Core Viewpoint - Wall Street is experiencing a historic rally, but concerns over high valuations, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve rate cuts are leading investors to favor dividend investing as a more stable strategy [1]. Dividend Investing Strategy - Dividend investing provides consistent income and appeals to a wide range of investors, especially during market uncertainty, as it can reduce portfolio volatility and tends to outperform in choppy markets [2]. - Focusing on dividend growth stocks can lead to higher returns compared to simply investing in high-yield dividend stocks [3]. Characteristics of Dividend Growth Stocks - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are associated with mature companies that are less volatile and provide downside protection during economic or political uncertainty [4]. - These stocks typically exhibit superior fundamentals, including sustainable business models, profitability, rising cash flows, good liquidity, and strong balance sheets, indicating potential for future dividend increases [5]. Selection Criteria for Dividend Growth Stocks - The selection process includes criteria such as: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth greater than zero [6]. - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than zero [7]. - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth greater than zero and expected EPS growth rate greater than zero for the next 3-5 years [8]. - Price/Cash Flow ratio less than the industry average, indicating undervaluation [8]. - 52-Week Price Change greater than the S&P 500 [9]. - Top Zacks Rank (1 or 2) and a Growth Score of B or better for optimal upside potential [9]. Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five recommended dividend growth stocks include: - **InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC)**: Estimated earnings growth rate of 64.9% with a Zacks Rank 1 and Growth Score of B [11]. - **ResMed Inc. (RMD)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 20.98% with a Zacks Rank 2 and Growth Score of B [12]. - **Greenbrier Companies Inc. (GBX)**: Estimated growth rate of 4.8% with a Zacks Rank 1 and Growth Score of A [13]. - **Charles River Associates (CRAI)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 30.9% with a Zacks Rank 2 and Growth Score of A [14]. - **Kontoor Brands (KTB)**: Projected earnings growth of 13.1% with a Zacks Rank 2 and Growth Score of B [15].

Core Viewpoint - CRA International, Inc. (CRAI) has experienced significant growth, with its shares increasing by 100.9% over the past year, outperforming its industry and the Zacks S&P 500 composite [1] Financial Performance - CRAI's revenues are projected to grow by 8.5% year-over-year in 2024 and by 2.9% in 2025 [3] - Earnings are estimated to rise by 31% in 2024 and by 5.2% in 2025 [3] - The company has achieved a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 31%, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate [4] - Analysts have revised four estimates for 2024 upwards in the past 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 earnings increasing from $6.9 per share to $7.2 [5] Business Diversification - CRAI has a diversified business model, offering services across various functional areas, client bases, and geographical regions, which enhances revenue generation [6] - The multi-disciplinary setup allows the company to leverage expertise from different domains, reducing reliance on any specific market or geographic area [7] - The global network of coordinated offices across North America and Europe enables CRAI to collaborate with leading professionals worldwide, enhancing its knowledge base [8] Client Base and Market Position - The company primarily serves multinational firms facing complex challenges, with expectations that international operations will expand its geographic footprint and contribute significantly to revenue [9] Shareholder Value - CRAI has a consistent history of returning value to shareholders through dividends, with payouts of $10.8 million, $9.58 million, and $8.29 million in fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively [10] - In the third quarter of 2024, the company paid out $3 million in dividends, reflecting its commitment to shareholder value and confidence in its business [10][11] Market Position and Comparisons - CRAI currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [12] - Other top-ranked stocks in the Zacks Business Services sector include Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH), Braze (BRZE), and DLocal Limited (DLO), each also carrying a Zacks Rank 2 [12]

CRA International, Inc. (CRAI) reported impressive third-quarter 2024 results, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The stock has risen 9.6% since the earnings release in response to the better-than-expected results and strong guidance.CRAI reaffirmed its 2024 constant currency revenue guidance range to $670 million-$685 million in the third quarter of 2024. The guidance range's midpoint ($677.5 million) is higher than the current Zacks Consensus Estimate of $676.2 million. The c ...

CRA International (CRAI) is looking like an interesting pick from a technical perspective, as the company reached a key level of support. Recently, CRAI crossed above the 20-day moving average, suggesting a short-term bullish trend.The 20-day simple moving average is a well-liked trading tool because it provides a look back at a stock's price over a 20-day period. Additionally, short-term traders find this SMA very beneficial, as it smooths out short-term price trends and shows more trend reversal signals t ...

Have you been paying attention to shares of CRA International (CRAI) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 10.3% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $208.38 in the previous session. CRA International has gained 104.9% since the start of the year compared to the 24.6% move for the Zacks Business Services sector and the 20.1% return for the Zacks Consulting Services industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as ...

Growth stocks are attractive to many investors, as above-average financial growth helps these stocks easily grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. However, it isn't easy to find a great growth stock.By their very nature, these stocks carry above-average risk and volatility. Moreover, if a company's growth story is over or nearing its end, betting on it could lead to significant loss.However, it's pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks with the help of the Zacks Growth Style Sco ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 13.7% year-over-year to $167.7 million, marking a record Q3 performance and the highest revenue quarters in CRA's history for the first three quarters of fiscal 2024 [7][10] - Non-GAAP net income, earnings per diluted share, and EBITDA each increased by more than 50%, significantly outpacing revenue growth [10] - Consultant utilization improved to 76% year-over-year, despite a slight decrease in consultant headcount compared to Q3 2023 [8][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Legal and regulatory services revenue grew nearly 20% year-over-year, driven by strong utilization and execution [10] - The Antitrust & Competition Economics practice grew revenue by nearly 30% year-over-year, benefiting from increased demand for antitrust and merger-related services [12] - The Financial Economics practice provided model validation and fair lending testing services, contributing to overall revenue growth [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall project lead flow increased by 8% year-over-year, with conversion rates returning to historical norms of approximately 66% [9][52] - Worldwide M&A activity totaled $2.3 trillion during the first nine months of 2024, an increase of 16% compared to the previous year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on directing consultant resources to areas with higher growth potential, particularly in legal and regulatory services [42] - Integration efforts are ongoing, with cross-staffing of client projects and joint marketing initiatives [26] - The company plans to continue investing in talent and infrastructure to support growth [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt to changing regulatory environments and demand dynamics, regardless of potential administration changes [59] - The company reaffirmed its revenue and profit guidance for fiscal 2024, expecting revenue in the range of $670 million to $685 million [30] Other Important Information - The company concluded the quarter with $24.5 million in cash and $60 million in borrowings, resulting in net debt of $35.5 million [32] - A 17% increase in the quarterly cash dividend was announced, reflecting confidence in the business [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on talent and headcount trajectory - Management noted that there was actually an expansion of heads year-over-year in Q3, despite a decrease in overall headcount due to previous actions [41] Question: Demand dynamics in management consulting - The Life Sciences practice is stabilizing, while the Energy practice is experiencing strong growth and hiring [44][46] Question: Cadence through the quarter - The quarter started strong and maintained strength through July, August, and September without volatility [48] Question: Trends in attrition - Voluntary attrition rates remain low, and the company is planning accordingly for future hiring [56] Question: Regulatory environment and potential impacts - Management indicated that the firm is well-positioned to adjust to the needs of clients under any administration, with a strong service portfolio [59]

CRA International (CRAI) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.77 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.58 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.13 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 12.03%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this consulting firm would post earnings of $1.49 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.83, delivering a surprise of 22.82%. Over the last four quarters, ...

Exhibit 99.2 1 CHARLES RIVER ASSOCIATES (CRA) THIRD QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2024 EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT PREPARED CFO REMARKS CRA is providing these prepared remarks by CFO Dan Mahoney in combination with its press release. These remarks are offered to provide the investment community with additional information on CRA's financial results prior to the start of the conference call. As previously announced, the conference call will be held October 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET. These prepared remarks will not be read o ...

Investors in Charles River Associates, Inc.(CRAI) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Dec 20, 2024 $70.00 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today. What is Implied Volatility? Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. ...