Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc vs Vistra Corp — how do they compare? Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc trades at $232.53 (market cap $11.14B), while Vistra Corp trades at $159.5 (market cap $53.42B). The key difference: Vistra Corp is far larger — about 4.8× Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc's market cap, and Vistra Corp pays a 0.58% dividend while Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CRL | VST | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $11.14B | $53.42B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $233.60 | $217.92 |
52-Week Low | $145.57 | $134.71 |
Enterprise Value | $14.00B | $75.17B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.58% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Charles River Laboratories (CRL) trades at $229.75, down 1.57% on the day, near its consensus price target of $229.80. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving average signals and support at $225. Fundamentally, CRL has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters but reported a net loss of $144.34 million in 2025, with negative profit margins. Recent news highlights collaborations in AI and NGS services, supporting growth prospects.
Outlook remains mixed: analyst consensus is strongly bullish with 72% buy ratings and a high target of $260, but profitability challenges and high P/E of 684.85 pose risks. Cash flow stability and strategic partnerships offer upside, while margin pressures and debt levels require monitoring for sustained recovery.
Vistra Corp. (VST) trades at $158.12, down 0.47% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported strong Q1 2026 earnings beating estimates, with revenue growth from $17.74B in 2025 to $19.4B projected for 2026. Net income margin improved to 11.52%, supported by robust cash flow from operations of $4.07B. Recent news highlights Vistra's positioning in the AI power demand surge and long-term power purchase agreements with major tech firms.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $230.50, implying significant upside. Key opportunities include exposure to growing electricity demand and strategic renewables focus. Risks involve power-price volatility, high debt levels, and execution of growth projects. Analyst sentiment is strongly bullish with 91% buy ratings, though investors should monitor Q2 2026 earnings due August 7 for confirmation of growth trajectory.
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 →Vistra is a leading integrated retail electricity and power generation company that serves as a critical infrastructure provider for the digital economy. It operates a diversified portfolio of zero-carbon nuclear and renewable assets alongside a massive, flexible natural gas fleet, positioning it as an indispensable partner for energy-intensive AI data centers and industrial electrification.
Read more on VST →