Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the electronic components stocks, including Vicor (NASDAQ:VICR) and its peers.

Like many equipment and component manufacturers, electronic components companies are buoyed by secular trends such as connectivity and industrial automation. More specific pockets of strong demand include data centers and telecommunications, which can benefit companies whose optical and transceiver offerings fit those markets. But like the broader industrials sector, these companies are also at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending, for example, can greatly impact these companies’ volumes.

The 10 electronic components stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 3.1% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

While some electronic components stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 3.1% since the latest earnings results.

Vicor (NASDAQ:VICR)

Founded by a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Vicor (NASDAQ:VICR) provides electrical power conversion and delivery products for a range of industries.

Vicor reported revenues of $96.17 million, up 3.8% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 5.6%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Commenting on fourth quarter performance, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrizio Vinciarelli stated: “Revenues and gross margins improved. Further margin improvements depend upon higher utilization of our ChiP fab and increased licensing income. These revenue and income streams are synergistic as our standard license provides royalty discounts commensurate to the Licensee’s annual purchases of Vicor modules. Licensing has been gaining traction with companies whose computing hardware is increasingly dependent on high density power system solutions pioneered and patented by Vicor, including NBMs. Avoiding infringement is the ethical choice, but hyper-scalers also want to avoid the risk of their computing hardware being excluded from importation into the United States. Patent infringement has severe consequences.”

The stock is up 4.4% since reporting and currently trades at $54.15.

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

Best Q4: Advanced Energy (NASDAQ:AEIS)

Pioneering technologies for radio frequency power delivery, Advanced Energy (NASDAQ:AEIS) provides power supplies, thermal management systems, and measurement and control instruments for various manufacturing processes.