Willdan Stock Is Skyrocketing, but One Fund Still Cashed Out $7.7 Million

Bard Associates reported a major reduction in its Willdan Group (NASDAQ:WLDN) stake, selling an estimated $7.74 million of shares in the first quarter, according to a May 7, 2026, SEC filing.

What happened

According to a SEC filing dated May 7, 2026, Bard Associates reduced its holding in Willdan Group (NASDAQ:WLDN) by 73,167 shares during the first quarter. The estimated value of the trade, based on the average closing price for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was approximately $7.74 million. The fund's quarter-end position value in Willdan Group decreased by $7.59 million, reflecting both the share sale and price changes.

What else to know

• Bard Associates’ position in Willdan Group now represents less than 0.004% of its reportable U.S. equity AUM after the sell-down.
• Top holdings after the filing:
  • NYSEMKT: JAAA: $25.28 million (6.3% of AUM)
  • NASDAQ: PFF: $20.98 million (5.3% of AUM)
  • NYSE: FFC: $18.84 million (4.7% of AUM)
  • NYSE: COHR: $12.78 million (3.2% of AUM)
  • NYSEMKT: SCHO: $12.35 million (3.1% of AUM)
• As of May 7, 2026, Willdan Group shares were priced at $74.47, up 85% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 55.46 percentage points.

Company overview

Company snapshot

• Willdan provides professional, technical, and consulting services across energy efficiency, engineering, and construction management, including audit and survey, program design, grid optimization, and compliance consulting.
• The firm generates revenue primarily through project-based contracts, technical consulting, and performance-based services for energy and engineering projects.
• It serves public sector clients such as cities, counties, utilities, school districts, and federal agencies, as well as commercial and industrial organizations.

Willdan Group is a diversified provider of engineering and energy consulting services. The company leverages technical expertise and project management capabilities to deliver integrated solutions for public agencies and utilities, supporting infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency initiatives. Its competitive advantage lies in its broad service portfolio and deep relationships with government and utility clients, positioning it as a key partner in complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

What this transaction means for investors

This move seems like simple profit-taking after a massive run rather than a loss of confidence in the underlying business. Bard cut the position during the first quarter, well before Willdan’s latest earnings release this week, which further buoyed shares.

On Thursday, Willdan reported first-quarter net revenue growth of 8.3% to $92.4 million, while adjusted EBITDA jumped 25% to $18.1 million. Net income surged 82% to $8.5 million, and management raised its 2026 outlook, now projecting adjusted EBITDA between $100 million and $105 million. The company also recently completed its acquisition of Burton Energy Group, a move that more than doubles its exposure to commercial energy customers and expands relationships with Fortune 500 clients.

The broader story here is that Willdan is increasingly benefiting from huge demand tied to grid modernization, energy efficiency upgrades, and infrastructure spending. That said, after an 85% stock rally in one year (plus another nearly 20% on Friday alone), some investors were always likely to lock in gains.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Coherent. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.