Bard Associates Reduces Stake in Willdan Group
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 day ago
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Should l Buy WLDN?
Source: Fool
- Stake Reduction Details: According to a May 7, 2026 SEC filing, Bard Associates sold 73,167 shares of Willdan Group in Q1, with an estimated trade value of $7.74 million, indicating a $7.59 million decrease in the fund's position value due to both the sale and price fluctuations, highlighting market volatility's impact on its portfolio.
- Holding Proportion Change: Following the reduction, Bard Associates' stake in Willdan Group now represents less than 0.004% of its reportable U.S. equity AUM, suggesting that the investment is no longer a significant asset, which may influence future investment decisions.
- Willdan Performance Metrics: Willdan reported an 8.3% increase in net revenue to $92.4 million in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA rising 25% to $18.1 million and net income surging 82% to $8.5 million, prompting management to raise its 2026 outlook to an adjusted EBITDA projection between $100 million and $105 million.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite Willdan's stock price rallying 85% over the past year, Bard's stake reduction appears to be a profit-taking move rather than a loss of confidence in the company's fundamentals, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment ahead of strong earnings releases that could influence short-term market dynamics.
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Analyst Views on WLDN
Wall Street analysts forecast WLDN stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 88.390
Low
125.00
Averages
135.00
High
145.00
Current: 88.390
Low
125.00
Averages
135.00
High
145.00
About WLDN
Willdan Group, Inc. is a provider of professional, technical and consulting services to utilities, government agencies, and private industry. The Company’s segments include Energy, and Engineering and Consulting. Its Energy segment provides specialized, and comprehensive energy solutions to businesses, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. Its Energy segment services include comprehensive audit and surveys, program design, master planning, demand reduction, grid optimization, benchmarking analyses, design engineering, and others. Its Engineering and Consulting segment provides civil engineering-related construction management, building and safety, city engineering office management, city planning, civil design, geotechnical, material testing and other engineering consulting services to its clients. Its Engineering and Consulting segment services include traffic, bridges, rail, port, water, mining and other civil engineering projects.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Willdan Group (WLDN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Acquisition Impact: Willdan Group completed the acquisition of Burton Energy Group this week, with Burton generating approximately $103 million in contract revenue, $15 million in net revenue, and $7 million in EBITDA in 2025, which is expected to enhance Willdan's margins and EPS, further driving the company's expansion into the commercial sector.
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q1 2026, Willdan achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $18.1 million, representing 19.6% of net revenue and a 44% increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating effective management in expense control and tax benefits.
- Raised Revenue Outlook: Based on a strong start, Willdan raised its 2026 net revenue guidance to between $410 million and $425 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $100 million and $105 million, reflecting the contribution from Burton and ongoing contract wins.
- Commercial Revenue Growth: Commercial revenue is projected to account for 25% of total revenue in 2026, a significant increase from 7% in 2024, showcasing Willdan's strategic transformation and expansion capabilities in the commercial market, thereby enhancing the company's growth potential.
See More
Bard Associates Reduces Stake in Willdan Group
- Stake Reduction Details: According to a May 7, 2026 SEC filing, Bard Associates sold 73,167 shares of Willdan Group in Q1, with an estimated trade value of $7.74 million, indicating a $7.59 million decrease in the fund's position value due to both the sale and price fluctuations, highlighting market volatility's impact on its portfolio.
- Holding Proportion Change: Following the reduction, Bard Associates' stake in Willdan Group now represents less than 0.004% of its reportable U.S. equity AUM, suggesting that the investment is no longer a significant asset, which may influence future investment decisions.
- Willdan Performance Metrics: Willdan reported an 8.3% increase in net revenue to $92.4 million in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA rising 25% to $18.1 million and net income surging 82% to $8.5 million, prompting management to raise its 2026 outlook to an adjusted EBITDA projection between $100 million and $105 million.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite Willdan's stock price rallying 85% over the past year, Bard's stake reduction appears to be a profit-taking move rather than a loss of confidence in the company's fundamentals, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment ahead of strong earnings releases that could influence short-term market dynamics.
See More
Bard Associates Sells Shares in Willdan Group
- Share Reduction Details: Bard Associates sold 73,167 shares of Willdan Group in Q1, with an estimated transaction value of $7.74 million, representing 1.94% of its reportable U.S. equity assets.
- Position Value Decline: This trade resulted in a $7.59 million decrease in Bard's quarter-end position value in Willdan, reflecting the combined effects of trading and price changes.
- Company Performance Growth: Willdan reported an 8.3% increase in net revenue to $92.4 million in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA rising 25% to $18.1 million and net income surging 82% to $8.5 million, prompting management to raise its 2026 outlook.
- Market Demand Analysis: Willdan is benefiting from strong demand tied to grid modernization and energy efficiency upgrades, and despite an 85% stock rally over the past year, some investors opted to lock in gains, indicating confidence in its future performance.
See More
Willdan (WLDN) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript
See More
Willdan Acquires Burton Energy Group to Enhance Energy Management Services
- Strategic Expansion: On May 4, Willdan acquired 100% of Burton Energy Group, integrating Burton's energy management capabilities into Willdan, which is expected to significantly enhance its market position in the commercial sector.
- Financial Performance: Burton reported approximately $103 million in contract revenue and $15 million in net revenue for 2025, demonstrating strong performance in energy management, and is anticipated to positively impact Willdan's adjusted earnings per share in 2026.
- Enhanced Client Base: This acquisition expands Willdan's client base to include several Fortune 500 companies, further solidifying its influence in the Southeast and Midwest markets while enhancing client service capabilities.
- Cultural Alignment: The founder of Burton noted that Willdan's alignment in culture and values will foster collaborative growth, driving innovation and improved customer service.
See More
WILLDAN GROUP, INC ACQUIRES FULL OWNERSHIP OF BURTON ENERGY GROUP
- Acquisition Announcement: Willdan Group, Inc. has acquired 100% of Burton Energy Group.
- Strategic Move: This acquisition is part of Willdan's strategy to enhance its energy services and expand its market presence.
See More
Willdan Group (WLDN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Acquisition Impact: Willdan Group completed the acquisition of Burton Energy Group this week, with Burton generating approximately $103 million in contract revenue, $15 million in net revenue, and $7 million in EBITDA in 2025, which is expected to enhance Willdan's margins and EPS, further driving the company's expansion into the commercial sector.
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q1 2026, Willdan achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $18.1 million, representing 19.6% of net revenue and a 44% increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating effective management in expense control and tax benefits.
- Raised Revenue Outlook: Based on a strong start, Willdan raised its 2026 net revenue guidance to between $410 million and $425 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $100 million and $105 million, reflecting the contribution from Burton and ongoing contract wins.
- Commercial Revenue Growth: Commercial revenue is projected to account for 25% of total revenue in 2026, a significant increase from 7% in 2024, showcasing Willdan's strategic transformation and expansion capabilities in the commercial market, thereby enhancing the company's growth potential.
See More
Bard Associates Reduces Stake in Willdan Group
- Stake Reduction Details: According to a May 7, 2026 SEC filing, Bard Associates sold 73,167 shares of Willdan Group in Q1, with an estimated trade value of $7.74 million, indicating a $7.59 million decrease in the fund's position value due to both the sale and price fluctuations, highlighting market volatility's impact on its portfolio.
- Holding Proportion Change: Following the reduction, Bard Associates' stake in Willdan Group now represents less than 0.004% of its reportable U.S. equity AUM, suggesting that the investment is no longer a significant asset, which may influence future investment decisions.
- Willdan Performance Metrics: Willdan reported an 8.3% increase in net revenue to $92.4 million in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA rising 25% to $18.1 million and net income surging 82% to $8.5 million, prompting management to raise its 2026 outlook to an adjusted EBITDA projection between $100 million and $105 million.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite Willdan's stock price rallying 85% over the past year, Bard's stake reduction appears to be a profit-taking move rather than a loss of confidence in the company's fundamentals, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment ahead of strong earnings releases that could influence short-term market dynamics.
See More
Bard Associates Sells Shares in Willdan Group
- Share Reduction Details: Bard Associates sold 73,167 shares of Willdan Group in Q1, with an estimated transaction value of $7.74 million, representing 1.94% of its reportable U.S. equity assets.
- Position Value Decline: This trade resulted in a $7.59 million decrease in Bard's quarter-end position value in Willdan, reflecting the combined effects of trading and price changes.
- Company Performance Growth: Willdan reported an 8.3% increase in net revenue to $92.4 million in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA rising 25% to $18.1 million and net income surging 82% to $8.5 million, prompting management to raise its 2026 outlook.
- Market Demand Analysis: Willdan is benefiting from strong demand tied to grid modernization and energy efficiency upgrades, and despite an 85% stock rally over the past year, some investors opted to lock in gains, indicating confidence in its future performance.
See More
Willdan (WLDN) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript
See More
Willdan Acquires Burton Energy Group to Enhance Energy Management Services
- Strategic Expansion: On May 4, Willdan acquired 100% of Burton Energy Group, integrating Burton's energy management capabilities into Willdan, which is expected to significantly enhance its market position in the commercial sector.
- Financial Performance: Burton reported approximately $103 million in contract revenue and $15 million in net revenue for 2025, demonstrating strong performance in energy management, and is anticipated to positively impact Willdan's adjusted earnings per share in 2026.
- Enhanced Client Base: This acquisition expands Willdan's client base to include several Fortune 500 companies, further solidifying its influence in the Southeast and Midwest markets while enhancing client service capabilities.
- Cultural Alignment: The founder of Burton noted that Willdan's alignment in culture and values will foster collaborative growth, driving innovation and improved customer service.
See More
WILLDAN GROUP, INC ACQUIRES FULL OWNERSHIP OF BURTON ENERGY GROUP
- Acquisition Announcement: Willdan Group, Inc. has acquired 100% of Burton Energy Group.
- Strategic Move: This acquisition is part of Willdan's strategy to enhance its energy services and expand its market presence.
See More
