Baird Maintains Outperform Rating on Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL)

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) is one of the 10 best life sciences stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

On February 20, Mizuho Securities analyst Ann Hynes maintained her Neutral rating on Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL). She reduced the firm’s price target on the stock from $215 to $175. Estimates were lowered following mixed fourth-quarter results.

Hynes believes the revision reflects expectations for slower organic growth in 2026 and lower free cash flow than previously anticipated. The firm also applied a more conservative valuation multiple, citing broader AI-related concerns across the industry.

On February 19, Baird analyst Eric Coldwell also reduced the firm’s price target on Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) from $231 to $193. The analyst maintained his Outperform rating on the stock, with a revised upside potential of almost 14%. Coldwell’s revision came after the company’s fourth-quarter results, which prompted him to revise his model.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) is a pre-clinical contract research organization that offers drug discovery, non-clinical development, and safety testing services. The company serves different segments, including pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies and academic institutions. It provides support in research models and screening candidates for pre-clinical drugs.

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