Knowles Corp. (KN)

Knowles Corp. stock has experienced a significant increase of 118.19% between April 2025 and April 2026. In Q1 2026, revenues exceeded expectations, increasing 16% from Q1 2025, and diluted EPS increased from a loss in Q1 2025, although it missed analyst estimates. Analysts raised their price targets for Knowles following these results. For Q2 2026, Knowles expects revenues between $152 million and $162 million, and diluted EPS between $0.18 and $0.22 per share. In May 2026, the CEO sold 142,857 shares of company stock, and other insider sales have occurred, potentially tempering near-term sentiment.

Demand for Knowles Corp.'s products is primarily influenced by end-market trends rather than strict calendar seasonality. The Medtech & Specialty Audio segment has seen increased shipping volumes due to stronger end-market demand. The Precision Devices segment's demand can be affected by factors such as inventory levels, but has also shown strong performance due to increased demand from electrification and defense sectors. Management noted sustained demand signals in Precision Devices, anticipating continued growth supported by strong secular growth trends and new initiatives. The specialty film product line within Precision Devices is expected to see significant growth in 2026.

Knowles Corp. is a global provider of micro-acoustic microphones, balanced armature speakers, audio solutions, high-performance capacitors, and RF filtering products, operating in the Technology Hardware & Equipment sector. The company is divided into Precision Devices (PD) and Medtech & Specialty Audio (MSA) segments. The Precision Devices segment focuses on capacitor products and RF solutions, while the Medtech & Specialty Audio segment specializes in balanced armature speakers and microphones. The majority of Knowles' revenue is generated from its Precision Devices segment.

Knowles Corp. has a global presence with operations in the United States, Asia, Other Americas, and Europe. Manufacturing facilities are located in North America and Asia for the Precision Devices segment, and primarily in Asia for the Medtech & Specialty Audio segment, including facilities in China. Design centers are situated in Europe, Asia, India, and North America. The United States is the largest revenue-generating region for Knowles.

Knowles Corp.'s brand reputation has been positively influenced by its strategic repositioning and strong financial performance. The company's shift towards high-value industrial technology markets and divestiture of its consumer MEMS microphone business has contributed to its perception as a resilient growth candidate. Its competitive advantages, including proprietary technologies and expertise in advanced ceramic manufacturing, bolster its reputation for innovation. The company's financial health also supports a positive brand image.

Knowles Corp.'s ownership is predominantly held by institutional investors and public shareholders, with institutions holding approximately 98.3% of the company's shares. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Individual insiders, including CEO Jeffrey S. Niew, also hold a stake in the company, with Niew directly holding 883,719 shares as of May 5, 2026.