Daktronics Stock Pre-Market (+9.5%): Major College Football Display Contract

DAKT – a company that sells displays, scoreboards, digital billboards, sound systems, and related products – is surging +9.5% in pre-market on news of a landmark contract with the University of Illinois. This multi-million dollar deal to build the largest videoboard in college football is driving significant bullish sentiment. Will this large order translate into a sustained breakout for the stock?

This is a structurally positive catalyst. The deal with the University of Illinois for a 17,300+ square foot display is not just a one-off sale; it reinforces Daktronics’ market leadership in the lucrative large venue and professional sports segment.

• The project includes 16 LED displays totaling over 26,750 square feet.
• Securing high-profile projects enhances brand visibility and future contract win rates.
• This adds to an already strong order backlog and provides revenue visibility for fiscal 2026.

But here is the interesting part. You are reading about this 9.5% move after it happened. The market has already priced in the news. To catch the next winner before the headlines, you need predictive signals, not notifications. High Quality Portfolio has flagged 5 new opportunities that have not surged yet.

Playbook On Market Open

The key will be whether this single contract win is viewed as an anomaly or a sign of accelerating growth in their core market. Watch for follow-through and analyst commentary.

• BULL CASE (Gap & Go): The stock needs to hold the opening gap and see positive analyst revisions citing an improving order book. A breakout above recent highs would confirm strength.
• BEAR CASE (Gap & Fade): If the broader market is weak or if investors ‘sell the news’, the initial pop could fade. A failure to hold the gap would signal a short-term top.
• The upcoming Sidoti Small-Cap Investor Conference presentation on January 14th could also act as a near-term catalyst or a point of reversal.

Verdict

PIVOT: $22.50 If the price holds above $22.50, we chase the breakout momentum. If it breaks below, we anticipate a fade back to the prior range as the news is digested.
Understanding price behavior can give you an edge. See more.

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