Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc vs Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. — how do they compare? Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc trades at $288.87 (market cap $13.46B), while Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. trades at $191.32 (market cap $91.27B). The key difference: Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. is far larger — about 6.8× Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc's market cap, and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. pays a 2.07% dividend while Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CRL | MRSH | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.46B | $91.27B |
Sector | Health | Financials |
52-Week High | $282.00 | $211.21 |
52-Week Low | $145.57 | $157.32 |
Enterprise Value | $16.30B | $111.95B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.07% |
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.
Marsh & McLennan (MRSH) trades at $188.81, down 1.04% today, but maintains a bullish technical trend with strong fundamentals. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.96, beating estimates, and has consistently exceeded earnings expectations. Revenue growth remains solid at 6% in Q2 2026, driven by risk and consulting services. Recent acquisitions, like the planned purchase of Accel Holdings, aim to expand its Midwest insurance reach.
The outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $202.89, suggesting 7.5% upside. Risks include margin pressure from rising expenses and soft P&C pricing. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 30.3% buy ratings but 66.7% hold, indicating cautious optimism. Institutional activity shows new positions by Ashton Thomas Securities and Bank of Nova Scotia, supporting long-term growth prospects.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc is a professional services firm that provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. The company operates through two main segments: risk and insurance services and consulting. In risk and insurance services, the firm offers services via Marsh (an insurance broker) and Guy Carpenter (a risk and reinsurance specialist). The consulting division comprises Mercer (a provider of human resource services) and Oliver Wyman (management and economic consultancy).
Read more on MRSH →