March 20, 2026 a 08:38 am
CRL: Analysts Ratings - Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. has consistently demonstrated robust service offerings in the contract research organization sector. With a diversified portfolio, including the Research Models and Services, Discovery and Safety Assessment, and Manufacturing Solutions segments, CRL provides comprehensive support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. As of the most recent analysis, analysts maintain a generally positive outlook for the stock, reflected in a predominant Buy recommendation stance.
Historical Stock Grades
| Recommendation | Number | Score Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 1 | |
| Buy | 10 | |
| Hold | 7 | |
| Sell | 0 | |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Sentiment Development
Over recent months, CRL's sentiment has exhibited stability in analyst ratings. While the company maintains a consistently high number of Buy recommendations, the overall number of Hold and reduced Strong Buy instances reflect a cautious approach during market fluctuations.
- The total number of recommendations has remained steady, with minor fluctuations.
- Buy recommendations have consistently outnumbered other categories, consolidating CRL's market position.
- There is a discernible decrease in Strong Buy recommendations compared to previous peaks.
Percentage Trends
Analyzing the percentage distribution of analyst ratings reveals a shift toward more Hold recommendations in recent periods. This suggests an increasing conservatism among analysts as market conditions evolve.
- Strong Buy percentages decreased from 15.4% to roughly 5.9% over the last year, indicating less confident bullish sentiment.
- Buy ratings constitute approximately 58.8% of recent recommendations, demonstrating sustained optimism.
- Hold recommendations increased significantly as well, highlighting a cautious market environment.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-25 | Neutral | Neutral | UBS |
| 2026-02-20 | Neutral | Neutral | Mizuho |
| 2026-02-20 | Buy | Buy | TD Cowen |
| 2026-02-19 | Overweight | Overweight | Barclays |
| 2026-02-19 | Outperform | Outperform | Evercore ISI Group |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-06 | Outperform | Neutral | Baird |
| 2025-10-06 | Outperform | Market Perform | William Blair |
| 2025-10-02 | Overweight | Equal Weight | Barclays |
| 2025-09-09 | Buy | Hold | Jefferies |
| 2025-07-09 | Buy | Neutral | Citigroup |
Interpretation
Given the prevailing number of Buy and Hold recommendations, the market sentiment toward CRL suggests a blend of cautious optimism with a protective institutional stance. Although some analysts upgraded their opinions in previous months, the moderation in Strong Buy recommendations may hint at underlying market uncertainties. Analysts demonstrate a balanced view that considers current market dynamics, indicating robust but cautious confidence in CRL's financial trajectory.
Conclusion
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. presents a compelling investment case with its diversified business model and global footprint. The prevailing Buy recommendations underscore confidence in the company's growth prospects. However, the gradual increase in Hold ratings suggests a prudent recalibration by analysts, reflecting market sensitivities. As CRL continues to adapt to market changes, stakeholders should remain vigilant of evolving sentiment and macroeconomic indicators that may impact future performance.