BUZZ - Charles River Corporation shares rise on raised 2026 performance forecast and long-term targets

September 24 - ** Contract drug developer Charles River Laboratories (CRL.N) shares rose 6.1% to $294.16

** The company expects that its 2026 organic revenue growth rate and adjusted earnings per share will both reach the upper end of its earlier guidance ranges (0% to 1% and $11.15 to $11.45, respectively), citing continued strong demand from biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients

** The target is to achieve annual organic revenue growth of 5% to 7% and low double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth from 2027 to 2030

** Adjusted operating margin is expected to rise from the forecasted 21%–21.3% in 2026 to around 24% in 2030

** CRL plans to save over $300 million between 2027 and 2030 by streamlining operations and increasing the use of automation and digital tools

** Evercore ISI said the 5% to 7% revenue growth target exceeds expectations and is “highly achievable under normal market conditions,” but even with the $300 million cost-saving initiative, the margin target for 2030 could still be “somewhat surprising”

** Including today’s gains, CRL shares are up 47.7% so far this year

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