Avnet Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Stock Falls on Weak Profit Outlook

Core Insights - Avnet, Inc. (AVT) reported fourth-quarter earnings of 81 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 12.5%, but reflecting a year-over-year decline of 33.6% [1][10] - Net sales reached $5.6 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.7%, but remained flat year-over-year due to regional performance variations [2][10] - Despite better-than-expected results, Avnet's shares fell 4.7% following guidance for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, which was below consensus estimates [3][10] Financial Performance - The Electronic Components segment generated revenues of $5.23 billion, up 1% year-over-year and 5.7% sequentially, exceeding estimates of $4.97 billion [4] - Farnell sales increased by 3% year-over-year to $387 million, also above the estimate of $368.2 million [4] - Regional sales showed an 18% increase in Asia to $2.69 billion, while EMEA and Americas saw declines of 17% to $1.6 billion and 2% to $1.33 billion, respectively [5] Operating Metrics - Adjusted operating income was $143 million, down 26% year-over-year, with the Electronic Components segment's income declining 25% to $157 million [5][6] - The adjusted operating margin decreased by 94 basis points to 2.5%, with the Electronic Components margin contracting 105 basis points to 3% [6] Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - As of June 28, 2025, Avnet had cash and cash equivalents of $192.4 million, up from $188.9 million at the end of the previous quarter [7] - Long-term debt decreased to $2.57 billion from $2.49 billion [7] - The company generated $139 million in cash from operating activities during the fourth quarter and $725 million for the full fiscal year [7] Shareholder Returns - In the fourth quarter, Avnet repurchased approximately $50 million in shares and paid $28 million in dividends [8] - For the full fiscal year, share repurchases totaled $301 million, with dividends amounting to $113 million [8] Q1 Guidance - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Avnet expects revenues between $5.55 billion and $5.85 billion, with a midpoint of $5.70 billion, indicating a year-over-year decline of 0.3% [9] - Non-GAAP earnings are anticipated in the range of 75-85 cents per share, below the consensus estimate of 98 cents, which suggests a year-over-year increase of 6.5% [9]