CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) Upgraded by StockNews.com to “Buy”

CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday.

CRA International Stock Performance

CRA International stock traded up $1.38 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $192.47. The stock had a trading volume of 25,320 shares, compared to its average volume of 37,829. CRA International has a fifty-two week low of $81.29 and a fifty-two week high of $196.03. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $167.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $166.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.33 billion, a PE ratio of 31.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.14.

CRA International (NASDAQ:CRAI) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The business services provider reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.34. CRA International had a return on equity of 22.37% and a net margin of 6.17%. The company had revenue of $171.44 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $167.87 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.42 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that CRA International will post 6.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Paul A. Maleh sold 7,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.33, for a total value of $1,187,475.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 159,212 shares in the company, valued at $25,208,035.96. This trade represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Jonathan D. Yellin sold 1,250 shares of CRA International stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.26, for a total transaction of $197,825.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,361 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,222,331.86. This trade represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Paul A. Maleh sold 7,500 shares of CRA International stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.33, for a total value of $1,187,475.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 159,212 shares in the company, valued at $25,208,035.96. This trade represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 10,750 shares of company stock worth $1,695,720 over the last 90 days. 5.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of CRA International

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CRAI. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new stake in CRA International during the first quarter worth $115,000. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new stake in shares of CRA International in the second quarter valued at $221,000. Kennedy Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of CRA International by 3.6% in the first quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC now owns 3,324 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $497,000 after buying an additional 117 shares during the period. Arkadios Wealth Advisors raised its stake in shares of CRA International by 2.5% in the second quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 3,000 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $517,000 after buying an additional 74 shares during the period. Finally, Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of CRA International by 12.1% in the second quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 3,009 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $518,000 after buying an additional 324 shares during the period. 84.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

CRA International Company Profile

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.