CRA International (CRAI) beats Q1 revenue estimates as margins pressure earnings

CRA International (NASDAQ: CRAI) reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $201 million, up 10.5% from a year earlier and above market expectations, while adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share missed analyst estimates by 1.6%. The economic consulting firm said growth was broad-based, with eight practices expanding year over year. Energy, Finance, Forensic Services and Life Sciences posted double-digit gains. North American revenue rose 8.5%, while international revenue increased 20.3%, CEO Paul Maleh said. Margins contracted due to higher forgivable loan amortization, increased employee-related costs and restructuring charges. CRA said it plans to reinvest restructuring savings into talent, while pricing initiatives and demand for complex projects are expected to support future results. Shares traded at $138.25 after the report, down from $152.64 before earnings.