A new research has shed light on the number of publicly traded companies with extensive connections to the United States government. Conducted by the stock market tracker Quiver Quant, the research ranked companies under the ‘DC Insider Score,’ considering three key areas: congressional stock trading, corporate lobbying, and government contracts.
The methodology assessed the extent of a company’s presence in the portfolios of US Congress members over the past year, its lobbying efforts influencing government policies, and the significance of government contracts awarded during the same period.
Released on February 16, the research identified the following companies as having the most significant ties to the US government:
Picks for you
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) manufactures fighter jets, missiles, and military equipment and is a critical player in the defense industry. The company received an overall score of 98, with both contracts awarded and lobbying ranking at 99. Despite this, the stock has dropped by about 7% in 2024, trading at $424.07 at the time of the report.
Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC)
Another major defense contractor known for drones, spacecraft, and missile systems, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), scored 98 overall, with contracts awarded ranking higher at 99. The equity has dropped almost 4% in 2024, with the last recorded price at $450.96.
Ford (NYSE: F)
An iconic American automaker, Ford (NYSE: F) is a major beneficiary of government policies that support electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology. Their lobbying efforts focus on securing favorable regulations and tax breaks in these areas. The company’s overall ties to the government score stand at 98. Meanwhile, the stock has made minor gains of about 1% in 2024 to trade at $12.30.
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)
Providing software and cloud computing services to various government agencies, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) ranked fifth with an overall score of 98. Notably, it recorded the highest score in Congress trading at 99. In 2024, the stock has recorded steady gains of 8%, valued at $404.06 at the time of reporting.
Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON)
Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) is a diversified technology company that produces aerospace components, building automation systems, and other products used by the government. Their deep industry expertise and long-standing relationships with various agencies solidify their position. The company ranked sixth with an overall score of 97. By the last recorded trading session, HON was valued at $197.17, with YTD losses of about 5.6%.
Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)
Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), a pharmaceutical giant, has been thrust into the spotlight due to its development of notable products such as the COVID-19 vaccine. The company’s research and development efforts are often intertwined with government funding and regulatory approvals. Under the ranking, Pfizer has a score of 98, with both lobbying and contracts trading ranking at 98. On a year-to-date basis, the stock is down 7%, with the last recorded price at $27.62.
Accenture (NYSE: ACN)
A professional services giant providing consulting and outsourcing services to government agencies, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) emerged seventh on the list with a score of 97. In 2024, the stock appreciated almost 7%, trading at $369.48.
IBM (NYSE: IBM)
IBM (NYSE: IBM) offers the government a wide range of technology solutions, from cloud computing to artificial intelligence (AI). Some of the company’s lobbying efforts target policies that impact their core business area, earning the company a score of 96. In 2024, the stock has capitalized on the overall tech stock market rally to record gains of almost 17% to trade at $187.64.
RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX)
A major defense contractor specializing in missiles and radar systems, RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon (NYSE: RTX), government contracts and lobbying presence are substantial. In 2024, the stock has gained 6%, trading at $91.01.
Oracle (NYSE: ORCL)
Another key tech player focusing on software, Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), provides database and enterprise software solutions to government agencies. Oracle ranked tenth with a score of 96. Year-to-date, Oracle has rallied almost 7%, trading at $111.31.
It is crucial to note that inclusion on this list doesn’t imply any wrongdoing. Many of these companies are pillars of their industries, providing essential products and services to the government.
