Core Insights - Celestica Inc. and Flex Ltd. are prominent players in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry, serving various sectors including cloud computing, automotive, healthcare, and industrials [1][3] - Both companies are strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced manufacturing solutions driven by technologies such as AI, IoT, and 5G [2][7] Celestica Overview - Celestica has over 25 years of manufacturing experience and focuses on cloud-optimized data storage and networking solutions, benefiting from the generative AI boom [4] - The company is experiencing growth from its 800G network switches, essential for AI applications and data center operations, contributing to solid top-line growth [5] - Despite its growth, Celestica faces challenges with high research and development costs leading to margin contraction and stiff competition from major players like Foxconn and Jabil [6] Flex Overview - Flex operates in 30 countries and is well-positioned to meet the demands of emerging technologies, including IoT and autonomous vehicles [7] - The company reported a 50% growth in its cloud and data center power business in fiscal 2025, with expectations for continued strength into fiscal 2026 [8][9] - Flex's shares trade at a lower forward P/E ratio of 14.49 compared to Celestica's 22.72, making it more attractive from a valuation perspective [14] Financial Performance - Celestica's 2025 sales and EPS are expected to grow by 13.1% and 30.1%, respectively, with positive trends in EPS estimates over the past 60 days [11] - Flex's 2025 sales are projected to rise by 0.4% and EPS by 9.4%, with recent upward revisions in EPS estimates [12] - Over the past year, Celestica's stock has gained 119.8%, outperforming the industry growth of 51.7%, while Flex's stock has increased by 36.6% [13] Investment Considerations - Celestica shows strong revenue and EPS growth, while Flex's valuation metrics appear more attractive, leading to a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) for Flex compared to Celestica's 3 (Hold) [15][16] - Both companies anticipate improvements in sales and profits for 2025, but Flex is currently viewed as the better investment option based on Zacks Rank [16]

Key Takeaways CLS stock jumped 24.3% in 3 months, beating FLEX, JBL and the broader industry's 15.4% gain. Celestica is riding GenAI momentum with high-speed switches and scalable AI storage platforms. Earnings estimates for CLS rose 5.7% for 2025 and 2.4% for 2026, signaling bullish sentiment.Celestica Inc. (CLS) has gained 24.3% over the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 15.4%. It has also outperformed peers like Flex Ltd. (FLEX) and Jabil Inc. (JBL) . Flex has gained 17.3% and Ja ...

Core Insights - Celestica Inc. (CLS) has outperformed the industry and peers with a stock gain of 24.3% over the past three months, compared to the industry's 15.4% growth and Flex Ltd. (FLEX) and Jabil Inc. (JBL) gains of 17.3% and 14.7% respectively [1][7]. Company Overview - With over two decades of manufacturing experience, Celestica focuses on next-generation, cloud-optimized data storage and AI networking solutions, operating primarily as a behind-the-scenes partner for electronics businesses [2]. - The company provides a comprehensive range of services in the electronics market, including design, manufacturing, and supply chain management [2]. Growth Drivers - The ongoing generative AI (GenAI) boom has significantly benefited Celestica, driven by strong demand for AI/ML compute and networking products from hyperscale customers [5]. - Key products include the high-performance 800G family of network switches and storage solutions like the SC6100 controller and SD6200 platform, which are essential for AI applications [5][6]. - Celestica's innovative Photonic Fabric solution enhances AI infrastructure, supporting scalable and sustainable business models [5]. Financial Performance - Earnings estimates for Celestica have increased by 5.7% for 2025 to $5.05 and by 2.4% for 2026 to $6.07, indicating positive sentiment regarding the company's growth potential [8][7]. Market Environment - Despite strong demand trends, Celestica expresses skepticism about the macro environment due to trade policy uncertainties, although recent U.S. government exemptions for key IT hardware provide some near-term clarity [9]. - The company is actively collaborating with customers to navigate the evolving policy landscape [9]. Challenges - Celestica faces ongoing margin pressures due to high research and development costs associated with sophisticated products, leading to high operating expenses [10][15]. - The company competes with industry giants like Foxconn, Jabil, Flex, and Sanmina Corporation, as well as smaller regional players, in a highly cyclical semiconductor industry [11]. Future Outlook - As production volumes increase and costs decrease, the potential applications for silicon photonics are expected to expand across various industries, positioning Celestica for sustained growth [14].

Celestica Inc. (CLS) has gained 98.8% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 36.4%. It has also outperformed peers like Flex Ltd. (FLEX) and Jabil Inc. (JBL) . Flex has gained 26.7% and Jabil is up 25.9% over this period.  Celestica boasts a diverse portfolio of products that are integral to AI (artificial intelligence) applications. With more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing backed by a simplified and optimized global network, it is committed to delivering next-generation, cl ...