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BAH vs ICFI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) vs. ICF International (ICFI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- BAH is a larger, defense-and-national-security-focused technology contractor facing a civil-business revenue decline, while ICFI is a smaller, more diversified consulting firm pivoting toward commercial energy and utility demand.
- On recent relative performance, ICFI has shown stronger momentum, gaining roughly 22–29% over a recent three-month stretch versus a choppier, lower trajectory for BAH.
- Both companies hold a record or near-record backlog, but ICFI's trailing book-to-bill ratio of about 1.2x has been higher than BAH's 1.1x, signaling more robust new-award momentum relative to revenue.
- Wall Street consensus leans more constructive on ICFI (Strong Buy) than on BAH (Hold), though BAH trades below its 52-week high and is viewed by some analysts as undervalued on a valuation basis.
- Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), reflecting balanced risk-reward profiles rather than a clear buy signal.
Introduction
Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) and ICF International (ICFI) both operate at the intersection of government services, consulting, and technology, yet they pursue markedly different strategies and market positions. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders evaluating how two firms in the same broad sector are navigating a shifting federal spending environment, divergent demand drivers, and distinct growth profiles. BAH is a large-cap defense and national security leader, while ICFI is a mid-cap diversified consultancy with growing commercial energy exposure. Understanding their relative performance, market positioning, and risk factors can help readers assess which name better fits a given portfolio thesis.
BAH Overview and Recent Performance
Booz Allen Hamilton is an advanced technology company serving defense, civil, and national security clients, employing roughly 31,500 people and generating about $11.2 billion in revenue for its most recent fiscal year. The company has leaned heavily into cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense technology, including acquisitions such as Ultra Mission Solutions and Defy Security. Recent market activity, however, has reflected a mixed operating picture. In its latest reported quarter, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose and beat estimates, but revenue declined roughly 4% year over year as strength in the National Security segment was offset by a double-digit decline in the Civil and Commercial segment. Management has characterized the current fiscal year as a transition period. Shares of BAH have traded well below their 52-week high, with the stock down meaningfully from peak levels, even as a record total backlog near $38 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1x suggest demand remains resilient. Analyst sentiment has been mixed, with a consensus "Hold" rating and a price target implying modest upside.
ICFI Overview and Recent Performance
ICF International is a global consulting and digital services firm with a market capitalization of roughly $1.6 billion and annual revenue near $1.8 billion. Its business spans federal, state and local, international government, and commercial clients, with a growing emphasis on energy efficiency, utility programs, and infrastructure services. Recent performance has been comparatively strong, with the stock rising more than 20% over a recent three-month period and outpacing its broader industry. This momentum has been driven by several factors: solid demand in commercial energy and utility programs, early signs of stabilization in its federal business, and rapid growth in international government revenue, which climbed roughly 35% year over year in a recent quarter. ICFI also expanded its share repurchase authorization, signaling confidence in cash generation. Its trailing book-to-bill ratio of about 1.2x and a $3.4 billion backlog point to healthy award activity. Analysts maintain a "Strong Buy" consensus, though a relatively weak momentum score and elevated costs remain watchpoints.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
When comparing BAH and ICFI directly, several contrasts stand out. In terms of scale and focus, BAH is a large-cap pure-play defense and national security technology leader, whereas ICFI is a mid-cap firm with meaningful diversification into commercial energy and utility services, which reduces its dependence on federal budgets. Growth drivers also diverge: BAH's near-term story hinges on margin discipline, National Security demand, and a civil-business recovery, while ICFI's momentum is tied to energy efficiency, data-center-driven electricity demand, and international expansion. Risk profiles differ as well. BAH faces concentrated exposure to shifting federal priorities and a contracting civil segment, while ICFI carries higher relative costs, some cyclical commercial exposure, and lingering legal matters tied to a legacy contract. On recent momentum, ICFI has outperformed, yet BAH's larger backlog and scale provide a different kind of defensive ballast. Market sentiment currently leans more bullish on ICFI, though both names reflect a balanced fundamental picture rather than a one-sided opportunity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely express a modest preference for ICFI in the current environment. ICFI has demonstrated stronger recent relative performance, a higher book-to-bill ratio, broader demand drivers across commercial energy and international markets, and a more favorable analyst consensus. These elements suggest more consistent near-term trend strength and catalyst visibility. BAH, by contrast, offers scale, a record backlog, and an arguably discounted valuation, but its transition-year narrative and civil-business contraction introduce greater uncertainty. The AI's lean toward ICFI should be understood as probabilistic rather than definitive: if BAH's margin expansion and National Security momentum accelerate while the civil segment stabilizes, the relative positioning could shift. Neither name presents a clear, low-risk entry under current conditions, and the balance of evidence points to ICFI holding a modest relative edge on momentum and growth visibility.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is BAH is a Buy and ICFI is a StrongBuy.
BAH's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BAH turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where BAH's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 39 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BAH as a result. In 53 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
BAH moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for BAH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Following a +1.00% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BAH advanced for three days, in 179 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 13 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BAH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
BAH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 26, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for BAH entered a downward trend on October 14, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. BAH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 68 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (8.429) is normal, around the industry mean (12.765). P/E Ratio (13.202) is within average values for comparable stocks, (47.048). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.210) is also within normal values, averaging (2.814). Dividend Yield (0.028) settles around the average of (0.040) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.857) is also within normal values, averaging (25.562).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. BAH’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 93, placing this stock better than average.
ICFI's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ICFI turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where ICFI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ICFI as a result. In 59 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
ICFI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ICFI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Following a +2.37% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ICFI advanced for three days, in 205 of 310 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 14 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ICFI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
ICFI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ICFI entered a downward trend on October 14, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ICFI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 74 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.631) is normal, around the industry mean (12.765). P/E Ratio (19.687) is within average values for comparable stocks, (47.048). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.570) is also within normal values, averaging (2.814). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.040) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.882) is also within normal values, averaging (25.562).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ICFI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 93, placing this stock worse than average.
BAH | ICFI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 37 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 68 Overvalued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 92 | 94 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 17 | 75 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
BAH's Valuation (68) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is in the same range as ICFI (74). This means that BAH’s stock grew similarly to ICFI’s over the last 12 months.
BAH's Profit vs Risk Rating (92) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is in the same range as ICFI (94). This means that BAH’s stock grew similarly to ICFI’s over the last 12 months.
BAH's SMR Rating (17) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ICFI (75). This means that BAH’s stock grew somewhat faster than ICFI’s over the last 12 months.
ICFI's Price Growth Rating (39) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is in the same range as BAH (40). This means that ICFI’s stock grew similarly to BAH’s over the last 12 months.
ICFI's P/E Growth Rating (15) in the Miscellaneous Commercial Services industry is in the same range as BAH (42). This means that ICFI’s stock grew similarly to BAH’s over the last 12 months.
| BAH | ICFI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 74% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 5 days ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 55% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
BAH’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while ICFI’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- BAH’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ICFI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
BAH’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ICFI’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BAH’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ICFI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
BAH (@Data Processing Services) experienced а +7.20% price change this week, while ICFI (@Data Processing Services) price change was +1.14% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Data Processing Services industry was -1.37%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.66%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.49%.
Reported Earning Dates
BAH is expected to report earnings on Jan 22, 2027.
ICFI is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Data Processing Services (-1.37% weekly)The industry involves capturing raw data from various sources, extracting meaningful information from it and presenting it in a more accessible digital format. Many people would agree that data is the new gold, which makes data processing services all the more relevant for businesses’ strategic decisions. PayPal Holdings Inc., Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. and Automatic Data Processing, Inc. some of the big players in his burgeoning industry.
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BAH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BAH has been loosely correlated with EXPO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 50% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if BAH jumps, then EXPO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To BAH | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH | 100% | +0.90% | ||
| EXPO - BAH | 50% Loosely correlated | +1.56% | ||
| EFX - BAH | 45% Loosely correlated | +1.91% | ||
| FCN - BAH | 44% Loosely correlated | +14.28% | ||
| MMS - BAH | 39% Loosely correlated | +1.67% | ||
| CPRT - BAH | 33% Loosely correlated | +2.04% | ||
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