Company Overview - Knowles Corporation is a leading provider of advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and precision device solutions, employing approximately 5,500 people globally. The company focuses on innovation and direct engagement with OEMs and contract manufacturers, leveraging a broad product offering across high-growth technology sectors [1]. Financial Performance - Knowles reported a 7% year-over-year increase in revenue for the third quarter, totaling $153 million, which was at the high end of its guidance range. Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 22% year over year to $0.33, also at the high end of the guidance range. The company effectively managed cash flow by reducing outstanding bank borrowings by $15 million and repurchasing $20 million worth of shares [7]. Insider Trading Activity - On January 15, 2026, President & CEO Jeffrey Niew sold 50,000 shares of Knowles Corporation for approximately $1,237,500, executed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. This sale represented 5.62% of Niew's direct holdings, marking the largest single open-market sale since December 2024 [5][4][6]. Market Position and Outlook - Ariel Investments highlighted Knowles in its Ariel Mid Cap Value Strategy investor letter, indicating that the company is well-positioned to benefit from its focus on niche, market-leading positions in hearing health and precision devices. Knowles is set to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on February 5 [8].

Core Insights - Interlink Electronics, Inc. has appointed Darren Whittaker as the European Business Development Director to support its organic growth strategy in Europe [1] - Whittaker brings over 20 years of sales experience in high-tech sectors, having previously increased revenue by 8.3 times at Teledyne FLIR [2] - The company aims to drive significant growth across its technology offerings globally, as stated by CEO Steven Bronson [4] Company Overview - Interlink Electronics is a leader in sensor technology and printed electronics solutions, with 40 years of experience serving diverse markets including medical, industrial, automotive, wearables, and IoT [4] - The company operates from multiple locations, including its headquarters in Fremont, California, and manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen, China, Irvine, Scotland, and Barnsley, England [5] - Interlink's expertise encompasses materials science, manufacturing, embedded electronics, firmware, and software, allowing for tailored solutions for customers [4]

Core Insights - Ariel Investments reported a strong performance for its Mid Cap Value Strategy in Q3 2025, with a return of +9.62% gross of fees, outperforming both the Russell Midcap Value Index (+6.18%) and the Russell Midcap Index (+5.33%) [1] Company Performance - Knowles Corporation (NYSE:KN) experienced a one-month return of -4.95% but saw a 52-week gain of 16.68%, closing at $22.45 per share with a market capitalization of $1.928 billion as of November 27, 2025 [2] - In Q3 2025, Knowles Corporation reported revenue of $153 million, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase [4] Market Position and Strategy - Knowles Corporation is recognized for its strong quarterly results, with healthy demand across key markets and a return to growth in its Precision Devices segment due to normalized channel inventories and improved operational efficiency [3] - The company has been returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and is positioned to benefit from its focus on niche markets in hearing health and precision devices [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Knowles Corporation was held by 21 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 17 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest among institutional investors [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the imbalance of power and information between management and shareholders in modern corporations, highlighting the challenges faced by retail investors in influencing corporate governance [3][4][6]. Group 1: Management vs. Shareholders - Middle management in internet companies often prioritizes hiring to increase their influence and job security, while the costs are borne by the company [1][2]. - Shareholders (top management) fund the business but rely on reports from managers to monitor their performance, creating a disconnect in accountability [2][4]. - The separation of ownership and control leads to managers being more informed about the company's operations than shareholders, which can result in misaligned interests [3][4]. Group 2: Governance Structure - The concept of corporate governance structure is crucial for investors to ensure that management does not misuse funds and returns profits to shareholders [4][6]. - Many investors, including professionals, lack knowledge about corporate governance, which is often categorized under management studies rather than investment studies [5][6]. Group 3: Retail Investor Dilemma - Retail investors face a core dilemma as they lack control over companies due to dispersed ownership, becoming passive capital providers [7][8]. - Managers can act in their own interests even with minimal or no equity ownership, often prioritizing personal benefits over shareholder value [8][9]. Group 4: Cash Flow and Decision-Making - There can be a divergence in interests when companies generate free cash flow, with investors wanting dividends while managers may prefer reinvestment to expand their power [13][15]. - The "free cash flow hypothesis" suggests that excess cash can lead to poor investment decisions by management, as seen in historical cases like the oil crisis [17][18]. Group 5: Dual-Class Share Structures - The rise of dual-class share structures in internet companies has concentrated decision-making power among founders and management, often at the expense of shareholder rights [22][23]. - Companies like Snap have issued shares with no voting rights for public investors, limiting their influence over corporate decisions [23][24]. Group 6: Case Studies - Examples like Bilibili and WeWork illustrate how management can prioritize personal gain over shareholder returns, leading to significant losses for investors [27][29]. - The performance of companies with dual-class structures has been poor, with many unable to recover their historical highs, while companies like NetEase and Ctrip, which do not have such structures, have fared better [35][36]. Group 7: Investor Strategies - Investors need to focus on corporate governance and the distribution of power within companies to ensure their interests are protected [42][43]. - Strategies such as avoiding companies with complex governance structures and recognizing the importance of shareholder rights can lead to better investment outcomes [42][45].

Core Viewpoint - KN is hosting an investor conference webinar on August 22, 2025, at 9:00 am (EET) to present its performance and unaudited financial results for the first half of 2025 [1]. Group 1 - The webinar will be led by KN's Chief Financial Officer, Tomas Tumėnas, who will provide insights into the company's performance [1]. - Investors are encouraged to submit questions in advance due to limited time during the webinar, with a deadline set for February 26 [2]. - The webinar will be accessible through a registration link, and participants will receive instructions on how to join [2]. Group 2 - A corporate webinar is defined as a virtual conference where company representatives share information about the company's performance, allowing for interactive communication [3]. - The webinar will be recorded and made available online on the company's website and Nasdaq Baltic's YouTube account [2].

Company Announcement - CTS Corporation has appointed Mark Pacioni as Chief Legal & Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective July 1, 2025 [1] - Mark Pacioni previously served as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of CareerBuilder, LLC and has held senior legal roles at Boeing, Molex, and Knowles [2] Leadership Insight - CTS Chairman and CEO, Kieran O'Sullivan, expressed confidence in Mark Pacioni's ability to contribute to the company's future success and global strategy [3] Company Overview - CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of products that Sense, Connect, and Move, with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia [3] - The company provides engineered products to various markets including aerospace/defense, industrial, medical, telecommunications/IT, and transportation [3]