Daktronics Q1 EPS rises 21% to $0.40 on $235M sales
Daktronics repurchased 225.5k shares for $4.4 million and terminated the old plan, authorizing a new $34.5 million Fiscal 2027 buyback program.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Daktronics, Inc. (DAKT) reported strong fiscal 2027 first-quarter results for the quarter ended August 1, 2026, with net sales of $234.6 million, up 7.1% year over year despite one fewer week. Operating income rose to $24.9 million with a 10.6% operating margin, and diluted EPS increased 21.2% to $0.40, the highest in 12 quarters. Net income was $19.4 million and operating cash flow was $31.4 million, lifting cash and equivalents to $154.6 million. Product backlog was $311.3 million, remaining above $300 million for the sixth consecutive quarter.
Orders were $191.8 million, down 19.6% from a strong prior-year quarter, mainly due to timing of several large orders expected to book in Q2. The company repurchased 225.5 thousand shares for $4.4 million and the board terminated the prior buyback plan and authorized a new $34.5 million Fiscal 2027 repurchase program, described as roughly equivalent to remaining prior authorization. Daktronics also amended its credit agreement to permit transfers of certain non-material patents and increased CEO Ramesh Jayaraman’s annual base salary to $600,000 with a 100% cash incentive target.
Positive
- EPS growth and profitability: Diluted EPS rose 21.2% to $0.40 on a 10.6% operating margin, the highest quarterly EPS in 12 quarters, supported by higher gross profit and operating income.
- Revenue and cash flow strength: Net sales grew 7.1% to $234.6 million despite one fewer week, while operating cash flow increased to $31.4 million, contributing to a cash balance of $154.6 million and modest net debt.
- Backlog and strategic execution: Product backlog of $311.3 million marked the sixth straight quarter above $300 million, indicating continued demand as the company advances its growth, operational excellence, and capital deployment initiatives.
Negative
- Orders decline: New orders fell 19.6% year over year to $191.8 million, including a 48.8% decline in Live Events orders, reflecting timing of large deals and creating a softer near-term bookings comparison.
- Higher operating expenses: Operating expenses increased to $46.7 million from $41.8 million, driven by acquisition-related and operational excellence costs and a large project commission, limiting operating margin expansion despite sales growth.
- Backlog down year over year: Product backlog of $311.3 million was below the prior-year level of $360.3 million, indicating some moderation in accumulated demand even as it remains historically elevated.
Filing Explained
The filing creates discretionary repurchase capacity and permits, but does not report, a below-fair-market-value patent transfer.
Form 8-K reports specified material events. Effective
The new Fiscal 2027 repurchase program authorizes
The complete credit-agreement amendment is scheduled to be filed with the Form 10-Q for the quarter ending
8-K Event Classification
6 items: 1.01, 2.02, 5.02, 7.01, 8.01, 9.01
6 items
Item 1.01
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Net sales: $234.6 million
Diluted EPS: $0.40
Operating margin: 10.6%
+5 more
8 metrics
Net sales
$234.6 million
Quarter ended August 1, 2026; up 7.1% from $219.0 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Diluted EPS
$0.40
Fiscal 2027 Q1; up 21.2% from $0.33 in prior-year quarter
Operating margin
10.6%
Operating income of $24.9 million on $234.6 million net sales in fiscal 2027 Q1
Net income
$19.4 million
Quarter ended August 1, 2026; up from $16.5 million a year earlier
Product backlog
$311.3 million
Quarter-end fiscal 2027 Q1; sixth consecutive quarter above $300 million, down from $360.3 million prior year
New orders
$191.8 million
Fiscal 2027 Q1; down 19.6% from $238.5 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Cash and cash equivalents
$154.6 million
Balance as of August 1, 2026; supported by $31.4 million operating cash flow in the quarter
Fiscal 2027 repurchase authorization
$34.5 million
New share repurchase program approved by the board, replacing Fiscal 2017 program
Key Terms
operating margin, product backlog, free cash flow, EBITDA, +2 more
6 terms
operating margin financial
"operating margin of 10.6 percent, reflecting the ongoing, successful execution"
Operating margin shows how much profit a company makes from its core business activities after paying for costs like wages and materials. It’s useful because it tells you how efficiently a company is running—higher margins mean it keeps more money from each dollar of sales, which can indicate better management or stronger products.
product backlog financial
"Product backlog(1) of $311.3 million for the quarter, compared to $360.3 million"
A product backlog is a prioritized, evolving list of planned features, fixes, improvements and tasks that a company intends to build into a product. Think of it as the product team’s to‑do list that shows what’s coming next and how the company is allocating development effort. For investors, the backlog signals the company’s future roadmap, potential for new revenue or cost savings, and how quickly management can respond to market changes or technical risks.
free cash flow financial
"Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow* (in thousands) (unaudited)"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
EBITDA financial
"Reconciliation of EBITDA* (in thousands) (unaudited)"
EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. It measures a company's profitability by focusing on the money it makes from its core operations, ignoring expenses like taxes and accounting adjustments. Investors use EBITDA to compare how well different companies are performing financially, as it provides a clearer picture of operational success without the influence of financial structure or accounting choices.
Rule 10b5-1 regulatory
"including Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act"
Rule 10b5-1 is a regulation that allows company insiders to buy or sell their shares at predetermined times, even if they have access to non-public information. It acts like setting a schedule in advance for transactions, helping prevent accusations of unfair trading. This rule provides a way for insiders to plan trades transparently, giving investors confidence that these transactions are not based on hidden information.
Regulation FD regulatory
"for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD"
Regulation FD is a rule that prevents company insiders, like executives, from sharing important information with some people before others get it. It matters because it helps ensure all investors have equal access to key news, making the stock market fairer and reducing chances of insider trading.
Earnings Snapshot
Net sales: $234.6 million · Guidance included
Quarter ended August 1, 2026 (fiscal 2027 Q1)
Net sales
$234.6 million
Up 7.1% from $219.0 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Diluted EPS
$0.40
Up 21.2% from $0.33 in fiscal 2026 Q1
Operating income
$24.9 million
Up 7.2% from $23.3 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Net income
$19.4 million
Up from $16.5 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Operating cash flow
$31.4 million
Up from $26.1 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Product backlog
$311.3 million
Down from $360.3 million at end of fiscal 2026 Q1
New orders
$191.8 million
Down 19.6% from $238.5 million in fiscal 2026 Q1
Guidance
Management reiterated tracking toward fiscal 2028 targets of 7–10% revenue CAGR, 10–12% operating margin, and 17–20% ROIC.
FAQ
How did DAKT perform financially in fiscal 2027 Q1?
Daktronics reported net sales of $234.6 million, up 7.1% year over year, operating income of $24.9 million with a 10.6% operating margin, net income of $19.4 million, and diluted EPS of $0.40, an increase of 21.2% from $0.33 a year earlier.
What were DAKT’s orders and backlog for the quarter ended August 1, 2026?
New orders were $191.8 million, down 19.6% from $238.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Product backlog was $311.3 million versus $360.3 million a year ago, marking the sixth consecutive quarter with backlog above $300 million.
How much stock did DAKT repurchase in fiscal 2027 Q1?
Daktronics repurchased 225.5 thousand shares of common stock in the first three months of fiscal 2027 at a volume‑weighted average price of $19.56, for total consideration of $4.4 million under a $40 million authorization approved in June 2026.
What changes were made to Daktronics’ CEO compensation?
Effective September 13, 2026, the board increased President and CEO Ramesh Jayaraman’s annual base salary to $600,000 and set his fiscal 2027 cash incentive target at 100% of base salary, aligning cash incentive opportunity with the higher base pay.
How strong is DAKT’s balance sheet as of August 1, 2026?
Daktronics reported $154.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, $10.5 million of total current and long-term debt, and stockholders’ equity of $317.6 million. The company’s working capital ratio was 2.2 to 1, indicating solid liquidity.
What were DAKT’s key profitability and cash flow metrics like EBITDA and free cash flow?
For fiscal 2027 Q1, Daktronics reported gross profit of $71.6 million with a 30.5% margin, EBITDA of $29.6 million, and free cash flow of $27.5 million, calculated as operating cash flow of $31.4 million minus net capital expenditures plus asset sale proceeds.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 1, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of principal executive offices, and Zip Code)
(605 ) 692-0200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Effective September 1, 2026, Daktronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) entered into an Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent (the “Agent”) the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and the other Loan Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement), which amended that certain Credit Agreement, dated November 26, 2025 (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, the Agent, the Lenders, and the other Loan Parties thereto. Amendment No. 1 amended the Credit agreement to allow the Company to transfer certain non-material patents obtained in connection with the Company’s previous acquisition of a display business from X Display Company Technology Limited, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the acquisition documents, for consideration less than 75% of fair market value. The foregoing summary of the terms and conditions of Amendment No. 1 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of Amendment No. 1, a copy of which will be filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending October 31, 2026.
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On September 2, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2026 and related material information (the “Release”). A copy of the Release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On September 1, 2026, the Board approved an increase in the base salary for our President and Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Jayaraman. Mr. Jayaraman’s base salary increased to $600,000 annually, effective September 13, 2026. The Board also approved a corresponding increase in Mr. Jayaraman’s target compensation under the fiscal 2027 cash incentive previously disclosed on the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 17, 2026. Under the approved increase, Mr. Jayaraman’s target percentage under the fiscal 2027 cash incentive will be 100% of his $600,000 base salary.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On September 2, 2026, the Company posted supplemental investor materials, including a slide presentation, on its investor.daktronics.com website. The Company announces material information to the public about the Company, its products and services and other matters through a variety of means, including filings with the SEC, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, the investor relations section of its website (investor.daktronics.com), its social media accounts, and its Chief Executive Officer’s social media accounts in order to achieve broad, non-exclusionary distribution of information to the public and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On September 1, 2026, the Board voted to terminate the Company’s existing program to repurchase outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Fiscal 2017 Repurchase Program”), which had been established and expanded through a series of Board authorizations beginning in fiscal 2017, and to implement a new program authorizing repurchases of outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program”). The total amount authorized for repurchases under the Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program is $34.5 million. The termination of the Fiscal 2017 Repurchase Program and adoption of the Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program is intended primarily to simplify the administration and disclosure of the Company’s repurchase authority and not to materially alter the amount of repurchase authority previously available to the Company or the Company’s capital allocation strategy. As such, the amount authorized for repurchases under the Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program is substantially equivalent to the amount of repurchase authorization that remained available to the Company under the Fiscal 2017 Repurchase Program at the time of its termination.
Share repurchases under the Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program may occur from time to time in open market purchases, private transactions, or other transactions. The timing, volume, and nature of share repurchases will be at the sole discretion of the Company’s management and will be dependent on market conditions, applicable securities laws and other legal requirements, business considerations, and other factors. The Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program does not require the Company to repurchase a certain amount of shares and does not have a fixed expiration date and may be suspended, discontinued, or terminated at any time. Under the Fiscal 2027 Repurchase Program, the Company may conduct share
repurchases in accordance with all applicable securities laws and regulations, including Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). No assurance can be given that any particular number of shares of common stock will be repurchased.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits:
(d)Exhibits.
Exhibit No. | Exhibit Description | |||||||
99.1 | Press Release dated September 2, 2026, issued by Daktronics, Inc. regarding first quarter fiscal 2027 results. | |||||||
104 | Cover page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
The information contained in Items 2.02, 7.01, and 9.01 of this Report, including the Release, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such a filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
The information in Items 2.02, 7.01, 8.01, and 9.01 of this Report and the exhibit hereto may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such statements are made based on the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events may differ from those anticipated by forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Safe Harbor Statement at the end of the attached press release and various disclosures by the Company in its press releases, investor materials, stockholder reports, and filings with the SEC for information concerning risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may affect future results.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
DAKTRONICS, INC. | ||||||||
(registrant) | ||||||||
By: /s/ Howard I. Atkins | ||||||||
Howard I. Atkins | ||||||||
Acting Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||
Date: September 2, 2026 | ||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
Daktronics, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2027 First Quarter Results
Earnings per share of $0.40, up 21.2%, on 7.1% sales growth and 10.6% operating margin
Product backlog entering Q2 of $311 million, 6th consecutive quarter backlog exceeded $300 million
Quarter-end cash balance of $155 million
BROOKINGS, S.D., Sept. 2, 2026 – Daktronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAKT) (“Daktronics” or the “Company”), a recognized industry leader in digital display and control system technology, today reported results for its fiscal 2027 first quarter, ended August 1, 2026. The first quarter of fiscal 2027 reflects a 13-week reporting period, compared with a 14-week reporting period in the prior-year first quarter.
Fiscal 2027 Q1 Financial Highlights:
•Sales of $234.6 million, 7.1% growth from $219.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, despite one less week
•Operating income of $24.9 million, 7.2% growth from $23.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, operating margin of 10.6%
•Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.40, up 21.2% from $0.33 in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, representing the highest quarterly diluted EPS in the past 12 quarters
•Operating cash flow of $31.4 million, compared to $26.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, resulting in period-end cash balance of $154.6 million net of $4.4 million share repurchases
•New orders(1) for products and services of $191.8 million, compared to $238.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reflecting the timing of a few substantial orders expected to be booked in the second quarter of fiscal 2027
•Product backlog(1) of $311.3 million for the quarter, compared to $360.3 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026, marking the sixth consecutive quarter-end with product backlog(1) exceeding $300 million
Ramesh Jayaraman, Daktronics’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Fiscal 2027 began on a strong note as we continued to drive momentum in sales, operating income, and EPS, maintaining our focus on executing the growth and operational excellence initiatives laid out in our long-term plan. During Q1, we continued to advance our strategic priorities, strengthen customer engagement across our core markets, and build upon a healthy sales pipeline. We delivered 21.2 percent year-over-year increase in EPS on 7.1 percent sales growth and operating margin of 10.6 percent, reflecting the ongoing, successful execution of our planned business growth and operational excellence initiatives.”
Tracking to Three-Year Plan
The Company continued to execute across its growth, operational excellence, and capital deployment pillars in support of its fiscal 2028 targets. Progress during the quarter included the following strategic initiatives.
Growth. Core markets and the sales pipeline remained strong during the quarter. The Company advanced targeted vertical market expansion initiatives and invested in software and service offerings that enhance customer value and support recurring revenue growth. A diversified product backlog(1) of $311.3 million reflects continued demand across key business segments.
(1) Orders and backlog metrics are operating measures not defined by GAAP, and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts. For more information related to backlog, see Part I, Item 1. “Business” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2026.
Operational Excellence. Manufacturing and supply chain initiatives improved efficiency, increased flexibility, and supported long-term margin expansion. Key initiatives included the ramp-up of manufacturing operations in Mexico, procurement optimization efforts, automation investments, and ongoing lean simplification initiatives across the supply chain.
Capital Deployment. Capital allocation remained focused on long-term value creation through investments in plant network improvements and automation designed to enhance operational efficiency and support future growth. The Company also continued returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases, including $4.4 million executed during the first quarter.
“Supported by the execution of our strategic initiatives, our pipeline remains robust. At the same time, our operational improvements are making us leaner and smarter every quarter,” said Mr. Jayaraman. “We also continue to evaluate acquisition and disciplined capital deployment opportunities in complementary products/solutions, verticals, and geographies that can enhance our organic growth strategy. We are tracking well toward our fiscal 2028 targets of 7-10% revenue CAGR, 10-12% operating margin, and 17-20% ROIC. None of this would be possible without the trust of our customers and the dedication of our team, and I am grateful for both.”
First Quarter Results
“Top line growth was solid again this quarter, with net sales increasing 7.1 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2026, despite one less week this quarter,” said Acting Chief Financial Officer Howard Atkins. The increase was led by strong net sales in the Transportation, Live Events, and International business units.
Gross profit rose to $71.6 million or 30.5 percent gross profit margin in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, compared with 29.7 percent gross profit margin a year earlier. The increase in gross profit margin included the receipt of tariff refunds in the first quarter, partially offset by higher memory and other price-sensitive input costs.
Orders(1) for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 were $191.8 million compared to $238.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Q1 orders(1) do not include a few substantial transactions negotiated in Q1, which are expected to book in Q2 as the final purchase orders are received. At $311.3 million, backlog(1) remained above $300 million for the sixth consecutive quarter.
Operating expenses were $46.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, compared to $41.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The first quarter of fiscal 2027 included $0.8 million of expenses associated with the acquired XDC display business and microLED development activities, $0.7 million in consulting expenses in support of the operational excellence initiatives, and a $2.0 million commission on a large International project completed during the quarter.
Operating margin was 10.6 percent for the first quarter of both fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2026.
Interest income (expense), net increased for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 compared to the same period a year ago on our higher-average cash balance, which reached $154.6 million as of August 1, 2026.
For the three months ended August 1, 2026, the effective tax rate was 24.3 percent compared to an effective tax rate of 25.9 percent for the three months ended August 2, 2025. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to valuation allowances recorded in fiscal 2026 which did not recur in fiscal 2027.
Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 was $19.4 million, compared to a net income of $16.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The increase reflects higher gross profit and operating income compared to the prior-year period.
For the three months ended August 1, 2026, earnings per diluted share was $0.40 compared to $0.33 in the same period last year.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $154.6 million at August 1, 2026, and $10.5 million of total current and long-term debt was outstanding as of that date. The increase in cash compared to the prior year primarily reflected strong operating earnings and continued focus on working capital management efficiency. At the end of the fiscal 2027 first quarter, the
(1) Orders and backlog metrics are operating measures not defined by GAAP, and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts. For more information related to backlog, see Part I, Item 1. “Business” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2026.
Company’s working capital ratio was 2.2 to 1. Accounts receivable as of August 1, 2026 was $154.7 million compared to $118.6 million at the end of fiscal 2026, reflecting higher sales volume and timing of customer billings and collections.
In the first three months of fiscal 2027, Daktronics generated $31.4 million of cash from operations and used $4.1 million for purchases of property and equipment. The Company repurchased 225.5 thousand shares of common stock in the first three months of fiscal 2027 at the volume-weighted average price of $19.56, equaling $4.4 million of share repurchases under the $40 million share repurchase authority approved by the Board of Directors in June 2026.
The Company has a $71.5 million senior credit facility that includes a cash flow‑backed revolving line of credit. As of August 1, 2026, there were no advances under the loan portion of the line of credit, and the balance of letters of credit outstanding was $1.9 million.
Webcast Information
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results today at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time). This call will be broadcast live at http://investor.daktronics.com where related presentation materials will also be posted prior to the conference call. A webcast will be available for replay shortly after the event.
About Daktronics
Daktronics has strong leadership positions in, and is the world’s largest supplier of large-screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, LED text and graphics displays, and related control systems. The Company excels in the control of display systems, including those that require integration of multiple complex displays showing real-time information, graphics, animation, and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world in four domestic business units: Live Events, Commercial, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, and one International business unit. For more information, visit the Company's website at: www.daktronics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Cautionary Notice: This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.
All statements, other than historical facts, included or incorporated in this release could be deemed forward-looking statements, particularly statements that reflect our expectations or beliefs of Daktronics, Inc. (the “Company,” “Daktronics,” “we,” or “us”) concerning future events or our future financial performance. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are often characterized by discussions of strategy, plans, or intentions or by the use of words such as “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “forecast,” “project,” “outlook,” “focus,” “goal,” “target,” “transform,” “expand,” “grow,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or “intend,” the negative or other variants of such terms, or other comparable terminology. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, orders, and capital investment projects, fluctuations in margins, the introduction of new products and technology, the impact of adverse weather conditions, increased regulation, the imposition of tariffs or other trade restrictions, the availability and costs of raw materials, components, and shipping services, geopolitical and governmental actions, expansion into new geographical markets, the Company’s recent leadership transition, transformation initiatives, future strategy, and other risks, trends, and uncertainties described more fully in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 2026 fiscal year (the “Form 10-K”) and in other reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") by the Company. You should carefully consider the trends, risks, and uncertainties described in this press release, the Form 10-K, other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company, and other press releases and stockholders reports of the Company before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. If any of these trends, risks, or uncertainties continues or occurs, our business, financial condition, or operating results could be materially and adversely affected, the trading prices of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date of this press release and are based on our current expectations, forecasts, estimates, and assumptions. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or circumstances or events occurring after this release
(1) Orders and backlog metrics are operating measures not defined by GAAP, and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts. For more information related to backlog, see Part I, Item 1. “Business” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2026.
affecting the forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
-- END --
For more information contact:
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Howard I. Atkins, Acting Chief Financial Officer
Tel (605) 692-0200
Investor@daktronics.com
Alliance Advisors IR
Carolyn Capaccio / Jody Burfening
DAKTIRTeam@allianceadvisors.com
MEDIA RELATIONS
mediarelations@daktronics.com
Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
August 1, 2026 | August 2, 2025 | ||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 234,565 | $ | 218,972 | |||||||
Cost of sales | 162,966 | 153,900 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 71,599 | 65,072 | |||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||
Selling | 18,990 | 16,834 | |||||||||
General and administrative | 15,559 | 14,295 | |||||||||
Product design and development | 12,114 | 10,671 | |||||||||
46,663 | 41,800 | ||||||||||
Operating income | 24,936 | 23,272 | |||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense): | |||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net | 1,134 | 893 | |||||||||
Other expense, net | (403) | (1,942) | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 25,667 | 22,223 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 6,237 | 5,753 | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 19,430 | $ | 16,470 | |||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
Basic | 48,185 | 48,902 | |||||||||
Diluted | 48,901 | 49,736 | |||||||||
Earnings per share: | |||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.40 | $ | 0.34 | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.40 | $ | 0.33 | |||||||
Fiscal 2027 is a 52-week year and fiscal 2026 was a 53-week year. As a result, the three months ended August 1, 2026, includes 13 weeks of operating results, whereas the three months ended August 2, 2025, includes 14 weeks of operating results.
Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
August 1, 2026 | May 2, 2026 | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 154,585 | $ | 131,639 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 154,700 | 118,590 | |||||||||
Inventories | 117,517 | 110,471 | |||||||||
Contract assets | 51,608 | 66,552 | |||||||||
Current maturities of long-term receivables | 3,499 | 3,405 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 15,747 | 11,278 | |||||||||
Income tax receivables | 3,120 | 6,047 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 500,776 | 447,982 | |||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 64,292 | 64,263 | |||||||||
Long-term receivables, less current maturities | 371 | 1,125 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 3,605 | 3,685 | |||||||||
Intangibles, net | 3,190 | 3,263 | |||||||||
Right of use, investment in affiliates, and other assets | 12,906 | 11,828 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 22,240 | 22,266 | |||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 607,380 | $ | 554,412 | |||||||
Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(in thousands)
August 1, 2026 | May 2, 2026 | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 1,150 | $ | 1,150 | |||||||
Accounts payable | 80,319 | 68,617 | |||||||||
Contract liabilities | 85,969 | 65,310 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses | 49,865 | 44,858 | |||||||||
Warranty obligations | 13,159 | 12,398 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 316 | 1,375 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 230,778 | 193,708 | |||||||||
Long-term warranty obligations | 24,663 | 24,362 | |||||||||
Long-term contract liabilities | 20,301 | 20,655 | |||||||||
Other long-term obligations | 4,633 | 5,289 | |||||||||
Long-term debt, net | 9,355 | 9,629 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 22 | 22 | |||||||||
Total long-term liabilities | 58,974 | 59,957 | |||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||||||||
Preferred Shares, $0.00001 par value, authorized 5,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock, $0.00001 par value, authorized 115,000 shares; 53,715 and 53,650 shares issued as of August 1, 2026 and May 2, 2026, respectively | — | — | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 198,895 | 196,837 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 192,716 | 173,286 | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 5,631 and 5,406 shares as of August 1, 2026 and May 2, 2026, respectively | (69,734) | (65,324) | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (4,249) | (4,052) | |||||||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 317,628 | 300,747 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 607,380 | $ | 554,412 | |||||||
Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
August 1, 2026 | August 2, 2025 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 19,430 | $ | 16,470 | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,682 | 4,804 | |||||||||
Gain on sale of property, equipment and other assets | (28) | (38) | |||||||||
Share-based compensation | 1,210 | 947 | |||||||||
Equity in loss of affiliates | — | 805 | |||||||||
Allowance for credit losses on affiliate loan | — | 795 | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts, net | 211 | 594 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes, net | 22 | 32 | |||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities | 5,906 | 1,688 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 31,433 | 26,097 | |||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (4,128) | (4,291) | |||||||||
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets | 219 | 218 | |||||||||
Loans to equity investees | — | (1,547) | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (3,909) | (5,620) | |||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
Payments on notes payable | (288) | (500) | |||||||||
Principal payments on long-term obligations | — | (104) | |||||||||
Payments for common shares repurchased | (4,410) | (10,652) | |||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 198 | 128 | |||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (4,500) | (11,128) | |||||||||
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH | (78) | — | |||||||||
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | 22,946 | 9,349 | |||||||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH: | |||||||||||
Beginning of period | 131,639 | 127,507 | |||||||||
End of period | $ | 154,585 | $ | 136,856 | |||||||
Daktronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Net Sales and Orders by Business Unit
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | August 1, 2026 | August 2, 2025 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 43,703 | $ | 46,167 | $ | (2,464) | (5.3) | % | |||||||||||||||
Live Events | 86,398 | 79,800 | 6,598 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
High School Park and Recreation | 54,711 | 59,347 | (4,636) | (7.8) | |||||||||||||||||||
Transportation | 21,378 | 16,575 | 4,803 | 29.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
International | 28,375 | 17,083 | 11,292 | 66.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 234,565 | $ | 218,972 | $ | 15,593 | 7.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Orders: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 46,568 | $ | 44,223 | $ | 2,345 | 5.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
Live Events | 47,213 | 92,219 | (45,006) | (48.8) | |||||||||||||||||||
High School Park and Recreation | 56,276 | 63,254 | (6,978) | (11.0) | |||||||||||||||||||
Transportation | 22,703 | 21,909 | 794 | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
International | 19,039 | 16,938 | 2,101 | 12.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 191,799 | $ | 238,543 | $ | (46,744) | (19.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow*
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
August 1, 2026 | August 2, 2025 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 31,433 | $ | 26,097 | |||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (4,128) | (4,291) | |||||||||
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 219 | 218 | |||||||||
Free cash flow | $ | 27,524 | $ | 22,024 | |||||||
*The term free cash flow is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The table above reconciles free cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. In evaluating its business, Daktronics considers and uses free cash flow as a key measure of its operating performance. It is not a measure of operating income, cash flows from operating activities, or other GAAP figures and should not be considered alternatives to those computations. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less payments for property, plant, and equipment, plus proceeds from the sale of, insurance recovery for and grants for property, plant and equipment, if applicable. Our definition of free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled definitions used by other companies. Free cash flow is intended to provide information that may be useful for investors when assessing period to period results because it provides them with additional information in assessing our liquidity, capital resources, and financial operating results.
Reconciliation of EBITDA*
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
August 1, 2026 | August 2, 2025 | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 19,430 | $ | 16,470 | |||||||
Add: | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | 6,237 | 5,753 | |||||||||
Interest (income) expense, net | (1,134) | (893) | |||||||||
Other expense, net | 403 | 1,942 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,682 | 4,804 | |||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 29,618 | $ | 28,076 | |||||||
*EBITDA is not a measure defined by GAAP. The table above reconciles EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Daktronics calculates EBITDA as net income before interest (income) expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other nonoperating income and expense. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Management believes EBITDA provides investors with useful supplemental information to evaluate operating performance and to facilitate comparisons of operating results between periods by excluding the effects of financing activities, income taxes, and non-cash depreciation and amortization expense.
Reconciliation of Long-term Debt
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Long-term debt consists of the following:
August 1, 2026 | May 2, 2026 | ||||||||||
Term Debt | $ | 10,637 | $ | 10,925 | |||||||
Long-term debt, gross | 10,637 | 10,925 | |||||||||
Debt issuance costs, net | (132) | (146) | |||||||||
Current portion | (1,150) | (1,150) | |||||||||
Long-term debt, net | $ | 9,355 | $ | 9,629 | |||||||