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Reasons Why You Should Bet on Charles River (CRAI) Stock

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CRA International, Inc., which conducts business as Charles River Associates (CRAI - Free Report) , is currently benefiting from a strong global presence, business diversification and an excellent professional team.

Let’s take a look at the factors that make the stock an attractive pick.

Solid Rank: Charles Rivercurrently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 offer attractive investment opportunities. Thus, the company seems to be an appropriate investment proposition at the moment. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Northward Estimate Revisions: Two estimates for 2022 moved north in the past 60 days versus no southward revision, reflecting analysts’ confidence in the company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2022 earnings has moved up 4.8% in the past 60 days.

Positive Earnings Surprise History: Charles Riverhas an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all of the trailing four quarters, delivering an earnings surprise of 35.8%, on average.

Charles River Associates Price and EPS Surprise

Charles River Associates Price and EPS Surprise

Charles River Associates price-eps-surprise | Charles River Associates Quote

Driving Factors: Charles River has a diversified business with service offerings across areas of functional expertise, client base and regions. Being proficient in multiple industries helps the company meet varying client needs and offer other innovative services. Further, the company gets to know about business strategies adopted worldwide. This multidisciplinary setup enables it to bring experts from all fields under one platform. 

The company operates through a global network of coordinated offices spread across North America and Europe. The company’s international presence allows it to work with the world’s leading professionals on multiple issues. This helps the company enhance its knowledge base and areas of functional expertise.

In 2021, 2020 and 2019, the company repurchased shares worth $44.9 million, $13.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively. It paid $8.29 million, $7.50 million and $6.54 million in dividends during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Such moves indicate the company’s commitment to creating value for shareholders and underline its confidence in its business. 

Other Stocks to Consider

Other stocks worth considering in the broader Zacks Business Services sector are Avis Budget Group, Inc. (CAR - Free Report) , Cross Country Healthcare (CCRN - Free Report) and FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS - Free Report) .

Avis Budgetsports a Zacks Rank #1. The company has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 19.4%.  

Avis Budgetdelivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 102%, on average.  

Cross Country Healthcare sports a Zacks Rank #1. The company has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 6.9%.

Cross Country Healthcare delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.2%, on average.  

FactSet’ carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 10%.

FactSet pulled off a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise (three beats & one miss) of 6.1%, on average.

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