Daktronics, Inc. (DAKT) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Ending Cash Balance $136.9 million, with a 7% increase from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. This was supported by a 34% year-over-year increase in operating cash flow, driven by solid earnings and better utilization of spare inventory.
Backlog $360 million, with a year-over-year order growth of 35%. This growth was driven by strong demand in live events, High School Park and Recreation, and international markets.
Orders in Live Events 81% year-over-year increase and 10% sequential growth. This was due to winning 3 major league sports projects and multiple college and university orders.
Orders in High School Park and Recreation 36% year-over-year growth and 7% sequential growth. This was supported by record order bookings and strong adoption of professional services like curriculum development and sports marketing.
Orders in International Business 22% year-over-year growth but a 32% decline from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. Growth was driven by government and advertising markets.
Orders in Transportation Business 4% year-over-year decrease and 7% decline from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. This was attributed to large order variability.
Revenue Down 3% year-over-year. Last year's first quarter had a higher completion of multi-period revenue-producing projects, while this year saw an $18.7 million increase in order backlog.
Gross Margins Improved due to value-based pricing, strong fixed cost leveraging, and a favorable mix of revenue across businesses.
Net Income $16.5 million or $0.33 per fully diluted share, compared to a loss in the previous year due to a $21.6 million fair value adjustment on convertible notes.
Operating Income $23.3 million, compared to $22.7 million in the previous year. This year's figure includes a $6 million tariff expense, up from $1 million last year.
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- Investor Meeting Schedule: Daktronics will present at Sidoti's Micro-Cap Virtual Investor Conference on January 22, 2026, hosting one-on-one meetings with investors to enhance engagement and transparency.
- Timing and Registration: The presentation is set to begin at 2:30 PM ET on January 22, with free registration available for both Sidoti clients and non-clients, likely attracting significant investor interest.
- Company Background: Daktronics is a leading global designer and manufacturer of dynamic video communication displays and control systems, holding a strong market position focused on large-screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, and LED systems for customers worldwide.
- Diverse Business Units: The company operates four domestic business units, including Live Events, Commercial, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, showcasing its broad applications and influence across multiple market sectors.
- Acquisition of Technology Assets: Daktronics has acquired intellectual property and equipment assets from X Display Company, which, while undisclosed in financial terms, will significantly enhance its display technology capabilities, particularly in MicroLED systems, supporting future product growth.
- Talent Integration: The transaction brings 15 engineers with deep expertise in mass-transfer and MicroLED development into Daktronics, further strengthening the company's engineering capabilities and enhancing its competitiveness in the dynamic video screen market.
- Market Outlook: Industry research firm Futuresource projects that the narrow pixel pitch (NPP) segment could reach approximately $12 billion by 2029, positioning Daktronics to better capture high-volume and smaller display opportunities, thereby increasing market share.
- Strategic Positioning: Interim CEO Brad Wiemann stated that the acquisition reinforces Daktronics' leadership in next-generation display technology, demonstrating a strong commitment to MicroLED technology aimed at enhancing product competitiveness through improved energy efficiency and longer lifespan.
- Acquisition of Technology Assets: Daktronics has acquired intellectual property and equipment assets from X Display Company to integrate advanced MicroLED technology, which aims to enhance its competitiveness in the dynamic video display sector, thereby driving product innovation and market growth.
- Talent Integration: The acquisition includes 15 key employees from XDC with deep expertise in MicroLED and MicroIC technologies, which will bolster Daktronics' technical capabilities and accelerate the development of new products.
- Market Outlook: According to Futuresource, the narrow pixel pitch market is expected to reach $12 billion by 2029, providing Daktronics with significant growth opportunities, particularly in the medium-sized display solutions sector.
- Strategic Positioning: This acquisition allows Daktronics to not only enhance the brightness and viewability of existing outdoor displays but also to develop more cost-effective solutions for lower volume applications, optimizing supply chain stability and expanding market share.
Acquisition Details: Daktronics has acquired intellectual property, equipment, and expertise from X Display Company Technology Ltd to enhance its MicroLED and MicroIC display technologies.
Included Assets: The acquisition encompasses proprietary mass-transfer and MicroLED fabrication technologies, specialized development equipment, and the hiring of 15 former employees from X Display Company.
Financial Terms: Daktronics did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.
Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Daktronics' stock price decreased by 0.15% to $18.88 after hours.
Jim Cramer's Recommendations: Jim Cramer endorsed Elanco Animal Health for its turnaround and M&T Bank for being well-managed, while suggesting Rocket Lab as a speculative investment ahead of a significant launch.
Analyst Support: Barclays analyst Glen Santangelo initiated coverage on Elanco with an Overweight rating and a price target of $30, while M&T Bank's price target was raised from $220 to $230 by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.
Sell Recommendations: Cramer advised selling Lithium Americas Corp, labeling it a "no-go" stock, and expressed lukewarm sentiments about Daktronics, calling it "just ok."
Recent Price Movements: On Wednesday, Elanco, Rocket Lab, Lithium Americas, Daktronics, and Ondas Holdings saw declines in their stock prices, while M&T Bank experienced a slight increase.
Elanco: The company is praised for its successful turnaround, with a strong recommendation to buy its stock.
Rocket Lab: Seen as a promising speculative investment ahead of a significant upcoming offering in the rocket industry.
Lithium Americas: Recommended to sell, as it is considered outdated and not a viable investment option.
M&T Bank: Recognized as a well-managed bank, with a strong buy recommendation for its stock.










