Algert Global LLC Decreases Stock Position in Charles River Associates $CRAI

Key Points

• Algert Global cut its Charles River Associates position by 79.8% in the second quarter, selling 15,866 shares and retaining 4,020 shares worth about $572,000. Institutional investors collectively own approximately 84.13% of CRAI.
• CRAI’s latest quarterly results exceeded expectations, with EPS of $2.16 versus the $2.15 consensus and revenue of $210.81 million versus $198.91 million expected. The company also declared a $0.57 quarterly dividend, equivalent to a 1.3% yield.
• Analyst sentiment remains favorable, with a “Moderate Buy” consensus and an average price target of $245, although some near-term EPS estimates were reduced. Executive Jonathan Yellin also sold 2,250 shares under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan.

Algert Global LLC decreased its position in shares of Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI - Free Report) by 79.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,020 shares of the business services provider's stock after selling 15,866 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC owned approximately 0.06% of Charles River Associates worth $572,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CRAI. Jones Financial Companies Lllp purchased a new stake in shares of Charles River Associates during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its stake in Charles River Associates by 243.8% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 11,511 shares of the business services provider's stock valued at $2,157,000 after purchasing an additional 8,163 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Charles River Associates during the second quarter valued at $1,424,000. Kennedy Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Charles River Associates by 63.9% in the 3rd quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC now owns 6,410 shares of the business services provider's stock worth $1,337,000 after buying an additional 2,500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jump Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of Charles River Associates by 72.3% in the 3rd quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 32,642 shares of the business services provider's stock worth $6,807,000 after buying an additional 13,692 shares during the last quarter. 84.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Jonathan D. Yellin sold 2,250 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $173.25, for a total value of $389,812.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 11,153 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,932,257.25. This represents a 16.79% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Corporate insiders own 4.50% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a "hold (c)" rating on shares of Charles River Associates in a research report on Friday, August 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $245.00.

Key Headlines Impacting Charles River Associates

Here are the key news stories impacting Charles River Associates this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised its FY2026 EPS estimate to $8.32 from $8.28 and its FY2027 forecast to $9.01 from $8.99. It also increased estimates for Q2 2027, Q3 2027 and Q2 2028, including a sizable increase for Q3 2027. These revisions point to improved longer-term earnings expectations for CRAI.
• Positive Sentiment: Charles River Associates recently reported quarterly EPS of $2.16, narrowly beating the $2.15 consensus, while revenue of approximately $210.8 million exceeded estimates of $198.9 million. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.57, or $2.28 annualized, representing a yield of about 1.3%.
• Neutral Sentiment: EVP Jonathan Yellin sold 2,250 shares for approximately $389,813, reducing his direct holdings by 16.79%. Because the transaction was conducted under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, it may be less concerning than an unscheduled insider sale. He still owns 11,153 shares. Jonathan Yellin Sells Shares of Charles River Associates
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains generally constructive: CRAI has a “Moderate Buy” consensus rating and an average price target of $245, although one analyst maintains a Hold rating. Institutional investors own roughly 84% of the shares, indicating strong professional ownership but potentially limited trading liquidity.
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks lowered EPS estimates for Q3 and Q4 2026, Q1 and Q4 2027, and Q1 2028. The cuts include Q1 2027 EPS falling to $2.25 from $2.44 and Q4 2027 EPS declining to $2.16 from $2.24. These near-term reductions could weigh on CRAI if investors prioritize upcoming results over the higher long-term forecasts.

Charles River Associates Stock Performance

Charles River Associates stock opened at $174.99 on Monday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $165.44 and a 200-day moving average price of $159.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.10 billion, a PE ratio of 23.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.66. Charles River Associates has a 12-month low of $132.17 and a 12-month high of $227.29.

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $2.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $2.15 by $0.01. Charles River Associates had a net margin of 6.20% and a return on equity of 27.31%. The company had revenue of $210.81 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $198.91 million. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Charles River Associates will post 8.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Charles River Associates Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 14th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 25th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 25th. Charles River Associates's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.36%.

Charles River Associates Profile

Charles River Associates NASDAQ: CRAI is a global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial and management advisory services. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company provides expert analysis to support litigation, regulatory proceedings, and strategic decision-making. Its multidisciplinary teams draw on academic rigor and industry experience to deliver quantitative and qualitative insights tailored to clients' needs.

The firm's service offerings include competition economics, antitrust and merger analysis, intellectual property valuation and damages assessment, and risk management.

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