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Parsons (PSN)
NYSE:PSN

Parsons (PSN) AI Stock Analysis

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PSN

Parsons

(NYSE:PSN)

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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:57Neutral
Price Target:
$56.00
▲(11.91% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/18/26
The score is anchored by solid multi-year fundamentals and cash flow quality, plus generally constructive (but mixed) guidance and backlog support. This is meaningfully offset by very bearish technicals (clear downtrend and negative momentum) and a relatively elevated P/E without dividend support, alongside reduced confidence from anomalous latest-year financial statement data.
Positive Factors
Strong cash generation
Consistent operating and free cash flow conversion through 2020–2024 provides durable funding for operations, M&A, and buybacks. Reliable cash generation reduces refinancing risk, supports targets for ≥100% FCF conversion, and cushions timing volatility in government contract receipts over multiple years.
Large funded backlog & pipeline
A sizable funded backlog and large pipeline provide multi-period revenue visibility and conversion runway. High funded backlog (73%) lowers near-term revenue volatility, underpins management's growth guidance, and supports sustainable revenue growth despite isolated program timing or booking delays.
Critical Infrastructure segment strength
Repeated CI outperformance and long streak of book-to-bill ≥1 show structural demand and pricing power in infrastructure services. Margin expansion and sustained bookings indicate durable competitiveness, improving enterprise profitability mix and partially offsetting federal segment cyclicality over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Federal Solutions execution pressure
Material declines and execution problems in Federal Solutions highlight concentration and delivery risks in Parsons' core government business. Persistent federal performance weakness can suppress margins, hinder organic growth, and force resource reallocation, constraining sustainable company-wide profitability.
Large confidential fixed-price contract headwind
Significant exposure to one confidential fixed‑price award creates structural comparability and margin pressure. Fixed‑price terms amplify downside from volume declines or execution issues, increasing revenue volatility and limiting predictable organic growth until the contract's impact lags out of comparisons.
Higher pro forma leverage after M&A
Pro forma leverage rising toward ~1.8x reduces balance-sheet flexibility and increases sensitivity to cash-flow swings from contract timing or federal execution issues. While still moderate, higher leverage constrains optionality for large accretive deals and raises monitoring needs around covenant and deleveraging execution.

Parsons (PSN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Parsons Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionParsons Corporation provides integrated solutions and services in the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets in North America, the Middle East, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Federal Solutions and Critical Infrastructure. The company offers cyber security and intelligence services, as well as offensive and defensive cybersecurity platforms, tools, and operations to the U.S. Department of Defense and the United States intelligence community; space and geospatial solutions, such as geospatial intelligence, threat analytics, space situational awareness, small satellite launch and integration, satellite ground systems, fight dynamics, and command, and control solutions to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and multiple units within the U.S. Department of Defense. It also provides missile defense and C5ISR solutions, such as integrated air and missile defense, data fusion and analytics, platform system integration, directed energy, joint all-domain operations, and command and control systems to Defense Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense; technology services for energy production systems, aviation, healthcare and bio-surveillance systems, and environmental systems and associated infrastructure, as well as nuclear waste processing and treatment, weapons of mass destruction elimination, program and project management, infectious disease control analytics, and data protection solutions. In addition, the company offers intelligent transportation system management, aviation, rail and transit systems, smart cities software, and critical infrastructure cyber protection to the transportation authorities, rail, and transit entities; engineering services for infrastructure; and program management, and environmental solutions to private-sector industrial clients and public utilities. Parsons Corporation was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Centreville, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyParsons makes money primarily by performing services and delivering solutions under contracts—most often with U.S. government agencies—and recognizing revenue as work is executed. Key revenue streams include: (1) Federal Solutions: revenue from providing mission and enterprise solutions such as systems engineering/integration, cyber operations and cybersecurity services, intelligence support, missile defense and other defense-related technical services, and software-enabled capabilities. These are typically sold through competitively awarded prime contracts or subcontracts, including task orders under indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicles, and are paid based on allowable costs plus fees, fixed-price milestones, or time-and-materials/labor-hour arrangements depending on the contract. (2) Critical Infrastructure: revenue from professional services and program delivery supporting infrastructure and environmental work, including planning, design support, program management, construction management/oversight, and related technical advisory services for public-sector infrastructure owners; compensation similarly depends on contract structure (e.g., professional services billed by labor/time, cost-plus arrangements for program management, or fixed-price elements tied to deliverables). Across both segments, earnings are influenced by contract mix (e.g., cost-reimbursable vs. fixed-price), ability to win and retain positions on large multi-award contract vehicles, and backlog conversion (turning awarded contract value into revenue as tasks are funded and performed). Partnerships and teaming are common in government procurement—Parsons may serve as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor within contractor teams to pursue and execute large programs—though specific partner relationships are not uniformly disclosed.

Parsons Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 11, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted strong multi-year growth, record adjusted EBITDA margins, full-year 100% free cash flow conversion, robust funded backlog and a large pipeline, alongside strategic M&A and continued share repurchases. However, material challenges remain in the Federal Solutions segment driven by a large confidential fixed‑price contract, execution issues on a remote program, elevated DSO, and a near‑term organic growth headwind reflected in 2026 guidance. Overall the company presented stronger operational and financial momentum in critical infrastructure and a clear strategy to expand margins and capabilities, while acknowledging specific federal execution and timing headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Full-Year Revenue Growth (Excluding Confidential Contract)
Total revenue for fiscal year 2025 increased 12% year-over-year and was up 8% on an organic basis excluding the confidential contract; three-year total revenue increased 52% (CAGR ~10% organic; 9% CAGR excluding confidential).
Record Adjusted EBITDA and Margin Expansion
Fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA reached a record $609 million (up 1% vs. 2024) and adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 60 basis points to a company record of 9.6%; Q4 margin expanded 110 basis points to 9.6%.
Strong Free Cash Flow Conversion and Operating Cash Flow
Delivered 100% free cash flow conversion for fiscal 2025 and exceeded the high end of cash flow guidance; reported operating cash flow of $168 million in Q4, up 32% year-over-year.
Backlog, Funded Backlog and Pipeline Strength
Total backlog of $8.7 billion; funded backlog $6.4 billion (up 8% YoY) representing a company record 73% of total backlog. Management cites a $55 billion pipeline and $11 billion of awarded but not yet booked contracts.
Large Contract Wins and Booking Activity
Won 15 contracts >$100 million in the year (matching prior year). Notable Q4 awards: $392M 10-year biometric contract (booked $36M), $200M 5-year classified single-award (booked $23M), $125M 5-year HPC program (booked $44M), >$100M rocket motor manufacturing program (booked full). Post-quarter: FAA option exercised early ($593M) and intent to award up to $500M sole-source (booked $13M).
Critical Infrastructure Outperformance
Critical Infrastructure (CI) Q4 revenue up $89M (+12% YoY), organic growth 9%; CI adjusted EBITDA $87M in Q4 (up 87% YoY) with margin of 10.6% (up 420 bps). CI recorded 21 consecutive quarters with book-to-bill ≥1.0 and full-year CI adjusted EBITDA up 73% with margin expansion of 350 bps to 10.4%.
Disciplined Capital Deployment and Share Repurchases
Completed three acquisitions in 2025 (Applied Sciences among them) and increased share repurchases (Q4 repurchase ~856k shares for $60M; full year ~1.8M shares for $125M). Deployed over $1.1B on acquisitions, CapEx and buybacks since 2023 while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Strategic M&A to Expand Capabilities
Closed Altamira acquisition post-quarter (all-cash transaction up to $375M incl. $45M earn-out) to expand signals intelligence, space, and multi‑intelligence capabilities; management emphasizes accretive acquisition strategy targeting >10% adjusted EBITDA margins.
Guidance and Long-Term Targets
2026 guidance: revenue $6.5–$6.8B (midpoint +4.5% YoY; +0.5% organic at midpoint with a disclosed $345M headwind from the confidential contract), adjusted EBITDA $615–$675M (midpoint margin ~9.7%), operating cash flow $470–$530M. Long-term targets reiterated: mid-single-digit+ organic growth, goal of double-digit margins by 2028, and ≥100% free cash conversion.
Negative Updates
Federal Solutions Revenue and Margin Pressure
Federal Solutions faced significant headwinds: total federal revenue (including confidential contract) decreased ~20% for the full year and decreased 22% in Q4; federal adjusted EBITDA declined 32% for the year and 34% in Q4, with FY federal margin down 170 bps to 8.7%. Management cited lower volume on a fixed-price confidential contract and execution challenges on a remote program.
Material Headwind from Confidential Fixed-Price Contract
Company noted approximately $1 billion revenue headwind in 2025 from an accretive confidential fixed-price contract; for 2026 the confidential contract creates a $345 million year-over-year headwind (with $275 million realized within 2026), pressuring comparables and organic growth rates.
Q4 Enterprise Book-to-Bill Below 1.0
Enterprise book-to-bill in Q4 was 0.9x; Federal Solutions book-to-bill was 0.8x for both Q4 and full year, reflecting booking cadence weakness in the segment despite management expecting improvement into 2026.
Revenue Below Expectations in Q4
Management acknowledged that fourth quarter revenue was below expectations (despite 11% total growth YoY and 8% organic excluding the confidential contract), attributing some impact to the longest government shutdown in history.
Net DSO and Collections Timing
Net days sales outstanding (DSO) rose to 67 days at Q4-end, a 12-day increase YoY, primarily driven by lower volume on the confidential contract and timing of collections in the Middle East.
Pro Forma Leverage Increase After M&A
Net debt leverage ended Q4 at 1.3x, but management indicated pro forma leverage would be ~1.8x including the Altamira cash acquisition—higher leverage that investors should monitor despite continued balance sheet strength.
Execution Challenges on Specific Programs
Management disclosed recent execution challenges on a program in a remote region that negatively impacted Federal Solutions adjusted EBITDA in the quarter.
Guidance Reflects Near-Term Modest Organic Growth
2026 guidance implies modest organic growth at the midpoint (0.5% reported organic growth) due to the confidential contract headwind; while the rest of the portfolio is projected to grow double-digit, the headline organic rate is muted.
Company Guidance
Parsons guided 2026 revenue of $6.5–$6.8 billion (midpoint +4.5% y/y; +0.5% organic) while noting a ~$345 million y/y headwind from a confidential contract (about $275M of that impacts 2026); excluding that program the portfolio is expected to grow ~10.5% total and ~6% organic. Adjusted EBITDA is guided to $615–$675 million (≈9.7% margin at the midpoint, roughly +6% EBITDA growth and ~10 bps margin expansion vs. 2025 midpoint), operating cash flow $470–$530 million (midpoint ≈+4.5% and targeting 100% free cash flow conversion of adjusted net income), and CapEx rising to ~1.5% of revenue. Management reiterated long‑term targets of mid‑single‑digit+ organic revenue growth, double‑digit adjusted EBITDA margins by 2028, ≥100% free cash conversion and accretive M&A, and highlighted supporting metrics: $8.7B total backlog ($6.4B funded, 73% funded), $11B of awarded but not yet booked contracts, a trailing‑12M book‑to‑bill ~1.0, and Q4 net debt leverage of 1.3x (pro‑forma ~1.8x including Altamira).

Parsons Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Underlying 2020–2024 fundamentals are stable-to-improving with dependable free cash flow conversion (a key strength) and manageable leverage, but confidence is tempered by the highly abnormal 2025 annual income statement snapshot and only moderate operating cash flow coverage of total debt.
Income Statement
58
Neutral
Revenue and earnings expanded strongly from 2022–2024 (revenue up meaningfully with steady improvement in net profit margin from ~2.3% to ~3.5%). Profitability looks consistent rather than exceptional: gross margin held around the low-20% range and operating profitability stayed in the mid-single digits. The main concern is the 2025 annual data showing an extreme revenue collapse and distorted margin fields (e.g., gross profit margin at 0%), which raises data-quality/one-off reporting risk and reduces confidence in the latest trend.
Balance Sheet
66
Positive
Leverage appears manageable for the profile: debt-to-equity generally sits around ~0.4–0.6, and equity has grown over time alongside assets. Returns on equity were solid in 2022–2024 (improving to roughly 9.7% in 2024), suggesting the balance sheet is being used productively. However, total debt increased materially in 2024–2025 versus earlier years, and the 2025 return on equity is effectively near-zero (likely impacted by the same 2025 income statement anomaly), which is a watch item.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash generation is a relative strength: operating cash flow and free cash flow are consistently positive, and free cash flow has generally tracked close to reported earnings (around ~87%–91% in 2020–2024). Free cash flow growth is strong in several years, including a notable acceleration in 2023 and continued growth into 2024, and the 2025 annual figure shows another large increase. The key weakness is that operating cash flow covers only about ~0.20–0.31 of total debt across the period, implying debt paydown capacity is moderate rather than robust.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue6.36B6.75B5.44B4.20B3.66B
Gross Profit1.43B1.41B1.21B946.72M852.82M
EBITDA552.19M518.48M415.52M309.91M274.49M
Net Income241.14M235.05M161.15M96.66M64.07M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.77B5.49B4.80B4.20B3.83B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments466.39M453.55M272.94M262.54M342.61M
Total Debt1.48B1.42B927.15M916.41M799.14M
Total Liabilities3.00B2.95B2.43B2.10B1.89B
Stockholders Equity2.64B2.42B2.29B2.04B1.90B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow410.41M474.39M367.30M206.93M184.47M
Operating Cash Flow478.38M523.61M407.70M237.53M205.57M
Investing Cash Flow-254.00M-556.72M-375.97M-417.47M-240.91M
Financing Cash Flow-215.68M218.75M-21.87M100.37M-106.50M

Parsons Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price50.04
Price Trends
50DMA
65.36
Negative
100DMA
69.95
Negative
200DMA
73.66
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-4.19
Positive
RSI
23.76
Positive
STOCH
2.66
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PSN, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 50.04 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 60.41, below the 50-day MA of 65.36, and below the 200-day MA of 73.66, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -4.19 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 23.76 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 2.66 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for PSN.

Parsons Risk Analysis

Parsons disclosed 56 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Parsons reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 3 New Risks
1.
Risk Related to Our Common Stock Q4, 2025
2.
Changes in global tax laws or their interpretation could have a material impact on our effective income tax rate. Q4, 2025
3.
Risk Relating to Our Business Q4, 2025

Parsons Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$9.65B27.5417.82%0.70%4.18%16.05%
76
Outperform
$9.32B30.5913.29%12.60%24.02%
67
Neutral
$9.69B31.8525.19%1.28%2.37%-6.93%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
61
Neutral
$11.66B33.294.18%0.97%-4.99%22.16%
59
Neutral
$6.41B-28.04-8.50%0.27%-159.24%
57
Neutral
$5.30B29.669.48%-0.24%389.03%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PSN
Parsons
50.04
-10.42
-17.23%
DCI
Donaldson Company
83.65
16.50
24.57%
RRX
Regal Rexnord
175.40
51.97
42.10%
SPXC
SPX
186.77
47.44
34.05%
MIDD
The Middleby
135.81
-22.73
-14.34%
WTS
Watts Water Technologies
289.56
78.64
37.28%

Parsons Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Parsons Announces CHRO Transition and Leadership Succession Plan
Positive
Mar 17, 2026

Parsons Corporation announced on March 17, 2026 that Chief Human Resources Officer Susan Balaguer will retire effective April 1, 2026, and will stay on in an advisory capacity through the end of May to support the transition. The board approved a one-time $250,000 cash bonus as part of her final service payment, recognizing her nearly five-year tenure modernizing the company’s HR enterprise, harmonizing benefits, enhancing leadership development, and helping drive record hiring and improved retention at a pivotal growth phase.

Effective April 1, 2026, Parsons is promoting Soo Lagasse, currently senior vice president of global talent acquisition and mobility, to CHRO, strengthening continuity in its “People First” strategy. Lagasse, who joined Parsons in 2021 and has led a major overhaul of global talent acquisition, expansion of university and intern programs, and implementation of data-driven workforce planning tools, is expected to reinforce HR as a strategic growth partner and support the company’s continued momentum in recruiting and talent development across its national security and infrastructure businesses.

The most recent analyst rating on (PSN) stock is a Hold with a $55.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Parsons stock, see the PSN Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Parsons Grants CEO Long-Term Performance-Based Equity Award
Positive
Feb 26, 2026

On February 20, 2026, Parsons Corporation’s board approved a $10 million stock award for Chief Executive Officer Carey A. Smith, structured as 60% performance stock units and 40% restricted stock units, to recognize her performance and support long-term retention. The restricted units will vest annually over four years starting March 10, 2026, while the performance units will vest after a four-year period ending December 31, 2029, with payout tied to Parsons’ relative total shareholder return versus a custom peer group, reinforcing a pay-for-performance model that links Smith’s compensation to shareholders’ long-term returns and market positioning.

Under the plan, the performance stock units provide no payout at or below the 35th percentile of relative total shareholder return, reach a target $6 million payout at the 65th percentile, and can pay up to $9 million at or above the 75th percentile, with results interpolated between thresholds. The annualized face value of the grant is $2.5 million at target over four years, indicating a significant long-term incentive designed to support leadership continuity and potentially enhance investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction and value creation.

The most recent analyst rating on (PSN) stock is a Buy with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Parsons stock, see the PSN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 18, 2026