Summary of Knowles (NYSE:KN) FY Conference Call Company Overview - Knowles operates in two distinct segments: - **Precision Devices**: Approximately 54% of revenues in 2024, expected to rise to 56-57% in 2025. This segment includes high-performance capacitors and RF filters [3][4]. - **Microphones and Receivers (MSA)**: Primarily focused on hearing health, with about 80% of this segment related to hearing aids [4]. Financial Performance - Historical revenue CAGR from 2017 to 2024 is about 8%, with half from organic growth and half from acquisitions [9]. - EBITDA CAGR during the same period is approximately 11%, driven by margin expansion and operating leverage [9]. - Current EBITDA margins are around 24%, with a target of 30% over the next three to five years [8][11]. Market Segmentation - **Med Tech**: Accounts for about 50% of the business, including hearing health [4]. - **Defense**: Represents about 21% of revenues, with increasing defense budgets globally [4][14]. - **Industrial**: Comprises the remaining third, including energy and electrification applications [4]. Growth Strategy - Focus on organic growth supplemented by M&A opportunities, particularly in the Precision Devices segment, which is highly fragmented [6][17]. - Recent acquisition of Cornell Dubilier for $265 million, enhancing the capacitor business [7]. - Anticipated revenue growth of 8-10% annually, with 4-6% from organic growth and 4% from acquisitions [10][17]. Key Trends and Opportunities - Aging population driving demand for hearing aids, with Knowles holding a 60% market share in this segment [12]. - Increased demand for energy solutions, particularly in alternative energy, supported by AI and automation trends [12][26]. - Significant order of $75 million from a customer in the alternative energy sector, expected to contribute $25 million in growth [12][13][26]. Capital Allocation - Capital investments typically range from 3-5% of revenues, expected to be higher this year due to the energy order [20][21]. - Share buybacks are a priority, with $55 million repurchased this year and over $200 million in the last couple of years [21][22]. - M&A remains a focal point, with a disciplined approach to ensure high returns on investments [22][23]. Challenges and Considerations - The company has exited lower-margin businesses, including a consumer electronics segment heavily reliant on Apple, to focus on higher-margin opportunities [5][6]. - The hearing aid market faces challenges with customer satisfaction and product effectiveness, impacting potential growth [27][28][29]. Conclusion - Knowles is positioned for growth with a strong balance sheet, a focus on high-margin markets, and a disciplined approach to capital allocation and acquisitions. The company is optimistic about its growth prospects, both organically and through strategic acquisitions [30][31].

Core Insights - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of 4 cents per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but down from 8 cents in the same quarter last year [1][8] - Revenues for the quarter were $790.6 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.5% [1][8] Revenue Breakdown - Revenues from MOSFETs, which account for 21.1% of total revenues, were $167.1 million, up 13.6% year over year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 0.86 [3] - Diodes generated $149.6 million in revenues, representing an increase of 3% year over year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.07 [3] - Optoelectronics revenues were $55.6 million, down 12% year over year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 0.93 [4] - Resistors brought in $195.7 million, up 8.2% year over year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 0.92 [4] - Inductors generated $92 million, reflecting a 1.9% year-over-year increase, with a book-to-bill ratio of 0.99 [4] - Capacitors saw revenues of $130.6 million, up 20.1% year over year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.07 [5] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $76 million, a 6.3% increase year over year, while the adjusted EBITDA margin contracted by 10 basis points to 9.6% [5] - The operating margin improved to 2.4% from a negative 2.5% in the year-ago quarter [5] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of September 27, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $444.1 million, down from $473.9 million as of June 28, 2025 [6] - Long-term debt increased to $919.7 million from $914.5 million [6] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $27.6 million, while the company reported a negative free cash flow of $24.3 million for the quarter [6] Q4 Guidance - For the fourth quarter, Vishay Intertechnology expects revenues of approximately $790 million, with earnings projected to improve to 7 cents per share [7][9]

Financial Performance - 3Q 2025 revenues reached $790.6 million[26], compared to $762.3 million in 2Q 2025 and $735.4 million in 3Q 2024[27, 66] - Gross margin was 19.5%[26, 66], including a negative impact of approximately 150 bps related to Newport[26, 29] - Adjusted EPS was $0.04[26, 29], while EPS was $(0.06)[26, 29] - EBITDA margin was 9.6%[29] Segment Results - MOSFETs revenues were $167.1 million with a gross margin of 10.1%[32] - Diodes revenues were $149.6 million with a gross margin of 20.3%[32] - Resistors revenues were $195.7 million with a gross margin of 20.1%[33] - Capacitors revenues were $130.6 million with a gross margin of 20.1%[33] Revenue Mix and Sales Channel - Distribution accounted for 57% of revenue, OEM 37%, and EMS 6%[21] - Distribution revenue increased 4% QoQ and 10% YoY, driven by growth in Asia related to AI servers and smart grid infrastructure[20] - OEM revenue increased 6% QoQ and 6% YoY, driven by increased volume from automotive and industrial customers[20] Regional Performance - Asia's revenue increased 7% QoQ and 18% YoY[23], representing 43% of the total revenue[24] - Europe's revenue increased 1% QoQ and 1% YoY[23], accounting for 33% of the total revenue[24] - Americas' revenue increased 2% QoQ and 1% YoY[23], making up 24% of the total revenue[24] Guidance - The company projects 4Q 2025 revenue of $790 million, with a variance of plus or minus $20 million[47] - Gross margin for 4Q 2025 is expected to be 19.5%, with a variance of plus or minus 50 bps, including a negative Newport impact of 150-175 bps[47]

Core Viewpoint - CSW Industrials, Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of Motors & Armatures Parts (MARS Parts) for approximately $650 million in cash, enhancing its HVAC/R product portfolio and aligning with its strategic growth objectives [1][2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price represents 10.4x pro-forma trailing twelve-month (TTM) EBITDA adjusted for identified synergies and approximately 12.4x MARS Parts' estimated adjusted TTM EBITDA of $52.3 million [1]. - CSW funded the transaction through a five-year Syndicated Term Loan A for $600 million and borrowings under a $700 million revolving credit facility, while maintaining sufficient liquidity and a strong balance sheet [4]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - This acquisition expands CSW's product offerings in the profitable HVAC/R market, adding motors, capacitors, and other electrical components, which are essential for HVAC/R repairs and replacements [2][3]. - MARS Parts is one of the largest providers of HVAC/R parts in North America, with a focus on repair rather than replacement, complementing CSW's existing Contractor Solutions business [3]. Group 3: Leadership Commentary - Joseph B. Armes, Chairman, President, and CEO of CSW Industrials, expressed optimism about the acquisition, highlighting the potential for above-market growth and diversification into additional repair solutions [4].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the semiconductor industry, suggesting a potential better than expected Q4 2023, with preferred picks including Texas Instruments, Renesas, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics [2][3]. Core Insights - The semiconductor industry is experiencing a recovery phase, with a slight increase in inventories and supportive pricing dynamics observed for the first time since May 2023 [2][3]. - Pricing across all product categories has shown an increase, with an average of 2% month-over-month and 15% year-over-year, indicating a positive trend in demand and product mix [3][4]. - The report highlights a broad-based recovery in inventory levels, with most companies either flat or up in inventory units across various products [4]. Summary by Sections Inventory Trends - MCU inventories have shown a 1% month-over-month increase after a 2% decline last month, with a notable 7% month-over-month increase in Capacitors [3]. - Overall inventory levels are stable, with destocking in MCUs slowing down, suggesting a transition to normalized inventory levels [10][18]. Pricing Dynamics - The average year-over-year pricing is up 9%, driven by significant increases in specific categories such as NXP's Wireless & RF and Microprocessors, which increased by 78% and 18% respectively [8]. - Pricing trends are supportive, with all product categories experiencing increases, reinforcing the positive sentiment in the market [4][8]. Company Observations - The report includes heatmaps that indicate pricing was up 10% year-over-year in October compared to 8% in September, suggesting a consistent upward trend across categories [4]. - The analysis of company-specific data shows that most companies are experiencing either stable or increasing inventory levels, indicating a healthy recovery across the semiconductor sector [4][18].

Core Insights - The company reported record quarterly results for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share, with a revenue growth of 22% driven primarily by recent acquisitions [4][5][33] - The acquisition of Mars Parts, valued at $650 million, is expected to close soon and will enhance the company's HVACR product offerings, contributing to future growth [2][26][34] - Despite facing headwinds in the residential HVACR market, the company maintained a resilient balance sheet and continued to pursue growth opportunities through strategic acquisitions [3][25][35] Financial Performance - The company achieved record revenue of $277 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2026, reflecting a 22% increase compared to the previous year, primarily due to inorganic growth from acquisitions [5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal second quarter increased by $12 million to a record $73 million, representing a 20% growth year-over-year [7][10] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share rose to $2.96, a 15.2% increase from the same quarter last year [5][10] Acquisition Strategy - The company has successfully executed two synergistic acquisitions in the past twelve months, contributing significantly to revenue growth [3][11] - The pending acquisition of Mars Parts is anticipated to further enhance the company's product offerings and customer value proposition in the HVACR market [26][34] - The company plans to fund the Mars Parts acquisition through a combination of a syndicated term loan and borrowings from its revolving credit facility [26][35] Market Conditions - The company experienced a 5.6% reduction in consolidated organic revenue, primarily due to market disruptions in the residential HVACR sector [5][11] - The organic revenue decline was attributed to a shift in consumer behavior towards repair rather than replacement of HVAC units, influenced by higher costs and new refrigerant standards [11][12] - The company noted destocking trends among customers, which impacted order volumes but did not result in a loss of market share [54][55] Future Outlook - The company expects to maintain mid to high single-digit organic growth rates through its Contractor Solutions segment, despite current market volatility [14][46] - The integration of recent acquisitions is projected to yield significant synergies, with expectations of reaching a 30% EBITDA margin for Mars Parts within a year post-acquisition [43][64] - The company remains committed to a strong balance sheet and capital allocation strategy, including share repurchases and continued investment in growth initiatives [25][73]

Core Insights - The energy sector, while accounting for only 7% of America's GDP, is fundamental to the entire economy and lifestyle, as it supports all other sectors [1][3] - Future growth in various industries, including manufacturing, AI, and vehicle electrification, is contingent upon increased energy supply [1] Energy's Economic Role - Energy is essential for the functioning of finance, commerce, communications, healthcare, and transportation, indicating that the remaining 93% of GDP relies on energy [3] - The uninterrupted flow of affordable and reliable power is critical for modern society [3] Infrastructure Challenges - Mark Christie will address the $2 trillion infrastructure challenges at the intersection of power and digital growth during the upcoming Data Center POWER eXchange event [2] - AI-driven power demand is straining existing infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved reliability and market design for utilities and regulators [2] Supply Chain Vulnerabilities - The U.S. electric grid's reliance on overseas manufacturing for critical components poses significant risks, particularly with China being the primary supplier of essential transformers [4] - The American Society of Civil Engineers has rated U.S. energy infrastructure as a D+, emphasizing the urgency of reshoring grid components to enhance resilience [4]

Core Insights - Platinum Equity's portfolio company Motors & Armatures (MARS) has signed a definitive agreement to sell its parts division, MARS Parts, to CSW Industrials for $650 million in cash, with an additional earn-out of up to $20 million based on revenue targets [1][2][5] Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to close before the end of calendar year 2025, pending regulatory approval and other conditions [2] - MARS Parts specializes in HVAC/R parts, including motors and capacitors, while the equipment distribution division will remain under Platinum Equity as Heat Controller [3][4] Group 2: Operational Transformation - Since Platinum Equity's investment in July 2024, MARS has undergone a significant operational transformation, enhancing its business model and financial profile [3][5] - The leadership team at Heat Controller, led by CEO Philip Windham, is focused on scaling operations and diversifying the product portfolio [6][7] Group 3: Future Outlook - Platinum Equity remains optimistic about the HVAC sector's long-term growth and plans to support Heat Controller's expansion through strategic mergers and acquisitions [5][6] - The company aims to drive cost savings and enhance product offerings, indicating a proactive approach to market opportunities [7]

Core Viewpoint - CSW Industrials, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Motors & Armatures Parts (MARS Parts) for $650 million in cash, with an additional earn-out of up to $20 million based on revenue targets, aiming to enhance its HVAC/R product portfolio and drive profitable growth [2][5]. Financial Summary - The cash purchase price represents 10.5x pro-forma TTM EBITDA adjusted for identified synergies and approximately 12.5x MARS Parts' estimated adjusted TTM EBITDA of $51.8 million [2][6]. - CSW plans to fund the acquisition through a Syndicated Term Loan A and its existing $700 million revolving credit facility, with closing expected in the third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year [2][4]. - The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to CSW's EPS and EBITDA, with a projected run rate EBITDA margin from MARS Parts of at least 30% within 12 months post-closing [6][4]. Strategic Fit - MARS Parts is a leading distributor of HVAC/R parts in North America, providing a comprehensive line of HVAC/R electrical products, which will strategically complement CSW's existing Contractor Solutions business [3][5]. - The acquisition aligns with CSW's established criteria to leverage existing distribution channels and expand product offerings in the HVAC/R market [6][3]. - CSW anticipates significant cost synergies through optimizing facilities, scaling supply chains, and reducing duplicative spending, which will enhance the overall customer experience [4][6]. Growth Potential - The acquisition is expected to enhance CSW's competitive advantage by adding complementary products and expanding its market presence in the HVAC/R sector [3][5]. - CSW has invested over $1.65 billion in acquisitions over the past ten years, with approximately $1 billion in the last year alone, indicating a strong commitment to growth [6][7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the semiconductor industry, indicating a transition to a more normalized phase of distributor inventory levels and pricing dynamics, with preferred picks being TI, Renesas, and Infineon [2][3]. Core Insights - The semiconductor industry is experiencing ongoing destocking across most segments, with stable pricing dynamics. Prices remained flat to slightly up in the low single digits across all categories, which is supportive in mitigating deflation risks linked to oversupply [2][3]. - The report highlights that MCU inventory digestion has slowed but continues to decrease, with a 4% month-over-month decline. Overall inventory was down 5% on average, driven by significant destocking in Power Management Circuits, Data Converters, Amplifiers, and Microprocessors, which saw declines of 9-14% month-over-month [3][4]. - Pricing trends are reassuring, with an average increase of 1% month-over-month and 14% year-over-year across all product categories, likely influenced by product mix [3][5]. Summary by Product Area - **Microcontrollers (MCUs)**: Normalized unit inventory decreased by 4% month-over-month, with pricing flat compared to last month and up 2% year-over-year [4][9]. - **Transistors**: Inventory down 2% month-over-month, while pricing increased by 2% month-over-month and 21% year-over-year, largely driven by bipolar transistors [4][15]. - **Power Management Circuits, Data Converters, Amplifiers, and Microprocessors**: These categories experienced significant inventory declines of 9-14% month-over-month [4][15]. - **Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC)**: Inventory volume at distributors was up 6% month-over-month and up 1% in September [4][15]. Conclusions from Company Heatmaps - The pricing environment is manageable, with average year-over-year pricing up 6% in September, driven by significant increases in NXP's Wireless & RF and Microprocessors pricing [5][9]. - Inventory levels are generally stable, with notable declines in specific categories driven by changes in the "other" category [5][11].