← ViaSat overview

ViaSat vs Parsons: why the prices moved differently

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

ViaSat Inc (VSAT)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

Viasat gains on defense wins, patent award, and positive cash flow

  • Defense contract wins Viasat won a US Space Force mini-GEO satellite contract and a $12M Space Data Network award, boosting its defense business and investor confidence.

    These new contracts directly drove positive sentiment and revenue prospects.

  • Patent verdict and constellation completion A $229M patent verdict against Kioxia and the completed ViaSat-3 constellation tripling bandwidth strengthened Viasat's financial and operational position.

    These events provided a cash boost and expanded capacity, key positive drivers.

  • Positive free cash flow and automotive entry Viasat turned free cash flow positive at $72M with a $4.2B backlog, and an in-vehicle satellite call with BMW opened a new automotive market.

    Financial health and new market entry are fundamental positives for the stock.

  • Competitive and market pressures SpaceX's IPO pressured smaller space stocks, M&A speculation created volatility, and competition from proven players like SpaceX remains intense.

    These factors acted as headwinds, offsetting positive developments.

August 2026
▲4

ViaSat-3 constellation complete, cash flow positive, defense wins

  • ViaSat-3 F2 enters service, completing global constellation ViaSat-3 F2 entered service across the Americas, completing the ViaSat-3 constellation and tripling global bandwidth. This boosts Viasat's ability to serve aviation, maritime, government and broadband customers, supporting revenue growth and pricing power.

    This is the biggest new event, directly expanding Viasat's core capacity and service offerings.

  • Positive free cash flow and strong backlog Viasat reported positive free cash flow of $72 million, up 19%, and backlog rose 19% to $4.2 billion. Management expects about $180 million free cash flow for fiscal 2027, signaling improving financial health and ability to fund growth.

    This shows the company is generating cash and growing its order book, key for investor confidence.

  • Space Force awards $60M to break SpaceX monopoly Viasat was one of five companies awarded a $12 million contract to integrate with the Space Data Network, expanding its government business. This reduces reliance on SpaceX and opens new defense revenue streams.

    This is a new government contract win that diversifies Viasat's revenue and strengthens its defense segment.

  • Viasat selects Rocket Lab for secure satellite bus Viasat chose Rocket Lab to build a secure mini-GEO satellite bus for the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global military communications constellation. This advances Viasat's military satcom offerings and could lead to future government contracts.

    This is a new partnership that supports Viasat's defense business and technology roadmap.

Latest
▲4

ViaSat-3 constellation complete, cash flow positive, defense wins

  • ViaSat-3 F2 enters service, completing global constellation ViaSat-3 F2 entered service across the Americas, completing the ViaSat-3 constellation and tripling global bandwidth. This boosts Viasat's ability to serve aviation, maritime, government and broadband customers, supporting revenue growth and pricing power.

    This is the biggest new event, directly expanding Viasat's core capacity and service offerings.

  • Positive free cash flow and strong backlog Viasat reported positive free cash flow of $72 million, up 19%, and backlog rose 19% to $4.2 billion. Management expects about $180 million free cash flow for fiscal 2027, signaling improving financial health and ability to fund growth.

    This shows the company is generating cash and growing its order book, key for investor confidence.

  • Space Force awards $60M to break SpaceX monopoly Viasat was one of five companies awarded a $12 million contract to integrate with the Space Data Network, expanding its government business. This reduces reliance on SpaceX and opens new defense revenue streams.

    This is a new government contract win that diversifies Viasat's revenue and strengthens its defense segment.

  • Viasat selects Rocket Lab for secure satellite bus Viasat chose Rocket Lab to build a secure mini-GEO satellite bus for the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global military communications constellation. This advances Viasat's military satcom offerings and could lead to future government contracts.

    This is a new partnership that supports Viasat's defense business and technology roadmap.

July 2026
▲3

Viasat Rises on Defense Wins, Patent Award, and M&A Speculation

  • Defense demand drives growth Viasat won a US Space Force contract to build a dual-band mini-GEO satellite, showing its key role in military satellite communications. Rising global defense spending boosts demand for its secure networks, pushing the stock up.

    This new contract directly adds to Viasat's backlog and confirms strong defense demand, a major growth driver.

  • Patent win adds cash A US jury found Kioxia infringed Viasat's patents and awarded $229 million in damages. This cash infusion strengthens Viasat's finances and validates its intellectual property, lifting the stock.

    The patent verdict is a new, concrete financial win that improves Viasat's cash position and sentiment.

  • Automotive satellite breakthrough Viasat demonstrated the first in-vehicle satellite voice call with BMW, using its L-band network. This opens a new market for connected cars, showing technology leadership and future revenue potential.

    The automotive demo highlights a new growth avenue and technological edge, supporting the bullish case.

  • M&A speculation and SpaceX pressure Viasat jumped 17% on speculation it could be acquired after Rocket Lab bought Iridium. But SpaceX's IPO has hurt smaller space stocks, including Viasat, as investors favor proven players. Consolidation hopes and competitive threats create mixed signals.

    This captures both the positive M&A buzz and the negative competitive impact from SpaceX, key forces behind recent price swings.

▲3

Viasat Rises on Defense Wins, Patent Award, and M&A Speculation

  • Defense demand drives growth Viasat won a US Space Force contract to build a dual-band mini-GEO satellite, showing its key role in military satellite communications. Rising global defense spending boosts demand for its secure networks, pushing the stock up.

    This new contract directly adds to Viasat's backlog and confirms strong defense demand, a major growth driver.

  • Patent win adds cash A US jury found Kioxia infringed Viasat's patents and awarded $229 million in damages. This cash infusion strengthens Viasat's finances and validates its intellectual property, lifting the stock.

    The patent verdict is a new, concrete financial win that improves Viasat's cash position and sentiment.

  • Automotive satellite breakthrough Viasat demonstrated the first in-vehicle satellite voice call with BMW, using its L-band network. This opens a new market for connected cars, showing technology leadership and future revenue potential.

    The automotive demo highlights a new growth avenue and technological edge, supporting the bullish case.

  • M&A speculation and SpaceX pressure Viasat jumped 17% on speculation it could be acquired after Rocket Lab bought Iridium. But SpaceX's IPO has hurt smaller space stocks, including Viasat, as investors favor proven players. Consolidation hopes and competitive threats create mixed signals.

    This captures both the positive M&A buzz and the negative competitive impact from SpaceX, key forces behind recent price swings.

Parsons Corp (PSN)

Q3 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.

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.

Latest
▲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.

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