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Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL)
NASDAQ:POWL

Powell Industries (POWL) AI Stock Analysis

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POWL

Powell Industries

(NASDAQ:POWL)

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Outperform 78 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
$504.00
▲(13.66% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by strong financial fundamentals (high margins, robust cash flow growth, and very low leverage) and a positive earnings outlook supported by backlog and cash. Technicals are supportive with the stock trading above major moving averages, while valuation (P/E 24.33 and low dividend yield) and high volatility (beta 2.30) temper the overall rating.
Positive Factors
High and durable profit margins
Sustained gross and net margins near 30% and 16% reflect pricing power from custom engineered switchgear and controls. High margins support reinvestment, cushion cyclicality in industrial end markets, and provide a durable earnings base over the next 2–6 months.
Very strong balance sheet and cash generation
Extremely low leverage and a large cash build alongside FCF growth give Powell flexibility to fund capex, M&A, dividends, or weather order volatility. This financial strength reduces refinancing and liquidity risk and supports durable strategic optionality.
Backlog, strategic M&A, and sector diversification
A $1.4B year-end backlog, stronger Electric Utility and data center exposure, plus the Remsdaq acquisition and Jacintoport expansion anchor secular growth. These structural moves strengthen product offerings and reduce reliance on cyclic petrochemical projects.
Negative Factors
End-market weakness in Petrochemical and Oil & Gas
Material declines in two historically important verticals highlight exposure to cyclical energy markets. Continued softness would pressure order flow and utilization, making top-line stability dependent on successful diversification into utilities and data centers.
Rising SG&A reduces operating leverage
A meaningful rise in SG&A as a percent of sales—driven by compensation and acquisition costs—erodes margin upside. If elevated structurally, higher operating expenses could dampen margin sustainability and require revenue growth to justify the cost base.
Modest recent revenue growth and project concentration risk
Project-based contracts create lumpy revenues; a low single-digit growth rate signals limited near-term expansion. Sustained higher growth will depend on converting backlog, sector diversification, and winning new large projects amid competitive bidding.

Powell Industries (POWL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Powell Industries Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPowell Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control, and monitoring of electrical energy. The company's principal products include integrated power control room substations, custom-engineered modules, electrical houses, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers, and bus duct systems, as well as traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgears and control gears. Its products have application in voltages ranging from 480 volts to 38,000 volts; and are used in oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, liquid natural gas terminals, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper, and other heavy industrial markets. It also provides value-added services, such as spare parts, field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification and repair, retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems, and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear. The company has operations in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Mexico, and Central and South America. Powell Industries, Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyPowell Industries generates revenue through the sale of its electrical equipment, including switchgear and control systems, which are essential for managing electrical power in industrial settings. The company's revenue model is primarily based on project-based contracts, where they provide engineering, procurement, and construction services to clients in their target sectors. Key revenue streams include the sale of custom-built electrical distribution systems, ongoing maintenance and support services, and aftermarket parts. Strategic partnerships with major industrial players and collaborations with engineering firms enhance their market reach and contribute to revenue growth. Additionally, as industries increasingly focus on safety and efficiency, Powell Industries benefits from increased demand for its high-quality, reliable electrical solutions.

Powell Industries Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 18, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 03, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected strong financial performance with record profits and continued growth in key sectors such as Electric Utility. The successful acquisition of Remsdaq and a robust backlog further support a positive outlook. However, there were challenges in the Petrochemical and Oil & Gas sectors, and increased SG&A expenses were noted.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Quarterly Gross Profit and EPS
Achieved a record quarterly gross profit of 31.4%, 215 basis points higher than the prior year, and a record quarterly earnings per share of $4.22 per diluted share.
Strong Full Year Revenue and Order Growth
Full year revenues increased by 9% to $1.1 billion, and new orders rose by 9% compared to fiscal 2024, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0x.
Significant Growth in Electric Utility Sector
Electric Utility sector revenue doubled in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year and grew by 50% for the full year.
Successful Acquisition and Integration of Remsdaq
Closed the acquisition of Remsdaq, enhancing the electrical automation strategy and introducing new products in North America and the UK.
Healthy Backlog and Cash Position
Ended fiscal 2025 with a $1.4 billion backlog and $476 million in cash, with no debt.
Negative Updates
Decline in Petrochemical and Oil & Gas Sectors
Revenues from Petrochemical and Oil & Gas sectors declined by 25% and 10%, respectively, due to challenging comparisons and softer market conditions.
Increased SG&A Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 25% due to higher compensation expenses and acquisition costs, rising to 9.1% of revenue from 7.8% a year ago.
Company Guidance
During the Powell Industries earnings call for fiscal year 2025, fourth quarter and full year results were discussed, highlighting several key metrics and strategic developments. The company reported a record quarterly gross profit of 31.4%, with a 215 basis point improvement from the previous year, and a quarterly earnings per share of $4.22. Powell achieved revenue growth of 8% and generated $61 million in operating cash flow. For the full year, new orders reached $1.2 billion, a 9% increase from fiscal 2024, with a year-end backlog of $1.4 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0x. The Electric Utility and Commercial and Other Industrial sectors contributed significantly, accounting for 41% of the year's revenue and 48% of the backlog, compared to less than 20% five years ago. Investments include a $12.4 million expansion at the Jacintoport facility, aimed at supporting anticipated LNG project developments, along with the acquisition of Remsdaq to enhance the company's electrical automation strategy. The company reported operating cash flow of $168 million for the year, with a cash and short-term investments position of $476 million and no debt. Looking ahead, Powell anticipates continued strong performance in fiscal 2026, supported by a robust backlog and favorable market conditions, particularly in the Electric Utility and data center sectors.

Powell Industries Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability (gross margin 29.37%, net margin 16.37%) and solid operating performance, supported by minimal leverage (debt-to-equity 0.0026) and strong cash generation (free cash flow up 91.01%). Revenue growth remains positive, though the latest year’s growth rate is modest (2.12%).
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Powell Industries has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a consistent increase over the past few years, highlighted by a 2.12% growth in the latest year. The company maintains a robust gross profit margin of 29.37% and a net profit margin of 16.37%, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also healthy, reflecting strong operational performance.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The balance sheet is solid with a very low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.0026, indicating minimal leverage and financial risk. The return on equity is impressive at 28.21%, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio of 57.78% suggests a stable financial structure with a significant portion of assets financed by equity.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
The cash flow statement reveals a significant growth in free cash flow by 91.01%, enhancing financial flexibility. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.38 and free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.92 indicate strong cash generation relative to earnings, supporting ongoing operations and potential investments.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.08B1.10B1.01B699.31M532.58M
Gross Profit311.29M324.38M273.09M147.55M85.02M
EBITDA217.74M240.81M185.64M71.13M16.58M
Net Income175.38M180.75M149.85M54.52M13.74M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.04B1.11B928.18M752.24M493.38M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments433.04M475.53M358.39M279.01M116.51M
Total Debt1.22M1.66M1.22M1.44M2.32M
Total Liabilities447.31M468.21M445.11M407.22M196.17M
Stockholders Equity594.90M640.77M483.07M345.03M297.21M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow81.03M154.79M96.68M174.73M-6.03M
Operating Cash Flow100.87M167.94M108.66M182.55M-3.58M
Investing Cash Flow-13.11M-8.34M-21.87M-26.57M6.46M
Financing Cash Flow-24.97M-25.12M-19.25M-13.06M-13.31M

Powell Industries Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price443.44
Price Trends
50DMA
352.51
Positive
100DMA
339.56
Positive
200DMA
273.98
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
25.18
Negative
RSI
74.63
Negative
STOCH
78.14
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For POWL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 443.44 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 390.90, above the 50-day MA of 352.51, and above the 200-day MA of 273.98, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 25.18 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 74.63 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 78.14 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for POWL.

Powell Industries Risk Analysis

Powell Industries disclosed 12 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Powell Industries reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Powell Industries Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$6.64B21.0318.22%0.67%6.17%20.86%
78
Outperform
$5.37B29.7732.17%0.32%9.08%19.86%
76
Outperform
$18.26B31.188.57%0.84%5.31%5.76%
69
Neutral
$1.18B31.938.33%0.35%15.93%12.72%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
56
Neutral
$2.47B-2.51-55.98%-394.37%
52
Neutral
$2.39B-130.04-1.11%2.02%-10.98%-103.99%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
POWL
Powell Industries
443.44
208.17
88.48%
ENS
EnerSys
181.02
83.77
86.13%
PLPC
Preformed Line Products Company
248.09
101.94
69.75%
ATKR
Atkore International Group
68.36
-13.55
-16.55%
NVT
nVent Electric
114.15
48.76
74.56%
TE
T1 Energy
9.49
7.62
407.49%

Powell Industries Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Powell Industries Enhances Executive Incentive Plan and Metrics
Positive
Jan 6, 2026

On January 2 and 3, 2026, Powell Industries’ board-level Compensation and Human Capital Committee approved supplemental restricted stock unit awards for CEO Brett A. Cope and CFO Michael W. Metcalf, augmenting their October 1, 2025 grants as part of a revised fiscal 2026 long‑term incentive program. The committee shifted to setting award size by fixed dollar targets rather than as a multiple of base salary, raising Cope’s target to $2.2 million and Metcalf’s to $600,000, and rebalanced Cope’s mix toward 60% performance-based and 40% time-based units, while keeping Metcalf’s at an even split. Although vesting terms largely mirror prior grants, the performance-based units now incorporate a three-year revenue compound annual growth rate metric alongside existing EBITDA and safety goals, signaling a stronger emphasis on growth and performance alignment in executive pay, with implications for how leadership incentives are tied to the company’s long-term financial and operational outcomes.

The most recent analyst rating on (POWL) stock is a Buy with a $387.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Powell Industries stock, see the POWL Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Powell Industries Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Positive
Nov 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, Powell Industries announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2675 per share, payable on December 17, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 19, 2025. This announcement underscores Powell Industries’ commitment to returning value to its shareholders and may positively impact its market positioning by reinforcing investor confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (POWL) stock is a Buy with a $432.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Powell Industries stock, see the POWL Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 07, 2026