Generac Swings to Q4 Loss as Data Center Sales Surge

Core Insights - Generac Holdings Inc. reported a fourth-quarter loss due to a significant legal settlement charge, but anticipates strong growth in 2026 driven by increasing data center demand and a normalization of outage activity [1] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter net sales were $1.09 billion, a 12% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in residential generator shipments amid a weaker power outage environment compared to the previous year [2] - Residential product sales fell 23% to $572 million, while commercial and industrial (C&I) sales rose 10% to $400 million, largely driven by increased revenue from data center customers [3] - The company posted a net loss of $24 million, or $0.42 per share, compared to a net income of $117 million a year earlier, which included a $104.5 million provision for a legal settlement and a $15.6 million inventory provision [5] - Adjusted net income decreased to $95 million, or $1.61 per share, from $168 million in the prior-year quarter, with adjusted EBITDA falling to $185 million, representing a 17.0% margin compared to 21.5% a year ago [6] Sales and Revenue Trends - For the full year 2025, net sales decreased 2% to $4.21 billion, with residential sales down 7% to $2.27 billion, while C&I sales increased 5% to $1.46 billion [7] - Net income attributable to Generac fell to $160 million, or $2.69 per share, from $316 million, or $5.39 per share, in 2024 [7] Operational Metrics - Cash flow from operations declined to $438 million in 2025 from $741 million in 2024, and free cash flow dropped to $268 million due to lower operating income and working capital dynamics [8] - The company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares for $148 million during the year and has approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization over the next 24 months [8] Strategic Initiatives - CEO Aaron Jagdfeld noted that momentum in the data center segment has accelerated, with Generac expanding its role as a supplier to hyperscale operators and increasing manufacturing capacity for large megawatt-scale generators [4]