Arrow Electronics Bundle

Who Really Controls Arrow Electronics?
Navigating the complex world of electronics distribution requires understanding the power dynamics at play. Unraveling Arrow Electronics SWOT Analysis, a global giant, begins with a deep dive into its ownership structure. Knowing who owns Arrow Electronics is essential to understanding its strategic moves and future prospects.

From its humble beginnings as Arrow Radio to its current status as a Fortune 500 company, the Arrow Electronics history is a fascinating tale of growth and adaptation. This exploration of Arrow Electronics ownership will reveal the key players who have shaped the company's journey, from early investors to today's major shareholders. Understanding the Arrow company's ownership provides crucial insights into its financial performance and strategic direction, including answering questions like: Who is the CEO of Arrow Electronics, and how does the ownership structure influence decisions?
Who Founded Arrow Electronics?
The story of Arrow Electronics began in 1935, founded as Arrow Radio by Maurice ('Murray') Goldberg. Initially, the business focused on selling used radios and parts in New York City's 'Radio Row'. This marked the beginning of what would become a major player in the electronics distribution industry.
The company formally incorporated as Arrow Electronics, Inc. in 1946. Early growth involved securing franchises to sell new parts from manufacturers such as RCA and Cornell Dubilier. By the early 1950s, the company had shifted to selling electronic parts to industrial customers, setting the stage for its future expansion and evolution.
A significant ownership change occurred in 1968. A private investor group, led by B. Duke Glenn, Jr., Roger E. Green, and John C. Waddell, acquired a controlling interest in Arrow Electronics for $1 million. These Harvard Business School graduates aimed to consolidate the fragmented electronics industry, a strategy that proved successful.
The early years of Arrow Electronics saw significant shifts in ownership and strategic direction. From its humble beginnings as a radio parts seller to its incorporation and subsequent acquisition by a group of investors, the company's evolution reflects the dynamic nature of the electronics industry. Understanding these transitions is crucial for grasping the company's growth trajectory and its position in the market.
- 1935: Maurice Goldberg establishes Arrow Radio.
- 1946: Arrow Electronics, Inc. is formally incorporated.
- 1968: B. Duke Glenn, Jr., Roger E. Green, and John C. Waddell acquire a controlling interest.
- 1971: Arrow becomes the tenth-largest electronic parts distributor in the U.S.
- 1979: Arrow is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and acquires Cramer Electronics.
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How Has Arrow Electronics’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The evolution of Arrow Electronics' ownership began with its initial public offering (IPO) in 1961, marking its transition to a publicly traded entity on the American Stock Exchange. The company's listing moved to the New York Stock Exchange in 1979, further solidifying its presence in the financial markets. As of March 10, 2025, the total number of outstanding shares of Arrow common stock was 51,867,253.
Over the years, the ownership structure has shifted, primarily with institutional investors holding a significant portion. Understanding the dynamics of Arrow Electronics ownership is crucial for investors and stakeholders alike. The company's history and its evolution in the market are important factors to consider.
Date | Institutional Ownership | Insider Ownership |
---|---|---|
March 2025 | 103.40% | 0.61% |
May 2025 | 106.08% | 0.47% |
June 2025 | 104.06% | N/A |
As of the latest data, institutional investors account for a substantial portion of Arrow Electronics ownership. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., holding 5.95 million shares, representing 11.48% of the company. Other significant holders include BlackRock, Inc., Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp, Boston Partners, and LSV Asset Management. These institutional holdings have a considerable impact on the company's strategic decisions and stock performance. For more detailed insights into the company, you can explore the comprehensive analysis of the company's profile.
The ownership structure of Arrow Electronics is primarily driven by institutional investors, with a small percentage held by insiders and the public. The company's stock has been listed on major exchanges since 1961, evolving its ownership dynamics over time.
- Institutional investors hold a significant majority of the shares.
- Insider ownership is a small percentage of the total shares.
- The company's stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- Major institutional shareholders influence the company's decisions.
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Who Sits on Arrow Electronics’s Board?
The current Board of Directors for Arrow Electronics, as of February 6, 2025, is responsible for overseeing the company's governance and strategic direction. The board is led by Steven H. Gunby as Board Chair, with Sean J. Kerins serving as President and Chief Executive Officer. Other board members include William F. Austen, Lawrence (Liren) Chen, Gail E. Hamilton, Michael D. Hayford, Andrew C. Kerin, Carol P. Lowe, and Mary T. McDowell. Sean J. Kerins also holds a director position.
The board's composition reflects a mix of experience and expertise, aiming to guide the company's operations and ensure alignment with shareholder interests. The board's role is crucial for making key decisions and providing oversight of the company's performance. Understanding the board's structure is important for investors and stakeholders interested in the Growth Strategy of Arrow Electronics.
Board Member | Title | As of |
---|---|---|
Steven H. Gunby | Board Chair | February 6, 2025 |
Sean J. Kerins | President and CEO, Director | February 6, 2025 |
William F. Austen | Director | February 6, 2025 |
Lawrence (Liren) Chen | Director | February 6, 2025 |
Gail E. Hamilton | Director | February 6, 2025 |
Michael D. Hayford | Director | February 6, 2025 |
Andrew C. Kerin | Director | February 6, 2025 |
Carol P. Lowe | Director | February 6, 2025 |
Mary T. McDowell | Director | February 6, 2025 |
The voting structure for Arrow Electronics is straightforward. As of March 10, 2025, each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. There were 51,867,253 shares of common stock outstanding on that date. A quorum for the Annual Meeting is established by the presence of a majority of the shares entitled to vote. Shareholders can vote online, by phone, or by proxy card. The company's articles of incorporation, as of December 12, 2024, confirm the one-vote-per-share principle. There are no special voting rights or dual-class shares that would give disproportionate control to any specific group.
Understanding the voting structure is crucial for shareholders of Arrow Electronics. Each share of common stock holds one vote, ensuring a fair voting process.
- One share, one vote principle.
- Quorum requires a majority of outstanding shares.
- Shareholders can vote online, by phone, or by proxy.
- No dual-class shares or special voting rights exist.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Arrow Electronics’s Ownership Landscape?
In recent years, Arrow Electronics has demonstrated active financial management. In the first quarter of 2025, the company repurchased $50 million of its shares. This action contributed to a reduction in gross balance sheet debt by approximately $280 million and a decrease in total net working capital of around $340 million. For the full year 2024, Arrow generated over $1.1 billion in cash flow from operations and returned $250 million to shareholders through stock repurchases.
The ownership structure of Arrow Electronics reflects evolving trends, particularly regarding institutional investment. As of May 2025, institutional ownership in the company reached 106.08%, indicating strong confidence from institutional investors. Simultaneously, insider holdings slightly decreased to 0.47%. Key institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc. and BlackRock, Inc., which continue to hold significant stakes in the company. These shifts highlight the ongoing interest and confidence in the future of Arrow Electronics.
Metric | May 2025 | March 2025 |
---|---|---|
Institutional Ownership | 106.08% | 103.40% |
Insider Holdings | 0.47% | 0.48% |
Sean Kerins currently serves as the President and CEO of Arrow Electronics. There have been no public announcements from the company or financial analysts regarding any immediate plans for leadership succession or potential privatization or public listing changes. The company's strategic direction remains focused on expanding its service offerings and global reach, aiming to maintain its leadership in electronics distribution and technology solutions.
Arrow Electronics repurchased $50 million of shares in Q1 2025. This, alongside strong operational cash flow in 2024, demonstrates a commitment to shareholder value. These actions are part of a broader strategy to optimize the company's financial structure.
Institutional ownership has increased to 106.08% as of May 2025. This indicates strong confidence from major institutional investors. Insider holdings show a slight decrease, reflecting the evolving ownership structure of the company.
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