Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL) Price Target Analysis
Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated May 1, 2026
Current Price
$181.73
Price Target
$205.43
Target Range
$175.00 — $260.00
Analyst Rating
Buy
Forward P/E16.4x
Trailing P/E-62.5x
Forward PEG—
Implied Growth+477.8%
Median Target$200.00
Analyst Spread41.4%
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Bear Case
$175
-3.7%
Consensus
$205
+13.0%
Bull Case
$260
+43.1%
CRL Price Target Analysis
Updated May 6, 2026As of May 6, 2026, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $205.43, based on estimates from 36 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $181.73, this represents a potential upside of +13.0%. The company has a market capitalization of $8.97B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $175.00 to a high of $260.00, representing a 41% spread in expectations. The median target of $200.00 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 25 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,11 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The positive sentiment balance indicates moderate optimism about the stock prospects.
From a valuation perspective, CRL trades at a trailing P/E of -62.5x and forward P/E of 16.4x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +477.8% over the next year.
Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Healthcare stocks.
Analyst Sentiment Comparison
Industry Peer AnalysisAvg Peer Upside+568.1%
Avg Forward P/E460.1x
Peers with Coverage10 / 10
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 IQVIQVIA Holdings Inc. | $29.9B | $176.47 | $225.63 | +27.9% | Buy | 13.9x | 44 |
 MEDPMedpace Holdings, Inc. | $12.2B | $426.79 | $498.86 | +16.9% | Hold | 25.1x | 19 |
 ICLRICON Public Limited Company | $9.5B | $124.13 | $149.63 | +20.5% | Buy | 10.5x | 30 |
 PRAProAssurance Corporation | $1.3B | $24.60 | $18.33 | -25.5% | Hold | 21.8x | 11 |
 LBRTLiberty Energy Inc. | $5.3B | $32.47 | $34.00 | +4.7% | Buy | 3568.1x | 19 |
 LHLabcorp Holdings Inc. | $21.1B | $256.93 | $311.33 | +21.2% | Buy | 14.4x | 35 |
 BCABBioAtla, Inc. | $5M | $4.50 | $250.00 | +5455.6% | Buy | — | 9 |
 NVCRNovoCure Limited | $1.9B | $16.50 | $33.50 | +103.1% | Buy | — | 15 |
 HALOHalozyme Therapeutics, Inc. | $7.8B | $66.35 | $78.33 | +18.1% | Buy | 8.2x | 27 |
 TMOThermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | $175.8B | $472.95 | $654.67 | +38.4% | Buy | 19.0x | 42 |
Upside Potential Comparison
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Start ComparisonCRL — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CRL stock.
What is the CRL stock price target for 2026?
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL) has a consensus 12-month price target of $205.43, implying 13.0% upside from $181.73. The 36 analysts covering CRL see moderate appreciation potential.
Is CRL a buy, sell, or hold?
CRL has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 36 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 25 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $205.43 implies 13.0% upside from current levels.
Is CRL stock overvalued or undervalued?
With a forward P/E of 16.4021x, CRL trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $205.43 implies 13.0% appreciation, suggesting meaningful undervaluation.
How high can CRL stock go?
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $260 for CRL, while the most conservative target is $175. The consensus of $205.43 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
How many analysts cover CRL stock?
CRL is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 36 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 1 have Strong Buy ratings, 24 have Buy ratings, 11 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
What is the CRL stock forecast?
The 12-month CRL stock forecast based on 36 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $205.43, with estimates ranging from $175 (bear case) to $260 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy".
What is CRL's forward P/E ratio?
CRL trades at a forward P/E ratio of 16.4x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates. The higher forward P/E suggests near-term earnings pressure. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Should I buy CRL stock?
Wall Street analysts are optimistic on CRL, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $205.43 price target (13.0% upside). 25 of 36 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Why do CRL price targets vary so much?
CRL analyst price targets range from $175 to $260, a 41% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $205.43 consensus represents the middle ground.