The Perfect Recession Proof Stock
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With programs related to energy and climate change, health and human services, defense and homeland security, and environment and infrastructure, this consulting firm does it all – and does it very, very well.
Just listed as one of BusinessWeek’s “Top 50 ‘Hot Growth Companies’” for its innovation and versatility in a tough economic environment, my Hot Stock Pick for this week is a firm that provides consulting services and technology solutions.
Just a small sampling of its diverse client list includes: Yahoo!, the U.S. Department of Defense, Bank of America, the California Department of Fish and Game, BP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, GlaxoSmithKline, the City of San Jose California, Nike, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, San Jose, Costa Rica, the Australian Greenhouse Office, Google, the U.S. Joint Forces Command, and Rolls Royce.
This U.S. company assists in the analysis and implementation of programs related to four trends: energy and climate change, health and human services, defense and homeland security, and finally, environment and infrastructure.
These specialties brought them over 1,500 contracts in 2007 valued at around $560 million.
Close enough for government work
Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, this company has another five offices around and within Washington, D.C. The Washington Post was just named it as one of the largest companies in the D.C. metro area.
It was also named one of the “Top 100 Government IT Contractors” by Washington Technology this year.
Federal agencies accounted for roughly 27% of revenues in 2007. 65% came from state and local governments, with the other 8% made up of commercial and international clients.
What is this paragon of the pentagon?
ICF International, Inc. began in 1969 as the Inner City Fund – a venture capital firm dedicated to financing inner city business. In 1972, the company was reorganized into a consulting firm and became ICF Incorporated. In 2006, the company went public as ICF International, the new name emphasizing its global presence and increased scope.
Growth strategies that work
ICF does not hesitate to acquire companies that promise to boost its client base, geographic reach and service offerings. In 2007, they closed four acquisitions and have already completed another in 2008.
Recession? What recession?
Because of this focus on expansion, both geographic and operational, ICF has not awarded dividends — and does not intend to anytime soon.
It’s a good thing the stock price is so attractive and the company fundamentals so strong.
A recession-proof stock with great profit potential
For Q1 of 2008, ICF’s revenue came in at $175.1 million, as compared to $151.7 million the in the first quarter of the prior year.
Management is confident that ICF International can continue on this profitable path. They predict 2008 full year revenues, with the company’s existing portfolio of business, to be at least $690 million.
No shrinking violets, they.
And that’s something I like to see in these market doldrums.
I recommend you buy shares of this recession-proof stock, ICF International, Inc. (ICFI:NASDAQ) at or under $22. I can see this stock easily going up 25% over the next 10 months.
Source: The Perfect Recession Proof Stock
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Tags: Bank Of America, BP, Google, Hot Stock, Icf International, ICFI;Nasdaq, recession, US stocksAbout the Author
Laura is a Contributor to Today's Financial News
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