Form 4: CRAI CEO Paul Maleh Reports Equity Transactions

CRA International CEO Paul Maleh reported the vesting and subsequent disposition of restricted stock units and the exercise of stock options on March 10, 2026.

Summary

• Paul A. Maleh, President and CEO of CRA International, Inc. (CRAI), reported multiple equity transactions on March 10, 2026.
• 1,962.4555 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), including 88.4555 Dividend Units, vested on March 10, 2026.
• 88.4555 shares of Common Stock were disposed of at a price of $171.75 per share.
• An additional 907 shares of Common Stock were disposed of at $171.75 per share to cover tax withholding obligations.
• 2,825.3641 RSUs, including 127.3641 Dividend Units, also vested on March 10, 2026.
• 127.3641 shares of Common Stock were disposed of at a price of $171.75 per share.
• An additional 1,305 shares of Common Stock were disposed of at $171.75 per share to cover tax withholding obligations.
• Following these reported transactions, beneficial ownership of Common Stock stands at 122,613 shares.
• Remaining derivative securities include various tranches of Restricted Stock Units with future vesting dates and Nonqualified Stock Options with exercise prices of $44.87 and $47.45.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a routine insider transaction involving the vesting of equity awards and subsequent dispositions for tax purposes. The CEO maintains a substantial beneficial ownership, which is generally positive for investor confidence.

Positives

• The vesting of Restricted Stock Units indicates the maturation of long-term incentive plans for the CEO.
• Paul Maleh maintains a significant beneficial ownership of 122,613 shares of Common Stock, aligning his interests with those of shareholders.

Negatives

• Dispositions of Common Stock, even for tax purposes, result in a reduction of the CEO's direct share ownership.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, particularly from top executives like the CEO, are closely watched by the market. While dispositions for tax purposes are common, the overall level of insider ownership remains a key indicator of management's confidence and alignment with shareholder interests.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The CEO's continued significant beneficial ownership aligns his financial interests with those of the company's shareholders.
• Employees: The equity compensation structure, including RSUs and stock options, represents a standard incentive mechanism for executive compensation.

Next Steps

• Future vesting of various tranches of Restricted Stock Units is scheduled to occur in equal annual installments beginning on April 11, 2026, April 29, 2026, May 20, 2026, and April 29, 2027.
• Nonqualified Stock Options will continue to vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of their respective grant dates.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine equity compensation transactions for the CEO, including the vesting of restricted stock units and subsequent sales to cover taxes. While there are dispositions, the CEO retains a substantial beneficial ownership in CRA International, Inc. (CRAI), which generally signals continued alignment with shareholder interests. There are no new fundamental insights into the company's performance or strategic direction. Therefore, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate as this filing does not present new information warranting a change in investment thesis.

Keywords

CRA International, CRAI, Paul Maleh, SEC Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Options, Equity Compensation, Beneficial Ownership