RBC Capital Markets Initiates Outperform Rating on CRL Amid NAMs Disruption
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy CRL?
Source: seekingalpha
- Coverage Initiation: RBC Capital Markets has initiated coverage on Charles River Laboratories (CRL) with an Outperform rating, highlighting that the company remains attractively valued despite disruptions from New Alternative Methods (NAMs) in preclinical research.
- Market Risk Assessment: Analyst Ryan Halsted noted that the use of NAMs is growing at approximately 38% annually, and with the FDA easing animal testing requirements, this poses a headwind for CRL, although the market may be overpricing this risk.
- Future Growth Expectations: Preclinical R&D is expected to accelerate into 2027, positioning CRL, as a leading contract research organization, to benefit significantly, with analysts projecting high-single-digit revenue growth in line with its long-term targets of 6%-8%.
- Price Target Setting: The RBC analyst set a price target of $215 per share for CRL, reflecting an optimistic outlook on the company's future performance, particularly in light of the impending patent cliff.
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Analyst Views on CRL
Wall Street analysts forecast CRL stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 180.560
Low
185.00
Averages
226.70
High
265.00
Current: 180.560
Low
185.00
Averages
226.70
High
265.00
About CRL
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. is a drug development company. It provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Its Research Models and Services segment includes three businesses that provide foundational tools that enable its clients to discover new molecules: Research Models, Research Model Services, and Cell Solutions. Its Discovery and Safety Assessment segment provides regulated and non-regulated DSA services to support the research, development, and regulatory-required safety testing of potential new drugs, including therapeutic discovery and optimization plus in vitro and in vivo studies, laboratory support services, and strategic non-clinical consulting and program management to support product development. Its Manufacturing Solutions segment includes Microbial Solutions and Biologics Solutions.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Charles River Laboratories is set to announce its Q1 2026 financial results on May 7, 2026, before the market opens, reflecting its ongoing performance and growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Conference Call Details: A conference call will be held on the same day at 8:30 AM ET to discuss the financial results, allowing investors to engage and enhancing transparency and communication.
- Live Webcast and Replay: Investors will have the opportunity to listen to a live webcast of the conference call through the company's website, with a replay also available, ensuring broad dissemination and access to information.
- Company Overview: Charles River Laboratories provides essential products and services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology companies, and academic institutions globally, focusing on accelerating research and drug development to improve the discovery and safe manufacture of new therapies.
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- Coverage Initiation: RBC Capital Markets has initiated coverage on Charles River Laboratories (CRL) with an Outperform rating, highlighting that the company remains attractively valued despite disruptions from New Alternative Methods (NAMs) in preclinical research.
- Market Risk Assessment: Analyst Ryan Halsted noted that the use of NAMs is growing at approximately 38% annually, and with the FDA easing animal testing requirements, this poses a headwind for CRL, although the market may be overpricing this risk.
- Future Growth Expectations: Preclinical R&D is expected to accelerate into 2027, positioning CRL, as a leading contract research organization, to benefit significantly, with analysts projecting high-single-digit revenue growth in line with its long-term targets of 6%-8%.
- Price Target Setting: The RBC analyst set a price target of $215 per share for CRL, reflecting an optimistic outlook on the company's future performance, particularly in light of the impending patent cliff.
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- SAP Downgrade: Piper Sandler downgrades SAP from Overweight to Neutral, citing challenges in the macroeconomic environment and anticipating lower valuation multiples as the software industry transitions from SaaS to AI.
- Positive Catalysts for Alphabet: Citigroup adds a 90-day Catalyst Watch on Alphabet, expecting upcoming product updates during events like Google Cloud Next and YouTube Brandcast to drive stock price appreciation.
- Biogen Upgrade: Piper Sandler upgrades Biogen from Neutral to Overweight, raising the price target from $177 to $214, reflecting confidence in its growth potential moving forward.
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- Collaborative Initiative: Charles River Laboratories has partnered with the American Heart Association to enhance awareness and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, supporting health initiatives across Greater Boston and nationwide, reflecting the company's commitment to public health.
- Health Data Support: According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with heart disease and stroke accounting for one in four deaths, underscoring the importance of education and research to address persistent health risks.
- Community Engagement: This collaboration will support the American Heart Association's Heart of Boston campaign, promoting science-driven health improvements and further strengthening Charles River's corporate citizenship strategy focused on advancing human health.
- Timely Public Health Effort: Following a decline in cardiovascular mortality post-COVID-19, persistent risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity highlight the need for education and public-private partnerships to ensure long-term cardiovascular health.
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- Stock Price Crash: Booking Holdings is down 95.9% today and approximately 96.8% year-to-date, indicating a severe crisis in market confidence that could impact future financing and operational capabilities.
- Poor Market Performance: As the worst-performing component of the S&P 500, Booking Holdings' ongoing decline not only reflects its operational issues but may also negatively affect overall market sentiment.
- Competitor Movements: In contrast, Charles River Laboratories International is down 3.8%, while Applovin is up 5.7%, highlighting differing market reactions to various companies that could influence investor asset allocation decisions.
- Investor Confidence Erosion: The extreme volatility in Booking Holdings may lead to a loss of investor confidence in its future prospects, thereby affecting shareholder value and market position.
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- Market Advisory Issued: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) released its daily pre-market advisory on April 6, 2026, aimed at providing investors with insights before trading begins, thereby facilitating more informed trading decisions.
- Exchange Highlights: Prior to the opening bell, Charles River Laboratories (NYSE:CRL) celebrated Jim Foster's 50-year career, underscoring the company's enduring influence in the biotech sector.
- Commemorative Events: Wichita State University commemorated its 100th anniversary, marking the institution's long-standing contributions and achievements in education, which may attract investor interest in education-related stocks.
- App Promotion: Investors can download the NYSE TV app to access market insights, IPO activities, and opening bell information, enhancing their engagement and information acquisition in the market.
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