Parsons Shares Plummet Following FAA Mega Upgrade Loss to Peraton
Parsons Corporation's Stock Decline: Shares of Parsons Corporation fell 21.32% after Peraton was selected to lead the FAA's air traffic control modernization, diminishing expectations for Parsons' involvement in the project.
Peraton's Role and Capabilities: Peraton aims to enhance air traffic control systems by leveraging its expertise in AI, secure communications, and large-scale federal missions, positioning itself as a "pure-play" systems integrator.
Parsons' Response and Commitment: Despite the setback, Parsons emphasized its long-standing support for the FAA and expressed readiness to assist in air traffic control modernization efforts through existing contracts and potential partnerships.
New Contract Opportunity: Parsons secured a position on the DTRA's Cooperative Threat Reduction Integration Contract IV, which could lead to future opportunities in WMD-related task orders, although it does not guarantee revenue.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on PSN
About PSN
About the author

- Stock Performance: Parson shares experienced a significant decline of 9.2% following the release of their Q4 results.
- Market Reaction: The drop in share price indicates a negative market reaction to the company's quarterly performance.
- Profit Growth: Parsons Corporation reported a fourth-quarter net profit of $55.58 million, translating to earnings per share of $0.51, which is an increase from last year's $54.18 million and $0.49 per share, indicating sustained improvement in profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings: Excluding special items, the adjusted earnings stood at $81.53 million, or $0.75 per share, demonstrating strong performance in core operations despite a decline in overall revenue.
- Revenue Decline: The company's revenue for the fourth quarter fell to $1.603 billion, a 7.6% decrease from $1.734 billion last year, reflecting challenges in the market environment and increased competition.
- Market Outlook: Despite the revenue decline, the improvement in profitability may provide financial support for future investments and expansions, enhancing the company's competitive position in the industry.
- Earnings Announcement: Parsons Corporation is set to release its Q4 earnings on February 11 before market open, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.79, reflecting a 1.3% year-over-year increase, indicating stable profitability.
- Revenue Decline Expected: The anticipated revenue for Q4 is $1.67 billion, representing a 3.5% year-over-year decline, which highlights revenue pressures the company faces amidst market challenges, potentially affecting investor confidence.
- Strong Performance Record: Over the past two years, Parsons has beaten EPS estimates 88% of the time and revenue estimates 75% of the time, demonstrating relative stability in financial performance that may attract investor interest.
- Revision Trends: In the last three months, there have been no upward revisions for EPS estimates and four downward revisions, while revenue estimates also saw no upward revisions and five downward adjustments, suggesting a cautious market outlook on the company's future performance.
- Earnings Miss: Parsons' Q4 report revealed adjusted earnings per share of $0.75 and sales of $1.6 billion, both falling short of Wall Street expectations, resulting in a 14.4% drop in stock price, indicating investor disappointment with the company's performance.
- Revenue Decline: Overall revenue decreased by 8% year-over-year, with organic revenue down 10%, although growth was noted in space and defense services, transportation, and critical infrastructure protection; however, a decline in sales volume from a key confidential contract negatively impacted overall results.
- Cautious Outlook: Parsons anticipates a return to growth in 2026, targeting sales between $6.5 billion and $6.8 billion, which would represent a 4.5% annual revenue increase if the midpoint is achieved, yet investors express concerns over potential adverse effects from shifts in confidential contracts.
- Market Reaction: Following the earnings report, Parsons experienced significant stock volatility, with a current market cap of $7.5 billion and a trading volume of 4.7 million shares, reflecting heightened investor scrutiny and anxiety regarding the company's future prospects.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Parsons Corporation reported a 12% total revenue growth and an 8% organic revenue growth in Q4 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding to a record 9.6%, indicating strong market demand and effective business execution.
- Outstanding Cash Flow Performance: The company achieved a 100% free cash flow conversion for fiscal year 2025, exceeding the high end of its cash flow guidance range, reflecting a healthy financial position that supports future investments and acquisitions.
- Strategic Contract Wins: In Q4, Parsons secured several key contracts, including a $392 million ten-year federal customer contract, showcasing its strong competitiveness in critical infrastructure and defense sectors, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Acquisitions and Expansion: The company acquired Applied Sciences Consulting and Altamira Technologies, enhancing its capabilities in national security and intelligence, indicating Parsons' strategic decisions in technology and market expansion aimed at boosting long-term growth potential.
- Revenue Decline: Parsons Corporation's fourth-quarter revenue fell 8% year-over-year to $1.6 billion, missing Wall Street's expectation of $1.63 billion, indicating challenges in the government services and infrastructure sectors.
- Profitability Fluctuations: Although net income slightly increased to $56 million with earnings per share at $0.51, adjusted earnings per share dropped to $0.75, below the market estimate of $0.79, reflecting pressure on profitability.
- Cash Flow and Order Status: Operating cash flow surged 32% to $168 million, yet net bookings decreased by 10% to $1.5 billion, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.9 times, signaling signs of weakening market demand.
- Future Outlook: Parsons forecasts revenue between $6.5 billion and $6.8 billion for 2026, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $615 million to $675 million, indicating optimism about future contract opportunities despite uncertainties.







