Amphenol’s APH third-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings of 50 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.11%. The earnings figure increased 28.2% year over year.
Amphenol’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, which is commendable.
Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Net sales increased 26.2% year over year to $4.04 billion and beat the consensus mark by 7.11%. Organically, net sales increased 15%.
Amphenol offered encouraging guidance for both fourth-quarter 2024 and full-year 2024, which is expected to push shares higher. APH shares have returned 34.8% year to date compared with the Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s appreciation of 27%.
Amphenol Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Amphenol Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Amphenol Corporation Quote
APH’s Top-Line Grows Y/Y
The top line benefited from higher revenues across the IT datacom, defense, commercial air, and mobile devices automotive end-markets. It also benefited from the APH’s acquisition program.
Harsh Environment Solutions’ (29.6% of net sales) sales came in at $1.19 billion, up 34.5% year over year.
Communications Solutions’ (41.7% of net sales) sales were $1.69 billion, which increased 31.8% year over year.
Interconnect and Sensor Systems Solutions’ (28.7% of net sales) sales were $1.16 billion, up 12.3% year over year.
Gross margin, on a GAAP basis, expanded 80 basis points (bps) year over year to 33.6%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased 30 bps on a year-over-year basis to 12.2%.
Adjusted operating margin expanded 100 bps on a year-over-year basis to 21.9%.
APH’s Balance Sheet Reflects High Debt Level
As of Sept. 30, 2024, Amphenol had cash and cash equivalents worth $1.58 billion, up from $1.3 billion as of June 30, 2024.
Total debt was $5.48 billion as of Sept. 30, 2024, compared with $3.86 billion as of June 30, 2024.
During the quarter, the company purchased 2.7 million shares for $176 million. It also paid dividends of $132 million.
Amphenol’s Q4 and 2024 Guidance Positive
Amphenol expects fourth-quarter 2024 earnings between 48 cents and 50 cents per share, indicating growth between 17% and 22% year over year. Revenues are anticipated between $3.95 billion and $4.05 billion, suggesting growth in the 19%-22% range.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2024 revenues is pegged at $3.89 billion, suggesting a 17.03% increase year over year. The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at 46 cents per share, unchanged over the past 30 days.
For 2024, Amphenol expects earnings between $1.82 and $1.84 per share, indicating growth between 21% and 22% over 2023. Revenues are anticipated between $14.85 billion and $14.95 billion suggesting growth in the 18%-19% range over 2023.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 revenues is pegged at $14.53 billion, suggesting a 15.74% increase over 2023. The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.76 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days.
Conclusion
Amphenol’s solid fourth-quarter and 2024 guidance are expected to push the stock higher.
However, a challenging macroeconomic environment is a headwind. A weak wireless investment environment and sluggishness in spending by network operators do not bode well for Amphenol’s prospects.
Currently, Amphenol carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which implies investors should stay away from the stock.
Top-Ranked Technology Stocks to Report
Arista Networks ANET, Onto Innovation ONTO and Fortinet FTNT are some better-ranked stocks that investors can consider in the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector. Each of the three stocks carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.
Arista Networks’ shares have appreciated 68.4% year to date. ANET is set to report its third-quarter 2024 results on Nov. 7.
Onto Innovation shares have returned 31.8% year to date. ONTO is set to report its third-quarter 2024 results on Oct. 31.
Fortinet shares are up 40.8% year to date. FTNT is set to report its third-quarter 2024 results on Nov. 7.
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