Why Novanta Stock Is Drawing Attention Now

Novanta (NOVT) is back on many watchlists after recent trading left the stock around $160.53, with returns over the past month and past 3 months standing out against longer term performance.

The recent share price of $160.53 comes after a strong 90 day share price return of 37.49% and a year to date share price return of 44.44%. However, the 3 year total shareholder return is slightly down 5.36%, which suggests that momentum has picked up more recently compared with longer term performance.

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With the stock up 37.49% over 90 days and trading around $160.53, while analyst targets sit near $175, the key question is whether Novanta is still mispriced or if the market is already accounting for future growth.

Most Popular Narrative: 6.4% Undervalued

At a last close of $160.53 against a narrative fair value of about $171.50, the current price sits slightly below what the most followed model suggests. This sets the scene for a closer look at what is driving that gap.

Rapid adoption of robotics and automation in manufacturing and healthcare (including AI-enabled warehouse automation, surgical robotics, and future humanoid robotics) is accelerating demand for Novanta's advanced sensing and precision motion technologies. The company's design wins and multi-year contracts (e.g., $50M warehouse robotics deal, multiple new design wins in physical AI and robotics) position it to grow revenue at above-market rates through 2026 and beyond.

Curious what sits behind that earnings ramp and premium profit multiple the narrative is using? The core thesis leans on faster earnings growth than revenue and a higher margin mix in medical and automation, all tied to one valuation framework that could change how you look at this stock.

Result: Fair Value of $171.50 (UNDERVALUED)

However, investors still need to watch for pressure on organic growth and the impact of tariffs and manufacturing shifts, which could challenge the upbeat earnings narrative.

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Another Angle On Valuation

The narrative fair value suggests Novanta is about 6.4% undervalued at $171.50. However, the current P/E of 106.4x is more than double its fair ratio of 49.7x and is also well above the US Electronic industry at 33.1x and peers at 64.5x, so which signal do you trust?

To see how that gap between the current and fair ratio could influence your risk and return expectations over time, take a closer look at the valuation breakdown in the See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

Next Steps

If this mix of optimism and concern feels familiar, use it as a prompt to move quickly and compare the story with your own expectations using the 1 key reward and 1 important warning sign

Looking for more investment ideas?

If you stop here, you could miss other stocks that fit your style, so take a few minutes to see what else lines up with your goals.

• Target potential mispricings by scanning for companies that combine quality and value through the 44 high quality undervalued stocks.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.