The federal IT services market remains highly favorable in growth for technology contractors in 2020

Defense, intelligence and civilian agencies are accelerating modernization efforts in 2020. M&A activity in the market will also remain at a brisk pace.

“Leidos released its 4Q19 and 2019 fiscal results on Feb. 18, posting 4Q19 revenue growth of 11.6% year-to-year to $2.95 billion on the back of strong bookings and backlog growth throughout 2019 as well as several recent large-scale contract wins and successful award rebids that are converting to revenue at a vigorous pace,” said Senior Analyst John Caucis. “Growth with classified customers in the Intelligence Community (IC) also remains strong. Leidos surpassed its guidance for 2019 revenue of between $10.9 billion and $11 billion, with full-year sales of $11.1 billion, an increase of 8.8% over 2018. Leidos’ guidance for 2020 calls for full-year sales between $12.6 billion and $13 billion, implying growth over 2019 of 13.6% to 17.2%, largely driven by recent strategic acquisitions. For example, Leidos spent over $2.5 billion to acquire Dynetics in December and L3Harris Technologies’ Security Detection and Automation division in February, expanding its footprint in defense technologies, airport and critical infrastructure screening products, automated tray return systems, and industrial automation systems.”

According to Research Analyst Brian Baker, “ManTech’s revenue rose 21.6% year-to-year to $604.4 million in 4Q19. Growth was augmented by acquisitions of Kforce Government Solutions, which closed in April, and H2M Group, which closed in August, as both contributed inorganic revenue to ManTech’s top line in 4Q19. Classified customers continue to accelerate spend with ManTech, while spending on behalf of ManTech’s principal Department of Defense and IC clients continues trending upward, in addition to significant wins with federal civilian and health agencies, leading to impressive 15% organic growth in 4Q19 and 9% organic growth for 2019. Robust revenue expansion, strong cash generation and stable margin performance enable ManTech to continue with its aggressive M&A strategy to enhance access to high-growth and high-value markets, similar to tactics of peers CACI, Leidos and SAIC.”

Additional assessments publishing this week from our analyst teams

Forging partnerships with larger-scale technology vendors enables vendors to more quickly enhance portfolios and incorporate emerging technologies while also strengthening scale to pursue opportunities outside their existing markets.

”Quantum computing, the edge, AI and cybersecurity are some of the latest investment areas in which Atos is developing pointed solutions to differentiate between a typical blue-sky consultancy approach and its approach of a technology-enabled organization. Enhancing its cloud capabilities, such as around Google Cloud solutions through the launch of Workplace as a Service Google Edition and the acquisition of Maven Wave, and the launch of the Digital Hybrid Cloud offering jointly with VMware, creates cloud professional services opportunities that will sustain Atos’ cloud revenue growth in the coming quarters.” — Senior Analyst Elitsa Bakalova

“CGI is pursuing a strategic growth objective to double its revenue base over the next several years with accelerated investments in M&A and homegrown IP. However, the company must continue to execute on its expense management strategy as margins face pressure in the near term with the ramped-up acquisition pace and ongoing organizational restructuring.” — Research Analyst John Croll

“Refreshing its business image to position as a digital transformation company and better align with client demand for emerging technologies, such as security, IoT and AI capabilities, will provide growth opportunities for Fujitsu’s services business if the company is able to successfully build out its global presence and talent bench to support new portfolio areas. While the company has expanded its global network, adding new delivery and innovation centers that increase client awareness of the brand and offerings, the company is unable to generate sustainable and consistent growth outside Japan. Bolstering portfolio innovation efforts through solution codevelopment partnerships will help Fujitsu scale its new portfolio and generate new opportunities, but the company needs to maintain differentiation within its portfolio to successfully capitalize on potential opportunities around emerging technologies.” — Analyst Kelly Lesiczka

“Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues growing its sales team in an effort to outcompete IaaS and PaaS rivals such as Microsoft and as coopetitive partners such as SAP take AWS head-on. The recent general availability of AWS Outposts increases AWS’ hybrid value proposition and will help the vendor maintain its leadership in the consolidating IaaS market.” — Analyst Jack McElwee