The 5 Most Interesting Analyst Questions From Powell’s Q4 Earnings Call

The 5 Most Interesting Analyst Questions From Powell’s Q4 Earnings Call

Kayode Omotosho

Tue, February 10, 2026 at 2:39 PM GMT+9 4 min read

In this article:

•                                       StockStory Top Pick 
  

  POWL

  -3.82%

Powell’s fourth quarter results were met with a positive market response, as the company posted year-on-year sales growth and stronger-than-expected non-GAAP profit. Management attributed this performance to robust project execution, particularly in the electric utility and oil and gas sectors, and highlighted a record order intake that included major contracts in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and data centers. CEO Brett Cope emphasized the company’s “unique and advantaged position” supporting grid modernization, electrification, and domestic energy exports. CFO Michael Metcalf pointed to a “very strong quarter with respect to project closeouts,” which contributed to higher margins.

Is now the time to buy POWL? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Powell (POWL) Q4 CY2025 Highlights:

**Revenue:** $251.2 million vs analyst estimates of $256.5 million (4% year-on-year growth, 2.1% miss)

**Adjusted EPS:** $3.40 vs analyst estimates of $3.04 (11.8% beat)

**Adjusted EBITDA:** $46.49 million vs analyst estimates of $42.86 million (18.5% margin, 8.5% beat)

**Operating Margin:** 17%, up from 14.7% in the same quarter last year

**Backlog:** $1.6 billion at quarter end, up 23.1% year on year

**Market Capitalization:** $6.82 billion

While we enjoy listening to the management’s commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Powell’s Q4 Earnings Call

**John Franzreb (Sidoti & Company)** asked about the durability of the record backlog and customer purchasing behavior. CEO Brett Cope replied that while some customers may be reserving capacity, current backlog is “very durable” and future risks are being closely monitored.

**Alfred Moore (ROTH MKM)** inquired about the cadence of data center deliveries and the potential for follow-on orders. Cope explained that projects are often phased, allowing for “sticky” client relationships and more predictable production flows.

**Manish Somaiya (Cantor)** questioned Powell’s approach to pricing and input cost volatility. Cope stated that pricing remains stable across end markets, while CFO Michael Metcalf outlined hedging strategies and locked-in component costs to mitigate risk.

**Jon Braatz (Kansas City Capital)** probed upcoming capital expenditure needs and the growth capacity enabled by new facilities. Cope confirmed that new plant investments are under review and could support double-digit revenue growth if demand persists.

**Manish Somaiya (Cantor)** also asked whether skilled labor shortages could constrain growth. Cope acknowledged current challenges, especially in engineering, but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and solve these needs.

 






Story Continues  

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will pay close attention to (1) Powell’s ability to ramp capacity and navigate skilled labor constraints as backlog converts to revenue, (2) the pace of data center order intake and the emergence of follow-on project phases, and (3) margin trends as the company balances long-cycle industrial projects with higher-volume, repetitive manufacturing. Progress with Remsdaq integration and further expansion in high-voltage solutions will also be key milestones.

Powell currently trades at $559.21, up from $453.24 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

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