CRA International: Upgrading To Buy After Record Earnings

  • 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.