Leidos awarded $476 million NASA Cargo Mission Support contract

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) has secured a $476 million contract from NASA to continue providing cargo mission support for the International Space Station (ISS) and Artemis program. The contract spans a base period of two years, with operations primarily conducted at Leidos' Webster, Texas facilities. This contract includes engineering, maintenance, operations support, and hardware development to ensure mission success. Leidos has been a critical partner for NASA since 2004, supporting over 160 ISS missions. The company is known for innovations like the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD), which improves living conditions in space.

Positive

• Leidos awarded a $476 million contract from NASA.
• Contract includes a two-year base period.
• Operations will be performed at Leidos' facilities in Webster, Texas.
• Leidos has supported over 160 ISS missions since 2004.
• Leidos developed the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD).

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

The announcement of Leidos being awarded a $476 million contract from NASA is significant as it directly impacts the company's financial health and growth prospects. This contract provides a stable revenue stream over the next two years, which can help smooth out earnings fluctuations that often accompany government contractors. For investors, this means potentially more predictable earnings and cash flow, which might make the stock more attractive.

Moreover, considering Leidos' reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion in fiscal 2023, this contract represents roughly 3% of their annual revenue, which is substantial. This can also contribute positively to the company's top and bottom lines, driving potential stock appreciation.

However, while this is a positive development, it’s important to balance this with a broader view of the company’s other contracts and general market conditions. These aspects can impact overall performance. Furthermore, investors should also be aware of the risks inherent in government contracts, such as potential for changes in government priorities or budget constraints.

Aerospace Analyst

Leidos’ continued involvement in NASA’s cargo missions, including their work with the ISS and the Artemis program, underscores the company's robust capabilities and credibility in aerospace engineering. This long-term relationship with NASA, extending back to 2004, indicates a high level of trust and reliability that could bode well for securing future contracts and partnerships.

The development and deployment of the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD) highlight Leidos' innovative approach to solving critical challenges in space. Ensuring safe, potable water is not just a technical feat but also a critical component for long-duration space missions. This aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainable and long-term human presence in space.

For retail investors, it’s enlightening to see that Leidos is not just maintaining but advancing its technological capabilities. This demonstrates a commitment to innovation, which can be a strong driver of future growth and stock performance. Nonetheless, they should consider the competitive landscape and potential challenges in scaling these innovations beyond the current scope.

Market Research Analyst

The awarding of this contract to Leidos is also noteworthy from a market positioning perspective. The contract enhances Leidos’ reputation and visibility in the aerospace sector, potentially giving them a competitive edge over peers in future bids and partnerships. This can lead to improved market share within the space exploration and mission support segments.

Additionally, their established track record with over 160 ISS Visiting Vehicle Missions and 85 ISS Return Vehicle Missions speaks to their operational excellence. This operational history reduces perceived risk for stakeholders, as it shows consistent performance and capability to handle complex missions.

However, an investor should watch for how effectively Leidos manages this contract alongside its other obligations and projects. Effective resource allocation and maintaining high operational standards are critical factors that will determine the financial and operational success of this contract.

RESTON, Va., July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a Fortune 500® innovation leader, was recently awarded a new contract to continue providing cargo mission engineering and integration services for NASA's International Space Station (ISS) Program and Artemis campaign. The award has a total potential value of $476 million with a base period of performance of two years. Work will primarily be performed at Leidos' facilities in Webster, Texas.

"Leidos is at the forefront of advancing human spaceflight," said Liz Porter, president of Leidos Health & Civil sector. "From ensuring safe water for long-duration missions with our new Exploration Potable Water Dispenser to studying the impacts of radiation and microgravity, we are addressing some of the most critical challenges in space exploration."

"Whether it's aboard the International Space Station or pushing the boundaries even further on Artemis, crew-sustaining provisions play a critical role in successful missions," said Debbie Wells, Leidos vice president, Space Exploration and Mission Operations. "For more than two decades, the Leidos team has carefully and painstakingly prepared cargo to withstand both the intense forces of a rocket launch and the microgravity of orbit to sustain human presence in space. We look forward to continuing to support this critical work for NASA to ensure mission success."

Leidos will provide analytical and physical processing for NASA missions and perform engineering, maintenance, and operations support. Leidos will also develop, fabricate, and certify hardware to support mission objectives. Leidos will also implement the space station and Artemis manifest requirements for launch, return, and disposal, as well as support logistical and integration functions to maintain adequate crew provisions and supplies to sustain human presence in space.

Leidos designed and developed the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD), which provides potable-quality water at the proper temperature for both food and beverage rehydration. The xPWD was deployed in its final location aboard the ISS on August 30, 2023.

Leidos has performed cargo mission support work for NASA since 2004, supporting over 160 ISS Visiting Vehicle Missions delivering over 310,000 pounds of cargo and science and over 85 ISS Return Vehicle Missions recovering and distributing over 115,000 pounds of science and cargo.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's 47,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Contact:		Melissa Dueñas
		(571) 526-6850
		duenasml@leidos.com
		Alyssa Pettus
		(571) 526-6743
		alyssa.t.pettus@leidos.com
		Brandon Ver Velde
		(571) 526-6257
		brandon.p.vervelde@leidos.com

 

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SOURCE Leidos Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of the NASA contract awarded to Leidos?

The contract awarded to Leidos by NASA is valued at $476 million.

When was the NASA contract awarded to Leidos?

The NASA contract was awarded to Leidos on July 11, 2024.

What will Leidos provide under the new NASA contract?

Leidos will provide cargo mission engineering and integration services, including analytical and physical processing, engineering, maintenance, and operations support.

Where will the work for the NASA contract be performed?

The work for the NASA contract will be primarily performed at Leidos' facilities in Webster, Texas.

How long has Leidos been supporting NASA missions?

Leidos has been supporting NASA missions since 2004.

What is the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD)?

The Exploration Potable Water Dispenser (xPWD) is a device developed by Leidos to provide potable-quality water for food and beverage rehydration in space.