Charles River Associates (CRA) Announces Third Quarter 2015 Financial Results

CRA Continues to Drive Growth and Profitability; Delivers 13% Headcount Growth While Achieving Companywide Utilization of 73%

BOSTON--()--Charles River Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI), a worldwide leader in providing economic, financial, and management consulting services, today announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended October 3, 2015.

“CRA’s success is tied to the extraordinary talents of our colleagues and a multidisciplinary approach to solving clients’ complex problems,” said Paul Maleh, CRA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The resulting strong demand for our services provided CRA the opportunity to welcome 77 new professionals during the third quarter, positioning the Company for future organic growth. These additions were a combination of junior and senior staff and increased consulting headcount relative to the second quarter of fiscal 2015 by 13% to 507, surpassing our previously announced expectations of 8% to 10%. Amid this large influx, we maintained companywide quarterly utilization of 73%. In the months ahead, we will remain diligent in helping our new colleagues ramp up and integrate into the firm.”

“In the third quarter, we achieved non-GAAP revenue of $75.5 million and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.32,” said Maleh. “We are pleased with CRA’s 4.5% year-over-year organic revenue growth during the third quarter, which is even stronger when adjusted for the effects of foreign currency headwinds. Our performance was led by the Antitrust & Competition Economics, Financial Economics and Intellectual Property practices, which all achieved double-digit revenue growth.”

“During the third quarter, we concentrated our staffing investments in areas with opportunities for expansion, focusing on practices with strong market presence as well as strengthening our portfolio to meet growing market demands,” said Maleh. “Approximately 30% of the new consultants joined our largest and most prominent practice, Antitrust & Competition Economics, which enjoyed a second consecutive quarter of record performance. Together with the Antitrust & Competition Economics practice, additions to forensic and cyber investigations, labor and employment, life sciences and financial services accounted for roughly 75% of the new consultants.”

“On a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2014, we expect 2015 non-GAAP revenue in the range of $312 million to $320 million, and non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA margin between 16.3% to 16.7%. Lead flow throughout the organization and its conversion to revenue generating projects continue to be healthy. The resulting project inventory from our current portfolio of services is as strong as I have seen during my tenure as CEO,” Maleh concluded.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2015 Results

Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $76.5 million, compared with $73.5 million for the fiscal third quarter ended September 27, 2014. Non-GAAP revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $75.5 million, compared with $72.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $11.7 million, or 15.3% of revenue, compared with $12.2 million, or 16.7% of revenue, for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. On a non-GAAP basis, Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $11.8 million, or 15.6% of revenue, compared with $12.2 million, or 16.9% of revenue, for the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $2.9 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared with $3.2 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Non-GAAP net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $2.9 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared with $3.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

On a constant currency basis relative to the third quarter of fiscal 2014, non-GAAP revenue would have increased by approximately $1.7 million, or roughly 7% organic revenue growth, to $77.1 million; non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA would have increased by approximately $0.4 million to $12.2 million, or 15.8% of revenue; and non-GAAP net income would have increased by approximately $0.3 million to $3.2 million, or by approximately $0.03 per diluted share to $0.35 per diluted share. A description of the process for calculating the measures presented on a constant currency basis is contained under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

A complete reconciliation between revenue, gross profit, net income and net income per diluted share, and the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, for the third quarters and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, are provided in the financial tables at the end of this release.

Conference Call Information and Prepared CFO Remarks

CRA will host a conference call this morning at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its third quarter 2015 financial results. To listen to the live call, please visit the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at http://www.crai.com, or dial (877) 709-8155 or (201) 689-8881. An archived version of the webcast will be available on CRA’s website for one year.

In combination with this press release, CRA has posted prepared remarks by its CFO Chad Holmes under “Conference Call Materials” in the investor relations section on the Company’s website at http://www.crai.com. These remarks are offered to provide the investment community with additional background on CRA’s financial results prior to the start of the conference call.

About Charles River Associates (CRA)

Charles River Associates® is a global consulting firm specializing in litigation, regulatory, financial, and management consulting. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world and is celebrating its 50th year anniversary in 2015. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In addition to reporting its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company has also provided in this release non-GAAP financial information. The Company believes that the use of non-GAAP measures in addition to GAAP measures is a useful method of evaluating its results of operations. The Company believes that presenting its financial results excluding the results of the Company’s NeuCo subsidiary, excluding a non-cash charge resulting from an increase in a contingent liability for a future contingent consideration payment relating to a prior acquisition, and including a presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is important to investors and management because it is more indicative of the Company’s ongoing operating results and financial condition. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in conjunction with, but not as a substitute for, the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and the results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those results should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. Specifically, for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the year to date period ended as of the third quarter of fiscal 2014, and its fiscal 2015 guidance, the Company has excluded NeuCo’s results, and for the year to date period ended as of the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company has excluded NeuCo’s results and a non-cash charge relating to an increased liability for a future contingent consideration payment related to a prior acquisition. Also, in calculating “Adjusted EBITDA” from income (loss) from operations for these fiscal periods, the Company has excluded the following non-cash expenses: depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expenses, and amortization of forgivable loans.

Finally, the Company also believes that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can significantly affect its financial results and provides a constant currency presentation to supplement disclosures regarding its results of operations and performance. The Company calculates constant currency amounts relative to a prior period, which also constitute non-GAAP financial information, by converting its current period local currency financial results using the prior period exchange rates. The Company has presented in this press release its non-GAAP revenue, gross profit, net income, earnings per diluted share and Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 on a constant currency basis relative to the third quarter of fiscal 2014, and its guidance for fiscal 2015 non-GAAP revenue and Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2014.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Statements in this press release concerning our future business, operating results and financial condition, including statements regarding any effect of increased headcount on our performance, our continuing future project lead flow or conversion rate, or containing any guidance regarding our future revenues, profits or other financial measures, including our 2015 non-GAAP revenue and non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA margin, and statements using the terms “expect,” “position,” “anticipate,” “believe” or similar expressions, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21 of the Exchange Act. These statements are based upon our current expectations and various underlying assumptions. Although we believe there is a reasonable basis for these statements and assumptions, and these statements are expressed in good faith, these statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties. Information contained in these forward-looking statements is inherently uncertain, and our actual performance and results may differ materially due to many important factors. Our actual non-GAAP revenue and non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA margin in fiscal 2015 on a constant currency basis relative to fiscal 2014 could differ materially from the guidance presented herein as a result of, including, among other things, the loss of key employee consultants or non-employee experts; their failure to generate engagements for us; our inability to attract or hire qualified consultants or to utilize existing consultants; the unpredictable nature of litigation-related projects; dependence on the growth of our management consulting practice; the change in demand for our services; the potential loss of clients; changes in the law that affect our practice areas; global economic conditions; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; intense competition; and the timing of and amount of new hires. In addition to these factors, other factors that could cause our actual performance or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, among others, our restructuring costs and attributable annual cost savings, changes in our effective tax rate, share dilution from our stock-based compensation, completing acquisitions and factors related to our completed acquisitions, including integration of personnel, clients and offices and unanticipated expenses and liabilities, the risk of impairment write downs to our intangible assets, including goodwill, if our enterprise value declines below certain levels, risks associated with acquisitions we may make in the future, risks inherent in international operations, changes in accounting standards, rules and regulations, management of new offices, the ability of customers to terminate engagements with us on short notice, our ability to integrate successfully new consultants into our practice, our ability to collect on forgivable loans should any become due, general economic conditions, risks inherent in litigation, the performance of our NeuCo subsidiary, and professional liability. Further information on these and other potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including risks under the heading “Risk Factors.” We cannot guarantee any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, and we do not intend to do so.

 
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS INCLUDING A RECONCILIATION TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 3, 2015 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)
                   
Quarter Ended October 3, 2015 Quarter Ended September 27, 2014
GAAP
Results
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
(NeuCo) (1)
Non-GAAP
Results
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
GAAP
Results
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
(NeuCo) (1)
Non-GAAP
Results
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
 
Revenues $ 76,525 100.0 % $ 1,055 $ 75,470 100.0 % $ 73,483 100.0 % $ 1,265 $ 72,218 100.0 %
Costs of services   52,029   68.0 %   334     51,695   68.5 %   49,417   67.2 %   392     49,025   67.9 %
Gross profit 24,496 32.0 % 721 23,775 31.5 % 24,066 32.8 % 873 23,193 32.1 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 18,355 24.0 % 772 17,583 23.3 % 16,674 22.7 % 874 15,800 21.9 %
Depreciation and amortization   1,560   2.0 %   -     1,560   2.1 %   1,597   2.2 %   -     1,597   2.2 %
Income (loss) from operations 4,581 6.0 % (51 ) 4,632 6.1 % 5,795 7.9 % (1 ) 5,796 8.0 %
 
Interest expense, net   (235 ) -0.3 %   (14 )   (221 ) -0.3 %   (220 ) -0.3 %   (17 )   (203 ) -0.3 %

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
and noncontrolling interest

4,346 5.7 % (65 ) 4,411 5.8 % 5,575 7.6 % (18 ) 5,593 7.7 %
Provision for income taxes   (1,533 ) -2.0 %   (42 )   (1,491 ) -2.0 %   (2,386 ) -3.2 %   (61 )   (2,325 ) -3.2 %
Net income (loss) 2,813 3.7 % (107 ) 2,920 3.9 % 3,189 4.3 % (79 ) 3,268 4.5 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax   47   0.1 %   47     -   0.0 %   35   0.0 %   35     -   0.0 %
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. $ 2,860   3.7 % $ (60 ) $ 2,920   3.9 % $ 3,224   4.4 % $ (44 ) $ 3,268   4.5 %
 
Net income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:
Basic $ 0.32   $ 0.33   $ 0.33   $ 0.34  
Diluted $ 0.31   $ 0.32   $ 0.33   $ 0.33  
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic   8,940     8,940     9,729     9,729  
Diluted   9,086     9,086     9,919     9,919  
 

(1) These adjustments include activity related to NeuCo in the Company's GAAP results.

                     
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS INCLUDING A RECONCILIATION TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR TO DATE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 3, 2015 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL YEAR TO DATE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Year To Date Period Ended October 3, 2015 Year To Date Period Ended September 27, 2014
GAAP
Results
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
(Contingent Liability) (1)
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
(NeuCo) (2)
Non-GAAP
Results
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
GAAP
Results
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
(NeuCo) (2)
Non-GAAP
Results
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
 
 
Revenues $ 231,099 100.0 % $ - $ 2,859 $ 228,240 100.0 % $ 227,912 100.0 % $ 3,738 $ 224,174 100.0 %
Costs of services   156,523   67.7 %   833     1,040     154,650   67.8 %   153,952   67.5 %   1,156     152,796   68.2 %
Gross profit 74,576 32.3 % (833 ) 1,819 73,590 32.2 % 73,960 32.5 % 2,582 71,378 31.8 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 55,105 23.8 % - 2,405 52,700 23.1 % 51,297 22.5 % 2,761 48,536 21.7 %
Depreciation and amortization   4,766   2.1 %   -     -     4,766   2.1 %   4,746   2.1 %   -     4,746   2.1 %
Income (loss) from operations 14,705 6.4 % (833 ) (586 ) 16,124 7.1 % 17,917 7.9 % (179 ) 18,096 8.1 %
 
Interest and other income (expense), net   (337 ) -0.1 %   -     570     (907 ) -0.4 %   (624 ) -0.3 %   (23 )   (601 ) -0.3 %
Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes
and noncontrolling interest 14,368 6.2 % (833 ) (16 ) 15,217 6.7 % 17,293 7.6 % (202 ) 17,495 7.8 %
Provision for income taxes   (5,454 ) -2.4 %   -     (97 )   (5,357 ) -2.3 %   (7,629 ) -3.3 %   (155 )   (7,474 ) -3.3 %
Net income (loss) 8,914 3.9 % (833 ) (113 ) 9,860 4.3 % 9,664 4.2 % (357 ) 10,021 4.5 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax   50   0.0 %   -     50     -   0.0 %   158   0.1 %   158     -   0.0 %
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. $ 8,964   3.9 % $ (833 ) $ (63 ) $ 9,860   4.3 % $ 9,822   4.3 % $ (199 ) $ 10,021   4.5 %
 
Net income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:
Basic $ 0.98   $ 1.08   $ 0.99   $ 1.01  
Diluted $ 0.97   $ 1.06   $ 0.98   $ 1.00  
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic   9,055     9,055     9,892     9,892  
Diluted   9,247     9,247     10,018     10,018  
 

(1) These adjustments include activity related to an increase in the liability for future contingent consideration payments in connection with a previous acquisition.

(2) These adjustments include activity related to NeuCo in the Company's GAAP results.

                     
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED ADJUSTED EBITDA INCLUDING A RECONCILIATION TO NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EBITDA
FOR THE QUARTER AND YEAR TO DATE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 3, 2015 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER AND YEAR TO DATE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Quarter Ended October 3, 2015 Quarter Ended September 27, 2014
 
GAAP
Quarter Ended
October 3, 2015
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
Contingent Liability (1)
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
NeuCo (2)
Non-GAAP
Quarter Ended
October 3, 2015
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
GAAP
Quarter Ended
September 27, 2014
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
NeuCo (2)
Non-GAAP
Quarter Ended
September 27, 2014
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
 
Income (loss) from operations $ 4,581 6.0 % $ - $ (51 ) $ 4,632 6.1 % $ 5,795 7.9 % $ (1 ) $ 5,796 8.0 %
Depreciation and amortization   1,560 2.0 %   -     -     1,560 2.1 %   1,597 2.2 %   -     1,597 2.2 %
EBITDA 6,141 8.0 % - (51 ) 6,192 8.2 % 7,392 10.1 % (1 ) 7,393 10.2 %
Share-based compensation expenses 1,405 1.8 % - - 1,405 1.9 % 1,507 2.1 % - 1,507 2.1 %
Amortization of forgivable loans   4,190 5.5 %   -     -     4,190 5.6 %   3,340 4.5 %   -     3,340 4.6 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 11,736 15.3 % $ -   $ (51 ) $ 11,787 15.6 % $ 12,239 16.7 % $ (1 ) $ 12,240 16.9 %
 
 
 
Year to Date Period Ended October 3, 2015 Year to Date Period Ended September 27, 2014

GAAP
Year to Date
Period Ended
October 3, 2015

GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
Contingent Liability (1)
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
NeuCo (2)
Non-GAAP
Year to Date
Period Ended
October 3, 2015
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
GAAP
Year to Date
Period Ended
September 27, 2014
GAAP
% of
Revenues
Adjustments to
GAAP Results
NeuCo (2)
Non-GAAP
Year to Date
Period Ended
September 27, 2014
Non-GAAP
% of
Revenues
 
Income (loss) from operations $ 14,705 6.4 %

$

(833 ) $ (586 ) $ 16,124 7.1 % $ 17,917 7.9 % $ (179 ) $ 18,096 8.1 %
Depreciation and amortization   4,766 2.1 %   -     -     4,766 2.1 %   4,746 2.1 %   -     4,746 2.1 %
EBITDA 19,471 8.4 % (833 ) (586 ) 20,890 9.2 % 22,663 9.9 % (179 ) 22,842 10.2 %
Share-based compensation expenses 4,403 1.9 % - - 4,403 1.9 % 4,123 1.8 % - 4,123 1.8 %
Amortization of forgivable loans   11,690 5.1 %   -     -     11,690 5.1 %   10,262 4.5 %   -     10,262 4.6 %
Adjusted EBITDA $ 35,564 15.4 % $ (833 ) $ (586 ) $ 36,983 16.2 % $ 37,048 16.3 % $ (179 ) $ 37,227 16.6 %
 

(1) These adjustments include activity related to an increase in the liability for future contingent consideration payments in connection with a previous acquisition.

(2) These adjustments include activity related to NeuCo in the Company's GAAP results.

     
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
 
October 3,
2015
January 3,
2015
 
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,003 $ 48,199
Accounts receivable and unbilled, net 93,549 83,165
Other current assets   38,701   33,803
Total current assets 153,253 165,167
 
Property and equipment, net 28,471 14,696
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 85,770 87,060
Other assets   42,329   48,089
Total assets $ 309,823 $ 315,012
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities $ 75,920 $ 88,394
Long-term liabilities   17,860   11,914
Total liabilities 93,780 100,308
 
Total shareholders’ equity   216,043   214,704
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 309,823 $ 315,012
 
 
CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
     

Fiscal Year to Date
Period Ended

 

Fiscal Year to Date
Period Ended

October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Operating activities:
Net income $ 8,914 $ 9,664
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities,
net of effect of acquired businesses:
Non-cash items, net 13,707 5,453
Accounts receivable and unbilled services (11,765 ) 4,478
Other working capital items, net   (15,720 )     (8,843 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (4,864 ) 10,752
 
Investing activities:
Consideration relating to acquisitions, net - (1,537 )
Purchases of property and equipment (12,696 ) (3,175 )
Collections on notes receivable 1,554 114
Payments on notes receivable (77 ) -
   
Net cash used in investing activities (11,219 ) (4,598 )
 
Financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises 602 -
Payments on notes payable (300 ) (26 )
Borrowings under line of credit 4,000 -
Repayments under line of credit (4,000 ) -
Tax withholding payments reimbursed by restricted shares (127 ) (159 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 87 -
Repurchase of common stock (10,810 ) (11,927 )
   
Net cash used in financing activities (10,548 ) (12,112 )
 
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents   (565 )   (609 )
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (27,196 ) (6,567 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   48,199     51,251  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 21,003   $ 44,684  
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
Cash paid for income taxes $ 8,227   $ 12,608  
Cash paid for interest $ 240   $ 287  
Common stock issued for acquired business $ 42   $ 427  
Purchased property and equipment not yet paid for $ 3,858   $ -  
Purchased property and equipment paid for by a third party $ 1,343   $ -  
Securities received from a customer for settlement of accounts receivable $ 192   $ -  
 

Contacts

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

Contacts

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