Maximus faced a challenging fourth quarter, as the market responded negatively to weaker-than-expected revenue and a lowered full-year revenue outlook. Management attributed the revenue decline primarily to delayed government contract awards and reduced volumes in its US Services and international segments. CEO Bruce Caswell noted that the temporary government shutdown led to slower payments and delays in award decisions, which hindered new project activity. The company also completed the divestiture of its child support business, shifting focus toward higher-value opportunities. Caswell emphasized, “Our first quarter results reflect virtually no direct impact to our contract portfolio from the shutdown last fall,” but acknowledged the knock-on effects of delayed awards and payments.
Is now the time to buy MMS? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).
Maximus (MMS) Q4 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $1.35 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.37 billion (4.1% year-on-year decline, 2.2% miss)
- Adjusted EPS: $1.85 vs analyst estimates of $1.82 (1.6% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $170.4 million vs analyst estimates of $172.4 million (12.7% margin, 1.2% miss)
- The company dropped its revenue guidance for the full year to $5.28 billion at the midpoint from $5.33 billion, a 0.9% decrease
- Management raised its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance to $8.20 at the midpoint, a 1.2% increase
- EBITDA guidance for the full year is $738 million at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations
- Operating Margin: 10.9%, up from 6.2% in the same quarter last year
- Market Capitalization: $4.13 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Maximus’s Q4 Earnings Call
- Charlie Strauzer (CJS Securities) asked what proportion of revenue guidance is in hand versus dependent on new work. CFO David Mutryn clarified that nearly all guidance is supported by existing contracts, with minimal reliance on unawarded business.
- Charlie Strauzer (CJS Securities) questioned segment drivers and impediments to achieving targets. Mutryn noted that US Services is expected to return to organic growth by year-end, while federal segment faces tough comparisons due to last year's disaster response work.
- Charlie Strauzer (CJS Securities) requested details on the GSA AI contract award. CEO Bruce Caswell described the cloud-based TXM platform powering multichannel contact centers, emphasizing its analytics and scalability.
- Brian Gesuale (Raymond James) inquired about volume declines in certain programs and their transitory nature. Mutryn responded that lower volumes are driven by seasonality and structural contract dynamics, not ongoing deterioration.
- Brian Gesuale (Raymond James) pressed for clarity on SNAP and Medicaid opportunity ramp. Mutryn and Caswell reiterated that policy changes will drive growth in 2027 and 2028, with near-term impact limited as states prepare for compliance.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
Looking forward, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace at which delayed government contracts are awarded and begin contributing to revenue, (2) adoption rates for new AI-powered tools, especially within Medicaid and SNAP programs, and (3) stabilization or improvement in US Services and international segment volumes. Execution on technology integration and the outcome of pending state legislative changes will also be watched closely for signs of accelerating growth.
Maximus currently trades at $78.01, down from $93.69 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).
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