Shares of Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC - Free Report) have gained 2.5% since reporting results for the fourth quarter of 2025. This compares with the S&P 500 index’s 1.1% decline over the same time frame. Over the past month, the stock has lost 2.4% compared with the S&P 500’s 0.6% fall.
Earnings & Revenue PerformancePreformed Line Products reported fourth-quarter 2025 net sales of $173.1 million, up 4% from $167.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Despite revenue growth, profitability weakened during the period. Net income declined roughly 19% to $8.4 million from $10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) also fell to $1.72 from $2.13 in the prior-year period. For the year, the company posted net sales of $669.3 million, an increase of 13% from $593.7 million in 2024. However, full-year net income declined to $35.3 million from $37.1 million a year earlier, while diluted EPS decreased to $7.14 from $7.50. Adjusted results were stronger, with adjusted diluted EPS rising 16% year over year to $8.70 after excluding pension termination charges.
Operational Performance & Business MetricsDemand across the company’s core markets remained solid in 2025. Backlog rose 22% year over year to $232.8 million, indicating continued order strength from energy and communications customers.
Sales growth during the fourth quarter was driven by domestic and international operations. The company’s PLP-USA segment recorded strong demand in energy and communications end markets, while international growth was supported by higher sales in the Asia-Pacific region and incremental communications revenues from the acquisition of JAP Telecom. Foreign currency translation also added $4.4 million to fourth-quarter net sales.
Segment data highlights broad-based growth across regions during 2025. PLP-USA revenues increased 17% year over year to $312.6 million, while the Americas segment posted 20% growth to $108.8 million. EMEA revenues rose 4% to $133.1 million and the Asia-Pacific increased 6% to $114.8 million. Energy remained the dominant end market, accounting for about 71% of the total sales in 2025, followed by communications at 22% and special industries at 7%.
Factors Affecting ProfitabilityAlthough revenues increased, profitability declined due to several cost-related pressures. Tariffs on internationally sourced materials, particularly steel and aluminum, raised input costs and weighed on margins. These tariffs also triggered accelerated Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) inventory valuation costs, reducing profitability.
As a result, gross profit in the fourth quarter fell 7% year over year to $51.6 million, and the gross margin declined to 29.8% from 33.3% in the prior-year quarter.
For the year, the company incurred $15.1 million in tariff-related costs and $9 million in LIFO inventory valuation costs, which contributed to a decline in the gross margin to 31.2% from 32% in 2024. Higher selling prices and increased sales volumes partly offset these cost pressures.
Management CommentaryExecutive chairman Rob Ruhlman highlighted the resilience of the company’s operations despite cost headwinds. Management noted that the increase in backlog and overall sales reflects strong demand in both energy and communications markets. However, the company continues to monitor commodity costs closely, particularly those related to tariffs on steel and aluminum.
The company indicated that earlier price increases helped offset some cost pressures, and additional pricing adjustments may be considered if input costs remain elevated. Management also emphasized the importance of continued investment in product development, facility modernization and acquisitions to support long-term growth.
Capital Allocation & Financial PositionPreformed Line Products maintained a solid liquidity position during 2025. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $83.4 million at year-end, up from $57.2 million in 2024.
The operating cash flow for the year totaled $73.5 million, supporting investments in capital expenditure and strategic initiatives. The free cash flow declined from the previous year primarily due to higher capital spending, which reached $40.1 million in 2025.
The company also raised its quarterly dividend 5% to 21 cents per share, reflecting confidence in its financial position and long-term outlook.
Other DevelopmentsIn 2025, Preformed Line Products continued to invest in expanding its global manufacturing footprint. The company is constructing a manufacturing facility in Poland, expected to come online later in 2026, and has established a facility in Spain to support international growth.
The acquisition of JAP Telecom contributed incremental communications market revenues in 2025 and supported the company’s expansion in fiber-related product offerings.
Overall, while PLPC’s revenue growth and strong backlog point to steady demand across its infrastructure markets, margin pressures from tariffs and inventory valuation adjustments weighed on profitability in the latest quarter. Management’s ongoing investments in manufacturing capacity and strategic acquisitions underscore its focus on long-term growth despite near-term cost challenges.
CLEVELAND, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Preformed Line Products (Nasdaq: PLPC) on March 13, 2026, declared a regular quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.21 per share on the Company's common shares, payable April 20, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2026.
ABOUT PLP
PLP protects the world's most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company's precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to perform better and last longer. With locations in 20 countries, PLP works as a united global corporation, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers around the world.
Preformed Line Products remains a prime beneficiary of U.S. grid modernization and AI data center power demand. Q4 net sales grew 4% year-over-year, with the order backlog surging 22%, validating sustained demand for PLPC's transmission components. Gross margin compressed to 29.8% in Q4, in line with expectations, as tariff-driven costs are pushed through accounting methods before the recovery begins.
Preformed Line Products (NASDAQ: PLPC - Get Free Report) and American Battery Technology (NASDAQ: ABAT - Get Free Report) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and dividends. Profitability This table
On April 24, 2026, Preformed Line Products Co PLPC shares rose 6.9%, bringing the current price to $351.17. The stock has experienced significant price performance, with a 52-week range of $130.00 to $352.37, showcasing a remarkable year-to-date increase of 70.2% and an impressive 154.6% rise over the past year.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price of $351.17 is 118.7% above the GF Value™ of $160.56.GF Score™ of 82/100 indicates a strong overall performance.Most notable signal: Financial strength rated at 9/10. Is PLPC Overvalued or Undervalued? According to the GF Value™, Preformed Line Products Co PLPC is currently significantly overvalued, with a current price of $351.17 compared to an estimated fair value of $160.56. This represents a 118.7% margin above the intrinsic value, suggesting a potential risk for investors if the price does not align closer to the GF Value™ in the future. In such cases, the risk of a price correction increases, which can lead to losses for investors who buy at inflated prices. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
The substantial gap between the current price and the GF Value™ indicates that despite the stock's strong performance metrics, it is trading at a price that may not be sustainable in the long term. Investors should be cautious, as the high valuation could lead to volatility if market sentiments shift or if the company's growth does not meet expectations.
How Does PLPC's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 49.2x 11.7x Forward P/E 35.0x - PLPC's current P/E (TTM) of 49.2x is significantly above its 5-year median P/E of 11.7x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict of being significantly overvalued, as the current P/E is 321% higher than the historical average, reinforcing the cautionary stance for potential investors.
What Does PLPC's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 82/100 Financial Strength 9/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 9/10 Valuation 1/10 Momentum 6/10 The GF Score™ of 82/100 reflects a strong overall performance for PLPC, particularly in financial strength (9/10) and growth (9/10), which are the strongest areas of the score. However, the valuation aspect is notably weak at 1/10, indicating that while the company may have solid fundamentals, its current price does not reflect a favorable investment opportunity. The profitability rank is also solid at 8/10, suggesting that the company is effectively generating profits relative to its peers.
What Are Insiders Doing with PLPC Stock? In the last three months, there have been no insider transactions reported for Preformed Line Products Co PLPC . This lack of insider activity may suggest a neutral stance from company executives regarding the stock's current valuation and future prospects. While insider buying can indicate confidence in the stock's future performance, the absence of such transactions does not necessarily reflect negative sentiment, but it does leave a gap in understanding insiders' confidence levels.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Preformed Line Products Co PLPC appears to be significantly overvalued. While the company shows strong financial health and performance metrics, the considerable gap between the current price and the GF Value™ suggests that caution is warranted when considering an investment at this time.
For the complete analysis, visit the Preformed Line Products Co PLPC stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is PLPC's GF Score™?
PLPC has a GF Score™ of 82/100, indicating a strong overall performance based on key financial metrics. Higher GF Score™ values are associated with higher long-term returns.
Is PLPC overvalued or undervalued?
PLPC is considered significantly overvalued, with a current price of $351.17 being 118.7% above the GF Value™ of $160.56.
What is PLPC's P/E ratio?
PLPC's P/E (TTM) is 49.2x, which is substantially above its 5-year median P/E of 11.7x, indicating a high valuation relative to its historical performance.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
, /PRNewswire/ -- Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ: PLPC) today reported financial results for its first quarter of 2026.
Q1 2026 highlights:
Quarterly net sales of $176.3 million, an increase of 19% from Q1 2025. USA sales growth of 26% from Q1 2025, driven by robust demand in energy and communications markets. Gross profit margin of 31.3%, up 150 basis points from Q4 2025. Diluted EPS of $2.14 per share, up 24% from Q4 2025. Net sales in the first quarter of 2026 were $176.3 million compared to $148.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, a 19% increase. All segments recorded sales growth compared to the first quarter of 2025, with the PLP-USA business growing by 26%, primarily due to higher demand for energy and communications products. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact of $7.2 million on the first quarter of 2026 net sales.
Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $10.5 million, or $2.14 per diluted share, compared to $11.5 million, or $2.33 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2025. While gross profit was up approximately $6.5 million from Q1 2025, period expenses were impacted by increased personnel costs supporting strategic market growth in core product offerings in both energy and communications, primarily for sales, sales support and engineering resources. Net income for the first quarter of 2026 was affected by an income tax charge of $1.3 million related to PLP's French subsidiary. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact of $0.1 million on the first quarter of 2026 net income. Compared against Q4 2025, which contained many of the same tariff headwinds that impacted Q1 2025, gross profit margins, net income, and diluted EPS all increased.
"As we reflect on the first quarter of 2026, I am proud of the Company's continued resilience in a challenging and dynamic global environment," said Rob Ruhlman, Executive Chairman. "Our team achieved exceptional sales growth this quarter, propelled by outstanding results from our U.S. manufacturing operations and our ability to meet rising demand. We faced margin pressure from higher manufacturing and ongoing tariff-related costs, as well as volatility in commodity prices. However, our impressive 150 basis point increase in gross profit percentage from Q4 2025 shows that we are actively managing these challenges through supply chain optimization, pricing strategies, and investment in efficiency and innovation. Our healthy balance sheet and strong liquidity provide flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions, while also investing in facility modernization and returning capital to our valued shareholders. While the ongoing tariff and geopolitical uncertainties present challenges, I believe our team is well prepared to adapt. Our focus is unchanged: provide our customers with the high-quality products and superior customer service they have come to expect from PLP."
A presentation on first quarter results will also be available on PLP's website at www.plp.com/investor-relations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the Company, including those statements regarding the Company's and management's beliefs and expectations concerning the Company's future performance or anticipated financial results, among others. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in those statements. Among other things, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements include the uncertainty in global business conditions and the economy due to factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, tariffs, labor disruptions, military conflict, international hostilities, political instability, exchange rates, natural disasters and health epidemics, the strength of demand and availability of funding for the Company's products (including in light of price increases) and the mix of products sold, the relative degree of competitive and customer price pressure on the Company's products, the cost, availability and quality of raw materials required for the manufacture of products and customer demand, opportunities for business growth through acquisitions and the ability to successfully integrate any acquired businesses, changes in regulations and tax rates, security breaches, litigation and claims and the Company's ability to continue to develop proprietary technology and maintain high-quality products and customer service to meet or exceed new industry performance standards and individual customer expectations, and other factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2026 and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's other filings with the SEC can be found on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.
ABOUT PLP
PLP protects the world's most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company's precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to perform better and last longer. With locations in 20 countries, PLP works as a united global corporation, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers around the world.
PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY (PLPC)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$ 69,452
$ 83,389
Accounts receivable, net
130,840
113,175
Inventories, net
151,810
148,730
Prepaid expenses
12,998
12,961
Other current assets
6,287
5,206
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
371,387
363,461
Property, plant and equipment, net
225,279
222,781
Goodwill
30,351
30,684
Other intangible assets, net
9,837
10,140
Deferred income taxes
6,794
7,481
Other assets
18,181
19,074
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 661,829
$ 653,621
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Trade accounts payable
$ 56,766
$ 49,520
Notes payable to banks
1,318
1,213
Current portion of long-term debt
5,891
5,392
Accrued compensation and other benefits
24,084
29,207
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
35,532
29,378
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
123,591
114,710
Long-term debt, less current portion
34,737
32,860
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred income taxes
29,919
30,500
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common shares $2 par value per share, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 4,888,012 and 4,907,787 issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025
13,890
13,860
Common shares issued to rabbi trust, 222,506 and 222,506 shares at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively
(9,586)
(9,586)
Deferred compensation liability
9,586
9,586
Paid-in capital
66,047
67,217
Retained earnings
593,869
584,360
Treasury shares, at cost, 2,056,379 and 2,021,940 shares at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively
(145,492)
(136,554)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(54,790)
(53,365)
TOTAL PLPC SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
473,524
475,518
Noncontrolling interest
58
33
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
473,582
475,551
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$ 661,829
$ 653,621
PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
(Thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Net sales
$ 176,278
$ 148,541
Cost of products sold
121,058
99,870
GROSS PROFIT
55,220
48,671
Costs and expenses
Selling
13,769
12,181
General and administrative
21,053
17,626
Research and engineering
6,736
5,479
Other operating (income) expense, net
(54)
255
41,504
35,541
OPERATING INCOME
13,716
13,130
Other income (expense)
Interest income
777
510
Interest expense
(232)
(376)
Other income, net
69
407
614
541
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
14,330
13,671
Income tax expense
3,781
2,118
NET INCOME
$ 10,549
$ 11,553
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(25)
(36)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLPC SHAREHOLDERS
$ 10,524
$ 11,517
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:
Basic
4,906
4,928
Diluted
4,927
4,950
EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLPC SHAREHOLDERS:
Shares of Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC - Free Report) have declined 6.4% since reporting results for the first quarter of 2026, underperforming the S&P 500 index’s 1.9% return. However, over the past month, the stock has risen 14.3%, outperforming the broader market’s 10.5% advance, indicating a mixed near-term reaction despite stronger recent momentum.
The company reported net sales of $176.3 million for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 19% increase from $148.5 million in the year-ago period. Net income, however, declined 9% to $10.5 million from $11.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per diluted share followed a similar trend, falling nearly 8% to $2.14 from $2.33 a year earlier. While revenue growth remained robust, profitability was pressured by higher expenses and tax-related impacts, offsetting gains from increased sales volume.
Other Key Business MetricsPreformed Line Productsdelivered broad-based growth across its segments, with all reporting year-over-year sales increases. The PLP-USA business stood out, with a 26% year-over-year rise in sales, driven by strong demand in energy and communications markets.
According to the company, energy segment sales saw a 22% year-over-year increase, with PLP-USA energy market sales rising 41% due to transmission-related demand. Communications revenues also showed strength, supported by fiber closure product sales, while special industries remained relatively smaller but stable contributors.
Gross profit increased to $55.2 million from $48.7 million a year earlier, though the gross margin declined to 31.3% from 32.8%. This reflects a 150-basis-point year-over-year contraction. Operating income improved modestly to $13.7 million from $13.1 million, indicating that higher sales volumes partially offset margin pressure.
From a liquidity perspective, Preformed Line Productsmaintained a solid balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $69.5 million as of March 31, 2026, compared with $83.4 million at the end of 2025, while total assets increased slightly to $661.8 million. The company highlights strong liquidity, including 88% availability under its global credit facility and manageable debt maturities.
The free cash flow was negative $3.9 million in the quarter against positive figures in the prior periods due to working capital changes. However, trailing 12-month free cash flow conversion remained healthy at 83%, indicating longer-term cash generation strength.
Management CommentaryManagement emphasized resilience in a challenging macroeconomic environment, highlighting strong sales growth, led by U.S. manufacturing operations. Executive chairman Rob Ruhlman noted that Preformed Line Productssuccessfully met rising demand, particularly in energy and communications markets.
At the same time, management acknowledged ongoing pressures from tariffs, commodity price volatility and higher manufacturing costs. Despite these headwinds, the company improved its gross margin sequentially from the fourth quarter of 2025, attributing the improvement to supply-chain optimization, pricing actions and efficiency initiatives.
Leadership also pointed to a strong balance sheet and liquidity position, enabling continued investment in facility modernization, innovation and potential acquisitions while maintaining shareholder returns.
Factors Influencing PerformanceSeveral factors shaped the quarter’s results. Revenue growth benefited from favorable foreign currency translation, which contributed $7.2 million to net sales. Strong demand across core markets, particularly in the United States, also played a significant role.
However, profitability was impacted by rising personnel expenses tied to strategic hiring in sales, engineering and support functions, as well as a $1.3-million tax charge related to the company’s French subsidiary. Tariff-related costs and commodity price volatility continued to weigh on margins, as noted in the press release and presentation.
The decline in net income and EPS despite higher revenue underscores the impacts of these cost pressures and one-time items, even as operational performance remained solid.
Other DevelopmentsNo significant acquisitions, divestitures or restructuring activities were reported during the quarter. However, management reiterated its intention to pursue acquisitions, supported by its strong balance sheet and liquidity position, suggesting inorganic growth opportunities ahead.
Preformed Line Products expressed confidence in its ability to navigate ongoing tariff and geopolitical uncertainties, supported by operational flexibility and a focus on efficiency and innovation.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Preformed Line Products Company (Nasdaq: PLPC), a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative solutions for the energy and communications industries, today announced the acquisition of Delta Star Conetores Eletricos Ltda., a Brazil-based manufacturer specializing in high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) substation connectors.
Delta Star's headquarters in Salto, Brazil.
Overhead view of Delta Star's facility in Salto, Brazil, where the company manufactures HV and EHV substation connectors. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Salto, Brazil, Delta Star manufactures high-quality substation connectors designed to support reliable, long-term grid performance. The company has built a strong reputation for its engineered solutions and maintains deep, longstanding relationships with leading substation equipment manufacturers.
This acquisition represents a key step in PLP's strategy to strengthen its global leadership in substation hardware and components. Delta Star complements PLP's recent acquisitions of SubCon Electrical Fittings in Austria, Maxxweld Conectores in Brazil, and Delta Conectores in Mexico, further expanding the company's global footprint and technical capabilities while significantly enhancing operational support to PLP's growing U.S. substation business.
"This acquisition is a natural extension of our long-term strategy to expand PLP's global substation platform," said Dennis McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of PLP. "Delta Star brings strong customer relationships, specialized product expertise, and proven performance in the substation market. Their capabilities will significantly enhance our ability to serve customers across the Americas while strengthening our global engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain network."
With this acquisition, PLP continues to expand its global portfolio of critical infrastructure solutions, strengthening its ability to support utilities and EPCs with reliable, high-performance products for evolving grid and energy demands.
ABOUT PLP
PLP protects the world's most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company's precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to perform better and last longer. With locations in over 20 countries, PLP works as a united global corporation, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers around the world.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the Company, including those statements regarding the Company's and management's beliefs and expectations concerning the Company's future performance or anticipated financial results, among others. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in those statements. Among other things, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements include the uncertainty in global business conditions and the economy due to factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, tariffs, labor disruptions, military conflict, international hostilities, political instability, exchange rates, natural disasters and health epidemics, the strength of demand and availability of funding for the Company's products (including in light of price increases) and the mix of products sold, the relative degree of competitive and customer price pressure on the Company's products, the cost, availability and quality of raw materials required for the manufacture of products and customer demand, opportunities for business growth through acquisitions and the ability to successfully integrate any acquired businesses, changes in regulations and tax rates, security breaches, litigation and claims and the Company's ability to continue to develop proprietary technology and maintain high-quality products and customer service to meet or exceed new industry performance standards and individual customer expectations, and other factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2026 and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's other filings with the SEC can be found on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.
On May 8, 2026, CM Management disclosed in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that it sold its entire stake in Preformed Line Products (PLPC 4.83%), an estimated $6.39 million trade based on quarterly average pricing.
What happenedCM Management reported in a SEC filing dated May 8, 2026, that it sold all 25,000 shares of Preformed Line Products during the first quarter. The estimated transaction value, based on the average closing price for the quarter, was approximately $6.39 million. The quarter-end valuation for the position declined by $5.17 million, reflecting both the sale and market price changes.
What else to knowTop holdings after the filing:NASDAQ:ALCO: $8.25 million (6.9% of AUM)NASDAQ:RIGL: $6.35 million (5.3% of AUM)NASDAQ:RPRX: $6.00 million (5.0% of AUM)NYSEMKT:RLGT: $4.58 million (3.8% of AUM)NYSEMKT:INTT: $4.50 million (3.8% of AUM)As of May 7, 2026, PLPC shares were priced at $345.28, up a staggering 150% over one year and well outperforming the S&P 500 by 129.02 percentage points.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$697.08 millionNet income (TTM)$34.29 millionDividend yield0.24%Price (as of market close May 7, 2026)$345.28Company snapshotPreformed Line Products designs and manufactures formed wire products, hardware, and protective closures for energy, telecommunications, and cable industries; key offerings include conductor supports, cable protection systems, and network hardware.The firm operates a manufacturing-driven business model, generating revenue from direct product sales and value-added solutions for network construction and maintenance.It serves public and private utilities, communication companies, cable operators, contractors, and distributors across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions.Preformed Line Products is a global manufacturer specializing in products essential for the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks in the energy and communications sectors. The company leverages decades of engineering expertise and a broad product portfolio to address the evolving needs of utilities and network operators. Its international presence and focus on reliability position it as a trusted supplier in mission-critical infrastructure markets.
What this transaction means for investorsPreformed Line Products shares have more than doubled over the past year, and when a relatively small industrial name climbs 150% and massively outperforms the broader market, some portfolio managers are naturally going to lock in gains.
What makes the timing interesting is that the company’s underlying business still appears pretty healthy. First-quarter revenue, which was reported late last month, climbed 19% year over year to $176.3 million, helped by especially strong demand in U.S. energy and communications markets, where sales jumped 26%. Gross margin improved to 31.3%, up 150 basis points sequentially, while diluted EPS rose 24% from the prior quarter to $2.14.
However, management did acknowledge ongoing tariff costs, commodity volatility, and higher personnel expenses tied to expansion efforts, which weighed on profits despite strong top-line growth. Net income slipped to $10.5 million from $11.5 million a year earlier.
Long-term investors will want to watch that dynamic and whether demand keeps fueling growth.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
On May 22, 2026, Preformed Line Products Co PLPC shares rose 4.9% today, reflecting a strong performance amidst a backdrop of significant gains over the past year. The stock currently trades at $357.82, with a 52-week range of $133.27 to $371.80.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $357.82 vs GF Value™ of $167.51, indicating a 113.6% overvaluation.GF Score™ of 80/100 signifies a strong overall company performance based on key metrics.Most notable signal: Financial Strength rated at 9/10, indicating robust financial health. Is PLPC Overvalued or Undervalued? According to the GF Value™, Preformed Line Products Co PLPC is significantly overvalued, with a current stock price of $357.82 compared to an estimated intrinsic value of $167.51. This represents a staggering 113.6% premium over the calculated fair value, suggesting that the stock is trading at a price that may not be sustainable in the long run. The GF Valuation label categorizes PLPC as significantly overvalued, raising concerns about potential downside risk for investors if the market corrects to align with intrinsic value.
With the substantial gap between the market price and GF Value™, the margin of safety appears to be minimal, indicating that investors might be paying a premium for PLPC shares that could lead to a decline in value. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
How Does PLPC's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 51.5x 11.8x Forward P/E 36.7x N/A The current P/E ratio of 51.5x is significantly above its 5-year median P/E of 11.8x, indicating that the stock is trading at a valuation level well beyond its historical norms. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict of overvaluation, reinforcing the notion that the stock is priced excessively compared to its historical valuation metrics.
What Does PLPC's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 80/100 Financial Strength 9/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 9/10 Valuation 1/10 Momentum 6/10 PLPC's GF Score™ of 80/100 reflects a strong performance in several key areas, particularly in Financial Strength (9/10) and Growth (9/10). These high scores indicate that the company is well-positioned financially and has demonstrated robust growth. However, the Valuation rank of 1/10 is a significant concern, highlighting that the stock is perceived as highly overvalued relative to its intrinsic value. This discrepancy suggests that while the company's fundamentals are solid, the current market price does not reflect a favorable investment opportunity.
What Are Insiders Doing with PLPC Stock? There have been no insider transactions in the last three months for Preformed Line Products Co PLPC . This lack of activity could suggest that insiders are either confident in the current valuation or are awaiting clearer signals before making any moves. The absence of buying or selling activity may indicate that insiders do not see an immediate opportunity to capitalize on the stock’s current price levels.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Preformed Line Products Co PLPC is currently overvalued. The significant difference between the current price and the estimated intrinsic value suggests that caution may be warranted for potential investors examining this stock.
For the complete analysis, visit the Preformed Line Products Co PLPC stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is PLPC's GF Score™?
PLPC has a GF Score™ of 80/100, indicating a strong overall performance based on financial strength, profitability, growth, valuation, and momentum.
Is PLPC overvalued or undervalued?
PLPC is currently overvalued, with a GF Value™ of $167.51 compared to its market price of $357.82, indicating significant overvaluation risk.
What is PLPC's P/E ratio?
PLPC's P/E ratio is 51.5x, which is 337% above its 5-year median P/E of 11.8x, reinforcing the view of overvaluation.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
There is no doubt that there has been a renewed focus on the energy grid as well as other critical infrastructure in the US. The power outages due to extreme weather and natural disasters appear to be happening more frequently and for longer durations.
Additionally, an aging infrastructure as well as increased demands due to more electrification are also contributing to the stress on the grid.
Here we highlight 2 small caps with business models focused on the power industry.
Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC - Free Report) is a designer and manufacturer of electrical components and parts for energy distribution, transmission, and substations. The products include splicers, ties, connectors, insulators, and a host of other component parts for the electric utility industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The energy segment generates about 71% of revenue while the communications segment contributes about 24%. The communication segment’s products are categorized into fiber networks, copper networks, and pole line hardware.
We have been on the sidelines at a Neutral since launching coverage 2 years ago. Lack of profitability conversion, tariff exposure, margin compression, and a rich EBITDA multiple remain our primary reasons for the Neutral.
Additionally, utility cap ex spending can be lumpy and cyclical.
But the market has rewarded the sales growth which appears sustainable at this point. Ideally, we would prefer a pull-back and better entry point.
In Q1 consolidated sales grew 19% YOY. According to Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC - Free Report) , energy segment sales saw a 22% year-over-year increase, with PLP-USA energy market sales rising 41% due to transmission-related demand.
While Preformed Line Products Company (PLPC - Free Report) products are the nuts and bolts of power transmission, Acorn Energy Inc. (ACFN - Free Report) is focused on the remote monitoring of industrial and residential power equipment like generators, compressors, and turbines.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Importantly, its business model is based on monitoring-led economics and recurring revenue. The razor is the hardware whereas the razor blade is the monitoring service. Therefore, consolidated revenue can be lumpy because of intermittent hardware sales.
However, the company maintains a consolidated Gross Margin of 80.2%, with a 94.1% Gross Margin on monitoring revenue.
Acorn Energy Inc. (ACFN - Free Report) announced a potential major catalyst to topline in the form of a strategic partnership with Israel based AIO Systems. Per the agreement Acorn will sell AIO products under its own brand names in exchange for a 50/50 split on SAAS revenue. The deal applies to Canada, Mexico, and the US and is expected to begin contributing in the second half of 2026.
For context, AIO presently services 110,000 sites across 15 countries, mostly cell towers and utility infrastructure. Data Centers are presently a small but promising part of the overall business.
Acorn believes the relationship will yield site economics which are 5-6x greater than current economics.
Zacks currently has an Outperform rating on ACFN. The bet is that Acorn can execute on the AIO deal as well as continue growing their high-margin recurring revenue with the hope that the sales multiple re-rates higher to a SAAS model level.
In terms of data center exposure, the continued rapid growth in data centers should benefit the business of PLPC due to increased stress on the grid. For ACFN, the data center monitoring business is presently small but with substantial upside potential.
