Here's Why Charles River Associates (CRAI) Stock Is a Great Pick

Core Viewpoint - Charles River Associates (CRAI) has demonstrated strong performance over the past year and is positioned for continued growth, making it a compelling addition to investment portfolios [1]. Performance Metrics - CRAI's stock has returned 77.5% over the past year, significantly outperforming the industry growth of 10.8% and the Zacks S&P 500 composite decline of 26.6% [2]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong investment potential [3]. Earnings Estimates and Growth - In the last 60 days, three earnings estimates for 2024 have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 earnings increasing by 5.8% [4]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 earnings is projected at $6, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 9.7%, with an expected increase of 11.2% in 2025 [5]. Revenue Growth - CRAI's revenues grew by 12.4% year-over-year in Q1 2024, supported by its global network and collaboration with leading professionals [6]. Shareholder Returns - The company has consistently rewarded shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, paying $10.8 million in dividends and repurchasing shares worth $24.8 million in 2023 [8].