Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI) Sets New 52-Week High - Here's What Happened

Key Points

• Charles River Associates' stock reached a new 52-week high of $214.66, with a current trading price of $211.50 and a market capitalization of $1.39 billion.
• The company reported quarterly earnings of $1.88 EPS, exceeding estimates, alongside a recent quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share.
• Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings for the stock, with one downgrading from "buy" to "hold," while the consensus rating remains at "buy" with an average target price of $228.00.

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI - Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $214.66 and last traded at $211.50, with a volume of 23720 shares. The stock had previously closed at $212.31.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded Charles River Associates from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $228.00.

Charles River Associates Trading Down 0.7%

The stock has a market capitalization of $1.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.52, a PEG ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 0.94. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $189.44 and a 200 day moving average of $183.15.

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The business services provider reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.83 by $0.05. Charles River Associates had a return on equity of 25.51% and a net margin of 7.93%.The company had revenue of $186.88 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $180.34 million. Charles River Associates has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Charles River Associates will post 7.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Charles River Associates Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 12th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 26th were given a dividend of $0.49 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 26th. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Charles River Associates's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.73%.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Jonathan D. Yellin sold 1,750 shares of Charles River Associates stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $187.43, for a total transaction of $328,002.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 17,323 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,246,849.89. This trade represents a 9.18% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 4.70% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Charles River Associates

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Jones Financial Companies Lllp acquired a new stake in shares of Charles River Associates in the first quarter worth $27,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Charles River Associates in the fourth quarter worth about $249,000. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Charles River Associates in the first quarter worth about $329,000. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in shares of Charles River Associates in the first quarter worth about $360,000. Finally, Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles River Associates in the first quarter worth about $628,000. 84.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Charles River Associates

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.