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News Release Details

Charles River Associates (CRA) Announces Adjustment to Previously Released 2018 First Quarter Financial Results to Reflect Change to Non-Cash Forgivable Loan Amortization

May 8, 2018
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Reaffirms Financial Guidance for Fiscal 2018

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2018-- Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial and management consulting services, today announced an adjustment to its previously released 2018 first quarter financial results to reflect a change to non-cash forgivable loan amortization.

Subsequent to CRA’s fiscal 2018 first quarter earnings announcement on April 26, 2018, and prior to filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an adjustment associated with the renewal of certain loan arrangements was identified, which increased non-cash forgivable loan amortization in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 by $1.3 million. As a result of this increase, GAAP and non-GAAP net income, earnings per diluted share and EBITDA decreased by $0.9 million, $0.11 per diluted share, and $1.3 million, respectively, for the quarter.

The increase to forgivable loan amortization has no effect on previously announced quarterly revenue of $99.5 million and quarter-end cash and cash equivalents of $10.9 million. Attached to this release are financial schedules for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 that reflect the change to forgivable loan amortization as discussed above.

In addition, the increase to forgivable loan amortization has no effect on the announced differences between financial metrics and their constant currency counterparts. Finally, the increase does not change CRA’s guidance for fiscal 2018. To reiterate, on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2017, CRA reaffirms its previous guidance of revenue in the range of $380 million to $392 million and non-GAAP EBITDA margin in the range of 8.8% to 9.8%.

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.

CRA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, which is being filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, will reflect this adjustment.

About Charles River Associates (CRA)

Charles River Associates® is a 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 below are important to management and investors because these measures are more indicative of CRA’s ongoing operating results and financial condition.

The adjustments made to the financial measures identified as “non-GAAP” are as follows: for all periods presented, CRA has excluded the results of its GNU subsidiary, which sold substantially all of its assets in April 2016, and for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, CRA has also excluded certain charges relating principally to non-cash charges resulting from valuation changes in contingent consideration and to net costs of a lease recapture. This release also presents the non-GAAP financial metric EBITDA. In addition to supplementing its understanding and evaluation of CRA’s performance, these non-GAAP measures are used by CRA in its budgeting process, and the non-GAAP adjustments described above are made to the performance criteria for some of CRA’s performance-based compensation.

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 other historical financial measures identified 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, 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 2018 on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2017 could differ materially from the guidance presented 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 31, 2018 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED APRIL 1, 2017
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                                             
      Quarter Ended March 31, 2018     Quarter Ended April 1, 2017
            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     $ 99,476       100.0 %     $ -       $ 99,476       100.0 %     $ 88,171       100.0 %     $ -       $ 88,171       100.0 %
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)       69,391       69.8 %       (107 )       69,498       69.9 %       62,581       71.0 %       -         62,581       71.0 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses       21,650       21.8 %       555         21,095       21.2 %       18,716       21.2 %       52         18,664       21.2 %
Depreciation and amortization       2,231       2.2 %       -         2,231       2.2 %       1,963       2.2 %       -         1,963       2.2 %
Income (loss) from operations       6,204       6.2 %       (448 )       6,652       6.7 %       4,911       5.6 %       (52 )       4,963       5.6 %
                                                             
Interest and other income (expense), net       (278 )     -0.3 %       -         (278 )     -0.3 %       (303 )     -0.3 %       -         (303 )     -0.3 %
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and                                                            
noncontrolling interest       5,926       6.0 %       (448 )       6,374       6.4 %       4,608       5.2 %       (52 )       4,660       5.3 %
Provision for income taxes       1,040       1.0 %       (68 )       1,108       1.1 %       1,778       2.0 %       -         1,778       2.0 %
Net income (loss)       4,886       4.9 %       (380 )       5,266       5.3 %       2,830       3.2 %       (52 )       2,882       3.3 %
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax       -       0.0 %       -         -       0.0 %       23       0.0 %       23         -       0.0 %
Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.     $ 4,886       4.9 %     $ (380 )     $ 5,266       5.3 %     $ 2,853       3.2 %     $ (29 )     $ 2,882       3.3 %
                                                             
Net Income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:                                                            
Basic     $ 0.59                   $ 0.63             $ 0.34                   $ 0.34        
Diluted     $ 0.57                   $ 0.61             $ 0.33                   $ 0.33        
                                                             
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:                                                            
Basic       8,285                     8,285               8,419                     8,419        
Diluted       8,580                     8,580               8,621                     8,621        

(1) These adjustments relate principally to valuation changes in contingent consideration and net costs related to a lease recapture.

(2) These adjustments include activity related to GNU123 Liquidating Corporation (“GNU”), formerly known as CRA’s majority owned subsidiary “NeuCo”. In April 2016, substantially all of GNU's assets were sold.

                                                             
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED NON-GAAP EBITDA AND RECONCILIATION TO NET INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2018 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED APRIL 1, 2017
(In thousands)
                                                             
      Quarter Ended March 31, 2018     Quarter Ended April 1, 2017
            GAAP                 Non-GAAP           GAAP                 Non-GAAP
            % of     Adjustments to           % of           % of     Adjustments to           % of
      GAAP     Revenues     GAAP Results (1)     Non-GAAP     Revenues     GAAP     Revenues     GAAP Results (2)     Non-GAAP     Revenues
                                                             
Revenues     $ 99,476     100.0 %     $ -       $ 99,476     100.0 %     $ 88,171       100.0 %     $ -       $ 88,171     100.0 %
                                                             
Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.     $ 4,886     4.9 %     $ (380 )     $ 5,266     5.3 %     $ 2,853       3.2 %     $ (29 )     $ 2,882     3.3 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax       -     0.0 %       -         -     0.0 %       (23 )     0.0 %       (23 )       -     0.0 %
Net income (loss)       4,886     4.9 %       (380 )       5,266     5.3 %       2,830       3.2 %       (52 )       2,882     3.3 %
Interest expense, net       37     0.0 %       -         37     0.0 %       112       0.1 %       -         112     0.1 %
Provision for income taxes       1,040     1.0 %       (68 )       1,108     1.1 %       1,778       2.0 %       -         1,778     2.0 %
Depreciation and amortization       2,231     2.2 %       -         2,231     2.2 %       1,963       2.2 %       -         1,963     2.2 %
EBITDA     $ 8,194     8.2 %     $ (448 )     $ 8,642     8.7 %     $ 6,683       7.6 %     $ (52 )     $ 6,735     7.6 %

(1) These adjustments relate principally to valuation changes in contingent consideration and net costs related to a lease recapture.

(2) These adjustments include activity related to GNU123 Liquidating Corporation (“GNU”), formerly known as CRA’s majority owned subsidiary “NeuCo". In April 2016, substantially all of GNU's assets were sold.

             
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
             
             
      March 31,     December 30,
      2018     2017
             
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents     $ 10,852     $ 54,035
Accounts receivable and unbilled, net       120,191       113,333
Other current assets       17,406       16,913
Total current assets       148,449       184,281
             
Property and equipment, net       46,917       44,643
Goodwill and intangible assets, net       98,408       98,208
Other assets       49,280       34,625
Total assets     $ 343,054     $ 361,757
             
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity            
Current liabilities     $ 104,272     $ 121,981
Long-term liabilities       34,507       32,547
Total liabilities       138,779       154,528
             
Total shareholders’ equity       204,275       207,229
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     $ 343,054     $ 361,757
             
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
             
      Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended
      March 31,     April 1,
      2018     2017
Operating activities:            
Net income     $ 4,886       $ 2,830  
Adjustments to reconcile net income            
to net cash used in operating activities, net of effect of acquired businesses:            
Non-cash items, net       5,517         5,221  
Accounts receivable and unbilled services       (5,436 )       (9,596 )
Working capital items, net       (45,506 )       (18,826 )
Net cash used in operating activities       (40,539 )       (20,371 )
             
Investing activities:            
Consideration relating to acquisitions, net       -         (16,163 )
Purchases of property and equipment       (3,248 )       (823 )
Net cash used in investing activities       (3,248 )       (16,986 )
             
Financing activities:            
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises       535         1,266  
Borrowings under line of credit       10,000         6,000  
Tax withholding payments reimbursed by restricted shares       (1,783 )       (703 )
Cash paid on dividend equivalents       (98 )       (24 )
Cash dividend paid to shareholders       (1,423 )       (1,188 )
Repurchases of common stock       (7,230 )       -  
Net cash provided by financing activities       1         5,351  
             
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents       603         295  
             
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents       (43,183 )       (31,711 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period       54,035         53,530  
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period     $ 10,852       $ 21,819  
             
Noncash investing and financing activities:            
Issuance of common stock for acquired business     $ -       $ 3,000  
Repurchases of common stock payable     $ 1,095       $ -  
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid for     $ 3,923       $ 512  
Purchases of property and equipment paid by a third party     $ -       $ 153  
Asset retirement obligations     $ 223       $ -  
Supplemental cash flow information:            
             
Cash paid for income taxes     $ 212       $ 281  
Cash paid for interest     $ 60       $ 78  

 

Source: Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates
Chad Holmes, 312-377-2322
Chief Financial Officer
or
Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
Andrew Blazier, 617-542-5300
Senior Associate