Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) Stock Upgrade and Financial Overview

Jefferies upgraded NYSE:CRL from Hold to Buy, indicating confidence in the company's growth prospects, especially in its Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) segment. Despite facing industry-wide challenges such as foreign exchange pressures and cautious spending in the biotech sector, Charles River Laboratories has slightly outperformed the industry average decline. The company's stock volatility and market interest are evident, with a current market capitalization of approximately $7.97 billion and a trading volume of 1,161,229 shares on the NYSE.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) is a prominent player in the life sciences sector, providing essential services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The company specializes in drug discovery, safety testing, and artificial intelligence, which are crucial for developing new medical treatments. Charles River competes with other major firms in the industry, such as LabCorp and Covance, by offering comprehensive research and development solutions.

On September 9, 2025, Jefferies upgraded NYSE:CRL's stock from Hold to Buy, with the stock priced at $162 at the time. This upgrade reflects confidence in the company's growth prospects, particularly in its Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) segment. The DSA segment is experiencing growth due to increased outsourcing demand from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as highlighted by recent acquisitions and collaborations that have bolstered Charles River's capabilities.

Despite these positive developments, Charles River faces challenges that could impact its revenue growth. Foreign exchange pressures and cautious spending in the biotech sector are notable concerns. Over the past year, CRL's stock has decreased by 15.4%, slightly outperforming the industry average decline of 16.6%. This indicates that while the company is facing industry-wide challenges, it is managing to perform better than some of its peers.

The stock is currently priced at $162, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1.21%. Today, the stock has experienced a change of $1.99, with a trading range between a low of $149.03 and a high of $165.11. Over the past year, CRL's stock has reached a high of $230.02 and a low of $91.86. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $7.97 billion, with a trading volume of 1,161,229 shares on the NYSE. These figures highlight the stock's volatility and the market's interest in CRL.