Parsons (PSN) vs Science Applications International (SAIC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Science Applications International (SAIC) has outperformed Parsons (PSN) over the past year, gaining 20.6% versus a loss of 52.1%. Over five years, SAIC leads with a +35.4% price change compared with +16.2% for PSN. Science Applications International is the larger company by market cap ($5.43 billion vs $4.59 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, Science Applications International trades at a lower forward P/E (11.3x vs 12.6x for Parsons). Science Applications International pays a dividend yielding 1.14%, while Parsons does not currently pay one. Science Applications International converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 4.9% versus 3.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | PSN | SAIC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $43.02 | $129.71 |
| Market cap | $4.59B | $5.43B |
| 1-day change | +2.38% | +6.25% |
| YTD return | -32.01% | +21.28% |
| 1-year return | -52.12% | +20.61% |
| 5-year return | +16.17% | +35.40% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 29.67 | 15.14 |
| Forward P/E | 12.58 | 11.29 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.45 | $8.57 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.14% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.36B | $7.26B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -5.72% | -2.90% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $241.14M | $358.00M |
| Gross margin | 22.49% | 12.01% |
| Operating margin | 6.57% | 7.17% |
| Net margin | 3.79% | 4.93% |
| 52-week high | $89.50 | $142.66 |
| 52-week low | $36.26 | $81.08 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -51.93% | -9.08% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +36.52% | +2.31% |
| Average volume | 1.40M | 442.53K |
| Shares outstanding | 106.81M | 41.90M |
| Employees | 21,000 | 23,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | EDP Services | EDP Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- SAIC has outperformed PSN by 72.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Parsons trades at a higher earnings multiple (29.7x vs 15.1x trailing P/E).
- Science Applications International offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.14% vs 0.00%).
About Parsons
PSN stock →Parsons Corporation provides design, engineering and technical services, and smart and agile software for the United States federal government and critical infrastructure customers worldwide. It operates through Federal Solutions and Critical Infrastructure segments.
Technology · EDP Services · 21,000 employees
About Science Applications International
SAIC stock →Science Applications International Corporation provides technical, engineering, and mission and enterprise information technology (IT) services in the United States. It operates through two segments, Defense and Intelligence; and Civilian.
Technology · EDP Services · 23,000 employees
PSN vs SAIC FAQ
Which is bigger, Parsons or Science Applications International?
Science Applications International (SAIC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.43B compared with $4.59B for Parsons (PSN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, PSN or SAIC?
SAIC returned +20.61% over the past 12 months, compared with -52.12% for PSN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, PSN or SAIC?
SAIC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.1, versus 29.7 for PSN. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Parsons or Science Applications International?
Science Applications International pays a dividend yielding 1.14%, while Parsons does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Parsons and Science Applications International in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the EDP Services industry within the Technology sector.