Booz Allen reports record high headcount

Booz Allen Hamilton is "pedal to the metal on hiring," according to its chief executive, as its headcount surged to more than 26,000 in the most recent quarter.

The contractor reported today that its headcount was up 7.4% from a year earlier and the figure -- 26,384 -- marked its highest headcount ever at the end of a quarter.

Horacio Rozanski, Booz Allen’s chief executive, told analysts today the company is seeing success, despite a competitive job market. "We don't intend to stop," he said of Booz Allen's continued efforts to ramp up hiring.

Meanwhile, Booz Allen today reported sales in its most recent quarter of $1.8 billion, up almost 11% from the same three-month period a year earlier.

The contractor's quarterly revenue hit $117 million, up about 13% from the prior year.

Rozanski welcomed the new budget deal, but noted that last year's budget moved smoothly and there was still a prolonged government shutdown early this year.

While he said he doesn't expect a similar situation this year, he said the company is watching budget movements "very closely."

"If there's turbulence, we will be well prepared to deal with it," he added.