In Europe, full-year net sales totaled $499.6 million , up 4.3% year over year and “up slightly” on a local currency basis. Olosky said volumes in Europe outperformed the market and were slightly higher compared to 2024.In North America, full-year net sales were $1.8 billion , up 4.5% , including an approximate $60 million benefit from pricing actions. Olosky said North American volumes declined year over year due to lower housing starts and a more challenging regional mix, with the most pronounced declines ...

Core Insights - Bessemer Group Inc. increased its stake in Simpson Manufacturing Company by 21.2% in Q3, owning 164,219 shares valued at approximately $27.5 million [2] - Other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions, with significant increases from Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. (3.0%), First Trust Advisors LP (33.6%), and Champlain Investment Partners LLC (24.2%) [3] - Hedge funds and institutional investors collectively own 93.68% of Simpson Manufacturing's stock [3] Financial Performance - Simpson Manufacturing's stock opened at $194.54, with a 50-day moving average of $174.41 and a 200-day moving average of $176.35 [4] - The company has a market capitalization of $8.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.70, and a beta of 1.37 [4] - The twelve-month low and high for the stock are $137.35 and $197.82, respectively [4] Dividend Information - Simpson Manufacturing declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29, with an annualized dividend of $1.16 and a dividend yield of 0.6% [5][6] - The company's payout ratio stands at 14.13% [5] Insider Activity - Director Philip E. Donaldson sold 2,375 shares at an average price of $168.16, resulting in a total transaction of approximately $399,380 [7] - Following the sale, the director's remaining shares are valued at about $1.02 million, reflecting a 28.07% decrease in their position [7] Analyst Ratings - DA Davidson set a price target of $190.00, while Robert W. Baird increased their target from $190.00 to $212.00, rating the stock as "outperform" [8] - The consensus rating for Simpson Manufacturing is "Hold," with an average price target of $201.00 [8] Company Overview - Simpson Manufacturing Co, Inc. is a leading global supplier of structural building products, specializing in connectors, anchors, fasteners, and systems for wood, concrete, and masonry structures [10] - Founded in 1956, the company has evolved from a single product business to a diversified manufacturer with global operations [11]

Group 1 - Nvidia introduced its new Rubin chips at CES, designed for AI data center workloads [1] - The Rubin platform consists of six co-designed chips that enhance data sharing among GPUs, CPUs, and other components [2] - Nvidia's announcement led to a stock increase for the company, while Amphenol's shares fell due to perceived risks from the new chips [3][5] Group 2 - Amphenol manufactures products that support various industries, including connectors and cables for data centers [4] - Following Nvidia's announcement, Amphenol's stock dropped approximately 5% as investors anticipated reduced demand for its cables [5] - Analysts from Evercore ISI suggested that the new Rubin chips could increase demand for Amphenol's connectors by 20% to 40% compared to previous chip models [6]

Core Insights - Celestica, Inc. and Corning Incorporated are significant players in the global tech hardware ecosystem, with Corning focusing on advanced glass technologies and optical connectivity, while Celestica provides electronics manufacturing services and supply chain solutions [1][7] Market Overview - The global AI infrastructure market was valued at $35.42 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $223.45 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 30.4%, driven by the expansion of AI workloads [2] Celestica's Performance - Celestica's Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment saw a 43% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by demand for advanced networking products like 400G and 800G switches, as well as enterprise-level data communications infrastructure [3][5] - The company is expanding its partnerships and launched the SC6110 storage controller, which is designed for AI infrastructure and high-performance computing [4] - Celestica's recent introduction of 1.6TbE data center switches indicates a focus on supporting high-bandwidth AI applications, which is expected to drive long-term growth [5] Corning's Performance - Corning is experiencing growth in its Optical Communications and Specialty Materials segments, benefiting from the increasing use of mobile and IoT devices and the demand for robust network architecture in AI data centers [7][8] - The company is innovating with advanced fiber and cable systems that enhance connectivity capacity in data centers without significant infrastructure changes [9] - Corning's consumer electronics segment is also a major growth driver, with collaborations with leading manufacturers and expansion into the automotive market [10] Competitive Landscape - Both companies face competition, with Corning competing against Amphenol Corporation in the communication components market, but its innovative product launches are expected to provide a competitive edge [12] - Celestica's revenue is significantly dependent on a few major customers, with 59% of its total revenues coming from three customers, posing a concentration risk [6][21] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celestica's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 26.31% and 52.06%, respectively, while Corning's sales are expected to grow by 12.99% with an EPS projected at $2.52 [13][15] - Over the past year, Celestica's stock has gained 205.3%, compared to Corning's 85.3% growth, but Corning appears more attractive from a valuation perspective with a lower price/earnings ratio [16] Investment Outlook - Celestica holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Corning has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable investment outlook for Corning [17][22] - Both companies are expected to benefit from margin expansion in the AI infrastructure domain, but Corning's broader market exposure reduces its risk compared to Celestica's reliance on AI infrastructure investments [18][21][22]

Core Viewpoint - The AI bull market is experiencing a resurgence, with new stocks leading the rally instead of traditional giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft [1][2]. Group 1: Alphabet Inc. - Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) is positioned as a leader in the AI race, with a market cap of $3.8 trillion and significant advancements in AI technology, including the Gemini V3 upgrade and Waymo's driverless car service [3]. - Analysts from JP Morgan and Scotiabank have raised their price targets for Alphabet to $336 and $340, respectively, reflecting strong earnings performance in 2025 [3]. - Despite a recent four-day decline, GOOG shares show strong upside potential, trading above the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs) since July [6]. Group 2: TTM Technologies Inc. - TTM Technologies (NASDAQ: TTMI) is a key player in the AI sector, focusing on high-density printed circuit boards (PCBs) essential for AI systems, with a market cap nearing $7 billion and $2.7 billion in sales over the last year [7]. - The company reported a 22% year-over-year increase in quarterly revenue, driven by AI data center sales, and has a backlog in aerospace and defense approaching $1.5 billion [7]. - TTMI shares have surged nearly 170% year-to-date, with strong technical indicators suggesting continued upward momentum [9]. Group 3: Celestica Inc. - Celestica (NYSE: CLS) has seen significant growth due to demand for its products in AI data centers, achieving record quarterly EPS of $1.58 and revenue of $3.16 billion in Q3 2025 [10]. - The company's market cap has reached $35 billion, with annual sales projected to exceed $11 billion, and Citigroup has upgraded the stock to Buy with a price target of $375 [10]. - CLS shares are above both the 50-day and 200-day SMAs, indicating a strong uptrend, although recent momentum has shown signs of weakening [12]. Group 4: Amphenol Corp. - Amphenol (NYSE: APH) is a major supplier in the AI data center industry, providing essential components like connectors and cables, with a market cap of $173 billion [13]. - The company reported record revenue of $6.19 billion and EPS of $0.93 in Q3, surpassing analyst expectations by 12% and 17% respectively [13]. - APH shares have doubled year-to-date, with technical indicators suggesting continued strength despite recent volatility [16].

Core Insights - The electronic components and manufacturing sector is experiencing increased demand due to the rise of advanced electronics in various industries such as automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and computing [2] - The sector reported strong Q3 earnings, with revenues surpassing analysts' expectations by 4.7% and an average share price increase of 2.8% since the earnings results [3] Company Highlights - Rogers (NYSE: ROG) reported revenues of $216 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 2.7% and exceeding analysts' expectations by 4.1% [5] - Rogers has a long history, being one of America's oldest continuously operating companies, and specializes in engineered materials for electric vehicles and telecommunications [4] - Amphenol (NYSE: APH) achieved revenues of $6.19 billion, a significant year-on-year increase of 53.4%, outperforming analysts' expectations by 10.9% [8]

Methode Electronics Conference Summary Company Overview - Methode Electronics (NYSE: MEI) is a manufacturer of components and systems for the automotive and industrial markets [1][2] - The company reported fiscal 2025 sales of over $1 billion, primarily in North America and Europe [7] Key Messages from Earnings Call - Methode is on a transformation journey, with operational improvements leading to a $9 million increase in income from operations year-over-year [4][5] - The company has achieved three consecutive quarters of strong free cash flow and net debt reduction [5] - Despite a projected $100 million decline in sales due to lower electric vehicle (EV) demand, Methode expects to double its EBITDA for the full year [6][18] Financial Performance and Guidance - Fiscal 2026 sales are expected to range between $900 million to $1 billion, with EBITDA projected between $70 million to $80 million [18][19] - The EBITDA margin is expected to nearly double from 4.1% to 7.9% despite lower sales [20] - The company has focused on operational execution improvements, including a reduction in SG&A costs by over $9 million [48] Industry Dynamics - Methode is a leading supplier of custom engineered solutions for transportation, construction equipment, cloud computing, and automotive applications [7] - The company has a 30% compound annual growth rate in power solution sales over the last three years, driven by demand in data centers, EVs, and military applications [10][12] - The EV market is facing challenges, particularly in North America, impacting revenue projections [28][29] Strategic Initiatives - Methode is investing in its power solutions segment, anticipating future growth despite current moderation in sales [12] - The company is undergoing a transformation rather than a turnaround, focusing on stabilizing operations and improving visibility and collaboration [13][14] - There is a strategic review of the product portfolio, with a focus on core areas such as lighting, user interface, and power solutions [30] Operational Efficiencies - Methode has implemented measures to mitigate tariff impacts, including passing on costs to customers and optimizing its manufacturing footprint [25][26] - The company is actively working to improve relationships with commercial vehicle OEMs and has seen a positive response despite market challenges [40][41] Future Outlook - The data center market is expected to remain flat year-over-year, but Methode sees potential for growth as hyperscalers invest in higher voltage solutions [37][38] - The company is committed to refining its business model and aligning with market megatrends to drive future growth [18][51] Conclusion - Methode Electronics is focused on executing its transformation strategy, improving operational efficiencies, and positioning itself for future growth in key markets [21][50]

Group 1 - TimesSquare Capital Management's "U.S. Focus Growth Strategy" reported a gross return of 11.79% and a net return of 11.56% in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index which returned 18.20% [1] - The second quarter saw double-digit returns in equities, with growth indexes outperforming value counterparts, while global risk factors like Beta, Momentum, and Residual Volatility were rewarded [1] - In U.S. small and mid-cap growth indexes, better returns were observed in stocks with high valuations, negative earnings, or low returns on equity [1] Group 2 - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) reported a one-month return of 7.54% and an impressive 87.69% increase in value over the last 52 weeks, closing at $119.09 per share with a market capitalization of $145.399 billion on September 10, 2025 [2] - Amphenol's sales in Q2 2025 increased by 57% in U.S. dollars and 56% in local currencies, reaching $5.650 billion, driven by strong performance across all end markets, particularly data centers [4] - The company experienced a 51% increase in stock price, attributed to higher-than-anticipated revenues and earnings [3]

Core Insights - CTS reported Q2 2025 results with non-GAAP EPS of $0.57 and GAAP revenue of $135.3 million, reflecting a year-over-year revenue increase of 3.8% from $130.2 million in Q2 2024 [1][2] - The adjusted gross margin improved by 2.9 percentage points to 38.7% compared to Q2 2024, indicating ongoing progress in margin expansion and profitability [1][2][5] - The company is focusing on diversification in industrial, medical, and aerospace/defense sectors to mitigate risks associated with transportation market fluctuations [4][7] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP free cash flow increased significantly from $15.0 million in Q2 2024 to $25.1 million in Q2 2025, showcasing strong cash generation capabilities [2][6] - Adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 23.0%, up 1.3 percentage points from the previous year, reflecting improved profitability metrics [2][5] - Revenue from the medical and aerospace/defense markets showed strong volume gains, while transportation revenue faced challenges due to softer demand in China and increased competition [7][8] Business Strategy - CTS has shifted its strategy to prioritize growth in industrial, medical, and aerospace/defense sectors, which helps offset risks from declining transportation sales [4] - The company emphasizes continuous innovation, disciplined cost management, and a strong pipeline of new program wins in targeted growth markets as key success factors [4] - Management is focused on M&A-driven growth and shareholder returns, with planned capital expenditures expected to be approximately 4% of sales for FY2025 [10] Outlook - CTS maintains its fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting GAAP net sales between $520 million and $550 million and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS of $2.20 to $2.35 [9] - Investors should monitor margin performance, customer concentration dilution, and the pace of end-market diversification, as these factors will be critical for future performance [11]

Core Insights - Amphenol (APH) designs and manufactures connectors, interconnect systems, antennas, sensors, and high-speed specialty cable, serving diverse end markets including IT datacom, automotive, mobile devices, and industrial applications [1] - In 2024, China contributed approximately 22% of total revenue, highlighting its significance as a market for the company [1] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Amphenol's revenues from China reached $793.9 million, reflecting an 18.4% year-on-year increase [2] - For Q2 2025, APH expects net revenues between $4.9 billion and $5.0 billion, with projected China revenues at $1.05 billion [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 2025 earnings is 66 cents per share, indicating a 53.49% year-over-year growth [13] - The consensus for APH's 2025 earnings is $2.68 per share, representing a 41.80% increase year over year [13] Market Challenges - Ongoing tariff-related trade tensions with China are expected to pressure Amphenol's outlook, with Chinese telecom and datacom imports facing 25% base duties and additional compliance-related surcharges [3] - These tariffs could dampen demand and reduce pricing flexibility in Amphenol's China-linked datacom business [3] Competitive Landscape - Amphenol faces competition from TE Connectivity (TEL) and CommScope (COMM) in global datacom infrastructure markets [5][6] - CommScope is a strong player in fiber connectivity and structured cabling, overlapping with Amphenol's IT datacom offerings [5] - TE Connectivity challenges Amphenol in high-speed interconnects and fiber systems across hyperscale and cloud markets [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Amphenol's shares have appreciated 41.4% year to date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector, which increased by 7%, and the Zacks Electronics - Connectors industry, which returned 40% [7][9] - The stock is trading at a premium with a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 35.08X compared to the sector's 27.36X [10]