Spotting Winners: Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST) And Analog Semiconductors Stocks In Q4

As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q4. Today, we are looking at analog semiconductors stocks, starting with Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST).

Demand for analog chips is generally linked to the overall level of economic growth, as analog chips serve as the building blocks of most electronic goods and equipment. Unlike digital chip designers, analog chip makers tend to produce the majority of their own chips, as analog chip production does not require expensive leading edge nodes. Less dependent on major secular growth drivers, analog product cycles are much longer, often 5-7 years.

The 15 analog semiconductors stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.7% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 7,107% above.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 29.1% since the latest earnings results.

Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST)

Originally a temperature sensor control maker and a subsidiary of Texas Instruments for 60 years, Sensata Technology Holdings (NYSE: ST) is a leading supplier of analog sensors used in industrial and transportation applications, best known for its dominant position in the tire pressure monitoring systems in cars.

Sensata Technologies reported revenues of $907.7 million, down 8.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.6%. Overall, it was a satisfactory quarter for the company with a decent beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates but an increase in its inventory levels.

"Sensata had a strong finish to the year with fourth quarter revenue exceeding expectations, full year free cash flow increasing by over 40% compared to prior year, and adjusted operating margin increasing for the fourth consecutive quarter," said Stephan von Schuckmann, Sensata's Chief Executive Officer.

Spotting Winners: Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST) And Analog Semiconductors Stocks In Q4

Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 24.9% since reporting and currently trades at $19.37.

Is now the time to buy Sensata Technologies? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free .

Best Q4: Himax (NASDAQ:HIMX)

Taiwan-based Himax Technologies (NASDAQ:HIMX) is a leading manufacturer of display driver chips and timing controllers used in TVs, laptops, and mobile phones.

Himax reported revenues of $237.2 million, up 4.2% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 7.3%. The business had a stunning quarter with a significant improvement in its inventory levels and an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

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