Is CRL a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 39.4/100. It is ranked #2,052 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 38/100, Momentum 40/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for CRL?

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 39.4 ranks it #2,052 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is CRL in?

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. operates in the Industrials sector (Business Services industry) with a market cap of $8.61 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does CRL pay a dividend?

CRL does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is CRL's P/E ratio?

CRL has a trailing P/E ratio of 40.92x. The Industrials sector average is 28.3x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is CRL?

CRL's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 34.6%. ROE: 6.5% vs sector average 8.9%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is CRL valued compared to peers?

CRL's value factor score is 38/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 40.9x, EV/EBITDA 19.6x. Trading at a premium relative to peers.

What is CRL's debt level?

CRL's debt-to-equity ratio is 124%. Sector average: 70%. Moderate leverage is normal for established companies.

CRL has a beta of 1.53, meaning it amplifies market moves. Stability score: 38/100.

Does CRL have high short interest?

CRL's short interest factor score is 16/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

CRL Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Reduce (Score 39.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
CRL	+0.06%	+1.01%	+4.95%	-11.95%	+75.74%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLI	-0.39%	+4.73%	+0.88%	+10.57%	+38.89%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.12%	-2.59%	+4.61%	-11.59%	+46.21%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.45%	-3.72%	+4.06%	-22.52%	+36.84%	-	-	-

Metric	CRL	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	40.9x	+44%
EV/EBITDA	19.6x	+245%
Price / Book	2.6x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
STNG Scorpio Tankers Inc.	64	43	96	73	-	93.3%	63.1%	53.8%	-	30.0x	$3.8B	VS
TNK TEEKAY TANKERS LTD.	62	50	97	71	6.4x	91.9%	67.0%	32.8%	-	0.0x	$2.5B	VS
TEN TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD	61	50	86	75	7.6x	42.1%	97.8%	22.6%	-	103.0x	$1.2B	VS
HAFN Hafnia Ltd	60	42	79	77	-	439.1%	48.5%	27.0%	-	0.0x	$3.8B	VS
TPH Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.	57	50	67	66	13.6x	8.8%	47.5%	7.9%	-26.0%	50.0x	$4.0B	VS
GLDD Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP	57	50	69	70	16.3x	13.5%	22.2%	8.1%	14.8%	73.0x	$1.1B	VS
SOBO South Bow Corp	57	39	79	66	22.0x	48.4%	82.3%	14.9%	-	219.0x	$6.8B	VS
IMPP Imperial Petroleum Inc./Marshall Islands	54	44	98	58	2.8x	47.7%	100.0%	34.0%	-19.7%	0.0x	$156M	VS
CCO Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.	52	48	58	69	59.3x	-	53.4%	-0.3%	7.7%	-	$1.2B	VS
IMXI International Money Express, Inc.	52	50	73	52	11.6x	25.5%	0.0%	6.4%	-9.7%	221.0x	$476M	VS
CRL CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.	39	50	38	40	40.9x	6.5%	34.6%	5.1%	-2.1%	124.0x	$8.6B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.3%	-	-	-	-	-	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	13.9%	-	-	-	-	-	13.0%	13.0%	13.3%	12.7%	15.6%
ROE %	0.1%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%
ROA %	0.0%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%
ROIC %	6.5%	0.6%	5.2%	13.5%	17.3%	18.4%	8.8%	8.4%	9.4%	11.2%	9.6%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

-0.0%

0.0%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

13.9%

13.0%

13.3%

12.7%

15.6%

ROE %

0.1%

-0.0%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

ROA %

0.0%

-0.0%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

6.5%

0.6%

5.2%

13.5%

17.3%

18.4%

8.8%

8.4%

9.4%

11.2%

9.6%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$4.0B	$4.0B	$4.0B	$4.1B	$4.0B	$3.5B	$2.9B	$2.6B	$2.3B	$1.9B	$1.7B	$1.4B
	$349M	—	—	—	—	—	$1.1B	$958M	$840M	$701M	$647M	$531M
Gross Margin	34.6%	---	---	---	---	---	36.7%	36.6%	37.1%	37.7%	38.3%	39.0%
	—	$743M	$751M	$748M	$665M	$620M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	—	$235M	$198M	$162M	$131M	$127M	$97M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$4.0B	$3.8B	$3.5B	$3.3B	$3.0B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$426M	$25M	$227M	$617M	$651M	$590M	$433M	$351M	$331M	$288M	$237M	$206M
EBIT	$426M	$25M	$227M	$617M	$651M	$590M	$433M	$351M	$331M	$288M	$237M	$206M
EBITDA	$426M	$25M	$227M	$617M	$651M	$590M	$768M	$562M	$506M	$457M	$376M	$304M
Operating Margin	10.6%	0.6%	5.6%	14.9%	16.4%	16.7%	14.8%	13.4%	14.6%	15.5%	14.1%	15.1%
EBITDA Margin	10.6%	0.6%	5.6%	14.9%	16.4%	16.7%	26.3%	21.4%	22.3%	24.6%	22.4%	22.3%
	—	—	—	$137M	$59M	$74M	$86M	$61M	$64M	$30M	$28M	$15M
	—	-$100M	$93M	$581M	$623M	$481M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$43M	$68M	$101M	$130M	$82M	$82M	$50M	$54M	$171M	$67M	$43M
	$204M	-$142M	$25M	$480M	$493M	$399M	$365M	$254M	$229M	$125M	$156M	$151M
Net Margin	5.1%	-3.5%	0.6%	11.6%	12.4%	11.3%	12.5%	9.7%	10.1%	6.8%	9.3%	11.1%
	$-2.91	$-2.91	$0.20	$9.27	$9.57	$7.77	$7.35	$5.17	$4.72	$2.60	$3.29	$3.21
Diluted EPS	$-2.91	$-2.91	$0.20	$9.22	$9.48	$7.60	$7.35	$5.17	$4.72	$2.60	$3.29	$3.21
Weighted Avg Basic	—	50M	51M	51M	51M	50M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	50M	52M	51M	51M	51M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$4.0B

$4.1B

$4.0B

$3.5B

$2.9B

$2.6B

$2.3B

$1.9B

$1.7B

$1.4B

$349M

—

$1.1B

$958M

$840M

$701M

$647M

$531M

Gross Margin

34.6%

---

36.7%

36.6%

37.1%

37.7%

38.3%

39.0%

—

$743M

$751M

$748M

$665M

$620M

—

Depreciation

—

$235M

$198M

$162M

$131M

$127M

$97M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$4.0B

$3.8B

$3.5B

$3.3B

$3.0B

—

$426M

$25M

$227M

$617M

$651M

$590M

$433M

$351M

$331M

$288M

$237M

$206M

EBIT

$426M

$25M

$227M

$617M

$651M

$590M

$433M

$351M

$331M

$288M

$237M

$206M

EBITDA

$426M

$25M

$227M

$617M

$651M

$590M

$768M

$562M

$506M

$457M

$376M

$304M

Operating Margin

10.6%

0.6%

5.6%

14.9%

16.4%

16.7%

14.8%

13.4%

14.6%

15.5%

14.1%

15.1%

EBITDA Margin

10.6%

0.6%

5.6%

14.9%

16.4%

16.7%

26.3%

21.4%

22.3%

24.6%

22.4%

22.3%

—

$137M

$59M

$74M

$86M

$61M

$64M

$30M

$28M

$15M

—

-$100M

$93M

$581M

$623M

$481M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$43M

$68M

$101M

$130M

$82M

$50M

$54M

$171M

$67M

$43M

$204M

-$142M

$25M

$480M

$493M

$399M

$365M

$254M

$229M

$125M

$156M

$151M

Net Margin

5.1%

-3.5%

0.6%

11.6%

12.4%

11.3%

12.5%

9.7%

10.1%

6.8%

9.3%

11.1%

$-2.91

$0.20

$9.27

$9.57

$7.77

$7.35

$5.17

$4.72

$2.60

$3.29

$3.21

Diluted EPS

$-2.91

$0.20

$9.22

$9.48

$7.60

$7.35

$5.17

$4.72

$2.60

$3.29

$3.21

Weighted Avg Basic

—

50M

51M

50M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

50M

52M

51M

—

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Do?

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., a non-clinical contract research organization, 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 rodent research model strains 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 non-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 non-clinical 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 also offers specialized testing of biologics that are outsourced by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; and avian vaccine services that provide specific-pathogen-free (SPF) fertile chicken eggs, SPF chickens, and diagnostic products used to manufacture vaccines. The company also provides contract vivarium operation services to biopharmaceutical clients. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Industrials sector, specifically within the Business Services industry. The company is led by CEO James C. Foster and employs approximately 21,400 people, headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. With a market capitalization of $8.6B, CRL is one of the notable companies in the Industrials sector.

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 39.4/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.CRL ranks #2,052 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Industrials sector, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. ranks #323 of 752 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Industrials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

CRL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) currently trades at $175.65. The stock gained $0.10 (0.1%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for CRL is $228.88, which means the stock is currently trading -23.3% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $91.86, putting the stock 91.2% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 488K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is CRL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) carries a value factor score of 38/100 in the Blank Capital model, signaling premium valuation that prices in significant future growth. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 40.92x, compared to the Industrials sector average of 28.33x — a premium of 44%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.64x, versus the sector average of 2.23x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.08x, compared to 0.50x for the average Industrials stock. On an enterprise value basis, CRL trades at 19.64x EV/EBITDA, versus 5.70x for the sector.

At current multiples, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. trades at a premium to most Industrials peers. This elevated valuation may be justified if the company can sustain above-average growth rates and profitability, but it also creates downside risk if earnings disappoint expectations.

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 6.5%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 8.9%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 2.9% versus the sector average of 3.3%.

On a margin basis, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. reports gross margins of 34.6%, compared to 35.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 10.6% (sector: 6.2%). Net profit margin stands at 5.1%, versus 3.9% for the average Industrials stock. Revenue growth is running at -2.1% on a trailing basis, compared to 6.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

CRL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. has a debt-to-equity ratio of 124.0%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 70.0%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 1.29x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $2.19B. Cash and equivalents stand at $207M.

CRL has a beta of 1.53, meaning it is more volatile than the broader market — a $10,000 investment in CRL would be expected to move 53.2% more than the S&P 500 on any given day. The stability factor score for CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. is 38/100, suggesting elevated price swings that may be unsuitable for conservative portfolios.

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. reported revenue of $4.03B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-2.91. Net income for the quarter was $204M. Gross margin was 34.6%. Operating income came in at $426M.

In FY 2025, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. reported revenue of $4.02B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-2.91. Net income for the quarter was $-142M. Revenue grew -0.9% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $25M.

In Q3 2025, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. reported revenue of $1.00B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.11. Net income for the quarter was $56M. Revenue grew -0.5% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $134M.

In Q2 2025, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. reported revenue of $1.03B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.06. Net income for the quarter was $53M. Revenue grew 0.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $100M.

Over the past 8 quarters, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $1.03B to $4.03B. Investors analyzing CRL stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

CRL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Business Services industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Industrials dividend stocks may want to explore other Industrials stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

CRL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) has a momentum factor score of 40/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 34/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 16/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

CRL vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Industrials sector, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) ranks #323 out of 752 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places CRL in the upper half of all Industrials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include South Bow Corp (SOBO) with a score of 56.5/100, TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD (TEN) with a score of 61.4/100, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP (GLDD) with a score of 56.7/100, Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (TPH) with a score of 57.3/100, and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing CRL against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full CRL vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

CRL Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy CRL? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. suggests caution. The value score of 38/100 indicates premium valuation. High volatility (stability score 38/100) increases portfolio risk.

In summary, CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 39.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on CRL stock.

Related Resources for CRL Investors

Explore more research and tools: CRL vs S&P 500 comparison, top Industrials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare CRL head-to-head with peers: CRL vs SOBO, CRL vs TEN, CRL vs GLDD.

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CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Do?

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CRL) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

CRL Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is CRL Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

CRL Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

CRL Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

CRL Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

CRL vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

CRL Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy CRL? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for CRL Investors

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