CRA International, Inc.

NasdaqGS:CRAI Stock Report

Market Cap: US$929.9m

CRA International Past Earnings Performance

Past criteria checks 2/6

CRA International has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 8.2%, while the Professional Services industry saw earnings growing at 12.3% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 7% per year. CRA International's return on equity is 24.2%, and it has net margins of 6.2%.

Key information

8.21%

Earnings growth rate

11.13%

EPS growth rate

Professional Services Industry Growth10.99%
Revenue growth rate7.05%
Return on equity24.15%
Net Margin6.21%
Last Earnings Update04 Apr 2026

Recent past performance 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...

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 Alpha
Analysis 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 Alpha
Analysis 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...
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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...

Revenue & Expenses Breakdown

How CRA International makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.


Earnings and Revenue History

NasdaqGS:CRAI Revenue, expenses and earnings (USD Millions)
DateRevenueEarningsG+A ExpensesR&D Expenses
04 Apr 26771481370
03 Jan 26752551350
27 Sep 25731561330
28 Jun 25713561300
29 Mar 25697511270
28 Dec 24687471250
28 Sep 24673431230
29 Jun 24652401190
30 Mar 24643431170
30 Dec 23624381150
30 Sep 23607361140
01 Jul 23608391150
01 Apr 23595411130
31 Dec 22591431100
01 Oct 22581431080
02 Jul 22569431040
02 Apr 22568421000
01 Jan 2256642970
02 Oct 2156940940
03 Jul 2155434920
03 Apr 2152928890
02 Jan 2150824900
26 Sep 2049023920
27 Jun 2048423930
28 Mar 2047222950
28 Dec 1945121940
28 Sep 1944123910
29 Jun 1942921910
30 Mar 1942422910
29 Dec 1841822900
29 Sep 1840613940
30 Jun 1839313930
31 Mar 1838110890
30 Dec 173708860
30 Sep 1735312780
01 Jul 1734312730
01 Apr 1733213700
31 Dec 1632513710
01 Oct 163189700
02 Jul 163139720
02 Apr 163067740
02 Jan 163048720
03 Oct 1531013730
04 Jul 1530713710

Quality Earnings: CRAI has a high level of non-cash earnings.

Growing Profit Margin: CRAI's current net profit margins (6.2%) are lower than last year (7.3%).


Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis


Past Earnings Growth Analysis

Earnings Trend: CRAI's earnings have grown by 8.2% per year over the past 5 years.

Accelerating Growth: CRAI's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.

Earnings vs Industry: CRAI had negative earnings growth (-6.6%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Professional Services industry average (8.9%).


Return on Equity

High ROE: CRAI's Return on Equity (24.2%) is considered high.


Return on Assets


Return on Capital Employed


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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/06/03 22:17
End of Day Share Price 2026/06/03 00:00
Earnings2026/04/04
Annual Earnings2026/01/03

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.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* 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.

AnalystInstitution
Kevin SteinkeBarrington Research Associates, Inc.
Joseph ForesiBrean Capital Historical (Janney Montgomery)
Marc RiddickSidoti & Company, LLC