SEC Form 10-Q filed by CRA International Inc.

10/31/24 8:15:33 AM ET

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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________________________________________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

________________________________________________________________________________________

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2024

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 000-24049

________________________________________________________________________________________

CRA International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

________________________________________________________________________________________


			Massachusetts			04-2372210
			(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
			200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA			02116-5092
			(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

(617) 425-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par value

CRAI

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

Outstanding at October 25, 2024

Common Stock, no par value per share

6,779,710 shares

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CRA International, Inc.

INDEX


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)—Fiscal Quarters and Fiscal Year-to-Date Periods Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)—Fiscal Quarters and Fiscal Year-to-Date Periods Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)—September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)—Fiscal Year-to-Date Periods Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)—Fiscal Year-to-Date Periods Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	9
ITEM 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23
ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures	23

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	Legal Proceedings	24
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	24
ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	24
ITEM 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	25
ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25
ITEM 5.	Other Information	25
ITEM 6.	Exhibits	26
Signatures		27

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Revenues	$	167,748	$	147,553	$	510,979	$	462,363
Costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	115,188		105,894		359,394		327,064
Selling, general and administrative expenses	31,269		27,919		93,784		86,137
Depreciation and amortization	2,900		2,947		8,503		8,762
Income from operations	18,391		10,793		49,298		40,400
Interest expense, net	(1,457)		(1,025)		(3,405)		(3,212)
Foreign currency gains (losses), net	(904)		755		(1,236)		(459)
Income before provision for income taxes	16,030		10,523		44,657		36,729
Provision for income taxes	4,593		1,927		12,991		9,707
Net income	$	11,437	$	8,596	$	31,666	$	27,022
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.68	$	1.22	$	4.62	$	3.83
Diluted	$	1.67	$	1.21	$	4.57	$	3.78
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	6,760		6,977		6,840		7,026
Diluted	6,843		7,083		6,922		7,138

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

(in thousands)


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Net income	$	11,437	$	8,596	$	31,666	$	27,022
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	2,895		(1,755)		1,475		371
Comprehensive income	$	14,332	$	6,841	$	33,141	$	27,393

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)


	September 28, 2024		December 30, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,481	$	45,586
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $5,490 and $4,335, respectively	152,116		142,729
Unbilled services, net of allowances of $1,026 and $1,629, respectively	80,739		56,827
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,726		11,575
Forgivable loans	10,478		8,759
Total current assets	285,540		265,476
Property and equipment, net	38,496		38,176
Goodwill	94,577		93,989
Intangible assets, net	7,599		7,196
Right-of-use assets	87,032		86,887
Deferred income taxes	13,350		13,885
Forgivable loans, net of current portion	48,501		45,182
Other assets	7,248		2,420
Total assets	$	582,343	$	553,211
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	28,430	$	28,701
Accrued expenses	146,284		171,040
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	8,451		12,289
Current portion of lease liabilities	18,626		16,475
Current portion of deferred compensation	6,466		7,582
Revolving line of credit	60,000		—
Total current liabilities	268,257		236,087
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred compensation and other non-current liabilities	19,045		11,681
Non-current portion of lease liabilities	89,412		92,280
Deferred income taxes	1,116		1,062
Total non-current liabilities	109,573		105,023
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	—		—
Common stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 6,761,582 and 6,934,265 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,311		—
Retained earnings	213,909		224,283
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(10,707)		(12,182)
Total shareholders’ equity	204,513		212,101
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	582,343	$	553,211

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(in thousands)


	Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	31,666	$	27,022
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,503		8,762
Right-of-use asset amortization	11,309		10,602
Deferred income taxes	418		(1,257)
Share-based compensation expense	3,760		3,024
Bad debt expense (recovery)	587		523
Unrealized foreign currency remeasurement (gains) losses, net	(152)		(112)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(9,018)		18,785
Unbilled services	(23,303)		(17,226)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other assets	(10,342)		(4,006)
Forgivable loans	(13,958)		(2,306)
Incentive cash awards payable	7,262		6,110
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	(24,174)		(36,786)
Lease liabilities	(12,247)		(13,162)
Net cash used in operating activities	(29,689)		(27)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	(6,032)		(2,008)
Consideration paid for acquisition	(1,500)		(577)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,532)		(2,585)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Borrowings under revolving line of credit	95,000		105,000
Repayments under revolving line of credit	(35,000)		(73,000)

Tax withholding payments reimbursed by shares	(2,030)		(2,040)

Cash dividends paid	(8,850)		(7,773)
Repurchase of common stock	(33,348)		(23,577)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	15,772		(1,390)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	344		159
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(21,105)		(3,843)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	45,586		31,447
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	24,481	$	27,604

Noncash investing and financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses for property and equipment	$	1,228	$	(129)
Asset retirement obligations	$	191	$	—
Excise tax on share repurchases	$	(284)	$	(190)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	10,627	$	2,503


Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes	$	17,085	$	9,953
Cash paid for interest	$	3,086	$	2,904
Cash paid for amounts included in operating lease liabilities	$	15,008	$	16,660

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)


	Common Stock			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares Issued	Amount
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 30, 2023	6,934,265	$	—	$	224,283	$	(12,182)	$	212,101
Net income	—	—		13,691		—		13,691
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—	—		—		(1,105)		(1,105)


Share-based compensation expense	—	1,039		—		—		1,039
Restricted shares vesting	33,441	—		—		—		—
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(12,526)	(1,631)		—		—		(1,631)
Shares repurchased	(65,882)	592		(9,834)		—		(9,242)
Accrued excise tax on shares repurchased	—	—		(65)		—		(65)
Accrued dividends on unvested shares	—	—		77		—		77
Cash dividends paid ($0.42 per share)	—	—		(3,075)		—		(3,075)
BALANCE AT MARCH 30, 2024	6,889,298	—		$	225,077	$	(13,287)	$	211,790
Net income	—	—		6,538		—		6,538
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—	—		—		(315)		(315)


Share-based compensation expense	—	1,357		—		—		1,357
Restricted shares vesting	6,143	—		—		—		—
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(2,340)	(346)		—		—		(346)
Shares repurchased	(140,497)	(1,011)		(23,095)		—		(24,106)
Accrued excise tax on shares repurchased	—	—		(235)		—		(235)
Accrued dividends on unvested shares	—	—		(33)		—		(33)
Cash dividends paid ($0.42 per share)	—	—		(2,901)		—		(2,901)
BALANCE AT JUNE 29, 2024	6,752,604	—		$	205,351	$	(13,602)	$	191,749
Net income	—	—		11,437		—		11,437
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—	—		—		2,895		2,895


Share-based compensation expense	—	1,364		—		—		1,364
Restricted shares vesting	9,272	—		—		—		—
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(294)	(53)		—		—		(53)

Accrued excise tax on shares repurchased	—	—		16		—		16
Accrued dividends on unvested shares	—	—		(21)		—		(21)
Cash dividends paid ($0.42 per share)	—	—		(2,874)		—		(2,874)
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 28, 2024	6,761,582	1,311		$	213,909	$	(10,707)	$	204,513

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2023 (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)


	Common Stock			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares Issued	Amount
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2022	7,149,884	$	1,743	$	224,392	$	(14,981)	$	211,154
Net income	—	—		8,918		—		8,918
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—	—		—		1,052		1,052


Share-based compensation expense	—	940		—		—		940
Restricted shares vesting	45,544	—		—		—		—
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(16,614)	(1,873)		—		—		(1,873)
Shares repurchased	(180,881)	(810)		(19,767)		—		(20,577)
Accrued excise tax on shares repurchased	—	—		(173)		—		(173)
Accrued dividends on unvested shares	—	—		45		—		45
Cash dividends paid ($0.36 per share)	—	—		(2,702)		—		(2,702)
BALANCE AT APRIL 1, 2023	6,997,933	$	—	$	210,713	$	(13,929)	$	196,784
Net income	—	—		9,508		—		9,508
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—	—		—		1,074		1,074

Share-based compensation expense	—	1,158		—		—		1,158
Restricted shares vesting	3,630	—		—		—		—
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(1,237)	(136)		—		—		(136)
Shares repurchased	(31,090)	(554)		(2,446)		—		(3,000)
Accrued excise tax on shares repurchased	—	—		(27)		—		(27)
Accrued dividends on unvested shares	—	—		(47)		—		(47)
Cash dividends paid ($0.36 per share)	—	—		(2,528)		—		(2,528)
BALANCE AT JULY 1, 2023	6,969,236	$	468	$	215,173	$	(12,855)	$	202,786
Net income	—	—		8,596		—		8,596
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—	—		—		(1,755)		(1,755)


Share-based compensation expense	—	926		—		—		926
Restricted shares vesting	10,004	—		—		—		—
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(299)	(31)		—		—		(31)

Accrued excise tax on shares repurchased	—	—		10		—		10
Accrued dividends on unvested shares	—	—		(31)		—		(31)
Cash dividends paid ($0.36 per share)	—	—		(2,543)		—		(2,543)
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2023	6,978,941	$	1,363	$	221,205	$	(14,610)	$	207,958

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

CRA International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "CRA" or the "Company") is a worldwide leading consulting services firm that applies advanced analytic techniques and in-depth industry knowledge to complex engagements for a broad range of clients. CRA offers services in two broad areas: litigation, regulatory, and financial consulting and management consulting. CRA operates in one business segment. CRA operates its business under its registered trade name, Charles River Associates.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CRA which require consolidation after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for annual financial statements. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of CRA’s results of operations, financial position, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for the interim periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Results of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 included in CRA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 (the “2023 Form 10-K”).

Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, on the 2023 Form 10-K describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Recent Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07). The ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 also requires that a public entity that has a single reportable segment provide all disclosures required by these amendments and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280.

ASU 2023-07 is effective for CRA for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. CRA plans to adopt the amendment during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. CRA expects the adoption of this ASU will impact its disclosures, but will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). The ASU requires disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation, provides additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold, and discloses the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state, foreign taxes, and individual jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 also requires income (or loss) from

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign, and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign.

ASU 2023-09 is effective for CRA for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. CRA plans to adopt the amendment during the annual reporting for fiscal year 2025. CRA has begun to assess the impact of the amendment and has modeled out the changes to its income tax disclosures. As the amendment relates solely to disclosures, the adoption is not expected to have an effect on CRA's financial results.

2. Revenues and Allowances

The contracts CRA enters into and operates under specify whether the projects are billed on a time-and-materials or a fixed-price basis. Time-and-materials contracts are typically used for litigation, regulatory, and financial consulting projects while fixed-price contracts are principally used for management consulting projects. In general, project costs are classified in costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and are based on the direct salary of CRA’s employee consultants on the engagement, plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the project, including any amounts billed to CRA by its non-employee experts.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables disaggregate CRA’s revenue by type of contract and geographic location (in thousands):


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
Type of Contract	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Consulting services revenues:
Fixed-price	$	30,670	$	26,856	$	90,043	$	81,585
Time-and-materials	137,078		120,697		420,936		380,778
Total	$	167,748	$	147,553	$	510,979	$	462,363

Revenues have been attributed to locations based on the location of the legal entity generating the revenues.


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
Geographic Breakdown	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Consulting services revenues:
United States	$	136,223	$	117,420	$	417,029	$	362,186
United Kingdom	20,821		21,227		64,136		73,272
Other	10,704		8,906		29,814		26,905
Total	$	167,748	$	147,553	$	510,979	$	462,363

Reserves for Variable Consideration and Credit Risk

Revenues from CRA's consulting services are recorded at the net transaction price, which includes estimates of variable consideration for which reserves are established. Variable consideration reserves are based on specific price concessions and those expected to be extended to CRA customers estimated by CRA's historical realization rates. Reserves for variable consideration are recorded as a component of the allowances for accounts receivable and unbilled services on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Adjustments to the reserves for variable consideration are included in revenues on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents CRA's bad debt expense, net of recoveries of previously written off allowances (in thousands):


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Bad debt expense (recovery), net	$	(94)	$	131	$	587	$	523

Reimbursable Expenses

Revenues also include reimbursements for costs incurred by CRA in fulfilling its performance obligations, including travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, fees for outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. CRA recovers substantially all of these costs. The following expenses are subject to reimbursement (in thousands):


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Reimbursable expenses	$	16,107	$	17,932	$	49,530	$	49,165

Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers

The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections results in accounts receivables, unbilled services, and contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Revenues recognized for services performed, but not yet billed to clients, are recorded as unbilled services. The following table presents the open and closing balances of CRA's accounts receivable, net and unbilled services, net (in thousands):


	September 28, 2024		December 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Accounts receivable, net	$	152,116	$	142,729	$	143,644
Unbilled services, net	$	80,739	$	56,827	$	51,343

CRA defines contract assets as assets for which it has recorded revenue because it determines that it is probable that it will earn a performance-based or contingent fee, but is not yet entitled to receive a fee because certain events, such as completion of the measurement period or client approval, must occur. The contract assets balance was immaterial as of September 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022.

When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due from a customer prior to transferring consulting services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue after performance obligations have been satisfied and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. The following table presents the closing balances of CRA's contract liabilities (in thousands):


	September 28, 2024		December 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Contract liabilities	$	2,141	$	6,037	$	6,977

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

CRA recognized the following revenue that was included in the contract liabilities balance as of the opening of the respective period or for performance obligations satisfied in previous periods (in thousands):


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Amounts included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the period	$	1,656	$	2,580	$	5,686	$	6,619
Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods	$	2,650	$	3,658	$	3,557	$	2,816

3. Forgivable Loans

In order to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, CRA may issue forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts, certain of which may be denominated in local currencies. A portion of these loans is collateralized. The forgivable loans have terms that are generally between two and six years with interest rates currently ranging up to 5.12%. The principal amount of forgivable loans and accrued interest is forgiven by CRA over the term of the loans, so long as the employee or non-employee expert continues employment or affiliation with CRA and complies with certain contractual requirements. The forgiveness of the principal amount of the loans is recorded as compensation over the service period, which is consistent with the term of the loans.

The following table presents forgivable loan activity for the respective periods (in thousands):


	September 28, 2024		December 30, 2023
Beginning balance	$	53,941	$	56,456
Advances	38,388		23,342
Repayments	(288)		(1,816)
Reclassifications from accrued expenses or to other assets (1)	(8,965)		—
Amortization (2)	(24,141)		(24,198)
Effects of foreign currency translation	44		157
Ending balance	$	58,979	$	53,941
Current portion of forgivable loans	$	10,478	$	8,759
Non-current portion of forgivable loans	$	48,501	$	45,182

_______________________________

(1)Relates to the reclassification of performance awards previously recorded as accrued expenses or forgivable loans that have been reclassified to other receivables.

(2)During the quarter ended June 29, 2024, approximately $5.7 million of amortization was accelerated due to involuntary terminations.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 are summarized as follows (in thousands):


Goodwill, at December 30, 2023	$	165,882
Accumulated goodwill impairment	(71,893)
Goodwill, net at December 30, 2023	93,989

Foreign currency translation adjustment	588
Goodwill, net at September 28, 2024	$	94,577

Goodwill, net at September 28, 2024 of $94.6 million, is comprised of goodwill of $166.5 million and accumulated impairment of $71.9 million. There were no impairment losses related to goodwill during the fiscal-year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 or during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

Intangible assets that are separable from goodwill and have determinable useful lives are valued separately and amortized using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives. The components of acquired identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):


		September 28, 2024						December 30, 2023
	Useful Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount

Customer relationships	10	$	15,300	$	(7,701)	$	7,599	$	13,800	$	(6,604)	$	7,196

There were no impairment losses related to intangible assets during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 or during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, respectively, and $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023, respectively.

5. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):


	September 28, 2024		December 30, 2023
Compensation and related expenses	$	134,762	$	143,647
Performance awards	165		16,556
Direct project accruals	3,171		1,704
Other	8,186		9,133
Total accrued expenses	$	146,284	$	171,040

As of September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, approximately $109.5 million and $121.2 million, respectively, of accrued bonuses were included above in “Compensation and related expenses.”

6. Income Taxes

For the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, CRA’s effective income tax rate (“ETR”) was 28.7% and 18.3%, respectively. The ETR for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was higher than the third quarter of fiscal 2023

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, partially offset by an increase in the tax benefit related to share-based compensation.

For the fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, CRA's ETR was 29.1% and 26.4%. respectively. The ETR for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 was higher than the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the same items noted above.

7. Net Income Per Share

CRA calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method. CRA calculates diluted earnings per share using the more dilutive of either the two-class method or treasury stock method. The two-class method was more dilutive for the fiscal quarters and fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023.

Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all the net earnings for the period had been distributed. CRA's participating securities consist of unvested share-based payment awards that contain a nonforfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders. Net earnings allocable to these participating securities were not material for the fiscal quarters and fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023.

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data):


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Numerator:
Net income — basic	$	11,437	$	8,596	$	31,666	$	27,022
Less: net income attributable to participating shares	25		29		94		98
Net income — diluted	$	11,412	$	8,567	$	31,572	$	26,924
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic	6,760		6,977		$	6,840	$	7,026
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	83		106		82		112
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted	6,843		7,083		6,922		7,138
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.68	$	1.22	$	4.62	$	3.83
Diluted	$	1.67	$	1.21	$	4.57	$	3.78

For the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, the anti-dilutive share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average outstanding shares amounted to 4,900 and 1,225 shares, respectively. For the fiscal quarter and fiscal-year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023, the anti-dilutive share-based awards that were excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding amounted to 6,185 and 5,875 shares, respectively.

8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables show CRA's financial instruments recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)


	September 28, 2024
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Money market mutual funds	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total Assets	$	—	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration liability	$	—	$	—	$	190
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	190


	December 30, 2023
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Money market mutual funds	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total Assets	$	—	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration liability	$	—	$	—	$	190
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	190

The contingent consideration liability pertains to estimated future contingent consideration payments related to the acquisition of bioStrategies Group, Inc. during fiscal 2022. The following table summarizes the changes in the contingent consideration liability (in thousands):


	Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended		Fiscal Year Ended
	September 28, 2024		December 30, 2023
Beginning balance	$	190	$	1,056
Remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration	—		(934)
Accretion	—		68

Ending balance	$	190	$	190

9. Credit Agreement

CRA is party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2022 (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A., as swingline lender, a letter of credit issuing bank and administrative agent, and with Citizens Bank, N.A., as a letter of credit issuing bank. The Credit Agreement provides CRA with a $250.0 million revolving credit facility, which may be decreased at CRA's option to $200.0 million during the period from July 16 in a year through January 15 in the next year. Additionally, for the period from January 16 to July 15 of each calendar year, CRA may elect to not increase the revolving credit facility to $250.0 million. The revolving credit facility includes a $25.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit.

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CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

incur future indebtedness, engage in acquisitions or dispositions, pay dividends or repurchase capital stock, and enter into business combinations. Any indebtedness outstanding under the revolving credit facility may become immediately due upon the occurrence of stated events of default, including CRA's failure to pay principal, interest or fees, or upon the breach of any covenant. As of September 28, 2024, CRA was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement.

There were $60.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of September 28, 2024 and no borrowings outstanding as of December 30, 2023. As of September 28, 2024, the amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced by certain letters of credit outstanding, which amounted to $4.1 million.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

As described in the previous note, CRA is party to standby letters of credit with its lenders in support of minimum future lease payments under certain operating leases for office space.

CRA is subject to legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In management’s opinion, based on current knowledge, CRA believes it has adequate legal defenses or insurance coverage, or both, with respect to the eventuality of such actions. CRA does not believe any settlement or judgment relating to any pending legal action would materially affect its financial position or results of operations. However, the outcome of such legal actions is inherently unpredictable and subject to inherent uncertainties.

11. Subsequent Events

On October 31, 2024, CRA announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.49 per common share, payable on December 13, 2024 to shareholders of record as of November 26, 2024.

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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical facts, the statements in this quarterly report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are merely our current predictions of future events. These statements are inherently uncertain, and actual events could differ materially from our predictions. Important factors that could cause actual events to vary from our predictions include those discussed below under the heading “Risk Factors.” We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments. We urge readers to review carefully the risk factors described in the other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You can read these documents at www.sec.gov.

Additional Available Information

Our principal Internet address is www.crai.com. Our website provides a link to a third-party website through which our annual, quarterly, and current reports, and amendments to those reports, are available free of charge. We do not maintain or provide any information directly to the third-party website, and we do not check its accuracy.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies involving the more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements as of September 28, 2024 remain unchanged from December 30, 2023. Please refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 (the “2023 Form 10-K”) for details on these critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Standards

There are no recent accounting standards that impact the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations—For the Fiscal Quarter and Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended September 28, 2024, Compared to the Fiscal Quarter and Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended September 30, 2023

The following table provides operating information as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:


	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended
	September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 28, 2024		September 30, 2023
Revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	68.7		71.8		70.3		70.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses	18.6		18.9		18.4		18.6
Depreciation and amortization	1.7		2.0		1.7		2.0
Income from operations	11.0		7.3		9.6		8.7
Interest expense, net	(0.9)		(0.7)		(0.7)		(0.7)
Foreign currency gains (losses), net	(0.5)		0.5		(0.2)		(0.1)
Income before provision for income taxes	9.6		7.1		8.7		7.9
Provision for income taxes	2.7		1.3		2.5		2.1
Net income	6.8	%	5.8	%	6.2	%	5.8	%

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Fiscal Quarter Ended September 28, 2024, Compared to the Fiscal Quarter Ended September 30, 2023

Revenues. Revenues increased by $20.1 million, or 13.6%, to $167.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from $147.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Utilization increased to 76% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from 66% for the third quarter of fiscal 2023, while consultant headcount decreased from 1,014 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 to 978 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Overall, revenues outside of the U.S. represented approximately 19% and 20% of net revenues for the third quarters of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. Revenues derived from fixed-price projects remained unchanged at 18% of net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The percentage of revenue derived from fixed-price projects depends largely on the proportion of our revenues derived from our management consulting business, which typically has a higher concentration of fixed-price service contracts.

Costs of Services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by $9.3 million, or 8.8%, to $115.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from $105.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in costs of services was due to an increase in employee and incentive compensation of $10.6 million and an increase in forgivable loan amortization of $0.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in client reimbursable expenses of $1.8 million. As a percentage of revenues, costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased to 68.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from 71.8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.4 million, or 12.2%, to $31.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from $27.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Within this category of expenses, there was a $1.5 million increase in employee and incentive compensation, a $1.1 million increase in software subscription and data services, a $0.7 million increase in rent expense, a $0.4 million increase in training and marketing expense, and a $0.1 million increase in miscellaneous and other fees partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in travel and entertainment for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 18.6% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from 18.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Commissions to our non-employee experts remained unchanged at 2.4% of revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Provision for Income Taxes. The income tax provision was $4.6 million and the effective tax rate ("ETR") was 28.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $1.9 million and 18.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The ETR for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024 was higher than the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, partially offset by an increase in the tax benefit related to share-based compensation.

Net Income. Net income increased to $11.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from $8.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The net income per diluted share was $1.67 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to $1.21 of net income per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased by approximately 240,000 shares to approximately 6,843,000 shares for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 from approximately 7,083,000 shares for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The decrease in weighted average diluted shares outstanding was primarily due to the repurchase of shares of our common stock since September 30, 2023, offset in part by the vesting of shares of restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock units and the exercise of stock options since September 30, 2023.

Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended September 28, 2024, Compared to the Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended September 30, 2023

Revenues. Revenues increased by $48.6 million, or 10.5%, to $511.0 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from $462.4 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. Utilization increased to 75% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from 69% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023, while consultant headcount decreased from 1,014 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 to 978 at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Overall, revenues outside of the U.S. represented approximately 18% and 22% of net revenues for the fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Revenues derived from fixed-price projects remained unchanged at 18% of net revenues for the fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023. The

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percentage of revenue derived from fixed-price projects depends largely on the proportion of our revenues derived from our management consulting business, which typically has a higher concentration of fixed-price service contracts.

Costs of Services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by $32.3 million, or 9.9%, to $359.4 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from $327.1 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. The increase in costs of services was due to an increase of $27.6 million in employee compensation and fringe benefit costs, an increase in forgivable loan amortization of $4.4 million, and an increase in client reimbursable expenses of $0.3 million. As a percentage of revenues, costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased to 70.3% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from 70.7% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $7.7 million, or 8.9%, to $93.8 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from $86.1 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. Within this category of expenses, there was a $3.5 million increase in employee compensation and fringe benefit costs, a $1.5 million increase in software subscriptions and data services, a $0.8 million increase in rent expense, a $0.6 million increase in commissions to our non-employee experts, a $0.4 million increase in training and marketing expense, and a $0.9 million increase in miscellaneous and other fees for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 as compared to the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 18.4% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from 18.6% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. Commissions to our non-employee experts decreased to 2.3% of revenues for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 compared to 2.4% of revenues for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023.

Provision for Income Taxes. The income tax provision was $13.0 million and the ETR was 29.1% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, compared to $9.7 million and 26.4% for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. The ETR for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 was higher than the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance in the prior fiscal year-to-date period, partially offset by an increase in the tax benefit related to share-based compensation.

Net Income. Net income increased by $4.7 million to $31.7 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from $27.0 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. The diluted net income per share was $4.57 for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, compared to diluted net income per share of $3.78 for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased by approximately 216,000 to approximately 6,922,000 shares for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024 from approximately 7,138,000 shares for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in weighted average diluted shares outstanding was primarily due to the repurchase of shares of our common stock since September 30, 2023, offset in part by the vesting of restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock units and the exercise of stock options since September 30, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Fiscal Year-to-Date Period Ended September 28, 2024

We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, and amounts available under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. As of September 28, 2024, we had $24.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $135.9 million of borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

General. During the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $21.1 million. We completed the period with cash and cash equivalents of $24.5 million. The principal drivers of the decrease of cash and cash equivalents was payment of a significant portion of our fiscal 2023 performance bonuses in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2024, forgivable loan advances, the repurchase of shares, and the payment of dividends, offset by net borrowings of $60.0 million.

At September 28, 2024, $1.7 million of our cash and cash equivalents was held within the U.S. We have sufficient sources of liquidity in the U.S., including cash flow from operations and availability on our revolving credit facility to fund U.S. operations for the next 12 months without the need to repatriate funds from our foreign subsidiaries.

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Sources and Uses of Cash. During the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was $29.7 million. Net income was $31.7 million for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024. Uses of cash for operating activities included a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities of $24.2 million, primarily due to the payment of a significant portion of our fiscal 2023 performance bonuses and performance awards, an increase of $23.3 million in unbilled receivables, a $12.2 million decrease in lease liabilities, an increase in forgivable loans for the period of $14.0 million, which was primarily driven by $38.1 million of forgivable loan issuances, net of repayments, offset by $24.1 million of forgivable loan amortization, a $10.3 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and an increase of $9.0 million in accounts receivable. Partially offsetting these uses of cash was an increase of $7.3 million in incentive cash awards payable

Non-cash items included right-of-use amortization of $11.3 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $8.5 million, and share-based compensation expenses of $3.8 million.

During the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $7.5 million, which included capital expenditures, primarily related to computer equipment.

During the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, net cash provided by financing activities was $15.8 million, primarily as a result of net borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $60.0 million. Offsetting this increase in cash provided by financing activities were repurchases of common stock of $33.3 million, payment of cash dividends of $8.9 million, and tax withholding payments reimbursed by restricted shares on vesting of $2.0 million.

Lease Commitments

We are a lessee under certain operating leases for office space and equipment. Certain of our operating leases have terms that impose asset retirement obligations due to office modifications or the periodic redecoration of the premises, which are included in other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and are recorded at a value based on their estimated discounted cash flows. At September 28, 2024, we expect to incur asset retirement obligation or redecoration obligation costs over the next twelve months of $0.1 million. The remainder of our asset retirement obligations and redecoration obligations are approximately $3.2 million and are expected to be paid between fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2033 when the underlying leases terminate or when the respective lease agreement requires redecoration. We expect to satisfy these lease and related obligations as they become due from cash generated from operations.

Indebtedness

We may use the proceeds of the revolving credit loans under the Credit Agreement for general corporate purposes and may repay any borrowings under the revolving credit facility at any time, but any borrowings must be repaid no later than August 19, 2027. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to one of the following rates, at our election, plus an applicable margin as described below: (i) in the case of borrowings in U.S. dollars by us, the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (ii) in the case of borrowings in U.S. dollars, a rate based on Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the applicable interest period, (iii) in the case of borrowings in Euros, EURIBOR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the applicable interest period, (iv) in the case of borrowings in Pounds Sterling, a daily rate based on SONIA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (v) in the case of borrowings in Canadian Dollars, Term CORRA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the applicable interest period, (vi) in the case of borrowings in Swiss Francs, a daily rate based on SARON (as defined in the Credit Agreement), or (vii) in the case of borrowings in any other Alternate Currency (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the relevant daily or term rate determined as provided in the Credit Agreement. The applicable margin on borrowings based on the Base Rate varies within a range of 0.25% to 1.00% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio, and the applicable margin on borrowings based on any of the other rates described above varies within a range of 1.25% to 2.00% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio.

We are required to pay a fee on the amount available to be drawn under any letter of credit issued under the revolving credit facility at a rate per annum that varies between 1.25% and 2.00% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio. In

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addition, we are required to pay a fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate per annum that varies between 0.175% and 0.250% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio.

Under the Credit Agreement, CRA must comply with various financial and non-financial covenants. The primary financial covenants consist of a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio of 3.0 to 1 and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of 2.5 to 1. The primary non-financial covenants include, but are not limited to, restrictions on CRA's ability to incur future indebtedness, engage in acquisitions or dispositions, pay dividends or repurchase capital stock, and enter into business combinations. Any indebtedness outstanding under the revolving credit facility may become immediately due upon the occurrence of stated events of default, including CRA's failure to pay principal, interest or fees, or upon the breach of any covenant. As of September 28, 2024, CRA was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement.

There was $60.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of September 28, 2024 and no borrowings outstanding as of December 30, 2023. As of September 28, 2024, the amount available under the revolving credit facility was reduced by certain letters of credit outstanding, which amounted to $4.1 million.

Forgivable Loans

In order to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, we may issue forgivable loans or term loans to employees and non-employee experts. A portion of these loans is collateralized by key person life insurance. The forgivable loans have terms that are generally between two and six years. The principal amount of forgivable loans and accrued interest is forgiven by us over the term of the loans, so long as the employee or non-employee expert continues employment or affiliation with us and complies with certain contractual requirements. The forgiveness of the principal amount of the loans is recorded as compensation over the service period, which is consistent with the term of the loans.

Compensation Arrangements

We have entered into compensation arrangements for the payment of performance awards to certain of our employees and non-employee experts that are payable if specific performance targets are met. The financial targets may include a measure of revenue generation, profitability, or both. The amounts of the awards to be paid under these compensation arrangements could fluctuate depending on future performance during the applicable measurement periods. Changes in the estimated awards are expensed prospectively over the remaining service period. We believe that we will have sufficient funds to satisfy any cash obligations related to the performance awards. We expect to fund any cash payments from existing cash resources, cash generated from operations, or borrowings available on our revolving credit facility.

Our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "2006 Equity Plan"), authorizes the grant of a variety of incentive and performance equity awards to our directors, employees and non-employee experts, including stock options, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other equity awards.

Our long-term incentive program, or "LTIP," is used as a framework for equity grants made under our 2006 equity incentive plan to our senior corporate leaders, practice leaders, and key revenue generators. The equity awards granted under the LTIP include stock options, time-vesting restricted stock units, and performance-vesting restricted stock units.

Our LTIP allows us to grant service- and performance-based cash awards in lieu of, or in addition to, equity awards to our senior corporate leaders, practice leaders, and key revenue generators. The compensation committee of our Board of Directors is responsible for approving all cash and equity awards under the LTIP. We expect to fund any cash payments from existing cash resources, cash generated from operations, or borrowings available under our revolving credit facility.

Business and Talent Acquisitions

As part of our business, we regularly evaluate opportunities to acquire other consulting firms, practices or groups, or other businesses. In recent years, we have typically paid for acquisitions with cash, or a combination of cash and our common stock, and we may continue to do so in the future. To pay for an acquisition, we may use cash on hand, cash generated from our operations, borrowings available under our revolving credit facility, or we may pursue other forms of financing. Our ability to secure short-term and long-term debt or equity financing in the future, including our ability to refinance our credit agreement, will depend on several factors, including our future profitability, the levels of our debt and equity, restrictions under our existing revolving credit facility with our bank, and the overall credit and equity market environments.

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Share Repurchases

In February 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized an expansion of our existing share repurchase program of an additional $35.0 million of our common stock, for a total authorized amount of $46.4 million. We may repurchase shares under this program in open market purchases (including through any Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted by us) or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations.

During the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares under this share repurchase program. For the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, we repurchased and retired 206,379 shares under our share repurchase program at an average price per share of $161.59. During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, we did not repurchase any shares under this share repurchase program. For the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased and retired 211,971 shares under our share repurchase program at an average price per share of $111.23.

As of September 28, 2024, we had approximately $13.1 million available for future repurchases under our share repurchase program. We plan to finance future repurchases with available cash, cash from future operations, and borrowings available under our revolving credit facility. We expect to continue to repurchase shares under our share repurchase program.

Dividends to Shareholders

We anticipate paying regular quarterly dividends each year. These dividends are anticipated to be funded through cash flow from operations, available cash on hand, and/or borrowings available under our revolving credit facility. Although we anticipate paying regular quarterly dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future, the declaration, timing and amounts of any such dividends remain subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. During the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2024, we paid dividends and dividend equivalents of $2.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively. During the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023, we paid dividends and dividend equivalents of $2.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

Impact of Inflation

To date, inflation has not had a material impact on our financial results. There can be no assurance, however, that inflation will not adversely affect our financial results in the future.

Future Capital and Liquidity Needs

We anticipate that our future capital and liquidity needs will principally consist of funds required for:

•operating and general corporate expenses relating to the operation of our business, including the compensation of our employees under various annual bonus or long-term incentive compensation programs;

•the hiring of individuals to replenish and expand our employee base;

•capital expenditures, primarily for information technology equipment, office furniture and leasehold improvements;

•debt service and repayments, including interest payments on borrowings from our revolving credit facility;

•share repurchases under programs that we may have in effect from time to time;

•dividends to shareholders;

•potential acquisitions of businesses that would allow us to diversify or expand our service offerings;

•contingent obligations related to our acquisitions; and

•other known future contractual obligations.

The hiring of individuals to replenish and expand our employee base is an essential part of our business operations and has historically been funded principally from operations. Many of the other above activities are discretionary in nature. For example, capital expenditures can be deferred, acquisitions can be forgone, and share repurchase programs and regular dividends can be suspended. As such, our operating model provides flexibility with respect to the deployment of cash flow from operations. Given this flexibility, we believe that our cash flows from operations, supplemented by cash on hand and

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borrowings under our revolving credit facility (as necessary), will provide adequate cash to fund our long-term cash needs from normal operations for at least the next twelve months.

Our conclusion that we will be able to fund our cash requirements by using existing capital resources and cash generated from operations does not take into account the impact of any future acquisition transactions or any unexpected significant changes in the number of employees or other expenditures that are currently not contemplated. The anticipated cash needs of our business could change significantly if we pursue and complete additional business acquisitions, if our business plans change, if economic conditions change from those currently prevailing or from those now anticipated, or if other unexpected circumstances arise that have a material effect on the cash flow or profitability of our business. Any of these events or circumstances, including any new business opportunities, could involve significant additional funding needs in excess of the identified currently available sources and could require us to raise additional debt or equity funding to meet those needs on terms that may be less favorable compared to our current sources of capital. Our ability to raise additional capital, if necessary, is subject to a variety of factors that we cannot predict with certainty, including:

•our future profitability;

•the quality of our accounts receivable;

•our relative levels of debt and equity;

•the volatility and overall condition of the capital markets; and

•the market prices of our securities.

Factors Affecting Future Performance

Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this report, as well as a description of material risks we face, are set forth below under the heading “Risk Factors” and included in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our 2023 Form 10-K. If any of these risks, or any risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe are not significant, develops into an actual event, then our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024. For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” of our 2023 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. This is done in order to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 28, 2024.

Management has concluded that the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material aspects, our financial position at the end of, and the results of operations and cash flows for, the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Evaluation of Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated whether there were any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2024. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the above evaluation that occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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Important Considerations

The effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting is subject to various inherent limitations, including judgments used in decision making, assumptions about the likelihood of future events, the soundness of our systems, the possibility of human error, and the risk of fraud. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and the risk that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate over time. Because of these limitations, there can be no assurance that any system of disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will be successful in preventing all errors or fraud or in making all material information known in a timely manner to the appropriate levels of management.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

There are many risks and uncertainties that can affect our future business, financial performance or results of operations. In addition to the other information set forth in this report, please review and consider the information regarding certain factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to these risk factors during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a)Not applicable.

(b)Not applicable.

(c)The following provides information about our repurchases of shares of our common stock during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024. During that period, we did not act in concert with any affiliate or any other person to acquire any of our common stock and, accordingly, we do not believe that purchases by any such affiliate or other person (if any) are reportable in the following table. For purposes of this table, we have divided the fiscal quarter into three periods of four weeks, four weeks, and five weeks, respectively, to coincide with our reporting periods during the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


Period	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)(2)	(b) Average Price Paid per Share(1)(2)		(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)	(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)
June 30, 2024 to July 27, 2024	294	$	181.00	—	$	13,088,568
July 28, 2024 to August 24, 2024	—	$	—	—	$	13,088,568
August 25, 2024 to September 28, 2024	—	$	—	—	$	13,088,568
Total	294	$	181.00	—

_______________________________

(1)During the four weeks ended July 27, 2024, we accepted 294 shares of our common stock as a tax withholding from certain of our employees in connection with the vesting of shares of restricted stock that occurred during the indicated period, pursuant to the terms of our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, at the average price of $181.00.

(2)On February 29, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized an expansion to our existing share repurchase program of an additional $35.0 million of outstanding shares of our common stock, for a total authorized amount of $46.4

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million. We may repurchase shares under this program in open market purchases (including through any Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted by us) or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. We currently expect to continue to repurchase shares under this program.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

ITEM 5. Other Information

The following table describes, for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024, each trading arrangement for the sale or purchase of Company securities adopted or terminated by our directors and officers that is a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (in each case, as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).

Name and Title

Date of Adoption of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan

Scheduled Expiration Date of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan

Nature of Trading Arrangement

Aggregate Number of Securities

Daniel K. Mahoney, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer

August 8, 2024

September 9, 2025

Sale

3,000

Jonathan D. Yellin, Executive Vice President and General Counsel

August 8, 2024

November 20, 2025

Sale

7,000

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ITEM 6. Exhibits

Item No.

Filed with this Form 10-Q

Description

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Organization, as amended by the Articles of Amendment to our Articles of Organization filed on May 6, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2020).

3.2

Amended and Restated By-Laws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2011).

10.1

Fifth Amendment to Lease dated August 11, 2021 by and between CRA International, Inc., 601W South Wacker LLC and 601 Sunset Wacker LLC.

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101

The following financial statements from CRA International, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), as follows: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) at September 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the fiscal quarters ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.


Date: October 31, 2024	By:	/s/ PAUL A. MALEH
		Paul A. Maleh
		President and Chief Executive Officer


Date: October 31, 2024	By:	/s/ DANIEL K. MAHONEY
		Daniel K. Mahoney
		Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer

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SEC Form 10-Q filed by CRA International Inc.

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