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Cra Internationalinc. (CRAI)
NASDAQ:CRAI
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Cra International (CRAI) AI Stock Analysis

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CRAI

Cra International

(NASDAQ:CRAI)

Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
$212.00
▲(6.98% Upside)
CRA International's strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment are the most significant factors driving the score. Technical analysis and valuation provide additional support, indicating a stable investment with potential for growth.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth indicates strong market demand and effective business strategies, enhancing long-term financial stability.
Increased Revenue Guidance
Higher revenue guidance reflects confidence in sustained business performance and robust market conditions, supporting future growth.
Executive Promotions
Leadership changes aim to strengthen management and align with strategic priorities, enhancing operational performance and long-term impact.
Negative Factors
Decline in Free Cash Flow
A decline in free cash flow may limit the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities and manage financial obligations effectively.
Flat Consultant Headcount
Challenges in hiring could impact the company's ability to meet client demand and sustain growth in key practices over time.
Life Sciences Practice Challenges
Declining performance in the Life Sciences practice may hinder overall revenue growth and diversification efforts in the long term.

Cra International (CRAI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cra International Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCRA International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides economic, financial, and management consulting services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings; and guides corporations through business strategy and performance-related issues. The company also offers consulting services, including research and analysis, expert testimony, and support in litigation and regulatory proceedings in the areas of finance, accounting, economics, insurance, and forensic accounting and investigations to corporate clients and attorneys. In addition, it offers management consulting services comprising strategy development, performance improvement, corporate strategy and portfolio analysis, estimation of market demand, new product pricing strategies, valuation of intellectual property and other assets, assessment of competitors' actions, and analysis of new sources of supply. The company serves various industries, including communications and media; consumer, health, and wellness products; energy; entertainment and leisure; financial services; healthcare; life sciences; manufacturing and industries; natural resources; retail and distribution; technology; and transportation. CRA International, Inc. was incorporated in 1965 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyCRA International generates revenue primarily through its consulting services, which are billed on a fee-for-service basis. The company has various key revenue streams, including project-based fees, retainer fees, and hourly billing for its experts. CRAI also benefits from long-term relationships with clients that often lead to repeat engagements, particularly in complex litigation cases where expert testimony is required. Additionally, the firm capitalizes on significant partnerships with other consulting firms and legal entities, enhancing its service offerings and market reach. The company's diverse portfolio of services allows it to adapt to changing market conditions and client needs, contributing positively to its earnings.

Cra International Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 31, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant revenue growth and improved performance in key practices, leading to increased revenue guidance. However, challenges remain in maintaining consultant headcount and within the Life Sciences practice. Overall, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue Growth
Revenue in the second quarter increased by 9% year-over-year to $186.9 million, marking the best first half of revenue in the company's history.
Strong Performance in Key Practices
Antitrust & Competition Economics, Energy, Intellectual Property, and Labor & Employment practices posted double-digit revenue growth.
Increased Revenue Guidance
CRA raised its revenue guidance for fiscal 2025 to $730 million to $745 million, up from the prior range of $715 million to $735 million.
Successful M&A Advisory
Supported Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Juniper Networks in securing regulatory approval for their $14 billion merger.
Consultant Utilization Improvement
Consultant utilization improved to 76% year-over-year, supported by a 2% increase in project lead flow.
Capital Returns to Shareholders
Returned $46.6 million to shareholders, including $3.4 million of dividend payments and $43.2 million for share repurchases.
Negative Updates
Flat Consultant Headcount
Consultant headcount decreased by 3.2% year-over-year, reflecting challenges in hiring despite practice-specific growth.
Life Sciences Practice Challenges
Life Sciences practice posted a slight decline in the second quarter, although it expanded year-over-year for the first half of fiscal 2025.
Company Guidance
During the Charles River Associates (CRA) Second Quarter 2025 Conference Call, the company increased its full-year fiscal 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $730 million to $745 million, up from the previous range of $715 million to $735 million. They also adjusted the lower end of their non-GAAP EBITDA margin guidance to 12.3% to 13.0%. This decision was driven by a strong first half, with revenue reaching $367.6 million, representing a 9% year-over-year increase in the second quarter to $186.9 million. CRA also reported a 6% increase in non-GAAP net income, EPS, and EBITDA compared to the first half of fiscal 2024. Consultant utilization improved to 76%, and project lead flow increased by 5% year-over-year. The Antitrust & Competition Economics practice achieved record quarterly revenue, supported by robust M&A activity, while the Energy practice saw strong demand due to policy shifts and load growth. Despite a slight decline in the Life Sciences practice, the first half of fiscal 2025 was the best in CRA's history. The company ended the second quarter with $145.9 million in total liquidity, after repurchasing $43.2 million worth of shares and paying $3.4 million in dividends.

Cra International Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CRA International demonstrates solid financial health with strong revenue growth and profitability, moderate leverage, and stable cash flows. The decrease in Free Cash Flow is a concern, but overall financial performance remains robust.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
CRA International displays strong financial performance with a consistent revenue growth trend. The TTM Gross Profit Margin is 31.52%, and the Net Profit Margin is 7.93%, indicating effective cost management and profitability. Revenue growth from the previous annual period is 3.70%, showing positive momentum. The EBIT Margin stands at 11.93%, and the EBITDA Margin at 14.07%, reflecting robust operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's balance sheet is solid, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.14, indicating moderate leverage. The Return on Equity (ROE) is 28.71%, showcasing efficient use of equity capital. The Equity Ratio is 32.47%, suggesting a stable financial position with a decent proportion of equity financing.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
The cash flow statement reveals a decline in Free Cash Flow, with a growth rate of -36.20% from the previous annual period. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 0.65, and the Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 0.37, indicating lower cash conversion efficiency. However, the company maintains positive cash flows, supporting financial stability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue712.91M687.41M623.98M590.90M565.93M508.37M
Gross Profit224.76M207.48M171.73M180.82M165.88M137.66M
EBITDA100.32M97.48M81.94M86.38M81.02M59.72M
Net Income56.55M46.65M38.48M43.62M41.68M24.51M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets606.78M571.44M553.21M550.92M555.36M558.51M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments19.45M26.71M45.59M31.45M66.13M45.68M
Total Debt223.88M103.24M108.75M121.98M138.80M153.00M
Total Liabilities409.78M359.37M341.11M339.76M349.53M349.49M
Stockholders Equity197.00M212.07M212.10M211.15M205.83M209.02M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow21.13M33.11M57.71M21.31M73.08M37.57M
Operating Cash Flow36.87M49.73M60.07M25.12M75.70M54.66M
Investing Cash Flow-15.74M-18.12M-2.94M-18.16M-2.62M-17.09M
Financing Cash Flow-27.37M-48.86M-44.48M-38.95M-51.99M-19.50M

Cra International Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price198.17
Price Trends
50DMA
187.97
Positive
100DMA
184.89
Positive
200DMA
183.87
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.81
Positive
RSI
58.44
Neutral
STOCH
70.85
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CRAI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 198.17 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 193.67, above the 50-day MA of 187.97, and above the 200-day MA of 183.87, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.81 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 58.44 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.85 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CRAI.

Cra International Risk Analysis

Cra International disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cra International reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cra International Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$1.31B23.4129.05%0.99%9.28%44.19%
75
Outperform
$5.40B23.1112.33%-0.89%-23.72%
75
Outperform
$32.22B48.0213.06%0.69%6.86%9.10%
72
Outperform
$1.82B17.1911.09%0.57%-0.47%10.03%
72
Outperform
$2.46B24.5721.55%8.99%35.56%
63
Neutral
$10.84B15.527.44%2.00%2.86%-14.57%
48
Neutral
$191.02M-44.74%-9.11%-6082.17%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CRAI
Cra International
198.17
33.68
20.48%
EFX
Equifax
256.25
-45.71
-15.14%
FORR
Forrester Research
10.22
-8.47
-45.32%
FCN
FTI Consulting
164.39
-59.45
-26.56%
HURN
Huron Consulting
140.70
33.55
31.31%
ICFI
Icf International
99.31
-69.10
-41.03%

Cra International Corporate Events

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
CRA International Announces Quarterly Dividend and Record Revenue
Positive
Jul 31, 2025

On July 31, 2025, Charles River Associates announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.49 per share, payable on September 12, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 26, 2025. The company reported record quarterly revenue of $186.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, driven by broad-based contributions across several practices and geographic regions. CRA also increased its revenue guidance for the full fiscal year 2025, reflecting strong business momentum and demand for its services.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
CRA International Announces Executive Promotions and Changes
Positive
Jul 22, 2025

On July 16, 2025, CRA International announced executive promotions effective August 4, 2025, with Eric Nierenberg appointed as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, and Brian Langan as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Business Transformation Officer. Sandra David was designated as Principal Accounting Officer, complementing her roles as Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. These leadership changes aim to strengthen CRA’s senior management team and align with strategic priorities. The promotions are expected to enhance CRA’s long-term impact and operational performance, with Nierenberg and Langan receiving significant compensation packages and equity awards. The company also held its annual shareholder meeting on July 17, 2025, where shareholders elected directors and approved executive compensation.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 19, 2025