Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business CRA International, Inc. ("CRA") is a worldwide leading consulting services firm that applies advanced analytic techniques and in-depth industry knowledge to complex engagements for a broad range of clients. CRA offers services in two broad areas: litigation, regulatory, and financial consulting and management consulting. CRA operates in two business segments, which are consulting services and NeuCo. CRA operates its business under its registered trade name, Charles River Associates. Fiscal Year CRA's fiscal year end is the Saturday nearest December 31 of each year. CRA's fiscal years periodically contain 53 weeks rather than 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015 was a 52-week year, fiscal 2014 was a 53-week year, and fiscal 2013 was a 52-week year. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CRA and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, as more fully explained below, the consolidated financial statements include CRA's interest in NeuCo, Inc. ("NeuCo"). All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. NeuCo Interest CRA's ownership interest in NeuCo is 55.89% for all periods presented. Therefore, NeuCo's financial results have been consolidated with CRA's and the portion of NeuCo's results allocable to its other owners is shown as "noncontrolling interest." Additionally, a member of CRA's board of directors holds a greater than 5% interest in NeuCo as of January 2, 2016. NeuCo's software sales and maintenance agreement revenues included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014, and fiscal 2013 totaled approximately $3.8 million, $4.8 million, and $5.1 million, respectively. NeuCo's net loss included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was approximately $3.0 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. NeuCo's net loss, net of amounts allocable to its other owners, included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was approximately $1.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. NeuCo's interim reporting schedule is based on calendar month-ends, but its fiscal year end is the last Saturday of November. CRA's quarterly results could include a few days reporting lag between CRA's quarter end and the most recent financial statements available from NeuCo. CRA does not believe that the reporting lag will have a significant impact on CRA's consolidated statements of operations or financial condition. On January 8, 2015, NeuCo entered into an agreement to settle a note payable of approximately $981,000 in exchange for aggregate payments of $375,000. NeuCo recorded a gain on the extinguishment of this debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 of approximately $606,000. Under the settlement order, the scheduled payments were made as follows: $150,000 on January 8, 2015 and $150,000 on February 28, 2015. The final payment of $75,000 was paid on February 16, 2016. In case of default, the original amount would become due with credit given for amounts previously paid. See note 17, "Subsequent Events," regarding the final $75,000 repayment of this debt made on February 16, 2016. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other," goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are monitored annually for impairment, or more frequently, as necessary, if events or circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. During the fourth quarter of 2015 it was determined that NeuCo's net book value exceeded its fair value of equity. Therefore, it was required to perform a step two goodwill impairment test, which resulted in an impairment charge of $4.5 million. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of consolidated revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounts and unbilled receivable allowances, revenue recognition on fixed price contracts, depreciation of property and equipment, share-based compensation, valuation of acquired intangible assets, impairment of long lived assets and goodwill, accrued and deferred income taxes, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, accrued compensation, accrued exit costs, and other accrued expenses. These items are monitored and analyzed by CRA for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. CRA bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that CRA believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates if CRA's assumptions based on past experience or other assumptions do not turn out to be substantially accurate. Reclassifications For presentation purposes, CRA has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on earnings. Forgivable loans were reclassed from prepaid expenses and other current assets, as well as other assets, on the consolidated balance sheets. Revenue Recognition CRA derives substantially all of its revenues from the performance of professional services. The contracts that CRA enters into and operates under specify whether the engagement will be billed on a time-and-materials or a fixed-price basis. These engagements generally last three to six months, although some of CRA's engagements can be much longer in duration. CRA recognizes substantially all of its revenues under written service contracts with its clients when the fee is fixed or determinable, as the services are provided, and only in those situations where collection from the client is reasonably assured and sufficient contractual documentation has been obtained. In certain cases CRA provides services to its clients without sufficient contractual documentation, or fees are tied to performance-based criteria, which require CRA to defer revenue in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In these cases, these amounts are fully reserved until all criteria for recognizing revenue are met. Most of CRA's revenue is derived from time-and-materials service contracts. Revenues from time-and-materials service contracts are recognized as services are provided based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates, as well as indirect fees based upon hours worked. Revenues from the majority of CRA's fixed-price engagements are recognized on a proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred, substantially all of which are labor-related, to the total estimated project costs. CRA derived approximately 14%, 15%, and 13% of consolidated revenues from fixed-price engagements in fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014, and fiscal 2013, respectively. In general, project costs are classified as costs of services and are based on the direct salary of the consultants on the engagement plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the engagement, including any amounts billed to CRA by non-employee experts. The proportional performance method is used for fixed-price contracts because reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made, based on historical experience and the terms set forth in the contract, and are indicative of the level of benefit provided to CRA's clients. Fixed-price contracts generally convert to time-and-materials contracts in the event the contract terminates. CRA's management maintains contact with project managers to discuss the status of the projects and, for fixed-price engagements, management is updated on the budgeted costs and resources required to complete the project. These budgets are then used to calculate revenue recognition and to estimate the anticipated income or loss on the project. Occasionally, CRA has been required to commit unanticipated additional resources to complete projects, which has resulted in lower than anticipated income or losses on those contracts. CRA may experience similar situations in the future. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are made during the period in which such losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, such losses have not been significant. Revenues also include reimbursable expenses, which include reimbursements for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended January 2, 2016 (52 weeks) January 3, 2015 (53 weeks) December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) Reimbursable expenses $ $ $ CRA's revenues include projects secured by its non-employee experts as well as projects secured by its employees. CRA recognizes all project revenue on a gross basis based on the consideration of the criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations . CRA maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses and disputed amounts resulting from clients' failure to make required payments. CRA bases its estimates on historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, CRA examines historical write-offs of its receivables and reviews client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues. If the financial condition of CRA's customers were to deteriorate or disputes were to arise regarding the services provided, resulting in an impairment of their ability or intent to make payment, additional allowances may be required. Unbilled services represent revenue recognized by CRA for services performed but not yet billed to the client. Deferred revenue represents amounts billed or collected in advance of services rendered. CRA collects goods and services and value added taxes from customers and records these amounts on a net basis, which is within the scope of ASC Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations . Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist principally of securities with a maturity of three months or less when purchased and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents in the form of investments in money market fund shares are held at net asset value, which approximates fair value. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement), then priority to quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market (Level 2 measurement), then the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The following table shows CRA's financial instruments as of January 2, 2016 and January 3, 2015 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): January 2, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Money market funds $ $ — $ — Total Assets $ $ — $ — Liabilities: Contingent acquisition liability $ — $ — $ Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ January 3, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Money market funds $ $ — $ — Total Assets $ $ — $ — Liabilities: Contingent acquisition liability $ — $ — $ Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ The fair values of CRA's money market funds are based on quotes received from third-party banks. The contingent acquisition liability in the table above is for estimated future contingent consideration payments related to a prior acquisition. The fair value measure of this liability is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of this contingent acquisition liability are CRA's measures of the estimated payouts based on internally generated financial projections and discount rates. The fair value of the contingent acquisition liability is reassessed on a quarterly basis by CRA using additional information as it becomes available and any change in the fair value estimate is recorded in the earnings of that period. CRA's financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, loans and advances to employees and non-employee experts, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments or because their stated interest rates are indicative of market interest rates. Goodwill In accordance with ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other" ("ASC Topic 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are monitored annually as of October 15th for impairment, or more frequently, as necessary, if events or circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. For CRA's goodwill impairment analysis, it operates under two reporting units, which are consulting services and NeuCo. Under ASC Topic 350, in performing the first step of the goodwill impairment testing and measurement process, CRA compares the estimated value of each of its reporting units to its net book value to identify potential impairment. CRA estimates the fair value of its consulting business utilizing its market capitalization, plus an appropriate control premium, less the estimated fair value of NeuCo. Market capitalization is determined by multiplying CRA's shares outstanding on the test date by the market price of its common stock on that date. CRA determines the control premium utilizing a discounted cash flow model that takes into consideration CRA's forecasted results as well as appropriate industry, market and other pertinent factors, including indications of such premiums from data on recent acquisition transactions. The fair value of NeuCo is determined using an income approach which measures the value of the enterprise based on an expected stream of earnings over time. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its net book value, the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired. If through the impairment evaluation process a reporting unit determines that goodwill has been impaired, an impairment charge would be recorded in CRA's consolidated income statement. NeuCo incurred an impairment loss during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. CRA's consulting services did not incur an impairment loss related to goodwill during fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013 as there were no events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce its fair value below its carrying amount, and CRA's consulting services estimated fair value was greater than its carrying value as of October 15 th of each respective year. The re-measurement of a reporting unit's fair value and that of its underlying assets and liabilities is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using specific information from the reporting units. The fair value adjustment to goodwill, which resulted in NeuCo's impairment charge, was computed as the difference between NeuCo’s fair value and the fair value of its underlying assets and liabilities. The unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities were based on our specific information such as estimates of revenue and cost growth rates, profit margins, discount rates, and cost estimated. See note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets," for further details. Intangible Assets Intangible assets that are separable from goodwill and have determinable useful lives are valued separately and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets consist of non-competition agreements, customer relationships, customer lists, developed technology, and trademarks, all of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives of four to ten years. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of three years for computer equipment, three to ten years for computer software, and ten years for furniture and fixtures. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized. Leases and Deferred Rent CRA leases all of its office space. Leases are evaluated and classified as operating or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. For leases that contain rent escalations and rent holidays, CRA records the total rent payable during the lease term, as determined above, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and records the difference between the rents paid and the straight-line rent as deferred rent. Additionally, any tenant improvement allowances received from the lessor are recorded as a reduction to rent expense. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets CRA reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment and intangible assets) to assess the recoverability of these assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Factors CRA considers important that could trigger an impairment review include the following: • a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; • a significant change in the manner of CRA's use of the acquired asset or the strategy for CRA's overall business; and • a significant negative industry or economic trend. If CRA determines that an impairment review is required, CRA would review the expected future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets or asset groups. If CRA determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets or asset groups may not be recoverable, CRA would measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by CRA to be commensurate with the risk inherent in CRA's current business model. If impairment is indicated through this review, the carrying amount of the assets would be reduced to their estimated fair value. Concentration of Credit Risk CRA's billed and unbilled receivables consist of receivables from a broad range of clients in a variety of industries located throughout the U.S. and in other countries. CRA performs a credit evaluation of its clients to minimize its collectability risk. Periodically, CRA will require advance payment from certain clients. However, CRA does not require collateral or other security. CRA maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses and disputed amounts resulting from clients' failures to make required payments. CRA bases its estimates on historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, CRA examines historical write-offs of its receivables and reviews client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues. If the financial condition of any of CRA's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability or intent to make payment, additional allowances may be required. A rollforward of the accounts receivable allowances is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ $ $ Change related to NeuCo — ) ) Increases to reserve Amounts written off ) ) ) Effects of foreign currency translation ) Balance at end of period $ $ $ A rollforward of the unbilled receivables allowances is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ $ $ Increases to reserves Amounts written off ) ) ) Effects of foreign currency translation — — Balance at end of period $ $ $ Amounts deemed uncollectible are recorded as a reduction to revenues. Net Income (Loss) Per Share CRA computes basic net income or loss per share by dividing net income or loss by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. CRA computes diluted net income or loss per share by dividing net income or loss by the sum of the weighted-average number of shares determined from the basic earnings per common share computation and the number of common stock equivalents that would have a dilutive effect. To the extent that there is a net loss, CRA assumes all common stock equivalents to be anti-dilutive, and they are excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. CRA determines common stock equivalent shares outstanding in accordance with the treasury stock method. In those years in which CRA has both net income and participating securities, CRA computes basic net income per share utilizing the two-class method earnings allocation formula to determine earnings per share for each class of stock according to dividends and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Share-Based Compensation CRA accounts for equity-based compensation using a fair value based recognition method. Under the fair value recognition requirements of ASC Topic 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation" ("ASC Topic 718"), share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the award. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized at any date must at least equal the portion of grant date value of the award that is vested at that date. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, for performance-vesting restricted stock units awarded to employees, CRA estimates share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the cost over the requisite service period on a straight line basis. For share-based awards granted to non-employee experts, CRA accounts for the compensation under variable accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 718 and ASC Topic 505-50, "Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees" (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services"), and recognizes the cost over the related vesting period. Income Taxes CRA accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. In addition, the calculation of CRA's tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different tax jurisdictions. CRA records liabilities for estimated tax obligations resulting in a provision for taxes that may become payable in the future, in accordance with ASC Topic 740-10, "Income Taxes," which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure. CRA includes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Foreign Currency Translation Balance sheet accounts of CRA's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and operating accounts are translated at average exchange rates for each year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transactions are translated at current exchanges rates, with adjustments recorded in the statement of operations. The effect of transaction gains and losses recorded in income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes amounted to losses of $0.6 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014, and fiscal 2013, respectively. Recent Accounting Standards Leases (Topic 842) In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. The new standard clarifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications, and causes lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset for leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition for capital or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, but it does not require transition accounting for leases that expire prior to the date of initial application. CRA has not yet determined the effects, if any, that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 may have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures. Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") updated Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740, Income Taxes to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes. ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , amends ASC Topic 740 by requiring the classification of all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this ASU have no effect on entities not presenting a classified statement of financial position. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, for public business entities. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. An entity may apply the amendments either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. All entities would disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle in both the interim and annual period first adopted. For prospective application, an entity would note that prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted; for retrospective application, an entity would disclose quantitative information about the effects of the accounting change on prior periods. CRA early adopted ASU 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of $20.5M from current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes on CRA's consolidated balance sheets as of January 3, 2015. Adoption of ASU 2015-17 had no impact on CRA's results of operations. January 3, 2015 As Filed Reclass As Adjusted (in thousands) Current deferred income tax assets $ $ ) $ — Long-term deferred income tax assets Current deferred income tax liabilities ) — Long-term deferred income tax liabilities ) ) Net deferred tax assets $ $ — $ Total current assets ) Total assets ) Total current liabilities ) Total shareholder's equity — Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"). With the issuance of ASU 2015-16, the current guidance under FASB ASC 805 eliminates the requirement that an acquirer retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recognized in a business combination during the measurement period. The measurement period is one year from the date of the acquisition. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2015-16 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures. Revenue from Contracts with Customers In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"). ASU 2015-14 defers by one year the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The deferral results in ASU 2014-09 being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The main provision of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to the existing guidance of recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer. CRA has not yet determined the effects, if any, that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 may have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures. Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the first interim period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2015-03 will not have a material impact on its financial pos |