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Flex stock a buy as KeyBanc points to electronics demand & margin expansion potential

EditorEmilio Ghigini
Published 10/22/2024, 05:54 PM
FLEX
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On Tuesday, KeyBanc Capital Markets initiated coverage on Flextronics International Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX) stock, a provider of advanced design and manufacturing services, with an Overweight rating and set a price target of $41.00. The firm highlighted the company's potential to benefit from several secular trends that are influencing the technology sector.

According to KeyBanc, Flextronics is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for electronic products and the increasing complexity of technologies across various industries. The analyst pointed out that trends such as the reshoring of manufacturing to the United States and other regions support Flextronics' strengths in high-volume production across its global operations.

The analyst also noted that Flextronics' strategy, which combines electronic manufacturing services (EMS) with product innovation and services, is expected to contribute to a better product mix. This, alongside a focus on higher-growth markets such as Data Centers and Next Generation Mobility, is anticipated to drive more stable revenue growth in the coming years.

KeyBanc further mentioned that the cyclical recovery in sectors like mobile, PC, and consumer/industrial verticals could bolster Flextronics' performance. This recovery, together with the company's strategic shift and disciplined execution, is likely to result in improved operating leverage and potential for margin expansion.

While the outlook for Flextronics is optimistic, KeyBanc acknowledged that many of the company's end markets are currently performing below expectations. The firm also stated that their estimates are conservative, falling below the consensus, as they await clearer signs of a cyclical upturn in the markets Flextronics serves.

In other recent news, Flex (NASDAQ:FLEX) Ltd. reported strong Q1 earnings for fiscal year 2025, with net sales of $6.3 billion and a GAAP operating income of $233 million. The company announced its intent to acquire Crown Technical Systems for $325 million, a move expected to enhance its capabilities in power distribution and protection systems.

Analysts from Goldman Sachs maintained a Buy rating on Flex, while Craig-Hallum upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy. However, JPMorgan revised its outlook, reducing the price target to $39.00 due to challenges in the automotive and industrial sectors. Additionally, Flex partnered with JetCool to develop server solutions for AI servers and high-density computing.

The company also disclosed the approval of significant supplemental equity awards for two of its top executives, aimed at promoting long-term retention and incentivizing superior shareholder returns.

Lastly, Flex's shareholders approved a share repurchase plan with a maximum expenditure of $1.7 billion. These are the recent developments in Flex Ltd.

InvestingPro Insights

Adding to KeyBanc's optimistic outlook on Flextronics International Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX), recent data from InvestingPro provides further context to the company's financial performance and market position.

Flextronics is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 15.22, which is relatively low compared to its near-term earnings growth potential. This aligns with one of the InvestingPro Tips, suggesting that the stock may be undervalued. Additionally, the company's valuation implies a strong free cash flow yield, which could be attractive to value-oriented investors.

Despite KeyBanc's conservative estimates, Flextronics has shown impressive market performance. The stock has delivered a robust 96.01% total return over the past year and is trading near its 52-week high, with its current price at 95.95% of the high. This strong performance is reflected in another InvestingPro Tip, which highlights the company's high return over the last year.

It's worth noting that while Flextronics doesn't pay a dividend, management has been aggressively buying back shares, potentially indicating confidence in the company's future prospects. This strategy aligns with the company's focus on creating shareholder value, as mentioned in KeyBanc's analysis.

For investors seeking more comprehensive insights, InvestingPro offers 13 additional tips on Flextronics, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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