Powell Industries (Nasdaq:POWL) continues to persevere while other energy companies have experienced a seemingly endless amount of volatility. 

After hitting a 52-week high in May, the Energy Select SPDR (AMEX:XLE), which contains top names such as Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), has slid 19.3% in a matter of a few months.

But Houston-based Powell, on the other hand, continues to move up the charts; its stock price has been setting new 52-week highs with almost each passing day and is up 64.42% from a year ago.

The company, which was founded by William E. Powell in 1947, is not a direct play on energy, but generally benefits when energy markets prosper: it develops and manufactures equipment that is vital to the distribution and control of electrical energy and other processes. At a market cap of $621 million, it may not be as well known as a large-cap company such as Eaton (NYSE:ETN), but it is beginning to gain more recognition for its sound business model.

Powell serves customers such as oil and gas producers, refineries, public and private utilities, and mining and metals companies. In 2006, the company entered into a 15-year supply agreement with General Electric (NYSE:GE) to provide GE with switchgear, circuit breakers and other products.

Powell operates in two business segments: electrical power products and process control systems. The company’s electrical power products segment makes engineered-to-order electrical power distribution and control systems. These systems control the flow of electrical energy and provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrical equipment.

Powell’s process control systems business segment focuses on providing technology solutions that help customers manage energy and utility facilities. The segment also offers services that revolve around the development of security and communications systems. These systems aim to assist customers in process and facility . . .

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