Why You Should Invest in Charles River (CRAI) Stock Now
CRA International, Inc., which conducts business as Charles River Associates CRAI, is currently benefiting from a strong global presence, business diversification and an excellent professional team.
Let’s take a look at some factors that make the stock an attractive pick.
Solid Rank: Charles River currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2, offer attractive investment opportunities for investors.
Northward Estimate Revisions: One estimate for 2023 moved north in the past 60 days versus no southward revision, reflecting analysts’ confidence in the company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRAI’s 2023 earnings has moved up 0.5% in the past 60 days.
Charles River Associates Price and EPS Surprise
Charles River Associates price-eps-surprise | Charles River Associates Quote
Positive Earnings Surprise History: Charles River has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice, delivering an earnings surprise of 5.13%, on average.
Driving Factors: Charles River has a diversified business portfolio, with service offerings across areas of functional expertise, client base and regions. Proficiency in multiple industries helps the company meet varying client needs and offer other innovative services. Further, it gets to know about business strategies adopted worldwide. This multidisciplinary setup enables it to bring experts from all fields under one platform.
In 2022, 2021, and 2020, the company repurchased shares worth $27.6 million, $44.9 million and $13.4 million, respectively. It paid $9.58 million, $8.29 million, and $7.50 million as dividends during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Such moves indicate its commitment to creating value for shareholders and underline its confidence in its business.
Other Stocks to Consider
Here are some other top-ranked stocks from the Business Services sector that are worth consideration:
Verisk Analytics VRSK beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters and matched on one instance, with an average surprise of 9.9%. The consensus mark for 2023 revenues is pegged at $2.66 billion, suggesting a decrease of 8.2% from the year-ago figure. The consensus estimate for 2023 earnings is pegged at $5.72 per share, indicating a 14% rise from the year-ago figure. VRSK currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Automatic Data ADP currently has a Zacks Rank of 2. It outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 3.1%. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2023 revenues and earnings implies growth of 6.3% and 11.1%, respectively.
Broadridge BR currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. It surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, missed once and matched on one instance, the average surprise being 0.5%. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2024 revenues and earnings suggests growth of 7.2% and 8.8%, respectively.
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Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Charles River Associates (CRAI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
