Analysts Are Bullish On Charles River Laboratories (CRL) Prospects

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:

) is one of the 12 best mid cap AI stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Charles Rhyee, an analyst at TD Cowen, increased the firm’s price target on Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) from $197 to $251 while reiterating a Buy rating on January 22. The firm’s revised price target suggests a further 38.49% upside from the current levels. This price target adjustment came as part of the firm’s broader review and revision of price targets across the contract research organization sector, conducted ahead of the company’s Q4 results.

In its fourth-quarter earnings preview, TD Cowen expressed confidence in solid quarterly results. The firm suggested that the 2026 guidance could serve as a clearing event for operating conditions. This would give investors clearer insights into the company’s short-term outlook.

Earlier On January 21, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) announced a new gene therapy collaboration with Gazi University Faculty of Medicine. Under the agreement, the company will provide plasmid DNA for Adeno

associated virus (AAV) production and support in vitro efficacy studies. The collaboration is designed to advance research on Hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis (HTC), a rare inherited disorder that causes high phosphate levels and non-cancerous calcium phosphate deposits in soft tissues, particularly around joints. The company will supply off-the-shelf, royalty-free, animal component-free plasmids, offering Gazi University a ready-to-use solution for early-stage gene therapy programs.

Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing, Charles River, expressed thoughts on the collaboration by commenting:

“We are excited to build a strong collaboration with Gazi University. Leveraging cell and gene therapy CDMO expertise will enable the Faculty of Medicine to test and ultimately transform ground-breaking concepts into real-world therapies.”

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL) provides non-clinical development, drug discovery, and safety testing services across the United States, the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in the Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), Research Models and Services (RMS), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing) segments. It was incorporated in 1947 and is based in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

While we acknowledge the potential of CRL  as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the

.