NEENAH, WI, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plexus Corp. (NASDAQ: PLXS) announced today that it will attend the Raymond James 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, FL on March 2, 2026. During the conference, Raymond James will host a fireside chat with Plexus’ management team at 10:25 a.m. Eastern Time. The fireside chat will be available via live webcast. What:Plexus Fireside Chat and Webcast at the Raymond James 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference When:Monday March 2, 20 ...

Recent Insider Trading Activities - Multiple executives and directors of Prexas Company engaged in significant stock sell-offs during November 2025, indicating potential internal sentiment about the company's future [1] - On November 28, 2025, executives Mihm Oliver K. and Ninivaggi Angelo Michael Jr. sold shares on November 25 and 26, respectively [1] - On November 14, 2025, it was disclosed that several insiders, including director Kelsey Todd P., collectively sold shares on November 12, with Kelsey Todd P. alone selling approximately $1.4836 million worth of stock [1] - Additional sell-off activities by other executives were reported on November 12 and 13, 2025, further highlighting the trend of insider selling [1] Implications of Insider Trading - Insider trading activities serve as a dimension for market participants to gauge the company's situation, with motivations for such trades potentially varying [1]

Company Performance - Plexus (PLXS) has seen a significant increase in its stock price, rising 29.9% over the past month and reaching a new 52-week high of $211.84 [1] - Year-to-date, Plexus has gained 41.7%, outperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 0.7% gain and the Zacks Electronics - Manufacturing Services industry's 12.5% return [1] Earnings and Revenue Expectations - Plexus has a strong track record of positive earnings surprises, having met or exceeded earnings consensus estimates in the last four quarters [2] - For the current fiscal year, Plexus is expected to report earnings of $7.61 per share on revenues of $4.45 billion, reflecting a 2.42% increase in EPS and a 10.46% increase in revenues [3] - For the next fiscal year, earnings are projected to rise to $8.45 per share on revenues of $4.81 billion, indicating year-over-year changes of 11.04% and 7.94%, respectively [3] Valuation Metrics - Plexus currently trades at 27.4 times the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 25.2 times [6] - On a trailing cash flow basis, Plexus trades at 22.1 times, compared to the peer group's average of 20 times [6] - The stock has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of C, and a Momentum Score of A, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6] Zacks Rank - Plexus holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by a solid earnings estimate revision trend [7] - The recommendation is for investors to consider stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, indicating potential for Plexus shares in the near future [7] Industry Comparison - The Electronics - Manufacturing Services industry is performing well, ranking in the top 2% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Plexus and its peer, Jabil, Inc. (JBL) [10] - Jabil, Inc. also has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has shown strong earnings performance, beating consensus estimates by 4.78% last quarter [9]

Core Viewpoint - Plexus (PLXS) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to significant upward revisions in earnings estimates, indicating a positive earnings outlook that may continue to drive stock performance [1][11]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts have shown growing optimism regarding Plexus's earnings prospects, reflected in the upward trend of estimate revisions, which historically correlates with stock price movements [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate for Plexus is projected at $1.85 per share, representing an 11.5% year-over-year increase, with a 13.54% rise in consensus estimates over the last 30 days [7]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate stands at $7.61 per share, reflecting a 2.4% increase from the previous year, with a 5.27% boost in consensus estimates during the same timeframe [8][9]. Zacks Rank and Performance - Plexus currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), supported by strong agreement among analysts on upward earnings revisions, which historically leads to significant outperformance [3][10]. - Stocks rated Zacks Rank 1 have generated an average annual return of +25% since 2008, indicating a robust track record of success [3]. Stock Performance - Plexus has experienced a notable 30.8% gain over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions and positive earnings growth prospects, suggesting it may be a timely addition to investment portfolios [11].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling even higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] Company Overview: Plexus (PLXS) - Plexus currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is associated with a historical outperformance in the market [3] Price Performance - Over the past week, Plexus shares increased by 3.46%, while the Zacks Electronics - Manufacturing Services industry rose by 8.88% [5] - In a longer time frame, Plexus shares have appreciated by 30.75% over the past month, outperforming the industry's 14.19% [5] - Over the last quarter, Plexus shares surged by 46.91%, and over the past year, they gained 46.12%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 3.37% and 15.17%, respectively [6] Trading Volume - Plexus has an average 20-day trading volume of 407,527 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, two earnings estimates for Plexus have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $7.49 to $7.61 [9] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have also moved upwards without any downward revisions [9] Conclusion - Given the strong momentum indicators and positive earnings outlook, Plexus is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling investment option [11]

Core Viewpoint - Plexus (PLXS) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the company's changing earnings picture [1][2]. - A strong correlation exists between changes in earnings estimates and near-term stock price movements, influenced by institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [4][6]. Implications of the Upgrade - The upgrade indicates a positive outlook for Plexus's earnings, which could lead to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [3][5]. - Rising earnings estimates suggest an improvement in Plexus's underlying business, warranting investor confidence and potential stock appreciation [5][10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending September 2026, Plexus is expected to earn $7.61 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 5.2% over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7][9]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions and potential for market-beating returns [9][10].

Financial Performance - Net sales for the three months ended January 3, 2026, increased by $93.8 million, or 9.6%, compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $1,069.9 million[83]. - Operating income for the three months ended January 3, 2026, increased by $7.6 million, or 16.2%, to $54.5 million, with an operating margin of 5.1%[94]. - Net income for the three months ended January 3, 2026, rose by $3.9 million, or 10.5%, to $41.2 million, primarily due to increased operating income[99]. - Diluted earnings per share increased to $1.51 for the three months ended January 3, 2026, up from $1.34 in the prior year[100]. Segment Performance - In the AMER segment, net sales increased by $70.9 million, or 25.9%, driven by production ramps of new products and increased customer demand[86]. - In the APAC segment, net sales increased by $4.6 million, or 0.8%, with production ramps partially offset by customer disengagements[87]. - In the EMEA segment, net sales increased by $17.2 million, or 17.0%, attributed to production ramps of new products[88]. Profitability and Margins - Gross profit for the three months ended January 3, 2026, increased by $5.4 million, or 5.4%, with a gross margin of 9.9%, down 40 basis points from the previous year[93]. - Cost of sales increased by $88.3 million, or 10.1%, primarily due to higher material and component costs[91]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents as of January 3, 2026, were $249.4 million, down from $306.8 million as of September 27, 2025[106]. - Cash flows used in operating activities for the three months ended January 3, 2026, were $(15.4) million, compared to $53.6 million for the same period in 2024[108]. - Free Cash Flow (FCF) for the three months ended January 3, 2026, was $(50.6) million, a decrease of $77.7 million compared to $27.1 million for the same period in 2024[114]. - Cash flows used in investing activities increased to $35.1 million for the three months ended January 3, 2026, from $26.4 million in the same period in 2024[117]. - Cash flows used in financing activities were $8.0 million for the three months ended January 3, 2026, compared to $52.8 million for the same period in 2024[119]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are estimated to be approximately $100.0 million to $120.0 million to support new program ramps and replace older equipment[118]. - As of January 3, 2026, 91% of cash and cash equivalents were held outside the U.S. by foreign subsidiaries[107]. - The company has a share repurchase program with $62.6 million of authority remaining under the 2026 Program as of January 3, 2026[121]. Currency and Interest Rate Risks - As of January 3, 2026, 10% of net sales and 17% of total costs were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar[132]. - A 10.0% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other transactional currencies would not have a material effect on the company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows[132]. - The only material interest rate risk as of January 3, 2026, was associated with the Credit Facility, which has various interest rate options based on different benchmarks[134]. - The borrowing rate under the Credit Facility was SOFR plus 1.00% as of January 3, 2026[135]. - Borrowings under the 2018 NPA are based on a fixed interest rate, mitigating much of the company's interest rate risk[135]. - A 10.0% change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows[135].

Company Overview - Plexus Corp., founded in 1979 and based in Neenah, WI, is a leading provider of electronic contract manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across various industries, including Healthcare/Life Sciences, Industrial, and Aerospace/Defense sectors [11]. Investment Ratings - Plexus Corp. currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and has a VGM Score of A, indicating a solid overall performance [11]. - The company is considered a potential top pick for growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting a year-over-year earnings growth of 2.4% for the current fiscal year [12]. Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, two analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.12 to $7.61 per share [12]. - Plexus Corp. has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +8.9%, suggesting a positive trend in earnings performance [12].

Market Performance - U.S. stocks closed lower on Friday, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping over 200 points during the session [1] - The S&P 500 experienced losses for the third consecutive session but recorded a gain of 1.4% for January [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell approximately 179 points, closing at 48,892.47, while the S&P 500 decreased by 0.43% to 6,939.03 and the Nasdaq Composite declined by 0.94% to 23,461.82 [1] - For January, the Dow added 1.7% and the Nasdaq recorded a monthly gain of 1% [1] Analyst Insights - Wall Street analysts frequently make new stock picks, but their track records in predicting market movements are often inconsistent [2] - There is significant variation in analyst ratings and price targets for individual stocks, leading to confusion among investors regarding which opinions to trust [2]

Group 1 - Benchmark raised the price target on Plexus (PLXS) to $220 from $195, maintaining a Buy rating on the shares [1] - The firm was surprised by the strength of the Q2 guidance and the upbeat tone around demand momentum for the remainder of FY26 and beyond [1]