As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q4. Today, we are looking at government & technical consulting stocks, starting with Maximus (NYSE: MMS).

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 slower Q4. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.8%.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 11.3% since the latest earnings results.

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 $1.35 billion, down 4.1% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 2.2%. Overall, it was a softer quarter for the company with full-year revenue guidance missing analysts’ expectations and a significant miss of analysts’ revenue estimates.

"Our first quarter results reflect resilient execution and a portfolio focused on essential government programs. With a strong pipeline, expanding opportunities related to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, and continued progress in technology-enabled service delivery, we remain focused on delivering high-quality services for our government partners and the communities they serve," said Bruce Caswell, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Maximus delivered the weakest full-year guidance update of the whole group. The stock is down 30.6% since reporting and currently trades at $64.98.

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

Best 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 $2.62 billion, down 10.2% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 3.8%. However, the business still had a strong quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ full-year EPS guidance estimates.

Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 18% since reporting. It currently trades at $78.48.

Is now the time to buy Booz Allen Hamilton? Access our full analysis of the earnings results 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 $789 million, up 6.8% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 0.9%. Still, it was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 17.8% since the results and currently trades at $83.91.

Read our full analysis of UL Solutions’s results here.

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 $3.24 billion, down 5.2% year on year. This print missed analysts’ expectations by 2.5%. It was a slower quarter as it also produced a significant miss of analysts’ revenue estimates and full-year revenue guidance slightly missing analysts’ expectations.

The stock is down 29.3% since reporting and currently trades at $25.88.

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

Jacobs Solutions (NYSE: J)

With a workforce of approximately 45,000 professionals tackling complex challenges from water scarcity to cybersecurity, Jacobs Solutions (NYSE: J) provides engineering, consulting, and technical services focused on infrastructure, sustainability, and advanced technology solutions.

Jacobs Solutions reported revenues of $2.25 billion, up 8.2% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. It was a strong quarter as it also produced a decent beat of analysts’ revenue estimates and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Jacobs Solutions achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 5.4% since reporting and currently trades at $125.67.

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

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Quality Compounder Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.