Is ICLR a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, ICON PLC (ICLR) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 45.6/100. It is ranked #1,816 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 38/100, Value 89/100, Momentum 23/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for ICLR?

ICON PLC (ICLR) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 45.6 ranks it #1,816 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is ICLR in?

ICON PLC operates in the Industrials sector (Business Services industry) with a market cap of $8.51 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does ICLR pay a dividend?

ICLR does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is ICLR's P/E ratio?

ICLR has a trailing P/E ratio of 11.11x. The Industrials sector average is 28.3x. This below-average P/E may indicate the stock is undervalued.

How profitable is ICLR?

ICLR's quality factor score is 38/100. Gross margin: 29.4%. ROE: 33.2% vs sector average 8.9%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is ICLR valued compared to peers?

ICLR's value factor score is 89/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 11.1x, EV/EBITDA 1.7x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is ICLR's debt level?

ICLR's debt-to-equity ratio is 36%. Sector average: 70%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

ICLR has a beta of 1.27, meaning it amplifies market moves. Stability score: 36/100.

Does ICLR have high short interest?

ICLR's short interest factor score is 54/100 (higher = less short selling). Moderate short interest.

ICLR Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Hold (Score 45.6/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
ICLR	+0.10%	-6.46%	+0.18%	-41.38%	-25.12%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLI	-0.39%	+4.73%	+0.88%	+10.57%	+38.89%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.17%	-10.07%	-0.16%	-41.02%	-54.64%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.49%	-11.20%	-0.70%	-51.96%	-64.01%	-	-	-

Metric	ICLR	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	11.1x	-61%
EV/EBITDA	1.7x	-70%
Price / Book	0.9x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
STNG Scorpio Tankers Inc.	64	43	96	73	-	93.3%	63.1%	53.8%	-	30.0x	$3.8B	VS
TNK TEEKAY TANKERS LTD.	62	50	97	71	6.4x	91.9%	67.0%	32.8%	-	0.0x	$2.5B	VS
TEN TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD	61	50	86	75	7.6x	42.1%	97.8%	22.6%	-	103.0x	$1.2B	VS
HAFN Hafnia Ltd	60	42	79	77	-	439.1%	48.5%	27.0%	-	0.0x	$3.8B	VS
TPH Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.	57	50	67	66	13.6x	8.8%	47.5%	7.9%	-26.0%	50.0x	$4.0B	VS
GLDD Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP	57	50	69	70	16.3x	13.5%	22.2%	8.1%	14.8%	73.0x	$1.1B	VS
SOBO South Bow Corp	57	39	79	66	22.0x	48.4%	82.3%	14.9%	-	219.0x	$6.8B	VS
IMPP Imperial Petroleum Inc./Marshall Islands	54	44	98	58	2.8x	47.7%	100.0%	34.0%	-19.7%	0.0x	$156M	VS
CCO Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.	52	48	58	69	59.3x	-	53.4%	-0.3%	7.7%	-	$1.2B	VS
IMXI International Money Express, Inc.	52	50	73	52	11.6x	25.5%	0.0%	6.4%	-9.7%	221.0x	$476M	VS
ICLR ICON PLC	46	38	89	23	11.1x	33.2%	29.4%	9.6%	-	36.0x	$8.5B

Key Ratio	TTM	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
Gross Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.3%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%
EBITDA Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%
FCF Margin %	13.5%	13.5%	12.6%	5.4%	13.4%	18.8%	12.9%	8.5%	19.2%	13.0%	14.6%
ROE %	0.3%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%
ROA %	0.2%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	7.0%	7.0%	6.0%	4.9%	2.3%	22.8%	23.7%	22.6%	21.3%	22.4%	22.1%

Key Ratio

TTM

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

EBITDA Margin %

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

FCF Margin %

13.5%

12.6%

5.4%

13.4%

18.8%

12.9%

8.5%

19.2%

13.0%

14.6%

ROE %

0.3%

0.1%

0.0%

0.2%

0.3%

ROA %

0.2%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

7.0%

6.0%

4.9%

2.3%

22.8%

23.7%

22.6%

21.3%

22.4%

22.1%

Line Item	TTM	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$8.3B	$8.3B	$8.1B	$7.7B	$5.5B	$2.8B	$2.8B	$2.6B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.6B
	$2.4B	$2.4B	$2.4B	$2.2B	$1.5B	$817M	$832M	$778M	$731M	$705M	$666M
Gross Margin	29.4%	29.4%	29.6%	28.6%	27.5%	29.2%	29.6%	29.9%	41.6%	29.8%	42.3%
	—	$512M	$602M	$587M	$328M	$67M	$61M	$66M	$61M	$59M	$58M
	$1.1B	$1.1B	$956M	$795M	$379M	$392M	$433M	$373M	$338M	$312M	$282M
EBIT	$1.1B	$1.1B	$956M	$795M	$379M	$392M	$433M	$373M	$338M	$312M	$282M
EBITDA	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.4B	$706M	$458M	$495M	$439M	$399M	$371M	$339M
Operating Margin	13.3%	13.3%	11.8%	10.3%	6.9%	14.0%	15.4%	14.4%	19.2%	13.2%	17.9%
EBITDA Margin	19.4%	19.4%	19.2%	17.9%	12.9%	16.4%	17.7%	16.9%	22.7%	22.3%	21.5%
	—	$237M	$337M	$230M	$182M	$13M	$13M	$14M	$13M	$13M	$4M
	—	$78M	$12M	$59M	$41M	$48M	$51M	$42M	$47M	$38M	$39M
	$791M	$791M	$612M	$505M	$153M	$333M	$376M	$323M	$281M	$262M	$240M
Net Margin	9.6%	9.6%	7.5%	6.5%	2.8%	11.9%	13.4%	12.4%	16.0%	11.1%	15.2%
	$9.60	$9.60	$7.46	$6.20	$2.28	$6.20	$6.85	$5.96	$5.20	$4.75	$4.08
Diluted EPS	$9.60	$9.60	$7.46	$6.20	$2.28	$6.20	$6.85	$5.96	$5.20	$4.75	$4.08

Line Item

TTM

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$8.3B

$8.1B

$7.7B

$5.5B

$2.8B

$2.6B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$2.4B

$2.2B

$1.5B

$817M

$832M

$778M

$731M

$705M

$666M

Gross Margin

29.4%

29.6%

28.6%

27.5%

29.2%

29.6%

29.9%

41.6%

29.8%

42.3%

—

$512M

$602M

$587M

$328M

$67M

$61M

$66M

$61M

$59M

$58M

$1.1B

$956M

$795M

$379M

$392M

$433M

$373M

$338M

$312M

$282M

EBIT

$1.1B

$956M

$795M

$379M

$392M

$433M

$373M

$338M

$312M

$282M

EBITDA

$1.6B

$1.4B

$706M

$458M

$495M

$439M

$399M

$371M

$339M

Operating Margin

13.3%

11.8%

10.3%

6.9%

14.0%

15.4%

14.4%

19.2%

13.2%

17.9%

EBITDA Margin

19.4%

19.2%

17.9%

12.9%

16.4%

17.7%

16.9%

22.7%

22.3%

21.5%

—

$237M

$337M

$230M

$182M

$13M

$14M

$13M

$4M

—

$78M

$12M

$59M

$41M

$48M

$51M

$42M

$47M

$38M

$39M

$791M

$612M

$505M

$153M

$333M

$376M

$323M

$281M

$262M

$240M

Net Margin

9.6%

7.5%

6.5%

2.8%

11.9%

13.4%

12.4%

16.0%

11.1%

15.2%

$9.60

$7.46

$6.20

$2.28

$6.20

$6.85

$5.96

$5.20

$4.75

$4.08

Diluted EPS

$9.60

$7.46

$6.20

$2.28

$6.20

$6.85

$5.96

$5.20

$4.75

$4.08

ICON PLC (ICLR) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does ICON PLC Do?

ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced development and commercialization services in Ireland, rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company specializes in the strategic development, management, and analysis of programs that support various stages of the clinical development process from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. It offers clinical development services, including early development, patient recruitment and retention, strategy and analytics, late phase research, data and technology solution, and consulting and analytics services. The company's clinical development services also comprise medical imaging, clinical research and laboratory services, project management, site monitoring and management services, data management, biostatistics and programming, medical writing and publishing, medical affair, endpoint adjudication/data monitoring committees, pharmacovigilance, interactive response technologies, clinical supplies management, strategic regulatory, medical communication, and consulting and advisory services. It serves pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries, as well as government and public health organizations. The company was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. ICON PLC (ICLR) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Industrials sector, specifically within the Business Services industry. The company is led by CEO Stephen A. Cutler and employs approximately 41,100 people. With a market capitalization of $8.5B, ICLR is one of the notable companies in the Industrials sector.

ICON PLC (ICLR) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, ICON PLC receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.6/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.ICLR ranks #1,816 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Industrials sector, ICON PLC ranks #287 of 752 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Industrials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

ICLR Stock Price and 52-Week Range

ICON PLC (ICLR) currently trades at $106.81. The stock gained $0.11 (0.1%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for ICLR is $211.00, which means the stock is currently trading -49.4% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $66.57, putting the stock 60.4% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 670K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is ICLR Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

ICON PLC (ICLR) carries a value factor score of 89/100 in the Blank Capital model, suggesting the stock trades at a meaningful discount to its fundamental earning power. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 11.11x, compared to the Industrials sector average of 28.33x — a discount of 61%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 0.86x, versus the sector average of 2.23x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.25x, compared to 0.50x for the average Industrials stock. On an enterprise value basis, ICLR trades at 1.72x EV/EBITDA, versus 5.70x for the sector.

Based on these multiples, ICON PLC appears attractively valued relative to both its sector peers and the broader market. Value-oriented investors may find the current entry point compelling, particularly if the company's fundamental quality metrics also score well.

ICON PLC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

ICON PLC (ICLR) earns a quality factor score of 38/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 33.2%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 8.9%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 18.8% versus the sector average of 3.3%.

On a margin basis, ICON PLC reports gross margins of 29.4%, compared to 35.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 13.3% (sector: 6.2%). Net profit margin stands at 9.6%, versus 3.9% for the average Industrials stock. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

ICLR Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

ICON PLC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 36.0%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 70.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. Total debt on the balance sheet is $3.43B. Cash and equivalents stand at $539M.

ICLR has a beta of 1.27, meaning it is more volatile than the broader market — a $10,000 investment in ICLR would be expected to move 26.6% more than the S&P 500 on any given day. The stability factor score for ICON PLC is 36/100, suggesting elevated price swings that may be unsuitable for conservative portfolios.

ICON PLC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, ICON PLC reported revenue of $8.28B and earnings per share (EPS) of $9.60. Net income for the quarter was $791M. Gross margin was 29.4%. Operating income came in at $1.10B.

In FY 2024, ICON PLC reported revenue of $8.28B and earnings per share (EPS) of $9.60. Net income for the quarter was $791M. Gross margin was 29.4%. Revenue grew 2.0% year-over-year compared to FY 2023. Operating income came in at $1.10B.

In FY 2023, ICON PLC reported revenue of $8.12B and earnings per share (EPS) of $7.46. Net income for the quarter was $612M. Gross margin was 29.6%. Revenue grew 4.9% year-over-year compared to FY 2022. Operating income came in at $956M.

In FY 2022, ICON PLC reported revenue of $7.74B and earnings per share (EPS) of $6.20. Net income for the quarter was $505M. Gross margin was 28.6%. Revenue grew 41.2% year-over-year compared to FY 2021. Operating income came in at $795M.

Over the past 8 quarters, ICON PLC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $2.60B to $8.28B. Investors analyzing ICLR stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

ICLR Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

ICON PLC (ICLR) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Business Services industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Industrials dividend stocks may want to explore other Industrials stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

ICLR Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

ICON PLC (ICLR) has a momentum factor score of 23/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 63/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 54/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.

ICLR vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Industrials sector, ICON PLC (ICLR) ranks #287 out of 752 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places ICLR in the upper half of all Industrials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include South Bow Corp (SOBO) with a score of 56.5/100, TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD (TEN) with a score of 61.4/100, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP (GLDD) with a score of 56.7/100, Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (TPH) with a score of 57.3/100, and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing ICLR against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full ICLR vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how ICON PLC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

ICLR Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for ICON PLC (ICLR) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy ICLR? — Investment Thesis Summary

ICON PLC presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The quality score of 38/100 flags below-average profitability. The value score of 89/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Momentum is weak at 23/100, a headwind for near-term performance. High volatility (stability score 36/100) increases portfolio risk.

In summary, ICON PLC (ICLR) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 45.6/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on ICLR stock.

Related Resources for ICLR Investors

Explore more research and tools: ICLR vs S&P 500 comparison, top Industrials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare ICLR head-to-head with peers: ICLR vs SOBO, ICLR vs TEN, ICLR vs GLDD.

Business quality

Valuation edge

Market alpha

Unlock Investment Thesis

Unlock Performance & Technicals

Unlock Valuation Tools

Institutional peer matrix

Dispersion: efficiency vs. valuation

Lateral intelligence network

Unlock Financial Statements

Unlock Ownership & Management

Intelligence Feed

Surging oil, the March jobs report, and anxious consumers: What to watch this week

A Look At ICON (ICLR) Valuation After Q1 Earnings Miss And Recent Share Price Volatility

What's Driving TEM Data and Applications Arm's Robust Growth?

How ICON’s AI-Focused Partnership with Advarra Could Reshape ICLR’s Clinical Trial Efficiency Narrative

Is ICON Public Limited Company (ICLR) A Good Stock To Buy Now?

Unlock Earnings Transcripts

Institutional Intelligence FAQ

Related Research & Tools

Related Industrials Stocks

ICON PLC (ICLR) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does ICON PLC Do?

ICON PLC (ICLR) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

ICLR Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is ICLR Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

ICON PLC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

ICLR Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

ICON PLC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

ICLR Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

ICLR Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

ICLR vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

ICLR Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy ICLR? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for ICLR Investors

Comments

Institutional Benchmarks

Related research

Get alerted on rating changes

Intelligence Feed

Surging oil, the March jobs report, and anxious consumers: What to watch this week

A Look At ICON (ICLR) Valuation After Q1 Earnings Miss And Recent Share Price Volatility

What's Driving TEM Data and Applications Arm's Robust Growth?

How ICON’s AI-Focused Partnership with Advarra Could Reshape ICLR’s Clinical Trial Efficiency Narrative

Is ICON Public Limited Company (ICLR) A Good Stock To Buy Now?