Reasons to Hold Powell Industries in Your Portfolio Right Now

Core Insights - Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL) is experiencing strong momentum due to its solid position in the oil, gas, and utility markets, with Q2 fiscal 2025 revenues increasing by 9.2% to $278.6 million, driven by robust project activity [1][9] Group 1: Market Performance - The company benefits from favorable trends in energy transition projects, including biofuels, carbon capture, and hydrogen, which have positively impacted its performance [2] - Significant project awards, particularly in LNG and petrochemical processes, have established POWL as a leading supplier of critical electrical infrastructure [2] - POWL's diversification beyond core markets has enhanced its market share in utility, commercial, and other industrial sectors, capitalizing on global electrification and digitalization trends [3] Group 2: Financial Metrics - The company reported a strong backlog of $1.3 billion at the end of Q2 2025, with new orders totaling $249 million, up from $235 million in the same quarter last year [3][9] - POWL has committed to rewarding shareholders, distributing $6.4 million in dividends in the first half of fiscal 2025, and increasing its fiscal 2024 dividends by 2.4% year-over-year [4] Group 3: Cost Challenges - Despite strong revenue growth, POWL faces challenges from high operating costs, with cost of sales rising 11.5% year-over-year in the first half of fiscal 2025 due to increased raw material costs [8] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses also increased by 4.6% during the same period, with previous fiscal year costs climbing 34% for sales and 7.7% for administrative expenses [8]