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On Monday, Baird adjusted its price target for Keysight Technologies (NYSE:KEYS), a prominent player in the test and measurement (T&M) industry. The firm reduced the target to $160 from the previous $167 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the company's stock.
The adjustment comes ahead of Keysight's third-quarter earnings report, scheduled to be released after the market closes on Tuesday, August 20. Baird's analysis indicates that recent reports from T&M industry peers align with Keysight's guidance for a mid-teens decline in third-quarter sales.
Despite the lowered sales guidance, Baird anticipates strength in Keysight's wired and data center communications solutions group (CSG) business. Additionally, demand in aerospace, defense, and government (A/D/G) markets is expected to remain robust, although the timing of defense funding and shipments is unpredictable.
Mixed performance is observed in Keysight's other major markets, which appear to be either stable or showing minimal growth. However, Baird notes that Keysight had reported improved six-month order funnels in the previous quarter, which could signal positive momentum if sustained.
Baird concludes that while some signs of recovery may be present in Keysight's upcoming financial results, the trajectory of recovery into fiscal year 2025 is still not entirely clear. Investors and industry watchers will be looking to the forthcoming earnings report for further insights into the company's performance and outlook.
Keysight Technologies reported robust fiscal second quarter results in 2024, with revenues reaching $1.2 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.41, exceeding analyst expectations.
Keysight Technologies has also expanded its MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator (SAS) platform, which can now deliver a total power output of up to 8.4-kW. This enhancement aims to provide a more accurate emulation of photovoltaic (PV) performance for spacecraft and satellite testing.
In another development, Keysight's Signaling Field-To-Lab (S-FTL) solution has been adopted by Samsung (KS:005930) Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) to improve its 5G testing capabilities.
Analysts have had mixed reactions to these developments. JPMorgan has reduced Keysight's price target due to concerns about margin outcomes within the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) and modest quarterly revenue declines. . Goldman Sachs and Edward Jones maintained their Buy ratings on Keysight stock, with Edward Jones highlighting the company's growth opportunities in the automotive electronics and electric vehicle sectors.
InvestingPro Insights
As Keysight Technologies (NYSE:KEYS) gears up for its third-quarter earnings report, InvestingPro data and tips provide a snapshot of the company's recent performance and analysts' expectations. Despite a challenging environment, Keysight has demonstrated a significant return over the last week, with a 9.33% price total return, underscoring short-term investor optimism. This aligns with the Baird's maintained Outperform rating and suggests that market sentiment may be leaning positive despite anticipated sales declines.
InvestingPro data also reveals that Keysight operates with a moderate level of debt and has liquid assets that exceed its short-term obligations, indicating a stable financial position that could reassure investors of the company's ability to weather potential downturns. With a market capitalization of $23.62 billion and a P/E ratio of 29.38, Keysight's valuation reflects its profitability over the last twelve months, with a gross profit margin of 64.16%, highlighting efficient operations amidst industry headwinds.
For those seeking a deeper dive into Keysight's financial health and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional tips, including analysts' profitability predictions for the year and insights into the company's long-term return performance. Currently, InvestingPro lists 7 additional tips for Keysight, available for investors who want to explore beyond the surface figures.
Investors can access these insights and more by visiting https://www.investing.com/pro/KEYS, which could provide valuable context as they assess Keysight's forthcoming earnings report and its implications for the T&M industry.
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