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 ...

[Q1 Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings Overview](index=1&type=section&id=Q1%20Fiscal%20Year%202024%20Earnings%20Overview) This section provides a high-level overview of CRA's financial and operational performance for Q1 Fiscal Year 2024 [Summary of Q1 Fiscal 2024 Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Summary%20of%20Q1%20Fiscal%202024%20Performance) For Q1 Fiscal Year 2024, CRA reported revenue of $171.8 million, with net income at $13.7 million (8.0% of revenue) and non-GAAP net income at $13.8 million (8.0% of revenue) Key Financial Metrics | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 (March 30, 2024) | | :----------------------------------- | :------------------------------ | | Revenue | $171.8 million | | Net income | $13.7 million (8.0% of revenue) | | Non-GAAP net income | $13.8 million (8.0% of revenue) | | Operating margin | 11.4% | | Non-GAAP operating margin | 11.4% | | Net income per diluted share | $1.95 | | Non-GAAP net income per diluted share| $1.96 | | Cash and cash equivalents | $37.1 million | | Revolving credit facility capacity | $175.5 million | [Consultant Headcount](index=1&type=section&id=Consultant%20Headcount) At the end of Q1 Fiscal 2024, CRA's total consultant headcount was 997, showing a slight decrease from Q1 Fiscal 2023 but an increase in officers Consultant Headcount by Category | Category | Q1 Fiscal 2024 (March 30, 2024) | Q1 Fiscal 2023 (April 1, 2023) | | :----------------- | :------------------------------ | :----------------------------- | | Officers | 158 | 156 | | Other Senior Staff | 544 | 527 | | Junior Staff | 295 | 321 | | **Total** | **997** | **1,004** | [Utilization](index=1&type=section&id=Utilization) Companywide utilization increased to 73% in Q1 Fiscal 2024, up from 70% in the prior year's quarter, indicating improved efficiency Companywide Utilization Rate | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :--------- | :------------- | :------------- | | Utilization| 73% | 70% | [Detailed Financial Performance (GAAP & Non-GAAP)](index=1&type=section&id=Detailed%20Financial%20Performance%20(GAAP%20%26%20Non-GAAP)) This section provides a comprehensive analysis of CRA's GAAP and non-GAAP financial results for the quarter [Revenue](index=1&type=section&id=Revenue) Revenue for Q1 Fiscal 2024 increased to $171.8 million, representing a 12.4% growth compared to $152.8 million in Q1 Fiscal 2023 Revenue Performance | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :------ | :------------- | :------------- | | Revenue | $171.8 million | $152.8 million | [Operating Expenses](index=2&type=section&id=Operating%20Expenses) Operating expenses showed mixed trends in Q1 Fiscal 2024. SG&A expenses increased in absolute terms but decreased as a percentage of revenue, while depreciation and amortization slightly decreased. Share-based compensation remained stable as a percentage of revenue, and forgivable loan amortization decreased [Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses](index=2&type=section&id=Selling,%20General%20and%20Administrative%20(SG%26A)%20Expenses) SG&A expenses increased in absolute terms but decreased as a percentage of revenue in Q1 Fiscal 2024 SG&A Expenses Breakdown | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :------------------------------------ | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | SG&A expenses | $30.5 million | 17.8% | $28.4 million | 18.6% | | Less: commissions to non-employee experts | $3.7 million | 2.1% | $3.5 million | 2.3% | | SG&A expenses excluding commissions | $26.8 million | 15.6% | $24.8 million | 16.2% | [Depreciation & Amortization](index=2&type=section&id=Depreciation%20%26%20Amortization) Depreciation and amortization expenses slightly decreased in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Depreciation and Amortization Expenses | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :-------------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Depreciation & Amortization | $2.8 million | 1.6% | $2.9 million | 1.9% | [Share-Based Compensation Expense](index=2&type=section&id=Share-Based%20Compensation%20Expense) Share-based compensation expense remained stable as a percentage of revenue in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Share-Based Compensation Expense | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :--------------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Share-based compensation expense | $1.0 million | 0.6% | $0.9 million | 0.6% | [Forgivable Loan Amortization](index=2&type=section&id=Forgivable%20Loan%20Amortization) Forgivable loan amortization decreased in Q1 Fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year Forgivable Loan Amortization | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :--------------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Forgivable loan amortization | $8.7 million | 5.1% | $9.5 million | 6.2% | [Operating Income](index=2&type=section&id=Operating%20Income) Operating income significantly increased to $19.6 million (11.4% of revenue) in Q1 Fiscal 2024, up from $13.7 million (9.0% of revenue) in Q1 Fiscal 2023, reflecting improved operational efficiency Operating Income Performance | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :--------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Operating income (GAAP)| $19.6 million | 11.4% | $13.7 million | 9.0% | | Non-GAAP operating income| $19.6 million | 11.4% | $13.7 million | 9.0% | [Other Income/Expense](index=2&type=section&id=Other%20Income/Expense) Net interest expense slightly decreased, and net foreign currency losses significantly reduced in Q1 Fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year [Interest Income (Expense), net](index=2&type=section&id=Interest%20Income%20(Expense),%20net) Net interest expense slightly decreased in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Net Interest Expense | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :-------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Net interest expense | $0.5 million | 0.3% | $0.6 million | 0.4% | [Foreign Currency Losses, net](index=2&type=section&id=Foreign%20Currency%20Losses,%20net) Net foreign currency losses significantly reduced in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Net Foreign Currency Losses | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :------------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Net foreign currency losses| $0.1 million | 0.1% | $0.5 million | 0.3% | [Income Taxes](index=2&type=section&id=Income%20Taxes) The effective tax rate for Q1 Fiscal 2024 decreased to 28.0% for both GAAP and non-GAAP measures, down from 29.2% and 29.0% respectively in Q1 Fiscal 2023 Effective Tax Rates | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :--------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | | GAAP Effective Tax Rate| 28.0% | 29.2% | | Non-GAAP Effective Tax Rate| 28.0% | 29.0% | [Net Income and EPS](index=4&type=section&id=Net%20Income%20and%20EPS) Both GAAP and non-GAAP net income and diluted EPS saw substantial increases in Q1 Fiscal 2024, reflecting strong financial performance Net Income and Diluted EPS | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :--------------------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | GAAP Net income | $13.7 million | 8.0% | $8.9 million | 5.8% | | GAAP Diluted EPS | $1.95 | | $1.23 | | | Non-GAAP Net income | $13.8 million | 8.0% | $9.4 million | 6.1% | | Non-GAAP Diluted EPS | $1.96 | | $1.29 | | [Non-GAAP EBITDA](index=4&type=section&id=Non-GAAP%20EBITDA) Non-GAAP EBITDA increased significantly to $22.4 million (13.0% of revenue) in Q1 Fiscal 2024, up from $16.7 million (10.9% of revenue) in the prior year, indicating improved profitability before non-cash and non-operating items Non-GAAP EBITDA Performance | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | % of Revenue | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | % of Revenue | | :-------------- | :------------- | :----------- | :------------- | :----------- | | Non-GAAP EBITDA | $22.4 million | 13.0% | $16.7 million | 10.9% | [Constant Currency Basis Analysis](index=4&type=section&id=Constant%20Currency%20Basis%20Analysis) On a constant currency basis, Q1 Fiscal 2024 revenue, GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income, diluted EPS, and non-GAAP EBITDA would have been slightly lower, indicating a positive impact from foreign currency fluctuations on reported results Constant Currency Impact on Key Metrics | Metric (Constant Currency) | Q1 Fiscal 2024 (Adjusted) | Reported Q1 Fiscal 2024 | | :------------------------- | :------------------------ | :---------------------- | | Revenue | $170.8 million | $171.8 million | | GAAP Net income | $13.6 million | $13.7 million | | GAAP Diluted EPS | $1.94 | $1.95 | | Non-GAAP Net income | $13.7 million | $13.8 million | | Non-GAAP Diluted EPS | $1.95 | $1.96 | | Non-GAAP EBITDA | $22.3 million | $22.4 million | [Balance Sheet and Cash Flow](index=4&type=section&id=Balance%20Sheet%20and%20Cash%20Flow) This section reviews CRA's financial position and cash flow activities, highlighting key balance sheet metrics and operational cash generation [Key Balance Sheet Metrics](index=4&type=section&id=Key%20Balance%20Sheet%20Metrics) Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) improved in Q1 Fiscal 2024, while billed and unbilled receivables increased. Cash and cash equivalents saw a slight increase, and current liabilities decreased Selected Balance Sheet Metrics | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 (March 30, 2024) | Q1 Fiscal 2023 (April 1, 2023) | | :------------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :----------------------------- | | Total Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) | 106 days | 112 days | | Billed and unbilled receivables | $209.3 million | $197.2 million | | Current liabilities | $236.8 million | $253.8 million | | Cash and cash equivalents | $37.1 million | $35.5 million | [Cash Flow from Operations](index=4&type=section&id=Cash%20Flow%20from%20Operations) Net cash used in operating activities decreased to $63.1 million in Q1 Fiscal 2024, an improvement from $70.1 million used in Q1 Fiscal 2023 Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :------------------------------------ | :------------- | :------------- | | Net cash used in operating activities | $63.1 million | $70.1 million | [Capital Expenditures](index=4&type=section&id=Capital%20Expenditures) Capital expenditures slightly increased to $0.7 million in Q1 Fiscal 2024 from $0.6 million in the prior year Capital Expenditures | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :------------------ | :------------- | :------------- | | Capital expenditures| $0.7 million | $0.6 million | [Financing Activities](index=4&type=section&id=Financing%20Activities) CRA reduced its outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and decreased share repurchases in Q1 Fiscal 2024, while increasing cash dividends paid [Revolving Credit Facility](index=4&type=section&id=Revolving%20Credit%20Facility) Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility decreased in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Revolving Credit Facility Status | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 (March 30, 2024) | Q1 Fiscal 2023 (April 1, 2023) | | :------------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :----------------------------- | | Outstanding borrowings | $70.0 million | $100.0 million | [Share Repurchases](index=4&type=section&id=Share%20Repurchases) Share repurchases decreased in both number of shares and value in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Share Repurchase Activity | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :----------------- | :------------- | :------------- | | Shares repurchased | 66,000 | 181,000 | | Value of repurchases | $9.2 million | $20.6 million | [Cash Dividends](index=6&type=section&id=Cash%20Dividends) Cash dividends per common share and total dividends paid increased in Q1 Fiscal 2024 Cash Dividend Payments | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :---------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | | Dividend per common share | $0.42 | $0.36 | | Total dividends paid | $3.1 million | $2.7 million | [GAAP Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows](index=6&type=section&id=GAAP%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statement%20of%20Cash%20Flows) The GAAP condensed consolidated statement of cash flows shows a decrease in net cash used in operating activities and investing activities, while net cash provided by financing activities decreased in Q1 Fiscal 2024 compared to Q1 Fiscal 2023 GAAP Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in millions) | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :------------------------------------ | :------------- | :------------- | | Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $(63.1 million) | $(70.1 million) | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(0.7 million) | $(1.1 million) | | Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $56.1 million | $74.8 million | | Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $(8.5 million) | $4.1 million | | Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $37.1 million | $35.5 million | [Adjusted Net Cash Flows from Operations (Non-GAAP)](index=6&type=section&id=Adjusted%20Net%20Cash%20Flows%20from%20Operations%20(Non-GAAP)) Adjusted net cash flows from operations, which accounts for forgivable loan advances and repayments, showed a net cash outflow of $57.8 million in Q1 Fiscal 2024, an improvement from $53.8 million outflow in Q1 Fiscal 2023 Adjusted Net Cash Flows from Operations (Non-GAAP) (in millions) | Metric | Q1 Fiscal 2024 | Q1 Fiscal 2023 | | :------------------------------------ | :------------- | :------------- | | GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $(63.1 million) | $(70.1 million) | | Forgivable loan advances | $5.3 million | $16.8 million | | Forgivable loan repayments | $0 | $(0.6 million) | | Other non-recurring cash items | N/A | $0.0 million | | **Adjusted net cash flows from operations** | **$(57.8 million)** | **$(53.8 million)** | | Adjusted net cash flows from operations as a percentage of net revenue | (33.7)% | (35.2)% | [Non-GAAP Financial Measures Explanation](index=7&type=section&id=Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures%20Explanation) This section clarifies the purpose and definitions of the non-GAAP financial measures used in the report [Purpose and Definitions](index=7&type=section&id=Purpose%20and%20Definitions) CRA utilizes non-GAAP financial measures such as non-GAAP net income, EPS, EBITDA, operating income, provision for income taxes, SG&A excluding commissions, and adjusted net cash flows from operations to provide a clearer understanding of its ongoing operating results, financial condition, and cash flows. These measures are considered important for management and investors, supplementing GAAP results by excluding certain non-recurring or non-cash items - Non-GAAP measures (net income, EPS, EBITDA, operating income, tax provision, SG&A excluding commissions, adjusted net cash flows from operations) are used to supplement GAAP results, offering insights into ongoing operating performance, financial condition, and cash flows[22](index=22&type=chunk)[45](index=45&type=chunk)[68](index=68&type=chunk) - Non-GAAP EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for non-cash valuation changes in contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, foreign currency losses, and related tax effects[68](index=68&type=chunk) - Constant currency measures are calculated by recalculating current fiscal period local currency financial measures using prior fiscal period's foreign exchange rates to isolate the impact of currency fluctuations[68](index=68&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=8&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) This section presents the company's condensed consolidated GAAP financial statements, including statements of operations, balance sheets, and cash flows [Statements of Operations](index=8&type=section&id=Statements%20of%20Operations) The condensed consolidated statements of operations provide a detailed breakdown of revenues, costs, and expenses, culminating in net income and earnings per share for Q1 Fiscal 2024 and Q1 Fiscal 2023 - Refer to the table in chunk 24 for detailed GAAP Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal quarters ended March 30, 2024, compared to April 1, 2023[24](index=24&type=chunk)[46](index=46&type=chunk) [Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Income](index=9&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Non-GAAP%20Net%20Income) This section reconciles GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income, detailing adjustments for non-cash valuation changes, acquisition-related costs, foreign currency losses, and their tax effects - Refer to the table in chunk 25 for the reconciliation of GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income for the fiscal quarters ended March 30, 2024, compared to April 1, 2023[25](index=25&type=chunk)[47](index=47&type=chunk) [Reconciliation of Non-GAAP EBITDA](index=10&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Non-GAAP%20EBITDA) This section provides a reconciliation from non-GAAP net income to non-GAAP EBITDA, including adjustments for interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization - Refer to the table in chunk 26 for the reconciliation of non-GAAP net income to non-GAAP EBITDA for the fiscal quarters ended March 30, 2024, compared to April 1, 2023[26](index=26&type=chunk)[48](index=48&type=chunk) [Balance Sheets](index=11&type=section&id=Balance%20Sheets) The condensed consolidated balance sheets present the company's financial position, including assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity, as of March 30, 2024, and December 30, 2023 - Refer to the table in chunk 27 for the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2024, and December 30, 2023[27](index=27&type=chunk)[49](index=49&type=chunk) [Statements of Cash Flows](index=12&type=section&id=Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) The condensed consolidated statements of cash flows detail the cash generated and used in operating, investing, and financing activities for Q1 Fiscal 2024 and Q1 Fiscal 2023 - Refer to the table in chunk 28 for the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal quarters ended March 30, 2024, compared to April 1, 2023[28](index=28&type=chunk)[50](index=50&type=chunk)

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CRA International (CRAI) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended March 2024. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.The earnings report, which is expected to be released on May 2, 2024, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than ...

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Investors interested in Business Services stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. CRA International (CRAI) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Business Services peers, we might be able to answer that question.CRA International is one of 314 individual stocks in the Business Services sect ...

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