Why Is Plexus (PLXS) Up 0.7% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Plexus reported a strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 performance, with adjusted EPS beating estimates and revenues showing significant year-over-year growth, although slightly missing consensus expectations [2][3][12]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q1 fiscal 2026 was $1.78, up from $1.73 in the previous year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 [2]. - Revenues reached $1.07 billion, reflecting a 9.6% increase year-over-year, but marginally missing the consensus estimate of $1.071 billion [2]. - Gross profit increased by 5.4% year-over-year to $106.2 million, with a gross margin of 9.9%, down from 10.3% in the prior year [9]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenues from the Americas rose by 25.9% to $345 million, while EMEA and Asia-Pacific revenues increased by 16.8% and 0.8%, respectively [3]. - The Aerospace/Defense sector saw an 11.3% year-over-year increase in revenues to $178 million, contributing 17% to total revenues [5]. - Healthcare/Life Sciences revenues grew by 24.6% year-over-year to $466 million, accounting for 43% of total revenues [6]. - The Industrial sector's revenues decreased by 3.6% year-over-year to $426 million, contributing 40% to total revenues [7]. Operational Highlights - Plexus announced 22 manufacturing program wins, expected to generate $283 million in annualized revenues once fully ramped up [3]. - Management anticipates meeting or exceeding the high end of the 9% to 12% revenue growth target for fiscal 2026 due to program wins and strengthening market demand [4]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of January 3, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $248.8 million, down from $306.5 million as of September 27, 2025 [10]. - The company reported negative free cash flow of $50.6 million for the quarter, following capital expenditures of $35.2 million [11]. Q2 Outlook - For Q2 fiscal 2026, revenues are projected to be between $1.11 billion and $1.15 billion, with non-GAAP EPS expected in the range of $1.80 to $1.95 [12]. Market Sentiment - Following the earnings release, there has been a 13.19% upward shift in consensus estimates, indicating positive investor sentiment [13]. - Plexus holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [15].