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CRA International (CRAI)
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Cra International (CRAI) AI Stock Analysis

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CRAI

Cra International

(NASDAQ:CRAI)

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Outperform 75 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:75Outperform
Price Target:
$208.00
▲(10.47% Upside)
CRA International's overall stock score is driven by strong financial performance and positive earnings call highlights, including revenue growth and international expansion. Technical analysis shows a neutral trend, while valuation metrics suggest moderate pricing. The company's strategic initiatives and increased dividend support a favorable outlook, despite some operational challenges.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth indicates strong market demand for CRAI's consulting services, enhancing its competitive position and financial health.
International Expansion
Significant international growth, especially in Europe, diversifies revenue streams and reduces dependency on domestic markets, strengthening global presence.
Increased Profitability
Rising profitability metrics reflect effective cost management and operational efficiency, supporting sustainable long-term financial performance.
Negative Factors
Consultant Headcount Decrease
A decrease in consultant headcount may impact project delivery capacity and strain existing resources, potentially affecting client service quality.
Increased Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
Longer DSO indicates slower cash collection, which can strain working capital and affect liquidity, posing a risk to financial flexibility.
Net Debt Position
A net debt position suggests reliance on external financing, which could limit strategic options and increase financial risk if not managed carefully.

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

Cra International Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCRA International (CRAI) is a leading global consulting firm that specializes in economic, financial, and strategic consulting services. The company operates primarily in the sectors of economics, finance, and management consulting, providing expert analysis and insights to clients across various industries, including healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and technology. CRAI's core offerings include expert testimony, litigation support, market analysis, and business strategy consulting, catering to both private and public sector clients.
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:Oct 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 26, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call reflected a strong performance in revenue and profitability with significant growth in international operations and specific practices like Antitrust & Competition Economics and Energy. However, challenges were noted in headcount management and increased DSO, with a net debt position that could be of concern. Overall, the highlights outweigh the lowlights.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Revenue increased by 10.8% year-over-year to $185.9 million, marking the best three revenue quarters in CRA's history.
International Expansion
International operations expanded by 30.3% year-over-year, driven by Antitrust & Competition Economics and Life Sciences practices.
Antitrust & Competition Economics Success
The Antitrust & Competition Economics practice achieved a new high for quarterly revenue, contributing to major M&A activities, including advising UnitedHealth Group and Microsoft.
Increased Profitability
Non-GAAP net income, earnings per diluted share, and EBITDA increased by 12.7%, 16.4%, and 14.6% respectively.
Dividend Increase
Announced a 16% increase in quarterly cash dividend from $0.49 to $0.57 per common share.
Robust Energy Practice
Energy practice led revenue increase by 8% year-over-year, advising on major utility projects and market design initiatives.
Negative Updates
Consultant Headcount Decrease
Consultant headcount decreased by 1.0% year-over-year, with a noted imbalance in the ratio of junior to senior staff.
Increased Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
DSO increased to 115 days from 110 days in the previous quarter, indicating a slower collection period.
Net Debt Position
Ended the quarter with net debt of $72.5 million despite reducing borrowings and share repurchases.
Company Guidance
During Charles River Associates' third quarter 2025 conference call, the company provided updated guidance reflecting strong performance. Revenue for the first three quarters of fiscal 2025 reached $552.1 million with a non-GAAP EBITDA of $71.8 million, yielding a margin of 13.0%. The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $740 million to $748 million, up from a prior range of $730 million to $745 million, and adjusted its non-GAAP EBITDA margin expectation to 12.6% to 13.0%, compared to a previous range of 12.3% to 13.0%. This upward revision was attributed to strong results across various practices, including Antitrust & Competition Economics, energy, finance, and intellectual property, as well as substantial international growth, particularly in Europe. The company also highlighted a robust hiring pipeline, particularly at the Vice President level, and an increase in the quarterly cash dividend by 16%, underscoring confidence in its business quality and commitment to shareholder returns.

Cra International Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CRA International demonstrates solid financial health with strong revenue growth and profitability, moderate leverage, and stable cash flows. While the decrease in Free Cash Flow warrants attention, the company remains well-positioned within the consulting industry, with efficient operations and a balanced financial structure.
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 2019Dec 2018
Income Statement
Total Revenue554.62M687.41M623.98M590.90M451.37M417.65M
Gross Profit170.77M207.48M171.73M180.82M133.61M128.46M
EBITDA84.03M97.48M81.94M86.38M49.36M39.58M
Net Income41.60M46.65M38.48M43.62M20.75M22.49M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets629.04M571.44M553.21M550.92M533.24M370.85M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments22.50M26.71M45.59M31.45M25.64M38.03M
Total Debt194.33M103.24M108.75M121.98M159.40M0.00
Total Liabilities427.39M359.37M341.11M339.76M335.49M174.37M
Stockholders Equity201.66M212.07M212.10M211.15M197.75M196.47M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-40.41M33.11M57.71M21.31M11.14M20.74M
Operating Cash Flow-37.59M49.73M60.07M25.12M27.83M36.19M
Investing Cash Flow-2.81M-18.12M-2.94M-18.16M-16.69M-15.45M
Financing Cash Flow34.89M-48.86M-44.48M-38.95M-23.82M-35.75M

Cra International Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price188.29
Price Trends
50DMA
193.57
Negative
100DMA
189.39
Negative
200DMA
184.95
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.39
Negative
RSI
50.39
Neutral
STOCH
74.92
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 188.29 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 183.29, below the 50-day MA of 193.57, and above the 200-day MA of 184.95, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -1.39 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 50.39 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 74.92 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
75
Outperform
$1.24B22.6427.83%1.06%8.69%34.58%
75
Outperform
$5.17B21.2813.30%-0.95%-10.54%
73
Outperform
$2.84B27.6421.20%12.50%29.40%
65
Neutral
$1.49B15.209.88%0.70%-3.81%-7.05%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
51
Neutral
$151.93M-0.80-61.44%9.23%-10.83%-1669.11%
42
Neutral
$144.65M-8.73%-1168.15%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CRAI
Cra International
188.29
-12.17
-6.07%
FORR
Forrester Research
7.81
-8.19
-51.19%
FCN
FTI Consulting
167.38
-33.51
-16.68%
HURN
Huron Consulting
167.57
39.44
30.78%
ICFI
Icf International
80.66
-88.16
-52.22%
RGP
Resources Connection
4.55
-3.87
-45.96%

Cra International Corporate Events

CRA International Reports Strong Q3 Earnings and Growth
Nov 1, 2025

The recent earnings call for CRA International reflected a positive sentiment, with the company showcasing strong performance in both revenue and profitability. Notably, there was significant growth in international operations, particularly in the Antitrust & Competition Economics and Energy sectors. However, the company also faced challenges in managing headcount and an increase in Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), alongside a net debt position that could raise concerns. Despite these challenges, the overall highlights of the call outweighed the lowlights.

Charles River Associates Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results
Oct 31, 2025

Charles River Associates (CRA) is a global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services, advising clients on economic and financial matters related to litigation, regulatory proceedings, and business strategy. Headquartered in Boston, CRA operates worldwide, offering objective solutions to complex problems since 1965.

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
CRA International Boosts Dividend Amid Strong Q3 Results
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, CRA announced a 16% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.57 per share, payable on December 12, 2025. The company reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025, with a 10.8% increase in revenue year over year to $185.9 million and a 12.7% rise in non-GAAP net income. CRA also raised its revenue guidance for the full fiscal year, reflecting confidence in its competitive position despite global economic uncertainties.

The most recent analyst rating on (CRAI) stock is a Buy with a $213.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cra International stock, see the CRAI Stock Forecast page.

CRA International Reports Strong Earnings and Increased Guidance
Aug 2, 2025

CRA International’s recent earnings call painted a picture of robust financial health and strategic success, with a positive sentiment prevailing despite some challenges. The company reported strong revenue growth across multiple practices, particularly in Antitrust & Competition Economics, and celebrated record-setting first-half results. These achievements led to an increase in revenue guidance, overshadowing concerns about headcount reductions, challenges in the Life Sciences practice, and high debt levels.

Charles River Associates Reports Record Revenue Growth
Aug 1, 2025

Charles River Associates (CRA) is a global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services, providing expert advice on economic and financial matters related to litigation, regulatory proceedings, and business strategy.

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: Nov 01, 2025