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News Release Details

Charles River Associates (CRA) Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2019

May 2, 2019
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CRA Reports Highest Q1 Revenue in Its History;

Broad-based Contributions Across Service Portfolio Drive Revenue Growth of 6.4% Year-over-Year

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2019-- Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial and management consulting services, today announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended March 30, 2019.

Key First-Quarter Fiscal 2019 Highlights

  • Revenue grew 6.4% year over year to $105.8 million. On a constant currency basis relative to the first quarter of fiscal 2018 (“constant currency basis”), revenue would have been higher by $1.5 million, resulting in year-over-year revenue growth of 7.9%.
  • Utilization was 75%, as quarter-end headcount increased by 40, or 6.2%, year over year.
  • Net income was $4.7 million, or 4.4% of revenue, compared with $4.9 million, or 4.9% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018; non-GAAP net income was $4.5 million, or 4.3% of revenue, compared with $5.3 million, or 5.3% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. On a constant currency basis, GAAP and non-GAAP net income would have been lower by $0.1 million.
  • Earnings per diluted share were $0.56, compared with $0.57 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018; non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.54, compared with $0.61 in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. On a constant currency basis, GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share would have been lower by $0.01 per diluted share.
  • Non-GAAP EBITDA was $8.5 million, or 8.0% of revenue, compared with $8.6 million, or 8.7% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. On a constant currency basis, non-GAAP EBITDA would have been lower by $0.1 million.
  • Net income, earnings per diluted share, and non-GAAP EBITDA for the current period reflect a foreign currency loss of approximately $750,000 related to the revaluation and realized gains and losses on working capital balances.
  • CRA returned $6.0 million of capital to its shareholders, consisting of $1.7 million of dividend payments and $4.3 million for share repurchases of approximately 87,000 shares.

Management Commentary

“I am pleased to report the highest first quarter revenue in CRA’s history,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We completed the quarter with strong performances across our portfolio of practices, once again demonstrating the continued dedication and hard work of our entire team. We delivered 75% company-wide utilization while headcount increased by 6.2%, translating into 7.9% year-over-year revenue growth on a constant currency basis. On the bottom line, we delivered non-GAAP net income of $4.5 million, or $0.54 per diluted share. These results were affected by a foreign currency loss, which reduced our non-GAAP net income and earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.6 million and $0.07, respectively.

“Looking more closely at the first quarter, we exhibited strength across our geographic footprint,” Maleh said. “Our North American operations grew 6.0%, and our European operations, led by the Antitrust & Competition Economics practice, grew 7.9% year over year. We also continued to enjoy broad-based contributions across our service portfolio with particularly strong performances in our Auctions & Competitive Bidding, Finance, Financial Economics, Forensic Services, Intellectual Property, and Life Sciences practices.”

Outlook and Financial Guidance

“As these first quarter results demonstrate, we continue to see strong demand for our portfolio of services. First quarter lead flow and new project originations were up more than 5% and 10%, respectively, year over year. For the full-year fiscal 2019, on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2018, we are reaffirming our previous guidance of revenue in the range of $430 million to $445 million, and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in the range of 9.2% to 10.2%. While we are pleased with our operational performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we remain mindful that uncertainties around global economic and political conditions can affect our business,” Maleh concluded.

CRA does not provide reconciliations of its annual non-GAAP EBITDA margin guidance to GAAP net income margin because CRA is unable to estimate with reasonable certainty the revaluation of contingent consideration liabilities, unusual gains or charges, foreign currency exchange rates, and the resulting effect of these items, and of equity awards, on CRA’s taxes without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and may have a material effect on CRA’s results computed in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation between the historical GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures presented in this release is provided in the financial tables at the end of this release.

Quarterly Dividend

On May 2, 2019, CRA’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, payable on June 14, 2019 to shareholders of record as of May 28, 2019. CRA expects to continue paying quarterly dividends, the declaration, timing and amounts of which remain subject to the discretion of CRA’s Board of Directors.

Conference Call Information and Prepared CFO Remarks

CRA will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its first-quarter 2019 financial results. To listen to the live call, please visit the “Investor Relations” section of CRA’s website at http://www.crai.com, or dial (877) 709-8155 or (201) 689-8881. An archived version of the webcast will be available on CRA’s website for one year.

In combination with this press release, CRA has posted prepared remarks by its CFO Chad Holmes under “Conference Call Materials” in the “Investor Relations” section on CRA’s website at http://www.crai.com. These remarks are offered to provide the investment community with additional background on CRA’s financial results prior to the start of the conference call.

About Charles River Associates (CRA)

Charles River Associates® is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In this release, CRA has supplemented the presentation of its financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or “GAAP” with financial measures that were not calculated in accordance with GAAP. CRA believes that the non-GAAP financial measures described in this press release are important to management and investors because these measures supplement the understanding of CRA’s ongoing operating results and financial condition. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are used by CRA in its budgeting process, and the non-GAAP adjustments described below are made to the performance measures for some of CRA’s performance-based compensation.

The adjustments made to the financial measures identified in this release as “non-GAAP” are as follows: for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the adjustments exclude non-cash amounts relating principally to valuation changes in contingent consideration; for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the adjustments exclude non-cash amounts relating principally to valuation changes in contingent consideration, and net costs related to lease recapture. This release also presents certain current fiscal period financial measures on a “constant currency” basis in order to isolate the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations can have on CRA’s financial results. These constant currency measures are determined by recalculating the current fiscal period local currency financial measure using the specified corresponding prior fiscal period’s foreign exchange rates. Finally, this release also presents the non-GAAP financial metric EBITDA.

All of the non-GAAP financial measures referred to above should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, the GAAP financial information presented in this release. EBITDA and the financial measures identified in this release as “non-GAAP” are reconciled to their GAAP comparable measures in the financial tables appended to the end of this press release. In evaluating these non-GAAP financial measures, note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by CRA may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Statements in this press release concerning our future business, operating results and financial condition, including those concerning guidance on future revenue and non-GAAP EBITDA margin, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our financial results, the continuation of or building on any trend or momentum, our expectations regarding the payment of any future quarterly dividends, and statements using the terms “outlook,” “expect,” or similar expressions, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21 of the Exchange Act. These statements are based upon our current expectations and various underlying assumptions. Although we believe there is a reasonable basis for these statements and assumptions, and these statements are expressed in good faith, these statements are subject to a number of additional factors and uncertainties. Our actual revenue and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in fiscal 2019 on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2018 could differ materially from the guidance presented herein, and our actual performance and results may differ materially from the performance and results contained in or implied by the other forward-looking statements made herein, due to many important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the demand for our services may decline as a result of changes in general and industry specific economic conditions; the timing of engagements for our services; the effects of competitive services and pricing; our ability to attract and retain key employee or non-employee experts; the inability to integrate and utilize existing consultants and personnel; the decline or reduction in project work or activity; global economic conditions including less stable political and economic environments; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; unanticipated expenses and liabilities; risks inherent in international operations; changes in tax law or accounting standards, rules, and regulations; our ability to collect on forgivable loans should any become due; and professional and other legal liability or settlements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading “Risk Factors.” The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as our representation that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, and we do not intend to do so.

                                             
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS INCLUDING A RECONCILIATION TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 30, 2019 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                             
      Quarter Ended March 30, 2019     Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
          GAAP           Non-GAAP     GAAP           Non-GAAP
      GAAP   % of   Adjustments to   Non-GAAP   % of     GAAP   % of   Adjustments to   Non-GAAP   % of
      Results   Revenues   GAAP Results (1)   Results   Revenues     Results   Revenues   GAAP Results (2)   Results   Revenues
                                             
Revenues     $ 105,849     100.0 %   $ -     $ 105,849     100.0 %     $ 99,476     100.0 %   $ -     $ 99,476     100.0 %
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)       73,635     69.6 %     (217 )     73,852     69.8 %       69,391     69.8 %     (107 )     69,498     69.9 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses       22,743     21.5 %     -       22,743     21.5 %       21,650     21.8 %     555       21,095     21.2 %
Depreciation and amortization       2,616     2.5 %     -       2,616     2.5 %       2,231     2.2 %     -       2,231     2.2 %
Income (loss) from operations       6,855     6.5 %     217       6,638     6.3 %       6,204     6.2 %     (448 )     6,652     6.7 %
                                             
Interest and other income (expense), net       (755 )   -0.7 %     -       (755 )   -0.7 %       (278 )   -0.3 %     -       (278 )   -0.3 %
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and                                            
noncontrolling interest       6,100     5.8 %     217       5,883     5.6 %       5,926     6.0 %     (448 )     6,374     6.4 %
Provision for income taxes       1,435     1.4 %     58       1,377     1.3 %       1,040     1.0 %     (68 )     1,108     1.1 %
Net income (loss)       4,665     4.4 %     159       4,506     4.3 %       4,886     4.9 %     (380 )     5,266     5.3 %
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax       -     0.0 %     -       -     0.0 %       -     0.0 %     -       -     0.0 %
Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.     $ 4,665     4.4 %   $ 159     $ 4,506     4.3 %     $ 4,886     4.9 %   $ (380 )   $ 5,266     5.3 %
                                             
Net Income (loss) per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:                                          
Basic     $ 0.58             $ 0.56           $ 0.59             $ 0.63      
Diluted     $ 0.56             $ 0.54           $ 0.57             $ 0.61      
                                             
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:                                            
Basic       8,015               8,015             8,285               8,285      
Diluted       8,346               8,346             8,580               8,580      
                                             
                                             
(1) These adjustments relate principally to non-cash valuation changes in contingent consideration.
 
(2) These adjustments relate principally to non-cash valuation changes in contingent consideration and net costs related to a lease recapture.
 
                                             
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED NON-GAAP EBITDA AND RECONCILIATION TO NET INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED MARCH 30, 2019 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
(In thousands)
                                             
      Quarter Ended March 30, 2019     Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
          GAAP           Non-GAAP         GAAP           Non-GAAP
      GAAP   % of   Adjustments to   Non-GAAP   % of     GAAP   % of   Adjustments to   Non-GAAP   % of
      Results   Revenues   GAAP Results (1)   Results   Revenues     Results   Revenues   GAAP Results (2)   Results   Revenues
                                             
Revenues     $ 105,849   100.0 %   $ -   $ 105,849   100.0 %     $ 99,476   100.0 %   $ -     $ 99,476   100.0 %
                                             
Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.     $ 4,665   4.4 %   $ 159   $ 4,506   4.3 %     $ 4,886   4.9 %   $ (380 )   $ 5,266   5.3 %
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax       -   0.0 %     -     -   0.0 %       -   0.0 %     -       -   0.0 %
Net income (loss)       4,665   4.4 %     159     4,506   4.3 %       4,886   4.9 %     (380 )     5,266   5.3 %
Interest expense, net       11   0.0 %     -     11   0.0 %       37   0.0 %     -       37   0.0 %
Provision for income taxes       1,435   1.4 %     58     1,377   1.3 %       1,040   1.0 %     (68 )     1,108   1.1 %
Depreciation and amortization       2,616   2.5 %     -     2,616   2.5 %       2,231   2.2 %     -       2,231   2.2 %
EBITDA     $ 8,727   8.2 %   $ 217   $ 8,510   8.0 %     $ 8,194   8.2 %   $ (448 )   $ 8,642   8.7 %
                                             
                                             
(1) These adjustments relate principally to non-cash valuation changes in contingent consideration.
 
(2) These adjustments relate principally to non-cash valuation changes in contingent consideration and net costs related to a lease recapture.
 
           
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
           
           
      March 30,   December 29,
      2019   2018
           
Assets          
Cash and cash equivalents     $ 14,958   $ 38,028
Accounts receivable and unbilled services, net       134,231     130,585
Other current assets       17,584     12,527
Total current assets       166,773     181,140
           
Property and equipment, net       48,409     48,088
Goodwill and intangible assets, net       96,011     96,054
Right-of-Use Assets       81,480     -
Other assets       59,102     45,564
Total assets     $ 451,775   $ 370,846
           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity          
Accounts payable     $ 22,530   $ 21,938
Accrued expenses       72,280     108,233
Revolving line of credit       39,000     -
Current portion of lease liabilities       9,558     -
Other current liabilities       6,056     12,326
Total current liabilities       149,424     142,497
Non-current portion of lease liabilities       94,939     -
Other non-current liabilities       9,522     31,877
Total liabilities       253,885     174,374
           
Total shareholders’ equity       197,890     196,472
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     $ 451,775   $ 370,846
               
           

CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
      Quarter Ended   Quarter Ended
      March 30,   March 31,
      2019   2018
Operating activities:          
Net income     $ 4,665     $ 4,886  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash          
used in operating activities:          
Non-cash items, net       5,840       5,517  
Accounts receivable and unbilled services       (2,924 )     (5,436 )
Working capital items, net       (64,148 )     (45,506 )
Net cash used in operating activities       (56,567 )     (40,539 )
           
Investing activities:          
Purchases of property and equipment       (774 )     (3,248 )
Net cash used in investing activities       (774 )     (3,248 )
           
Financing activities:          
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises       1,526       535  
Borrowings under revolving line of credit       39,000       10,000  
Tax withholding payments reimbursed by shares       (388 )     (1,783 )
Cash paid on dividend equivalents       (35 )     (98 )
Cash dividend paid to shareholders       (1,616 )     (1,423 )
Repurchases of common stock       (4,349 )     (7,230 )
Net cash provided by financing activities       34,138       1  
           
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents       133       603  
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents       (23,070 )     (43,183 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period       38,028       54,035  
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period     $ 14,958     $ 10,852  
           
Noncash investing and financing activities:          
Repurchases of common stock payable     $ -     $ 1,095  
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid for     $ 1,906     $ 3,923  
Asset retirement obligations     $ -     $ 223  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations     $ 713     $ -  
Right-of-use assets related to the adoption of ASC 842     $ 82,329     $ -  
Supplemental cash flow information:          
           
Cash paid for taxes     $ 298     $ 212  
Cash paid for interest     $ 59     $ 60  

 

Source: Charles River Associates

Chad Holmes
Chief Financial Officer
Charles River Associates
312-377-2322

Jamie Bernard, IRC
Senior Associate
Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
617-542-5300