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Icf International (ICFI)
NASDAQ:ICFI

Icf International (ICFI) AI Stock Analysis

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ICFI

Icf International

(NASDAQ:ICFI)

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Neutral 64 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:64Neutral
Price Target:
$85.00
▲(2.25% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/27/26
ICFI’s score is driven primarily by solid but recently pressured financial performance (2025 revenue/margin weakness despite improving leverage and positive cash flow). Valuation is reasonable (P/E ~14), while technicals are notably bearish with the stock below major moving averages and negative MACD. The latest earnings call is mixed: strong bookings and diversification into higher-growth non-federal work help, but federal weakness and shutdown-related headwinds weigh on near-term outlook.
Positive Factors
Revenue mix diversification
A durable shift toward commercial, state/local and international clients reduces exposure to federal funding cycles. Higher-weighted non-federal work typically offers steadier demand and less procurement volatility, improving revenue predictability and margin stability over the medium term.
Strong bookings and pipeline
A robust backlog and book-to-bill above 1 indicate sustained demand and multi-period revenue visibility. Large pipeline and recent awards provide durable revenue conversion opportunities, helping smooth near-term volatility and supporting organic growth over the next several quarters.
Improving leverage and positive cash flow
Lower leverage and consistent positive operating/free cash flow enhance financial flexibility, fund investments and support dividends/repurchases. Even with softer cash flow in 2025, the trend toward reduced debt improves resilience against revenue swings and preserves capital allocation optionality.
Negative Factors
High federal revenue sensitivity
Significant exposure to federal program funding creates structural cyclicality: large federal revenue drops can materially pressure top-line and utilization. Continued procurement slowdowns or shutdowns could repeatedly depress revenue and gross profit until non-federal growth fully offsets the gap.
2025 revenue and gross profit weakness
A negative gross profit in the latest year signals operational margin stress that may not be transitory. If contract mix, pricing or cost absorption issues persist, margin recovery could lag revenue recovery, constraining free cash flow and the firm's ability to invest in higher-growth initiatives.
Higher tax rate pressure
A materially higher effective tax rate reduces sustainable net income and free cash flow. If portions of the increase reflect permanent legislative changes rather than one-offs, ongoing after-tax margins and capacity for dividends, buybacks or reinvestment will be structurally impaired.

Icf International (ICFI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Icf International Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionICF International, Inc. provides management, marketing, technology, and policy consulting and implementation services to government and commercial clients in the United States and internationally. It researches critical policy, industry, stakeholder issues, trends, and behaviors; measures and evaluates results and their impact; and provides strategic planning and advisory services to its clients on how to navigate societal, market, business, communication, and technology challenges. The company also identifies, defines, and implements policies, plans, programs, and business tools through a range of standard and customized methodologies for its clients; conducts survey research; collects and analyzes various data to understand critical issues and options for its clients; and provides actionable business intelligence, as well as information and data management solutions that allow integrated and purpose-driven data usage. In addition, it provides solutions to optimize the customer and citizen experience; modernizes IT systems; and cyber security solutions that support the range of cyber security missions and protect IT infrastructures in the face of relentless threats, as well as designs, develops, and implements technology systems and business tools that are principal to its clients' mission or business performance. Further, the company informs and engages its clients' constituents, customers, and employees through public relations, branding and marketing, multichannel and strategic communications, and reputation issues management. It serves energy, environment, and infrastructure; health, education, and social programs; safety and security; and consumer and financial markets. The company was formerly known as ICF Consulting Group Holdings, LLC and changed its name to ICF International, Inc. in 2006. ICF International, Inc. was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyICF International generates revenue primarily through its consulting and technology services. The company operates on a project-based revenue model, where it earns fees for delivering specific services to clients under contracts, often with government agencies and large corporations. Key revenue streams include performance-based contracts, time and materials contracts, and fixed-price contracts. ICFI also benefits from long-term relationships with clients, which can lead to recurring revenue opportunities. Additionally, the company engages in partnerships with other firms and organizations to enhance its service offerings, contributing to its earnings by expanding its market reach and capabilities.

Icf International Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call highlighted strong growth in non-federal client revenue and commercial energy business, improved EBITDA margins, and robust contract awards supporting future growth. However, significant challenges were noted in the federal government segment due to contract cancellations and the government shutdown's impact, along with delayed international contract ramp-ups and increased tax rates.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Significant Growth in Non-Federal Client Revenue
Revenues from commercial clients, state and local, and international government clients increased by 13.8%, now accounting for 57% of the quarter's revenues, up from 46% last year.
Commercial Energy Business Expansion
Commercial energy revenues increased 24% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for energy efficiency programs and expertise in electrification, grid resilience, and affordability.
Improved Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Despite reduced revenue, adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 10 basis points due to strong growth in higher-margin commercial revenues and careful cost management.
Robust Contract Awards and Pipeline
Contract awards surpassed previous year levels with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.53. Year-to-date contract awards reached $1.8 billion with an $8.4 billion pipeline supporting future growth.
Negative Updates
Federal Government Revenue Decline
Federal government revenues declined 29.8% year-over-year due to contract cancellations and procurement delays, especially in programmatic public health and human services areas.
Impact of Government Shutdown
The government shutdown led to an estimated reduction of $8 million in revenue and $2.5 million in gross profit for October, with further impacts expected if the shutdown continues.
Delayed Ramp-up of International Contracts
Delays in the ramp-up of international government contracts contributed to lower-than-expected revenue, although improvements are anticipated in 2026.
Increased Tax Rate
The tax rate increased to 22.7% from 13.8% the previous year due to a one-time negative tax adjustment and new legislation.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter earnings conference call for ICF, management provided guidance highlighting several metrics indicating both challenges and opportunities. Revenues from commercial clients, state and local, and international government clients rose by 13.8%, comprising 57% of the quarter's total revenues, up from 46% the previous year. The commercial energy segment saw a robust 24% growth, leading to a 10 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin. Despite these positive trends, the federal government revenues declined by 29.8% year-over-year due to contract cancellations and procurement slowdowns, exacerbated by the government shutdown, which is expected to reduce October revenues by approximately $8 million and gross profit by $2.5 million. The company expects to manage through these challenges, maintaining a book-to-bill ratio of 1.53 and a year-to-date contract award total of $1.8 billion, with a pipeline valued at $8.4 billion supporting future growth prospects.

Icf International Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are stable overall but weakened recently. The income statement shows uneven growth and 2025 pressure (revenue decline and notable margin/gross profit issues), partly offset by a balance sheet with improving leverage (debt-to-equity down to ~0.56) and consistently positive operating and free cash flow, albeit softer in 2025.
Income Statement
58
Neutral
Revenue growth has been uneven: solid growth in 2022–2023, modest growth in 2024, and a decline in 2025. Profitability is generally steady with net margins in the ~3.6%–5.5% range, but 2025 shows notable pressure with a reported negative gross profit and weaker EBITDA margin versus prior years, despite remaining profitable at the net income line. Overall, the income statement reflects a stable but not high-growth profile, with a clear profitability concern in the most recent year.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
Leverage appears manageable and improving, with debt-to-equity trending down from higher levels in 2021–2022 to ~0.56 in 2025, alongside rising equity. Returns on equity are steady (roughly mid-to-high single digits to low double digits), indicating consistent profitability relative to the capital base. The main weakness is that debt remains meaningful in absolute terms, which can limit flexibility if earnings volatility increases.
Cash Flow
67
Positive
Operating cash flow and free cash flow are consistently positive across all periods, and free cash flow generally tracks net income well (free cash flow running at ~0.82–0.90 of net income). However, cash generation has softened recently, with free cash flow down in 2025 and an operating cash flow-to-net income relationship that is not especially strong, suggesting working-capital swings or timing effects. Overall cash flow quality is good, but momentum is weaker in the latest year.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.87B2.02B1.96B1.78B1.55B
Gross Profit-547.88M737.77M698.22M645.54M573.48M
EBITDA178.56M221.12M196.97M157.18M142.04M
Net Income91.59M110.17M82.61M64.24M71.13M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.05B2.07B2.01B2.09B1.85B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments5.30M4.96M9.45M11.26M8.25M
Total Debt571.34M602.27M642.67M776.39M648.31M
Total Liabilities1.02B1.08B1.09B1.24B1.05B
Stockholders Equity1.03B982.46M917.59M853.21M803.47M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow120.21M150.11M130.05M137.73M90.27M
Operating Cash Flow141.87M171.54M152.38M162.21M110.20M
Investing Cash Flow-21.51M-74.81M-3.67M-258.84M-194.48M
Financing Cash Flow-84.31M-86.90M-152.59M90.37M23.23M

Icf International Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price83.13
Price Trends
50DMA
87.29
Negative
100DMA
85.59
Negative
200DMA
87.81
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-3.08
Negative
RSI
50.21
Neutral
STOCH
74.14
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ICFI, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 83.13 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 82.40, below the 50-day MA of 87.29, and below the 200-day MA of 87.81, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -3.08 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 50.21 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 74.14 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for ICFI.

Icf International Risk Analysis

Icf International disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Icf International reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Icf International Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$2.39B24.1819.27%12.50%29.40%
68
Neutral
$5.03B19.9113.30%-0.95%-10.54%
67
Neutral
$1.13B21.2025.72%0.97%8.69%34.58%
64
Neutral
$1.53B16.819.88%0.65%-3.81%-7.05%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
47
Neutral
$125.97M-0.94-61.44%6.74%-10.83%-1669.11%
42
Neutral
$113.64M-0.95-43.39%-8.73%-1168.15%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ICFI
Icf International
83.13
5.95
7.71%
CRAI
Cra International
172.66
-15.71
-8.34%
FORR
Forrester Research
5.98
-4.81
-44.58%
FCN
FTI Consulting
164.42
-0.34
-0.21%
HURN
Huron Consulting
141.40
-7.02
-4.73%
RGP
Resources Connection
3.76
-2.89
-43.42%

Icf International Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
ICF International Declares Quarterly Dividend Amid Strategic Shift
Neutral
Feb 26, 2026

ICF reported that in the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, commercial, state and local, and international government revenues grew strongly, with commercial energy revenues up 23% in Q4 and 24% for the year, helping these markets reach 57% of annual revenues. This shift toward higher-margin commercial energy work, alongside effective cost management and a revenue mix dominated by fixed price and time-and-materials contracts, allowed the company to largely preserve margins despite a 7.3% full-year revenue decline.

Fourth-quarter 2025 revenue fell to $443.7 million and full-year revenue to $1.87 billion, as U.S. federal government revenue dropped 35.1% in Q4, reflecting contract funding curtailments, fewer RFPs and a 43-day government shutdown. Net income decreased to $17.3 million in Q4 and $91.6 million for the year, yet adjusted EBITDA margin held at 10.4% for the quarter and 11.1% for the year, supported by an expanding commercial energy portfolio, a $3.4 billion backlog, a 1.19 book-to-bill ratio and continued investment in AI-enabled and other growth services.

On February 26, 2026, ICF’s board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share, payable April 14, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 27, 2026. The board noted that future dividends will remain subject to its discretion and will depend on earnings, financial conditions, capital needs and other factors, underscoring a balanced approach to capital returns following a year in which the company also repurchased about 564,000 shares.

The most recent analyst rating on (ICFI) stock is a Buy with a $102.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Icf International stock, see the ICFI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
ICF International to Join Sidoti Investor Conference
Neutral
Dec 4, 2025

ICF International announced its participation in the Sidoti Year End Virtual Investor Conference, where its COO James Morgan and CFO Barry Broadus will engage in a virtual fireside chat on December 10, 2025. This participation underscores ICF’s ongoing commitment to engaging with investors and stakeholders, potentially enhancing its market visibility and industry positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (ICFI) stock is a Buy with a $115.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Icf International stock, see the ICFI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026