Charles River Laboratories (CRL)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
CRL
Charles River Laboratories
$165.89
+4.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $7.84B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Charles River Laboratories generates 27% more annual revenue ($4.02B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -3.6%. CRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
CRL
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CRL.
Margin of Safety
-349.9%
Fair Value
$73.17
Current Price
$302.32
$229.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Operating margin of 4.5%
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -4.2% — below average capital efficiency
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CRL
The strongest argument for CRL centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CRL
The primary concerns for CRL are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CRL profiles as a turnaround stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Charles River Laboratories
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., is an American pharmaceutical company specializing in a variety of preclinical and clinical laboratory, gene therapy and cell therapy services for the Pharmaceutical, Medical device and Biotechnology industries. It also supplies assorted biomedical products and outsourcing services for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and offer support in the fields of basic research, drug discovery, safety and efficacy, clinical support, and manufacturing.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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