WLDN

Sector rotation doesn't always mean money moving from sector to sector. In many cases, investors see capital moving from large-cap to small-cap stocks.

Willdan is rated Buy with a $117 price target, driven by beat-and-raise Q1 results and robust secular tailwinds in grid modernization and AI data centers. WLDN delivered a Q1 adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.6%, up 270 bps YoY, with management guiding to a high-20s% long-term margin target and FY26 adjusted EPS of $4.90–$5.05. Burton Energy's acquisition diversifies the revenue mix, boosts commercial exposure to 25%, and is accretive to 2026 margins and earnings.

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $WLDN--Willdan Group, Inc. (“Willdan”) (Nasdaq: WLDN), today announced that it will release its financial results for the second quarter 2026 after the close of the stock market on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Following the release, Willdan will host its investor conference call at 5:30 p.m. EST / 2:30 p.m. PST. An online, real-time audio webcast of the quarterly investor conference call will be available on Willdan's website at: Willdan Group Q2 2026 Investor Conference.

The Zacks Business Services industry is poised to prosper on rising demand and growing technology adoption. ULS, WLDN and ZIP appear well-positioned to ride on the demand strength.

Willdan Group has demonstrated benchmark-like performance, returning 7% versus the S&P 500's 8% over the past six months. I'm increasingly bullish on WLDN due to its undervaluation, compressed multiple, and improving top and bottom-line fundamentals. WLDN's business performance is strengthening, with guidance raised despite recent volatility and a double-miss.

Willdan won a contract with LADWP worth $330 million. This contract, however, has not started contributing revenue yet and is expected to contribute meaningfully in the second half of 2026. The Burton buyout, which was completed on May 4, would give Willdan access to numerous commercial clients. As per my DCF analysis, the WLDN stock is undervalued by roughly 18%. You should consider jumping in given the potential tailwinds.

The average of price targets set by Wall Street analysts indicates a potential upside of 39% in Willdan (WLDN). While the effectiveness of this highly sought-after metric is questionable, the positive trend in earnings estimate revisions might translate into an upside in the stock.

Willdan Group is positioned to benefit from surging power demand driven by AI data centers, offering grid optimization and efficiency solutions. Q1 2026 results showed 17% YoY revenue growth to $92M and gross margin expansion to 40.7%, with adjusted EPS up 44% to $0.91. Management anticipates further margin improvement through cost efficiencies and a revenue mix shift toward higher-margin clients, enhancing profitability.

The commercial sector now comprises 25% of Willdan's contract revenues, enabling accelerated growth and richer margins. The Burton acquisition also brings high-margin, multi-year, recurring energy management revenues, expanding their commercial offerings. Despite the recent acquisitions, WLDN continues to report a healthy balance sheet, underscoring their ability to sustainably fund their M&A driven growth opportunities.

Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript