Knowles Corp. (KN)

Knowles Corp. stock has experienced an upward trend in the past six months. On October 1, 2025, the stock reached a 52-week high. In the second and third quarters of 2025, Knowles surpassed earnings expectations. In December 2025, a hedge fund bought 622,500 Knowles shares. In November 2025, the stock was noted as being oversold. There were reports of insider selling in late October and early November 2025. In February 2025, Knowles' Board approved an additional $150 million to its stock repurchase program.

Demand seasonality varies by segment. The Precision Devices (PD) segment is generally not subject to typical seasonality, but is influenced by capital investment cycles and government spending. The Medtech & Specialty Audio (MSA) segment tends to experience stronger revenues in the fourth quarter, driven by end-user consumer demand. Unfavorable economic conditions can lead to delays or reductions in product purchases. The MSA segment has also experienced customer destocking.

Knowles Corporation is a technology company specializing in high-performance components, operating primarily in the Technology and Communications sector, specifically Electronic Equipment & Parts. Headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, it employs approximately 5,500 people globally. Knowles produces high-performance capacitors, RF filtering products, micro-acoustic microphones, balanced armature speakers, and audio processing technologies. These products serve industries including medtech, aerospace and defense, industrial electrification, and consumer electronics. The company operates through two segments: Precision Devices (PD) and Medtech & Specialty Audio (MSA).

Knowles Corporation has a significant global presence with operations in the US, the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, and India. It maintains manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and sales offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. The United States generates the maximum revenue for the company. Knowles employs a "proximity manufacturing" model to minimize direct tariff exposure.

Knowles has established itself as a market leader in MEMS microphones, recognized for its high-quality products and strong brand reputation. The sale of its Consumer MEMS Microphones (CMM) business to Syntiant Corp for $150 million supports Knowles' transformation into an industrial technology company. This move highlights a potential weakness in "Limited Brand Awareness" among end consumers.

The ownership structure of Knowles Corp. is predominantly institutional, with approximately 60.71% to 90.07% of the stock owned by institutional investors. Insiders own about 2.42%, and public companies and individual investors hold the remaining shares, ranging from 7.51% to 29.36%. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, and Franklin Resources Inc.