The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how government & technical consulting stocks fared in Q4, starting with Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH).
The sector has historically benefitted from steady government spending on defense, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, providing firms long-term contract stability. However, the Trump administration is showing more willingness than previous administrations to upend government spending and bloat. Whether or not defense budgets get cut, the rising demand for cybersecurity, AI-driven defense solutions, and sustainability consulting should benefit the sector for years, as agencies and enterprises seek expertise in navigating complex technology and regulations. Additionally, industrial automation and digital engineering are driving efficiency gains in infrastructure and technical consulting projects, which could help profit margins.
The 7 government & technical consulting stocks we track reported a very strong Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.5% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 7.7% above.
While some government & technical consulting stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 4.8% since the latest earnings results.
Weakest Q4: Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH)
With roots dating back to 1914 and deep ties to nearly all U.S. cabinet-level departments, Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) provides management consulting, technology services, and cybersecurity solutions primarily to U.S. government agencies and military branches.
Booz Allen Hamilton reported revenues of $2.92 billion, up 13.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates and a decent beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.
The stock is down 9.3% since reporting and currently trades at $116.99.
Best Q4: UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS)
Founded in 1894 as a response to the growing dangers of electricity in American homes and businesses, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) provides testing, inspection, and certification services that help companies ensure their products meet safety, security, and sustainability standards.
UL Solutions reported revenues of $739 million, up 8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.
Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 3.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $53.50.
Is now the time to buy UL Solutions? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
ICF International (NASDAQ: ICFI)
Operating at the intersection of policy, technology, and implementation for over five decades, ICF International (NASDAQ: ICFI) provides professional consulting services and technology solutions to government agencies and commercial clients across energy, health, environment, and security sectors.
ICF International reported revenues of $496.3 million, up 3.8% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. Still, its results were good as it locked in revenue guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and a narrow beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.
ICF International delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. As expected, the stock is down 10.6% since the results and currently trades at $89.36.
Read our full analysis of ICF International’s results here.
Maximus (NYSE: MMS)
With nearly 50 years of experience translating public policy into operational programs that serve millions of citizens, Maximus (NYSE: MMS) provides operational services, clinical assessments, and technology solutions to government agencies in the U.S. and internationally.
Maximus reported revenues of $1.40 billion, up 5.7% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 8.8%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and full-year revenue guidance meeting analysts’ expectations.
Maximus delivered the biggest analyst estimates beat among its peers. The stock is down 9.3% since reporting and currently trades at $68.99.
Read our full, actionable report on Maximus here, it’s free.
Amentum (NYSE: AMTM)
With operations spanning approximately 80 countries and a workforce of specialized engineers and technical experts, Amentum Holdings (NYSE: AMTM) provides advanced engineering and technology solutions to U.S. government agencies, allied governments, and commercial enterprises across defense, energy, and space sectors.
Amentum reported revenues of $3.42 billion, up 72.3% year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 2.1%. It was a very strong quarter as it also produced an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.
Amentum pulled off the fastest revenue growth but had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is down 14.3% since reporting and currently trades at $17.57.
Read our full, actionable report on Amentum here, it’s free.
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