Powell Industries Q1 Earnings Surpass Estimates, 24% Revenue Increase

Core Insights - Powell Industries, Inc. reported adjusted earnings of $2.86 per share for Q1 fiscal 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.83, marking a 44.3% year-over-year increase [1] - Total revenues for the quarter were $241.4 million, slightly below the consensus estimate of $244 million, but reflecting a 24.4% year-over-year growth driven by strong performance across various sectors [2] Revenue Breakdown - The electric utility sector generated revenues of $51.2 million, up 26% year over year [3] - Revenues from the oil & gas sector reached $95.7 million, a 14% increase year over year [3] - The commercial & other industrial sector saw revenues rise by 80% to $44.3 million [3] Order and Backlog - New orders totaled $269 million, compared to $198 million in the same quarter last year, driven by strong activity in the oil & gas and electric utility sectors [4] - The backlog at the end of the quarter stood at $1.3 billion, remaining relatively flat both sequentially and year-over-year [4] Margin and Expenses - Cost of sales increased by 24.8% year over year to $181.9 million, while gross profit rose 23.4% to $59.5 million, resulting in a slight contraction of gross margin to 24.7% [5] - Selling, general and administrative expenses were $21.5 million, up 5.9% year over year [5] - Operating income increased by 37.5% year over year to $35.6 million, with an operating margin of 14.7%, up 130 basis points [5] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of the end of Q1 fiscal 2025, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $373.4 million, an increase from $358.4 million at the end of fiscal 2024 [6] - Current liabilities decreased to $396.7 million from $428 million at the end of fiscal 2024 [6] - Stockholders' equity was reported at $496.3 million, with capital expenditures of $2.2 million, up 83.3% year over year [6] Dividend and Guidance - The company distributed $3.2 million in dividends, remaining stable year over year [7] - Powell anticipates continued strength across most end markets and expects strong revenues and earnings for fiscal 2025, supported by a robust backlog and solid liquidity [8]