The recession wasn't all bad. Some companies learned fiscal discipline when times were hard, and now they look better than ever. Such is the case with Vishay Intertechnology
Three months ago, Vishay promised up to $690 million in fourth-quarter sales with margins at least as strong as in the terrific third quarter.
The results are in, and Vishay delivered on its promises. Sales improved by 13.4% year-over-year to $689 million, just shy of the very top of that guidance range. Take out the $46.9 million that Vishay Precision Group
Gross and operating margins stayed within shouting distance of their third-quarter cousins, far above year-ago levels, and one-time tax gains took net margins to a whole new level. The tax effects aren't sustainable, but Vishay seems to have reached a comfortable level of operating efficiency.
That doesn't necessarily make the company best in class; head-to-head rivals ON Semiconductor
This stock has more than doubled over the last year but still looks like a tremendous value. There's gold in them thar capacitors and analog chips, and the stock should catch up with Vishay's efficient operations in due time. It's a four-star CAPS stock (out of five) for a reason, and Vishay surely belongs on your watchlist.