Powell (POWL) rises after Q1 orders nearly double, backlog offsets earnings misses

Powell Industries (POWL) shares rose after its fiscal first-quarter results drew a positive market reaction, as backlog growth and strong order activity outweighed revenue and non-GAAP profit misses. The stock traded at $311.57 on May 13, 2026, up from $269.95 before the earnings release. Management said elevated demand across core end markets supported results, led by large data center and electric utility projects. CEO Brett Cope cited a balanced mix of smaller work and mega projects, along with improved execution. New orders nearly doubled from a year earlier, pointing to continued momentum in commercial and industrial markets. Investors are watching the pace of backlog conversion into revenue, supply chain and labor capacity during expansion, the margin impact of new facility investments, and potential longer-term opportunities tied to government and defense work.