Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc vs Diageo plc — how do they compare? Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc trades at $288.87 (market cap $13.46B), while Diageo plc trades at $94.95 (market cap $53.05B). The key difference: Diageo plc is far larger — about 3.9× Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc's market cap, and Diageo plc pays a 3.5% dividend while Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CRL | DEO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.46B | $53.05B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $282.00 | $115.33 |
52-Week Low | $145.57 | $72.47 |
Enterprise Value | $16.30B | $72.54B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.5% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Charles River Laboratories (CRL) trades at $284.37, up 2.66% today and near its 52-week high, reflecting strong bullish momentum. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, including a Q2 2026 EPS of $3.02 versus $2.77 expected, and the company raised its full-year guidance. Despite negative net income margins, operating cash flow remains robust at $738 million in 2025. Analyst sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with 26 buy ratings and a consensus price target of $277.29.
The outlook is supported by improving biotech demand and cost controls, but high valuation multiples and recent insider selling pose risks. Earnings growth and margin expansion are key catalysts, though profitability challenges and macroeconomic sensitivity could pressure the stock. Investors should weigh strong technicals and analyst support against fundamental weaknesses and execution risks.
Diageo (DEO) trades at $93.96, down 3.24% today, with mixed technical signals showing bullish moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company reported FY2026 results with organic sales declining 2% but operating profit increasing 2% through cost savings. Recent news highlights a $1 billion cost-cutting plan and strategic reset under new CEO Dave Lewis, driving investor optimism despite North American weakness.
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with analyst consensus leaning buy (49%) as cost savings and cash generation initiatives offset regional challenges. Key risks include persistent North American sales pressure and execution risks on the turnaround plan, while valuation metrics suggest premium pricing relative to historical levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Charles River Laboratories was founded in 1947 and is a leading provider of drug discovery and development services. The company's research model & services segment is the leading provider of animal models for laboratory testing, which breeds and delivers animal research models with specific genetic characteristics for preclinical studies around the world. The discovery & safety assessment segment includes services required to take a drug through the early development process, including discovery services. The manufacturing support segment includes microbial solutions, which provides in vitro (non-animal) testing products, biologics testing services, and avian vaccine services.
Read more on CRL →Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness. It operates a vast portfolio of spirits and beers across more than 180 countries.
Read more on DEO →