Wrapping up Q1 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the government & technical consulting stocks, including Amentum (NYSE: AMTM) and its peers.

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 8 government & technical consulting stocks we track reported a mixed Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.6%.

Thankfully, share prices of the companies have been resilient as they are up 5.8% on average since the latest earnings results.

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 $3.49 billion, flat year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a slower quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

“Amentum delivered solid results this quarter, underscoring the strength of our mission-focused portfolio and the consistency of demand across our markets,” said Amentum Chief Executive Officer John Heller.

Interestingly, the stock is up 6.8% since reporting and currently trades at $23.65.

Read our full report on Amentum here, it’s free.

Best Q1: 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 $1.36 billion, flat year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 5.2%. The business had an exceptional quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ full-year EPS guidance estimates.

Maximus scored the biggest analyst estimates beat among its peers. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 6.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $71.49.

Is now the time to buy Maximus? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q1: 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 $2.97 billion, up 7.3% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 1.8%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted full-year revenue guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

Booz Allen Hamilton delivered the weakest full-year guidance update in the group. As expected, the stock is down 17.1% since the results and currently trades at $106.94.

Read our full analysis of Booz Allen Hamilton’s results here.

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 $487.6 million, down 1.4% year on year. This number met analysts’ expectations. It was a very strong quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

ICF International had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 2.8% since reporting and currently trades at $87.57.

Read our full, actionable report on ICF International here, it’s free.

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 $705 million, up 5.2% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

The stock is up 19.3% since reporting and currently trades at $71.41.

Read our full, actionable report on UL Solutions here, it’s free.

Market Update

Thanks to the Fed’s series of rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has cooled significantly from its post-pandemic highs, drawing closer to the 2% goal. This disinflation has occurred without severely impacting economic growth, suggesting the success of a soft landing. The stock market thrived in 2024, spurred by recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November), and a notable surge followed Donald Trump’s presidential election win in November, propelling indices to historic highs. Nonetheless, the outlook for 2025 remains clouded by potential trade policy changes and corporate tax discussions, which could impact business confidence and growth. The path forward holds both optimism and caution as new policies take shape.

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