ONE LEVEL DEEPER
ADI
Warren Buffett frameworkThe Owner-OperatorBenjamin Graham frameworkThe Value ArchitectMichael Mauboussin frameworkThe Expectations EngineerHoward Marks frameworkThe Cycle WhispererPeter Lynch frameworkThe Everyday Edge

25.9% revenue growth marks ADI as almost a fast grower, but insider selling says the ten-bagger opportunity passed.

cautiousLeaning Bearishconviction

ADI is a wonderful stalwart delivering 25.9% growth, but at 45.73x earnings with insiders selling, the easy money has already been made.

THE LENSES
THE CLASSIFICATIONstalwart

What kind of company is this, and what should we expect?

Revenue growing 25.9% TTM, technically fast grower territory
Operating margin expanded to 31.5% in Q1'26, 83rd percentile
Mature analog semiconductor leader with $16.6B market cap
Industrial segment represents 45.8% of revenue, providing stability
Consistent profitability with $4.6B TTM free cash flow

This framework classifies ADI as a stalwart approaching fast grower territory — the 25.9% growth pushes boundaries, but the mature market position and industrial focus suggest this is a high-performing stalwart rather than a true fast grower. The exceptional margins and cash generation confirm quality, but this isn't the undiscovered gem Lynch seeks.

Revenue
THE PEG RATIOexpensive

Are we paying a reasonable price for the growth we're getting?

P/E ratio at 45.73x in Q1'26, 70th percentile historically
Revenue growing 25.9% TTM with EPS growth tracking similar
PEG ratio approximately 1.8 (45.73 P/E / 25% growth)
Market implies only 5.51% perpetual growth despite recent acceleration

Applying this lens shows a PEG around 1.8 — paying significantly more than Lynch's ideal of 1.0 or below. While the growth is real, this framework suggests the market has already priced in the good news, leaving little room for the bargain hunting Lynch advocates.

P/E Ratio
WHAT THE INSIDERS KNOWconcerning

Are insiders buying their own stock with conviction?

Net selling of 178,844 shares over last 4 quarters
Five consecutive quarters of insider selling
Estimated $54 million in insider sales at recent prices
Heavy selling pattern with 5.13% buy/sell ratio in Q3'25

This framework sees a clear signal — insiders are heading for the exits during peak performance. Lynch taught that insider buying is the only signal that matters, and here we see the opposite: systematic selling while the business performs well.

Insider Net Buying/Selling
WHERE IN THE STORYlate

Are we early, middle, or late in this growth story?

Revenue accelerated from 0.4% to 25.9% over recent quarters
Operating margins at 31.5%, near multi-year highs
Institutional ownership at 88.2%, heavily discovered
EV/Sales at 98th percentile, highest in company history
Analyst coverage extensive with narrow estimate ranges

Applying this lens reveals late innings — the acceleration has happened, margins have expanded, institutions have piled in, and valuations sit at historic highs. This framework recognizes quality but sees a story largely told, not the early-stage opportunity Lynch seeks.

Operating Margin
KEY NUMBERS
VERDICT

This framework sees a textbook stalwart executing brilliantly — 25.9% growth, expanding margins, and clear market position. But at 45.73x earnings with insiders selling systematically, Lynch would recognize this as a great company whose stock has already had its run. The PEG of 1.8 and late-innings positioning suggest looking elsewhere for the next opportunity. Is there really 46% more upside when insiders see none?

This analysis applies Peter Lynch's published investment framework to publicly available financial data. It is not authored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Peter Lynch. Educational purposes only. Not financial advice.

OTHER PERSPECTIVES
Warren Buffett framework
The Owner-Operator
Neutral
Benjamin Graham framework
The Value Architect
Leaning Bearish
Michael Mauboussin framework
The Expectations Engineer
Bearish
Howard Marks framework
The Cycle Whisperer
Bearish
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