Core Viewpoint - Parsons' stock experienced a 4% increase, outperforming the S&P 500 index's 0.8% gain, driven by a positive analyst note from Truist Securities [1][2]. Group 1: Analyst Insights - Tobey Sommer of Truist Securities reiterated a buy recommendation for Parsons, citing strong organic sales growth as a positive indicator for the company's future [2][4]. - Sommer forecasts organic sales growth to reach mid-to-high teen percentage rates in 2025, with a more modest growth of 4% expected in 2026 [4][7]. Group 2: Valuation and Market Position - Parsons is considered inexpensive relative to its peer group, trading 27% higher than its competitors in government services, which is close to its three-year average premium of 20% [5]. - The company's unique combination of federal government contracting and critical infrastructure work justifies a higher valuation in Sommer's view [5]. Group 3: Recent Developments - Parsons has secured several contract wins this year, including a partnership with IBM to develop a next-generation air traffic control system for the government [6]. - The company also won construction contracts abroad in Qatar, further enhancing its market position [6].

Group 1: Job Market Overview - U.S. employers added 139,000 jobs in May, exceeding economists' expectations of 125,000-130,000, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2% [1] - Job growth was strongest in the healthcare and leisure/hospitality sectors, which added 62,000 and 48,000 jobs, respectively [9] Group 2: Wage Growth and Inflation - Average hourly earnings rose 3.9% year over year, outpacing April's inflation rate of 2.3% [2] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Paylocity (PCTY) has consistently surpassed earnings expectations, beating EPS estimates for its fiscal third quarter by 16% in May, with an average EPS surprise of 15.4% over the last four quarters [4] - Maximus (MMS) is experiencing rising EPS revisions and trades at a forward earnings multiple of 10.8X, with fiscal 2025 and FY26 EPS estimates rising nearly 7% and 4% in the last 30 days [5][7] - Other payroll stocks to consider include Dayforce (DAY) and Paychex (PAYX), along with Barrett Business Services (BBSI), all holding a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $1,877 million for Q1 FY 2026, representing growth of approximately 2% year-over-year due to the ramp-up of new and existing programs [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $157 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.4% [11] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were flat year-over-year at $1.92, impacted by a higher tax rate and lower adjusted EBITDA [12] - Free cash flow was negative $44 million, affected by the timing of receivables on two programs [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured net bookings of $2,400 million for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.3, including key recompete contracts [10] - The backlog of pending awards remained steady at approximately $20,000 million, providing visibility into future bookings [10] - The company expects to achieve a trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 in the coming quarters [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Department of Defense (DoD) is expected to see stronger budget support, particularly for the Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, while the Army may face challenges [6][7] - The company noted over $1 billion in additional budget for the Department of Transportation and over $40 billion for the Department of Homeland Security [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pivoting its portfolio towards mission and enterprise IT, aligning with the new administration's strategic priorities [8] - The strategy includes leveraging proven expertise in mission integration and digital engineering to drive program success [8] - The company aims for sustained profitable growth and is focused on executing its strategy in the coming quarters [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment has stabilized, but there are still procurement delays and higher turnover rates among customers [5] - The company is cautiously optimistic about future growth, expecting to achieve revenue guidance of $7.6 billion to $7.75 billion for FY 2026 [15] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to the evolving budget environment and maintaining a focus on contract growth [55][56] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $125 million of shares in Q1 and targets annual repurchases of $350 million to $400 million [17][18] - The company is not seeing significant risks from recent DoD communications regarding contracting practices [75] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on operating environment and budget priorities - Management noted that the operating environment has stabilized, with significant turnover in acquisition personnel affecting procurement processes [22] Question: Competitiveness in procurement environment - Management acknowledged increased competitiveness but expressed confidence in their submission pipeline and win rates [25][26] Question: Known headwinds from recompetes - The only significant known recompete headwind is the NASA program loss, which will conclude in Q3 [30][32] Question: Nature of cost overruns in space program - Management explained that cost overruns were due to challenges in the tech development phase, but they expect to recover as the program transitions to the sustainment phase [34][35] Question: Overview of end markets and opportunities - Management provided insights into the civilian and defense sectors, highlighting growth opportunities in various agencies and programs [44][46] Question: Impact of continuing resolutions on awards - Management indicated that while there are some delays, the solicitation of proposals remains robust, and they are optimistic about future awards [53][54] Question: Margin trajectory and expectations - Management expects civil margins to improve and defense margins to remain stable, with a focus on executing at higher bid thresholds [86]

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company achieved over 12% revenue growth, nearly all organic, and adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to $1,315 million, yielding an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11% [29][30] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share grew over 15%, driven by increased profitability and a lower share count, with diluted earnings per share at $1.52, a 55% increase year over year [38][39] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $194 million, resulting from $218 million of cash from operations, less $24 million of CapEx [39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense and intelligence businesses saw revenue growth of 145% year over year, while the civil business experienced flat revenue in the fourth quarter [32][35] - The company anticipates a low double-digit revenue decline in the civil business for fiscal year 2026 due to a slowdown in procurement and spending [35][42] - The AI business grew over 30% year over year to approximately $800 million, indicating strong demand and increasing integration into government operations [19][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the fiscal year with a record backlog of $37 billion, up 15% year over year, and a qualified pipeline for fiscal year 2026 of $53.4 billion [35][36] - The book-to-bill ratio for the quarter was 0.71 times, in line with historical averages, while the trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio was 1.39 times, above the trailing five-year average of 1.28 times [35][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on restructuring its civil business to return to growth rapidly after an adjustment period, while also positioning itself to lead in outcome-based opportunities [23][42] - The Vault strategy, which emphasizes velocity, leadership, and technology, aligns with government changes and aims to enhance mission acceleration and efficiency [18][26] - The company is committed to investing in advanced technologies, particularly AI, and strengthening partnerships with technology firms to drive innovation [20][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the federal government is rethinking agency missions and looking for ways to reduce spending and increase efficiency, which has led to a slowdown in civil procurement [10][11] - The defense and national security portfolio is expected to continue growing, driven by the injection of AI and commercial technology into missions [11][12] - Management expressed optimism about future opportunities, particularly in AI and advanced technology, despite the challenges in the civil business [26][45] Other Important Information - The company plans to deploy $700 million to $800 million in free cash flow for fiscal year 2026, with expectations of a meaningful reacceleration in the second half of the year [44][45] - The board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of 55 cents per share, payable on June 27 [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage the impact of unpredictable descoping and cancellations? - Management highlighted the strength in defense and intelligence sectors, while acknowledging a reset in the civil business, which is expected to be a one-time adjustment [50][51] Question: What are the expectations for the multiyear growth environment? - Management indicated that the civil business has undergone most reviews positively, while defense spending is expected to increase, particularly in Indo-Pacific and homeland defense [58][59] Question: How does the company plan to invest in commercial terms in defense? - Management emphasized the importance of partnerships with commercial technology firms and the ability to co-create solutions that meet mission needs [85][86] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding share repurchases and capital deployment? - Management confirmed a commitment to share repurchases and strategic investments, particularly in venture capital to support technology advancements [64][66] Question: How does the company view its branding and public perception? - Management acknowledged the challenges of being a market leader in media coverage but emphasized efforts to improve communication and clarify the company's positioning as an advanced technology firm [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company achieved over 12% revenue growth, nearly all organic, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 12% to $1,315 million, yielding an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11% [30][31] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share grew over 15%, driven by increased profitability and a lower share count, with diluted earnings per share at $1.52, a 55% increase year over year [38][39] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $194 million, resulting from $218 million of cash from operations, less $24 million of CapEx [39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense and intelligence businesses saw significant growth, with revenue up 145% year over year, while the civil business experienced flat revenue in Q4 and is expected to decline in the low double digits in FY 2026 [33][35] - The AI business grew over 30% year over year to approximately $800 million, indicating strong demand and increasing integration into government operations [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the fiscal year with a record year-end backlog of $37 billion, up 15% year over year, and a qualified pipeline for FY 2026 of $53.4 billion [35][36] - The book-to-bill ratio for the quarter was 0.71 times, in line with historical averages, while the trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio was 1.39 times, above the trailing five-year average of 1.28 times [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is restructuring its civil business to return to growth rapidly after a reset period, while focusing on capturing major outcome-based opportunities [22][23] - The Vault strategy, emphasizing velocity, leadership, and technology, aligns with government changes, particularly in AI and advanced technology [17][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a near-term disruption in the civil business due to government spending reductions and procurement slowdowns, but expressed optimism about growth opportunities in defense and intelligence sectors [10][29] - The outlook for FY 2026 anticipates revenue between $12 billion and $12.5 billion, with adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1,315 million to $1,370 million, maintaining an adjusted EBITDA margin of about 11% [42] Other Important Information - The company plans to make targeted cost and headcount reductions to match anticipated demand, with an expected 7% reduction in staff concentrated in the civil business [12][37] - The board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of 55¢ per share, payable on June 27, reflecting a strong balance sheet and commitment to shareholder value [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage the impact of unpredictable descoping and cancellations? - Management highlighted the dual dynamics of a reset in the civil business and continued strength in defense and intelligence, indicating a proactive restructuring to position for growth [47][48] Question: What are the expectations for the multiyear growth environment, particularly in defense and civil? - The company noted a significant increase in defense spending and a focus on technology integration, while the civil business is undergoing a reset with positive reviews of their technology [55][56] Question: How does the company plan to address the low double-digit decline in the civil business? - Management indicated that the civil business has undergone most reviews positively, and they expect growth to resume as new opportunities arise in the second half of the fiscal year [68][73] Question: How does the company view its branding and perception in the market? - Management acknowledged being a market leader attracts attention, and they are working to improve communication about their advanced technology capabilities [88][90] Question: What is the outlook for the AI business and its future programs? - The company remains optimistic about its AI business, emphasizing its integration into various missions and the potential for significant growth in the sector [99][100]

DLH (DLHC) Q2 2025 Earnings Call May 08, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Chris Witty - Managing Director - Investor RelationsZachary Parker - President & CEOKathryn Johnbull - CFO Conference Call Participants Joe Gomes - Senior Generalist Analyst Operator Good morning, and welcome to the DLH Fiscal twenty twenty five Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in listen only mode. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please note this event is ...

Core Viewpoint - Maximus reported quarterly earnings of $2.01 per share, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.37 per share, marking a 46.72% earnings surprise [1]. Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $1.36 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.83% and showing a slight increase from $1.35 billion year-over-year [2]. - Over the last four quarters, Maximus has exceeded consensus EPS estimates three times and topped revenue estimates four times [2]. Stock Performance and Outlook - Maximus shares have declined approximately 10% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 4.3% decline in the S&P 500 [3]. - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.52 on revenues of $1.3 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $6.08 on revenues of $5.31 billion [7]. Industry Context - The Government Services industry, to which Maximus belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 8% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8].