Parsons Reports Strong First Quarter 2024 Results

Q1 2024 Financial Highlights

• Record revenue of $1.5 billion increases 31% year-over-year
• Record first quarter organic revenue growth of 29%, including four consecutive quarters with organic growth above 20%
• Net loss of $107 million due to a $214 million pre-tax charge related to a partial repurchase of 2025 convertible notes above par due to stock price appreciation
• Adjusted EBITDA increases by 56% to $141 million
• Strong book-to-bill ratio of 1.4x on record contract awards with 51% growth
• Record total backlog increases 8% to $9.0 billion
• Increasing fiscal year 2024 guidance ranges for all financial metrics

CHANTILLY, Va., May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

CEO Commentary

“Our momentum continues with a strong start to 2024 after reporting record financial results in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. For the first quarter of 2024, we had record results for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, contract awards, and total backlog,” said Carey Smith, chair, president, and chief executive officer. “We also achieved record first quarter organic revenue growth of 29%, making this the fourth consecutive quarter where organic growth exceeded 20%. Our record total revenue was driven by double-digit growth across all four business units and major geographies. Looking forward, I am excited about our business given the ample tailwinds we have in both segments, our strong backlog and pipeline, low recompete levels, and robust balance sheet that will enable us to continue to make accretive acquisitions to drive future revenue growth and margin expansion.”

First Quarter 2024 Results

Year-over-Year Comparisons (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023)

Total revenue for the first quarter of 2024 increased by $362 million, or 31%, to $1.5 billion. This increase was primarily driven by organic growth of 29% due to the continued ramp-up on recent contract awards and execution on the company's backlog programs. Operating income increased 99% to $102 million primarily due to the ramp-up of new and existing contracts. Net loss was $107 million due to a $214 million pre-tax charge related to the repurchase of a portion of the company's 2025 convertible notes in the quarter. This charge was primarily due to the strength of the company’s operating performance, which drove its stock price to a level above the conversion price of the company’s 2025 convertible bond. GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS) attributable to Parsons was ($1.01) in the first quarter of 2023, compared to $0.23 in the prior year period. Excluding the impact from the convertible bond transaction, GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Parsons would have been $0.49 per share.

Adjusted EBITDA including noncontrolling interests for the first quarter of 2024 was $141 million, a 56% increase over the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 150 basis points to 9.2% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 7.7% in the first quarter of 2023. The year-over-year adjusted EBITDA and margin increases were driven primarily by increased volume on margin accretive contracts and a deliberate focus on cost management and controls. Adjusted EPS was $0.70 in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $0.43 in the first quarter of 2023. The year-over-year adjusted EPS increase was driven by the previously mentioned adjusted EBITDA increase noted above.

Segment Results

Federal Solutions Segment

Federal Solutions Year-over-Year Comparisons (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023)

First quarter 2024 revenue increased $275 million, or 43%, compared to the prior year period due to organic growth of 41% and the contribution from the company's SealingTech acquisition. Organic growth was driven primarily by the ramp-up of recent contract wins and growth on existing contracts to include strength in the company's cyber portfolio.

First quarter 2024 Federal Solutions adjusted EBITDA including noncontrolling interests increased by $36 million, or 65%. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 130 basis points to 10.2% from 8.9% in the prior year period. These increases were driven primarily by increased volume on accretive contracts, effective cost control, and a favorable adjustment related to the achievement of program milestones.

Critical Infrastructure Segment

Critical Infrastructure Year-over-Year Comparisons (Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023)

First quarter 2024 Critical Infrastructure revenue increased $87 million, or 16%, compared to the prior year period driven by organic growth of 15% and a nominal amount of revenue contribution from acquisitions. Organic growth was driven by higher volume in the company's Middle East and North American infrastructure portfolios.

First quarter 2024 adjusted EBITDA including noncontrolling interests increased by $14 million, or 42%, compared to the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 140 basis points to 7.7% from 6.3% in the prior year period. The adjusted EBITDA increases were driven by higher volume on accretive programs and improved operating performance.

First Quarter 2024 Key Performance Indicators

• Book-to-bill ratio: 1.4x on net bookings of $2.1 billion.
• Book-to-bill ratio (trailing twelve-months): 1.2x on net bookings of $6.7 billion.
• Total backlog: $9.0 billion, up $664 million from Q1 2023.
• Cash flow used in operating activities: First quarter 2024: $63 million compared to $9 million in first quarter of 2023. The increased cash consumption from the prior year period was the result of timing on receipts and higher incentive compensation costs given the company's strong fiscal year 2023 operating performance and increased employee base.

Significant Contract Wins

Parsons continues to win large strategic contracts across both segments supporting national security priorities and unprecedented global infrastructure spend. During the first quarter of 2024, the company won three single-award contracts worth more than $100 million each and several other strategic wins.

• Selected by the Gateway Development Commission as the delivery partner on the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project and the company plans to book its portion of this contract in the second quarter of 2024. This milestone project is supported by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is slated to receive nearly $12 billion in Federal funding, the largest investment for a mass transit project in modern history. Over the last twelve months, Parsons has won three of the largest North America transportation wins in the company’s history - the Hudson River Tunnel, JFK International Airport Roadways, and Newark Bay Bridge projects.
• Option period awards totaling $970 million with a confidential customer in the company's Federal Solutions segment.
• Awarded two significant contracts in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter. The first was a new $87 million three-year contract. This project is for the development of a luxury mountain tourism destination and the real estate development customer is owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. The second award was a $53 million contract for program management of Riyadh’s road network. Following a record in 2023 of 33% organic growth, Parsons continues to win work in the Middle East as a result of its’ trusted partner reputation.
• Selected by the United States Department of Labor to assist with planning, management, and oversight of the Job Corps Facilities Program. Parsons is the sole awardee on the $115 million contract of which it booked $46 million in the first quarter of 2024. Parsons has performed project management on this contract since 2013.
• Parsons was one of two companies awarded a position on an IDIQ contract by the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence. This $1 billion ceiling value contract to deploy global counter-nuclear smuggling systems represents new work and Parsons was already awarded two task orders for $13 million. This strategic win is an important progression of the company's decades-long legacy of serving global and national non-proliferation security missions.
• Awarded a $63 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center of which the company booked $44 million in the first quarter of 2024. The scope is for a directed energy laser system that has already neutralized more than 4,000 unexploded ordnance and allows for the precise detonation of submunitions, cluster and general bombs, land mines, and artillery shells. This is the first ground-based laser system in production and has been deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific region, where it demonstrated 100% effectiveness.
• Awarded a one-year base contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for system integration and cloud management services for the Traffic Coordination System for Space. The contract is valued at $27 million of which the company booked the base value of $16 million in the first quarter of 2024. Under this contract, Parsons will provide space situational awareness and space traffic coordination services to private and civil space operators. Parsons is now providing space situational awareness solutions to both commercial and DoD customers.

Additional Corporate Highlights

Parsons continues its 80-year history of cultivating a responsible enterprise. During the quarter, the company was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 15th consecutive year. Parsons was also recognized for delivering project excellence on three major infrastructure programs, and honored for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts and for being a military friendly employer.

• Named by Ethisphere as one of the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies. The company has been honored with this recognition for 15 consecutive years.
• Parsons was recognized for delivering project excellence on three major infrastructure programs. Parsons Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal A joint venture project was named the world's best new airport terminal by the global airport evaluation firm Skytrax. This project is just one of three North American airport terminals to receive a five-star rating from Skytrax. Additionally, the I-270 North Design Build Project, for which Parsons served as the primary consultant, was selected as one of the American Public Works Association’s 2024 Transportation Projects of the Year. Finally, the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York recognized Parsons with the Empire award for the East Side Access project for its significant contributions to the growth, prosperity, and betterment of the community.
• The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York honored Parsons with The Community Builder award. This award recognizes companies for actively engaging with the community in their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts, and leaving a lasting legacy of positive change and unity.
• Recognized by the Washington Business Journal for Parsons dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the company's organization and for having a substantial portion of females on the company's Board of Directors.
• Received the 2024 Gold Award for being a Military Friendly® employer. This prestigious award highlights an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunity for the military community.

Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance

The company is increasing its fiscal year 2024 revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and cash flow from operations guidance ranges to reflect its strong first quarter operating performance and its outlook for the remainder of the year. The table below summarizes the company’s fiscal year 2024 guidance.

Net income guidance is not presented as the company believes volatility associated with interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other matters affecting net income, including but not limited to one-time and nonrecurring events and impact of M&A, will preclude the company from providing accurate net income guidance for fiscal year 2024.

Conference Call Information

Parsons will host a conference call today, May 1, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results for its first quarter 2024.

Access to a webcast of the live conference call can be obtained through the Investor Relations section of the company's website (https://investors.parsons.com). Those parties interested in participating via telephone may register on the Investor Relations website or by clicking here.

A replay will be available on the company's website approximately two hours after the conference call and continuing for one year.

About Parsons Corporation

Parsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and intelligence, space and missile defense, transportation, environmental remediation, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. Please visit Parsons.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we’re making an impact.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Earnings Release and materials included therewith contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions, and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks, changes in circumstances, trends and factors that are difficult to predict, many of which are outside of our control. Accordingly, actual performance, results and events may vary materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, and you should not rely on the forward-looking statements as predictions of future performance, results or events. Numerous factors could cause actual future performance, results and events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the impact of COVID-19; any issue that compromises our relationships with the U.S. federal government or its agencies or other state, local or foreign governments or agencies; any issues that damage our professional reputation; changes in governmental priorities that shift expenditures away from agencies or programs that we support; our dependence on long-term government contracts, which are subject to the government’s budgetary approval process; the size of addressable markets and the amount of government spending on private contractors; failure by us or our employees to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances or certifications; failure to comply with numerous laws and regulations; changes in government procurement, contract or other practices or the adoption by governments of new laws, rules, regulations and programs in a manner adverse to us; the termination or nonrenewal of our government contracts, particularly our contracts with the U.S. government; our ability to compete effectively in the competitive bidding process and delays, contract terminations or cancellations caused by competitors’ protests of major contract awards received by us; our ability to generate revenue under certain of our contracts; any inability to attract, train or retain employees with the requisite skills, experience and security clearances; the loss of members of senior management or failure to develop new leaders; misconduct or other improper activities from our employees or subcontractors; our ability to realize the full value of our backlog and the timing of our receipt of revenue under contracts included in backlog; changes in the mix of our contracts and our ability to accurately estimate or otherwise recover expenses, time and resources for our contracts; changes in estimates used in recognizing revenue; internal system or service failures and security breaches; and inherent uncertainties and potential adverse developments in legal proceedings including litigation, audits, reviews and investigations, which may result in material adverse judgments, settlements or other unfavorable outcomes. These factors are not exhaustive and additional factors could adversely affect our business and financial performance. For a discussion of additional factors that could materially adversely affect our business and financial performance, see the factors including under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, on Form 10-K, filed on February 14, 2024, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and speak only as of the date on which they are made. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this presentation that becomes untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise, except to the extent we are required to do so in connection with our ongoing requirements under federal securities laws.

PARSONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Weighted average number shares used to compute basic and diluted EPS
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

Net (loss) income available to shareholders used to compute diluted EPS as a result of adopting the if-converted method in connection with the Convertible Senior Notes
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

PARSONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share information)

PARSONS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands,
(Unaudited)

Contract Awards
(in thousands)

Backlog
(in thousands)

Book-To-Bill Ratio¹:

Non-GAAP Financial Information
The tables under "Parsons Corporation Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" present Adjusted Net Income attributable to Parsons Corporation, Adjusted Earnings per Share, Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”), Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP measure. These financial measures are calculated and presented on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("Non-GAAP Measures"). Parsons has provided these Non-GAAP Measures to adjust for, among other things, the impact of amortization expenses related to our acquisitions, costs associated with a loss or gain on the disposal or sale of property, plant and equipment, restructuring and related expenses, costs associated with mergers and acquisitions, software implementation costs, legal and settlement costs, and other costs considered non-operational in nature. These items have been Adjusted because they are not considered core to the company’s business or otherwise not considered operational or because these charges are non-cash or non-recurring. The company presents these Non-GAAP Measures because management believes that they are meaningful to understanding Parsons’s performance during the periods presented and the company’s ongoing business. Non-GAAP Measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and therefore are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled metrics or the financial results of other companies. These Non-GAAP Measures should be considered a supplement to, not a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

¹ _{Book-to-Bill ratio is calculated as total contract awards divided by total revenue for the period.}

PARSONS CORPORATION
Non-GAAP Financial Information
Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands)

PARSONS CORPORATION
Non-GAAP Financial Information
Computation of Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
(in thousands)

PARSONS CORPORATION
Non-GAAP Financial Information
Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Parsons Corporation to Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Parsons Corporation
(in thousands, except per share information)