Let’s dig into the relative performance of Verra Mobility (NASDAQ: VRRM) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 electrical systems earnings season.

Like many equipment and component manufacturers, electrical systems companies are buoyed by secular trends such as connectivity and industrial automation. More specific pockets of strong demand include Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and the 5G telecom upgrade cycle, which can benefit companies whose cables and conduits fit those needs. But like the broader industrials sector, these companies are also at the whim of economic cycles. Interest rates, for example, can greatly impact projects that drive demand for these products.

The 13 electrical systems stocks we track reported a slower Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.6% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 6.1% below.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 17.4% since the latest earnings results.

Verra Mobility (NASDAQ: VRRM)

Managing over 165 million tolling transactions per year, Verra Mobility (NYSE: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology that enhances safety, efficiency, and convenience on roadways.

Verra Mobility reported revenues of $221.5 million, up 5% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations, but overall, it was a slower quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimate.

"We delivered a solid fourth quarter, highlighted by strong earnings and cash flow generation," said David Roberts, President and CEO, Verra Mobility.

The stock is down 24.6% since reporting and currently trades at $19.53.

Is now the time to buy Verra Mobility? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q4: LSI (NASDAQ: LYTS)

Enhancing commercial environments, LSI (NASDAQ: LYTS) provides lighting and display solutions for businesses and retailers.

LSI reported revenues of $147.7 million, up 35.5% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 14.3%. The business had an incredible quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

LSI delivered the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 10.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $17.69.

Is now the time to buy LSI? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Methode Electronics (NYSE: MEI)

Founded in 1946, Methode Electronics (NYSE: MEI) is a global supplier of custom-engineered solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Methode Electronics reported revenues of $239.9 million, down 7.6% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 8.9%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted revenue guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations.

Methode Electronics delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 32.4% since the results and currently trades at $6.64.

Read our full analysis of Methode Electronics’s results here.

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT)

Formerly part of Emerson Electric, Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) manufactures and services infrastructure technology products for data centers and communication networks.

Vertiv reported revenues of $2.35 billion, up 25.8% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 8.8%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also produced an impressive beat of analysts’ organic revenue and EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 31.8% since reporting and currently trades at $84.

Read our full, actionable report on Vertiv here, it’s free.

Powell (NASDAQ: POWL)

Originally a metal-working shop supporting local petrochemical facilities, Powell (NYSE: POWL) has grown from a small Houston manufacturer to a global provider of electrical systems.

Powell reported revenues of $241.4 million, up 24.4% year on year. This number topped analysts’ expectations by 3.8%. More broadly, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also logged a decent beat of analysts’ EPS estimates but a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 31.9% since reporting and currently trades at $166.50.

Read our full, actionable report on Powell here, it’s free.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Growth Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

Join Paid Stock Investor Research

Help us make StockStory more helpful to investors like yourself. Join our paid user research session and receive a $50 Amazon gift card for your opinions. Sign up here.