← Parsons overview

Parsons vs Leidos: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Parsons Corp (PSN)

Q3 2026
▲2▼2

Parsons Plunges on Guidance Cut and Surprise Loss

  • Guidance Slashed and Surprise Q2 Loss Parsons cut its full-year guidance and reported an unexpected Q2 net loss, with revenue of $1.58 billion missing expectations by 1.9%. This triggered a 38% stock plunge and a 25.5% drop to $46.19.

    This is the main negative event that drove the stock down sharply during the period.

  • Securities Investigations Launched Multiple law firms launched investigations into whether Parsons misled investors about its 2026 outlook. This adds legal uncertainty and could lead to fines or reputational damage, weighing on the stock.

    This is a new negative development that adds to investor concerns and could affect the stock price.

  • New Contract Wins Provide Some Support Parsons secured several contracts: Army cybersecurity work, a $169.5M Army contract, a five-year Knoxville airport terminal project, and an $85M Space Command advisor role. These wins show ongoing demand for its services.

    These new contracts are positive developments that could help offset the negative financial news.

  • Gordie Howe Bridge Opens and Insider Buying The $4.7 billion Gordie Howe Bridge opened with Parsons as owner's engineer, highlighting its major project capabilities. Director George Ball bought 20,000 shares, signaling insider confidence.

    These events show project execution and insider belief, which may support the stock despite other negatives.

August 2026
▲3▼1

Parsons wins new contracts but weak Q2 guidance and revenue miss weigh on shares

  • Weak Q2 results and lowered guidance Parsons reported flat Q2 revenue of $1.58 billion, 1.9% below expectations, and full-year revenue and EBITDA guidance that missed significantly, sending the stock down 25.5% to $46.19. This is the main reason the stock has been weak, as it shows the company's growth is stalling and future profits may be lower than expected.

    This is the biggest negative force on PSN's price this period, directly explaining the sharp drop.

  • New contract wins add to backlog Parsons won a five-year terminal development contract at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport and an $85 million Owner's Advisor agreement for U.S. Space Command headquarters. These awards bring in new work and support future revenue, which is a positive for the stock even as current results disappoint.

    These are new, concrete contract wins that show demand for Parsons' services and support the bull case.

  • Insider buying signals confidence Director George Ball bought 20,000 shares at $47.97, worth about $959,000, increasing his holdings by 13%. Insider buying is often seen as a sign that someone close to the company believes the stock is undervalued, which can support the share price.

    This is a new insider purchase that may boost investor confidence after the stock's decline.

  • Gordie Howe Bridge opens, showcasing Parsons' role The $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge opened, with Parsons as owner's engineer. While the project was already known, its completion highlights Parsons' expertise in large infrastructure projects and could help win similar work in the future.

    This event is new and positively reinforces Parsons' reputation, though its immediate financial impact is limited.

Latest
▲3▼1

Parsons wins new contracts but weak Q2 guidance and revenue miss weigh on shares

  • Weak Q2 results and lowered guidance Parsons reported flat Q2 revenue of $1.58 billion, 1.9% below expectations, and full-year revenue and EBITDA guidance that missed significantly, sending the stock down 25.5% to $46.19. This is the main reason the stock has been weak, as it shows the company's growth is stalling and future profits may be lower than expected.

    This is the biggest negative force on PSN's price this period, directly explaining the sharp drop.

  • New contract wins add to backlog Parsons won a five-year terminal development contract at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport and an $85 million Owner's Advisor agreement for U.S. Space Command headquarters. These awards bring in new work and support future revenue, which is a positive for the stock even as current results disappoint.

    These are new, concrete contract wins that show demand for Parsons' services and support the bull case.

  • Insider buying signals confidence Director George Ball bought 20,000 shares at $47.97, worth about $959,000, increasing his holdings by 13%. Insider buying is often seen as a sign that someone close to the company believes the stock is undervalued, which can support the share price.

    This is a new insider purchase that may boost investor confidence after the stock's decline.

  • Gordie Howe Bridge opens, showcasing Parsons' role The $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge opened, with Parsons as owner's engineer. While the project was already known, its completion highlights Parsons' expertise in large infrastructure projects and could help win similar work in the future.

    This event is new and positively reinforces Parsons' reputation, though its immediate financial impact is limited.

July 2026
▲2▼2

Parsons Slashes 2026 Guidance, Triggers 38% Plunge and Investigations

  • 2026 Guidance Cut and Q2 Miss Parsons cut full-year 2026 revenue and profit guidance and reported a surprise net loss, sending shares down 38%. The company blamed divestitures and delayed awards, but investors fear weaker future earnings.

    This is the main new event that directly caused the stock to plummet and changes the earnings outlook.

  • Securities Investigations Launched Multiple law firms are investigating whether Parsons misled investors about its 2026 outlook. This adds legal uncertainty and could lead to fines or lawsuits, further pressuring the stock.

    New investigations are a direct consequence of the guidance cut and add a new risk factor for investors.

  • New Army Cyber Contract Parsons won a contract to provide cybersecurity for the U.S. Army Research Lab, deepening its role in high-value defense tech. This supports long-term revenue but is overshadowed by the guidance cut.

    This is a new positive development that shows underlying demand, but its impact is muted by the larger negative news.

  • Industrial Modernization Demand Parsons highlighted a $169.5M Army contract and growing demand for industrial base modernization. This shows a healthy pipeline, but near-term execution issues and guidance cut dominate investor sentiment.

    This new contract and demand signal are positive but not enough to offset the negative guidance revision.

▲2▼2

Parsons Slashes 2026 Guidance, Triggers 38% Plunge and Investigations

  • 2026 Guidance Cut and Q2 Miss Parsons cut full-year 2026 revenue and profit guidance and reported a surprise net loss, sending shares down 38%. The company blamed divestitures and delayed awards, but investors fear weaker future earnings.

    This is the main new event that directly caused the stock to plummet and changes the earnings outlook.

  • Securities Investigations Launched Multiple law firms are investigating whether Parsons misled investors about its 2026 outlook. This adds legal uncertainty and could lead to fines or lawsuits, further pressuring the stock.

    New investigations are a direct consequence of the guidance cut and add a new risk factor for investors.

  • New Army Cyber Contract Parsons won a contract to provide cybersecurity for the U.S. Army Research Lab, deepening its role in high-value defense tech. This supports long-term revenue but is overshadowed by the guidance cut.

    This is a new positive development that shows underlying demand, but its impact is muted by the larger negative news.

  • Industrial Modernization Demand Parsons highlighted a $169.5M Army contract and growing demand for industrial base modernization. This shows a healthy pipeline, but near-term execution issues and guidance cut dominate investor sentiment.

    This new contract and demand signal are positive but not enough to offset the negative guidance revision.

Q2 2026
▲4

Parsons Wins New Defense Contracts and Launches Biometrics Platform

  • New $245M Naval Research Lab Contract Parsons won a $245 million contract to support satellite ground systems for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory over five years. This directly adds revenue and extends a 30-year relationship, giving investors more confidence in future earnings.

    This is a concrete new contract that directly boosts Parsons' revenue outlook.

  • AresNXT Biometrics Platform Launch Parsons launched AresNXT, a new biometrics platform for secure identity checks. It already has pilot use with a federal law enforcement client. New products can open new revenue streams and show Parsons is innovating, which supports the stock price.

    This is a new product launch that could drive future growth and shows innovation.

  • PFAS Remediation Expansion Parsons announced expansion of its PFAS cleanup services, with recent wins at military bases and major airports. This shows growing demand for its environmental services, which can lead to more contracts and revenue.

    This is a new business expansion that signals increased demand for Parsons' services.

  • Strong Demand for Cyber and Electromagnetic Capabilities Parsons highlighted strong government demand for its cyber and electromagnetic warfare solutions. While this is a general update, it reinforces that Parsons is well-positioned in a growing defense area, which supports long-term revenue growth.

    This points to ongoing demand in a key growth area for Parsons.

June 2026
▲4

Parsons Wins New Defense Contracts and Launches Biometrics Platform

  • New $245M Naval Research Lab Contract Parsons won a $245 million contract to support satellite ground systems for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory over five years. This directly adds revenue and extends a 30-year relationship, giving investors more confidence in future earnings.

    This is a concrete new contract that directly boosts Parsons' revenue outlook.

  • AresNXT Biometrics Platform Launch Parsons launched AresNXT, a new biometrics platform for secure identity checks. It already has pilot use with a federal law enforcement client. New products can open new revenue streams and show Parsons is innovating, which supports the stock price.

    This is a new product launch that could drive future growth and shows innovation.

  • PFAS Remediation Expansion Parsons announced expansion of its PFAS cleanup services, with recent wins at military bases and major airports. This shows growing demand for its environmental services, which can lead to more contracts and revenue.

    This is a new business expansion that signals increased demand for Parsons' services.

  • Strong Demand for Cyber and Electromagnetic Capabilities Parsons highlighted strong government demand for its cyber and electromagnetic warfare solutions. While this is a general update, it reinforces that Parsons is well-positioned in a growing defense area, which supports long-term revenue growth.

    This points to ongoing demand in a key growth area for Parsons.

▲4

Parsons Wins New Defense Contracts and Launches Biometrics Platform

  • New $245M Naval Research Lab Contract Parsons won a $245 million contract to support satellite ground systems for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory over five years. This directly adds revenue and extends a 30-year relationship, giving investors more confidence in future earnings.

    This is a concrete new contract that directly boosts Parsons' revenue outlook.

  • AresNXT Biometrics Platform Launch Parsons launched AresNXT, a new biometrics platform for secure identity checks. It already has pilot use with a federal law enforcement client. New products can open new revenue streams and show Parsons is innovating, which supports the stock price.

    This is a new product launch that could drive future growth and shows innovation.

  • PFAS Remediation Expansion Parsons announced expansion of its PFAS cleanup services, with recent wins at military bases and major airports. This shows growing demand for its environmental services, which can lead to more contracts and revenue.

    This is a new business expansion that signals increased demand for Parsons' services.

  • Strong Demand for Cyber and Electromagnetic Capabilities Parsons highlighted strong government demand for its cyber and electromagnetic warfare solutions. While this is a general update, it reinforces that Parsons is well-positioned in a growing defense area, which supports long-term revenue growth.

    This points to ongoing demand in a key growth area for Parsons.

Leidos Holdings Inc (LDOS)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

Leidos expands AI and defense footprint, but profit falls and analyst downgrades

  • AI and defense partnerships Leidos formed a mainframe modernization partnership with Mechanical Orchard, a UK defence logistics alliance with DHL, and a CoreWeave partnership for classified AI cloud services, expanding its technology and defense footprint.

    These new partnerships show Leidos broadening its AI and defense capabilities, a key growth driver.

  • Major contract wins Leidos won missile-defense sensor work for 18 satellites, a $301M Army cyber award, an $875M Navy network deal, and a $127M Army ARTEMIS extension, adding significant new revenue opportunities.

    These large contract awards directly support future revenue growth and investor confidence.

  • Cybersecurity and AI product launches Leidos launched AI cybersecurity platform Parcata and demonstrated successful cyber detection at Valiant Shield, showcasing innovation in high-demand security areas.

    New product launches and successful demos highlight Leidos' competitive edge in cybersecurity and AI.

  • Profit decline and analyst downgrade Q2 profit fell to $354M from $391M despite 7.2% revenue growth, and J.P. Morgan downgraded the stock to Neutral with a $142 target, citing weak healthcare margins and lower earnings expectations.

    This negative news weighed on sentiment and the stock price, providing a counterweight to positive developments.

August 2026
▲2▼2

Leidos wins major defense contracts but profit falls and analyst downgrades

  • Major defense contract wins Leidos won several large defense contracts: missile-defense sensor work for 18 satellites, a $301M Army cyber contract, an $875M Navy network award, and a $127M Army ARTEMIS extension. These wins support future revenue growth.

    These new contracts are a key positive driver for the stock, showing strong demand for Leidos' defense services.

  • AI cybersecurity tool launch Leidos launched an AI cybersecurity tool for federal agencies, expanding its product offerings in the growing AI security market. This could open new revenue streams and strengthen its competitive position.

    This new product launch is a positive development that could drive future growth and is new information for this period.

  • Q2 profit decline despite revenue growth Leidos reported Q2 profit of $354M, down from $391M a year earlier, even though revenue grew 7.2%. This profit drop raises concerns about the company's ability to turn revenue growth into earnings.

    The decline in profit is a negative factor that weighs on investor sentiment and the stock price.

  • J.P. Morgan downgrade on margin weakness J.P. Morgan downgraded Leidos to Neutral with a $142 price target, citing weak healthcare margins and lower earnings expectations. This analyst caution adds pressure on the stock.

    The downgrade reflects concerns about profitability and can negatively impact the stock price.

Latest
▲2▼1

Leidos wins new contracts but faces healthcare margin downgrade

  • New Army ARTEMIS contract adds revenue visibility Leidos won a $127 million Army contract to extend ARTEMIS airborne intelligence operations through 2027. This concrete order supports future revenue and shows continued demand for Leidos's defense services, which helps the stock.

    This is a new contract award that directly boosts Leidos's backlog and revenue outlook.

  • New AI cyber tool for federal agencies Leidos launched UpHold Effect Agentic SOC Automation, an AI tool that helps federal cyber teams handle alerts. This new product could open a new growth area in cybersecurity for government, a plus for future revenue.

    This is a new product launch that could drive future revenue growth in a high-demand area.

  • Security screening joint venture completed Leidos completed the combination of its security screening businesses with Analogic, forming a new private company. Leidos keeps a minority stake and sharpens focus on its growth strategy, but the net financial impact is unclear.

    This is a major corporate event that changes Leidos's business mix and could affect future earnings.

  • J.P. Morgan downgrade on healthcare weakness J.P. Morgan downgraded Leidos to Neutral and cut its price target to $142, citing falling earnings expectations and weak healthcare margins. This negative analyst view can pressure the stock as investors adjust expectations.

    This is a new analyst downgrade that directly impacts investor sentiment and the stock's perceived value.

▲3▼1

Leidos racks up defense and Navy contract wins as profit slips

  • Missile-defense sensor work expands Leidos was picked to supply infrared sensors for 18 missile-tracking satellites, building on earlier payloads already in orbit. More satellite payload work means more revenue from a fast-growing defense area, which supports the stock.

    New contract win that adds demand and shows Leidos' role in missile defense.

  • AI cloud partnership for classified work Leidos and CoreWeave teamed up to build secure AI cloud services for U.S. intelligence and defense agencies, handling classified workloads. This opens a new growth area in AI for government, a plus for future revenue.

    New partnership that points to a new source of demand.

  • Q2 profit falls despite higher sales Second-quarter profit dropped to $354 million from $391 million a year earlier, even as revenue rose 7.2% to $4.56 billion. Lower profit weighs on the stock, though the company still guided to full-year revenue of $18.2-18.4 billion.

    New earnings result showing a real counterweight to the contract wins.

  • Army cyber and Navy network awards add backlog Leidos won a $301 million Army cyber-defense contract and an $875 million Navy network option year, keeping over 650,000 personnel connected. These awards extend key relationships and add revenue visibility, supporting the stock.

    New contract wins that directly add backlog and demand.

July 2026
▲5

Leidos expands federal AI and defense logistics with new partnerships

  • Mainframe modernization partnership Leidos partnered with Mechanical Orchard to bring its Imogen platform to federal agencies, helping modernize aging mainframe systems. This expands Leidos' service offerings and could lead to new contracts, supporting revenue growth and a higher stock price.

    New partnership expands Leidos' federal IT modernization business, a potential growth driver.

  • UK defence logistics alliance with DHL Leidos and DHL formed an alliance to pursue the UK MoD's Future Defence Support Services contract. If won, this major logistics deal would add significant long-term revenue and strengthen Leidos' international defense footprint, pushing the stock up.

    New alliance targets a large UK defense contract, a clear potential catalyst for future revenue.

  • Tactical cyber detection demo Leidos successfully demonstrated its CRS cyber detection system during the Valiant Shield military exercise. This showcases a new capability for military cyber resilience, which could attract future defense contracts and enhance Leidos' reputation in cyber warfare.

    New technology demonstration validates Leidos' cyber offerings, potentially leading to new business.

  • AI cybersecurity platform Parcata launched Leidos launched Parcata, an AI-driven platform that autonomously detects and patches cyber vulnerabilities in real time. This new product under the NorthStar 2030 strategy could open new revenue streams and position Leidos as a leader in AI cybersecurity.

    New product launch signals innovation and potential future revenue growth.

  • CoreWeave partnership for classified AI Leidos partnered with CoreWeave to deliver secure AI cloud services for U.S. intelligence and defense agencies. Leidos will lead mission integration and security, expanding its federal contracting opportunities in AI. The work is subject to future agreements and federal funding.

    New partnership opens access to high-growth classified AI work, a potential long-term revenue driver.

▲5

Leidos expands federal AI and defense logistics with new partnerships

  • Mainframe modernization partnership Leidos partnered with Mechanical Orchard to bring its Imogen platform to federal agencies, helping modernize aging mainframe systems. This expands Leidos' service offerings and could lead to new contracts, supporting revenue growth and a higher stock price.

    New partnership expands Leidos' federal IT modernization business, a potential growth driver.

  • UK defence logistics alliance with DHL Leidos and DHL formed an alliance to pursue the UK MoD's Future Defence Support Services contract. If won, this major logistics deal would add significant long-term revenue and strengthen Leidos' international defense footprint, pushing the stock up.

    New alliance targets a large UK defense contract, a clear potential catalyst for future revenue.

  • Tactical cyber detection demo Leidos successfully demonstrated its CRS cyber detection system during the Valiant Shield military exercise. This showcases a new capability for military cyber resilience, which could attract future defense contracts and enhance Leidos' reputation in cyber warfare.

    New technology demonstration validates Leidos' cyber offerings, potentially leading to new business.

  • AI cybersecurity platform Parcata launched Leidos launched Parcata, an AI-driven platform that autonomously detects and patches cyber vulnerabilities in real time. This new product under the NorthStar 2030 strategy could open new revenue streams and position Leidos as a leader in AI cybersecurity.

    New product launch signals innovation and potential future revenue growth.

  • CoreWeave partnership for classified AI Leidos partnered with CoreWeave to deliver secure AI cloud services for U.S. intelligence and defense agencies. Leidos will lead mission integration and security, expanding its federal contracting opportunities in AI. The work is subject to future agreements and federal funding.

    New partnership opens access to high-growth classified AI work, a potential long-term revenue driver.

Q2 2026
▲3▼1

Leidos loses key health contract, wins new defense and space work

  • Defense Health Agency plans to replace Leidos on MHS GENESIS The Defense Health Agency intends to replace Leidos as lead integrator on the MHS GENESIS military health records program. This threatens a major, multi-year revenue stream and has triggered analyst downgrades, weighing on the stock as investors reassess future margins and growth.

    This is the biggest new negative catalyst, directly hitting Leidos' revenue and profit outlook.

  • Leidos wins four State Department Evolve awards Leidos secured four awards under the State Department's $10 billion Evolve contract to modernize IT systems for diplomats worldwide. This adds a new, large, multi-year revenue opportunity, helping offset the loss of the health records work and supporting future growth.

    This is a fresh, sizable contract win that provides a positive counterweight to the negative health program news.

  • Leidos deploys Joint Management Tool with DISA and Space Command Leidos deployed a cloud-based Joint Management Tool with DISA and U.S. Space Command, giving combatant commands real-time satellite communications visibility. This showcases Leidos' software and defense modernization capabilities, reinforcing its relevance in high-growth military communications work.

    It demonstrates Leidos' strength in software-heavy defense work, a key positive driver for future demand.

  • Leidos advances DARPA regenerative fuel cell prototype Leidos demonstrated a working regenerative fuel cell under DARPA's ExCURSion program, cycling up to 1,000 times. This positions Leidos in cutting-edge energy storage technology for the military, potentially opening new long-term revenue streams and enhancing its reputation for innovation.

    It highlights Leidos' R&D strength and potential for future contracts in a novel technology area.

June 2026
▲3▼1

Leidos loses key health contract, wins new defense and space work

  • Defense Health Agency plans to replace Leidos on MHS GENESIS The Defense Health Agency intends to replace Leidos as lead integrator on the MHS GENESIS military health records program. This threatens a major, multi-year revenue stream and has triggered analyst downgrades, weighing on the stock as investors reassess future margins and growth.

    This is the biggest new negative catalyst, directly hitting Leidos' revenue and profit outlook.

  • Leidos wins four State Department Evolve awards Leidos secured four awards under the State Department's $10 billion Evolve contract to modernize IT systems for diplomats worldwide. This adds a new, large, multi-year revenue opportunity, helping offset the loss of the health records work and supporting future growth.

    This is a fresh, sizable contract win that provides a positive counterweight to the negative health program news.

  • Leidos deploys Joint Management Tool with DISA and Space Command Leidos deployed a cloud-based Joint Management Tool with DISA and U.S. Space Command, giving combatant commands real-time satellite communications visibility. This showcases Leidos' software and defense modernization capabilities, reinforcing its relevance in high-growth military communications work.

    It demonstrates Leidos' strength in software-heavy defense work, a key positive driver for future demand.

  • Leidos advances DARPA regenerative fuel cell prototype Leidos demonstrated a working regenerative fuel cell under DARPA's ExCURSion program, cycling up to 1,000 times. This positions Leidos in cutting-edge energy storage technology for the military, potentially opening new long-term revenue streams and enhancing its reputation for innovation.

    It highlights Leidos' R&D strength and potential for future contracts in a novel technology area.

▲3▼1

Leidos loses key health contract, wins new defense and space work

  • Defense Health Agency plans to replace Leidos on MHS GENESIS The Defense Health Agency intends to replace Leidos as lead integrator on the MHS GENESIS military health records program. This threatens a major, multi-year revenue stream and has triggered analyst downgrades, weighing on the stock as investors reassess future margins and growth.

    This is the biggest new negative catalyst, directly hitting Leidos' revenue and profit outlook.

  • Leidos wins four State Department Evolve awards Leidos secured four awards under the State Department's $10 billion Evolve contract to modernize IT systems for diplomats worldwide. This adds a new, large, multi-year revenue opportunity, helping offset the loss of the health records work and supporting future growth.

    This is a fresh, sizable contract win that provides a positive counterweight to the negative health program news.

  • Leidos deploys Joint Management Tool with DISA and Space Command Leidos deployed a cloud-based Joint Management Tool with DISA and U.S. Space Command, giving combatant commands real-time satellite communications visibility. This showcases Leidos' software and defense modernization capabilities, reinforcing its relevance in high-growth military communications work.

    It demonstrates Leidos' strength in software-heavy defense work, a key positive driver for future demand.

  • Leidos advances DARPA regenerative fuel cell prototype Leidos demonstrated a working regenerative fuel cell under DARPA's ExCURSion program, cycling up to 1,000 times. This positions Leidos in cutting-edge energy storage technology for the military, potentially opening new long-term revenue streams and enhancing its reputation for innovation.

    It highlights Leidos' R&D strength and potential for future contracts in a novel technology area.