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CRL vs TMO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Charles River Laboratories (CRL) vs. Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CRL has delivered a sharp, momentum-driven re-rating over the past year as its core drug-development testing demand stabilizes.
- TMO is a far larger, more diversified life-sciences leader whose revenue exceeds $45 billion, versus CRL's roughly $4 billion annual base.
- Both companies are refocusing their portfolios: CRL divested its CDMO and Cell Solutions units, while TMO is selling its microbiology business.
- CRL offers higher recent percentage gains but carries a narrower, more cyclical contract-research exposure; TMO offers breadth and steady, compounding growth.
- Analyst sentiment on TMO skews strongly positive ("Strong Buy"), while CRL's valuation debate is more finely balanced.
- Relative performance and market positioning differ sharply, making the pair a useful study in risk-versus-scale trade-offs.
Introduction
Investors weighing exposure to the life-sciences and drug-development ecosystem often encounter two very different profiles under the same broad sector label. CRL (Charles River Laboratories) is a specialized contract research organization (CRO) whose fortunes hinge on preclinical research demand and non-human primate (NHP) supply dynamics. TMO (Thermo Fisher Scientific) is a diversified science-and-tools conglomerate spanning instruments, diagnostics, laboratory products, and pharmaceutical services. This stock comparison examines how each company's business model, recent momentum, and risk factors shape their current market positioning — a useful lens for traders seeking relative performance insights and for longer-term investors assessing scale versus specialization.
CRL Overview and Recent Performance
Charles River Laboratories is a global provider of outsourced drug-discovery, safety-assessment, and research-model services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic clients. It operates through three segments: Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), Research Models and Services (RMS), and Manufacturing Solutions. Recent weeks have been notable for a portfolio reshaping, including the completed divestiture of its CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organization) and Cell Solutions businesses, aimed at concentrating capital on regulated testing and quality-control capabilities.
In recent market activity, CRL has been one of the sector's stronger performers, with shares roughly doubling over the past year. Sentiment improved after a second-quarter earnings beat in which DSA posted its first organic growth since late 2023, and net bookings and backlog climbed to multi-year highs. Management subsequently raised full-year guidance and, at its Investor Day, laid out a multi-year plan targeting 5% to 7% organic revenue growth and roughly 24% operating margin by 2030. Key watch items remain NHP sourcing costs and an uneven demand recovery across client segments.
TMO Overview and Recent Performance
Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world's largest dedicated science-services company, with annual revenue exceeding $45 billion. Its diversified portfolio spans life-sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, laboratory products, and biopharma services delivered through brands such as Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific, Patheon, and PPD. This breadth reduces its dependence on any single end market, with roughly 60% of revenue tied to pharmaceutical and biotech activity.
TMO has shown strong recent momentum, gaining roughly 26% over the trailing three months as demand in life-science tools and bioprocessing improved. The company beat estimates in its recent quarters, raised its full-year revenue and adjusted EPS guidance, and announced the divestiture of its microbiology business. Analyst sentiment is broadly constructive, with a consensus "Strong Buy" rating and multiple firms lifting price targets into the $700-plus range in recent weeks. Compared with CRL, TMO's gains have been steadier but its starting valuation and scale are considerably larger.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most important contrast is business-model breadth. TMO is a diversified platform with multiple revenue engines, higher revenue visibility, and the scale to absorb end-market softness, whereas CRL is a more focused, higher-beta (more volatile relative to the market) play on preclinical research spending. Growth drivers differ accordingly: TMO benefits from bioproduction, diagnostics, and lab consumables demand, while CRL's recovery hinges on biotech funding, DSA bookings, and NHP cost normalization.
On momentum, CRL has produced stronger recent percentage gains but from a depressed base, and its valuation is now a subject of active debate. TMO's advance has been steadier and is supported by a widely positive analyst consensus. Risk factors also diverge: CRL faces concentration risk in NHP supply and academic/government budgets, while TMO's principal concerns center on the pace of pharma funding recovery and potential dilution from divestitures. In sector exposure, both track biopharma R&D spending, but TMO's broader customer base smooths the cycle.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward TMO for its steadier trend profile, diversified catalysts, and broad-based analyst support. CRL, by contrast, presents a higher-momentum but more cyclical and concentrated setup whose risk-reward depends on a demand recovery that remains relatively early. The conclusion is probabilistic rather than definitive: TMO's combination of scale, earnings visibility, and trend consistency currently appears more aligned with sustained positioning, while CRL may appeal to those specifically seeking greater exposure to an early-stage preclinical recovery.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CRL is a Hold and TMO is a StrongBuy.
CRL in +4.81% Uptrend, growing for three consecutive days on October 29, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where CRL advanced for three days, in 199 of 284 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 150 of 228 cases where CRL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 66%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CRL moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 30 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 73%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 55 of 67 cases where CRL's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CRL as a result. In 64 of 85 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CRL turned negative on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CRL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
CRL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 26, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. CRL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 13 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.262) is normal, around the industry mean (66.911). P/E Ratio (-65.077) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.514). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.122) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.340) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CRL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock worse than average.
Momentum Indicator for TMO turns positive, indicating new upward trend
TMO saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 87 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 58 of the 87 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +3.44% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where TMO advanced for three days, in 192 of 307 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 135 of 244 cases where TMO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 55%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for TMO moved out of overbought territory on October 01, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 36 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 17 of the 36 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 47%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 38 of 66 cases where TMO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for TMO turned negative on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 43 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 23 of the 43 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 53%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where TMO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
TMO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. TMO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.956) is normal, around the industry mean (66.911). P/E Ratio (37.945) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.514). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.021) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.003) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.247) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. TMO’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock better than average.
CRL | TMO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 38 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 13 Undervalued | 65 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 68 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 93 | 60 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 1 | 9 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 93 | 28 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CRL's Valuation (13) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for TMO (65) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that CRL’s stock grew somewhat faster than TMO’s over the last 12 months.
TMO's Profit vs Risk Rating (68) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as CRL (100) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that TMO’s stock grew similarly to CRL’s over the last 12 months.
TMO's SMR Rating (60) in the Medical Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CRL (93) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that TMO’s stock grew somewhat faster than CRL’s over the last 12 months.
CRL's Price Growth Rating (1) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is in the same range as TMO (9) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that CRL’s stock grew similarly to TMO’s over the last 12 months.
TMO's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Medical Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CRL (93) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry. This means that TMO’s stock grew somewhat faster than CRL’s over the last 12 months.
| CRL | TMO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 4 days ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 58% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 53% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 70% | 4 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 60% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 55% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CRL’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while TMO’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CRL’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- TMO’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CRL’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TMO’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CRL’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 6 bearish.
- TMO’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CRL (@Medical Specialties) experienced а -16.77% price change this week, while TMO (@Medical Specialties) price change was +0.29% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was -9.05%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.13%, and the average quarterly price growth was +36.16%.
Reported Earning Dates
CRL is expected to report earnings on Feb 24, 2027.
TMO is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical Specialties (-9.05% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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TMO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, TMO has been closely correlated with A. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if TMO jumps, then A could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To TMO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TMO | 100% | +1.12% | ||
| A - TMO | 74% Closely correlated | +0.97% | ||
| DHR - TMO | 72% Closely correlated | +2.09% | ||
| RVTY - TMO | 69% Closely correlated | -2.48% | ||
| IQV - TMO | 68% Closely correlated | +0.46% | ||
| BRKR - TMO | 67% Closely correlated | +12.90% | ||
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