Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL)

Charles River Laboratories' stock price has experienced a notable decline in the past six months. Between June 17, 2024, and June 13, 2025, the share price decreased by 28.29%. Analyst rating changes have occurred, including Redburn Atlantic upgrading their outlook, Goldman Sachs downgrading their outlook, and Citigroup upgrading their outlook. In January 2025, Charles River Laboratories provided its preliminary 2025 outlook, anticipating a revenue decline similar to 2024 levels and some operating margin pressure. The company's Q4 2024 earnings surpassed analyst expectations, leading to a stock price increase, but the full-year 2024 revenue saw a 2.8% organic decline.

While older information mentioned seasonal declines, recent reports indicate that demand for Charles River Laboratories' products and services has been significantly impacted by a challenging biopharmaceutical demand environment. The company has experienced constrained client spending, particularly affecting the DSA segment, which saw lower study volume and revenue declines in 2024, with similar trends anticipated for 2025. Current market conditions and client spending patterns are more influential on demand than traditional seasonality.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. is a global CRO providing essential products and services to accelerate drug discovery and development. The company operates within the Healthcare sector, specifically in the Biotechnology: Commercial Physical & Biological Research industry. Its business is segmented into three main areas: Research Models and Services (RMS) provides foundational tools for drug discovery. Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) offers services that enable clients to outsource innovative drug discovery research, preclinical drug development activities, and regulatory-required safety testing. Manufacturing Solutions includes Microbial Solutions, Biologics Solutions, and Avian Vaccine Services.

Charles River Laboratories has a significant global presence, operating in over 130 sites across more than 20 countries worldwide. The company maintains multiple production centers on three continents: North America, Europe, and Asia. Its headquarters are located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA.

Charles River Laboratories maintains a strong reputation for quality, scientific expertise, and responsive service. The company is committed to ESG initiatives, including achieving 100% renewable electricity in 2024 and being a signatory of the UNGC. They support their employees professionally and personally, with over 4,000 people in ERGs and women comprising 53% of their leadership in 2023. Positive events include a partnership with TerraCycle to recycle plastic cartridges, an extended partnership with CHDI Foundation to accelerate Huntington's disease drug discovery, and a partnership with CAS to speed up drug discovery innovation. The company continues to invest in advanced technologies and infrastructure, including non-animal testing methods, with $30 million invested in their validation, development, and acquisition in 2024. No significant negative events impacting the brand were found.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. is primarily owned by institutional investors, holding approximately 59.96% to 86.55% of the company's stock. Insiders own about 1.08%, and public companies and individual investors hold between 12.36% and 26.59%. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc, Wellington Management Group Llp, and BlackRock, Inc.