Charles River Laboratories consensus in focus, shares under Wall Street scrutiny

Analysts on Wall Street remain divided on Charles River Laboratories as shares trade on the NYSE with modest year-on-year gains. Valuation, earnings outlook and peer comparisons shape the current consensus picture.

By Anna Wagner, Analysts & Consensus desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-23, 19:18.

Charles River Laboratories International (US1591881009) sits in the analyst spotlight this week as Wall Street updates its views on the NYSE-listed research services group. Current estimates and rating distributions show a differentiated but data-rich consensus picture across major research houses.

What analysts are saying now

On MarketBeat data, Charles River Laboratories most recently reported first-quarter 2026 earnings on 7 May with earnings per share of 2.06 US dollars, exceeding the consensus estimate of 1.96 dollars, which underpins the current fundamental view among analysts. MarketBeat’s earnings overview highlights this 0.10 dollar beat as a key reference point for recent models.

A recent assessment from Morgan Stanley, cited in an analysis on Intellectia, describes Charles River as a relative beneficiary of improved biopharma funding, with the house upgrading its stance on the company while taking a more cautious view on peer IQVIA. The Morgan Stanley-focused write-up notes a stronger medium-term demand backdrop for contract research services, which feeds into positive revisions for selected players.

Consensus, valuation and peers

According to Zacks Investment Research, Charles River Laboratories is currently compared closely with Labcorp Holding (LH) in the diagnostics and research services space, with Zacks arguing on 15 June 2026 that LH offers the stronger value metrics on earnings and price-based ratios. The Zacks comparison between LH and CRL concludes that LH screens better on forward valuation, even as both groups operate in adjacent parts of the healthcare services chain.

StockTItan price data show Charles River Laboratories shares recently around 183.79 US dollars, with a market capitalization of roughly 8.9 billion US dollars and a one-year performance of just over 23 percent, putting the stock ahead of several smaller peers in the broader professional, scientific and technical services sector. The StockTitan overview on CRL also highlights a year-to-date performance of about minus 10.3 percent, underlining that the recent twelve-month gain has been accompanied by a more volatile 2026 trading pattern.

How Charles River makes its money

Charles River Laboratories generates revenue primarily by providing preclinical and clinical research services, including contract research for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as government agencies and academic institutions across North America, Europe and Asia. The company’s offering spans early-stage drug discovery, safety assessment and related laboratory services that support clients in advancing molecules from research through to regulatory submission.

Where the shares trade today

The Charles River Laboratories shares (US1591881009) trade on the NYSE under the ticker CRL; on 2026-06-23 at 17:18 UTC, the last available indicative price was approximately 183.79 US dollars.

Key data on the Charles River Laboratories shares

• Company: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
• ISIN: US1591881009
• WKN: 906212
• Ticker: CRL
• Trading venue: NYSE
• Price (as of 2026-06-23, 17:18): 183.79 USD
• Market cap: 8.9 billion USD (as of 2026-06-23)
• Sector / industry: Healthcare - Life Sciences Tools & Services
• Index membership: S&P 400 MidCap (representative category for US mid-cap stocks)
• Next earnings date: not officially scheduled

This text is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, investment recommendation or an invitation to buy or sell securities. All information has been compiled with care but without any claim to completeness or accuracy. Prices and market data may be delayed.