Company Description
Avnet, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVT) is a global technology distributor and solutions provider that supports customers and suppliers across the electronics and technology value chain. Classified in the Business to Business Electronic Markets industry within the Wholesale Trade sector, Avnet focuses on helping companies move from product idea to design, prototyping and full-scale production. The company describes itself as operating at the center of the technology design and supply chains, with a role in accelerating the design and supply stages of product development so customers can realize revenue faster.
According to Avnet’s public statements, the company has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Over that time, it has developed regional and specialized businesses that work with both customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. Avnet highlights its ability to help companies adapt to change, address complex design and supply chain issues, and support the realization of technology’s transformative possibilities around the world.
Business model and segments
Avnet’s core operations are described in two primary business groupings. The Electronic Components segment supports high- and medium-volume customers by marketing, selling and distributing electronic components. The Farnell segment focuses on lower-volume customers that need electronic components quickly to develop, prototype and test their products. Through these activities, Avnet participates in business-to-business electronic markets as an intermediary between component manufacturers and a broad base of professional buyers.
The company states that it supports customers at each stage of a product’s lifecycle, from idea to design and from prototype to production. This includes helping to accelerate both design and supply phases so that customer products can reach the market and begin generating revenue more quickly. Avnet also emphasizes working closely with suppliers, positioning itself as a partner that can help them reach a wide range of end customers through its global footprint and specialized distribution capabilities.
Position in the technology value chain
Avnet describes its role as being at the center of the technology value chain. This positioning reflects its function in connecting suppliers of electronic components with customers such as original equipment manufacturers, electronic manufacturing services providers and other professional buyers, as indicated in third-party industry classifications. By operating between these groups, Avnet aims to provide visibility and coordination across design, sourcing and logistics steps that are essential to bringing electronic products to market.
The company’s own descriptions highlight that it helps customers and suppliers address complex design and supply chain issues. This includes supporting product development cycles, assisting with the availability and timely delivery of components, and helping companies adapt to changing market conditions. Avnet presents itself as a trusted partner that can help organizations manage the technical and operational challenges associated with modern electronics and technology products.
Geographic footprint and markets served
Based on industry data and Avnet’s disclosures, the company operates through regional businesses in the Americas, EMEA and Asia. Its financial reporting distinguishes sales across these regions, and Avnet frequently references growth trends in areas such as Asia and its Farnell business. Through these regions, Avnet supports customers and suppliers "around the world" and participates in global technology supply chains.
Within these markets, Avnet’s customer base spans different volume profiles. Higher-volume customers are primarily served through the Electronic Components segment, while lower-volume and fast-turn needs are addressed through Farnell. This structure allows Avnet to participate in both large-scale production environments and development or prototyping contexts where smaller quantities and rapid availability of components are important.
Corporate profile and governance
Avnet, Inc. is incorporated in New York and its common stock, with a par value of $1.00 per share, is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol AVT, as disclosed in multiple Form 8-K filings. The company holds an annual meeting of shareholders where directors are elected, executive compensation is subject to advisory votes, stock compensation and incentive plans may be approved, and the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm is ratified, as described in its definitive proxy statement (DEF 14A).
Recent filings show that Avnet’s board and its committees oversee areas such as audit, compensation and leadership development, corporate governance, technology and risk, and executive matters. The company has also disclosed changes in its independent registered public accounting firm, with the audit committee approving the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the effective dismissal of KPMG LLP, as set out in a Form 8-K.
Capital structure and financing activities
Avnet’s SEC filings describe various financing arrangements that support its operations and capital allocation. The company has entered into credit agreements, including a term loan credit agreement for U.S. dollar and euro denominated term loans, and amendments to a third amended and restated credit agreement. These agreements include covenants such as a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and limitations on certain restricted payments, while permitting ongoing cash dividends and a defined level of share repurchases during specified periods.
In addition, Avnet has issued 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 as senior unsecured obligations. The notes bear interest payable semi-annually and are convertible into cash and, if applicable, shares of Avnet common stock, subject to conditions and conversion rate adjustments described in the related indenture and Form 8-K. Holders have certain rights to require repurchase upon specified dates or events, and the company has optional redemption rights subject to trading and pricing conditions. These instruments illustrate how Avnet uses debt and equity-linked securities to manage its capital structure.
Dividends, share repurchases and shareholder returns
Avnet’s public announcements indicate an ongoing program of returning capital to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases. The board of directors has approved regular quarterly cash dividends, and the company has reported increases in the dividend rate. Avnet has also disclosed repurchases of its common stock under an existing share repurchase program, including repurchases funded in part by proceeds from the convertible notes offering.
In its financial results releases, Avnet reports amounts returned to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases, as well as cash flow from operations and working capital metrics. These disclosures provide insight into how the company balances investment in the business, debt management and direct returns to shareholders.
Financial reporting and non-GAAP measures
Through its earnings press releases and related Form 8-K filings, Avnet provides detailed financial information, including sales, operating income, earnings per share, segment performance and regional sales mix. The company also reports non-GAAP financial measures such as adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Management explains that these measures exclude items like restructuring, integration and other expenses, amortization of acquired intangible assets, foreign currency gains and losses, and certain income tax adjustments.
Avnet states that it uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate operating performance, understand underlying trends, establish operational goals and, in many cases, measure performance for compensation purposes. The company also discusses the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and refers to "constant currency" sales as a way to compare performance across periods by neutralizing exchange rate effects.
Lifecycle and value proposition
Across its public communications, Avnet consistently emphasizes its role in supporting the entire product lifecycle for technology and electronics customers. This includes early-stage idea and design work, prototyping and testing, and scaling to production. By combining electronic components distribution with design and supply chain support, Avnet positions its services as a way for customers and suppliers to address complexity, adapt to evolving market conditions and accelerate time to revenue.
The company’s stated vision is to be the preferred distributor partner at the center of the world’s technology design and supply chains, delivering what it describes as the best experience for both customers and suppliers. Its mission statement focuses on delivering superior service, enabling design and supply chain technology solutions that improve life experiences globally, and operating in line with its core values, as outlined in its proxy materials.
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Short Interest History
Short interest in Avnet (AVT) currently stands at 8.3 million shares, up 0.4% from the previous reporting period, representing 10.3% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has increased by 47.6%. This moderate level of short interest indicates notable bearish positioning. With 11.0 days to cover, it would take significant time for short sellers to close their positions based on average trading volume.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for Avnet (AVT) currently stands at 11.0 days, up 14.8% from the previous period. This elevated days-to-cover ratio indicates it would take over two weeks of average trading volume for short sellers to exit their positions, suggesting potential for a short squeeze if positive news emerges. The days to cover has increased 42.7% over the past year, indicating either rising short interest or declining trading volume. The ratio has shown significant volatility over the period, ranging from 4.5 to 11.9 days.