Northland cuts inTEST stock rating amid economic headwinds

Published 05/05/2025, 14:54
Northland cuts inTEST stock rating amid economic headwinds

On Monday, Northland analysts revised their outlook on inTEST Corp. (NYSE: INTT), downgrading the stock from Outperform to Market Perform. The decision followed the company’s first-quarter earnings report last week, which did not meet expectations. The stock has declined 47% over the past year, though InvestingPro analysis suggests the company is currently undervalued. The analysts cited significant challenges faced by the company, including the impact of tariffs and broader economic uncertainty.

inTEST Corp., known for its thermal management solutions and semiconductor testing equipment, has been navigating a tough economic climate. Despite challenges, the company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 2.39 and operates with moderate debt levels. The Northland analysts noted that these conditions have adversely affected the company’s performance. "We are lowering our rating from OP to MP," the analyst stated, indicating a shift to a neutral stance on the stock’s prospects.

The downgrade reflects a cautious approach by Northland, acknowledging the missed opportunity to adjust their recommendation earlier. "We should have stepped to the side last month when we sensed a shifting macro environment," the analyst remarked, suggesting that signs of market changes were already apparent.

The analysts have expressed an intent to re-evaluate their position on inTEST Corp. in the future. They emphasized the need to see signs of stabilization in the market dynamics that directly impact the company’s business before considering a more favorable recommendation. "We will revisit our recommendation when we determine a stabilization in the company’s end market dynamics," the analyst concluded.

Investors in inTEST Corp. will be watching closely for any signs of improvement in the semiconductor sector and the broader economic landscape that could signal a turnaround for the company’s fortunes. InvestingPro data shows analysts expect the company to return to profitability this year, with additional ProTips available for subscribers seeking deeper insights into the company’s financial outlook.

In other recent news, inTest Corporation reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results, which fell short of expectations. The company announced a revenue of $26.6 million, missing the forecasted $28.06 million, and an adjusted net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to the expected EPS of -$0.05. The revenue decline was attributed to a slowdown in customer spending and engineering delays affecting shipments. Despite the challenges, inTest generated $5.5 million in cash from operations and repaid $3.2 million in debt, indicating efforts to strengthen its financial position. The company also highlighted ongoing innovation efforts, with new product sales accounting for 17% of total sales. Looking ahead, inTest forecasts second-quarter revenue between $27 million and $29 million, with expected gross margins of approximately 42%. The company is also planning geographic expansion with a new facility in Malaysia. Analyst firms Lake Street Capital and Oak Ridge Financial noted the challenges in the semiconductor and auto sectors but acknowledged inTest’s efforts to mitigate these issues through diversification and cost-saving measures.

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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