Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc vs Williams-Sonoma, Inc. — how do they compare? Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc trades at $287.43 (market cap $13.46B), while Williams-Sonoma, Inc. trades at $250.52 (market cap $29.51B). The key difference: Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is far larger — about 2.2× Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc's market cap, and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. pays a 1.21% dividend while Charles River Laboratories Intl. Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CRL | WSM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.46B | $29.51B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $284.37 | $251.81 |
52-Week Low | $145.57 | $168.64 |
Enterprise Value | $16.30B | $30.35B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.21% |
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.
Williams-Sonoma (WSM) trades at $245.16, down 2.26% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company maintains strong profitability with a 13.81% net income margin and 54.01% ROE, supported by recent earnings beats. Recent news highlights investor interest and a CEO stock sale, while cash flow trends show variability, with 2025 net cash flow at -$49 million.
Outlook remains positive with consistent earnings performance and a 'Moderate Buy' analyst consensus, though risks include consumer discretionary sector volatility and competitive pressures. The stock trades above the consensus price target of $231.10, suggesting limited near-term upside based on current valuations.
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 →With a wide retail and direct-to-consumer presence, Williams-Sonoma is a leader in the $300 billion domestic home category, focused on expanding its exposure in the B2B, marketplace, and franchise areas. Namesake Williams-Sonoma (175 stores) offers high-end cooking essentials, while Pottery Barn (189) provides casual home accessories. Brand extensions include Pottery Barn Kids (52) and PBteen. West Elm (121) is an emerging concept for young professionals, and Rejuvenation (9) offers lighting and house parts. Williams-Sonoma also has a business-to-business team that supports projects that range from residential to large-scale commercial.
Read more on WSM →