Powell(US:POWL) ZACKSยท2025-09-10 15:51Core Insights - Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL) has demonstrated strong momentum due to its solid presence and improving conditions in key markets, particularly electric utility and commercial & other industrial sectors [1][3] - The company reported a 9.3% year-over-year revenue growth to $806.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2025, driven by robust project activity in its core markets [1][9] Market Demand and Trends - Increased investments in power generation and electrical distribution are driving demand for POWL's products in the electric utility market [2] - Favorable trends in oil, gas, and petrochemical markets, including energy transition projects like biofuels and carbon capture, are expected to benefit the company [2] Diversification and Backlog - POWL's diversification beyond oil, gas, and petrochemical markets has improved its market share in utility and industrial sectors, capitalizing on global electrification and digitalization trends [3] - The company reported a strong backlog of $1.4 billion at the end of the fiscal third quarter, with new orders totaling $362 million, slightly up from $356 million in the previous year [3][9] Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns - POWL is committed to rewarding shareholders, distributing $9.6 million in dividends during the first nine months of fiscal 2025, and increasing its fiscal 2024 dividends by 2.4% year-over-year [4] - The company has seen a year-to-date stock performance increase of 24.9%, outperforming the electronics manufacturing industry's growth of 5.9% [7] Cost Pressures - Despite positive growth, POWL faces challenges from high operating costs, with cost of sales rising 5.7% year-over-year in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 due to elevated raw material costs [8][9] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 8.1% during the same period, with significant year-over-year increases in costs of sales and expenses noted in fiscal 2024 [8]