Madison Small Cap Fund cites AI-driven volatility as CRL shares fall to $188.06 amid broader small-cap underperformance.
Charles River Laboratories International Inc. (NYSE:CRL) declined in Q1 2026, closing at $188.06 on June 11, as AI disruption fears weighed on the stock. The drop reflects broader market volatility impacting small-cap equities, particularly speculative growth names.
The Madison Small Cap Fund, which holds CRL, rose just 0.10% in the quarter, lagging the Russell 2000 Index (up 0.89%) and Russell 2500 Index (up 2.04%). Value stocks outperformed, with the Russell 2000 Value Index rising ~4.5%, while growth stocks fell nearly 3%.
Fund managers view the pullback as a potential opportunity, citing the firm’s focus on quality, profitable franchises amid ongoing geopolitical and AI-related uncertainty.