CRA International Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
CRA International's CEO is Paul Maleh, appointed in Nov 2009, has a tenure of 16.5 years. total yearly compensation is $4.16M, comprised of 21.7% salary and 78.3% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.83% of the company’s shares, worth $17.50M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 9.1 years and 6 years respectively.
Key information
Paul Maleh
Chief executive officer
US$4.2m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 21.65% |
| CEO tenure | 16.5yrs |
| CEO ownership | 1.8% |
| Management average tenure | 9.1yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Analysis Article • May 15
CRA International's (NASDAQ:CRAI) Weak Earnings May Only Reveal A Part Of The Whole Picture
The market wasn't impressed with the soft earnings from CRA International, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRAI ) recently. We did some...Analysis Article • May 09
CRA International, Inc. Earnings Missed Analyst Estimates: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Now
It's been a mediocre week for CRA International, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRAI ) shareholders, with the stock dropping 12% to...
Narrative Update • May 03
CRAI: Expanded Buyback Capacity Will Support Premium Future P/E Outlook
Analysts have maintained their $252.50 price target for CRA International while fine tuning assumptions around discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E. This reflects a largely unchanged view of the stock's long term value.Narrative Update • Apr 18
CRAI: Larger Buyback Authorization Will Support Premium Future P/E In 2026
Analysts have kept their $252.50 price target for CRA International steady, citing only slight model tweaks in the discount rate, long term revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions, rather than any shift in their overall view of the stock. What's in the News CRA International increased its equity buyback authorization by $55 million on February 26, 2026, bringing the total buyback capacity to $381.95 million (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Apr 02
CRAI: 2026 Best Ideas Recognition Will Support Ongoing Buybacks And Premium Future P/E
Analysts made a small adjustment to their price target on CRA International, keeping fair value around $252.50 as they fine tuned assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E, while also highlighting the stock’s inclusion in a recent list of top ideas for 2026. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see CRA International's inclusion on a best ideas list for 2026 as a signal that its current valuation leaves room for upside if management delivers on execution.Narrative Update • Mar 19
CRAI: 2026 Best Ideas Recognition Will Support Higher Future P/E Multiple
Analysts have maintained their $252.50 price target for CRA International, noting its inclusion in recent best ideas lists for 2026 as support for largely unchanged assumptions on fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent research placing CRA International among a group of best ideas for 2026 has sparked a mix of optimism and caution around the current valuation and execution risks.Narrative Update • Mar 04
CRAI: 2026 Best Ideas Inclusion Will Support Higher Future P/E Multiple
Analysts have reaffirmed a $252.50 price target for CRA International, citing revised assumptions for the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E ratio, as well as the stock’s inclusion in a recent list of preferred stock ideas for 2026. Analyst Commentary Analysts have recently highlighted CRA International within a group of preferred stock ideas for 2026, placing it alongside several other business services, technology, healthcare, and education names.Narrative Update • Feb 18
CRAI: 2026 Best Ideas Inclusion Will Support Premium P/E Outlook
Analysts maintained their price target for CRA International at $252.50, citing its inclusion on a recent list of top 2026 stock ideas as support for the current valuation assumptions. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts view CRA International's inclusion among a select group of "best ideas for 2026" as validation that its business model and execution profile still support the current US$252.50 price target.Analysis Article • Feb 12
CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI) Shares May Have Slumped 27% But Getting In Cheap Is Still Unlikely
CRA International, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRAI ) shareholders won't be pleased to see that the share price has had a very rough...Narrative Update • Feb 03
CRAI: 2026 Best Ideas Inclusion Will Support Premium P/E Framework
Analysts have made a modest adjustment to their price target for CRA International to $252.50. They point to its inclusion in recent best ideas lists as support for maintaining a premium valuation framework based on updated discount rate and P/E assumptions.Narrative Update • Jan 20
CRAI: Dividend Hike And 2026 Best Ideas Status Will Support Returns
Analysts have kept their fair value estimate for CRA International steady at $252.50, with only minor adjustments to inputs such as the discount rate and future P/E, supported by its inclusion among a group of preferred stock ideas for 2026. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see CRA International's inclusion among a select group of best stock ideas for 2026 as a signal of confidence in its ability to execute within its advisory and consulting niche.Narrative Update • Jan 06
CRAI: Dividend Hike And Best Ideas Inclusion Will Support Future Returns
Analysts have modestly lifted their price target on CRA International to about $252.50 from roughly $249.50, citing its inclusion among preferred ideas for 2026 as part of a broader reassessment of fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts view CRA International's inclusion among a select group of preferred ideas for 2026 as a signal that its valuation still leaves room for the current fair value assumptions to play out over time.Analysis Article • Jan 06
Is CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) A Risky Investment?
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Narrative Update • Dec 17
CRAI: Dividend Hike Will Drive Stronger Long Term Shareholder Returns
Analysts have nudged their price target on CRA International slightly higher to reflect marginally lower discount rate assumptions and steady long term growth and profitability expectations, resulting in a modestly increased valuation to approximately $249.50 per share. What’s in the News CRA International increased its quarterly cash dividend by 16 percent to 0.57 dollars per share, payable December 12, 2025 to shareholders of record on November 25, 2025 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Dec 03
CRAI: Dividend Hike And Buybacks Will Support Stronger Future Returns
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on CRA International to $249.50, citing updated discount rate and valuation assumptions that slightly increase the implied future price to earnings multiple, while leaving core growth and margin expectations essentially unchanged. What's in the News Updated buyback activity shows CRA International repurchased 21,532 shares, or 0.33% of outstanding shares, for $4 million between June 29 and September 27, 2025, bringing cumulative repurchases under the long running program to 6,371,169 shares, or 74.69%, for $315.82 million (company filing).Analysis Article • Nov 21
Why The 29% Return On Capital At CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) Should Have Your Attention
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Amongst...Narrative Update • Nov 04
CRAI: Rising Margins And Buybacks Will Drive Near-Term Advisory Upside
Analysts have raised their price target for CRA International from $239.50 to $249.50, citing a slightly reduced discount rate and improved profit margin expectations as key factors behind the revision. What's in the News CRA International updated its share buyback program, repurchasing 21,532 shares between June 29 and September 27, 2025.Analysis Article • Aug 03
Should You Be Adding CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) To Your Watchlist Today?
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Analysis Article • Jul 03
Unpleasant Surprises Could Be In Store For CRA International, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CRAI) Shares
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 18x, you may...Seeking Alpha • Jun 16
CRA International: Upgrading To Buy After Record Earnings
Summary I am upgrading CRA International to Buy at ~$180 as improved margins and earnings growth have tipped the balance favorably from risk to reward. Strong demand in Antitrust, Energy, Intellectual Property, and Life Sciences have driven record results in recent quarters, with management reaffirming its bullish 2025 outlook. Also attractive are the 4% total shareholder yield (combining a stable dividend and generous stock buybacks) and a clean balance sheet. Valuation is now closer to historical norms, offering low double-digit return potential. I continue to watch for the impacts of wage inflation and policy shifts that may impact demand. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jun 15
These 4 Measures Indicate That CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) Is Using Debt Reasonably Well
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Analysis Article • May 15
CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) Is Investing Its Capital With Increasing Efficiency
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an...Analysis Article • Mar 15
Is There An Opportunity With CRA International, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CRAI) 39% Undervaluation?
Key Insights CRA International's estimated fair value is US$284 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity CRA...Seeking Alpha • Dec 25
CRA International: Impressive Shareholder Yield, But Limited Margin Of Safety
Summary CRA International has surged nearly 100% this year, yet remains a Quant Buy with a price target of $211 vs. the current $188. The business model focuses on legal/regulatory consulting and management consulting, with longstanding ties to Fortune 100 companies and top law firms. Despite strong performance and shareholder-friendly policies, elevated valuation metrics and the lack of clear AI initiatives suggest a Hold rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Dec 04
Are Investors Undervaluing CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI) By 29%?
Key Insights CRA International's estimated fair value is US$268 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity CRA...Analysis Article • Nov 17
We Like CRA International's (NASDAQ:CRAI) Returns And Here's How They're Trending
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Ideally, a business...Analysis Article • Nov 03
CRA International, Inc. Just Recorded A 5.7% EPS Beat: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Next
As you might know, CRA International, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRAI ) recently reported its quarterly numbers. The result was...
New Narrative • Sep 24
Strategic Expansions And Innovations Propel Growth In Professional Services Sector
Expansion in Intellectual Property practice and strategic geographic growth aim to enhance future revenue.Analysis Article • Sep 07
CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI) Not Lagging Market On Growth Or Pricing
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 26.7x CRA International, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRAI ) may be sending very bearish...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$48m |
| Jan 03 2026 | US$4m | US$900k | US$55m |
| Sep 27 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$56m |
| Jun 28 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$56m |
| Mar 29 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$51m |
| Dec 28 2024 | US$4m | US$900k | US$47m |
| Sep 28 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$43m |
| Jun 29 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$40m |
| Mar 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$43m |
| Dec 30 2023 | US$4m | US$900k | US$38m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$36m |
| Jul 01 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$39m |
| Apr 01 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$41m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$4m | US$900k | US$43m |
| Oct 01 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$43m |
| Jul 02 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$43m |
| Apr 02 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$42m |
| Jan 01 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$42m |
| Oct 02 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$40m |
| Jul 03 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$34m |
| Apr 03 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$28m |
| Jan 02 2021 | US$4m | US$850k | US$24m |
| Sep 26 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$23m |
| Jun 27 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$23m |
| Mar 28 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$22m |
| Dec 28 2019 | US$3m | US$785k | US$21m |
Compensation vs Market: Paul's total compensation ($USD4.16M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD3.69M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Paul's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Paul Maleh (61 yo)
16.5yrs
Tenure
US$4,156,568
Compensation
Mr. Paul A. Maleh has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of CRA International, Inc. since November 29, 2009 and has been its Chairman since July 8, 2020. Mr. Maleh has also served as a board me...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | 16.5yrs | US$4.16m | 1.83% $ 17.5m | |
| Executive VP | less than a year | US$1.47m | no data | |
| Executive VP | 22.3yrs | US$1.36m | 0.20% $ 2.0m | |
| Executive VP & Chief Corporate Development Officer | 6.2yrs | US$1.57m | 0.72% $ 6.9m | |
| Executive VP | less than a year | US$1.57m | no data | |
| VP & Director of Operations | no data | no data | no data | |
| VP, Chief Accounting Officer & Controller | no data | no data | no data | |
| VP & Global Chief Marketing Officer | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| Principal | no data | no data | no data | |
| Principal | 26.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| Co-Head of Marakon CEO Advisory Practice | no data | no data | no data | |
| Principal | 12.1yrs | no data | no data |
9.1yrs
Average Tenure
52yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: CRAI's management team is seasoned and experienced (9.1 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | 16.5yrs | US$4.16m | 1.83% $ 17.5m | |
| Independent Director | 10.3yrs | US$209.94k | 0.22% $ 2.1m | |
| Independent Director | 2.3yrs | US$209.94k | 0.037% $ 356.0k | |
| Independent Lead Director | 25.9yrs | US$249.94k | 0.24% $ 2.3m | |
| Chairman Emeritus | 5.8yrs | US$120.00k | no data | |
| Independent Director | 6yrs | US$224.94k | 0.095% $ 910.8k | |
| Independent Director | 6.2yrs | US$234.94k | 0.14% $ 1.3m | |
| Independent Director | 3.4yrs | US$229.94k | 0.045% $ 436.3k | |
| Independent Director | 3.8yrs | US$214.94k | 0.052% $ 501.8k |
6.0yrs
Average Tenure
64yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: CRAI's board of directors are considered experienced (6 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/29 15:17 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/29 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/04/04 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/01/03 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
CRA International, Inc. is covered by 6 analysts. 3 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Kevin Steinke | Barrington Research Associates, Inc. |
| Joseph Foresi | Brean Capital Historical (Janney Montgomery) |
| Marc Riddick | Sidoti & Company, LLC |