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Risk Overview Q2, 2026
Risk Distribution
24% Legal & Regulatory
21% Finance & Corporate
17% Tech & Innovation
14% Ability to Sell
14% Macro & Political
10% Production
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Science Applications Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q2, 2026
Main Risk Category
Legal & Regulatory
With 7 Risks
Legal & Regulatory
With 7 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
29
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
29
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since May 2026
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since May 2026
Number of Risk Changed
0
-2
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 1
0
-2
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 1
See the risk highlights of Science Applications in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 29
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 7/29 (24%)Above Sector Average
Regulation2 | 6.9%
Regulation - Risk 1
Our business is subject to numerous legal and regulatory requirements, and any violation of these requirements, or any misconduct by our employees, subcontractors, agents, or business partners, could harm our business and reputation.Regulation - Risk 2
The U.S. government may issue or revise existing rules, regulations, and directives at any time, creating uncertainty and requiring unanticipated investments in related compliance efforts.In recent quarters, the U.S. government customer has increasingly focused on affordability, efficiencies, and cost recovery when contracting with private companies. The U.S. government performs ongoing evaluations of federal agencies and existing government contracts, grants, and programs for affordability, efficiency, and alignment with U.S. government objectives. These efforts to reduce federal spending create uncertainty and risk for government contractors, including potentially resulting in change in budgetary priorities and timing on issuing awards. Decreases in, or delays in contract awards and in government spending on the types of programs that we support, and terminations or stop-work-orders on government contracts on which we are currently performing could adversely affect our future revenues and profitability. At the same time, given the nature of our business, the administration's focus on efficiency, along with the potential for certain traditionally government functions to be transferred to private entities, may present business opportunities for us.
Federal legislation, regulations, executive orders, and other initiatives dealing with, among other things, procurement reform, the mitigation of potential OCIs, the deterrence of fraud, the U.S. government taking ownership stakes in certain competitors, the threat of contract cancellation if timely performance is not met, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI"), and changes in corporate environmental obligations, could affect our business. A recent executive order was issued to limit stock buy-backs, dividends or other forms of corporate distribution if certain contractors underperform on critical defense supply contracts. We will continue to monitor to determine if this ultimately affects our future revenues, cash flows and profitability. Additionally, we are subject to the laws and regulations of the states in which we operate, which, at times, may conflict with federal laws and regulations, introducing ambiguity.
Recent executive orders relating to DEI, other social issues and "return-to-office" requirements, along with pending legal challenges, create uncertainty and may be temporarily unsettling for portions of our workforce. As always, we are committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, and we do not anticipate an adverse impact on our future operations and revenues related to these executive orders.
The ongoing reforms to the U.S. government acquisition process, including changes to procurement rules and regulations, could transform how contracts are awarded, negotiated, and managed, which could lead to delays in contract awards and/or modifications to the scope or terms of contracts we hold. We could face increased competition, greater scrutiny, a more complex regulatory environment, heightened compliance requirements, and additional administrative burdens, all of which have the potential to affect our profitability.
An executive order was issued to overhaul the FAR, including simplifying the procurement process and potentially changing the criteria for cost allowability and compliance, which could negatively impact our profitability. In addition, the FAR Council recently proposed significant revisions to the FAR related to OCIs, which, if adopted, could limit our ability to bid on certain contracts and/or require us to modify or restructure some business relationships. They could also impose additional compliance burdens and constraints on our business operations. Increased costs related to identifying, assessing, and mitigating OCI's could negatively impact our profitability.
Similarly, recent executive orders related to energy and the environment suggest a shift towards deregulation at the federal level. Although deregulation initiatives could provide short-term relief from regulatory obligations, the executive orders introduce uncertainty and risk, including the potential for legal challenges and the possibility of new environmental policies at the state or local levels that may impose stricter regulations. We are actively monitoring and adapting to changes in environmental laws, assessing the physical risks posed by climate change, and implementing sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of our operations. However, the full extent of these risks and their potential impact on our business remains uncertain and could materially affect its financial performance.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities3 | 10.3%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We are subject to government audits, cost adjustments, reviews, and investigations that could adversely affect our profitability, cash flows, or growth prospects.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
Our business is subject to governmental review and investigation, which could adversely affect our profitability, cash position and growth prospects.We are routinely subject to governmental investigations relating to all aspects of our business including our contracts and operations. If a review or investigation identifies improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties or administrative sanctions, which could include the termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, the triggering of price reduction clauses, suspension of payments, fines, and suspension or debarment from doing business with governmental agencies. We may suffer harm to our reputation if allegations of impropriety are made against us, which would impair our ability to win new contract awards or receive contract renewals. Penalties and sanctions are not uncommon in our industry. If we incur a material penalty or administrative sanction or otherwise suffer harm to our reputation, our profitability, cash position and future prospects could be adversely affected.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
Legal disputes could require us to pay potentially large damage awards and could be costly to defend, which could adversely affect our cash balances and profitability, and could damage our reputation.We are subject to several lawsuits and claims described under "Legal Proceedings" in Part I, Item 3 of this report. We are also subject to, and may become a party to, a variety of other immaterial litigation or claims arising from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. The Department of Justice and other U.S. or foreign enforcement agencies may bring claims or lawsuits in connection with our performance of government contracts or our billing or record-keeping relating to those contracts. Although rare, government agencies can seek to suspend or debar government contractors they believe have engaged in misconduct. The government has considerably more resources at its disposal to pursue these matters than we do to defend ourselves against them, and certain statutes under which the Department of Justice may bring claims (like the False Claims Act) provide for treble damages and penalties on a per invoice basis. Consequently, the government generally has more leverage against us than a commercial plaintiff or other private party would have. Settlements or adverse judgments may result in significant monetary damages or injunctions, and litigation and claims could be costly to defend. Even if we are successful, fully indemnified, or insured, we could suffer damage to our reputation that impedes our ability to compete for work or obtain adequate insurance in the future. The outcome of litigation and other claims, including those described under "Legal Proceedings" in Part I, Item 3 of this report, is inherently uncertain, and management's view of these matters may change in the future.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 3.4%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Changes in tax laws and regulations or exposure to additional tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.Environmental / Social1 | 3.4%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Our services and operations sometimes involve using, handling, or disposing of hazardous substances or dangerous materials, which could expose us to potentially significant liabilities.Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 6/29 (21%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights1 | 3.4%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our failure to comply with the laws and regulations governing organizational conflicts of interest ("OCIs") could lead to penalties including, potentially, termination of one or more of our U.S. government contracts.Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 10.3%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Our use of net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income may become limited if we or the IRS determine that we have experienced an ownership change.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We use estimates in recognizing revenues, and our profitability may be adversely affected if we make changes to those estimates.A significant portion of our revenues are recognized on contracts using a cost input measure, which requires estimates of total costs at completion, fees earned, or both. Due to the technical nature of our services and the length of certain contracts, this estimation process is complex and involves significant judgment. Adjustments to original estimates are often required as work progresses, experience is gained, and additional information becomes known, even though the scope of the work required under the performance obligation may not have changed. Changes in the underlying assumptions, circumstances, or estimates could necessitate adjustments that may adversely affect future financial results.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Goodwill and intangible assets represent a significant amount of our total assets and any impairment of these assets would negatively affect our results of operations.Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This includes, for example, significant adverse changes in the legal or regulatory landscape or in the business climate, adverse actions or assessments by regulators, unanticipated competition, the loss of key contracts, significant decreases in our stock price, or disruptions in customer relationships that affect current and future operating cash flows of the reporting unit. We assess intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable at the asset group level. Any future impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets would have a negative impact on our profitability and financial results.
Debt & Financing1 | 3.4%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
We maintain our cash at financial institutions, often in balances that exceed federally insured limits.Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 3.4%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We may make acquisitions, divestitures, investments, or enter into joint ventures in the future that involve numerous risks, which, if realized, may adversely affect our business and financial performance.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 5/29 (17%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets1 | 3.4%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
We have only a limited ability to protect our intellectual property rights, which are important to our success. Our failure to adequately protect our proprietary information and intellectual property rights could adversely affect our competitive position.Cyber Security1 | 3.4%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Our business and financial results could be negatively affected by cyber or other security threats.Technology3 | 10.3%
Technology - Risk 1
We could incur significant liabilities and suffer negative publicity if our detection systems fail to operate as intended or our assessment reports prove to be inaccurate.Technology - Risk 2
Customer systems failures could damage our reputation and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.Many of the systems and networks that we develop, install, and maintain for our customers involve managing and protecting personal information and information relating to national security and other sensitive government functions. While we have programs designed to comply with relevant privacy and security laws and restrictions, if a system or network that we develop, install, or maintain were to fail or experience a security breach or service interruption (whether caused by us, third-party service providers, cybersecurity threats, or other events), we may experience loss of revenue, remediation costs, claims for damages, or contract termination. This could cause serious harm to our reputation and prevent us from having access to, or being eligible for, further work involving these systems and networks. Our errors and omissions liability insurance may not adequately compensate us for the damages that we incur, and our results could be adversely affected.
Technology - Risk 3
We use and deploy AI solutions for our customers that could harm our reputation, create liability if they do not function as predicted, or we are required to discontinue their use.We deploy and integrate AI solutions for our business operations and for customers, including AI solutions that assist with the design, deployment, and management of AI applications that allow customers to work with their complex and sensitive data to power the most demanding analytics, data science, and AI use cases. These AI solutions may be vulnerable to misuse or cyberattack. Additionally, because this technology is developing so rapidly, we may be unable to keep up with new AI developments. We use some AI solutions that we develop and other AI solutions that we obtain from third parties. The development methods and algorithms of these solutions could be flawed, and the datasets could contain incorrect or biased information, which may require us to discontinue use of certain AI technology immediately or within short timelines. Content or code generated by AI systems may be vulnerable to cyberattack, require human review, be unreliable, illegal, or offensive, and could result in the AI solution not working as intended. If we deploy AI solutions that have unintended consequences or are more controversial than we anticipate, our customers may seek redress, and we may experience reputational harm that could affect our business or financial results, including increased costs, schedule delays, or operational disruptions. Our use and deployment of AI solutions and capabilities could be limited by, or subject to regulatory action, supply chain risk, or legal liability under, proposed rules or legislation regarding privacy, intellectual property, and other laws, which could ultimately affect our competitiveness in bids or impair our performance on existing contracts.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/29 (14%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 3.4%
Competition - Risk 1
We face aggressive competition that can impact our ability to obtain contracts and may affect our future revenues, profitability, and growth prospects.Demand1 | 3.4%
Demand - Risk 1
We depend on U.S. government agencies as our primary customers and, if our reputation or relationships with these agencies were to be harmed, it could adversely impact our financial performance.Sales & Marketing2 | 6.9%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Our earnings and profitability may vary based on the mix of our contracts and may be adversely impacted if we fail to estimate and manage costs, time, and resources accurately.Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
The U.S. government may terminate, cancel, modify, or curtail our contracts at any time and, if we do not replace them, we may be unable to achieve or sustain revenue growth and may suffer a decline in revenues and profitability.Many of the U.S. government programs for which we are a prime contractor or subcontractor may extend for several years, and may include one or more base years and one or more option years. The U.S. government generally has the right not to exercise options to extend or expand our contracts, and may otherwise terminate, cancel, modify, or curtail our contracts at its convenience. Any decision by the U.S. government not to exercise contract options or to terminate, cancel, modify, or curtail our major programs or contracts would adversely affect our revenues, revenue growth, and profitability.
We have experienced, and will continue to experience in the normal course of business, periodic performance issues under certain of our contracts. If a government customer terminates a contract for default, we may be exposed to liability, including for excess costs incurred by the customer in procuring undelivered services and solutions from another source. Depending on the nature and value of the contract, a performance issue or termination for default could cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated and could harm our reputation.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 4/29 (14%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 3.4%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Reduced U.S. government defense spending, changes in acquisition priorities, significant delays in U.S. government appropriations, and delays in contract awards, program starts, and other procurement activity, could adversely affect our future revenues, cash flow, and financial results.International Operations1 | 3.4%
International Operations - Risk 1
We face risks associated with our international business.Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 6.9%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
We face risks related to climate change if extreme weather events adversely affect our ability to work or our customers' requirements or priorities.Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics, and similar outbreaks, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations, and/or cash flows.We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics, and similar outbreaks such as the global outbreak of COVID-19. If significant portions of our workforce cannot work effectively due to illness, quarantines, government actions, facility closures, or for other reasons in connection with an epidemic, our operations will be impacted. We may be unable to perform fully on our contracts and some of our costs may not be fully recoverable or adequately covered by insurance. Another epidemic could cause disruption in our supply chain, could delay or limit the operations of the U.S. government and other customers to perform (including making timely payments to us), could impact investment performance, and could cause other negative events.
In addition, the resulting volatility in the global capital markets could restrict our access to capital and/or increase our cost of capital.
Production
Total Risks: 3/29 (10%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 6.9%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Pension funding and costs are dependent upon several economic assumptions, which, if changed, may cause our future earnings and cash flow to fluctuate significantly.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
A failure to attract, train, retain, and utilize skilled employees and our senior management team would adversely affect our ability to execute our strategy and may disrupt our operations.Our business relies heavily on the expertise and skills of our employees. Many government programs require our personnel to have security clearances. Our continued success depends on the ability to recruit and retain highly trained, skilled and, at times, cleared engineering, technical, and professional personnel. Competition for talent is intense, and competitors aggressively recruit key employees. Security clearances can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain, and cleared talent is in demand. Particularly in highly specialized areas, it has become more difficult to recruit and retain qualified employees, which could affect our growth in the current and future fiscal years. We will continue to devote significant resources to recruiting, training, and retaining top talent, but we cannot guarantee the outcome of these efforts. The failure to timely secure qualified employees could impair our ability to win new business or meet existing contractual obligations, which could adversely affect our future financial performance. In addition, salaries and related expenses are a significant portion of the cost of our services and, accordingly, our ability to utilize our workforce efficiently can impact our profitability. If our employees are under-utilized, our profitability could suffer.
Our success also depends on the continued employment of a highly qualified and experienced senior management team that focuses on retaining existing business and generating new business. Although we have succession plans in place, the loss of key personnel in critical functions could temporarily impair our ability to win new contracts or perform existing work.
Supply Chain1 | 3.4%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We depend on our teaming arrangements and relationships with other contractors and subcontractors. If we are not able to maintain these relationships, or if these parties fail to satisfy their obligations to us or the customer, our revenues, profitability, and growth prospects could be adversely affected.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.