There are a series of egos. You have the big beautiful bell Now Act and build, Baby build. But it's the defense sector and startups in that domain that are responding.There are a number of different responses, and to your point, this is part of a much larger push to re industrialize many of the areas that the US offshored for for decades. So there's this big push now by private capital to back the defense startups in expanding their manufacturing capacity. Now, a lot of these have been around for about a de ...

Core Viewpoint - Small-cap stocks are experiencing significant growth, with the Russell 2000 Index rising nearly 9% in July 2025, outperforming larger indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Renewed expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts due to cooling inflation and a slowing job market are driving small-cap stock performance, as lower rates reduce borrowing costs for these companies [3] - Small-cap stocks are trading at a substantial discount of approximately 55% compared to large-cap stocks based on P/E ratios, prompting institutional investors to shift their focus towards under-owned small-cap areas [4] - A rebound is observed in small-cap companies within the financials, industrials, and consumer discretionary sectors, which collectively represent over 50% of the Russell 2000, particularly benefiting regional banks and manufacturing stocks [5] Group 2: M&A Activity and Investor Sentiment - Increased M&A activity is noted among small and mid-sized firms in healthcare, biotech, and tech services, as large-cap companies seek growth through acquisitions, making small-caps attractive targets [6] - Retail investors are returning to small-cap stocks as recession fears diminish, with trading volumes in small-cap names and ETFs rising due to social media influence and AI-driven trading strategies [7] Group 3: Leading ETFs - Avantis U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) has increased by 10.1%, focusing on a diverse group of 1,287 small-cap stocks, with $1.7 billion in assets under management [9] - Invesco S&P SmallCap Value with Momentum ETF (XSVM) is up 9.5%, tracking high momentum value stocks with a focus on financials, holding 122 stocks and $574.1 million in assets [10] - JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (BBSC) has risen by 9.4%, providing exposure to 749 small-cap stocks with $566.5 million in assets [11] - iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) is up 9%, focusing on 250 small-cap companies with a significant portion in financials, holding $140.8 million in assets [12] - WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Fund (EES) has increased by 8.7%, targeting 901 small-cap companies with $606.9 million in assets [13]

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Intel continues to pull back on its manufacturing projects | TechCrunch https://t.co/K8Oz6ARV3j ...

Core Insights - Dover Corporation reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.44, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.39 and up from $2.10 in the same quarter last year [1][10] - Total revenues for the second quarter increased by 5.2% year over year to $2.05 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.04 billion [2][10] - The company raised its 2025 EPS guidance to a range of $9.35-$9.55, anticipating year-over-year revenue growth of 4-6% [12] Financial Performance - The cost of sales rose by 2.9% year over year to $1.23 billion, while gross profit increased by 8.7% to $818 million, resulting in a gross margin of 39.9%, up from 38.6% in the prior year [3] - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 8.1% to $463 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew by 10% year over year to $514 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 25.1% [3] - Free cash inflow was $151 million, down from $220 million in the previous year, while cash flow from operations was $212 million compared to $149 million last year [11] Segment Performance - Engineered Products segment revenues fell by 3.3% year over year to $276 million, but adjusted EBITDA grew by 3.2% to $58.6 million [4] - Clean Energy & Fueling segment revenues increased to $546 million from $463 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $117 million from $95 million [5] - Imaging & Identification segment revenues inched up by 1.6% to $292 million, while adjusted EBITDA was $81 million, up from $79 million [6] - Pumps & Process Solutions segment revenues increased by 9.1% to $520 million, with adjusted EBITDA totaling $173 million [7] - Climate & Sustainability Technologies segment revenues decreased to $416 million from $437 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $84.98 million compared to $86 million last year [8] Bookings and Market Performance - Dover's bookings at the end of the second quarter were valued at $2.01 billion, up from $1.88 billion in the prior year, exceeding the estimate of $1.99 billion [9][10] - The company's shares have gained 3.6% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 9% [13]

Market Overview - Pre-market futures are mixed but showing signs of weakness, following record high closes on the S&P 500, with profit-taking being a potential factor [1] - The tech-heavy Nasdaq is up by 42 points (+0.18%), while the Dow is down 300 points (-0.67%) due to UnitedHealth's DOJ probe, and the S&P 500 is nearly flat at -0.004% [2] Job Market Data - Initial Jobless Claims have decreased for six consecutive weeks, with the latest figure at 217K, the lowest in 14 weeks, down from 250K in early June [3] - Continuing Claims are reported at 1.955 million, slightly above the previous week's revised figure of 1.951 million, indicating a stall just below the 2 million mark [4] Q2 Earnings Reports - American Airlines (AAL) reported earnings of 95 cents per share, exceeding expectations by +20.25%, but shares fell -6% due to warnings of softer demand leading to a Q3 loss [5] - Honeywell (HON) surpassed earnings expectations with $2.75 per share, a +4.2% increase, and revenues of $10.35 billion, but shares are down -2.7% as the company plans to split into three segments by 2026 [6] - Union Pacific (UNP) reported earnings of $3.03 per share, beating expectations by +4.84%, with revenues of $6.2 billion, but shares are down -3% ahead of the opening bell [7] Economic Indicators - Upcoming S&P flash Services and Manufacturing PMI for July are expected to show slight growth in Services to 53.2 and a dip in Manufacturing to 52.7, both remaining above the growth threshold of 50 [8] - New Home Sales for June are anticipated to rise to 645K units, up from 623K the previous month, although existing home sales were disappointing, falling below 4 million for the first time since September [9] Future Earnings Reports - Q2 earnings reports will continue after the market closes, with Intel (INTC) and Deckers Outdoor (DECK) among the companies set to report [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $54.4 million, or $0.54 per share, for Q2 2025, with consolidated revenue increasing to $698 million, a 4% increase year-over-year [5][6] - Consolidated operating income rose by 31% to $79.2 million, and consolidated adjusted EBITDA grew by 20% to $103 million [6][20] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $46.9 million, with an ending cash position of $434 million and no borrowings under the secured revolving credit facility [6][7] Business Segment Performance - Subsea Robotics (SSR) saw operating income improve by 4% to $64.5 million, with revenue increasing approximately 2% and an EBITDA margin of 35% [8][9] - Manufactured Products generated operating income of $18.8 million, marking a 31% rise, with revenue growing by 4% to $145 million [10][11] - Offshore Projects Group (OPG) reported operating income of $21.7 million, with revenue increasing by 4% and operating income margin expanding to 15% [12][13] - Aerospace and Defense Technologies (AdTech) operating income increased by 125% to $16.3 million, with a 13% increase in revenue [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - ROV revenue per day increased to $11,065, with fleet utilization at 67% [5][8] - The company maintained a 60% share of the contracted floating rig market with ROV contracts on 81 of the 136 floating rigs under contract [9] - The company anticipates continued tendering activity supportive of ROV utilization and pricing assumptions, particularly in decommissioning opportunities in Europe [9][10] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company remains positive about growth in both energy and aerospace and defense markets, with expectations for continued growth beyond 2025 [23] - The recent reconciliation bill is expected to positively impact all three AdTech business lines over the next five years, particularly in unmanned underwater vehicles [18][23] - The company is gearing up to increase capacity to serve the submarine maintenance and repair market due to anticipated funding increases [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain market share and improve operational results across segments [21][22] - The outlook for Q3 2025 includes expected increases in consolidated revenue and EBITDA, with projections for SSR and AdTech showing significant growth [19][20] - Management noted that visibility into future contracts has improved, particularly with larger international contracts [49] Other Important Information - Unallocated expenses for the quarter were $46.7 million, slightly higher than guidance [19] - The company has secured order commitments totaling approximately $100 million in the first weeks of Q3 2025 [11][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of offshore rig white space on business - Management acknowledged some impact but noted that pricing improvements have offset concerns, with expectations for ROV utilization to reach 70% by year-end [26][27] Question: Orders in the manufactured product segment - Management indicated that orders are expected to be flat year-over-year, with positive signals for 2026 [30][32] Question: ROV utilization outlook - Management stated that the lower utilization outlook relates to both vessel and rig support, with increased clarity on plans for Q4 [39][40] Question: Free cash flow visibility - Management highlighted that cash flow typically rebounds in Q3 and Q4, with significant amounts sitting in receivables [42][44] Question: OPG business visibility - Management confirmed improved visibility due to securing larger contracts, which stabilizes the business [48][49] Question: Potential impact of the reconciliation bill - Management discussed the positive implications for OTEC and other business lines, particularly in defense and space sectors [50][55]

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Plexus (PLXS) Q3 2025 Earnings Call July 24, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsShawn Harrison - Vice President of Communications & Investor RelationsTodd Kelsey - President and Chief Executive OfficerOliver Mihm - Executive VP & COOPatrick Jermain - Executive VP & CFOJacob Moore - Equity Research AssociateConference Call ParticipantsDavid Williams - Equity Research AnalystJames Ricchiuti - Senior AnalystAnja Soderstrom - Financial Analyst, Equity Research - Small-Mid Cap Technology SectorOperatorLadies a ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the fiscal third quarter was $1,018 million, meeting guidance, with a sequential increase observed [5][6] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 6%, increasing by 30 basis points sequentially, achieving the goal of 6% or greater for three of the last four quarters [6][25] - Non-GAAP EPS was $1.9, exceeding guidance due to strong operating performance and lower interest expense [7][25] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $13.2 million, significantly better than expectations, contributing to a projected $100 million for fiscal 2025 [7][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and Defense sector revenue increased by 6% sequentially, with new program ramps contributing to performance [16] - Healthcare Life Sciences sector revenue was up 2% sequentially, below expectations due to a customer design update causing temporary delays [18] - Industrial sector revenue increased by 4% sequentially, with strong demand in broadband communications and energy markets [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The funnel of qualified manufacturing opportunities increased by 4% sequentially to $3.6 billion, indicating robust growth prospects [22] - The company observed early signs of increasing activity in the European defense sector, which is expected to contribute positively moving forward [6][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enabling customer success and driving operational efficiency, which is expected to sustain strong financial performance [14] - Strategic investments are aimed at creating long-term shareholder value through improved profitability and free cash flow [5][14] - The company anticipates healthy year-over-year revenue growth across all market sectors for fiscal 2026, without assuming improvements in end market demand [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing strength in new program wins and opportunities to gain market share, despite uncertainties from tariffs and evolving program ramp timelines [6][12] - The outlook for fiscal fourth quarter includes expected revenue growth and strong financial performance, with guidance for revenue between $1,025 million and $1,065 million [13][30] - Management expressed optimism about the defense sector, particularly in Europe, and the potential for increased demand in fiscal 2026 [18][84] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized as a top workplace and has received accolades for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement [10][11] - The company has reduced total debt by over $200 million since last year's fiscal third quarter, maintaining a strong balance sheet [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the semi cap pushouts? - Management clarified that the pushouts are specific to certain programs and do not indicate perishable demand, with Q4 buoyed by new program ramps in the semi cap subsector [36][37] Question: What is the outlook for the aerospace and defense side? - Management noted that while there is still no pull from Boeing or Airbus, strong demand is observed in defense and space subsectors, with expectations for future increases [38][39] Question: What is the guidance for the industrial business? - Management indicated that semi cap is a significant part of the industrial business, with a forecast of low double-digit growth for fiscal 2025, down from mid-teens previously [45] Question: What are the expectations for the new facility in Malaysia? - Management expects minimal drag from startup expenses and anticipates a quick ramp to profitability, focusing initially on semi cap and healthcare sectors [47][51] Question: How is the engineering solutions segment performing? - Management highlighted that engineering solutions are a significant differentiator, contributing over $100 million in revenue, with strong growth and profitability expected [58][60] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on demand? - Management reported limited changes due to tariffs, with most customers in a wait-and-see mode, and noted strong compliance efforts in their Mexico operations [68] Question: What are the expectations for cash cycle days? - Management guided for cash cycle days to improve to the mid-60s, with ongoing efforts to reduce inventory days [70]