Amphenol Rises 90% in a Year: Should You Still Buy the Stock in 2026?

Core Insights - Amphenol (APH) shares have increased by 90.3% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Computer & Technology sector's return of 24.1% [1] - The company has experienced strong order growth, which rose by 38% year over year and 11% sequentially, reaching $6.11 billion [1] - Amphenol's diverse portfolio in fiber optic, power, antenna, and sensor technologies is gaining traction in datacom, aerospace, and defense markets [1][7] - The company's acquisition strategy has been a key driver of growth, with over 50 acquisitions in the past decade [8] Performance Comparison - Amphenol has outperformed peers such as TE Connectivity (TEL), Corning (GLW), and Belden (BDC) in the past year, with TE Connectivity and Corning returning 49.9% and 68.9%, respectively, while Belden shares fell by 8.2% [2] Growth Drivers - Rising AI workloads and cloud infrastructure upgrades are increasing demand for high-speed interconnects, benefiting APH's Communications Solutions segment [7] - Electrification in transportation and increased electronic content in medical devices are driving the adoption of Amphenol's cable assemblies and sensor-based systems [7] Acquisition Strategy - Amphenol continues to expand its market reach through targeted acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Trexon for approximately $1 billion, expected to be accretive to earnings in the first year [8][12] - The pending acquisition of CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions business will enhance Amphenol's interconnect product capabilities in the IT datacom market [10] Financial Strength - Amphenol reported operating cash flow of $1.47 billion in Q3 2025, representing 117% of net income, with free cash flow at $1.215 billion or 97% of net income [11] - Total liquidity at the end of Q3 was $10.9 billion, including $3.9 billion in cash and short-term investments, supporting further acquisitions and shareholder returns [12] - The company returned $354 million through dividends and share buybacks in Q3 2025 and raised its quarterly dividend by 52% to 25 cents per share, effective January 2026 [12] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q4 2025 earnings is 92 cents per share, indicating a 67.3% growth year-over-year, with revenues expected to reach $5.84 billion, suggesting a 35.2% increase [13] - For the full year 2025, earnings are estimated at $3.29 per share, reflecting a 74.1% growth from 2024, with revenues projected at $22.74 billion, a 49.4% increase [14] Valuation - Amphenol shares are trading at a premium, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 36.10X, higher than the broader sector average of 28.53X and peers like TE Connectivity and Corning [15] - The stock is currently trading above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bullish trend [18] Conclusion - Amphenol's diversified end-market exposure, expanding interconnect portfolio, and effective acquisition strategy support solid growth visibility, justifying its premium valuation [21]