Core Viewpoint - Avnet (AVT) is currently rated as a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) despite having recently surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings [1] Company Overview - Avnet, Inc. specializes in the distribution and sale of electronic components, operating through two segments: Electronic Components and Farnell [2] - The Electronic Components segment focuses on marketing and selling semiconductors, interconnects, passive and electromechanical devices, and integrated components [2] - The Farnell segment is dedicated to distributing electronic components and related products to the electronic system design community through multi-channel sales and marketing resources [2] - Founded in 1921 by Charles Avnet, the company is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ [2] Earnings History - Avnet has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, indicating some level of management effectiveness in meeting market expectations [4] - The most recent quarter reported an EPS of $0.84, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.81 [4] Earnings Estimates - Recent trends show a decline in annual earnings estimates for Avnet, with the current fiscal year consensus dropping from $4.61 to $4.36 over the last 90 days [5] - The next fiscal year's estimate has also decreased from $6.68 to $6.50 in the same timeframe [5] - The negative movement in earnings estimates is a significant factor contributing to Avnet's Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [5] Market Context - A broader trend within the Zacks universe indicates that many stocks are experiencing negative earnings estimate revisions, leading to a decline in their rankings [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved sales of $5.9 billion in the first quarter, exceeding guidance and reflecting a 5% increase year-over-year and sequentially [4][10] - Adjusted EPS was $0.84, near the high end of guidance [4] - Gross margin for the quarter was 10.4%, down 42 basis points year-over-year and 15 basis points sequentially [10][11] - Adjusted operating income was $151 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 2.6% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electronic components sales increased by 5% year-over-year and sequentially, driven by demand in Asia and the Americas [10][11] - Farnell sales grew by 50% year-over-year and 3% sequentially, with stable operating margins [10][11][12] - The IP&E segment showed steady sales with improving margins, particularly in Asia [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Asia grew by 10% year-over-year, representing over half of electronic components sales [10][11] - The Americas region saw a 3% year-over-year increase in sales, marking the first growth since fiscal 2023 [4][10] - EMEA sales were flat year-over-year and down 6% in constant currency [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing growth opportunities with inventory optimization [5][14] - There is an emphasis on enhancing digital capabilities and leveraging the core ecosystem for new opportunities, particularly in Farnell [7] - The company aims to reduce leverage to approximately 3.0 times over the next year while maintaining a strong balance sheet [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about recovery in Asia and progress in the Americas, with stabilizing conditions in EMEA [8][9] - There are positive signs from supplier partners regarding lead times and potential price increases, indicating a strengthening market [9][33] - The company anticipates modest growth in the December quarter, particularly in Europe, as bookings have improved [29] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend by approximately 6% to $0.35 per share [16] - The company repurchased approximately 2.6 million shares, totaling $138 million, representing 3% of outstanding shares in the first quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to AI applications in data centers - Management indicated that exposure to hyperscalers is relatively small, around 7% of Asia-Pac business, with opportunities in storage, connectivity, and power [19][20] Question: Inventory days and cash flow expectations - Management noted that inventory days decreased slightly, with expectations for further declines as sales grow [21][22][24] Question: Demand profile for EMEA in December quarter - Management expects modest growth in EMEA, indicating that the region is hitting the bottom after a tough period [29] Question: Incremental margins and operating leverage - Management indicated that the return to year-over-year growth in total business should provide operating leverage and expand margins [30][31] Question: Potential price increases from suppliers - Management noted that certain technologies are seeing potential price increases, particularly in memory and interconnect products [32][33] Question: Core segment margins and future expectations - Management expressed cautious optimism about achieving core margins above 4% in fiscal 2026, depending on mix shifts and market recovery [38][39] Question: Farnell margins and revenue impacts - Management indicated that Farnell margins could continue to grow, but product mix will play a significant role [41][43]

Financial Performance - Q1 FY26 - Revenue reached $5.9 billion, a 5% year-over-year increase[11] - Adjusted operating margin was 2.6%[11], a decrease of 46 bps year-over-year[17] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.84, a 9% decrease year-over-year[11, 20] - SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit increased to 75.6% from 72.2% in Q1 FY25[13, 14] Regional and Segment Performance - Asia accounted for 49% of revenue[12], with a 10% year-over-year growth in constant currency[12] - Americas showed a 3% year-over-year revenue growth in constant currency[12] - EMEA region's revenue was flat year-over-year, but decreased by 6% in constant currency[7, 12] - Electronic Components segment revenue was $5.5 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year[12] - Farnell segment revenue was $399 million, a 15% increase year-over-year[12] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - Inventory was $5.4 billion, an increase of $185 million quarter-over-quarter[22] Outlook for Q2 FY26 - Sales are projected to be between $5.85 billion and $6.15 billion, with a midpoint of $6.00 billion[23] - Adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be between $0.90 and $1.00, with a midpoint of $0.95[23]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is reversing trade restrictions on Arrow Electronics' China-based affiliates, which were previously imposed due to their involvement in the sale of U.S. components used in weaponized drones by Iran-backed groups like the Houthis [1] Group 1 - Arrow Electronics is a U.S.-based electronic components distributor [1] - The trade restrictions were related to the facilitation of sales of U.S. components found in weaponized drones [1] - The affected groups include Iran-backed entities such as the Houthis [1]

Core Viewpoint - Three stocks are highlighted with strong buy rankings and favorable value characteristics for investors to consider on October 17th Group 1: Energizer (ENR) - Energizer is a leading manufacturer and distributor of batteries and lighting products [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 1.4% over the last 60 days [1] - Energizer has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 6.37, significantly lower than the industry average of 22.70 [2] - The company possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 2: Scor (SCRYY) - Scor operates in the reinsurance business [2] - The company also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6% over the last 60 days [2] - Scor has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 6.42, compared to the industry average of 8.60 [2] - The company possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 3: Arrow Electronics (ARW) - Arrow Electronics is one of the largest distributors of electronic components and enterprise computing products [3] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 0.2% over the last 60 days [3] - Arrow Electronics has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.57, lower than the industry average of 20.90 [3] - The company possesses a Value Score of B [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of the price-to-book (P/B) ratio as a tool for value investing, highlighting its utility in identifying undervalued stocks with strong growth potential [1][2]. Group 1: Understanding P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is calculated by dividing the current stock price by the book value per share, indicating how much investors pay for each dollar of book value [2][6]. - A P/B ratio of less than one suggests that a stock is undervalued, while a ratio greater than one indicates overvaluation [6][7]. - The P/B ratio is particularly relevant for industries with tangible assets, such as finance and manufacturing, but may be misleading for companies with high R&D expenses or significant debt [9][10]. Group 2: Screening Criteria for Value Stocks - Stocks with a P/B ratio lower than the industry median are considered attractive, as they have room for price appreciation [12]. - Additional screening parameters include a lower price-to-sales (P/S) ratio than the industry median, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio below the industry average, and a PEG ratio of less than one, indicating undervaluation relative to growth prospects [13][14][15]. - Stocks must also have a minimum trading price of $5 and a substantial average trading volume to ensure liquidity [14][15]. Group 3: Selected Low P/B Stocks - StoneCo (STNE) offers financial technology solutions and has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3%, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B [16]. - PagSeguro Digital (PAGS) provides digital payment solutions and has a projected EPS growth rate of 14.2%, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B [17]. - KT Corporation (KT) is a telecommunications provider with a projected EPS growth rate of 51.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [19]. - Arrow Electronics (ARW) is a major distributor of electronic components, with a projected EPS growth rate of 20.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [19]. - CVS Health has a projected EPS growth rate of 14.3% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [20].

Group 1 - The company plans to acquire 40% equity in Ouchuangxin and 45% equity in Yihainengda through a combination of share issuance and cash payment, with the total transaction prices tentatively set at 200 million yuan and 117 million yuan respectively [1][2] - After the transaction, Ouchuangxin and Yihainengda will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company, enhancing its control over these entities [1][2] - Ouchuangxin specializes in the research and development of analog chips, focusing on integrated circuit design and services, with significant market share in the automotive lighting aftermarket and competitive advantages in DC-DC power supply products [1][2] Group 2 - Yihainengda operates as an agent distributor and solution provider in the electronic components industry, covering various sectors including communications, automotive, industrial control, medical, home appliances, lighting, power supply, security, new energy, and consumer electronics [2] - The transaction reflects the company's strategy of combining organic growth with external mergers and acquisitions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and core competitiveness in the electronic components distribution and analog chip design industries [2]

Core Insights - AAR CORP. has acquired American Distributors Holding Co., LLC (ADI) for $146 million, enhancing its new parts distribution capabilities and market share [1][4][7] - ADI generated $149 million in revenue and $15.2 million in EBITDA for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2025, indicating a strong financial performance [2][4] - AAR's distribution segment has experienced over 20% organic growth annually for the past four years, positioning the company for continued growth through this acquisition [4][7] Company Overview - AAR CORP. is a leading provider of aviation services, operating in over 20 countries and supporting both commercial and government customers through various segments [5] - ADI, founded in 1983, specializes in distributing components and assemblies to commercial and defense customers, with operations in the US, UK, and India [2][6] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is expected to broaden AAR's new parts distribution offerings, tapping into a large and fragmented total addressable market with high growth potential [7] - AAR aims to leverage its existing market position to enhance ADI's revenues and deepen OEM partnerships, which will contribute to overall sales growth [7] - The integration of ADI is anticipated to lead to margin improvements through increased sales, operational efficiencies, and business optimization [7]

Group 1 - BUNGE GLOBAL SA (BG) is an integrated global agribusiness and food company with a downward revision of almost 16.6% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Avnet (AVT) is one of the world's largest distributors of electronic components and computer products, experiencing a downward revision of almost 10.8% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Allison Transmission Holdings (ALSN) manufactures fully-automatic transmissions for medium and heavy-duty commercial and heavy-tactical U.S. defense vehicles, with a downward revision of 8% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2]

Core Insights - The performance of Avnet's international operations is crucial for understanding its financial strength and growth potential [1][2] - The company's total revenue for the quarter ending June 2025 was $5.62 billion, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase [4] International Revenue Breakdown - Asia contributed $2.69 billion, or 47.9% of total revenue, showing a significant increase of 17.62% compared to analyst expectations of $2.29 billion [5] - EMEA generated $1.6 billion, accounting for 28.5% of total revenue, which was a decrease of 5.74% from the projected $1.7 billion [6] Future Revenue Projections - Analysts expect Avnet's total revenue for the current fiscal quarter to be $5.7 billion, indicating a 1.7% increase from the prior year [7] - For the entire year, total revenue is forecasted at $22.87 billion, a 3% improvement from the previous year, with Asia expected to contribute 45.1% and EMEA 29.7% [8] Market Observations - The reliance on international markets presents both opportunities and challenges for Avnet, making it essential to track international revenue trends for future projections [9] - Analysts are closely monitoring these patterns due to the complexities of global interdependence and geopolitical issues [10]