Charles River Associates (CRA) Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2020

July 30, 2020

CRA Reports Highest Q2 Revenue in Its History; Strength Across Services and Geographies Drives Growth in Revenue and Profits

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 30, 2020-- Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial and management consulting services, today announced financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended June 27, 2020.

Key Second-Quarter Fiscal 2020 Highlights

Revenue grew 11.3% year over year to $123.0 million.
Utilization was 66%, while quarter-end headcount was relatively unchanged compared with the first quarter of 2020 and increased 20.8% year over year.
Net income increased 6.3% year over year to $5.9 million, or 4.8% of revenue, compared with $5.6 million, or 5.0% of revenue, in the second quarter of fiscal 2019; non-GAAP net income increased 4.7% year over year to $6.3 million, or 5.2% of revenue, compared with $6.1 million, or 5.5% of revenue, in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
Earnings per diluted share increased 10.3% year over year to $0.75; non-GAAP earnings per diluted share increased 9.6% year over year to $0.80.
Non-GAAP EBITDA increased 2.0% to $11.9 million, or 9.7% of revenue, compared with $11.7 million, or 10.6% of revenue, in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
On a constant currency basis relative to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, revenue would have been higher by $0.8 million, GAAP net income would have been higher by $0.1 million, and GAAP earnings per diluted share would have remained unchanged. Non-GAAP net income, earnings per diluted share and EBITDA would have been higher by $0.1 million, $0.01 per diluted share, $0.1 million, respectively.
CRA made dividend payments of $1.8 million during the quarter.

Management Commentary

“Our first priority is the health and well-being of our people as we continue to address our clients’ most important business challenges,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are focused on providing our colleagues with a foundation of stability and safety during this unprecedented time. Although our offices remain open and capable of hosting our colleagues, we have asked everyone to work from home whenever possible.”

“Continuing to build on a record fiscal 2019, CRA reported its highest second-quarter revenue in our company’s history. These results were led by double-digit revenue growth year over year in each of our Finance, Forensic Services, and Life Sciences practices, and continued strong contributions from our Labor & Employment and Risk, Investigations & Analytics practices. Geographically, we continue to see strong demand for our services resulting in revenue growth of 14.1% in our North American operations and 3.6% internationally on a constant currency basis.”

“Although we entered the year with lofty revenue expectations as evidenced by the increase in our headcount, we still grew second quarter profits year over year by effectively managing our consulting services and overhead. Combining the revenue and profit growth of the second-quarter with our strong Q1 performance, on a constant currency basis, we have increased revenue by 15.7% to $250.3 million and non-GAAP EBITDA by 24.2% to $25.1 million, achieving a margin of 10.0%. Although we are pleased with our performance through the second quarter, we recognize the challenges and uncertainties that accompany the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We remain confident that the same factors that have driven our success in recent years will continue to drive our performance in the months and years ahead,” Maleh concluded.

Quarterly Dividend

On July 30, 2020, CRA’s Board of Directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share, payable on September 14, 2020 to shareholders of record as of August 25, 2020. 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 second-quarter 2020 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 Dan Mahoney 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 each of the periods presented, the adjustments exclude non-cash amounts relating to valuation changes in contingent consideration and related tax effects. 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. On a constant currency basis relative to the first half of 2019, revenue would have been higher by $1.1 million and EBITDA would have been higher by $0.3 million. 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, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to effectively provide our services remotely, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our financial results, our expectations regarding continued growth, our expectations regarding 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 “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.

	CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS AND FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIODS ENDED
	JUNE 27, 2020 COMPARED TO JUNE 29, 2019
	(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

	Fiscal Quarter Ended										Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	June 27, 2020			As a % of Revenue		June 29, 2019			As a % of Revenue		June 27, 2020			As a % of Revenue		June 29, 2019			As a % of Revenue
Revenues	$	123,031		100.0	%	$	110,573		100.0	%	$	249,189		100.0	%	$	216,422		100.0	%
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		90,168		73.3	%		75,972		68.7	%		181,165		72.7	%		149,607		69.1	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		21,418		17.4	%		23,737		21.5	%		45,541		18.3	%		46,480		21.5	%
Depreciation and amortization		3,106		2.5	%		2,553		2.3	%		6,049		2.4	%		5,169		2.4	%
Income from operations		8,339		6.8	%		8,311		7.5	%		16,434		6.6	%		15,166		7.0	%

Interest expense, net		(372	)	-0.3	%		(519	)	-0.5	%		(734	)	-0.3	%		(530	)	-0.2	%
Foreign currency gains (losses), net		(102	)	-0.1	%		155		0.1	%		1,320		0.5	%		(589	)	-0.3	%
Income before provision for income taxes		7,865		6.4	%		7,947		7.2	%		17,020		6.8	%		14,047		6.5	%
Provision for income taxes		1,934		1.6	%		2,367		2.1	%		4,621		1.9	%		3,802		1.8	%
Net income	$	5,931		4.8	%	$	5,580		5.0	%	$	12,399		5.0	%	$	10,245		4.7	%

Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.76				$	0.70				$	1.59				$	1.28
Diluted	$	0.75				$	0.68				$	1.55				$	1.23

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		7,764					7,925					7,784					7,970
Diluted		7,920					8,218					7,979					8,282

	CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
	FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS AND FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIODS ENDED
	JUNE 27, 2020 COMPARED TO JUNE 29, 2019
	(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

	Fiscal Quarter Ended										Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	June 27, 2020			As a % of Revenue		June 29, 2019			As a % of Revenue		June 27, 2020			As a % of Revenue		June 29, 2019			As a % of Revenue
Revenues	$	123,031		100.0	%	$	110,573		100.0	%	$	249,189		100.0	%	$	216,422		100.0	%

Net income	$	5,931		4.8	%	$	5,580		5.0	%	$	12,399		5.0	%	$	10,245		4.7	%
Adjustments needed to reconcile GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income:
Non-cash valuation change in contingent consideration		566		0.5	%		651		0.6	%		996		0.4	%		434		0.2	%
Tax effect on adjustments		(153	)	-0.1	%		(174	)	-0.2	%		(270	)	-0.1	%		(116	)	-0.1	%
Non-GAAP net income	$	6,344		5.2	%	$	6,057		5.5	%	$	13,125		5.3	%	$	10,563		4.9	%

Non-GAAP net income per share:
Basic	$	0.81				$	0.76				$	1.68				$	1.32
Diluted	$	0.80				$	0.73				$	1.64				$	1.27

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		7,764					7,925					7,784					7,970
Diluted		7,920					8,218					7,979					8,282

	CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
	FOR THE FISCAL QUARTERS AND FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIODS ENDED
	JUNE 27, 2020 COMPARED TO JUNE 29, 2019
	(IN THOUSANDS)

	Fiscal Quarter Ended										Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	June 27, 2020			As a % of Revenue		June 29, 2019			As a % of Revenue		June 27, 2020			As a % of Revenue		June 29, 2019			As a % of Revenue
Revenues	$	123,031		100.0	%	$	110,573		100.0	%	$	249,189		100.0	%	$	216,422		100.0	%

Net income	$	5,931		4.8	%	$	5,580		5.0	%	$	12,399		5.0	%	$	10,245		4.7	%
Adjustments needed to reconcile GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income:
Non-cash valuation change in contingent consideration		566		0.5	%		651		0.6	%		996		0.4	%		434		0.2	%
Tax effect on adjustments		(153	)	-0.1	%		(174	)	-0.2	%		(270	)	-0.1	%		(116	)	-0.1	%
Non-GAAP net income	$	6,344		5.2	%	$	6,057		5.5	%	$	13,125		5.3	%	$	10,563		4.9	%
Adjustments needed to reconcile non-GAAP net income to non-GAAP EBITDA:
Interest expense, net		372		0.3	%		519		0.5	%		734		0.3	%		530		0.2	%
Provision for income taxes		2,087		1.7	%		2,541		2.3	%		4,891		2.0	%		3,918		1.8	%
Depreciation and amortization		3,106		2.5	%		2,553		2.3	%		6,049		2.4	%		5,169		2.4	%
Non-GAAP EBITDA	$	11,909		9.7	%	$	11,670		10.6	%	$	24,799		10.0	%	$	20,180		9.3	%

CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)


	June 27,		December 28,
	2020		2019

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	18,807	$	25,639
Accounts receivable and unbilled services, net		152,031		144,410
Other current assets		19,119		14,028
Total current assets		189,957		184,077

Property and equipment, net		65,402		61,295
Goodwill and intangible assets, net		93,704		94,980
Right-of-use assets		122,983		130,173
Other assets		76,543		62,718
Total assets	$	548,589	$	533,243

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accounts payable	$	20,894	$	26,069
Accrued expenses		82,199		121,301
Current portion of lease liabilities		13,208		12,847
Revolving line of credit		59,000		-
Other current liabilities		22,223		11,193
Total current liabilities		197,524		171,410
Non-current portion of lease liabilities		141,528		146,551
Other non-current liabilities		7,322		17,531
Total liabilities		346,374		335,492

Total shareholders’ equity		202,215		197,751
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	548,589	$	533,243

CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)

	Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	June 27,			June 29,
	2020			2019
Operating activities:
Net income	$	12,399		$	10,245
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Non-cash items, net		12,107			11,611
Accounts receivable and unbilled services		(8,962	)		(1,068	)
Working capital items, net		(59,844	)		(66,897	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(44,300	)		(46,109	)

Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(13,517	)		(3,904	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(13,517	)		(3,904	)

Financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises		569			1,526
Borrowings under revolving line of credit		77,000			50,000
Repayments under revolving line of credit		(18,000	)		(9,000	)
Tax withholding payments reimbursed by shares		(390	)		(388	)
Cash paid on dividend equivalents		(40	)		(35	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(3,584	)		(3,196	)
Repurchase of common stock		(3,810	)		(11,510	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		51,745			27,397

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(760	)		176

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(6,832	)		(22,440	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		25,639			38,028

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	18,807		$	15,588

Noncash investing and financing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid for	$	3,784		$	4,053
Purchases of property and equipment paid by a third party	$	-		$	62
Asset retirement obligations	$	155		$	335
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	-		$	37,284
Right-of-use assets related to the adoption of ASC 842	$	-		$	82,329
Lease liabilities related to the adoption of ASC 842	$	-		$	106,765
Supplemental cash flow information:

Cash paid for taxes	$	2,057		$	3,583
Cash paid for interest	$	676		$	510
Cash paid for amounts included in operating lease liabilities	$	9,243		$	8,113

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200730005500/en/

Dan Mahoney
Chief Financial Officer
Charles River Associates
617-425-3505

Nick Manganaro
Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.
crai@investorrelations.com
617-542-5300

Source: Charles River Associates

News Release Details

Charles River Associates (CRA) Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2020