RELL Q3 Deep Dive: Engineered Solutions, Green Energy, and Semiconductor Demand Drive Results

Electronics distributor Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ:RELL) reported Q3 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 1.6% year on year to $54.61 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.13 per share was significantly above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy RELL? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

StockStory’s Take

Richardson Electronics delivered a quarter that was well received by the market, as revenue and adjusted profitability surpassed Wall Street expectations. Management attributed this outcome primarily to strong demand in its semiconductor wafer fabrication and RF power segments, as well as ongoing growth in engineered solutions for wind energy. CEO Edward Richardson highlighted the company’s strategy of focusing on products manufactured in-house, which contributed to higher gross margins and improved operating leverage. The team also cited disciplined cost control and positive operating cash flow, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of cash generation.

For the remainder of the year, management’s outlook is shaped by continued investments in engineered solutions and global expansion of green energy and power management products. CFO Robert Ben noted a measured approach to capital spending, emphasizing the importance of scaling design and engineering teams to support new business lines. The company is targeting opportunities in battery energy storage and international wind markets, while leveraging its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint to navigate tariff and supply chain complexities. COO Wendy Diddell stated, “We believe our current strategic initiatives will drive revenue and profitability growth over the next several years while we consider longer-term strategic acquisitions that further enhance our business.”

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management cited momentum in semiconductor and green energy markets, improved product mix, and disciplined operational execution as key drivers of the quarter’s results.

• Semiconductor demand drives growth: The Power and Microwave Technologies (PMT) segment benefited from rising orders in semiconductor wafer fabrication and legacy power grid tube products, attributed to ongoing AI-driven equipment demand and customer diversification.
• Wind energy expansion: The Green Energy Solutions (GES) unit experienced notable growth in wind turbine modules, driven by new international orders and deeper penetration among large U.S. operators. Management highlighted exclusive partnerships with major wind farm operators and new product launches tailored for non-U.S. turbine platforms.
• Operational efficiency gains: Improved manufacturing utilization and a focus on in-house engineered solutions elevated gross margins, while cost controls kept operating expenses in check despite investments in design and engineering talent.
• Strategic product mix shift: The company continued to transition away from lower-margin legacy products, prioritizing high-value engineered solutions manufactured at its LaFox facility. This shift supported both profitability and resilience against external shocks like tariffs.
• Healthcare divestiture transition: While the healthcare segment was divested, ongoing production of retained CT tube products and the winding down of legacy operations temporarily impacted year-over-year comparisons but is expected to contribute positively by year-end.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management expects future performance to be shaped by global demand for engineered solutions, expansion into new markets, and external factors such as tariffs and energy policy.

• Green energy market expansion: The company is accelerating efforts to grow its footprint in international wind and battery energy storage markets, focusing on proprietary products and leveraging state-level incentives, notably through the REV Illinois program. Management believes that policy-driven repowering of wind turbines and increased demand for energy storage will support double-digit growth in the GES segment.
• Semiconductor and RF opportunities: Sustained demand from semiconductor manufacturing and military/defense RF applications is expected to drive further growth in PMT. Leadership anticipates stable or improving sales run rates in the near term, with larger growth potential in the second half of the year if equipment demand from key customers materializes as forecasted.
• Margin management and supply chain: The company is navigating uncertainties related to tariffs, supplier transitions, and inventory management for legacy products. Management aims to mitigate risks through supply diversification, global manufacturing flexibility, and cost discipline, while capitalizing on its U.S.-based production to address customer needs amid shifting trade dynamics.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace of adoption and customer wins for new wind turbine and energy storage products, (2) the impact of global expansion and technology partnerships on order backlog and revenue mix, and (3) the execution of supply chain and inventory strategies, particularly as legacy product transitions and tariff uncertainties continue. Progress in battery storage and the ramp-up of the Sweetwater Design Center will also serve as key indicators.

Richardson Electronics currently trades at $11.67, up from $10.57 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Now Could Be The Perfect Time To Invest In These Stocks

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.