Charles River Associates (CRA) Increases Share Repurchase Program by $40 Million

Rhea-AI Summary

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI) has expanded its share repurchase program by $40 million, indicating strong confidence in its financial health. The company repurchased $9.5 million in stock at an average price of $53.57 during Q4 FY2020 and Q1 FY2021. This initiative is part of CRA's strategy to return half of adjusted net cash flows from operations to shareholders, supporting its commitment to maximizing long-term shareholder value. The company retains $5.2 million under its previous authorization and emphasizes a focus on both capital return and business growth.

Positive

• Authorized $40 million expansion of share repurchase program.
• Repurchased $9.5 million of common stock, enhancing shareholder value.
• Commitment to return half of adjusted net cash flows to shareholders.

Negative

• None.

Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial, and management consulting services, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a $40 million expansion of its share repurchase program. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 through February 5, 2021, CRA has repurchased $9.5 million of its common stock at an average price per share of $53.57, leaving the company with $5.2 million remaining under its previous share repurchase authorization.

“CRA remains committed to maximizing the long-term value per share through the prudent deployment of capital,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s president and chief executive officer. “The additional share repurchase authorization, along with our quarterly dividend, supports our aim of returning half of adjusted net cash flows from operations to our shareholders. Today’s increase also highlights the Board’s continued confidence in our business, CRA’s strong cash flow generation, and our focus on returning capital to shareholders while simultaneously investing to grow our business.”

CRA may repurchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The timing, amount and extent to which CRA repurchases shares will depend upon market conditions and other factors it may consider in its sole discretion.

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

Adjusted net cash flows from operations is a financial measure used by CRA that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or GAAP. Non‑GAAP adjusted net cash flows from operations is calculated by adding back forgivable loan issuances, net of repayments, to GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release concerning our future business, operating results and financial condition, including those concerning our expectations regarding the return of capital to shareholders, the payment of any future quarterly dividends and the level and extent of any purchases under our share repurchase program, and statements using the terms “will,” “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 performance and results may differ materially from the performance and results contained in or implied by the 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; the extent and duration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and results, including the effects on the financial health of our clients, and the impact of the imposition of public health measures and travel, health-related, business and other restrictions; 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” (all of which risks may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic). 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. Except as may be required by law, 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.

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FAQ

What is the new share repurchase amount authorized by CRAI?

Charles River Associates has authorized a $40 million expansion of its share repurchase program.

How much stock has CRAI repurchased recently?

Recently, CRAI repurchased $9.5 million of its common stock at an average price of $53.57.

What is CRAI's plan for returning capital to shareholders?

CRA plans to return half of its adjusted net cash flows from operations to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases.

What does the repurchase program imply about CRAI's financial condition?

The expansion of the share repurchase program indicates CRAI's strong cash flow generation and confidence in its financial health.