12 Best Consulting Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

9. CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 17

Revenue Growth Rate (year-over-year): 10.17%

CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI) ranks ninth on our list of Best Consulting Stocks. It is a US-based advisory company that offers economic, financial, and management consulting services. The firm advises clients on economic and financial challenges arising from litigation and regulatory actions, as well as assisting businesses in developing critical business plans and resolving performance issues. Clients include domestic and foreign companies, government agencies, public and private utilities, and national and international trade groups. The business makes the majority of its revenue in the United States, but it also has a presence in the United Kingdom and other countries.

CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI) had a remarkable revenue growth in fiscal 2024, growing revenue by 10.2% to $687.4 million, marking the seventh consecutive year of record annual revenue. Net income, earnings per diluted share, and EBITDA rose by more than 20% YoY, exceeding revenue growth. In Q4 2024, the firm achieved revenue growth of 9.2% from Q4 2023, fueled by 7.8% growth in North America and 15.7% growth in overseas operations. Legal and regulatory services revenue grew by 7% in the fourth quarter, outpacing the larger legal market, while finance and intellectual property practices surged by more than 20% YoY.

Barrington analyst Kevin Steinke upgraded CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRAI)’s price objective to $224 from $212 and maintained an Outperform rating on the stock following Q4 adjusted EPS above the firm’s estimate, and the consensus and 2025 sales guidance exceeded expectations.