Methode Electronics Inc

Methode Electronics reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 net sales of $265.4 million, up 10.4% from $240.5 million a year earlier, driven by higher Industrial segment volumes and mix, including organic data-center growth and higher lighting volumes. However, the company posted a $3.9 million operating loss versus $1.1 million of operating income in the prior-year quarter, as selling and administrative expenses rose 25.4% to $45.9 million. Methode also announced new non-data-center program awards representing approximately $75 million of peak annual revenue and $400 million of lifetime revenue, which are company-reported metrics and not guaranteed. The Industrial segment sales increased 27.0% to $156.8 million, while Automotive operating loss narrowed to $11.7 million from $12.5 million. The company maintained its fiscal 2027 guidance of $1.025 billion to $1.075 billion in sales and $72 million to $82 million in adjusted EBITDA, despite adjusted EBITDA falling to $13.7 million from $15.7 million in the quarter. Methode also extended the maturity of certain revolving loans to October 29, 2028, and reduced aggregate commitments to $375 million.

Methode Electronics shares surged as much as 40% on Thursday after the company reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results that crushed Wall Street estimates. Revenue rose to $298.1 million, far above the consensus forecast of $239.5 million, driven by a 28% increase in automotive sales and a 14% gain in industrial revenues. Earnings held steady at $0.01 per share, defying expectations of a $0.09 per share loss, as the company benefited from $19 million in customer recoveries negotiated under minimum-order contract safeguards. Management expects to collect an additional $25 million in recoveries over the next three to four years, though the turnaround remains a work in progress with $325 million in long-term debt against $149 million in cash.