The Computer and Technology group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) been one of those stocks this year? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Computer and Technology peers, we might be able to answer that question.Advanced Energy Industries is a member of our Computer and Technology group, which includes 608 different companies and currently sits at ...

Industrial and medical was described as the laggard, with a “tough start” last year. Oldham said the business bottomed in the first quarter, then grew sequentially each quarter, including 10% sequential growth in the fourth quarter and the first year-over-year growth in two years. He said the market is “largely normalized” and should grow steadily with macroeconomic conditions.In semiconductors, Oldham said the company saw a second consecutive year of growth last year and expects the segment to grow again t ...

Group 1 - The presentation features Shane Brett from Morgan Stanley as the U.S. semiconductor equipment analyst, indicating a focus on the semiconductor industry [1] - Key executives from Advanced Energy, including Paul Oldham (EVP and CFO) and Edwin Mok (Senior VP, Strategic Marketing and Investor Relations), are present for the discussion [1] - The session includes a disclosure read, emphasizing the importance of transparency in research and analysis [2]

Summary of Advanced Energy Industries Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Advanced Energy Industries (NasdaqGS: AEIS) - **Date of Conference**: March 04, 2026 - **Speakers**: Paul Oldham (EVP and CFO), Edwin Mok (Senior VP Strategic Marketing and Investor Relations) Key Industry Insights - **Semiconductor Equipment Market**: - The semiconductor market is expected to grow significantly, particularly in the second half of 2026 and into 2027, driven by increased demand and new product introductions [3][21][63]. - Advanced Energy has seen a strong performance in the semiconductor sector, with an 8% growth in Q4 2025, contrary to earlier expectations of a decline [22]. - **Data Center Market**: - The data center segment has outperformed expectations, with more than 100% growth in 2025 and a forecasted growth of over 30% in 2026 [61][63]. - The company is focusing on high-precision applications within the data center market, which is expected to drive revenue growth despite lower gross margins compared to other segments [61][70]. - **Industrial and Medical Market**: - This segment has shown signs of recovery after a tough start in 2025, with three consecutive quarters of sequential growth and a return to year-over-year growth [4][80]. - The company anticipates steady growth driven by normalized inventory levels and new product adoption [80][87]. Financial Performance and Projections - **Revenue Growth**: - Advanced Energy reported a 21% revenue growth in the previous year and is guiding for high teens growth in the current year [4][12]. - The company is on track to potentially exceed its 2030 revenue target of $2.5 billion as early as 2027 [6]. - **Gross Margin Improvement**: - Gross margins improved from approximately 35% in early 2024 to nearly 40% by the end of 2025, with expectations for further improvement driven by new product traction [6][7]. - The company aims to grow operating expenses at half the rate of revenue growth, achieving only a 7% increase in operating expenses while revenues grew by 21% [9][11]. - **Capital Expenditure (CapEx)**: - CapEx is expected to remain at Q4 2025 run rates, with investments focused on capacity growth and capability enhancement, particularly in data centers [13][14]. - The Thailand facility is projected to contribute incrementally to revenue, with production expected to ramp up in early 2027 [15][16]. Product Development and Innovation - **New Product Launches**: - Advanced Energy launched new products (eVoS, eVerest, NavX) in 2023, which are expected to generate revenue starting in 2025 and increase significantly in 2026 and beyond [41][42]. - The company is focusing on enhancing its position in conductor etch and deposition markets, with initial wins expected to translate into revenue as early as 2027 [42][43]. - **System Power Solutions**: - The company is expanding its offerings in system power solutions, which are expected to generate incremental revenue by 2030 [49]. Market Dynamics and Customer Insights - **Customer Sentiment**: - Customers express strong visibility and confidence in demand, with many indicating they have eight quarters of visibility into their needs [21][66]. - The company is prepared for increased demand driven by AI trends and is actively working on technology development for 2027 and beyond [67][69]. - **Inventory Management**: - Inventory levels at customers have normalized, allowing for a more stable demand environment as the market recovers [36][80]. Strategic Focus and M&A - **Capital Allocation**: - The company is prioritizing internal investments in data center and semiconductor markets while also considering M&A opportunities in the fragmented industrial and medical sectors [95][99]. - Advanced Energy aims to leverage its existing technology and R&D investments to expand its market presence without significant additional R&D costs for new customers [70][74]. Conclusion - Advanced Energy Industries is positioned for robust growth across multiple sectors, with a strong focus on innovation, customer demand, and strategic investments. The company is optimistic about its future performance, driven by favorable market conditions and a diversified product portfolio [101].

Core Insights - SouthernSun Asset Management's "SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy" reported a -2.45% gross return for Q4 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index which returned 2.19% [1] - Over the trailing 12 months, the Composite returned 6.21% gross, significantly lower than the Russell 2000 Index's 12.81% [1] - The letter draws parallels between the oil price collapse of 2014-15 and the current AI landscape, emphasizing the need for careful analysis of associated risks [1] Company Highlights - Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEIS) was identified as a leading contributor in the Small Cap Strategy, with a stock price of $335.57 as of February 27, 2026 [2] - AEIS experienced a one-month return of 28.17% and a remarkable 212.36% increase over the past 52 weeks, with a market capitalization of $12.668 billion [2] - The company reported a 24% year-over-year revenue increase and a 78% rise in Adjusted EPS, driven by record Data Center Computing revenue [3] Industry Outlook - Management at AEIS anticipates robust AI-driven demand, projecting Data Center Computing growth of 25-30% in 2026 due to secured design wins and new capacity in the Philippines, Mexico, and Thailand [3] - The semiconductor sector is expected to strengthen into 2026-2027, supported by customer validation of AEIS's eVerest and eVoS platforms [3] - AEIS maintains a strong balance sheet with a net cash position of $192 million, indicating financial stability [3]

Group 1: TTM Technologies, Inc. (TTMI) - TTM Technologies manufactures and sells printed circuit boards and has a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TTM's current year earnings increased by 12.9% over the last 60 days [1] - TTM's shares gained 42.6% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 2.3% [1] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [1] Group 2: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AEIS) - Advanced Energy Industries supplies precision power conversion, measurement, and control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and has a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Advanced Energy's current year earnings increased by 9.5% over the last 60 days [2] - Advanced Energy's shares gained 58.3% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 2.3% [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 3: Cameco Corporation (CCJ) - Cameco Corporation produces uranium fuel and provides nuclear energy solutions globally and has a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cameco's current year earnings increased by 5.4% over the last 60 days [3] - Cameco's shares gained 36% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 2.3% [3] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [3]

Group 1 - TTM Technologies, Inc. (TTMI) has seen a 12.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AEIS) has experienced a 9.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Deluxe Corporation (DLX) has reported an 11.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Ford Motor Company (F) has seen a 7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Simmons First National Corporation (SFNC) has experienced a 5.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are encouraged to consider Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) due to improving earnings estimates and positive stock momentum [1] Earnings Estimates - Analysts are optimistic about the earnings prospects of Advanced Energy, leading to higher earnings estimates which are expected to positively impact the stock price [2] - The current quarter's earnings estimate is $1.83 per share, reflecting a 48.8% increase from the previous year, with a 38.08% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 30 days [6] - For the full year, the earnings estimate is projected at $8.20 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 27.9%, with a 10.85% increase in the consensus estimate due to four upward revisions [7][8] Zacks Rank - Advanced Energy currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), supported by strong agreement among analysts on upward earnings estimate revisions, which historically correlate with stock performance [3][9] - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have shown significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9] Stock Performance - The stock has experienced a 23.8% gain over the past four weeks, attributed to solid estimate revisions and favorable earnings growth prospects [10]

Customer Concentration - In 2025, three customers accounted for 23%, 19%, and 12% of total revenue, indicating a reliance on a few key customers for revenue generation[40] Research and Development - Research and development expenses for 2025 were $232.4 million, representing 12.2% to 14.3% of total revenue over the past three years[53] Manufacturing Operations - Manufacturing operations in Zhongshan, China ceased in Q2 2025, with final closure activities expected to conclude in 2026[45] - The company expanded capacity in its factories in the Philippines and Mexicali, and is progressing on a new factory in Thailand[45] Workforce and Safety - The company maintains a diverse workforce of approximately 13,000 employees, with a gender distribution of 53% male and 47% female[54] - The company is committed to health and safety, providing regular training and ensuring safe working conditions[56] Financial Risks - The company has exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, impacting revenue and purchasing transactions[239] - The company’s only outstanding debt is Convertible Notes with a fixed interest rate of 2.5%, insulating it from interest rate fluctuations[242] Intellectual Property - The company continues to invest in intellectual property, holding numerous patents and pending applications in various regions[48] Supply Chain Risks - The company’s manufacturing requires a variety of components, with some key parts sourced from sole suppliers, highlighting supply chain risks[46]

Core Viewpoint - The power supply system is crucial for high-tech industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, photovoltaics, medical devices, and industrial automation, with its stability directly affecting equipment precision and production continuity [2]. Market Overview - The Chinese market for RF, DC, and RPS power supply maintenance is projected to reach USD 296 million in 2024 and USD 700 million by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.24% [5]. - RF power supply maintenance is the largest segment, expected to account for over 60% of the market share in 2024, while RPS maintenance, though smaller in volume, has a high average selling price (ASP) and is projected to grow at 10.37%, surpassing the global average growth rate [6]. Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the RF power supply software maintenance market include manufacturers and third-party service providers, with the top five global suppliers holding approximately 60% of the revenue share in 2024 [8]. Customer Needs and Pain Points - Customers demand quick response and repair times, especially in critical industries like communications and healthcare, where downtime can be costly [11]. - Regular maintenance and upgrades are expected to keep RF power supplies performing optimally, indicating a need for long-term support from service providers [11]. Industry Trends - The industry is moving towards intelligent and automated repair techniques, integrating AI and machine learning for more efficient diagnostics and analysis [12]. - There is an increasing emphasis on original manufacturer support and after-sales service, with manufacturers enhancing customer support through training and remote diagnostics [12]. - The establishment of localized repair centers and global network layouts is accelerating, particularly in regions with high concentrations of semiconductor and photovoltaic production [12]. Growth Opportunities and Key Drivers - The expansion of downstream industries, particularly in semiconductors and photovoltaics, is driving demand for RF, DC, and RPS maintenance services as equipment ages and requires refurbishment [13]. - The aging of existing equipment and the development of the second-hand market are contributing to increased maintenance needs, as older devices can still meet production requirements through refurbishment [13]. - Cost and compliance constraints are making maintenance a viable alternative to new equipment purchases, with repair costs typically ranging from 20% to 40% of new equipment prices [13].