Group 1: Fund Performance - Baron Asset Fund achieved a return of 7.89% in Q4 2025, outperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index by 11.59 percentage points, which ended the quarter down 3.70% [1] - The Fund held a total of 53 positions as of December 31, 2025, with the 10 largest holdings representing 52.8% of net assets and the 20 largest holdings representing 73.3% of net assets [1] Group 2: Amphenol Corporation Highlights - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is recognized as a leading contributor to the Baron Asset Fund, with a market capitalization of $176.509 billion [2] - The stock closed at $144.20 per share on February 9, 2026, with a one-month return of -3.20% and a twelve-month increase of 106.15% [2] - Amphenol operates a decentralized model with over 140 general managers and has completed more than 50 acquisitions in the past decade [3] - The company reported better-than-expected earnings driven by its IT Datacom segment, which supports AI applications, and solid growth in other markets [3] - Amphenol holds significant market share in interconnect solutions for NVIDIA's AI server racks, with expectations for increased content as system complexity rises [3] - The pending acquisition of CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions business, expected to close in early 2026, is anticipated to drive strong revenue and earnings growth [3]

Core Viewpoint - Amphenol Corporation (APH) has shown significant stock performance, outperforming the broader market and specific sector ETFs over the past year, despite a recent dip in 2026. Group 1: Company Overview - Amphenol Corporation, headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, with a market cap of $159.1 billion [1] - The company's products serve various industries, including telephone, wireless, data communications, cable television, and aerospace electronics [1] Group 2: Stock Performance - Over the past year, APH shares have gained 86.5%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index, which has risen nearly 14% [2] - In 2026, APH stock is down 3.8%, while the S&P 500 has seen a marginal rise year-to-date [2] - Compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK), which gained about 19.6% over the past year, APH's performance remains strong [3] Group 3: Financial Results - In Q4, APH reported an adjusted EPS of $0.97, exceeding Wall Street expectations of $0.93, with revenue of $6.4 billion surpassing forecasts of $6.1 billion [6] - For Q1, APH anticipates adjusted EPS between $0.91 and $0.93, with revenue projected between $6.9 billion and $7 billion [6] Group 4: Earnings Expectations - Analysts project a 29.3% growth in APH's EPS for the current fiscal year, reaching $4.32 on a diluted basis [7] - The company has consistently beaten consensus estimates in the last four quarters [7] Group 5: Analyst Ratings - Among 17 analysts covering APH, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," with 14 "Strong Buy" ratings and three "Holds" [8] - The bullish sentiment has increased compared to the previous month, where 13 analysts suggested a "Strong Buy" [9] - Truist Financial Corporation analyst William Stein has reiterated a "Buy" rating with a price target of $182, indicating a potential 40% upside from current levels [9]

Core Viewpoint - Amphenol Corporation is highlighted as a significant player in the AI stock market, particularly following its acquisition of CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions business, which is expected to enhance its market position and financial performance [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Amphenol has completed the acquisition of CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS) business, which adds substantial fiber optic interconnect capabilities for IT datacom and communications networks, as well as industrial interconnect products for building infrastructure [2]. - This acquisition, valued at $10.5 billion, is Amphenol's largest to date and is projected to increase sales by approximately 17% [3]. Group 2: Financial Projections - Truist Securities has raised its earnings per share (EPS) estimate for Amphenol to $4.71 for 2027, up from $4.33, reflecting a 4% EPS accretion in 2026 and an anticipated long-term accretion of about 16% within two years [4]. - Analysts note that Amphenol has a strong track record with acquisitions, which typically lead to increased sales, improved operating profit margins, and enhanced return on invested capital [3].

Core Insights - Fenimore Asset Management's Q4 2025 investor letter indicates a solid yet volatile stock market, influenced by AI enthusiasm, economic uncertainty, and monetary policy concerns [1] - The firm anticipates mixed market conditions in 2026, with many AI-related stocks appearing expensive while high-quality companies are trading at multi-year lows, presenting potential investment opportunities [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The S&P 500 Index rose by 2.66% in Q4 2025, driven by large-cap technology and communication services stocks [1] - Fenimore Small Cap Strategy returned -4.12%, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index, which returned 2.19% [1] - Fenimore Dividend Focus Strategy declined by -4.41% compared to the Russell Midcap Index's 0.16% return [1] - Fenimore Value Strategy saw a decline of -1.17% in Q4, also underperforming the Russell Midcap Index [1] Group 2: Company Focus - Amphenol Corporation - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) was highlighted as a top performer in both the Fenimore Value Strategy and Fenimore Dividend Focus Strategy [2] - As of January 15, 2026, Amphenol's stock closed at $154.22 per share, with a one-month return of 13.99% and a 52-week gain of 122.15% [2] - Amphenol has a market capitalization of $188.774 billion [2] - The company benefits from data center buildouts supporting AI, leading to a 128% organic growth in its IT Datacom segment in the most recent quarter [3]

Company Overview - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, along with interconnect systems, antennas, sensors, and specialty cables [4] Stock Performance - The stock price of Amphenol Corporation rose more than 97% in 2025, with Wall Street's 12-month average price target reflecting around 8% upside from current levels [1] - Truist Financial analyst William Stein raised the price target on the stock from $147 to $180 while maintaining a Buy rating [1][2] Sector Insights - The increased price target reflects bullish sentiment on the semiconductor and AI sector, despite challenges such as power constraints and funding shortages [2] - Truist believes that AI infrastructure stocks remain undervalued considering their growth potential, with continued upside expected in 2026 driven by AI capital expenditure [2] Financial Expectations - Amphenol Corporation is expected to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results on January 28, with Wall Street anticipating quarterly revenue of around $6.19 billion and GAAP EPS of $0.96 [3] - Management expects Q4 revenue to be in the range of $6.0 billion to $6.1 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 39% to 41% [3]

Core Insights - Bristol Gate Capital Partners' Q3 2025 investor letter indicates that the US Equity Strategy underperformed the S&P 500® Total Return Index this quarter, primarily due to limited exposure to the AI/TMT and Value sectors, which benefited from the Federal Reserve's rate cut [1] - Despite underperformance, the portfolio achieved a 15% dividend growth over the past 12 months, supported by strong underlying fundamentals [1] Company Highlights - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is highlighted as a key stock in the investor letter, with a one-month return of -3.74% and a 52-week gain of 96.11% [2] - As of December 30, 2025, Amphenol's stock closed at $136.20 per share, with a market capitalization of $166.716 billion [2] - Bristol Gate built a position in Amphenol while exiting Marsh & McLennan, citing its high-quality franchise, proprietary technology, and strong demand in the Information and Datacom segment [3] Financial Performance - Amphenol's Q3 sales increased by 53% in US dollars and 52% in local currencies, reaching $6.194 billion [4] - The company has achieved a 10% CAGR in sales and a 13% CAGR in EPS over the last decade, indicating robust growth and consistent dividend increases [3]

Core Insights - TimesSquare Capital Management's "U.S. Focus Growth Strategy" reported a gross return of 4.00% and a net return of 3.78% for Q3 2025, outperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index's return of 2.78% [1] - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is highlighted as a key investment, with a one-month return of -2.34% but a significant 71.52% increase over the past 52 weeks, closing at $129.24 per share with a market capitalization of $158.197 billion [2] - The company is recognized for its strong performance in the Information Technology sector, particularly in critical system provision and productivity-enhancing systems, with a notable 25% gain following a strong earnings report [3] Financial Performance - Amphenol Corporation's Q3 sales increased by 53% in US dollars and 52% in local currencies, reaching $6.194 billion [4] - The company contributed positively to the Baron Asset Fund's performance in Q3 2025, driven by rising expectations in data center spending due to accelerating AI adoption [5] Investment Sentiment - Despite Amphenol's strong performance, it is not among the top 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 89 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3, up from 81 in the previous quarter [4] - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential compared to Amphenol, indicating a competitive investment landscape [4]

Group 1 - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is recognized as a strong long-term investment option, with Barclays raising its price target from $120 to $143 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating [1] - The company reported a significant 53% year-over-year growth in sales, driven by robust organic growth across nearly all end markets and contributions from its acquisition strategy [2] - The operating margin for the quarter reached a record high of 27.5%, indicating strong profitability [2] Group 2 - Amphenol completed the acquisition of Trexon for approximately $1 billion in cash, which is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first year and will be included in the Harsh Environment Solutions segment [3] - The company specializes in the design, marketing, and manufacturing of various connectors, antennas, interconnect systems, sensors, and specialty cables, with operations divided into three segments: Harsh Environment Solutions, Communications Solutions, and Interconnect and Sensor Systems [4]

Core Insights - Madison Mid Cap Fund's Class I returned 1.9% in Q3 2025, underperforming the Russell Midcap Index which increased by 5.3% [1] - Information Technology sector led the performance in both the quarter and year-to-date [1] Company Performance - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH) reported a one-month return of -2.59% but gained 75.47% over the last 52 weeks, closing at $130.36 per share with a market capitalization of $159.568 billion on November 20, 2025 [2] - Amphenol's Q3 sales increased by 53% in US dollars and 52% in local currencies, reaching $6.194 billion [4] Investment Insights - Madison Mid Cap Fund highlighted Amphenol as a strong performer due to its revenue growth driven by AI-related data center spending, alongside other companies like Arista Networks and MKS [3] - The number of hedge funds holding Amphenol increased from 69 to 81 in the second quarter, indicating growing interest [4]

Core Viewpoint - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is recognized as a strong investment opportunity due to its growth potential and market position, despite being considered expensive relative to its growth rate [1]. Company Overview - Amphenol Corporation manufactures electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors, cables, and sensors for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, communications, and industrial technology [1]. Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer highlighted Amphenol as a "great stock" during a recent discussion, emphasizing its strong performance and growth trajectory [1]. - Cramer referred to Amphenol as an "amazing company," noting its evolution from a coaxial cable company to a significant player in the data center market [1]. Valuation Insights - The stock is currently valued at a high multiple in the 30s, indicating that while it is not cheap, it is still a solid investment for long-term holders [1]. - Cramer advised against chasing the stock at its current valuation but suggested holding it if already owned [1].