laboratory. Specific market share data for individual research models is not publicly disclosed, but Charles River is a leading provider globally.
- Discovery and Safety Services (Toxicology, DMPK): Offers integrated drug discovery and preclinical safety assessment services, crucial for regulatory submissions. Key competitors in toxicology and DMPK include WuXi AppTec, Labcorp Drug Development, and SGS. Charles River holds a significant share in the global CRO market, particularly in preclinical services.
- Biologics Development and Manufacturing: Provides services for the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products. Competitors include Lonza, Catalent, and Samsung Biologics. Charles River's market share in this segment is growing as it expands its capabilities.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The contract research organization (CRO) industry, in which Charles River operates, is a critical component of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem. It is characterized by increasing R&D outsourcing by pharma companies seeking to reduce costs, access specialized expertise, and accelerate drug development timelines. The industry is driven by innovation in drug discovery, advancements in biotechnology, and the growing demand for new therapies for unmet medical needs. Regulatory compliance and the increasing complexity of drug development also play significant roles.
Positioning
Charles River Laboratories is a leading global CRO, recognized for its comprehensive portfolio of preclinical services and its integrated approach to drug discovery and development. Its competitive advantages include its broad service offering, extensive experience, strong client relationships, global operational footprint, and commitment to quality and scientific excellence. The company's strategy often involves acquiring complementary businesses to expand its capabilities and market reach.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global CRO market is substantial and projected to continue growing. Estimates for the TAM vary but are in the tens of billions of dollars annually, driven by increased R&D spending in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Charles River Laboratories is a significant player within this TAM, particularly in the preclinical segment, with a considerable market share and well-positioned to capture further growth through its extensive service offerings and strategic acquisitions.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Broad and integrated service offering across the drug discovery and development continuum.
- Strong reputation and long-standing client relationships with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
- Global operational footprint with extensive research facilities.
- Experienced management team and scientific expertise.
- History of successful strategic acquisitions to expand capabilities.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on a limited number of large clients.
- Potential for integration challenges with acquired companies.
- Sensitivity to the R&D spending cycles of its clients.
- High fixed costs associated with maintaining extensive research infrastructure.
Opportunities
- Growing trend of outsourcing R&D by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
- Expansion into emerging markets and therapeutic areas (e.g., cell and gene therapy).
- Leveraging technological advancements (e.g., AI, automation) to enhance services.
- Acquisition of smaller, specialized CROs to fill service gaps.
- Increased demand for safety and toxicology services due to complex drug development.
Threats
- Intensifying competition from other CROs, including emerging players.
- Changes in regulatory requirements and guidelines.
- Economic downturns that could reduce client R&D budgets.
- Intellectual property risks and data security concerns.
- Talent acquisition and retention challenges in a specialized scientific field.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- WuXi AppTec (2359.HK)
- Labcorp Drug Development (LH)
- PPD (a Thermo Fisher Scientific company, TMO)
- Eurofins Scientific (ERF.PA)
- Envigo (formerly part of Envigo)
Competitive Landscape
Charles River Laboratories holds a strong competitive position due to its comprehensive service offering, particularly in preclinical research, and its integrated approach. While competitors like WuXi AppTec and Labcorp offer broad services, Charles River's specialization and extensive history in certain areas give it an advantage. The landscape is highly competitive, with ongoing consolidation and the emergence of specialized players, requiring continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions to maintain market leadership.
Major Acquisitions
ExploRation Sciences
- Year: 2023
- Acquisition Price (USD millions):
- Strategic Rationale: To enhance its capabilities in neuroscience research and drug discovery services.
Veranovate
- Year: 2023
- Acquisition Price (USD millions):
- Strategic Rationale: To expand its early-stage drug discovery services and research capabilities.
Revvity's Omics and Diagnostics Business (formerly PerkinElmer's applied genomics)
- Year: 2023
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 100
- Strategic Rationale: To strengthen its drug discovery and development services, particularly in genomics and biomarker discovery.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Charles River Laboratories has a history of consistent and robust growth, driven by both organic expansion of its existing services and strategic acquisitions that have broadened its capabilities and market reach. The company has successfully integrated numerous acquisitions, expanding its service offerings and geographic presence, contributing significantly to its revenue and profitability growth over the past several decades.
Future Projections: Analyst projections for Charles River Laboratories generally indicate continued growth, driven by ongoing outsourcing trends in the biopharmaceutical industry, expansion into new therapeutic areas, and strategic acquisitions. Expected growth rates are often in the mid-to-high single digits for revenue. Profitability is also projected to grow, with efforts to improve operational efficiencies and leverage its integrated service model.
Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives have included expanding its capabilities in biologics development and manufacturing, strengthening its drug discovery services, and increasing its presence in specific therapeutic areas. Acquisitions remain a key part of its strategy to accelerate growth and broaden its service portfolio. The company is also investing in digital transformation and advanced technologies to enhance its service offerings.
Summary
Charles River Laboratories is a robust player in the CRO market, excelling in preclinical research and integrated drug development services. Its strengths lie in its broad service portfolio, global reach, and strong client relationships, facilitating consistent growth. However, it faces intense competition and is reliant on R&D spending trends from its major clients. Continued strategic acquisitions and adaptation to new therapeutic modalities are key for sustained success and navigating market challenges.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Charles River Laboratories Investor Relations
- Company Annual Reports (10-K)
- Quarterly Earnings Reports (10-Q)
- Industry Analysis Reports
- Financial News and Data Providers (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv)
Disclaimers:
This JSON output is generated based on publicly available information and financial data. Market share figures are estimations and may not reflect precise current data. The AI-based rating is a proprietary algorithm's assessment and should not be considered financial advice. Users should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Charles River Laboratories
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Wilmington, MA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2000-06-23 | Chairman, President & CEO Mr. James C. Foster J.D. | ||
Sector Healthcare | Industry Diagnostics & Research | Full time employees 18700 | Website https://www.criver.com |
Full time employees 18700 | Website https://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. It operates through three segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing). The RMS 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 research models, genetically engineered models and services, insourcing solutions, and research animal diagnostic services. The DSA segment offers early and in vivo discovery services for the identification and validation of novel targets, chemical compounds, and antibodies through delivery of preclinical drug and therapeutic candidates ready for safety assessment; and safety assessment services, such as toxicology, pathology, safety pharmacology, bioanalysis, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics services. The Manufacturing segment provides in vitro methods for conventional and rapid quality control testing of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals and consumer products. This segment offers specialized testing of biologics that are outsourced by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. It utilizes Logica, a platform offering from Valo Health, to identify advanceable small molecule leads. It provides contract vivarium operation services to biopharmaceutical clients. The company has strategic collaborations with Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Children's Hospital Los Angeles across its contract development and manufacturing organization. Additionally, It has a strategic alliance with Francis Crick Institute (Crick), Inc. for the development of Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) drug discovery and development. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Mas

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