FY2024 EPS Forecast for CRA International Raised by Analyst

CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI) – Investment analysts at William Blair raised their FY2024 earnings per share estimates for shares of CRA International in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, October 31st. William Blair analyst A. Nicholas now forecasts that the business services provider will post earnings of $7.24 per share for the year, up from their previous forecast of $7.16. The consensus estimate for CRA International’s current full-year earnings is $6.95 per share. William Blair also issued estimates for CRA International’s Q4 2024 earnings at $1.68 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $2.12 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $1.94 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $2.00 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $7.88 EPS.

Separately, StockNews.com cut CRA International from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st.

CRA International Price Performance

Shares of CRA International stock opened at $188.20 on Monday. CRA International has a 1 year low of $85.00 and a 1 year high of $198.02. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $175.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $170.39. The company has a market capitalization of $1.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.45, a P/E/G ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 1.13.

CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The business services provider reported $1.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $167.75 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $166.83 million. CRA International had a net margin of 6.41% and a return on equity of 24.46%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.13 earnings per share.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CRA International

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of CRA International by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 3,095 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $543,000 after buying an additional 86 shares during the period. Arkadios Wealth Advisors grew its position in CRA International by 48.7% during the third quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 4,460 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $782,000 after acquiring an additional 1,460 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in CRA International during the third quarter worth about $573,000. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in CRA International during the second quarter worth about $221,000. Finally, Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of CRA International by 34.9% in the 2nd quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,870 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $1,700,000 after purchasing an additional 2,551 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.13% of the company’s stock.

Insider Transactions at CRA International

In related news, CFO Daniel K. Mahoney sold 1,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.21, for a total transaction of $155,210.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 11,624 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,804,161.04. This trade represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Paul A. Maleh sold 7,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.33, for a total transaction of $1,187,475.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 159,212 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $25,208,035.96. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Daniel K. Mahoney sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.21, for a total transaction of $155,210.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 11,624 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,804,161.04. The trade was a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 10,750 shares of company stock worth $1,695,720 over the last ninety days. 5.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

CRA International Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 13th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.49 per share. This is a boost from CRA International’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.04%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 26th. CRA International’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 27.18%.

About CRA International

CRA International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides economic, financial, and management consulting services worldwide. It advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings; and guides corporations through business strategy and performance-related issues.