CRA International Inc (CRAI)

Charles River Associates (CRA) Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2026May 7, 2026 8:05 AM
Business Wire Broad-based Contributions Drive Record Quarterly Revenue Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial and management consulting services, today announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended April 4, 2026. “Maintaining the momentum of a record fiscal 2025, CRA continued its strong performance into the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as revenue increased by 10.5% year over year to $201.0 million,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This represents the highest quarterly revenue in the company’s history, besting the previous record set by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025.”   “Broad-based contributions drove the quarter’s strong performance, with eight practices growing year over year. Four practices—Energy, Finance, Forensic Services, and Life Sciences—posted double-digit revenue growth, while the Antitrust & Competition Economics practice posted a new high for quarterly revenue. This strong practice performance reflected balanced growth across our portfolio, as our Legal & Regulatory offerings grew 11.5% year over year and Management Consulting offerings expanded 8.3%. We also generated growth across our geographies, with our North American operations increasing revenue by 8.5% and our international operations expanding 20.3% year over year.” Highlights for First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Revenue grew 10.5% year over year to $201.0 million. Utilization was 77% and quarter-end headcount increased 2.5% year over year. Net income decreased 38.2% year over year to $11.1 million, or 5.5% of revenue, compared with $18.0 million, or 9.9% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025; non-GAAP net income decreased 14.1% year over year to $13.1 million, or 6.5% of revenue, compared with $15.3 million, or 8.4% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Earnings per diluted share decreased 35.5% year over year to $1.69 from $2.62 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025; non-GAAP earnings per diluted share decreased 10.4% year over year to $1.99 from $2.22 in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Non-GAAP EBITDA decreased 6.5% to $23.2 million, or 11.5% of revenue, compared with $24.8 million, or 13.6% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. On a constant currency basis relative to the first quarter of fiscal 2025, revenue, GAAP net income, and earnings per diluted share would have been lower by $2.6 million, $0.2 million and $0.04 per diluted share, respectively. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, and non-GAAP EBITDA would have been lower by $0.2 million, $0.04 per diluted share and $0.3 million, respectively. CRA returned $25.3 million of capital to its shareholders, consisting of $3.8 million of dividend payments and $21.5 million for share repurchases of approximately 116,000 shares. Management Commentary and Financial Guidance “We are reaffirming our financial guidance for full-year fiscal 2026 of revenue in the range of $785 million to $805 million and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in the range of 12.0% to 13.0%, both on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2025,” said Maleh. “We are encouraged by the strong start to the year, supportive market trends, and the continued replenishing of our sales pipeline. However, we remain mindful that evolving geopolitical, global macroeconomic, and business conditions can affect our business.” CRA does not provide reconciliations of its annual non-GAAP EBITDA margin guidance to GAAP net income margin because the Company is unable to estimate with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort: (i) unusual gains or charges, foreign currency exchange rates and the resulting effect of these items on CRA’s taxes and (ii) the impact of equity awards on CRA’s taxes. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and may have a material effect on CRA’s results computed in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation between the historical GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release is provided in the financial tables at the end of this press release. Quarterly Dividend On May 7, 2026, CRA announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.57 per common share, payable on June 12, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 26, 2026. CRA expects to continue paying quarterly dividends, the declaration, timing and amounts of which remain subject to the discretion of CRA’s Board of Directors. Conference Call Information and Prepared CFO Remarks CRA will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its first-quarter 2026 financial results. To listen to the live call, please visit the “Investor Relations” section of CRA’s website at http://www.crai.com, or dial (877) 709-8155 or (201) 689-8881. An archived version of the webcast will be available on CRA’s website for one year. In combination with this press release, CRA has posted prepared remarks by its CFO, Eric Nierenberg, under “Quarterly Earnings” in the “Investor Relations” section on CRA’s website at http://www.crai.com. These remarks are offered each quarter to provide the investment community with additional background on CRA’s financial results prior to the start of the conference call. About Charles River Associates (CRA) Charles River Associates® is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES In this press release, CRA has supplemented the presentation of its financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or “GAAP” with the following financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP: non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, non-GAAP EBITDA and non-GAAP EBITDA margin. CRA believes that the non-GAAP financial measures described in this press release are important to management and investors because these measures supplement the understanding of CRA’s ongoing operating results and financial condition. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are used by CRA in its budgeting process, and the non-GAAP adjustments are made to the performance measures for some of CRA’s performance-based compensation. As used herein, CRA defines non-GAAP EBITDA as net income before interest expense (net), provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization further adjusted for the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance, such as non-cash amounts relating to valuation changes in contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, foreign currency (gains) losses, net, restructuring costs and related tax effects. Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share also exclude non-cash amounts relating to valuation changes in contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, foreign currency (gains) losses, net, restructuring costs and related tax effects. This press release also presents certain current fiscal period financial measures on a “constant currency” basis in order to isolate the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations can have on CRA’s financial results. These constant currency measures are determined by recalculating the current fiscal period local currency financial measure using the specified corresponding prior fiscal period’s foreign exchange rates. All of the non-GAAP financial measures referred to above should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, the GAAP financial information presented in this press release. The financial measures identified in this press release as “non-GAAP” are reconciled to their GAAP comparable measures in the financial tables appended to the end of this press release. In evaluating these non-GAAP financial measures, note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by CRA may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT Statements in this press release concerning our future business, operating results and financial condition, including those concerning guidance on future revenue and non-GAAP EBITDA margin, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our financial results, our expectations regarding continued growth, our expectations regarding the payment of any future quarterly dividends and the level and extent of any purchases under our expanded share repurchase program, and statements using the terms “outlook,” “expect,” or similar expressions, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based upon our current expectations and various underlying assumptions. Although we believe there is a reasonable basis for these statements and assumptions, and these statements are expressed in good faith, these statements are subject to a number of additional factors and uncertainties. Our actual revenue and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in fiscal 2026 on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2025 could differ materially from the guidance presented herein, and our actual performance and results may differ materially from the performance and results contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements made herein, due to many important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the demand for our services may decline as a result of changes in general and industry-specific economic conditions; the timing of engagements for our services; the effects of competitive services and pricing; the development and use of artificial intelligence; our ability to attract and retain key employees or non-employee experts; the inability to integrate and utilize existing consultants and personnel; the decline or reduction in project work or activity; global economic conditions including less stable political and economic environments; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; unanticipated expenses and liabilities; risks inherent in international operations; changes in tax law or accounting standards, rules, and regulations; our ability to collect on forgivable loans should any become due; and professional and other legal liability or settlements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading “Risk Factors.” The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as our representation that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated will be achieved. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, and we do not intend to do so.   CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED APRIL 4, 2026 COMPARED TO MARCH 29, 2025 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)   Fiscal Quarter Ended April 4,
2026 As a % of
Revenue March 29,
2025 As a % of
Revenue Revenues $ 200,975   100.0 % $ 181,851   100.0 % Costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)   145,029   72.2 %   120,354   66.2 % Selling, general and administrative expenses   34,523   17.2 %   32,538   17.9 % Depreciation and amortization   3,391   1.7 %   3,411   1.9 % Income from operations   18,032   9.0 %   25,548   14.0 %   Interest expense, net   (1,011 ) -0.5 %   (429 ) -0.2 % Foreign currency gains (losses), net   378   0.2 %   (474 ) -0.3 % Income before provision for income taxes   17,399   8.7 %   24,645   13.6 % Provision for income taxes   6,267   3.1 %   6,643   3.7 % Net income $ 11,132   5.5 % $ 18,002   9.9 %   Net income per share: Basic $ 1.71   $ 2.65   Diluted $ 1.69   $ 2.62     Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic   6,512     6,775   Diluted   6,588     6,862     CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED APRIL 4, 2026 COMPARED TO MARCH 29, 2025 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)   Fiscal Quarter Ended April 4,
2026 As a % of
Revenue March 29,
2025 As a % of
Revenue Revenues $ 200,975   100.0 % $ 181,851   100.0 %   Net income $ 11,132   5.5 % $ 18,002   9.9 % Adjustments needed to reconcile GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income: Restructuring and other (1)(2)   1,759   0.9 %   (4,170 ) -2.3 % Foreign currency (gains) losses, net   (378 ) -0.2 %   474   0.3 % Tax effect on adjustments(1)   586   0.3 %   947   0.5 % Non-GAAP net income $ 13,099   6.5 % $ 15,253   8.4 %   Non-GAAP net income per share: Basic $ 2.01   $ 2.25   Diluted $ 1.99   $ 2.22     Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic   6,512     6,775   Diluted   6,588     6,862   (1) Fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2026 includes cash severance of $1.6 million and non-cash charges of $1.0 million associated with portfolio optimization actions. (2) Fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2025 includes $1.2 million of restructuring charges, net of the reversal of $5.4 million of non-cash charges associated with a previously recorded performance award.   CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED APRIL 4, 2026 COMPARED TO MARCH 29, 2025 (IN THOUSANDS)   Fiscal Quarter Ended April 4,
2026 As a % of
Revenue March 29,
2025 As a % of
Revenue Revenues $ 200,975   100.0 % $ 181,851   100.0 %   Net income $ 11,132   5.5 % $ 18,002   9.9 % Adjustments needed to reconcile GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income: Restructuring and other (1)(2)   1,759   0.9 %   (4,170 ) -2.3 % Foreign currency (gains) losses, net   (378 ) -0.2 %   474   0.3 % Tax effect on adjustments(1)   586   0.3 %   947   0.5 % Non-GAAP net income $ 13,099   6.5 % $ 15,253   8.4 % Adjustments needed to reconcile non-GAAP net income to non-GAAP EBITDA: Interest expense, net   1,011   0.5 %   429   0.2 % Provision for income taxes   5,681   2.8 %   5,696   3.1 % Depreciation and amortization   3,391   1.7 %   3,411   1.9 % Non-GAAP EBITDA $ 23,182   11.5 % $ 24,789   13.6 % (1) Fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2026 includes cash severance of $1.6 million and non-cash charges of $1.0 million associated with portfolio optimization actions. (2) Fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2025 includes $1.2 million of restructuring charges, net of the reversal of $5.4 million of non-cash charges associated with a previously recorded performance award.   CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS)   April 4,
2026 January 3,
2026 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,496 $ 18,210 Accounts receivable and unbilled services, net   233,262   248,862 Other current assets   50,714   36,057 Total current assets   316,472   303,129   Property and equipment, net   36,312   36,713 Goodwill and intangible assets, net   99,777   100,404 Right-of-use assets   72,101   76,132 Other assets   137,752   112,495 Total assets $ 662,414 $ 628,873   Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Accounts payable $ 24,273 $ 30,177 Accrued expenses   132,454   223,460 Current portion of lease liabilities   17,239   17,223 Revolving line of credit   192,000   34,000 Other current liabilities   14,875   25,169 Total current liabilities   380,841   330,029 Non-current portion of lease liabilities   70,889   76,009 Other non-current liabilities   12,294   9,237 Total liabilities   464,024   415,275   Total shareholders’ equity   198,390   213,598 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 662,414 $ 628,873   CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS)   Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended April 4,
2026 March 29,
2025 Operating activities: Net income $ 11,132   $ 18,002   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Non-cash items, net   10,061     8,112   Accounts receivable and unbilled services   14,724     (2,746 ) Working capital items, net   (149,806 )   (103,362 ) Net cash used in operating activities   (113,889 )   (79,994 )   Investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment, net   (2,649 )   (974 ) Net cash used in investing activities   (2,649 )   (974 )   Financing activities: Borrowings under revolving line of credit   208,000     90,000   Repayments under revolving line of credit   (50,000 )   (5,000 ) Tax withholding payments reimbursed by shares   (1,449 )   (2,454 ) Cash dividends and dividend equivalents paid   (3,806 )   (3,488 ) Repurchase of common stock   (21,463 )   -   Net cash provided by financing activities   131,282     79,058     Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents   (458 )   797     Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   14,286     (1,113 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   18,210     26,711   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 32,496   $ 25,598     Noncash investing and financing activities: Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses for property and equipment $ 52   $ (596 ) Excise tax on share repurchases $ (192 ) $ 39   Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations $ -   $ 701   Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for taxes $ 1,926   $ 3,181   Cash paid for interest $ 564   $ 131   Cash paid for amounts included in operating lease liabilities $ 5,956   $ 5,714   View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507973425/en/ Eric Nierenberg
Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates (CRA) Announces Appointment of Director Christine Detrick as Lead Independent Director, Effective July 16, 2026April 2, 2026 4:05 PM
Business Wire
Lead Independent Director William Concannon to Retire After 26 Years of Distinguished Service


Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial, and management consulting services, today announced that current Director Christine Detrick will assume the role of independent Lead Director of the Board of Directors following the planned retirement of current independent Lead Director William Concannon. Mr. Concannon’s retirement will take effect at CRA’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is scheduled for July 16, 2026.


“We would like to thank Bill for his leadership, sound judgment, and steadfast commitment to CRA's success as Lead Director over the past six years, and as a member of the Board for the past 26 years,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President. “Bill has provided a steady hand through the various stages of our growth and prosperity, and for that we are deeply grateful. We are also pleased that Christine, with her extensive governance experience, has agreed to serve as our next independent Lead Director.”


Mr. Concannon has served on CRA’s Board since 2000 and as its Lead Director since 2020. He informed the Board of his decision to retire in order to spend more time with family and other activities. Ms. Detrick has been a member of CRA’s Board since 2020 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The appointment of Ms. Detrick as Lead Director is subject to her re-election to the Board at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


About Charles River Associates (CRA)


Charles River Associates® is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402117491/en/
Charles River Associates

media@crai.com

617-425-3315
Nicholas Manganaro

Sharon Merrill Advisors

CRAI@investorrelations.com

617-542-5300


Original: Charles River Associates (CRA) Announces Appointment of Director Christine Detrick as Lead Independent Director, Effective July 16, 2026

Charles River Associates (CRA) to Present at Sidoti Small-Cap Virtual ConferenceMarch 5, 2026 4:05 PM
Business Wire
Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial, and management consulting services, today announced that the Company will participate in the Sidoti Small-Cap Virtual Conference on March 18 and 19. CRA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul Maleh is scheduled to present at 10:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. A live webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website. An archived replay will be available approximately one hour after the event.


Mr. Maleh, Chief Financial Officer Eric Nierenberg, and Chief Corporate Development Officer Chad Holmes will be available for virtual meetings with investors on both days of the event.


About Charles River Associates (CRA)


Charles River Associates® is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260305735736/en/
Eric Nierenberg

Chief Financial Officer

Charles River Associates

617-425-3505
Nicholas Manganaro

Sharon Merrill Advisors

crai@investorrelations.com

617-542-5300


Original: Charles River Associates (CRA) to Present at Sidoti Small-Cap Virtual Conference

Charles River Associates (CRA) Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial ResultsFebruary 26, 2026 8:05 AM
Business Wire
Fourth Quarter Revenue Increases 11.6% Year Over Year


Broad-based Contributions Drive Record Revenue and Profitability in Fiscal 2025


Board Expands Share Repurchase Authorization by $55 Million


Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial and management consulting services, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2026.


“For the eighth consecutive year, CRA established a new record for annual revenue,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Strong top-line growth drove record profitability as net income, earnings per diluted share, and EBITDA each set a new annual high. For the fourth quarter, we continued to see strength across our portfolio of services as total revenue increased 11.6% year over year to $197.0 million. Four practices—Antitrust & Competition Economics, Energy, Forensic Services, and Labor & Employment—led the way, with each generating double-digit revenue growth, while our Life Sciences and Risk, Investigations & Analytics practices also expanded revenue year over year. Geographically, our North American and international operations both supported the quarter’s revenue expansion, increasing 9.4% and 21.9%, respectively.”


Highlights for Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025



Revenue grew 11.6% year over year to $197.0 million.



Utilization was 78% and quarter-end headcount increased 1.4% year over year.



Net income decreased 12.0% year over year to $13.2 million, or 6.7% of revenue, compared with $15.0 million, or 8.5% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024; non-GAAP net income decreased 2.1% year over year to $13.7 million, or 7.0% of revenue, compared with $14.0 million, or 7.9% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.



Earnings per diluted share decreased 8.7% year over year to $1.99 from $2.18 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024; non-GAAP earnings per diluted share increased 1.5% year over year to $2.06 from $2.03 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.



Non-GAAP EBITDA remained relatively unchanged at $24.4 million, or 12.4% of revenue, compared with 13.9% of revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.



On a constant currency basis relative to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, revenue, GAAP net income, and earnings per diluted share would have been lower by $1.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.04 per diluted share, respectively. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, and non-GAAP EBITDA, would have been lower, by $0.2 million, $0.03 per diluted share, and $0.4 million, respectively.



CRA returned $3.7 million of capital to its shareholders via dividend payments.



Highlights for Full-Year Fiscal 2025



Revenue grew 9.3% year over year to $751.6 million while company-wide utilization was 77%.



GAAP net income increased 17.4% year over year to $54.8 million, or 7.3% of revenue, or $8.14 per diluted share, compared with $46.7 million, or 6.8% of revenue, or $6.74 per diluted share for the full year fiscal 2024. Non-GAAP net income increased 5.2% year over year to $55.3 million, or 7.4% of revenue, or $8.23 per diluted share, compared with $52.6 million, or 7.7% of revenue, or $7.60 per diluted share for the full year fiscal 2024.



Non-GAAP EBITDA grew 7.1% to $96.8 million, or 12.9% of revenue, compared with $90.4 million, or 13.2% of revenue, in fiscal 2024.



On a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2024, revenue, GAAP net income, and earnings per diluted share would have been lower by $3.9 million, $0.7 million, and $0.10 per diluted share, respectively. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, and non-GAAP EBITDA would have been lower by $0.7 million, $0.11 per diluted share, and $0.9 million, respectively.



For fiscal 2025, CRA returned $60.9 million of capital to its shareholders, consisting of $13.8 million in dividend payments and $47.1 million in share repurchases of approximately 252,000 shares.



Management Commentary and Financial Guidance


“Our fiscal 2025 financial performance reflects our continued strength in the marketplace, and we are looking to continue our broad-based profitable growth in the years ahead,” said Maleh. “For full-year fiscal 2026, on a constant-currency basis relative to fiscal 2025, we expect revenue in the range of $785 million to $805 million, and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in the range of 12.0% to 13.0%.”


“Based on current forecasts, we expect that currency effects will decrease our reported revenue by roughly $5 million and will decrease our reported EBITDA by less than $1 million when stated on a constant currency basis. In addition, non-cash forgivable loan amortization, which is reflected as an expense when presenting EBITDA metrics, is expected to increase approximately $15 million, or more than 30% year over year, in fiscal 2026 due to the increase in talent investments completed in fiscal 2025. Finally, as a reminder, fiscal 2026 returns to CRA’s typical 52-week year, whereas fiscal 2025 contained an extra week and resulted in a 53-week year. While we are pleased with CRA’s strong performance in 2025, we remain mindful that uncertain global macroeconomic, business, and political conditions can affect our business.”


CRA does not provide reconciliations of its annual non-GAAP EBITDA margin guidance to GAAP net income margin because the Company is unable to estimate with reasonable certainty unusual gains or charges, foreign currency exchange rates, and the resulting effect of these items, and of equity awards, on CRA’s taxes without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and may have a material effect on CRA’s results computed in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation between the historical GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release is provided in the financial tables at the end of this press release.


Share Repurchase Expansion and Quarterly Dividend


On February 26, 2026, CRA’s Board of Directors authorized a $55.0 million expansion of the Company’s existing share repurchase program, in addition to the $10.9 million currently remaining under the program. CRA may repurchase shares of its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The timing, amount and extent to which CRA repurchases shares will depend upon market conditions and other factors it may consider in its sole discretion.


The Board of Directors also authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.57 per common share, payable on March 20, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 10, 2026. CRA expects to continue paying quarterly dividends, the declaration, timing and amounts of which remain subject to the discretion of CRA’s Board of Directors.


Conference Call Information and Prepared CFO Remarks


CRA will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its fourth-quarter and fiscal-year 2025 financial results. To listen to the live call, please visit the “Investor Relations” section of CRA’s website at http://www.crai.com, or dial (877) 709-8155 or (201) 689-8881. An archived version of the webcast will be available on CRA’s website for one year.


In combination with this press release, CRA has posted prepared remarks by its CFO Eric Nierenberg under “Quarterly Earnings” in the “Investor Relations” section on CRA’s website at http://www.crai.com. These remarks are offered to provide the investment community with additional background on CRA’s financial results prior to the start of the conference call.


About Charles River Associates (CRA)


Charles River Associates® is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES


In this press release, CRA has supplemented the presentation of its financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or “GAAP” with the following financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP: non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, non-GAAP EBITDA and non-GAAP EBITDA margin. CRA believes that the non-GAAP financial measures described in this press release are important to management and investors because these measures supplement the understanding of CRA’s ongoing operating results and financial condition. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are used by CRA in its budgeting process, and the non-GAAP adjustments are made to the performance measures for some of CRA’s performance-based compensation.


As used herein, CRA defines non-GAAP EBITDA as net income before interest expense (net), provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization further adjusted for the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance, such as non-cash amounts relating to valuation changes in contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, foreign currency (gains) losses, net, restructuring costs and related tax effects. Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share also exclude non-cash amounts relating to valuation changes in contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, foreign currency (gains) losses, net, restructuring costs and related tax effects. This press release also presents certain current fiscal period financial measures on a “constant currency” basis in order to isolate the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations can have on CRA’s financial results. These constant currency measures are determined by recalculating the current fiscal period local currency financial measure using the specified corresponding prior fiscal period’s foreign exchange rates.


All of the non-GAAP financial measures referred to above should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, the GAAP financial information presented in this press release. The financial measures identified in this press release as “non-GAAP” are reconciled to their GAAP comparable measures in the financial tables appended to the end of this press release. In evaluating these non-GAAP financial measures, note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by CRA may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT


Statements in this press release concerning our future business, operating results and financial condition, including those concerning guidance on future revenue and non-GAAP EBITDA margin, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our financial results, our expectations regarding continued growth, our expectations regarding the payment of any future quarterly dividends and the level and extent of any purchases under our expanded share repurchase program, and statements using the terms “outlook,” “expect,” or similar expressions, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21 of the Exchange Act. These statements are based upon our current expectations and various underlying assumptions. Although we believe there is a reasonable basis for these statements and assumptions, and these statements are expressed in good faith, these statements are subject to a number of additional factors and uncertainties. Our actual revenue and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in fiscal 2026 on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2025 could differ materially from the guidance presented herein, and our actual performance and results may differ materially from the performance and results contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements made herein, due to many important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the demand for our services may decline as a result of changes in general and industry specific economic conditions; the timing of engagements for our services; the effects of competitive services and pricing; the development and use of artificial intelligence; our ability to attract and retain key employee or non-employee experts; the inability to integrate and utilize existing consultants and personnel; the decline or reduction in project work or activity; global economic conditions including less stable political and economic environments; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; unanticipated expenses and liabilities; risks inherent in international operations; changes in tax law or accounting standards, rules, and regulations; our ability to collect on forgivable loans should any become due; and professional and other legal liability or settlements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading “Risk Factors.” The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as our representation that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated will be achieved. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, and we do not intend to do so. 




CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS AND FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIODS ENDED

JANUARY 3, 2026 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 28, 2024

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)










 



 






Fiscal Quarter Ended






 






Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended








 






January 3, 2026






 






As a % of Revenue






 






December 28, 2024






 






As a % of Revenue






 






January 3, 2026






 






As a % of Revenue






 






December 28, 2024






 






As a % of Revenue








Revenues






$






196,963






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






176,435






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






751,583






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






687,414






 






 






100.0






%








Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)






 






138,924






 






 






70.5






%






 






 






120,541






 






 






68.3






%






 






 






519,288






 






 






69.1






%






 






 






479,936






 






 






69.8






%








Selling, general and administrative expenses






 






33,689






 






 






17.1






%






 






 






31,266






 






 






17.7






%






 






 






135,031






 






 






18.0






%






 






 






125,050






 






 






18.2






%








Depreciation and amortization






 






3,712






 






 






1.9






%






 






 






3,174






 






 






1.8






%






 






 






14,140






 






 






1.9






%






 






 






11,677






 






 






1.7






%








Income from operations






 






20,638






 






 






10.5






%






 






 






21,454






 






 






12.2






%






 






 






83,124






 






 






11.1






%






 






 






70,751






 






 






10.3






%








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Interest expense, net






 






(1,383






)






 






-0.7






%






 






 






(1,013






)






 






-0.6






%






 






 






(5,358






)






 






-0.7






%






 






 






(4,417






)






 






-0.6






%








Foreign currency gains (losses), net






 






(667






)






 






-0.3






%






 






 






1,145






 






 






0.6






%






 






 






(1,193






)






 






-0.2






%






 






 






(92






)






 






—






%








Income before provision for income taxes






 






18,588






 






 






9.4






%






 






 






21,586






 






 






12.2






%






 






 






76,573






 






 






10.2






%






 






 






66,242






 






 






9.6






%








Provision for income taxes






 






5,403






 






 






2.7






%






 






 






6,599






 






 






3.7






%






 






 






21,791






 






 






2.9






%






 






 






19,589






 






 






2.8






%








Net income






$






13,185






 






 






6.7






%






 






$






14,987






 






 






8.5






%






 






$






54,782






 






 






7.3






%






 






$






46,653






 






 






6.8






%








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Net income per share:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Basic






$






2.01






 






 






 






 






$






2.21






 






 






 






 






$






8.23






 






 






 






 






$






6.82






 






 






 








Diluted






$






1.99






 






 






 






 






$






2.18






 






 






 






 






$






8.14






 






 






 






 






$






6.74






 






 






 








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Weighted average number of shares outstanding:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Basic






 






6,547






 






 






 






 






 






6,763






 






 






 






 






 






6,641






 






 






 






 






 






6,821






 






 






 








Diluted






 






6,627






 






 






 






 






 






6,866






 






 






 






 






 






6,714






 






 






 






 






 






6,908






 






 






 









CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS AND FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIODS ENDED

JANUARY 3, 2026 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 28, 2024

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)










 



 






Fiscal Quarter Ended






 






Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended








 






January 3, 2026






 






As a % of Revenue






 






December 28, 2024






 






As a % of Revenue






 






January 3, 2026






 






As a % of Revenue






 






December 28, 2024






 






As a % of Revenue








Revenues






$






196,963






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






176,435






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






751,583






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






687,414






 






 






100.0






%








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Net income






$






13,185






 






 






6.7






%






 






$






14,987






 






 






8.5






%






 






$






54,782






 






 






7.3






%






 






$






46,653






 






 






6.8






%








Adjustments needed to reconcile GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Non-cash valuation change in contingent consideration






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






(190






)






 






-0.1






%






 






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






(190






)






 






—






%








Restructuring (1)(2)






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






(462






)






 






-0.1






%






 






 






8,176






 






 






1.2






%








Foreign currency (gains) losses, net






 






667






 






 






0.3






%






 






 






(1,145






)






 






-0.6






%






 






 






1,193






 






 






0.2






%






 






 






92






 






 






—






%








Tax effect on adjustments






 






(150






)






 






-0.1






%






 






 






340






 






 






0.2






%






 






 






(183






)






 






—






%






 






 






(2,126






)






 






-0.3






%








Non-GAAP net income






$






13,702






 






 






7.0






%






 






$






13,992






 






 






7.9






%






 






$






55,330






 






 






7.4






%






 






$






52,605






 






 






7.7






%








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Non-GAAP net income per share:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Basic






$






2.09






 






 






 






 






$






2.06






 






 






 






 






$






8.31






 






 






 






 






$






7.69






 






 






 








Diluted






$






2.06






 






 






 






 






$






2.03






 






 






 






 






$






8.23






 






 






 






 






$






7.60






 






 






 








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Weighted average number of shares outstanding:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Basic






 






6,547






 






 






 






 






 






6,763






 






 






 






 






 






6,641






 






 






 






 






 






6,821






 






 






 








Diluted






 






6,627






 






 






 






 






 






6,866






 






 






 






 






 






6,714






 






 






 






 






 






6,908






 






 






 








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








(1) Fiscal year-to-date ended January 3, 2026 includes restructuring and separation benefits totaling $4.9M, comprised of $3.8M in cash and $1.1M in non-cash charges; net of the reversal of $5.4M of non-cash charges associated with a previously recorded performance award.








(2) Fiscal year-to-date ended December 28, 2024 includes cash severance of $2.5M and non-cash charges of $5.7M associated with portfolio optimization actions.









CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS AND FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIODS ENDED

JANUARY 3, 2026 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 28, 2024

(IN THOUSANDS)










 



 






Fiscal Quarter Ended






 






Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended








 






January 3, 2026






 






As a % of Revenue






 






December 28, 2024






 






As a % of Revenue






 






January 3, 2026






 






As a % of Revenue






 






December 28, 2024






 






As a % of Revenue








Revenues






$






196,963






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






176,435






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






751,583






 






 






100.0






%






 






$






687,414






 






 






100.0






%








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Net income






$






13,185






 






 






6.7






%






 






$






14,987






 






 






8.5






%






 






$






54,782






 






 






7.3






%






 






$






46,653






 






 






6.8






%








Adjustments needed to reconcile GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Non-cash valuation change in contingent consideration






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






(190






)






 






-0.1






%






 






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






(190






)






 






—






%








Restructuring (1)(2)






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






—






 






 






—






%






 






 






(462






)






 






-0.1






%






 






 






8,176






 






 






1.2






%








Foreign currency (gains) losses, net






 






667






 






 






0.3






%






 






 






(1,145






)






 






-0.6






%






 






 






1,193






 






 






0.2






%






 






 






92






 






 






—






%








Tax effect on adjustments






 






(150






)






 






-0.1






%






 






 






340






 






 






0.2






%






 






 






(183






)






 






—






%






 






 






(2,126






)






 






-0.3






%








Non-GAAP net income






$






13,702






 






 






7.0






%






 






$






13,992






 






 






7.9






%






 






$






55,330






 






 






7.4






%






 






$






52,605






 






 






7.7






%








Adjustments needed to reconcile non-GAAP net income to non-GAAP EBITDA:






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








Interest expense, net






 






1,383






 






 






0.7






%






 






 






1,013






 






 






0.6






%






 






 






5,358






 






 






0.7






%






 






 






4,417






 






 






0.6






%








Provision for income taxes






 






5,553






 






 






2.8






%






 






 






6,259






 






 






3.5






%






 






 






21,974






 






 






2.9






%






 






 






21,715






 






 






3.2






%








Depreciation and amortization






 






3,712






 






 






1.9






%






 






 






3,174






 






 






1.8






%






 






 






14,140






 






 






1.9






%






 






 






11,677






 






 






1.7






%








Non-GAAP EBITDA






$






24,350






 






 






12.4






%






 






$






24,438






 






 






13.9






%






 






$






96,802






 






 






12.9






%






 






$






90,414






 






 






13.2






%








 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 






 








(1) Fiscal year-to-date ended January 3, 2026 includes restructuring and separation benefits totaling $4.9M, comprised of $3.8M in cash and $1.1M in non-cash charges; net of the reversal of $5.4M of non-cash charges associated with a previously recorded performance award.








(2) Fiscal year-to-date ended December 28, 2024 includes cash severance of $2.5M and non-cash charges of $5.7M associated with portfolio optimization actions.









CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS)










 



 






January 3, 2026






 






December 28, 2024








Assets






 






 






 








Cash and cash equivalents






$






18,210






 






$






26,711








Accounts receivable and unbilled services, net






 






248,862






 






 






219,548








Other current assets






 






36,057






 






 






23,104








Total current assets






 






303,129






 






 






269,363








 






 






 






 








Property and equipment, net






 






36,713






 






 






45,205








Goodwill and intangible assets, net






 






100,404






 






 






100,953








Right-of-use assets






 






76,132






 






 






81,157








Other assets






 






112,495






 






 






74,761








Total assets






$






628,873






 






$






571,439








 






 






 






 








Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity






 






 






 








Accounts payable






$






30,177






 






$






28,155








Accrued expenses






 






223,460






 






 






181,413








Current portion of lease liabilities






 






17,223






 






 






18,696








Revolving line of credit






 






34,000






 






 






—








Other current liabilities






 






25,169






 






 






23,045








Total current liabilities






 






330,029






 






 






251,309








Non-current portion of lease liabilities






 






76,009






 






 






84,541








Other non-current liabilities






 






9,237






 






 






23,516








Total liabilities






 






415,275






 






 






359,366








 






 






 






 








Total shareholders’ equity






 






213,598






 






 






212,073








Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity






$






628,873






 






$






571,439









CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)








 



 






Year Ended








 






January 3, 2026






 






December 28, 2024








Operating activities:






 






 






 








Net income






$






54,782






 






 






$






46,653






 








Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of effect of acquired businesses:






 






 






 








Non-cash items, net






 






34,976






 






 






 






29,316






 








Accounts receivable and unbilled services






 






(25,673






)






 






 






(22,197






)








Working capital items, net






 






(41,661






)






 






 






(4,037






)








Net cash provided by operating activities






 






22,424






 






 






 






49,735






 








 






 






 






 








Investing activities:






 






 






 








Purchases of property and equipment






 






(3,868






)






 






 






(16,623






)








Consideration paid for acquisitions, net






 






—






 






 






 






(1,500






)








Net cash used in investing activities






 






(3,868






)






 






 






(18,123






)








 






 






 






 








Financing activities:






 






 






 








Borrowings under revolving line of credit






 






132,000






 






 






 






102,000






 








Repayments under revolving line of credit






 






(98,000






)






 






 






(102,000






)








Tax withholding payments reimbursed by shares






 






(2,862






)






 






 






(3,209






)








Cash dividends paid






 






(13,831






)






 






 






(12,300






)








Repurchase of common stock






 






(47,149






)






 






 






(33,348






)








Net cash used in financing activities






 






(29,842






)






 






 






(48,857






)








 






 






 






 








Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents






 






2,785






 






 






 






(1,630






)








 






 






 






 








Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents






 






(8,501






)






 






 






(18,875






)








Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period






 






26,711






 






 






 






45,586






 








Cash and cash equivalents at end of period






$






18,210






 






 






$






26,711






 








 






 






 






 








Noncash investing and financing activities:






 






 






 








Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses for property and equipment






$






(449






)






 






$






598






 








Excise tax on share repurchases






$






(415






)






 






$






(270






)








Asset retirement obligations






$






—






 






 






$






191






 








Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations






$






8,460






 






 






$






10,084






 








Supplemental cash flow information:






 






 






 








Cash paid for taxes






$






26,459






 






 






$






21,444






 








Cash paid for interest






$






4,659






 






 






$






4,145






 








Cash paid for amounts included in operating lease liabilities






$






24,826






 






 






$






20,963






 







 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260226369462/en/
Eric Nierenberg

Chief Financial Officer

Charles River Associates

617-425-3020
Nicholas Manganaro

Sharon Merrill Advisors

crai@investorrelations.com

617-542-5300


Original: Charles River Associates (CRA) Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results