Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc trades at $287.43 (market cap $13.46B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $143.7 (market cap $10.83B). The key difference: Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc pays a 0.56% dividend while Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CRL | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.46B | $10.83B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $282.00 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $145.57 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $16.30B | $12.44B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.56% |
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.
WMS trades at $140.22, down 1.02% over 24 hours, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.49 per share, beating estimates, and maintains solid profitability with a 14% net income margin. Recent news highlights Q1 2027 revenue growth of 21% year-over-year and a quarterly dividend declaration.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, implying upside, but technical weakness and a Zacks Strong Sell rating (June 22, 2026) pose near-term risks. Investment appeal hinges on execution of growth initiatives amid competitive pressures and debt levels.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →