Parsons Corporation (PSN) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
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Overview
The earnings call reflects strong financial metrics with optimistic guidance, particularly in critical infrastructure and Federal Solutions segments. Despite revenue decline due to a confidential contract, growth in core areas is promising. The Q&A highlights strategic positioning for FAA contracts and Middle East projects, indicating potential future growth. Concerns about government shutdown impacts were addressed, and management expressed confidence in margin expansion. Overall, the positive outlook in key growth areas and strategic initiatives suggest a positive stock price movement.
Key Financial Performance
Total Revenue Growth 12% total revenue growth year-over-year, with 8% organic revenue growth excluding the confidential contract. The growth was driven by double-digit growth in transportation, critical infrastructure protection, urban development, and space and missile defense markets.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin Expanded by 60 basis points to a record 9.6%, building on the 50 basis points of expansion achieved in 2024. This was driven by improved program performance, effective cost control, and accretive acquisitions.
Free Cash Flow Conversion Achieved 100% free cash flow conversion, exceeding the high end of fiscal year 2025 cash flow guidance range. This was supported by strong collections and efficient capital deployment.
Critical Infrastructure Revenue Increased by 15% year-over-year, with 10% organic growth. Growth was driven by transportation and urban development markets, as well as inorganic contributions from acquisitions.
Critical Infrastructure Adjusted EBITDA Margin Increased by 350 basis points to 10.4%, driven by strategic portfolio decisions, higher-margin work, and improved program performance.
Federal Solutions Revenue Increased by 9% year-over-year, with 7% organic growth excluding the confidential contract. Growth was driven by critical infrastructure protection, cyber and electronic warfare, space and missile defense, and transportation markets.
Federal Solutions Adjusted EBITDA Margin Decreased by 170 basis points to 8.7%, impacted by lower volume on the fixed-price confidential contract and investments in growth.
Operating Cash Flow Generated $168 million in Q4 2025, a 32% year-over-year increase, driven by strong collections and timing of collections in the Middle East.
SG&A Expenses Decreased by 2% in Q4 2025 compared to the prior year, driven by effective cost management and lower transaction-related expenses, partially offset by recent acquisitions.
Backlog Total backlog at the end of Q4 2025 was $8.7 billion, a 2% decline year-over-year, mainly due to the completion of the confidential contract. Funded backlog increased by 8% year-over-year to $6.4 billion, representing 73% of total backlog.
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Operating Highlights
New Product Launches: Parsons introduced advanced biometrics and identity management solutions, combining hardware, software, and integration expertise to support federal, defense, and law enforcement missions. This includes over 3,500 mobile biometric solutions for real-time data collection and analysis.
Acquisitions: Parsons acquired Applied Sciences Consulting, specializing in modern stormwater solutions, and Altamira Technologies Corporation, which focuses on AI/ML, signals and data analysis, and cyber operations. These acquisitions enhance Parsons' portfolio in water management and national security.
Geographic Expansion: Parsons expanded its presence in the Middle East, leveraging Federal Solutions capabilities to enter defense and security markets. The company also deployed its Intelligent NETworks (iNET) advanced traffic management system in the region for the first time.
Infrastructure Growth: Strong demand in North America and Middle East markets for infrastructure projects, supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and new surface transportation bill discussions.
Revenue Growth: Achieved 12% total revenue growth and 8% organic revenue growth in 2025, with double-digit growth in critical infrastructure and Federal Solutions segments.
Operational Efficiency: Expanded adjusted EBITDA margin by 60 basis points to 9.6%, a company record, and achieved 100% free cash flow conversion.
Strategic Contracts: Won significant contracts, including a $392 million biometrics contract, a $200 million classified contract, and a $125 million contract for high-performance computing modernization.
Long-term Strategy: Focused on mid-single-digit or better annual organic revenue growth, accretive acquisitions, and achieving double-digit adjusted EBITDA margins by 2028.
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Risk or Challenges
Government Shutdown Impact: The company faced challenges due to the longest government shutdown in history, which impacted fourth-quarter revenue and created operational disruptions.
Confidential Contract Revenue Decline: The company experienced a $1 billion revenue headwind in 2025 due to the decline in volume from a fixed-price confidential contract, which also impacted Federal Solutions adjusted EBITDA.
Execution Challenges in Remote Regions: Execution challenges on a program in a remote region negatively impacted Federal Solutions adjusted EBITDA.
Domestic Budget Uncertainty: The 2026 guidance acknowledges risks related to domestic budget uncertainty, which could affect government procurement and funding for projects.
Competitive Labor Market: The company faces challenges in hiring and retaining talent due to a competitive labor market, which could impact operational efficiency and project execution.
Recompete Risk: Approximately 5% of 2026 total revenue is at risk due to recompete contracts, which could lead to potential revenue loss if contracts are not renewed.
Classified Facility Demand: Increased demand for classified facilities is driving higher capital expenditures, which could strain financial resources if not managed effectively.
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Guidance & Outlook
Revenue Growth: For 2026, revenue is expected to be between $6.5 billion and $6.8 billion, representing 4.5% growth at the midpoint and 0.5% growth on an organic basis. Excluding the confidential contract, the rest of the portfolio is projected to grow total revenue by 10.5% and 6% on an organic basis.
Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $615 million and $675 million, with a margin of 9.7% at the midpoint of revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance ranges. This represents adjusted EBITDA growth of 6% and margin expansion of approximately 10 basis points from 2025 at the midpoint.
Cash Flow: Cash flow from operating activities is expected to be between $470 million and $530 million, representing 4.5% growth at the midpoint and 100% free cash flow conversion of adjusted net income. CapEx spending is expected to increase to approximately 1.5% of total revenue, driven by demand for additional classified facilities.
Long-Term Financial Targets: The company aims for mid-single-digit or better organic revenue growth, double-digit adjusted EBITDA margins by 2028, and a free cash flow conversion rate of at least 100% of adjusted net income. Growth will be supplemented with acquisitions accretive to both top and bottom lines.
Critical Infrastructure Growth: Strong demand is expected in North America and the Middle East markets, with further growth anticipated in both geographies for the foreseeable future. The company is aligned with U.S. infrastructure spending priorities and expects additional funding from a new 5-year surface transportation bill.
Federal Solutions Growth: Upward momentum in defense budgets is anticipated, including over $150 billion for the Department of War and over $190 billion for the Department of Homeland Security. The company is aligned with administration priorities in areas such as cyber operations, electronic warfare, and space superiority.
Backlog and Pipeline: The company has a total backlog of $8.7 billion, with 73% funded, and $11 billion of contracts awarded but not yet booked. A $55 billion pipeline and strong win rates provide confidence in continued growth.
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Shareholder Return Plan
share repurchases: In 2025, Parsons Corporation increased its share repurchases, deploying over $1.1 billion on strategic acquisitions, capital expenditures, and share repurchases. During Q4 2025, the company repurchased approximately 856,000 shares for $60 million. For the full year, Parsons repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares at an average purchase price of $68.59, totaling $125 million.
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Key Q&A
Q:Is it safe to presume that the legacy adjustments are behind you, and should we expect this performance as a reasonable run rate going forward?
A:Yes, the legacy programs are behind us. We are in final closeout stages with customers, but execution has completed. We expect continued margin expansion for critical infrastructure and federal markets as we look to 2026, with critical infrastructure expanding more quickly due to its business structure.
Q:How are you seeing the cadence of order activity since the end of the government shutdown, and does it continue to be a book-and-burn environment?
A:Q4 was impacted by a 43-day government shutdown, but we announced six awards over $100 million in the federal segment, representing new work for Parsons. We are confident in achieving over a 1.0x book-to-bill for Federal Solutions in the first half of 2026 based on current award activity.
Q:What is the addressable market for the DroneArmor system in the U.S. and internationally?
A:The DroneArmor system has achieved technology readiness Level 9 and is designed to protect personnel, bases, and assets from drone threats. It uses AI and machine learning for decision-making and customization. Opportunities exist with the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, FAA sites, and internationally.
Q:What is the demand for mega projects in the Middle East, and are there shifts in project focus?
A:Saudi Arabia is prioritizing projects tied to global events like the 2030 World Expo and 2034 FIFA World Cup, scaling back speculative real estate ventures. Parsons has seen four years of consecutive double-digit growth in the Middle East and is involved in giga projects in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. The company has expanded into defense, border security, tourism, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Q:Can Parsons export DroneArmor and other technology solutions to the Middle East for upcoming global events?
A:Yes, Parsons can offer solutions like iNET for traffic management, which does not fall under ITAR. Federal solutions like electronic security systems and biometrics may require ITAR approval. Parsons has been involved in global events since the 2016 Atlanta Olympics and sees opportunities in the Middle East.
Q:What were the drivers behind the Federal Solutions revenue guide revisions, and have there been changes in framing the 2026 guide?
A:Federal Solutions was impacted by the government shutdown and slower procurement activity. Two contracts with material volume were delayed. The company is now more conservative on timing for new contracts and optimistic about contract growth. A strong book-to-bill of over 1.0x is anticipated for the first half of 2026.
Q:What is driving the step-up in revenue from Q1 to Q2 in 2026?
A:The primary driver is the Middle East, where holidays in 2025 spanned Q1 and Q2, but in 2026, they fall entirely in Q1. This results in flattish growth in Q1 and nearly 20% growth in Q2.
Q:Is there potential for upside to margin guidance for the year, and will both segments achieve double-digit margins?
A:There is potential for margin expansion through accretive M&A and product growth. Critical Infrastructure is expected to remain above 10%, while Federal Solutions is projected to reach mid-9% margins longer term, driven by the mix of work and product deliveries.
Q:What are the largest program movers for 2026, and how is the portfolio shifting to align with government budgets?
A:Key programs include Joint Cyber Hunt Kit, Class 5 wins, GSA schedules, and Middle East contracts like Riyadh Traffic Management and New Murabba. The portfolio is aligned with National Defense Strategy priorities, including cyber operations, border security, and missile defense, with an $85 billion addressable market.
Q:What is the outlook for Critical Infrastructure's backlog and book-to-bill ratio?
A:Critical Infrastructure's book-to-bill is expected to remain over 1.0x for 2026, supported by demand in North America and the Middle East and 21 consecutive quarters of greater than 1.0x book-to-bill.
Q:What is Parsons' role in the Golden Dome program and the Hudson River tunnel project?
A:Parsons is involved in system engineering and integration for the Missile Defense Agency, which includes work related to Golden Dome. The Hudson River tunnel project represents less than 0.5% of Parsons' revenue and is currently on hold due to legal proceedings.
Q:What is the expected growth in revenue and profit from the FAA customer in 2026?
A:Growth is expected on the FAA Technical Support Services contract, which was extended early for $593 million over three years. Parsons supports FAA modernization efforts, including air traffic control centers, with a $12.5 billion investment in modernization.
Q:What are the most attractive areas for acquisitions in 2026?
A:Parsons is focusing on acquisitions in cyber, signals intelligence, space capabilities, water, and transportation engineering, particularly in Tier 1 states like Florida, Texas, and California.
Q:Does Parsons plan to expand its role in nuclear energy?
A:Parsons has a small footprint in nuclear energy but expects growth in the U.S. and Middle East. Current projects include work with the Department of Energy and microreactor projects, as well as discussions with Middle Eastern companies investing in nuclear energy.
Q:What are the medium-term growth targets, and how do they align with government budgets?
A:Parsons sees strong alignment with reconciliation budgets and National Defense Strategy priorities, with an $85 billion addressable market. Growth targets are supported by higher win rates and market CAGRs averaging 6.5%.
Q:Review of Unclear Management Responses
A:Management avoided providing a direct answer regarding the potential for market share gains in medium-term growth targets, offering only general comments about higher win rates and market CAGRs. Additionally, the response to the Hudson River tunnel project was vague, focusing on legal proceedings without addressing potential impacts on Parsons' operations.
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Earnings Word Cloud
The most frequently occurring keywords in this quarter's earning call
Applied Sciences
Companies
Department War
Florida
Investor Day
Parsons contract
Solutions contract
acquisition research
backlog record
capital
chain
compound rate
contract period
contract program
customer contract
defense transportation
deployment
development repurchase
dollar record
flow acquisition
flow compound
flow expectation
goal digit
government
headwind contract
identity
infrastructure protection
intelligence
leader segment
market North
point dollar
program construction
program period
rate year
ratio acquisition
repurchase term
research development
space missile
term shareholder
transaction
transportation development
value contract
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this earnings call transcript come from?
All transcripts are sourced directly from the official live webcast or the company’s official investor relations website. We use the exact words spoken during the call with no paraphrasing of the core discussion.
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When audio quality is poor or multiple speakers talk over each other, we mark the section instead of guessing. This ensures complete accuracy rather than introducing potential errors.
Who creates the AI Summary and Key Q&A highlights shown above the transcript?
They are generated by a specialized financial-language model trained exclusively on 15+ years of earnings transcripts. The model extracts financial figures, guidance, and tone with 97%+ accuracy and is regularly validated against human analysts. The full raw transcript always remains available for verification.
