CRA International is a member of the Business Services sector. This group includes 315 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #7. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRAI's full-year earnings has moved 5.2% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend. SPX Tech ...

Investors interested in Consulting Services stocks are likely familiar with CRA International (CRAI) and Gartner (IT) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out. The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with speci ...

Let's take a look at the factors that make the stock an attractive pick. Northward Estimate Revisions: Four estimates for 2024 moved north in the past 60 days versus no southward revision, reflecting analysts' confidence in the company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRAI's 2024 earnings has moved up 5.3% in the past 60 days. Strong Growth Prospects: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Charles River's 2024 earnings is pegged at $6.19, which implies 13.4% year-over-year growth. Moreover, earnings are expected ...

Investors with an interest in Consulting Services stocks have likely encountered both CRA International (CRAI) and Gartner (IT) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look. There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with p ...

An Outperformer: A glimpse at the company's price trend reveals that the stock has had an impressive run over the year. Shares of Charles River Associates have returned 77.5% compared with the 10.8% growth of the industry it belongs to and the 26.6% decline of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. Solid Zacks Rank: CRAI currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 (Buy) offer attractive investment opportunities for investors. You can see the complete list of ...

CRA International, Inc. (CRAI) reported impressive first-quarter 2024 results, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both counts. The better-than-expected results impressed investors as the stock has gained 6.6% since the earnings release on May 2.CRAI’s adjusted EPS came in at $1.96, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 41% and increased 51.9% year over year. Revenues of $171.8 million beat the consensus mark by 6.9% and increased 12.4% from the year-ago quarter.Other Quarterly DetailsThe c ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 12.4% to $171.8 million, marking the highest quarterly revenue in the company's history [4] - Non-GAAP net income, earnings per diluted share, and EBITDA grew year-over-year by 48%, 52%, and 34%, respectively [4][13] - Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.6% of revenue, down from 16.2% a year ago [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Eight out of eleven practices experienced year-over-year growth, with legal and regulatory services leading at a 16% revenue increase [27] - The Antitrust & Competition Economics practice achieved record quarterly revenue, driven by high-profile mergers and ongoing antitrust services [28][62] - The Energy practice continued to support clients in transitioning away from fossil fuels and managing reliability risks [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New project originations grew by more than 10% compared to Q1 2023 [5] - The project lead flow increased by 3% year-over-year, consistent with broader legal market trends [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong performance while being mindful of macroeconomic uncertainties [13] - There is a cautious approach to adding headcount, aiming to improve utilization rates closer to historical norms [45] - The company continues to see a healthy flow of opportunities and is viewed as an attractive destination for top talent [51][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that macroeconomic uncertainties remain prevalent, but there has been no internal decline in demand [42][60] - The company is reaffirming its full-year financial guidance, awaiting another quarter of performance before making updates [13][60] - There is optimism about the demand drivers across practices, although caution is exercised due to broader market conditions [48][65] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $37.1 million in cash and $70 million in borrowings, resulting in net debt of $32.9 million [14] - A total of $12.3 million was returned to shareholders, including $3.1 million in dividends and $9.2 million in share repurchases [37] - Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) was 106 days, slightly up from 105 days in the previous quarter [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance maintenance after strong quarter - Management indicated that maintaining guidance reflects broader market uncertainties rather than internal performance issues [41][60] Question: Talent acquisition and headcount additions - The company is cautiously adding headcount to support strong performance while aiming to improve utilization rates [45] Question: Demand drivers and visibility - Management observed consistent demand drivers across practices, with no significant deterioration noted [48][62] Question: Antitrust and M&A activity - The Antitrust & Competition Economics practice continues to perform well, with growth driven by non-merger antitrust services [62] Question: Consultant retention and hiring plans - Attrition rates are approaching normal levels, allowing for a conservative approach to hiring while still attracting top talent [67]

CRA International (CRAI) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.96 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.39 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.29 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 41.01%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this consulting firm would post earnings of $1.10 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.63, delivering a surprise of 48.18%.Over the last four quarters, th ...

• Effective tax rate and non-GAAP effective tax rate: 28.0% Revenue For Q1 of fiscal 2024, revenue was $171.8 million, compared with revenue of $152.8 million for Q1 of fiscal 2023. Utilization Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses Depreciation & Amortization For Q1 of fiscal 2024, share-based compensation expense was approximately $1.0 million, or 0.6% of revenue, compared with $0.9 million, or 0.6% of revenue, for Q1 of fiscal 2023. CHARLES RIVER ASSOCIATES (CRA) FIRST QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 20 ...

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