Core Viewpoint - Boyd Group Services has recently celebrated its listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) by ringing the opening bell, marking a significant milestone for the company [1] Group 1: Company Highlights - Boyd Group Services Inc (NYSE: BGSI) is recognized for its recent listing on the NYSE [1] - The company is based in Canada and is led by Chairman and CEO Jay Jackson, who discussed the listing on the Inside the ICE House podcast [1] Group 2: Market Context - The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 50,000 for the second consecutive session, indicating a strong market performance [1] - Equities showed little change in extended trading hours following the record close of the Dow Jones Industrial Average [1] Group 3: Related Developments - Resolve AI announced a $125 million Series A funding round, achieving unicorn status [1] - Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH) celebrated its 35th anniversary of listing on the NYSE [1]

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]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets have started 2026 positively, with all three major stock indexes trading in positive territory, supported by strong domestic economic fundamentals, solid fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, accommodative Fed policies, and resolution of trade issues [1] Investment Recommendations - Investing in growth stocks is recommended for February, focusing on stocks with aggressive earnings or revenue growth to enhance portfolio performance [2] Growth Stock Picks - Five recommended growth stocks include Micron Technology Inc. (MU), MongoDB Inc. (MDB), Amphenol Corp. (APH), Ciena Corp. (CIEN), and Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX), all with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of A [3] Micron Technology Inc. (MU) - Micron is a leader in AI infrastructure, driven by strong demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) solutions, with record sales in the data center market and increasing HBM adoption boosting DRAM revenues [6][10] - The growing adoption of AI servers is reshaping the DRAM market, increasing demand for high-capacity DIMMs and low-power server DRAM, with Micron capitalizing on this trend through a strong product roadmap, including HBM4 set for production in 2026 [7] - Micron's diversification strategy has stabilized its revenue base by shifting focus from volatile consumer electronics to more resilient sectors like automotive and enterprise IT [8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Micron are 96.1% and over 100%, respectively, for the current year ending August 2026, with a recent earnings estimate improvement of 0.1% [10] MongoDB Inc. (MDB) - MongoDB has expanded its Atlas platform beyond database management into analytics, targeting agile development and modern workloads to leverage the generative AI trend [11] - The company has seen continued platform adoption across enterprises and startups, with a focus on larger enterprises enhancing deal sizes and sales efficiency [12] - Recent product initiatives include new AI embedding models and integrations with tools like GitHub Copilot, strengthening its position in AI-driven applications [13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for MongoDB are 17.8% and 17.2%, respectively, for the current year ending January 2027, with a recent earnings estimate improvement of 0.2% [14] Amphenol Corp. (APH) - Amphenol benefits from a diversified business model, with a strong portfolio in high-technology interconnect products, commanding an estimated 33% market share in AI-powered data center interconnects [15] - Increased spending on defense technologies and strong demand across Commercial Air, Industrial, and IT Datacom sectors support top-line growth [16] - Rising AI workloads and cloud infrastructure upgrades are driving demand for high-speed interconnects, with steady growth expected in the Interconnect and Sensor Systems segment [17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Amphenol are 34.9% and 29.3%, respectively, for the current year, with a recent earnings estimate improvement of 6.4% [18] Ciena Corp. (CIEN) - Ciena's fiscal fourth-quarter showed a 20% year-over-year revenue increase and 69.5% EPS growth, driven by AI-led demand from cloud and service provider customers [19] - Networking Platforms revenues rose 22% to $1.05 billion, with strong growth in Optical and Routing and Switching segments [20] - Ciena has raised its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $5.7-$6.1 billion, reflecting nearly 24% growth at the midpoint, driven by demand from cloud and AI infrastructure [21] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Ciena are 24.1% and over 100%, respectively, for the current year ending October 2026, with a recent earnings estimate improvement of 20.2% [23] Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) - Seagate is experiencing strong execution amid rising cloud and AI demand, with a focus on balancing performance and cost efficiency in modern data centers [24] - High-capacity nearline production is booked through 2026, with long-term contracts providing strong demand visibility through 2027 [25] - Seagate's aerial density roadmap offers a competitive advantage in hard drives, aligning with the growing demand for AI-driven data storage solutions [26] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Seagate are 24.6% and 55.9%, respectively, for the current year ending June 2026, with a recent earnings estimate improvement of 11.8% [28]

Company Overview - Amphenol Corporation (APH) is a key player in the electrification and digitization sectors, manufacturing connectors, cable assemblies, and sensors for various industries including automotive, aerospace, smartphones, and AI data centers [3] - The company operates with a decentralized structure of over 140 business units, allowing for rapid decision-making and maintaining autonomy in acquired businesses [4] Financial Performance - APH has demonstrated consistent revenue growth in the low double digits and mid-teen earnings growth over the past two decades [4] - The company's operating margins are near 25%, with returns on invested capital consistently above 20% [5] Market Position and Strategy - The global connector and sensor market is estimated at $80–90 billion and remains fragmented, offering both organic and acquisition-driven growth opportunities [6] - Mergers and acquisitions are central to APH's strategy, with over 100 completed historically and more than 70 since 2008, focusing on niche, engineering-driven businesses [4][6] Recent Developments - The recent $3.6 billion acquisition of CommScope Connectivity enhances APH's data center and network offerings [6] - APH's revenue is diversified across multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace, industrial, defense, data centers, and communications infrastructure, which helps stabilize results through economic cycles [5] Growth Potential - APH is well-positioned for growth in electrification, automation, and AI, with each of its three segments contributing roughly a third of sales [5] - The company's products are critical and integrated early in customer designs, leading to long-lived revenue streams due to high switching costs [3][5]

Core Insights - Amphenol (APH) shares are currently trading at a premium valuation with a Value Score of D, reflecting a 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 29.36X, which is higher than the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 25.6X and the Zacks Electronics - Connectors industry's 29.04X [1][2] Valuation Comparison - APH's premium valuation is evident when compared to peers such as Belden Inc. (BDC), TE Connectivity (TEL), and Hubbell (HUBB), which have forward 12-month P/E ratios of 15.97X, 19.02X, and 24.45X respectively [2] Growth Prospects - The premium valuation of APH is supported by strong growth prospects, including accelerating revenues, margin expansion, and increased participation in high-growth markets like AI-driven IT datacom and defense [3] - Strong bookings momentum enhances long-term earnings visibility and growth sustainability [3] Stock Performance - Amphenol's stock has achieved a 21.7% gain over six months, outperforming the broader sector's 12.8% rise and key peers such as Hubbell, Belden, and TE Connectivity [7] - The stock's growth is attributed to AI-led IT datacom demand, record orders, and a strong book-to-bill ratio of 1.31 [9] Market Demand - The IT datacom segment contributed 38% of total revenues in the last quarter, showing significant year-over-year growth driven by AI-related data center demand [12] - The acquisition of CommScope's CCS business enhances Amphenol's capabilities in fiber-optic and high-speed interconnects, positioning the company as a key partner for complex AI and cloud architectures [13] Defense and Aerospace Growth - Amphenol benefits from strong demand in defense and commercial aerospace markets, with defense sales growing 44% year-over-year in the fourth quarter and 30% for the full year of 2025 [14] - Commercial aerospace sales also increased, driven by rising aircraft production and strong design-in positions across multiple jetliner platforms [15] Q1 2026 Guidance - For Q1 2026, Amphenol expects earnings between $0.91 and $0.93 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 44% to 48%, with revenues anticipated between $6.90 billion and $7 billion, suggesting growth of 43% to 45% [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q1 2026 earnings is pegged at $0.94 per share, reflecting a 49.21% growth over the previous year [18] Investment Recommendation - Despite the premium valuation, Amphenol's accelerating AI datacom exposure, defense and aerospace tailwinds, record bookings momentum, and strong earnings outlook reinforce durable growth visibility, making it a preferred stock to buy now [19]

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 has appointed R. Adam Norwitt as Chairman of the Board, in addition to his current role as President and CEO, effective from the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected in May 2026 [1]. Company Leadership - R. Adam Norwitt has been with Amphenol for over five decades, having served as President from 1987 to 2006 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1996 to the present [1].

Core Viewpoint - Barclays analyst Guy Hardwick raised the price target for Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) to $175 from $156, maintaining an Overweight rating, citing a recent share pullback as an attractive entry point due to a below-consensus first-quarter sales outlook [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Projections - Amphenol's fourth-quarter results prompted the price target increase, with a record order backlog of $8.4 billion indicating strong underlying demand [1]. - The acquisition of CommScope's Connectivity and Cable Solutions business is expected to generate approximately $4.1 billion in sales for the full year 2026 and add about $0.15 to Amphenol's diluted earnings per share in 2026, excluding acquisition-related costs [2]. Group 2: Strategic Developments - The acquisition enhances Amphenol's capabilities in fiber optic interconnect for IT datacom and communications networks, as well as a diverse range of industrial interconnect products for building infrastructure connectivity [2]. - Amphenol ranks among the largest global suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems, with a diverse portfolio that includes electrical, electronic, and fiber optic products, as well as antennas, sensors, and high-speed specialty cable solutions [2].

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets began 2026 positively, with major indexes like the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite rising by 1.7%, 1.4%, and 1% respectively in January, while the Russell 2000 increased by over 5% [2] Investment Opportunities - Five stocks with favorable Zacks Rank and momentum for February include Amphenol Corp. (APH), Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX), Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA), Coeur Mining Inc. (CDE), and KLA Corp. (KLAC), all rated as Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with a Momentum Score of A [3] Amphenol Corp. (APH) - Amphenol benefits from a diversified business model and holds a 33% market share in AI-powered data center interconnects, with strong demand for high-speed and power interconnect products [5][6] - Increased spending on defense technologies and strong demand across Commercial Air, Industrial, and IT Datacom sectors support top-line growth [6] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 24.1% and 30.2% respectively, with a 1.2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [9] Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) - Seagate is experiencing strong demand driven by cloud and AI, with a focus on balancing performance and cost efficiency [10] - High-capacity nearline production is booked through 2026, ensuring strong demand visibility [11] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 24.6% and 52.6% respectively, with a 6.5% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [14] Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) - Ulta's retail model combines mass, prestige, and luxury beauty, driving consistent customer engagement [15] - Strong loyalty programs and digital capabilities enhance customer relationships and repeat purchases [16] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 6.1% and 11.4% respectively, with a slight improvement in earnings estimates [18] Coeur Mining Inc. (CDE) - Coeur Mining is a primary silver and gold producer with operations in the Americas, including key properties in Mexico, Bolivia, Nevada, and Alaska [19] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 30.2% and over 100% respectively, with a 10.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last month [20] KLA Corp. (KLAC) - KLA is benefiting from strong demand in the semiconductor industry, particularly in AI infrastructure and advanced packaging [21] - The company’s leadership in process control systems supports revenue growth amid increasing design complexity [22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 7.92% and 8.8% respectively, with a 1.2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last week [23]

Core Insights - Amphenol Corporation (APH) is recognized as a high growth technology stock that is profitable, with significant attention from analysts due to its strong market position and growth potential [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Seaport Research raised its price target on Amphenol Corporation to $210 from $200, maintaining a Buy rating, indicating further upside potential despite high consensus estimates [1]. - Citi analyst Asiya Merchant also increased the price target on Amphenol Corporation to $180 from $175 while keeping a Buy rating, although the stock experienced a decline post-earnings announcement [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Amphenol Corporation is a leading manufacturer of electronic and fiber optic connectors, cables, and interconnect systems, serving critical industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial [3].