SPRINGDALE, Ark., Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Key Tronic Corporation, a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), announced the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Springdale, Arkansas. Company leaders were joined by state officials and community leaders today to celebrate the opening. “We are proud today to announce the opening of our new US Center of Excellence in Springdale,” said Brett Larsen, CEO of Key Tronic. “Key Tronic has a long history of ...

Core Insights - Key Tronic Corporation reported a decline in revenue for both the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025, attributed to reduced demand from longstanding customers and delays in new program launches due to tariff fluctuations [2][3] - The company is implementing cost reduction initiatives, including a significant workforce reduction, to align costs with current demand and enhance competitiveness [3][5] - Despite the challenges, Key Tronic anticipates long-term growth and profitability, supported by new manufacturing contracts and expansion of production capacity in the US and Vietnam [8][9] Financial Performance - For Q4 FY 2025, total revenue was $110.5 million, down from $126.6 million in Q4 FY 2024; for the full year, revenue decreased to $467.9 million from $566.9 million [2] - The net loss for Q4 FY 2025 was $(3.9) million or $(0.36) per share, compared to a net loss of $(2.0) million or $(0.18) per share in Q4 FY 2024; the full year net loss was $(8.3) million or $(0.77) per share, compared to $(2.8) million or $(0.26) per share in FY 2024 [6][7] - Cash flow from operations increased to $8.8 million in Q4 FY 2025 from $7.7 million in Q4 FY 2024, and for the full year, it rose to $18.9 million from $13.8 million [4] Operational Changes - The company reduced its workforce by approximately 300 jobs in Q4 FY 2025, totaling around 800 job cuts for the fiscal year, aimed at improving operational efficiency [3] - Key Tronic is expanding its manufacturing footprint with new facilities in the US and increased capacity in Vietnam to mitigate tariff impacts and enhance competitiveness [3][8] - The gross margin for Q4 FY 2025 was 6.2%, down from 7.2% in Q4 FY 2024, while the full year gross margin improved to 7.8% from 7.0% in FY 2024, reflecting operational efficiencies despite severance costs [5] Business Outlook - The company will not provide revenue or earnings guidance for Q1 FY 2026 due to uncertainties surrounding new program ramps and potential tariffs [10] - Key Tronic is optimistic about future growth, particularly with new contracts in various sectors, including pest control and medical technology, which are expected to contribute significantly to revenue in FY 2026 [9]

Core Insights - Jabil, Inc. (JBL) has experienced a stock price increase of 119.6% over the past year, which is lower than the Electronic Manufacturing Services industry's growth of 136.7% but higher than the S&P 500's performance during the same period [1][8] - The company has outperformed Sanmina Corporation (SANM), which gained 80.1%, but underperformed Celestica, Inc. (CLS), which surged 311.4% [2] Group 1: Market Trends and Strategic Initiatives - The AI data center market is projected to grow from $13.62 billion in 2025 to $60.49 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 28.3% [4] - Jabil has formed a collaboration with Endeavour Energy LLC to provide sustainable data center infrastructure, aiming to deliver on-demand data center capacity [4][5] - The acquisition of Mikros Technologies enhances Jabil's capabilities in the AI data center market, particularly in advanced cooling solutions necessary for high computing power [6][9] Group 2: Financial Performance and Estimates - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 have risen by 4.45% to $9.39, indicating strong investor confidence [8][12] - The company is set to invest $500 million in the Southeast U.S. to expand manufacturing capabilities and develop a skilled workforce for cloud and AI data center solutions [10] - Jabil's price/earnings ratio is currently at 21.00, which is lower than the industry average of 23.59 but above its historical mean of 16.73 [13] Group 3: Competitive Position and Diversification - Jabil's focus on product diversification across multiple sectors, including capital equipment, warehouse automation, and renewable energy, provides resilience against macroeconomic disruptions [11] - The company's integration of AI and machine learning capabilities is enhancing operational efficiency and margins [11] - Jabil's strong portfolio positions it competitively in the AI hardware supply chain, despite increased investments from competitors like Celestica and Sanmina [10][16]

Group 1: Primoris Services (PRIM) - Primoris Services operates as one of the largest specialty contractors and infrastructure companies in the United States [1] - The company carries a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 0.9% over the last 60 days [1] - Primoris has a PEG ratio of 1.57 compared to 3.83 for the industry [2] - The company possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Afya (AFYA) - Afya is a medical education group primarily in Brazil [2] - The company carries a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.6% over the last 60 days [2] - Afya has a PEG ratio of 0.47 compared to 0.82 for the industry [2] - The company possesses a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Jabil (JBL) - Jabil is one of the largest global suppliers of electronic manufacturing services [3] - The company carries a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.2% over the last 60 days [3] - Jabil has a PEG ratio of 1.41 compared to 1.95 for the industry [3] - The company possesses a Growth Score of B [3]

Benchmark Electronics (BHE -1.87%), a provider of engineering and manufacturing services for complex, regulated markets, reported its second quarter 2025 earnings on July 30, 2025. The company Non-GAAP earnings per share and GAAP revenue for Q2 2025 slightly exceeded expectations. Non-GAAP EPS was $0.55 in Q2 2025, ahead of the $0.54 analyst estimate, while GAAP revenue was $642 million in Q2 2025, $3 million higher than consensus forecasts. However, Compared to Q2 2024, both GAAP and non-GAAP revenue and e ...

Transom's tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of SigmaTron's common stock, at a purchase price of $3.02 per share in cash, expired as scheduled at one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on July 24, 2025, and was not extended. Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, the depositary and paying agent for the offer, confirmed that 4,401,189 shares (71.9% of the outstanding shares) were validly tendered and not withdrawn. Accordingly, all conditions to the offer were satisfied, and the shares have ...

Core Viewpoint - Transom Capital Group has successfully completed a tender offer to acquire SigmaTron International, with 71.9% of shares validly tendered at a price of $3.02 per share, and the acquisition is expected to be finalized on July 28, 2025 [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The tender offer for SigmaTron shares expired on July 24, 2025, with a purchase price of $3.02 per share [1] - A total of 4,401,189 shares were validly tendered, representing 71.9% of the outstanding shares [2] - All conditions for the tender offer have been satisfied, and Transom will accept and pay for the validly tendered shares [2] Group 2: Company Background - Transom Capital Group is a private equity firm founded in 2008, specializing in operationally-focused investments in the middle market [5] - The firm has a strong track record in various economic cycles, focusing on corporate carve-outs and undervalued public companies [5][6] - SigmaTron operates as an independent provider of electronic manufacturing services, with facilities in the U.S., Mexico, China, and Vietnam [7] Group 3: Advisory Roles - Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as the legal advisor for Transom [4] - Lincoln International is the exclusive financial advisor for SigmaTron, with additional legal support from Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC [4]

Market Overview - Wall Street's winning streak continues, driven by positive trade news and strong economic data, with the S&P 500 reaching a record high following a significant trade deal between the United States and Japan, which lowers tariffs and opens up $550 billion in new investments [1] - Retail sales exceeded expectations in June, and jobless claims decreased, indicating a robust labor market and steady consumer spending despite ongoing tariff concerns [1][9] Trade Negotiations and Economic Environment - Progress in trade negotiations with the U.K., Indonesia, and the Philippines, along with positive signals from China and the EU, creates an encouraging backdrop for equities [2] - The current earnings season is contributing to market momentum, suggesting that focusing on relative price strength can help investors identify leading stocks [2] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Western Digital Corporation (WDC), Flowserve Corporation (FLS), OPENLANE, Inc. (KAR), AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU), and Jabil Inc. (JBL) [3][9] - These stocks are outperforming their peers, supported by strong relative price strength metrics [9] Relative Price Strength Strategy - Earnings growth and valuation multiples are crucial for assessing a stock's potential returns and its performance relative to peers [4] - Investors are advised to avoid underperforming stocks and focus on those that are outperforming their respective industries or benchmarks [5] Screening Parameters - Stocks are screened based on relative price changes over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, as well as positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] - Stocks that have shown better performance than the S&P 500 over the last 1 to 3 months and have solid fundamentals are considered for investment [6] Company Profiles - **Western Digital Corporation (WDC)**: Market cap of $23.4 billion, expected EPS growth of 2,465% year-over-year for fiscal 2025, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of approximately 7.3% [11][12] - **Flowserve Corporation (FLS)**: Market cap not specified, expected EPS growth rate of 14.2% over three to five years, with a 22.1% year-over-year growth estimate for 2025 [13][14] - **OPENLANE, Inc. (KAR)**: Market cap of $2.7 billion, expected EPS growth of 17.7% year-over-year for 2025, shares up 44% in a year [14][15] - **AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)**: Market cap of $21.8 billion, expected EPS growth of 125.8% year-over-year for 2025, shares up 89% in a year [16] - **Jabil Inc. (JBL)**: Market cap not specified, expected EPS growth rate of 16.6% over three to five years, with a 10.6% year-over-year growth estimate for 2025 [17][18]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 rose by 5% in June, driven by optimism regarding trade deals, a ceasefire in the Middle East, and potential interest rate cuts in 2025 [1] - Positive economic indicators, including strong manufacturing data, increased factory orders, and a favorable jobs report for June, alleviated recession fears [1] July Market Conditions - As July begins, the job market remains robust, inflation is cooling, and companies are set to announce earnings [2] - Trade disagreements may cause short-term market fluctuations, but new trade agreements could provide additional momentum [2] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL), Jabil Inc. (JBL), Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC), and Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM) [3][9] Relative Price Strength Strategy - Investors should assess stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be prioritized for potential returns [5] Investment Criteria - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1, 4, and 12 weeks, along with positive earnings estimate revisions, indicate growth potential [6][8] - A focus on analyst optimism regarding upcoming earnings is crucial, as upward revisions can lead to price gains [7] Screening Parameters - Stocks must show positive relative price changes over 1, 4, and 12 weeks, and have positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] - Stocks must have a minimum price of $5 and an average 20-day volume of at least 50,000 for adequate liquidity [10] Company Profiles - **Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)**: Market cap of $84.7 billion, expected EPS growth of 16% year-over-year for fiscal 2026, with a trailing earnings surprise of 2.3% [11][12] - **Jabil Inc. (JBL)**: Expected EPS growth rate of 16.6% over three to five years, with a 102% share price increase in the past year [13][14] - **Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC)**: Market cap of $1.2 billion, expected EPS growth of 71.4% for fiscal 2025, with a 75.7% share price increase in the past year [14][15] - **Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM)**: Expected EPS growth rate of 51.7% over three to five years, with a 43.8% year-over-year growth estimate for 2025 and a 17.6% share price increase in the past year [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Transom Capital Group has initiated a cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of SigmaTron International at a price of $3.02 per share, as part of a previously announced merger agreement [1][2]. Group 1: Tender Offer Details - The tender offer is set to expire on July 24, 2025, unless extended, and is subject to customary terms, including the tender of a majority of SigmaTron's voting shares [6]. - Transom has filed a tender offer statement with the SEC, and SigmaTron has filed a recommendation statement urging stockholders to accept the offer [5][7]. Group 2: Board of Directors' Recommendation - The SigmaTron Board unanimously recommends that stockholders tender their shares, having conducted a thorough review of financial and strategic alternatives [3]. - The Board considered SigmaTron's significant indebtedness and the certainty of value provided by the cash offer in their decision [4]. Group 3: Strategic Intent - Transom aims to provide immediate liquidity and value certainty to SigmaTron stockholders while committing to the company's long-term growth [2]. - The acquisition is positioned as a means to build on SigmaTron's legacy and drive future growth [2]. Group 4: Company Background - Transom Capital Group is an operationally focused private equity firm established in 2008, specializing in middle-market investments and complex situations [11][12]. - The firm employs a strategy that combines capital investment with operational expertise to unlock value and accelerate performance [12].