Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc trades at $287.43 (market cap $13.46B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $282.7 (market cap $112.20B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 8.3× Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc's market cap, and Howmet Aerospace Inc pays a 0.2% dividend while Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CRL | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.46B | $112.20B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $284.37 | $291.28 |
52-Week Low | $145.57 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $16.30B | $116.30B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.2% |
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.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $281.63, down 0.73% on the day, with strong technical support at $279 and resistance at $285. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.33 exceeding expectations by 7.3%, driven by robust aerospace and defense demand. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with 84% buy ratings and a $334.63 price target, representing 19% upside potential.
Outlook remains positive with raised 2026 guidance and strong cash flow generation, though elevated valuation multiples (P/E 60.63) and significant capital expenditures present risks. The stock offers growth exposure to aerospace recovery but faces execution risks amid capacity expansion plans and supply chain challenges.
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 →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →