DAKTRONICS INC /SD/ (DAKT)

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This section entitled "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The MD&A provides a narrative analysis explaining the reasons for material changes in the (i) financial condition of Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company", "Daktronics", "we", "our", or "us") during the period from the most recent fiscal year-end, April 26, 2025, to and including January 31, 2026; and (ii) results of operations of the Company during the current fiscal period(s) as compared to the corresponding period(s) of the preceding fiscal year.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the MD&A, contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. The words "may," "might," "would," "could," "should," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "forecast," "project," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any and all forecasts and projections in this document are “forward-looking statements” and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. From time to time, we may also provide oral and written forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public, such as press releases, presentations to securities analysts or investors, or other communications by us. Any or all forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in any public statements we make could be materially different from actual results. Accordingly, we wish to caution investors that any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, orders, and capital investment projects, fluctuations in margins, interest rate risk, the introduction of new products and technology, the impact of adverse weather conditions, increased regulation, the imposition of tariffs, trade wars, the availability and costs of raw materials, components, and shipping services, geopolitical and governmental actions, including the U.S. federal government shutdown, expansion into new geographical markets, the Company’s recent leadership transition, transformation initiatives, future strategy, and the other risks, trends, and uncertainties described more fully in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 26, 2025 (the "Form 10-K") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company.

We also wish to caution investors that other factors might in the future prove to be important in affecting our results of operations. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Form 10-K (including the information presented therein under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of Part I), and other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company.

The quarter-over-quarter comparisons in this MD&A are as of and for the fiscal quarters ended January 31, 2026 and January 25, 2025 unless otherwise stated.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Contribution margin, which is a financial measure that is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), is utilized by management to evaluate segment profitability and guide resource allocation decisions. It is defined as gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses primarily include personnel-related costs, travel and entertainment, marketing expenditures (such as showroom operations, product demonstrations, depreciation and

23

Table of Contents

maintenance, conventions, and trade shows), costs associated with customer relationship management and marketing systems, bad debt expense, third-party commissions, and other related expenses.

In addition to gross profit, management considers contribution margin a meaningful metric for assessing the financial performance of individual segments. We believe this measure provides investors with a useful view of our segment-level performance consistent with the approach used by management. By presenting contribution margin, we aim to enhance transparency and allow investors to better understand how we evaluate and manage our business operations.

Overview

We are recognized industry leaders in the design and manufacture of electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems, and large-screen video displays serving sporting, commercial, and transportation markets. We serve our customers by delivering high-quality standard display products as well as custom-designed and integrated systems.

Our product portfolio ranges from small-scale scoreboards and electronic displays to large, multimillion-dollar video display systems. These offerings are complemented by related control, timing, and sound systems. We are widely acknowledged for our technical expertise and our ability to design, market, manufacture, install, and service comprehensive integrated solutions that display real-time data, graphics, animation, and video.

Our operations encompass a full spectrum of activities, including marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services, and customer service and support.

The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Each fiscal quarter consists of 13 weeks, except in a 53-week fiscal year, where the first quarter includes 14 weeks. The nine months ended January 31, 2026, and January 25, 2025, included 40 and 39 weeks of operations, respectively.

Known Trends and Uncertainties

During fiscal 2025, we embarked on our business transformation program, which is focused on driving sustainable growth, margin improvement, and enhanced returns on invested capital. The Company’s transformation roadmap, developed through rigorous analysis and planning, is designed to support ambitious sales and profitability targets. Strong order growth during the quarter reflects ongoing market adoption of digital display technologies and the strength of Daktronics’ integrated product and service offerings.

The business environment remains dynamic, with several external factors continuing to influence customer demand and operational costs. The Company continues to be affected by U.S. government‑imposed tariffs on electronic components, aluminum, steel, and copper, as well as reciprocal tariffs imposed by foreign countries. In addition, changes to U.S. trade policy, including the elimination of the de minimis exemption for low‑value shipments, continued to increase logistics and import‑related costs. These tariffs may impact gross margins and could influence customer purchasing behavior, particularly for projects dependent on federal funding. In response, Daktronics is actively monitoring its pricing strategies and sourcing plans to mitigate these effects. However, the ultimate impact on demand remains uncertain.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed by the U.S. presidential administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) exceeded presidential authority and were invalidated. Following the ruling, the administration implemented a temporary global tariff under alternative trade authorities and has indicated an intention to increase the rate to up to 15%. The timing, duration, and final rate of these tariffs remain uncertain. We continue to monitor these developments and assess the potential impact on our results of operations.

The global market for digital display systems continues to expand, driven by investments in manufacturing capacity and advancements in display and control technologies. The industry is seeing increased adoption of surface mount and chip-on-board technologies, particularly for narrow pixel pitch (NPP) and micro-LED applications, as manufacturers and customers seek higher performance and efficiency. Innovations in software, artificial intelligence, and professional services are enhancing content creation, user interfaces, monitoring, and security.

We maintain a unique leadership position in our target markets, which are large, growing, and supported by resilient demand from customers seeking to enhance audience experiences in sports, commercial, and transportation environments. We are investing in capacity and resources to grow and deepen market penetration.

24

Table of Contents

To capitalize on this position, we continue to focus on digital and business transformation, cost structure optimization, and market expansion. In fiscal 2025, we established a Business Transformation Office ("BTO") to conduct a comprehensive review of our business, strategy, and operations. The BTO is developing strategic initiatives, enabled in part by our digital transformation, to deliver improved customer outcomes, deeper market penetration, above-market growth, and more efficient delivery, fulfillment, and service. These initiatives are structured to support our ambitious business transformation plan: revenue growth outpacing our addressable market, operating margins of 10–12%, and returns on capital of 17–20%, consistently exceeding our cost of capital.

The Company continues to monitor and adjust its capacity and resource levels in response to market conditions. Daktronics is expanding the Company’s global manufacturing network into Mexico, as part of its broader three-year strategic plan for improving profitable growth and increasing the overall agility of the company’s production capacity. The new facility is expected to be in production by the end of fiscal 2026.

There may be periods where sales and expenses are not fully aligned, particularly as investments in transformation and corporate governance are made. These investments may affect near-term profitability but are intended to support long-term value creation.

Despite ongoing uncertainties related to tariffs, geopolitical developments, and federal funding priorities, Daktronics believes that the fundamental drivers of the audiovisual industry remain strong. Increased adoption of LED display systems across industries, combined with the Company’s ongoing development of new technologies, services, and sales channels, are expected to support long-term growth.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) provides a narrative from the perspective of management relating to the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, and other factors that may impact our financial performance.

The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

Daktronics operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of a 13-week period following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The fiscal year ended May 2, 2026 contained operating results for 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended April 26, 2025 and April 27, 2024 contained operating results for 52 weeks.

The year-over-year comparisons in this MD&A are as of and for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2026 and April 26, 2025, unless stated otherwise. Information pertaining to fiscal year 2024, including but not limited to, a comparison of fiscal 2025 with fiscal 2024 results of operations, liquidity, and other information, can be found in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 filed with the SEC on June 25, 2025 under the sections entitled “Results of Operations - Consolidated Performance Summary” and “Results of Operations - Reportable Segment Performance Summary.”

Non-GAAP Measures

Contribution margin, which is a financial measure that is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), is utilized by management to evaluate segment profitability and guide resource allocation decisions. It is defined as gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses primarily include personnel-related costs, travel and entertainment, marketing expenditures (such as showroom operations, product demonstrations, depreciation and maintenance, conventions, and trade shows), costs associated with customer relationship management and marketing systems, bad debt expense, third-party commissions, and other related expenses. In the “Results of Operations - Reportable Segment Performance Summary” section of this MD&A, contribution margin is reconciled to gross profit, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

28

Table of Contents

In addition to gross profit, management considers contribution margin a meaningful metric for assessing the financial performance of individual segments. Management believes this measure provides investors with a useful view of our segment-level performance consistent with the approach used by management. By presenting contribution margin, we aim to enhance transparency and allow investors to better understand how we evaluate and manage our business operations.

Overview

Daktronics designs, manufactures, and provides electronic display systems and solutions used to inform, entertain, and communicate in a variety of end markets, including sports, commercial, and transportation. Our offerings include standard display products as well as customized digital display systems integrated with control, software, and content management capabilities.

Our product portfolio ranges from small-scale scoreboards and message displays to large, complex video display systems deployed in stadiums, arenas, commercial facilities, and other high-visibility environments. These systems are often integrated with related technologies, including control systems, timing equipment, audio systems, and software platforms that enable customers to manage and operate display content.

We operate a vertically integrated business model that includes product design and engineering, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing support services. This lifecycle approach allows us to support customers from initial project planning and system deployment through long-term maintenance, upgrades, and replacement cycles.

In addition to equipment sales and installation, we provide a range of services, including technical support, professional services, and software-based solutions. These offerings support customers in operating their systems and managing content over the life of the display and contribute to recurring revenue opportunities.

Our operations include marketing and sales, engineering and development, manufacturing, project execution, and customer service, supported by a global footprint that enables us to serve customers across multiple regions.

Known Trends and Uncertainties

During fiscal 2026, we remained focused on the execution of initiatives intended to support sustainable growth, improve operating margins, and enhance returns on invested capital. The Company’s operating roadmap, informed by multi‑year analysis and planning, is intended to support improved alignment between demand and financial performance. Demand trends during fiscal 2026 reflected continued market adoption of digital display technologies and the breadth of Daktronics’ integrated product and service offerings, underscoring the importance of disciplined execution across our operations.

The business environment remains dynamic, with several external factors continuing to influence customer demand and operational costs. The Company is affected by U.S. government‑imposed tariffs on electronic components, aluminum, steel, and copper, as well as reciprocal tariffs imposed by foreign countries. In addition, changes to U.S. trade policy, including the elimination of the de minimis exemption for certain low‑value shipments, continue to increase logistics and import‑related costs. These tariffs have adversely impacted gross margins and influenced customer purchasing behavior, particularly for projects dependent on federal funding, and may continue to do so in the future. In response, Daktronics continues to evaluate pricing strategies and sourcing plans to mitigate these effects; however, the ultimate impact on demand and profitability remains uncertain.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed by the U.S. presidential administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) exceeded presidential authority and were invalid. Following the ruling, the administration implemented a temporary global tariff under alternative trade authorities and has indicated an intention to increase the tariff rate to as much as 15%. The timing, duration, and final rate of these tariffs remain uncertain. In addition, on April 20, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) opened a refund portal related to amounts previously paid under the invalidated IEEPA tariffs. While the Company may pursue potential refunds through this process, the timing and amount of refunds, if any, are uncertain.

As of the date these financial statements were issued, no amounts related to potential refunds have been recorded in the accompanying financial statements. The Company is evaluating available information and monitoring developments related to the ongoing litigation and CBP’s refund process. Due to the uncertainty regarding eligibility, timing, and the final resolution of tariff refund related administrative matters, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the likelihood, amount or timing of any potential refunds.

29

Table of Contents

The global market for digital display systems continues to expand, supported by customer investments in manufacturing capacity and ongoing advancements in display and control technologies. The industry is experiencing increased adoption of surface mount and chip‑on‑board technologies, particularly for narrow pixel pitch (“NPP”) and micro‑LED applications, as customers seek higher performance, increased efficiency, and improved reliability. In addition, continued innovation in software, artificial intelligence, and professional services is influencing content creation, user interfaces, system monitoring, and security capabilities across digital display platforms.

Daktronics participates in target markets that are large and growing and are supported by demand from customers seeking to enhance audience experiences in sports, commercial, and transportation environments. As these markets evolve, the Company continues to invest in capacity, systems, and resources to support execution, address customer requirements, and pursue growth opportunities; however, the timing and extent of market adoption and demand may vary based on economic conditions, customer funding availability, and competitive dynamics.

To address evolving market conditions and competitive dynamics, we continue to focus on execution initiatives related to digital capabilities, cost structure optimization, and market expansion. These efforts are intended to enhance operating efficiency, improve delivery and service performance, and support long‑term growth opportunities. While these initiatives are designed to improve financial performance and capital efficiency over time, their effectiveness depends on successful execution, sustained customer demand, and the Company’s ability to manage costs, complexity, and operational change. As a result, the timing and extent of associated benefits remain uncertain.

The Company continues to monitor and adjust its capacity and resource levels in response to market conditions. As part of its efforts to increase manufacturing flexibility and operational agility, Daktronics is expanding its global manufacturing footprint to include a facility in Mexico. The facility is expected to commence production in fiscal 2027. While the Company expects the facility to support cost structure efficiency and manufacturing flexibility over time, the pace of the production ramp‑up and the extent and timing of any associated financial benefits depend on execution, staffing, and market conditions.

There may be periods in which sales levels and expense trends are not fully aligned, particularly as the Company continues to invest in operational execution, systems, and corporate governance. These investments may exert pressure on near‑term profitability; however, they are intended to support operating effectiveness, scalability, and long‑term value creation. The timing and magnitude of any associated benefits remain uncertain and depend on execution and market conditions.

Despite ongoing uncertainties related to tariffs, geopolitical developments, and federal funding priorities, the fundamental drivers of demand within the audiovisual industry continue to influence customer purchasing decisions. Increased adoption of LED‑based display systems across end markets, together with the Company’s ongoing development of technologies, services, and sales channels, may support long‑term growth opportunities. However, actual demand and growth levels will depend on broader economic conditions, customer funding availability, and competitive dynamics.

30

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Performance Summary

The following is an analysis of changes in key items included in the statements of operations for fiscal 2026 as compared to fiscal 2025 (in thousands).

[Excerpt truncated for page length; the complete text is on the linked full-MD&A page.]