Parsons (NYSE: PSN) Q1 2026 results show record margins, backlog and reaffirmed outlook
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Parsons Corporation reported mixed first quarter 2026 results with strong backlog but lower earnings. Revenue was $1.49 billion, down 4% year-over-year and 8% on an organic basis, mainly due to lower volume on a fixed-price confidential contract. Excluding this contract, total revenue rose 8% and organic revenue grew 3%.
Net income attributable to Parsons fell to $52.9 million from $66.2 million, with GAAP diluted EPS declining to $0.49 from $0.60. However, adjusted EBITDA edged up 1% to a record $150.9 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin improved to a record 10.1%. The Critical Infrastructure segment grew revenue 3% and expanded adjusted EBITDA margin to 10.8%, while Federal Solutions revenue declined 10% but improved margin to 9.4%.
Parsons posted a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4x on $2.06 billion of awards, driving record total backlog of $9.31 billion and record funded backlog of $6.6 billion. Operating cash flow was a Q1 record use of $4 million, an improvement versus the prior year. The company closed the up-to $375 million Altamira acquisition and reiterated its 2026 guidance, including revenue of $6.5–$6.8 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $615–$675 million.
Positive
- Record profitability and backlog: Adjusted EBITDA reached $150.9 million with a record 10.1% margin, while total backlog rose to a record $9.31 billion and funded backlog to $6.6 billion, supported by a 1.4x book-to-bill ratio.
- Guidance reaffirmed with strategic M&A: Management reiterated 2026 guidance for $6.5–$6.8 billion of revenue and $615–$675 million of adjusted EBITDA and closed the up-to $375 million Altamira acquisition in high-growth national security markets.
Negative
- Revenue and net income declines: Q1 2026 revenue fell 4% to $1.49 billion and net income attributable to Parsons declined 20% to $52.9 million, reflecting lower volume on a key fixed-price confidential contract and higher acquisition-related expenses.
Insights
Parsons posts softer revenue and EPS but record margins, backlog, and reaffirms 2026 guidance.
Parsons delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $1.49 billion, down 4%, driven by reduced volume on a fixed-price confidential contract. GAAP diluted EPS fell to $0.49 from $0.60, while adjusted diluted EPS was stable at $0.79 versus $0.78 a year earlier.
Profitability metrics were stronger. Adjusted EBITDA reached a Q1 record of $150.9 million, with margin expanding to 10.1%. The Critical Infrastructure segment grew revenue 3% and lifted adjusted EBITDA margin to 10.8%. Federal Solutions revenue fell 10%, but its margin improved to 9.4%, helped by accretive contracts and acquisitions.
Growth indicators are solid: Q1 book-to-bill was 1.4x on $2.06 billion of awards, and total backlog reached a record $9.31 billion with funded backlog at $6.6 billion. Management reiterated full-year 2026 guidance for revenue of $6.5–$6.8 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $615–$675 million, and operating cash flow of $470–$530 million, suggesting confidence in demand despite near-term revenue pressure from the confidential contract.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
adjusted EBITDA financial
book-to-bill ratio financial
funded backlog financial
organic basis financial
noncontrolling interests financial
Other Transaction Agreements regulatory
Earnings Snapshot
For 2026, Parsons guides to revenue of $6.5–$6.8 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $615–$675 million, and operating cash flow of $470–$530 million, reiterating prior outlook.
FAQ
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