CRA International to Conduct Auction for FirstEnergy's Ohio Subsidiaries
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 15 2026
0mins
CRA International (CRAI) announced that an auction process will be conducted for FirstEnergy's (FE) Ohio subsidiaries - Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, and The Toledo Edison Company - to procure full requirements service for their Standard Service Offer customers. The auction process will lead up to the auction scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The bidding process will use a descending-price clock auction format. The auction will be managed by the Auction Manager, CRA International, Inc. The auction is being conducted pursuant to approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The Information Session for prospective bidders for the June auction is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026. Instructions on how to join the Webinar session are available on the Auction Information Website. Part 1 Applications from prospective bidders will be accepted starting April 17, 2026, and are due no later than May 5, 2026. For successful Part 1 applicants, the submission window for the Part 2 Application process will begin on May 12, 2026.
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Analyst Views on CRAI
Wall Street analysts forecast CRAI stock price to rise
1 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 140.280
Low
245.00
Averages
245.00
High
245.00
Current: 140.280
Low
245.00
Averages
245.00
High
245.00
About CRAI
CRA International, Inc. is a global consulting firm specializing in providing economic, financial and management consulting services. It offers consulting services in two areas: litigation, regulatory, and financial consulting and management consulting. It provides consulting services to corporate clients and attorneys in a range of litigation and regulatory proceedings, providing research and analysis, expert testimony, and support in litigation and regulatory proceedings in all areas of finance, accounting, economics, insurance, and forensic accounting and investigations. It also uses its expertise in economics, finance, and business to offer law firms, businesses, and government agencies services. Its management consulting services include strategy development, performance improvement, corporate strategy and portfolio analysis, estimation of market demand, new product pricing strategies, survey and market research, valuation of intellectual property and other assets and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
CRAI Dividend Forecast and Stock Performance Analysis
- Dividend Yield Analysis: CRAI's current estimated annualized dividend yield stands at 1.54%, and while dividends are not always predictable, historical data aids in assessing the likelihood of future dividends, thereby influencing investor return expectations.
- Stock Price Range: CRAI's 52-week low is $132.17 and its high is $227.29, with the last trade at $148.89, indicating significant price fluctuations that may affect investor buying decisions based on perceived value.
- Recent Stock Performance: On Friday, CRAI shares rose approximately 0.2%, reflecting short-term market confidence in the stock, which could attract more investor interest and potentially drive further price appreciation.
- Technical Indicator Reference: Comparing the stock's performance against the 200-day moving average provides investors with a technical analysis framework, assisting them in evaluating CRAI's future trajectory and optimal investment timing.
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U.S. Producer Price Index Surges, Impacting Stocks
- Producer Price Surge: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 1.4% month-over-month increase in the Producer Price Index (PPI) for April, marking the largest monthly rise since March 2022, with a year-over-year increase of 6%, indicating persistent inflationary pressures that may lead companies to pass costs onto consumers, thereby increasing market uncertainty.
- Market Reaction: Following this news, several stocks fell sharply, including CRA down 3.5%, SAIC down 4.5%, OSI Systems down 4.2%, EPAM down 3.9%, and Kyndryl down 4.8%, reflecting the market's sensitive response to inflation data and its implications for future earnings.
- Kyndryl's Volatility: Kyndryl's shares have experienced over 20 moves greater than 5% in the past year, and while today's drop is significant, it suggests that the market perceives the news as impactful but not fundamentally altering its view of the business, indicating investor confidence in long-term contracts.
- Investor Interest in IT Sector: As the threat of prolonged Middle East conflict recedes, enterprise clients are more likely to commit to multi-year digital transformation projects, and with moderating inflation expectations alongside falling oil prices, IT firms can better forecast wage and overhead expenses, driving renewed investor interest in the sector as a reliable growth play.
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CRA International Q1 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Performance: CRA International reported a Q1 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.99, missing expectations by $0.03; however, revenue reached $201.0 million, reflecting a 10.5% year-over-year increase and exceeding forecasts by $7.18 million, indicating robust growth in the market.
- Revenue Target: The company outlined a revenue target of $785 million to $805 million for 2026, demonstrating confidence in future growth, particularly through ongoing investments in AI-driven consulting services.
- Profitability Analysis: Although the Q1 Non-GAAP EPS was $2.06, slightly missing expectations by $0.01, the revenue of $197 million surpassed forecasts by $6.46 million, showcasing the company's ability to maintain strong profitability in a competitive landscape.
- Market Rating: Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating on CRA International reflects a positive outlook from the market regarding its future performance, further bolstering investor confidence in the company's strategic direction.
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CRA International Stock Options Show High Implied Volatility
- Options Market Volatility: The $135 call option for CRA International expiring on May 15, 2026, shows high implied volatility, indicating that the market anticipates significant price movement, potentially due to an upcoming event, warranting investor attention.
- Analyst Estimate Changes: Over the past 60 days, two analysts have raised their earnings estimates for CRA International to $2.06 per share, reflecting a cautiously optimistic outlook on the company's future performance amidst fluctuating expectations.
- Trading Strategy Impact: The high implied volatility attracts options traders, with many seasoned traders opting to sell options to capture time decay, hoping that the underlying stock will not move as much as initially expected by expiration.
- Investor Focus: CRA International has been highlighted in a recent Zacks Investment Research report as a potential trading opportunity, which, combined with its ranking in the consulting services industry, may draw increased investor interest.
See More
Charles River Associates Appoints New Vice President
- New Vice President: Charles River Associates announces the return of Hitesh Makhija as Vice President in the Antitrust & Competition Economics Practice, leveraging his expertise in antitrust economics to enhance the firm's competitive edge.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Makhija has significant experience in antitrust-related litigation, having advised numerous Fortune 100 companies on antitrust risks associated with strategic decisions, which is expected to bolster CRA's service capabilities in complex competition matters.
- Global Influence: He has worked through all phases of litigation before regulators in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, enhancing CRA's influence in international markets, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors, software, and airlines.
- Academic Background: Makhija holds a BE in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai and an MA in Economics from both New York University and the University of Minnesota, further elevating CRA's professional image and market competitiveness.
See More
CRA International to Conduct Auction for FirstEnergy Subsidiaries
- Auction Process Initiated: CRA International has announced an auction for FirstEnergy's Ohio subsidiaries, scheduled for June 9, 2026, aimed at providing full requirements service for Standard Service Offer customers, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Bidding Format: The auction will utilize a descending-price clock format managed by CRA International, ensuring a transparent and efficient bidding process, approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, thereby raising industry standards.
- Information Session Scheduled: An information session for prospective bidders is set for April 16, 2026, providing detailed guidance for participation in the auction, ensuring all participants are well-informed about the bidding requirements and processes.
- Application Timeline: Part 1 applications from bidders will be accepted starting April 17, 2026, with a deadline of May 5, and successful applicants will begin the Part 2 application process on May 12, ensuring a smooth auction execution.
See More
CRAI Dividend Forecast and Stock Performance Analysis
- Dividend Yield Analysis: CRAI's current estimated annualized dividend yield stands at 1.54%, and while dividends are not always predictable, historical data aids in assessing the likelihood of future dividends, thereby influencing investor return expectations.
- Stock Price Range: CRAI's 52-week low is $132.17 and its high is $227.29, with the last trade at $148.89, indicating significant price fluctuations that may affect investor buying decisions based on perceived value.
- Recent Stock Performance: On Friday, CRAI shares rose approximately 0.2%, reflecting short-term market confidence in the stock, which could attract more investor interest and potentially drive further price appreciation.
- Technical Indicator Reference: Comparing the stock's performance against the 200-day moving average provides investors with a technical analysis framework, assisting them in evaluating CRAI's future trajectory and optimal investment timing.
See More
U.S. Producer Price Index Surges, Impacting Stocks
- Producer Price Surge: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 1.4% month-over-month increase in the Producer Price Index (PPI) for April, marking the largest monthly rise since March 2022, with a year-over-year increase of 6%, indicating persistent inflationary pressures that may lead companies to pass costs onto consumers, thereby increasing market uncertainty.
- Market Reaction: Following this news, several stocks fell sharply, including CRA down 3.5%, SAIC down 4.5%, OSI Systems down 4.2%, EPAM down 3.9%, and Kyndryl down 4.8%, reflecting the market's sensitive response to inflation data and its implications for future earnings.
- Kyndryl's Volatility: Kyndryl's shares have experienced over 20 moves greater than 5% in the past year, and while today's drop is significant, it suggests that the market perceives the news as impactful but not fundamentally altering its view of the business, indicating investor confidence in long-term contracts.
- Investor Interest in IT Sector: As the threat of prolonged Middle East conflict recedes, enterprise clients are more likely to commit to multi-year digital transformation projects, and with moderating inflation expectations alongside falling oil prices, IT firms can better forecast wage and overhead expenses, driving renewed investor interest in the sector as a reliable growth play.
See More
CRA International Q1 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Performance: CRA International reported a Q1 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.99, missing expectations by $0.03; however, revenue reached $201.0 million, reflecting a 10.5% year-over-year increase and exceeding forecasts by $7.18 million, indicating robust growth in the market.
- Revenue Target: The company outlined a revenue target of $785 million to $805 million for 2026, demonstrating confidence in future growth, particularly through ongoing investments in AI-driven consulting services.
- Profitability Analysis: Although the Q1 Non-GAAP EPS was $2.06, slightly missing expectations by $0.01, the revenue of $197 million surpassed forecasts by $6.46 million, showcasing the company's ability to maintain strong profitability in a competitive landscape.
- Market Rating: Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating on CRA International reflects a positive outlook from the market regarding its future performance, further bolstering investor confidence in the company's strategic direction.
See More
CRA International Stock Options Show High Implied Volatility
- Options Market Volatility: The $135 call option for CRA International expiring on May 15, 2026, shows high implied volatility, indicating that the market anticipates significant price movement, potentially due to an upcoming event, warranting investor attention.
- Analyst Estimate Changes: Over the past 60 days, two analysts have raised their earnings estimates for CRA International to $2.06 per share, reflecting a cautiously optimistic outlook on the company's future performance amidst fluctuating expectations.
- Trading Strategy Impact: The high implied volatility attracts options traders, with many seasoned traders opting to sell options to capture time decay, hoping that the underlying stock will not move as much as initially expected by expiration.
- Investor Focus: CRA International has been highlighted in a recent Zacks Investment Research report as a potential trading opportunity, which, combined with its ranking in the consulting services industry, may draw increased investor interest.
See More
Charles River Associates Appoints New Vice President
- New Vice President: Charles River Associates announces the return of Hitesh Makhija as Vice President in the Antitrust & Competition Economics Practice, leveraging his expertise in antitrust economics to enhance the firm's competitive edge.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Makhija has significant experience in antitrust-related litigation, having advised numerous Fortune 100 companies on antitrust risks associated with strategic decisions, which is expected to bolster CRA's service capabilities in complex competition matters.
- Global Influence: He has worked through all phases of litigation before regulators in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, enhancing CRA's influence in international markets, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors, software, and airlines.
- Academic Background: Makhija holds a BE in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai and an MA in Economics from both New York University and the University of Minnesota, further elevating CRA's professional image and market competitiveness.
See More
CRA International to Conduct Auction for FirstEnergy Subsidiaries
- Auction Process Initiated: CRA International has announced an auction for FirstEnergy's Ohio subsidiaries, scheduled for June 9, 2026, aimed at providing full requirements service for Standard Service Offer customers, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Bidding Format: The auction will utilize a descending-price clock format managed by CRA International, ensuring a transparent and efficient bidding process, approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, thereby raising industry standards.
- Information Session Scheduled: An information session for prospective bidders is set for April 16, 2026, providing detailed guidance for participation in the auction, ensuring all participants are well-informed about the bidding requirements and processes.
- Application Timeline: Part 1 applications from bidders will be accepted starting April 17, 2026, with a deadline of May 5, and successful applicants will begin the Part 2 application process on May 12, ensuring a smooth auction execution.
See More
