Zacks Research Analysts Raise Earnings Estimates for CRAI

Key Points

• Zacks Research has raised its Q3 2025 earnings estimate for Charles River Associates from $1.77 to $1.79 per share, with a full-year earnings forecast of $7.52 per share.
• Charles River Associates reported earnings of $1.88 per share for the previous quarter, surpassing estimates, with revenue of $186.88 million exceeding expectations.
• The company recently announced a quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share, representing an annualized yield of 1.0% with a payout ratio of 23.73%.

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI - Free Report) - Zacks Research upped their Q3 2025 EPS estimates for Charles River Associates in a report released on Tuesday, August 19th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the business services provider will earn $1.79 per share for the quarter, up from their prior forecast of $1.77. The consensus estimate for Charles River Associates' current full-year earnings is $7.52 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Charles River Associates' Q4 2025 earnings at $2.10 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $7.98 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $2.12 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $1.99 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $8.47 EPS.

A number of other research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Barrington Research raised their target price on shares of Charles River Associates from $224.00 to $228.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Charles River Associates from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $228.00.

Charles River Associates Stock Up 0.4%

CRAI traded up $0.71 on Friday, reaching $196.83. 41,815 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 74,392. The company has a market cap of $1.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.91. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $186.24 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $182.53. Charles River Associates has a one year low of $152.57 and a one year high of $214.01.

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ:CRAI - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The business services provider reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $186.88 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $180.34 million. Charles River Associates had a net margin of 7.93% and a return on equity of 25.51%. Charles River Associates has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS.

Charles River Associates Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 12th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 26th will be given a dividend of $0.49 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 26th. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Charles River Associates's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.73%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Jonathan D. Yellin sold 1,750 shares of Charles River Associates stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $187.43, for a total value of $328,002.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 17,323 shares in the company, valued at $3,246,849.89. This trade represents a 9.18% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 5.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Charles River Associates

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CRAI. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its position in Charles River Associates by 6.7% in the 4th quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 3,982 shares of the business services provider's stock valued at $745,000 after buying an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Charles River Associates in the 4th quarter valued at $249,000. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in Charles River Associates by 28,517.4% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 6,582 shares of the business services provider's stock valued at $1,140,000 after buying an additional 6,559 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its holdings in Charles River Associates by 1.6% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 12,706 shares of the business services provider's stock valued at $2,201,000 after acquiring an additional 205 shares during the period. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its position in shares of Charles River Associates by 599.7% during the 1st quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 4,121 shares of the business services provider's stock worth $714,000 after purchasing an additional 3,532 shares in the last quarter. 84.13% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other 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.